Some would describe Tal M. Klein's music as electronica, but he looks to break from the formula, bringing emotions and unique sounds more often heard in genres like rock. "This isn't a beat collage," he says.
On his latest effort, Alpha-Beats, Tal M. Klein, along with his incredibly talented stable of collaborators, wrote and produced all of the tracks. Key to this album's unique sound is vocalist Hillary Hightower, whose contribution is most evident on the standout track "Don't." Tal discusses the inspiration behind the album, "This is me, an organic acoustical evolution that came from my experience as a musician and DJ." Alpha-Beats (it has a track for every letter of the alphabet - get it?) rebels against much of today's over-produced electronic music.
Prior to Alpha-Beats, Tal has released two solo albums under the Trancenden moniker. His first was, 'nicoTine fits and anaLogue beats', which the All Music Guide saw as an "organic musical experience more like that of a conductor of a multi-pieced orchestra. The album is constructed from the bottom up, using beats from here and sampled bits from there, built to create something fun, dancy, and funky." Tal then followed with his first full-length album, Peace Love Beats, which sold over four thousand units and was charted in CMJ's RPM Top 10 for several months.
Aside from producing records, Tal has assorted industry and scoring work in his repertoire, including background music for MTV, commercials for Miller Lite, Volkswagen, British Petroleum, and many adult films (he has received two AVN award nominations for best music in a film).
Tal began experimenting with electronic sounds and sampling at a very early age. Born in Israel but raised in the United States, kids at school in America mocked his speech. So Tal would practice speaking by taping Sesame Street and repeating after Big Bird. By 14 he and his friends had started recording and rehearsing humorous audio skits and music compositions. While DJing "Saturday Night Hangover, his overnight radio show at Long Island University's WCWP, Tal met and partnered with Dave Marino, who hosted the electronic music show on the same station. By 1997, the two were DJing the New York City club scene, including the VIP room at Limelight, Jet lounge, Mercury Lounge, and the Knitting Factory, as well as chill rooms at underground parties. Shortly after, Tal and Dave released their first vinyl pressing, 'DJ's Delight', which sold out shortly after its release.
Tal continues to run his record label, Aniligital Music, playing in the band t vs. T, and playing his residencies at San Francisco hotspots Wish, Blur, and the Top. He also tours in Europe and the US. His gritty, soulful grooves are a staple in venues from San Francisco's Wish to Ibiza's Cafe Del Mar.
Read more...