Sampling spoken-word passages implying that record contracts are used as a mechanism of oppression and control.

Duval Timothy is releasing a new EP called Slave via Carrying Colour and The Vinyl Factory this June.

Its two tracks feature Twin Shadow and Vegyn, co-produced by Rodaidh McDonald and Vegyn, with photography and handmade collage artwork by Duval Timothy.

Speaking about the title track, ‘Slave’, Timothy shares, “the song explores the history of the transatlantic slave trade. The idea that we live in a world that not only feels the effect of this horrific history but one that takes elements from the slave system and implements them in different ways adapted to our contemporary life.”

“The song samples a spoken-word passage which implies standard record contracts are used as a mechanism of oppression and control, pointing out that these contracts are worded in terms of ‘Slave’ and ‘Master’. In this way, the song criticises a model where record companies coerce artists into handing over or selling ownership of their masters in favour of a model where artists partner with people and companies within the music industry while maintaining ownership and control of the music they created.

The song also explores the idea of whether an audio sample should have rights of its own. The “slave” vocal, which was performed by Ibiye Camp was recorded and placed into a digital sampler (ESX24) where they are transformed into an instrument I am able to play. In this situation once created the vocal sample has no agency over what happens to it, it is a slave. In this way, I’m exploring what I see as an inevitable fight for the civil rights of artificial intelligence.”

Order a copy here here ahead of its 12th June release and check out the artwork below.

Slave feat. Twin Shadow EP