Music producer Leon Michels is set to release a vibrant new album under the El Michels Affair moniker, titled "24 Hr Sports." Slated for release on September 5 through Big Crown Records, this project showcases a blend of retro influences and modern sounds. The lead single, "Anticipate," features Clairo's sultry vocals layered over Michels' intricate compositions. This album marks a significant return following 2023's collaborative effort, "Glorious Game" with Black Thought, and continues Michels' tradition of weaving diverse musical elements into cohesive works. With contributions from artists such as Rogê, Florence Adooni, Dave Guy, Shintaro Sakamoto, Norah Jones, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk via sample, "24 Hr Sports" promises to be an eclectic journey that celebrates both past and present musical eras.
Leon Michels has always been known for his ability to craft unique soundscapes, drawing inspiration from various sources including gospel music and iconic albums like MF DOOM’s Special Herbs series. For "24 Hr Sports," he decided to focus solely on creating music that resonates with his personal taste rather than conforming to commercial trends. His decision reflects a commitment to artistic integrity, allowing him to explore fresh ideas while maintaining deep connections to traditional styles. In an era dominated by pop-centric production, Michels stands out by merging timeless aesthetics with contemporary techniques.
The album opens with "Drumline," setting the tone for what lies ahead—a rich tapestry of sounds influenced by sports culture, graphic design aesthetics from the late 20th century, and gospel traditions. Tracks like "Mágica" featuring Rogê bring international flair, whereas collaborations with Florence Adooni ("Say Goodbye") and Norah Jones ("Carry Me Away") highlight vocal versatility across different genres. Each track offers listeners something distinct yet interconnected within the overarching theme of blending old-school charm with modern innovation.
Moving beyond mere nostalgia, Michels emphasizes evolution in his approach to composition. He acknowledges how his work references historical recordings but insists that it represents something entirely new—an amalgamation of then-and-now elements designed to captivate audiences familiar with either period or both simultaneously. By rejecting numerous external opportunities presented during recent years, he carved out space for authentic self-expression embodied fully in "24 Hr Sports."
As the curtain rises on this latest chapter of El Michels Affair, fans can expect nothing less than a celebration of creativity unbound by conventional boundaries. Through its stellar lineup of collaborators and thoughtfully curated tracks, "24 Hr Sports" serves not only as a testament to Leon Michels' growth as an artist but also as proof positive that bridging gaps between disparate musical worlds remains possible—and profoundly rewarding—when executed with passion and purpose.