№ 119

Some tell endless stories; some speak in music. Musicians have different ways of discussing their art and the latest host of The EDWIN Music Channel, TBZ is a man of few words. Instead, his music speaks a thousand languages.

№ 119 - TBZ - The EDWIN Music Channel

For a long time, TBZ has been part of the Cologne music scene, first honing his production skills under the alias Tobrock, supplying hip-hop, Crunk, funk, soul, and electro vibes.

Since 2017 he has released his music under the alias, TBZ, on the Dutch label Brew and in the same year that he released his first TBZ tracks, he also debuted with his band Montel Palmer in global record stores, this time via the Cologne-based label Planet Resque, which he co-runs with his friend Fizzy Veins.

The avid dub, dancehall, and reggae digger is involved in a number of musical adventures including his part in the Dutch band Devon Rexi, together with Robert Bergman, he is Bathtub, with Berlin musician Max Graef, he produces as Grrrr and he also performs in the band Iris. If that wasn't enough, Montel Palmer continuously releases new material, and some folks also know TBZ as DJ 2Beers or simply Z, releasing bass-driven music on Berlin’s Tax-Free label.

To close out the month of August, TBZ has put together a mix, that unites old dub and dancehall tracks with soul, hip-hop, and funk, including his own tracks alongside the likes of Canadian composer and pianist Galt MacDermot, dub experimentalists Montel Palmer, late LA rapper Ras G, Jamaican dancehall star Beenie Man, and his fellow countryman, producer Wayne Lonesome.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing?

A. West Germany, mainly located in Köln since the late 00’s.

Q. Growing up, what music were you exposed to and what influenced you?

A. Anything played on music television and radio.

Q. Can you remember the first time you realized the power of music, and what were you listening to?

A. No, but I do remember first scratch practices with a Steve Miller Band record on the old house Hi-Fi.

Q. You seem to publish your music with a lot of care. Is there a philosophy behind it?

A. It just takes a little more care when you DIY.

Q. Do you have any role models or inspirational benchmarks for your music?

A. Man, whoever keeps the process going.

Q. You produce music solo as TBZ and sometimes DJ 2Beers. You are also part of projects like Montel Palmer, the Tax-Free duo Grrrr and the Iris band, as well as the Dutch band Devon Rexi. How do you distinguish all those projects and what makes each one special?

A. Yeah, all of them are a bit different, I mix up the disciplines and that keeps it fresh and inspiring. It’s also just fun to be around nice people. On that note: can’t forget the duo known as Bathtub with Robert Bergman.

Q. What exciting projects do you currently have in the pipeline?

A. I am recording with Dutch artist Grapevine and finishing up many more Montel Palmer LPs,

Q. What was your process in selecting the tracks for The EDWIN Music Channel?

A. I always wanted to make a mix for dogs and frogs.

Q. Can you name us a track that's been unfairly slept on in the last month?

A. Fizzy Veins - Drop The Hood

Q. What old albums have you rediscovered lately, and what makes them special?

A. Those albums with the cool scratch and beep sounds on.

Q. You collect dub/reggae 7in. Can you name us your current top 3?

A. Not sure that mess qualifies as a collection, but some tips can be found in the tracklist.

Q. How does living in Cologne shape the atmosphere of your music?

A. It’s great for staying home and making music.

TRACKLIST
TBZ – Bonus EP Track 2 (JB)
Kill Mis Fus – Version (Ball Eagle)
Slide – Version (Monster Shack)
Trance riddim – Version (Yush)
Frog Riddim (Fat Eyes)
Bruk out – Version (Black Solidary)
The Whispers – Love Is Where You Find It (Atlantic)
Atlantic Starr – Second To None
Volume – Version (Mentally Disturbed)
Pan Di Riddim (Excel)
Good Care – Version (USA)
TBZ – BZ Track (Brew)
Paco Rhythm - Version (Wizard)
Galt MacDermot – Harlem Medley
The Teacher – Soul Vibration (Scorpio)
Jaylib – Take It Back (Stones Throw)
Ras G (All City)
Montel Palmer – Cross Eyed (Planet Rescue)
Kool Keith – I Do What I Want
Experiment In Sound