French DJ/Producer Jerome Hadey and legendary emcee/producer RZA team up on their new atmospheric track TOMORROW via Villa Lena Recordings

Jerome Hadey is a man who has lived many lives. From cutting his teeth with the Ed Banger Records crew, forming the critically acclaimed group Outlines (Alongside Irfan from Breakbot, and Jay One) to working alongside legendary artists as diverse as Hans Zimmer and George Clinton, to tour managing Wu-Tang Clan and remixing artists such as Charlotte Gainsbourg, New Young Poney Club and DJ Mehdi. He has experienced a career that most could only dream of.

However, in 2016 he fell ill with a rare stomach cancer, undergoing drastic surgery and chemotherapy. Despite a six-year musical hiatus, this life-altering experience led him back into the studio. He found himself channelling the fear and frustrations and he was experiencing into an album which was to act as a message to his young children, during a time where the future was very uncertain.

In this period of profound creative awakening, he called on one of his oldest friends and mentor, the RZA. The two penned ‘Tomorrow’ – a deep atmospheric track philosophising on man’s evolution throughout the ages, striving for a better future. The production focuses on electronic elements woven into a sonic meditative mantra, used as a healing tool by Jerome through his treatment. Similarly, it also takes a minimalist approach, a concept which Jerome became fascinated with during the recording process and one which was also applied to his artwork – both which became indispensable as forms of coping with his condition.

Thankfully given the all-clear, Jerome has now taken the helm of his own Villa Lena Recordings imprint, run from the iconic artist retreat, based deep in the Tuscan countryside (run by Hadey and his wife). He dedicates his time now to provide a creative sanctuary for an incredible new guard of musicians from within the Villa’s recording studio, surrounded by trees and sprawling olive groves.

Foreword by RZA: “The Darwinian theory is a basis of evolution. It insists on the survival of the fittest and the notion that a species evolves to learn to adapt to its environment. While I don’t agree with its entire concept I do agree that the life of Man is one where evolution should be a priority and a continuous process. Thus, it brings me joy when I can personally observe the evolutionary growth in an individual’s life. That is the case with Jerome Hadey. I’ve watched him grow from a teenage ambitious academic in love with art and music to a man who evolved to internally possess that same creative expression he externally loved. His evolution was triggered, his ‘Chi’ was aroused, and he consistently moved forward not only as a creative force but also as a humanitarian. I watch the ‘moment arise’ as this young man moved from bachelor to husband, son to father, all the while never losing the love for the arts nor the desire to express them. Most importantly I watched when the ‘moment arose’ and a grim shadow of life fell upon him. Jerome did not wither away nor seek the quiet escape, instead, he engaged in life with family, friends and persisted in his artistic expression, deflecting the turbulent blows of fate. Finding the strength, passion, and perseverance to complete his vision. The ‘moment arises’ in a Man when the evolutionary process blossoms into an apex of expression. This Album is that for Jerome. May all those who hear it be inspired to persevere through the storms of life and evolve to become the best possible version of themselves. Lastly, if you’re ever in an artistic rut and need a place to rekindle the flame, don’t hesitate to visit Villa Lena”.

Jerome Hadey ft. RZA – TOMORROW via iTunes/Spotify

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