Memories Of Vortex (El Payo Remix)
Sharky
Released: 23 Mar 2023
Label: Tru Thoughts
South African producer El Payo presents his reworking of Sharky’s “Memories Of Vortex”, taken from her debut album ‘People Are Strange’.
Pushing the surreal and ambiguous into the realm of experimental, the LP is the result of shared musical understanding between Sharky and producer/husband Todd Speakman. Featured as part of National Album Day’s Debut Album focus, the release received support from the likes of Lauren Laverne, Sian Eleri (BBC Radio 1), Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra), Don Letts (BBC 6Music), Jess Iszatt (BBC Radio London), NME Magazine, Clash Magazine, Fusicology, Stereofox and Soho Radio.
With a signature touch of Nu-Jazz, El Payo plays with the original to create a “Memories Of Vortex” reworking with a psychedelic dancefloor twist on the surrealism of the original. The producer – whose name comes from the Spanish for ‘The Non-Gypsy Man’ – echoes and scatters Sharky’s vocals across the track, punctuated by Broken Beat rhythms and instinctive musical assembly; ““Memories Of Vortex” was an easy choice to remix – it resonates with my sound”. Championed by Kid Fonque, El Payo’s recent releases with Stay True Sounds have garnered approval from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Laurent Garnier, Simbad, and Jullian Gomes.
“This song is about me coming to some home truths about myself,” Sharky reveals “and about remembering the highs and lows of one twisted night at Vortex Jazz Club. After an ex-boyfriend who had left me broken-hearted tapped me on the shoulder, it was all a bit too much. At the time it felt like my world had exploded, but now I see it was a big night with a lot of lessons and closure.” Bringing this story to life and mending Sharky’s broken heart, is the powerful force of Todd Speakman on drums. Alex White (Fat White Family) enhances the most surreal elements of the experience from which the song takes its inspiration, plunging “Memories Of Vortex” further down the rabbit hole.
People Are Strange’ celebrates Sharky’s ability as a lyricist to reflect on playful, personal, and poignant themes with a sense of humour and openness to all people, places, and aspects of life.
