Last year, with his critically acclaimed track “Surrender” (which Pitchfork dubbed a ‘Best New Track’) appearing in re-edited form as a centerpiece for DJ Koze’s DJ-Kicks mix, !K7 announced that Portable (a/k/a Alan Abrahams) would be the latest artist to sign to the label. Though he’s recorded five albums, released singles & EPs on some of dance music’s most respected labels, and maintained a successful label of his own, Portable remains a bit of an enigma. On his forthcoming project, we’re given the opportunity to get to know the producer on a deeper level.
South African born and a celebrated live act, Portable emerged more than fifteen years ago with a sound that marries real electronic soul with deep moods and abstract grooves. He has released his minimal wares on cult labels like Perlon and Live At Robert Johnson, as well as his own Süd Electronic label. Always experimenting with rhythm and imbuing his music with a wide world of influences, his latest work is his most personal and cohesive to date.
With a full-length on the way later this year, Portable has offered the soothing and emotional vocal track ‘As For Me’ as a free download. Best experienced on headphones, the track is a window into Portable’s headspace, and an indication of great things to come.
