Jenkem Recordings is thrilled to announce the release of Console Mentality, the latest EP by the incredibly talented producer, No_4mat. Following their collaboration with SCDD, Jenkem continues to showcase homegrown talent with this unique and captivating record.
No_4mat may be a familiar name, even if you don’t realize it. His track “1992” has become a YouTube sensation with over 13 million plays, and other tracks gaining popularity. Like AceMoMA, No_4mat is a known figure in the NYC nightlife scene, regularly found at clubs and dancefloors. However, he also embraces his inner tech enthusiast, drawing inspiration from the early internet era. This new release is a nostalgic trip back to video games and childhood memories, reminiscent of burning CDs and sharing files on USB drives.
No_4mat Console Mentality Album Cover
Dive into the Gaming-Inspired Soundscape
If this fusion of sounds and themes sparks your interest, you’ll be excited to know that Console Mentality is now available for download and streaming across various platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and more starting April 15. The EP’s tracks blend electronic music with retro video game sounds creating a unique sonic experience.
For those who appreciate physical media, a limited vinyl pressing is also available for pre-order, scheduled to ship around May 1st. To get a taste, you can preview the first track, “Game Shark,” before committing to the full EP.
Tracklist
- Game Shark
- Tres X
- Reality Release
- Manilla
Q&A With No_4mat: Exploring the Mind Behind the Music
Jenkem sat down with No_4mat to delve deeper into the inspirations and ideas behind “Console Mentality” and his musical journey.
On the Name: When asked about his alias being reminiscent of an AIM screen name from 1999, No_4mat embraces the nostalgic feel, highlighting the coolness of using aliases.
The EP’s Concept: The EP is deeply rooted in video game themes, as gaming has been a significant part of his life. His most ideal escape while growing up outside the city was staying in and playing games. The track “Game Shark” is a nod to his first eBay purchase, a Gameshark which he used to get infinite rare candy on Pokemon.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Challenge: He confidently claims he could complete all the goals in the hangar of THPS in just a few tries.
Favorite Game Soundtracks: No_4mat has a fondness for soundtracks from the original Playstation, particularly Wipeout XL, Tekken 3, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and Wild Arms.
No_4mat studio session
Musical Inspirations: He aims to create a sense of freedom and escape from negativity through his music. He cites DJ Richard, Actress, Bicep, Palms Trax, Skream, and Baltra as key influences. His production setup includes Ableton, a Korg Minilogue, a Yamaha DX7, and an Elektron Digitakt.
Synth Focus: He humorously mentions his habit of almost focusing his synth when a track won’t work out.
“Manilla” Inspiration: As a Filipino-American, “Manilla” is a sentimental track inspired by a trip to the Philippines to see family he hadn’t seen since he was 10. He aims to evoke nostalgia through his music.
Skateboarding’s Influence: Skateboarding played a part in his youth when he tried it because he thought it would be as easy as pressing “X” to ollie in THPS. It taps into his younger days of trying new things and fitting in. The nostalgia is very useful for his music’s feel. He also discovered tracks he enjoyed from skate videos.
Ollies vs. Tunes: He finds making a banging tune easier than landing an ollie on a good day.
“1992” Success: The original fan-made video for “1992” garnered over 13 million views. He first noticed the popularity in 2017, which led to global gigs and an opportunity to connect with other club music fans around the world.
Digging Deeper into Dance Music: He recommends exploring Soundcloud for unique tracks from leftfield and lo-fi house producers, as well as digging in your local record shop for surprises.
No_4mat Promotional photo by jorge balarezo
Conclusion
No_4mat’s “Console Mentality” is more than just an EP; it’s a journey into the artist’s mind, blending his love for video games, the early internet, and electronic music. This release is a must-listen for anyone looking for unique and nostalgic sounds. Make sure to explore the full EP and support the music scene by following Jenkem Recordings and No_4mat.
Preorder the digital or vinyl here.
Special thanks to Jorge Balarezo, Mike Bloom, Adrian Michna & Rubadub Glasgow.
