In addition to supporting his sophomore album Apocalypse, contributing to the Grand Theft Auto 5 soundtrack, and teaming up with Flying Lotus and Childish Gambino, bass baron Thundercat found time to give back last year. During the summer, he was one of several participating musicians in the latest session of the Red Bull Music Academy, serving as a “team member” that both advised and collaborated with students on recording new music.
The fruits of his scholarly labors can be found in “Vulnerable People”, a track off RBMA’s forthcoming compilation Various Assets – Not for Sale: Red Bull Music Academy New York 2013. Building on the space-funk vibes of Apocalypse, Thundercat lays down an intergalactic bassline, a groove that nary shifts in scope or frequency but somehow continually builds in sensuality. From there, students/participants Jolly Mare and Rudi Zygadlo provide shimmery synths and lusty harmonies, respectively, each part further enhancing and defining the infectious bass. Listen now at Pitchfork.
Various Assets – Not for Sale: Red Bull Music Academy New York 2013 will be available for free download on January 15th.
