Don’t know much about Hieroglyphic Being? Well, you’re not alone.
Despite being part of the Chicago house/techno scene since the 90s and developing a cult following through his Mathematics record label that counts non-stop releases over the last decade, Jamal Moss, aka Hieroglyphic Being, aka IAMTHATIAM, has continuously eschewed the mainstream.
A quick listen to his music reveals why; even his most beat-driven, dancefloor-ready productions slip the shackles of four-on-the-floor via his hallmark distorted bass thump, hazy chords and layers of bleeping, all cobbled into a vague structure that’s more about uncentered pulse than logic.
The producer’s music accurately depicts his philosophy; Moss hears music as a unified, hulking beast, beyond races or genres. The raw, energizing sound he purveys is borne of a tough, lonely upbringing, and instilled with a DIY attitude. His musical influences run deep: jazz, Sun Ra-inspired afrofuturism, industrial, New Age mysticism, and early ambient.
Feeling like he has never quite fit into this crazy world we live in, Moss produces music as part of a therapeutic catharsis that lets all the inner commotion out. The result, while destabilizing, also keeps you mesmerized and wondering "what’s next?".
In a recent interview with Ital, with whom Moss is performing at the CTM.12 Tapping the Real showcase on Thursday February 2 at the Berghain Kantine, Jamal explains the elements of Hieroglyphic Being as well as of IAMTHATIAM, the other project which he has consistently kept developing:
“Hieroglyphic Being is from a Afro-Futuristic /Ancestral Worship /Kindred Spirit Influence And an Homage 2 all things Fringe based in Music / Art / Literature / religion / Philosophy / Science. A form of Therapeutic escapism 2 help Further or enhance my Human existence. IAMTHATIAM is more of a Tribute 2 the self, the spirit, the ID(Ego), The New Age, obtaining Higher Existence / Self awareness from helping others 2 excel Artistically. The A&R Part of Me the Giving back part of me the power & Strength in me that allows me 2 be me.”
But it’s not just his productions that fascinate – seeing Moss perform live is an event unto itself. In an age of laptop sets, Ableton Live, and prefab personalities, Jamal remains staunchly tied to his lo-fi, DYI roots, still preferring simple setups and basic recording technology to the modern hi-fi studios that produce the squeaky-clean sound that we’ve come to expect.
In an interview with XLR8R that dates to 2006, Moss laughingly talks about his working methods, reminiscing about his "Neanderthal"-like equipment when he was starting out, selling homemade tapes outside of raves at 6am, and his delight at how innovation is a product of "just f**ing around." Or as he said in the Ital interview, when confronted with the question what new directions he might be taking in the near future: "Changing up some sound approaches in my set-up and getting a more finite feel of the primordial ooze of sounds that tap into."
One should literally expect the unexpected when seeing Moss live.
Be sure not to miss Jamal Moss performing as Hieroglyphic Being and IAMTHATIAM at two separate showcases at CTM.12.
Performance Information:
// THU 02.02 › 21:00 › Berghain Kantine
TAPPING THE REAL IAMTHATIAM (US) / Ital (US) / Heatsick (UK) / Stellar Om Source (NL) / OTannenbaum DJs (NL)
