DJ Haram returns to Hyperdub with new EP, ‘Handplay’

DJ Haram is set to make her return to Hyperdub next month (December 1) with a brand new four-track EP, titled ‘Handplay’.

The New York-based producer and one-half of 700 Bliss goes solo on the next record, following her debut on the label in 2019 with ‘Grace’.

This time, DJ Haram shifts gear with two new dancefloor-ready cuts musing on “the contradictions of feminine archetypes”, which is said to offer a lyrical look at DJ Haram as a “lover, daughter, and comrade".

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The following two tracks change pace sonically, providing instrumental renditions of the original two tracks, ‘Handplay’ and ‘No Funeral’.

Both tracks fuse Middle Eastern musical stylings with club sounds, industrial 909 synths, and DJ Haram’s distorted vocals. While ‘Handplay’ celebrates and gives an ode to sex workers, ‘No Funeral’ offers a look at toxic relationship cycles.

DJ Haram’s last solo record, ‘Grace’, an eight-track release featuring a remix from 700 Bliss, landed on Hyperdub in 2019.

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‘Handplay’ marks the producer’s only solo release this year. In 2023, DJ Haram has worked on a number of collaborations including a remix for Fever Ray and production work on Armand Hammer's latest album.

Elsewhere, DJ Haram also continues her monthly club night, Monday Night Raw, at Brooklyn’s The Lot Radio, running open-format back-to-back shows and showcasing live rap performances.

The producer’s debut solo album is due for release in 2024. ‘Handplay’, the first single from her forthcoming EP on Hyperdub, is out now. Listen to it below, and pre-order ‘Handplay’ here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter