V/A - Oxidized, Vol. 3

Artwork by Mocktail

The Oxidized compilation series is a charity project we have been working on since the inception of The Rust Music, with Oxidized, Vol. 1 being our very first label release in February 2017. At the end of each year we select a new charity, aid organization, or non-profit, to which all proceeds from the series are donated. In the past we have donated to organizations focusing on natural disaster aid, environmental restoration and preservation, as well as civil/human rights advocates and COVID-19 relief efforts on local, national, and international levels. Proceeds from the Oxidized series in 2022 and 2023 will be donated to support equal rights to healthcare and access to abortion.

Across the last 6 years, we've recurrently tapped into a network of both our roster talent and our close associates across the experimental electronic music spectrum to craft our first two Oxidized compilations. Now, for the final entry in the Oxidized Trilogy, we've brought together 32 producers, songwriters, and musicians from the US, the UK, Germany and Georgia to craft 28 tracks that cross through a medley of motifs in Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, Downtempo, and more. Please relax and enjoy this curated selection of moods and attitudes, courtesy of The Rust Music and our extended kinfolk.

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MALAKAI - Saros [New Cycle]

Art: Jesse Wheaton

Coming back around for its second pass through the gauntlet, MALAKAI’s methodically sculpted Saros EP has been remixed and reimagined by a select cadre of forward-thinking producers on Saros [New Cycle]. Primate., pheel., Foxtail, and wiseyoungfool bring forth unique flavors of experimentation on each respective remix.

From wildly enhanced percussive movements to fresh synthesis and juggled arrangements, each producer has spared no effort unleashing a renewed creative wave over Saros. Having no mind to miss out on all the fun, MALAKAI also snuck in a VIP of “My Middle Name..“, reinvigorating the track from the top down with a fresh lease of life. Considering each new take falls in line with the MALAKAI ethos, fans of his original catalog will thoroughly enjoy the musings on Saros [New Cycle].

Foxtail - Kitsune

Kitsune is the culmination of Foxtail's exploits into the expanse of sound sculpting. The artist draws influence from a mélange of inspiration - classical music, video game soundtracks, Japanese culture, and the gorgeous mountainous landscapes of Utah are just a few examples of what has helped shape Foxtail's music. The magnificent milieu of the world he's created is laden with the illustriousness of velvet and the vigor of a cold winter snowstorm. As comforting as a mug of cocoa, and as charming as the sly fox that inspired his namesake.

The Rust Music - Oxidized Vol. 1 [VA]

In late 2015 I started building weekly playlists as a platform for me to share some of my favorite tunes that I found rummaging through SoundCloud. I enjoyed writing about tracks as I listened to them, and I realized that there's just such an incredible breadth of music being released every single day. Why not combine the two? It's overwhelming, and the sad truth is that much of it might not ever get the admiration it deserves. 

This is why I created The Rust - I wanted to spread the music to the masses, and share the music that inspires me with people who would appreciate and vibe with it. That's what I've finally gotten the chance to do with Oxidized - Volume One. 

This compilation is a collection of 10 tracks from 11 astonishingly talented musicians, all of which I'm happy to call friends. This project has been in the works for a long time, and I'm elated to finally share each of these spectacular works of art with you. 

Normally when I post things on The Rust, I give a lengthy description and my detailed opinions on the piece. However, this time i'm sharing music with you, not words - I think I'll let it speak for itself. 

Thanks for staying chooned. It's because of all of you that I do this... 
All proceeds of the compilation will be donated to ACLU Worldwide