Who Are You?

Label and collaborative musical collective,+33JOYannounce their debut release, this first one fromBopperson & Bikbaye.

Born out of a meeting at New York's annual Winter Jazz Festival, back in 2020, this 4 track EP entitled'The Wellness Project'is a very personal project.

Neil Boppersonis a DJ, musician and producer originally from Yorkshire. Having travelled the world working as a DJ and chef, he landed in London for a while where he remixed afrobeat legendDele SosimiforWah Wah 45s.Now residing in Paris, France, a sharer and carer of music in every aspect, he chooses not to follow trends but instead follow his heart, with variety being an essential part of his musical DNA.

Based in Los Angeles,Bikbaye Inejnemaworks as a cultural activist, writer, teacher, counselor and spoken word artist. He has a bachelor's degree in Sociology boasting over ten years experience in social work. He works as a A.T.O.D. (alcohol, tobacco & other drugs) prevention specialist for Homeless Healthcare in L.A. He is also the Executive Director ofThe Conscious Youth Global Network(CYGN)

Bikbayestrives to utilize art to equip the youth with the skills to become positive, productive citizens. Focusing on diverse topics ranging from leadership development to financial literacy to health and nutrition, Bikbaye gives youth the tools they need to create empowered and enlightened content.

AsBikbayesays,"The goal is to flood the airwaves, the media, everywhere with enlightened art."

This first release on+33JOYcomes in the form of a collaborative project, with music coming predominantly from Neil, with a little help from some additional players -Sam Crowe;keys(Lianne La Havas, Little Simz & Native Dancer)and the saxophone ofNick Briggs;(Joel Culpepper, Poté & The Last Skeptik).All words and vocals are fromBikbaye.

After a chance meeting in NYC, where Bikbaye was hosting talks atThe Winter Jazz Festival, speaking mainly about mental health and wellness in the music industry. His words really resonated with Neil, they connected and this EP is the outcome.

Sitting somewhere in the alternative hip hop world, music is used as a vessel for Bikbaye's words to ring out. Upon being presented with Bikbaye's recordings, Neil composed music and collected sound design accordingly.

'Who Are You?' raises important questions, directed at other artists and music industry professionals. Flute, choirs and spacy drums come together for an eerie and dubbed out moment.

Early support onBBC 6MusicfromDeb GrantandHuey Morgan.

"This is a lovely and innovative way to highlight an important subject" Tony Minviele (Jazz FM)

'The Wellness Project' releases on October 10th 2023 (International Mental Health Awareness Day) via +33JOY.