Emancipator (Doug Appling) is a DJ/producer from Oregon, and this is his debut album. It was eventually picked up by Nujabes and released on his label, Hydeout Productions. “Soon It Will Be Cold Enough To Build Fires” is mostly instrumental, except for a few vocal samples. The whole thing is fantastic. The samples that are used combined with the instruments are unlike anything I’ve ever heard, and together they create an incredible vibe. “Soon It Will Be Cold Enough To Build Fires” has had a very lasting impression on me, making it easily my most listened to album of the past year. Here are a few of my favorite tracks.

Emancipator – Soon It Will Be Cold Enough
I had a chance to see Emancipator live this spring, and when this song came on, the whole place went crazy. He had an accompanying violinist for the concert, which was sick, and an awesome projector playing what was like a combination of a lot of different home videos mixed with nature shots.
Emancipator – First Snow
I love the vocal samples used in this one, they really add something. The whole flow of this track is unreal, especially around the 3 minute mark where the guitar comes in. “It’s cold… real cold.”
Emancipator – Good Knight
The range in this track is amazing, the way the whole piece transitions from one part to another so seamlessly, changing up instruments and the beat as the track goes on.

You can stream and buy the album on Emancipator’s bandcamp page, here.