Malik Hendricks, born in the 80s and raised in the 90s, is an aesthetic enthusiast who has a natural inclination for rhythm. As a DJ for over a decade, he has always approached music with a rigorous curiosity and views the dancefloor as the ideal arena for collective cultural appreciation.
Photo Credit: Malik Hendricks – Official
Malik returns to Darker Than Wax with ‘Tessera’, a twelve-track record of dancefloor cuts influenced by broken rhythms and funk-infused melodies. The record marks a shift in Hendricks’ sound, with collaborations with John Barera and John Silas pushing him to explore his own musicality. The result is four cuts of organic, modern dance music, traversing shades of Midwest funk and techno, and signifying a new chapter in Hendricks’ craft. The record includes a remix by James Bangura.
EG caught up with Malik to get the inside scoop on his new album ‘Tessera’ as well as his upcoming projects.
EG: Hi Malik! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Malik Hendricks: Hello, thanks for the invite. I’m currently based in Lisbon, Portugal.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your ‘Tessera’ EP on Darker Than Wax. What has the reception been like?
Malik Hendricks: Thanks. I’m happy to have the opportunity to share more music. And this is my first vinyl release with full-color artwork. Big thanks to New York-based artist Shaina Yang for the dope illustration.
EG: So, what can your fans expect to find on these? Is there a concept to this EP?
Malik Hendricks: My releases are hopefully diverse but always dancefloor-focused. I worked with Dean from Darker Than Wax on the track selection, and he was really looking for music in a wide range of styles. This release highlights Midwest funk and techno.
EG: So, you’re usually a “sample-based” producer, but have been experimenting via your collaborations with musicians John Barera and John Silas. How is this reflected in ‘Tessera’?
Malik Hendricks: This project is unique because it is my first one that does not feature any samples prominently. During the lockdowns of 2020-21, I was collaborating with other artists frequently, and learning a lot. My workflow takes place almost entirely in software, so collaborating with two musicians who have a more funky, improvisational approach impacted my sound.
“My releases are hopefully diverse but always dancefloor-focused”
EG: Curiously, these tracks were written between 2020 and 2021. Why did you decide to share them now? Do you usually finish projects and let them simmer for a while before releasing them?
Malik Hendricks: I make music all the time. I don’t think about my output in terms of releases – I prefer to focus on the creative part rather than how it will be received. 2020-2022 weren’t good years for vinyl releases, due to supply chain issues, but now things seem to be back to normal.
EG: And this is actually your second outing on Darker Than Wax, right? Why did you decide to contact the label for this particular release?
Malik Hendricks: Marco, a longtime friend, first proposed the idea for an EP with Darker Than Wax in the summer of 2021. The label is well known for highlighting artists from across genres and they gave me control of many aspects of the project, from choosing the artist for the cover to the remixer, and more. A big highlight is James Bangura’s remix of ‘Totem’. He is a homie from DC, also on the east coast, who is making waves around the world.
EG: By the way, you’re American, but relocated to Lisbon, right? Was this move driven by your music career? Why Lisbon?
Malik Hendricks: I’m taking some time off this year to travel and explore the world, for personal reasons. I lived in Brooklyn for over 10 years but found the scene to be too competitive. I’m hoping to find a music community somewhere in the world.
EG: What’s next for Malik Hendricks? Where can your fans catch you next? What new milestones are you looking forward to in 2023?
Malik Hendricks: I have a lot more music on the way in the coming months, and I’m currently seeking management and representation in the EU/UK. Looking forward to the festival season next summer.
EG: Thank you for your time, Malik! We’re excited to see what’s in store for you. Take care!
Malik Hendricks: Peace
Malik Hendricks ‘Tessera’ is out now. Purchase your copy here.
Follow Malik Hendricks: Bandcamp I Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify
