About me
Ed Vichnick and Jason Kuhar, better known as the production duo The Smokering,
are putting the finishing touches on their 14th studio album, "Mellow Majestic", to be released through the independent music label Global Vortex Records.
The 11-track offering features the duo at their all-time best, creating the strongest statement yet from The Smokering.
"Mellow Majestic" marks The Smokering's first official worldwide release on an independent label since their inception in January 2005.
The vibe of the album resonates the freedom of expression that only Global Vortex Records can provide.
Ed and Jason have been building their self-produced catalog for the past 5 years, have performed at a handfull of exciting events including a Y-Love cd release party,
a battle of the bands gig on the famous Santa Monica Pier, and headlining the First Annual Scorpittarius Festival, creating a small following along the way.
The duo have always drawn from a deep well of musical influence and personal experiences, to produce an ever expanding collection of music that is difficult to classify.
The beginning was 2005, with four complete studio albums right out of the gate: "Escape From Van Nuys", "Fall Classic", "Poder A Le Gente", and "Tropicalifornia".
These albums were recorded and produced during one of the hottest summers on record in Los Angeles.
The Smokering then released the classic "13" in 2006. Four additonal albums were created that year, notably "Scorpittarius", and the late-nite chillout masterpiece "La La Land",
which yeilded 2 of The Smokering's most well received songs, "Freshoutdabox" and "Sativa".
Over the next few years the duo would work with host of formidable artists including DJ Lumis, David "Mavis" Senescu, bassist Ray Burke, Illadapted, and tha Chillah.
"Blacklight District", released in 2007, is the album that defined the duo and realizes their distinct “soundtrack" vibe.
They would record 2 more albums that year: "The Motherboard Connection" and "Floatation Device". Both are unreleased.
In November, "The Smokering Compilation" was released. A collection of 15 of their best tracks from their first 12 albums.
2008 found the duo transforming into group form, with the additon of DJ lumis on turntables and vocals, Ray Burke on bass, Leanna Burke & Larry Foster on percussion.
This collective blazed through 4 shows and left an edilible mark in their wake. Crowd response was not only positive, but overwhelming.
In the latter part of 2008 Ed & Jason returned to their headphones and produced the lush and dynamic "Colorformed".
Chill, funk, trip hop, r&b, dub reggae, and even a touch of smooth jazz can be heard on this breathtaking album.
Fall 2009 brings new music from The Smokering.
"Nightcap" is the first single from the forthcoming album, and "Mellow Majestic" will be available at online retailers worldwide,
including iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Audiojelly, Zuzula, Juno, Beatsdigital, Digital-tunes.net, and many others.
We look forward to an amazing and exciting 2010!
Ed & Jason
The Smokering