Out now: Makaya McCraven – Techno Logic, The People’s Mixtape, Hidden Out!, PopUp Shop

Makaya McCraven releases four new EPs – Techno Logic, The People’s Mixtape, Hidden Out!, and PopUp Shop. Available digitally worldwide and to order as a 2xLP and 2xCD compilation titled Off the Record. In line with the album’s release, the acclaimed drummer, producer, and sonic collagist kicks off his European and UK tour in Berlin. The 18-stop excursion sees him stop off in the likes of Utrecht, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, with a London headline show at Koko on 19 November as part of London Jazz Festival.

The source material from each of McCraven’s new EPs is drawn from moments of pure improvisation that were recorded live in performance. McCraven reshaped the music via extensive editing, overdubs, and post-production at his home studio in Chicago and from that these beautiful collage of music was created. The four new EPs mark McCraven’s first recorded offerings since 2022’s In These Times and a return to the signature “organic beat music” approach that Makaya first debuted on his 2015 album In The Moment and further developed on Highly Rare (2017), Where We Come From (2018), and Universal Beings (2018).

Techno Logic features Ben LaMar Gay and Theon Cross, and draws from performances in London (2017), Berlin (2024), and New York (2025), showcasing nearly eight years of developing rapport between the three musicians.

The People’s Mixtape has its foundation in a live recording from Brooklyn’s Public Records in January of 2025, where McCraven celebrated the ten-year anniversary of In The Moment with an intentional return to the improvisational language he developed during that album’s sessions. For the occasion, McCraven played with bassist Junius Paul and trumpeter Marquis Hill, both of whom are majorly present on In The Moment; as well as vibraphonist Joel Ross, a regular collaborator of McCraven’s since the 2017 sessions for Universal Beings; and synthesist Jeremiah Chiu, the SML co-leader and International Anthem labelmate, playing with McCraven for the first time.

Hidden Out! is built off recordings from McCraven’s June 2017 residency at The Hideout in Chicago, where he improvised weekly with a revolving cast including bassist Junius Paul; Tortoise member, International Anthem labelmate, composer, and guitarist Jeff Parker; and SML co-leader, GRAMMY-award winning producer, and alto saxophonist Josh Johnson.

PopUp Shop was created from recordings of McCraven’s Los Angeles debut at Del Monte Speakeasy in 2015, where he took part in the King Hippo and Grown Kids Radio produced event RAWS:LA, and improvised with guitarist Jeff Parker, vibraphonist Justefan, and bassist Benjamin J. Shepherd.

The Off The Record vinyl LP and CD compilation is not just a collection of these four EPs, but a tactile document celebrating creative, communal, IRL moments of musical gathering.

Listen to the EPs and purchase Off the Record here.