Artist Ionne is thrilled to announce the release of his latest E.P., Right Foot Front, a project deeply rooted in the vibrant world of skateboarding. Inspired by a silent documentary shot by local artists Kulimushi Barongozi and Jisu Sheen at the Second Floor Hardware School in New Haven, the E.P. offers a sonic exploration of the skateboarding scene, blending elements of drum’n’bass, jazz, and lounge music.
The documentary, available on YouTube, follows four New Haven skaters and captures their unique connection to the sport. Initially conceived as a four-track collection, the E.P. features the songs “Fly,” “Right Foot Front,” “A Kind of Dance,” and “Inducta,” each representing one of the skaters from the film. As the project evolved, Ionne added a fifth track, “From Afar,” reflecting his personal experiences observing skaters at local parks and immersing himself in the culture.
Ionne’s journey into the world of skateboarding was guided by his friends J Joseph and Steve Roberts, both seasoned skaters. Roberts, the founder of New Haven’s Push to Start skate program, along with Joseph, co-founder of the Scantlebury Park skatepark, provided valuable insights that shaped the E.P.’s narrative. The advice to “keep your right foot front” became a metaphorical and literal guide throughout the composition process, leading to a thematic progression from observation (“From Afar”), to learning (“Fly”), to embracing the skate lifestyle (“Right Foot Front” and “A Kind of Dance”), and finally to mastery (“Inducta”).
Right Foot Front initially started as a drum’n’bass project, but Ionne’s creative process led to genre-blending additions, such as the jazz-infused “From Afar” and the lounge-inspired “A Kind of Dance (Chill Mix).” These stylistic choices became integral to the storytelling, highlighting the diverse influences that shape the skateboarding community.
The E.P. also features a lineup of rising vocal talents, including rapper Dogman Rukus, spoken word artists Egypt English and Ms. Latrice P. Young, and singers Lou Alexander and Kleidi Buroz. The track “Right Foot Front” includes a contribution from the rapper Preferably Anonymous, whose distinctive London accent pays homage to the UK jungle scene that heavily influences drum’n’bass.
Ionne’s connection to jungle and drum’n’bass dates back to the 1990s U.S. rave scene, and this influence resurfaced in a defining moment at Edgewood Park in New Haven. As a DJ played a drum’n’bass set while skaters performed tricks, the mood for Right Foot Front was set, culminating in a project that celebrates both the energy and the artistry of skateboarding.
Right Foot Front is available on all major streaming platforms on August 13th. Whether you’re part of the skateboarding community or simply a lover of innovative music, this E.P. offers a fresh, immersive experience.
Stream https://open.spotify.com/album/0nuKfO7bbZycE2oVxAgWke?si=pjrvyJ1rRJWDIvXfEXgdrA
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