Hejira: Momentum
Hejira formed in 2010 setting up their studio ‘The House of Dreams’ in South- East London where they would write, rehearse, record and film. It was through this hive of activity that Hejira attracted the ears of Matthew Herbert who soon became involved in the production of their recordings. In 2013 they released their debut album ‘Prayer Before Birth’ on Accidental Records to critical acclaim, with pundits such as Alexis Petridis at the Guardian praising it as “subtlety experimental with beautiful tunes and episodic arrangements”. Following the success of the record, which was nominated for album of the year at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards 2013, Hejira collaborated with Floating Points to explore a more soulful sound on their Name Surname EP released on Eglo Records in 2015.
In addition to their recorded activity, Hejira have also developed a reputation as curators through their TRAUM events. Beginning at Servant Jazz Quarters in 2012, TRAUM became a sellout success drawing in performers from the cream of London’s avant-pop scene such as The Invisible, Micachu & The Shapes, Kwabs, and Gwilym Gold.
More recently Hejira’s music has been informed by an inspirational trip to Ethiopia in early 2016. Their latest EP ‘The Lima Limo Ceremony’ is perhaps the band’s most audacious release to date: a head-spinning collection of field recordings, hissy beats constructed from sampled Ethiopian cassettes, and diverse songwriting, all encased within a refreshing homegrown production aesthetic. They continue to explore this sound on their highly anticipated forthcoming second LP.