In ‘The Concave Side of the Spoon’ residency, I explore the rhythms and percussion of traditional music and its influence on contemporary music. It’s like looking at the reflection of the spoon and seing our world in reverse, taking a step back form the music I play, leading me to a different approach to music.
https://www.thfradio.de The radio station describes itself as a community based at the former Tempelhofer Feld airport, in the Torhaus studio.
Tracklist
Experimental Percussion & Slow Beats/Trance – September 21st 2025
This episode explores experimental percussion and slow, trance-inducing beats, focusing on down-tempo grooves. Expect dreamy dub atmospheres, tape hiss, and hypnotic rhythms.
The Concave Side Of The Spoon w/ Jan Astasia // 21.09.25
Featured Artists:
- Heavenchord – “Просто морской даб” (112 BPM)
Russian producer Arthur Galstyan, known for his classic dub techno with heavy chords and tape hiss, blending psychedelic and experimental sound synthesis. - Padmasana – “Transition” (105 BPM)
A space ambient dub project by Gio Makyo and David Hikari, incorporating traditional Balinese and Japanese sounds for trance-inducing electronic music. - Alien D – “Liquid Nails” (105 BPM)
NY-based Dan Creahan’s project, focusing on dubbed-out breakwork and groove-focused productions. - The Ullulators – “Simply Conscious” (136/68 BPM, slow)
UK experimental dub and global music ensemble, pioneers of the UK’s free festival movement. - Moin – “I Don’t Know Where to Look” (133.9 BPM)
London-based project with Joe Andrews, Tom Halstead, and percussionist Valentina Magaletti, blending experimental rock and percussion. - Tolouse Low Trax (Detlef Weinrich) – “Demo 1” (95 BPM), “Light Space (Remix)” (97 BPM)
Paris/Düsseldorf-based producer, known for experimental dance music and dubby textures. - Bufiman – “Ntndo Pitch” (98 BPM)
Jan Schulte from Düsseldorf, producing odd styles of dance music under various aliases. - jobfit – “Pan Mug Break In” (90 BPM)
Naarm/Ngunnawal country (Australia) producer. - Montel Palmer – “Monopoly” (102 BPM)
Cologne-based trio creating captivating dub soundscapes. - B.Rupp – “2 O’Clock And The Time” (102 BPM)
- Bocksrucker – “Mephisto’s Offer” (110 BPM)
Berlin/Austria, balancing experimental dance music and obscure sound worlds. - Will Hofbauer & Sangre Voss – “Total Flush” (110 BPM)
- Stenze Quo – “Untitled 3” (176 BPM)
- Conna Haraway – “Cortisol (with Sensational)”
- Ghost Warrior – “Nameless Streets” (170 BPM)
- Vinyl Speed Adjust – “Spill the beans” (126 BPM)
Romanian duo exploring minimal house and techno. - Efdemin – “America (Terrence Dixon Minimal Detroit Mix)” (126 BPM)
Detroit minimal techno legend Terrence Dixon remixes Efdemin. - Wychwood Du – Al Wootton
UK producer known for minimal, dub-influenced techno and psychedelic percussion. - Rupert Clervaux & Beatrice Dillon – “IX”
Experimental musicians from Mallorca/London, blending percussion and electronics.
Dub Roots to Dub Techno with Raphael – August 19th 2025
A journey from the roots of dub to the deep, hypnotic sounds of dub techno, featuring a special guest mix by Raphael.
The Concave Side Of The Spoon w/ Jan Astasia & Raphaël Galano // 19.08.25
Tracklist Highlights:
Ambient Dub
- Luss (Switzerland) – 2025
- Warmth
- Intrusion – 2014
Dub Roots
- Ghost Dubs – 2024
- Aaron Carl – 2008
- Altone – 2024
- Another Channel – 2018
- Dialog – 2024
- Pulshar – 2009
- Beat Pharmacy – 2008
- cv313
- Rhythm & Sound – 2012
- Masis Meas Remix – 2019
Dub House
- Paul St Hilaire ft. Rhauder, Rene Lo, Tikiman – 2003–2020
- Takuya Morita
- PFL – 2015
- Frenk Dublin – 2018–2023
Dub Techno
- Maurizio – 2021
- Moreon – 2015
- Pacou
- Sterac
- Substance & Vainqueur
- Basic Channel
- Monolake
African Drums & Congo Rhythms – June 25th 2025 (with Davy)
This special episode with Davy is a journey through the history, geography, and influence of African drums, focusing on the Congo region and its musical diaspora.
This show is a celebration of the Congo’s deep rhythmic heritage, its influence across Africa and the world, and the ongoing innovation of African percussion. From the golden age of rumba and soukous to modern electronic and afro-punk fusions, the episode highlights both the roots and the future of African drums. Special attention is given to the role of women, the impact of colonial histories, and the creative resilience of artists who continue to shape global music.
The Concave Side Of The Spoon w/ Jan Astasia & David Mottram // 20.06.25
Context & History
- Geography:
The Congo region is split between two countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo-Kinshasa, ex-Zaire, Belgian colony) and the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville, French colony). The capitals, Kinshasa and Brazzaville, sit across from each other on the Congo River, making them the world’s closest capitals. - Cultural & Musical Roots:
Despite shared ethnic groups and river, each country developed distinct musical identities due to their colonial histories and economic differences.
The DRC is famed for its mineral wealth and musical innovation, while Congo-Brazzaville is known for oil and vibrant urban culture. - Musical Evolution:
- 1940s–60s: The birth and golden age of Congolese rumba, with artists like Wendo Kolosoy, Joseph Kabasele (Grand Kallé), African Jazz, and OK Jazz (Franco Luambo, Vicky Longomba).
- 1970s–90s: Big bands (Zaïko, Stukas), the rise of soukous, and political changes affecting music scenes.
- Modern Era: Contemporary artists like Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola continue to innovate, while genres like soukous, ndombolo, and electronic fusions thrive.
Influences & Connections
- Pan-African & Global:
Congolese music has influenced and been influenced by Benga (Kenya), Champeta (Colombia), and funk, jazz, and electronic music worldwide. - Women in Tradition:
Stella Chiweshe broke gender barriers as Africa’s most famous female mbira player, blending Zimbabwean tradition with global sounds. - Percussion Power:
Les Tambours de Brazza (Congo-Brazzaville) blend traditional ngoma drums with modern instruments, representing the region’s rhythmic diversity. - Highlife & Afrobeat:
Ebo Taylor (Ghana) and Oghene Kologbo (Nigeria) show the cross-pollination of West African highlife, afrobeat, and Congolese rumba.
Featured Tracks & Artists
| # | Track/Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stella Chiweshe – Kachembere | Zimbabwean mbira legend, broke gender barriers |
| 2 | Les Tambours de Brazza – Kele | Choreographed percussion ensemble from Congo-Brazzaville |
| 3 | Ebo Taylor – Dofo Nnye Ekyir | Ghanaian highlife pioneer |
| 4 | Amara Touré – Temedy (feat. Ensemble Black & White) | Guinean percussionist, pan-African collaborations |
| 5 | Ekonda Musicians – Généalogie De La Walé (Rumba Rules Edit) | Modern rumba from Kinshasa, featured in the film “Rumba Rules” |
| 6 | Manu Dibango – New Bell | Cameroonian saxophonist, fused jazz, funk, and African rhythms |
| 7 | Oghene Kologbo & Afrobeat Academy – Remember Fela Anikulapo Kuti | Nigerian guitar legend, Fela Kuti collaborator |
| 8 | Sofrito Specials – Christina Lover (Sofrito edit) | Afro-disco collective bridging African and Caribbean influences |
| 9 | The Ogyatanaa Show Band – Disco Africa | Ghanaian disco and funk |
| 10 | Voilaaa – On te l’avait dit | French afro-disco project with African and Caribbean influences |
| 11 | African Vibration – Hinde | Kenyan electronic soul, 1980s |
| 12 | Les mamans du Congo & Rrobin – Sala sala | Modern Congolese women’s percussion and vocals YouTube |
| 13 | Tshegue – Muanapoto | Paris-based duo, Kinshasa roots, afro-punk/tribal techno |
| 14 | Jo Tongo – Sa Discossa | Cameroonian bassist, Paris disco scene |
| 15 | Franco Luambo, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Fally Ipupa, Ferre Gola | Rumba and soukous legends from DRC |
| 16 | Zazou, Bikaye & Cy1 – Noir et Blanc | 1983 Congolese/French electronic fusion, still futuristic |
| 17 | Jean-Marie Bolangassa – Brazzaville Percussions | Blends traditional Congolese rhythms with modern electronics |
| 18 | Atamina – Sychophantic Friends | Ghanaian Kologo Power scene, stripped-down, hypnotic riffs |
| 19 | African Head Charge – Latin Temperament | UK-based psychedelic dub ensemble with African roots |
Brazilian drums - June 1st 2025
Today’s episode explores Brazilian music, from the 50s to present, from Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Santa Catarina and multiple genre from Samba, Jazz, Bossa Nova, Funk, Rock, MPB (Música popular brasileira) to different movements like Manguebeat movement or Clube de Esquina movement. Cameron Worsley is joining me for this exciting trip around drums and percussions.
The Concave Side Of The Spoon w/ Jan Astasia & Cameron Worsley // 01.06.25
| # | Track Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Infinito | Tamba Trio |
| 2 | Corcovado | Tamba Trio |
| 3 | Brazil | Antônio Carlos Jobim |
| 4 | Cidade Vazia | Milton Banana Trio |
| 5 | Flor de Lis | Milton Banana Trio |
| 6 | São Jorge | Juçara Marçal e Kiko Dinucci |
| 7 | Tudo Que Você Podia Ser | Milton Nascimento & Lô Borges |
| 8 | Adelita | Jorge Ben Jor |
| 9 | Ritmo Do Mundo | Airto Moreira |
| 10 | Rios, Pontes e Overdrives | Chico Science |
| 11 | Maracatu Atômico | Chico Science & Nação Zumbi |
| 12 | Banho de Lua | Celly Campello |
| 13 | Celebration Suite | Airto Moreira |
| 14 | Onda | Guaxe |
| 15 | Lembranças Que Guardei | Juçara Marçal Fernando Catatau |
| 16 | Maracuja | Tapioca |
Sacred Drums & Percussions - May 4th 2025
Today’s episode explores sacred drums and percussions from various traditions. We’ll listen to spiritual and meditative pieces featuring artists like Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors, Hearn Gadbois, and others who blend traditional percussion with contemporary expressions. They all inspire me because of the energy of their music. I’m really passionnate about how the simple rhythms can really create this groove and make you dance. Here’s a brief introduction to the artists featured in this selection.
The Concave Side Of The Spoon w/ Jan Astasia // 04.05.25
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Hearn Gadbois is a master percussionist known for his work with sacred and meditative music. He specializes in Middle Eastern and North African frame drums, bringing ancient rhythmic traditions into contemporary spiritual practice.
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Chinmaya Dunster is a British musician who has dedicated his life to creating music that bridges Eastern and Western traditions. After studying Indian classical music in the 1970s, he combines sarod, guitar, and various percussion instruments to create contemplative, spiritual soundscapes.
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Gabrielle Roth (1941-2012) was an American dancer, musician, and movement pioneer who created the 5Rhythms movement meditation practice. Her band, The Mirrors, combines world music influences with trance-inducing rhythms to create meditative soundscapes.
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Cyro Baptista is a Brazilian percussionist and composer known for his innovative approach to percussion and world music. His unique style blends traditional Brazilian rhythms with contemporary jazz and experimental sounds.
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OZO is a contemporary Afro-funk ensemble that draws inspiration from West African percussion traditions. Their music combines traditional African rhythms with modern electronic elements.
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Carly Barton is a contemporary percussionist and composer known for her meditative approach to rhythm and her exploration of sacred drumming traditions from various cultures.
| # | Track Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mazarene | Hearn Gadbois |
| 2 | Night Whisper | Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors |
| 3 | Shavasana | Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors |
| 4 | Sufis and Gypsies | Chinmaya Dunster |
| 5 | Zone Unknown | Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors |
| 6 | The Cowboy Song - Solo Drum | Hearn Gadbois |
| 7 | Nectar Moon | Gabrielle Roth and The Mirrors |
| 8 | Lullaby For Frederic | Carly Barton |
| 9 | The Rambler | Simon Leleux, François Sep |
| 10 | Aguidavi | Cyro Baptista |
| 11 | Double Rainbow (Chovendo Na Roseiro) | Gene Bertoncini |
| 12 | Eliana | Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors |
| 13 | Passion in the Basement | Cyro BAPTISTA |
| 14 | Anambra (Edited Version) | Ozo |
| 15 | Krazy Groove | Christian McBride Meets DJ Krazy |
| 16 | Sinú | nodes |
| 17 | Morphine - Kerouac | Compilation |
| 18 | Smoke | Vanessa Daou |
| 19 | Soul Makossa (Drums De Makossa) | Shovell & The Latin Hooligans |
| 20 | Dolor | Hammond classics |
Jazz & Drum&Bass - April 6th 2025
In this residency, I explore the rhythms and percussion of traditional music and its influence on contemporary music. It’s like looking at the reflection of a spoon and seeing our world in reverse, taking a step back form the music I play, leading me to a different approach to music.
In today’s episode, we’ll dive into Jazz music and its extraordinary drumming section.
We will first have a look a jazz pioneers like Art Blakey, Louie Bellson, Gene Krupa, Clifford Brown, Buddie Rich and modern jazzman like Medeksi, Martin and Wood.
In the second part of the show, we’ll explore how it influenced the Drum and Bass of Ornette Hawkins, Amon Tobin, Earl Grey, Calibre and many more.
The Concave Side Of The Spoon w/ Jan Astasia // 06.04.25
| # | Track Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stoney Street | Amon Tobin |
| 2 | Drums in the Rain | Art Blakey |
| 3 | Percussionistically Speaking | Louie Bellson |
| 4 | The Drum Battle | Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich |
| 5 | Caravan | Buddy Rich |
| 6 | Moanin’ (Remastered) | Art Blakey |
| 7 | Crescent | Joe Lovano The Steve Kuhn Trio |
| 8 | A Night in Tunisia | Clifford Brown |
| 9 | The Lover | Medeski, Martin and Wood |
| 10 | Ten on the Door | ATA Records |
| 11 | Contemplating Jazz | Attica Blues |
| 12 | Bitter & Twistd | Amon Tobin |
| 13 | Raw Sun (2020 Remaster) | Ornette Hawkins |
| 14 | Passion | PinkPantheress |
| 15 | Jazz Police | Ornette Hawkins |
| 16 | Dega & Papi | Earl Grey |
| 17 | Aspirations | PFM |
| 18 | Inner Conflict | Earl Grey |
| 19 | Broke My Heart + Passion | Sade + PinkPantheress |
| 20 | Suspend Disbelief | Earl Grey |
| 21 | Let Me Hold You (2019 Remaster) | Calibre |
| 22 | Rules | Dreadmaul & Ornette Hawkins |
| 23 | Miles From Home | Peshay |
| 24 | Mirage (Original Mix) | Calibre |
| 25 | Primavera | Zar |
| 26 | Perspective | Brendon Moeller |
| 27 | Noirism | Indidjinous & Ornette Hawkins |
| 28 | The Love She Needs | Zero T |
| 29 | Witchdoctor | Rude Operator & Ornette Hawkins |
| 30 | Clubbed To Death (Peshay rmx) | Rob Dougan |
| 31 | The Fugitive Drummer | Phuture T |
| 32 | Some Hip Drum Shit | The Tony Williams Lifetime |
| 33 | Return Of The Original Art-Form | Hiroshi Fujiwara & K.U.D.O Feat. DJ Milo |
| 34 | The Number Song | DJ Shadow |
| 35 | Is It Us? | Soulstatejazz |
Dub & Carnaval Music - March 9th 2025
Today’s episode is inspired by the carnaval season and the percussions of Brazil and Guadeloupe. We’ll start by exploring percussions in Dub and experimental music, and willl then journey into the interesting world of Mulsimgauze, percussionnist from Martinique Jonaz Joslen, a carnaval group “à Po” from Guadeloupe “Klé la”, and a Julio “Chocolate” Algendones a Peruvian percusionnist.
The Concave Side Of The Spoon w/ Jan Astasia // 09.03.25
A brief description of the artists played in this mix:
- Steve Reich American composer best known as a pioneer of minimal music in the mid to late 1960s
- Sub Dub: The pioneering experimental dub duo Sub Dub, were active between 1992-1998 in NYC, produced by Badawi aka Ghost Producer and John Ward, credited as being the catalyst for the so called “illbient” scene, predating Dub Step by over a decade.
- Woob: is the stage name of Paul Frankland, an English composer, musician and filmmaker who started recording in the early 1990s. Woob’s albums combine elements of ambient, downtempo and space music, with samples from field recordings. Frankland has also recorded under the names of Journeyman and Max & Harvey.
- Adham Shaikh is a composer, record producer and sound designer living near Nelson, British Columbia. The 21st-century rituals of dance and chill-out have drawn Shaikh to explore the trance phenomenon that these different expressions of music create and allow. Over the years, Shaikh has worked with musicians playing musical instruments from India; Bali, Indonesia; Africa; Scandinavia; Turkey; the United States; and Canada.
- Muslimgauze was the main musical project of Bryn Jones (17 June 1961 – 14 January 1999), a British ethnic electronica and experimental musician who was influenced by conflicts and history in the Muslim world, often with an emphasis on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. With dozens of albums released under the Muslimgauze name, Jones was prolific, but he never achieved mainstream success. His music has been described by one critic as “among the most startling and unique in the noise underground.
- Jonaz Joslen: Martinique: sound designer, beatmaker composer and songwriter, also director of documentaries from french caribbean.
- Klé La: Fervent contributeur de la culture guadeloupéenne, Klé La est ce que l’on appelle un Groupe a Po. Ces groupes à Po sont des groupes faisant partie du carnaval.
- Nomine Andrew Ferguson (aka Nomine aka Outrage), began his career as a drum & bass DJ in 1995 under the name Rage.
- Tino Corp. is a record label dedicated to curating unique beats and sounds that are not available from any other source.
- Jah Wobble is an English bass guitarist and singer. He became known to a wider audience as the original bass player in Public Image Ltd (PiL) in the late 1970s …
- Julio “Chocolate” Algendones is one of the essential percussionists in the great tradition of Afro-Peruvian music.
| # | Track Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Perfect Shift | Cafe DM & Blue Heron |
| 2 | Drumming, Part II | Steve Reich |
| 3 | Witchcraft | Sub Dub |
| 4 | 10 Ton Laboratory | Woob |
| 5 | Lost On Earth | Woob |
| 6 | Millennia | Adham Shaikh |
| 7 | Fourteen Thirtythree | Woob |
| 8 | Dooshta | Woob |
| 9 | Conga Forte, Rico Cajón | Chocolate |
| 10 | Feeling Symbols | Jon Mueller |
| 11 | Narcotic | Muslimgauze |
| 12 | Fitness Zouk Mouvan Bèlè Radio Edit | JONAZ Joslen, Miki Téléphe and Ronald C |
| 13 | Mizik a Klé la | Klé La |
| 14 | Claro Mambo | Tino |
| 15 | Claro Mambo | Tino |
| 16 | Medina Flight | Muslimgauze |
| 17 | Dawa Zangpo | Sub Dub |
| 18 | A Weird Suspender | grain |
| 19 | Still Water | Nomine |
| 20 | Wake The Town | Cousin |
| 21 | On An Asset Tip | Valentina Magaletti |
| 22 | Witness | Asian Dub Foundation |
| 23 | Ritmos Latinos | Tino |
| 24 | Sea-Side Special | Jah Wobble |
| 25 | Just One More | Bluey |
| 26 | Later | Woob |
| 27 | Bodies of Water | David Toop |
| 28 | Heavy Charm | The Ear |
| 29 | Pondlife | Woob |
| 30 | What’s On Your Mind? | Sine |
Salsa, Cumbia & Dancehall - February 9th 2025
We’ll start with some artists from Jakarta and New Guinea, but also music from ancient ceremonies of Ghana. Then, we’ll get into to the rhythms of salsa and cumbia, featuring percussionists from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia and the US. Finally, we’ll glide into the modern beats of electronic music from Miami, Zambia, and Paris.
The Concave Side Of The Spoon w/ Jan Astasia // 09.02.25
| # | Track Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | :XI | Civilistjävel! |
| 2 | Zone VI | Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors (American Dancer 1985) |
| 3 | The Goddess is Dancing | D.K. (Parisian based producer) |
| 4 | Untitled 10 | Uwalmassa (Uwalmassa is the name with which DIVISI62, arts & music collective from Jakarta, Indonesia, perform and produce music.) |
| 5 | Donno Drummers I | (Yeji) Nonesuch Explorer |
| 6 | Traditional (Papua New Guinea) | Wame Igini Kamu |
| 7 | Sequences | DK |
| 8 | Massari and Me | DJ Plead |
| 9 | Louca | DJ Plead |
| 10 | African Inspirations | Mysterious World Music Marco Rinaldo (Senegal, Ghana, Casamance, Burkina) |
| 11 | Waterflow Sabla | D.K. |
| 12 | La Cancion De Manuel | Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors |
| 13 | Lamize pa dous | Toto Bissainthe |
| 14 | The Pedrito Martinez Group: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert | NPR Music (Pedrito Martinez is a Cuban Conguero performing classic Cuban Rumbas, Afro-Cuban folkloric and religious music.) |
| 15 | Cha Cha a La Kako (with Solos) | Drum Solos (Eddie Montalvo: Conga player from New York, USA. Charlie Santiago :Percussionist) |
| 16 | Giovanni Hidalgo & Friends perform Tropical congahead | (Puerto Rican percussionist, born in 1963 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, son of José (Mañengue) Hidalgo |
| 17 | Juan Picorelli, Jean Carlos Camuñas & Raúl Rosario - “Vivo Agradecido” | (Percussionist (bongos, congas, and timbales), born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, played with many renown artists.) |
| 18 | Luisito & Roberto Quintero perform Rumba en San Agustin Gon Bops | (Venezuelan-American Latin and jazz percussionist, born 24 August 1967 in Parroquia San Agustín, Caracas.) |
| 19 | Jorobillo | Golpe Malibe (Columbian artist) |
| 20 | Activo (Original Mix) | Coffintexts (Miami based) |
| 21 | Bossano | SHE Spells Doom (SHE Spells Doom is an experimental Electronic music project created by Zambian producer, Wamya Tembo. It draws inspiration from a number of his influences) |
| 22 | Enlightenment Process | DK |
| 23 | I | Civilistjävel! |
| 24 | A Minute Sabla | D.K. |
| 25 | Frekm, Pt. 1 | Djrum |
| 26 | Mbui Mbui | Wagogo (Tanzania) |
| 27 | Chalo gwe (Msaigwa) | Wagogo (Tanzania) |
THF Presents: New Residents w/ Jan Astasia // 07.12.2024
I’m Jan Astasia, member of Radio Sofa, a web radio based in Paris. Let me present my new show on THF. I wanted to explore the music with percussion, play with tradition music and how they influence the electronic music of today.