Photo: Shannon Marks

Last month, Makaya McCraven announced the release of four new EPs, Techno Logic, The People’s Mixtape, Hidden Out! and Popup Shop, arriving on October 31st, with a double LP/CD compilation titled Off the Record arriving earlier on October 10th through International Anthem, Nonesuch, and XL Recordings. Alongside the announcement the Chicago-based drummer, composer, producer, and all-around sonic visionary shared four lead singles, one from each one of the EP’s. The anticipation for his upcoming EPs just got a whole lot more exciting with four new singles, again each from one of the EP’s, now available to stream.

At the core of these new releases is McCraven’s ability to capture the magic of live improvisation, layering moments of raw energy with his meticulous craftsmanship in the studio. ‘Boom Bapped’ is a laid-back and groove-heavy track from Techno Logic, with McCraven, Ben LaMar Gay, and Theon Cross weaving together material from live sessions spanning nearly a decade. On ‘The Beat Up’ from The People’s Mixtape, McCraven reunites with long-time collaborators like bassist Junius Paul and trumpeter Marquis Hill for a hypnotic and polyrhythmic journey that grooves with an irresistible energy. ‘Dark Parks’, from Hidden Out!, is a raw, funky and pulsing track that captures the powerful drum-and-bass connection McCraven shares with Paul. And ‘Los Gatos’ from PopUp Shop gives us a dreamy and downtempo moment with a smooth bassline from Benjamin J. Shepherd and atmospheric textures from Jeff Parker and Justefan.

A perfect preview of what’s to come in the full EPs, each of these tracks represents a different facet of McCraven’s musical world. Take a listen to the four new singles below.