Since his self-released debut EP, Divided Reality, caught the attention of some well-respected industry ears, 2econd Class Citizen has been keeping listeners spellbound with his unique psych/folk/hip-hop fusion. Snapped up by Equinox Records, his seamless hybridising bore two further EPs – Wyred Folk, One By One – and 2009’s sublime inaugural album, A World Without. Now on the cusp of his second album release, Aaron Thomason - aka 2econd Class Citizen - is poised to further beguile you with his beat-laden, ethereal sounds.
Raised in England’s rural north, this now London-based DJ and producer has captivated audiences and peers alike with his gorgeously-captured, audible emotions, most notable of which are the ears of DJ Food’s Strictly Kev, with whom he worked last year on the collaborative 9-track musical collage Magpie Music, released on the Ninja Tune artist’s latest output, both EP Magpies, Maps and Moons and album The Search Engine. 2econd Class Citizen also contributed a bespoke, space themed Dj set for the launch party held at London’s Royal Observatory Planetarium; a unique experience created in conjunction with the beloved venue’s own astronomers. On top of this, he’s found time to accommodate another two Ninja Tune releases in the shape of remixes of The Electric Hoax (feat. Natural Self) and Loka’s The Sound Stars Make.
Inspired by the folk-drenched mysticism of the rural past and a fortunately-timed intake of DMC competitions on MTV, 2econd Class Citizen has graced the stages of some of the best-known festivals, including two consecutive years at Glastonbury in 2008 and 2009. And having so far completed three European tours with fellow artists such as Ceschi Ramos, Noah23 and Buddy Peace, not to mention enviable stage-sharing with the likes of Nosaj Thing, The Hidden Orchestra, Loka, Dosh, and even prog rock legends Gong and Steve Hillage, has delighted crowds across multiple European concert venues.
With the vocalists, remixers and musicians present on his much-anticipated upcoming album, as well as the advance single releases, he is winning an ever-widening audience with his cross-generic audio mastery. As consistent as his sound is innate, his goosebump-inducing compositions have garnered a loyal and evolving fanbase and high praise from a tough-to-win industry. But hunted library samples and shattering strings are only part of what makes this artist’s enchanting appeal; this aural embodiment filtered through Thomason’s old soul perception construct a bewitching almost-world of near-forgotten mystical past and disaffected present.
With his second album, The Small Minority, set to hold familiar ears as much as it will convert anew, 2econd Class Citizen’s meticulously-crafted sonic conjuring will ensure this remains the music you will lose your heart to.
