Radius: Etc.

For Chicago-native beat-maker/producer Ramon Norwood (aka Radius), making music is all about the journey. On Etc., with a mix of hip-hop break beats, Detroit techno, soul, dub, and jazz, he’s upped the tempo but maintained the storytelling and emotional progressiveness of his last album Neighborhood Suicide. Etc. is inspired by Norwood’s love for creating an instrumental companion for those “constantly on the go.” And like all of his previous remixes and mixtapes, his orchestration and production has the ability to physically, mentally, and emotionally groove a party or lift you up as you listen solo with headphones on late at night.

He’s succeeded in creating a song cycle with humor, intrigue, and a cinematic style that can soothe you and make a long trip seem shorter than it really is. The Chicago house beats and electro melodies on Etc. beautifully mimic the hypnotic hum, thump, and rumble of a welcomed road trip making me wish the Chicago Transit Authority would actually play Etc. over the PA to make riding the “El” train a lot more fun. But until then, I’m looking forward to the next stop along Norwood’s sonic expedition.