DJ Haram

Today, New York-based DJ and producer DJ Haram announces her new EP, Handplay, out December 1st on Hyperdub, and presents its lead single “Handplay.” Handplay EP marks DJ Haram’s first solo record for Hyperdub since her 2019 label debut, Grace EP. While both records are suited for adventurous dance floors, Handplay offers a lyrical glimpse of Haram as a lover, daughter, and comrade. Across the EP’s two tracks, she speaks from the contradictions of feminine archetypes, letting loose over some of her most expressive solo material to date.

Handplay EP marks Haram’s only solo output of the year. “Handplay,” an ode to and celebration of sex workers, finds DJ Haram pondering pleasure and reward over flute and industrial 909 rhythms. The EP is completed by “No Funeral,” a critically engaged track that examines the disruption of toxic relationship cycles. “No Funeral” channels feminine resilience through volatile guitars, distorted vocals, and a sludgy beat.

Stylistically versatile, Haram is known for bringing her idiosyncratic fusion of Middle Eastern instrumentation and club music to new realms. She comprises half of 700 Bliss alongside Moor Mother, where she crafts noisy, dark-sided music that flits between gritty hip-hop and tripped-out punk (their debut album Nothing To Declare, released via Hyperdub, was one of last year’s most acclaimed releases). Her solo work deepens her range further, reflecting the cultural milieu of the East Coast DIY scene where hardcore, experimental rap, and Jersey Club could all be found in one club night.

This year has seen Haram release a number of collaborations, including working with Billy Woods and Armand Hammer, remixing Fever Ray, and reciting a poem on King Vision Ultra’s SHOOK WORLD (hosted by Algiers). Handplay follows 2019’s Grace and two self-released EPs — Mixed Berries (2019) and Era (2021) — with DJ Haram’s debut solo album slated for release in 2024.

Haram currently runs Monday Night Raw, a monthly show at Brooklyn staple The Lot Radio where she curates open format DJ b2b’s as well as live rap and experimental performances. Next month’s show on Monday, November 27 will see DJ Haram playing a two hour live set at 8pm-10pm EST.