Modha - Through the Cycle (2023)

Berlin-based Production duo Modha ( AKA Dhanya Langer and Max Scholl) prepare to announce their expansive debut album ‘Through The Cycle’ (due for release in March ‘23). Following 2019’s EP ‘Getting By’, this new highly anticipated 10-track project aims to open up a considered and personal dialogue on mental health. Journeying through a collaborative medley of Jazz & Soul laced cuts, and stand-out guest collaborators including LA’s Phabo, Berlin’s Noah Slee, Manchester’s Jermaine Peterson and newcomer, okcandice. Each artist brings about a unique take on the album’s arrangements, exploring personal musings on grief, love, loss and emotional violence.

First single “Lions and Cowards'' (feat. Phabo) explores the pressures of fame and watching the good times turn sour, as industry relationships impact one's ability to be open and honest. Over a backdrop of crisp drums and rippling, tape saturated sonics - LA’s Phabo delivers a pain soaked performance. Second single ‘Growth’ features the sultry vocal stylings of Manchester’s Jermaine Peterson , who delivers a nostalgic and introspective performance, atop a bed of reverb drenched percussion and twinkling keys. Final single ‘Call It Luck’ sees the duo teaming up with okcandice (AKA Candice Nembhard) for a stirring and uplifting downtempo journey.
Developed through intimate conversations with friends, “Through The Cycle” is a multi-genre collection of sound, drawing influence from Berlin’s growing jazz and hip-hop scene with stateside R&B and UK soul married through the record’s compositions. The record is accompanied by a short film directed by Nils Hansen. Shot on location in Berlin, the short film weaves the album's narrative with a collection of stories and live performances, aiming to examine the stigma around mental health, and how we as individuals deal with the pressures of everyday life.

On the record, the duo explain: ‘With our debut album ‘Through The Cycle’ we tried to open up a conversation on mental health and its many layers. In fact all songs, including lyrics, as well as the short film are based on intimate conversations with fellow artists, friends and family. While we support the growing attention on this topic, we felt the need to explore the deeper and more complex nature of mental health. We realized that only a collaborative effort could possibly work in our favor, hence “Through The Cycle“ became a collage of real-life experiences, which eventually translated into music, poetry and film.’
With this offering, Modha has created a truly immersive and irresistible piece of work. Pondering the complexities of life, and tapping into the mysteries of the human condition, and the trials and tribulations that we all face.