Leave The Bones is a project between multi-generational Haitian band Lakou Mizik and Joseph Ray (one-third of dubstep trio NERO).

Ray had to rethink his creative approach by learning how to produce for a nine-piece band and incorporate new time signatures to capture Lakou Mizik’s complex drum patterns. The creation process was documented by filmmaker Kaveh Nabatian and will form the basis for a documentary released in 2022.

We wanted to communicate the origins of the collaboration, and provide a more nuanced look at the oftenmisrepresented country of Haiti.

The first phase focused on engaging our core audience with the music. We included the first single, ‘Ogou (Pran Ka Mwen)’, on our annual compilation Anjunadeep 12, introducing it to our most captive audience. It became the most-streamed track on the 56-track compilation.

We launched dedicated socials which acted as an informational hub for fans, allowing us to build a compelling world via inspiring content.

The announcement was accompanied by a DJ set by Joseph Ray, live streamed on the Anjunadeep YouTube channel. This reintroduced Ray to the Anjuna audience and familiarised them with the unique sound of Leave The Bones.

The second phase focused on reaching respected global tastemakers. We announced the album on Haitian Flag Day, 18th May, via NPR’s esteemed World Cafe. The music video for first single ‘Ogou (Pran Ka Mwen)’ focuses on Jacmel’s annual Kanaval and immediately communicated the world of Leave The Bones; vibrancy, positivity and pride in Vodou culture.

We subtitled Creole interviews with the stars of each music video, creating authentic content that gave deeper insights into Haitian culture. The album premiere was covered on NPR’s Weekend Edition, with an interview with the band broadcast to 4m listeners.

We raised funds for the Haitian-led earthquake response at Health Equity International; and launched a GoFundMe fundraiser for the Artists Institute of Haiti.

The third phase is focused on building reach through streaming strategy and A&R, with remixes from electronic music pioneers, including DJ Koze, NERO, Henrik Schwarz, and Michael Brun. We pressed a limited run of handstamped white-label vinyl of the DJ Koze remix, and have collaborated with US firm Vinyl Me Please on an exclusive run of 500 red album LPs in April 2022.