Grammy-nominated composer, musician, producer, artist Khari Mateen enters a new phase with his debut album, Wait for Sunrise. The album is being produced and distributed through The Lunchroom, an independent innovation incubator which Mateen co-founded in 2009.

According to Mateen, Wait for Sunrise is his most personal work yet and reflects Mateen’s commitment to explore his own self-expression.

"I know l will be putting out more records in the future that I will love just as much as this one. But I’m ready to hit the road with my music. I think everyone knows I like working with people; I’ve been working on records for others going on 8 years. I’ve loved every second of it, and I’m still going to work with others. I’m 25 years old, I got my first placement at 19. "Wait for Sunrise” is my first record. It’s my time now."

"In my own words, this record is a quick trip in my mind. (TRACK 1, Wait for Sunrise) I WAIT (or waited) for sunrise because I am in a moment of clarity. I’m seriously committed to representing myself through my music. I was not guided by anyone when making this record. Not by managers, A&R, artist, musicians, publicists, blogs, tweets, or leprechauns. Just me in my studio, with my few instruments, a few friends that wanted to play on a track or two and some long nights with cups and smoke in hand. (TRACK 2, Family and Friends) I love my family and my friends. They are always going to be there to check me, and I will be there to do the same. I know I have your blessing in my journey. (TRACK 3, Take my Time) I will be working on myself forever. I’ve always believed that it never stops. Walking down the road is the best part and there is no end, just really cool towns. (TRACK 4, Over Head) Me lost in my world of music, like I always am. Head down, eyes closed, my world begins. (TRACK 5, Bye Bye) It pulls you away --- your personal distraction --- and we all have it. The fight will always be there and you may win or lose. (TRACK 6, Go Again) Travel with me in thought, close your eyes, let your ears roam in the sounds, let the beat wave across you. Let go of concepts like how it might be “like this other song” because its not, its this song. (TRACK 7, Theory) In this world we live in there is much destruction and pain, but I do think we try to make it better even when sometimes that makes it worse. It is a wild cycle, but we try. (TRACK 8, Beam On) I am a person that still has hope for myself and others, I feel like its hard to live with out hope, so I want to always support it.”

"So who ever is reading this, thank you! I really appreciate it. I know I’m mostly in my own world but I share space with everyone. The record comes out the first day of spring, March 20, 2012. Please enjoy and spread it."
credits
released 20 March 2012
Vocals: Khari Mateen
Writing: Khari Mateen
Production: Khari Mateen
Co-Production: Joe Baldacci (Take My Time), Andrew Watt (Beam On)
Instrumentals: Khari Mateen, Joe Baldacci (Bass - Take My Time), Morgan Stewart (Clarinet - Theory), Andrew Watt (Guitar/Bass - Beam On)
Album photograph by Seth Scher and Designed by Milosz Wachowiak