Engin Hassan has spent the better part of three decades at the centre of some of the most interesting music being made in London. Working for years with pioneering electronic duo Coldcut, particularly with Matt Black, he built a deep practical grounding in studio production and sound design that few producers can match. His wider credits include drum programming on the Coldcut remix of Herbie Hancock’s seminal Rockit, and he continues to collaborate on Ninja Jamm, the audio loop remixing app created by Matt Black and Ninja Tune, sourcing and preparing sample content for the platform’s expanding library of sound packs. His relationship with ambient music stretches back to the 90s, shaped in no small part by Mixmaster Morris.
Dancing Turtle is pleased to welcome his recording alias Yak Herder to our artist portfolio. It’s a name that will already be familiar to anyone who has been following our catalogue — Hassan produced both of the Lani Singers albums, Ninalik Ndawi and Ninalik Arirak, and contributed a track to the Merdeka compilation.
As Yak Herder, his music moves between spontaneous live electronic improvisations recorded direct to disc and more considered sequenced compositions. Both approaches share the same aim: creating immersive, deeply atmospheric sound worlds that reward patient listening.
If you’re looking to license music for film, TV, advertising, games or any other creative project, the Dancing Turtle catalogue, including Yak Herder’s recordings, is available for sync licensing. Find out more on our sync licensing page.
