Makaya McCraven Preps 4 New EPs & Shares Lead Single From Each

Makaya McCraven will release four separate EPs – Techno Logic, The People’s Mixtape, Hidden Out! and PopUp Shop – on October 31 through International Anthem/Nonesuch/XL Recordings. The drummer shared a single off each of the four pending records.

The material making up the four tracklists was recorded live in various settings over the past several years. Each performance saw McCraven backed by different musicians.

McCraven shared “Technology,” from Techno Logic, which was recorded with Theon Cross (tuba, electronics) and Ben LaMar Gay (cornet, voice, percussion, synths, electronics, diddley bow). The EP includes recordings of the trio in London in 2017, Berlin in 2024 and New York City in 2025.

The single “Choo Choo” previews The People’s Mixtape EP. McCraven celebrated the 10th anniversary of his album, In The Moment with an event at Brooklyn’s Public Records in January 2025. The performance is featured on the EP and finds McCraven joined by bassist Junius Paul and trumpeter Marquis Hill, vibraphonist Joel Ross and synthesist Jeremiah Chiu.

Hidden Out! includes the single “Away,” which was recorded live during McCraven’s residency at The Hideout in Chicago in June 2017. The EP presents tracks featuring Junius Paul on bass, Jeff Parker on guitar and alto saxophonist Josh Johnson.

McCraven previewed PopUp Shop with the single, “Imafan.” The EP was recorded in 2015 when McCraven first performed in Los Angeles at Del Monte Speakeasy. The improvised performance includes Jeff Parker on guitar, Justefan on vibraphone and Benjamin J. Shepard on bass.

The four EPs will be compiled as 2xLP and 2xCD physical release entitled Off the Record, which will be available on October 10. McCraven shared the below statement regarding the project:

“In a time where we’re increasingly connected through phones, in a virtual world where you can’t really tell what’s real or what’s fake, there’s something special where we come together and share space, there is something special where we are sharing music, art. I want to create an energy that amplifies the magic in the underground moments where we come together and we experience something wild, different, off the cuff, human.

“What I’m trying to present is a dreamlike alteration of that energy, which only exists in the recorded realm. But to actually have been there, in real life, is the special thing.”

Techno Logic Tracklist

1. Gnu Blue
2. Technology
3. Boom Bapped
4. Prime
5. Strikes Again

The People’s Mixtape Tracklist

1. Choo Choo
2. The Beat Up
3. What a Life
4. Lake Shore Drive Five

Hidden Out! Tracklist

1. Battleships
2. Away
3. Dark Parks
4. Awaze
5. News Feed
6. Braddas

PopUp Shop Tracklist

1. YoYoYo Intro
2. Venice
3. Imafan
4. Los Gatos
5. Sweet Stuff