We first heard from Mitch Shaffer late last year upon the release of his album Between Two Squirting Balls. That record introduced The Static Dive readers to an experimental and enigmatic producer with a taste for downtempo lo-fi beats. His sound marries elements of avant garde jazz, hip-hop, and trip-hop into a chilled funk vibe.

Mitch Shaffer made his solo recording debut in 2021. In the two years since dropping his debut EP 10B301, the prolific producer has followed with over a dozen more releases including ten EPs and four full-length albums. His records have explored all corners of the lo-fi instrumental realm.

Hot Pot is the brand new album from Mitch Shaffer, released worldwide via all major streaming services on April 25, 2023. The ten track set is a series of grooves and interludes, exploring the many colors of a mood. These are variations on a laid-back and soulful theme built on gritty beats. 

From the haunting vocals and horns of “Little Sheep” to R&B meets Zappa riffs of “Pork Belly”, Mitch Shaffer pairs his beats with a blues-infused funk. “Bok Choy” is a fantastic jam that lands somewhere stylistically between Ween and Prince. It also introduces a recurrent Asian culinary theme to the record.

Tracks like “Enoki” and “Fish Tofu” incorporate Asian melodies into their synthy trap and electro-pop vibes. “Chicken Breast” is a real highlight with its dirty funk beat and jazzy horn hook. Throughout the record, Mitch Shaffer weaves an analog tapestry of synths, breakbeats, and vinyl.

Check out Hot Pot in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the track “Chicken Breast” on the Deep Indie Chill playlist. I’d share his socials, but the elusive Mitch Shaffer doesn’t have any. So, check out his streaming profiles and dig into a deep catalog of lo-fi grooves.