Epic & Deadly Stare "A library called Calder (Instrumental)" [ALBUM]

In 2025, Epic and Deadly Stare released their collaboration album A library called Calder, a world-building hip hop album combining the thought-provoking narratives of Epic over the ever-evolving cinematic production of Deadly Stare. With instrumentals this layered alongside the numerous unpredictable change-ups throughout, it was inevitable these instrumentals would get their own separate release. It’s evident these beats hold their own even without an MC involved. A library called Calder (Instrumental) reveals Deadly Stare as an intricate producer with an eye for detail and a tendency to take a beat to unexpected places. 

Produced and mixed by Deadly Stare

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Epic & Deadly Stare open the doors to A library called Calder

 

 

Welcome to the enigmatic world of A library called Calder, the latest from veteran Canadian emcee Epic. This world-building hip hop record pulls together a rich collection of thought-provoking narratives as Epic issues his reports and observations from once familiar territory. From the opening strains of “Chickpeas”, Epic brings the listeners with him as he points out jarring changes in the world around him, musing about what once was while pressing on into an uncertain future that still finds hope on album finale “Properly Swim”. With a perspective as unique as his voice, Epic guides listeners through a labyrinth of emotions and ideas, each verse twisting and turning around the dreamlike, otherworldly production by Montreal's Deadly Stare (Triune Gods, Endemik Music). Ethereal beats grounded equally in Golden Age boom bap and sweeping prog rap abstraction serve as the perfect compliment to this mesmerizing and profound record that serves as a travelogue of both past and present. Together, Epic and Deadly Stare have built something magnificent in A library called Calder. Step inside and check it out.

Written and performed by Epic and guests

Produced and mixed by Deadly Stare

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Epic & Deadly Stare serve up "Chickpeas"

 

After living in the inner city for most of his life, Epic retired from his career and moved away from the centre of the city, a change that provided some unexpected time to take a look back at his life and the little details that define who we are. The inspiration was unexpected and Epic soon discovered that Northside life was in sharp contrast to life in the decaying Edmonton centre. Surprisingly, the shining Christmas lights on the many neighbourhood bungalows were most noticeable. With a beat from Deadly Stare (Triune Gods, Endemik Music) that underscore life’s rhythms and precious moments, “Chickpeas” invites us warmly into Epic’s world.  

Written and performed by Epic

Produced and Mixed by Deadly Stare

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Epic & Deadly Stare drop their Turntables in the Van

 

Capturing the dizzying buzz of the road and the excitement of nightly shows with horns, claps, and raps, "Turntables in the Van" cranks up the boom bap and takes us along for the ride. Inspired in part after witnessing Fugazi’s tour van washing machine routine and realizing the need to tour smartly, especially when traversing Canada’s vast landscape. Epic and Deadly Stare cram the band into the van to bring their music to the people. What is a band without turntables, anyway?

Written and performed by Epic

Produced and mixed by Deadly Stare

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Artwork by Shauna Doris

Epic & Deadly Stare - Fug Dord

 

In the midst of promoting their upcoming new album, A library called Calder, Epic & Deadly Stare drop this non-album track to call out the Ontario premier as we head into election day in Ontario. “Fug Dord” is a short, silly track that mocks the infamous hash dealer turned crony capitalist premier over a cool reggae beat from Deadly Stare. Inspired by a bizarre news conference with Doug Ford addressing car theft. 

Written and performed by Epic

Produced and mixed by Deadly Stare

Background vocals by Emprime & Hermitofthewoods

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Cover art by Scott Da Ros

Epic & Deadly Stare have "So Much Class"

“So Much Class” is the first single from Epic & Deadly Stare’s album A library called Calder.  What happens to old legends when time pulls them away from the game? After more than a decade, Epic returned to a local freestyle night in Edmonton, AB to find an alien landscape. Unlike the warm welcome he had found in the past, the new denizens of the cipher were on a whole new tip. Unshaken by their apparent hostility, Epic did what he has always done and cut through the noise with dope raps and so much class. Featuring gut-rattling production from Deadly Stare (Triune Gods, Endemik Music), Epic is back with a sharp reminder that legends never die.

Written and performed by Epic

Produced and mixed by Deadly Stare

Cuts by Deadly Stare

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Cover art by Shauna Doris