Special Instructions hosted by Ella Hussle

Special Instructions is an archival project exploring the intersections of music, memory, and preservation. Inspired by an inherited cd collection from her late father, which host, DJ and librarian Ella Hussle then expanded into the art of archiving, the craft of librarianship and collecting books. Special Instructions gives a platform for nostalgia but with a twist. The listening sessions are a combinations of all of these under one umbrella: Sound, memory, and literature. For the next session, join us as we take a closer listen to Bjork's album Debut on Head HiFi's vintage Klipsch La Scala speakers.

Björk’s debut solo album, Debut, was released on July 5, 1993, marking the true emergence of Björk as a visionary force in alternative pop, despite the irony of its title. She had been recording music since childhood and had fronted The Sugarcubes, but Debut introduced the bold, genre-defying incarnation of Björk that the world would come to know. Channeling the adventurous spirit of Kate Bush and the 1990s UK club scene, Björk crafted a sound that felt both futuristic and deeply intimate.

Blending synth-pop, house rhythms, jazz, and dramatic orchestration, most notably the timpani heartbeat of the single, "Human Behavior", reverberates with wide-eyed curiosity and fearless experimentation. Under the guidance and production of Nellee Hooper, Björk stepped away from her former band’s idiosyncrasies to embrace a more club-infused sophistication, pairing harp glissandos and brassy accents with vocals that shift from a whisper to a wail. Alongside singles such as “Venus as a Boy” and “Big Time Sensuality,” the album revealed an artist unafraid to be sensual, strange, and emotionally transparent, exploring instinct, romance, and human connection with childlike wonder and avant-garde poise.

Arriving just as grunge began to fade, Debut felt like a necessary voice and sound; new and playful, yet sophisticated and essential. Establishing Björk as a boundary-defying innovator whose influence would reshape pop music for decades.

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About the organizers:

Ella Hussle is a dynamic DJ, producer, and event curator originally from Las Vegas and now based in Brooklyn. Her musical journey began in 2015, and she's quickly become known for her high-energy sets and sultry, diverse sound. Ella seamlessly blends genres like R&B, UK Street Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco, and House, creating an eclectic vibe that’s all her own. Beyond her music, she’s built a reputation as a versatile artist who curates community listening sessions, often showcasing her vast CD collection and passion for music in all its forms. Ella is also exploring academia and librarianship, all while nurturing her love for collecting CDs and antiquated books. Her deep affinity for physical media and vintage ephemera enriches her musical identity,  reflecting the eras and influences that shape her sound. @EllaHussle @special.instructions

Head Hi is an organization dedicated to art, architecture, design and sound specializing in publications and cultural programming with an espresso bar located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn by the Navy Yard. We feature a curated selection of publications from around the globe. Working with local and international artists, designers, publishers, and organizations in various fields, Head Hi is a space for exploration and interaction that hosts talks, book launches, exhibitions, music, performances and other events. Head Hi Fi enhances the experience of sound in the space with its vintage Klipsch La Scala speakers. @headhi_ny