Matt Wilde drops J-Dilla inspired new single

Matt Wilde’s distinct approach to jazz and hip-hop fusion is encapsulated in his latest release 'Dilla Impresses Me’. The track pays homage to Dilla’s unique off-the-grid groove which Matt discovered as a teenager after listening to Dilla on repeat. This was a catalyst for Matt’s obsession with jazz as he heard new perspectives, layers and textures in Dilla’s music which developed like characters in a story.

This cyclical effect is revealed in Matt’s new track through the straightforward piano, hazy trombone, grounded bass and pocketed drums which highlight a warmth characteristic of Matt’s sound. The use of tape emulation and the distant yet codifying analogue palette of synths create an atmosphere which shines a light on the imaginative piano melodies and harmony.

“One day when I was a teenager, I was recommended some of J Dilla's music on YouTube. I listened to his beat 'Ahmad Impresses Me' on repeat. Every time the loop went round I heard something new and I had a deep connection to the music. Then I found out about the record he sampled to make that track, which was a record by Ahmad Jamal called 'The Awakening'. I spent that evening listening to the whole album and the next day I started learning jazz piano seriously, and I've never looked back.”