Matt Wilde - Timekeepers

Matt Wilde returns with a new offering taken from his forthcoming ‘It’s A Delight’ EP - ‘Timekeepers’, channelling the deep chord-melody approach pioneered by the likes of Robert Glasper, constructed around a Dilla-esque backbeat.

Discussing ‘Timekeepers’, Matt shares: “Timekeepers is a meditative piece that honours those who help us navigate time and life’s transitions. The steady beats and layered sounds create a sense of grounding and continuity, reflecting on the importance of support systems.”

Matt’s ‘It’s A Delight’ EP is a heartfelt exploration of everyday joys and human connection. The five-track project captures the essence of wilful gladness and beauty found in ordinary moments, with Matt weaving a reflective, uplifting musical narrative through his melody-driven approach to improvisation and composition. Lead single ‘When It Comes Together’saw Matt connect with alt-soul wordsmith [ K S R ] for a celebration of Manchester’s fertile nu-jazz and soul scene, and electric moments of joyous collaboration continue on RH Factor-leaning cut ‘Good Things Happen’, featuring trumpet player Aaron Wood (Secret Night Gang, Olivia Dean). Elsewhere, meditative pieces like ‘Trying To Be Kind’ place soothing, warm harmonic choices front and centre.'

On the EP, Matt shares: "It's a Delight is an exploration of the small joys that make life meaningful. The project was a collaborative effort that brought new perspectives and layers to the music. This EP celebrates the everyday moments that bring us together and the joy that grows when shared."

A fast-rising artist known for his lyrical, virtuosic and jazz-tinged approach to keys playing and production, Matt Wilde is a key part of the Manchester scene that’s played a huge role in the growing international success of UK jazz. Cutting his teeth producing for local grime artists including Prose and Bugzy Malone before going on to collaborate with Brownswood Records’ Secret Night Gang and HMD, he’s a multi-faceted artist with an in-demand creative approach. His music has received widespread support from tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan and Deb Grant (BBCR6), and he's been spotlighted in publications including the Big Issue, all whilst growing his own social media channels and building a strong community across YouTube and Instagram.

Matt Wilde calls up Natty Reeves for new single 'Inner Peace'

Manchester-based keyboardist and producer Matt Wilde continues his strong start to 2022 with his second single of the year ‘Inner Peace’ which sees him teaming up with multi-instrumentalist and producer, Natty Reeves.

Throughout the track Natty’s Spanish guitar and Matt’s piano effortlessly interweave to create the harmonic richness of the track, bringing a new outlook to jazz collaboration. As the track develops, the direction of the music changes through raw improvisations from Natty, and then Matt, with synth textures interplaying to create a foundation for the rest of the track to shine.

Speaking on the track, Matt said: “This track is about finding peace within yourself and spreading it to others, celebrating our human connections and care for each other. Teaming up with Natty Reeves has been a pleasure as always, his musicianship and ability to capture unique improvised moments on the guitar is truly inspiring.”

Matt Wilde and Kissamil​é join forces on 'Better Worlds'

Following a blossoming first year releasing his own music in 2021, which saw his music supported by Jamie Cullum (BBCR2), Jazz FM, BBC Introducing and more, Matt Wilde returns with his first release of 2022, joining forces with French duo Kissamilé, as they explore the fusion between jazz & hip-hop on ‘Better Worlds’. A percussive and melodic cascading piano solo is at the heart of the track, alongside a stunning jazz-inspired guitar solo that rounds off the track.

"This track is born from the idea of wishing for a better world with collaboration, creativity and sustainability at the centre. Collaborating remotely is always exciting because you never know what the other artist will send. Opening up the files is like unwrapping a gift! Kissamile’s vocals, guitar and drums really brought this track to life and I hope this is just the beginning of our work together.”

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.”

Matt Wilde arrives with debut EP 'Believe in Things'

'Believe in Things' is centred around the piano, exploring textures and colours which depict the beauty in simple things and the relationship between earth, nature and space. Born out of the challenges society has faced as a result of Covid-19, 'Believe in Things' is a real-time documentation of the hope, discovery and uncertainty experienced this year. The improvised piano tells a story of believing in the unimaginable and unearthing the extraordinary. The songs portray a sense of determination and optimism for a better future.

Matt Wilde is a Mancunian keyboardist and producer, whose music blends jazz-inspired keys, rich harmonies and pocketed drums. Taking inspiration from jazz greats such as Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, Matt has performed and produced for a range of artists such as PROSE (Virgin Records) and Secret Night Gang (Brownswood), with performances at major venues and festivals including Parklife, Leeds & Reading and the Great Escape.