Natty Reeves - Mist Over Water EP

Following the success of singles ‘Bloom’, ‘Why Are You’ and ‘It’s Your Move’, Natty Reeves releases his brand new EP ‘Mist Over Water’. The EP marks a couple of years since the last project from Brighton-based songwriter and producer.

In his time away, Natty found himself digging into the world of Brazilian jazz and nylon string guitar, crafting a distinctive sound that shifts away from hip-hop and deeper into the world of Brazilian and singer-songwriter music.

Informed in equal parts by the songwriting discipline of artists including Ben Watt and James Taylor, as well as the deep harmonic and rhythmic language of Brazilian jazz pioneers João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá, Natty’s ‘Mist Over Water’ EP sees him craft a sound that is distinctly his own. Stripped back and raw, the music places Spanish guitar and Natty’s vocals front-and-centre for a free-flowing, tender journey, during which he reflects on the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of looking inwards to grow without putting too much pressure on each moment.

Natty shares: “I wanted to make a project that felt honest to who I am, something that represented my thoughts at this stage of my life. Recently I’ve been thinking about second chances, new growth and how fleeting life is - coming back to the sounds and rhythms I love, not trying too hard to make something that people would find impressive, this is a bit more introspective and forgiving of myself. I just hope that listeners enjoy the sounds and find some peace of their own in these songs!”

Lead single ‘Bloom’ saw Natty encourage listeners to look out for new opportunities, and not be afraid to take a leap of faith, rekindling a partnership with long-time collaborator and trumpet player Jackson Mathod. The gentle atmosphere of this track - characterised by rhythmic percussion, serene guitars and warm horn layers – is an energy that carries through into ‘Why Are You?’, a delicate song exploring the push and pull of manipulation in a relationship, and featuring flautist Ruta Sipola.

Natty Reeves - It's Your Move

It’s been a couple of years since the last project from Brighton-based songwriter and producer Natty Reeves. As will become evident upon listening to new single ‘It’s Your Move?’, it’s been time well spent crafting a distinctive sound shifting away from hip-hop, and deeper into the world of Brazilian and singer-songwriter music. The track is the final single from his forthcoming ‘Mist Over Water’ EP, following the success of previous singles ‘Bloom’ and ‘Why Are You’.

Again influenced by the Brazilian jazz guitar work of João Gilberto, ‘It’s Your Move’ is an atmospheric blend of stacked vocal harmonies and delicate guitar layers. The simple, repeated vocal hook, which sets up the framing of a game within a relationship, sits in contrast with complex, improvisatory flourishes from Natty. He shares: “Cordiero De Nana by João Giberto is one of my favourite songs, and it’s a simple phrase repeated over and over. I love that simplistic approach to songwriting, reducing down to a core message.”

Informed in equal parts by the songwriting discipline of artists including Ben Watt and James Taylor, as well as the deep harmonic and rhythmic language of Brazilian jazz pioneers João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá, Natty’s forthcoming ‘Mist Over Water’ EP sees him craft a sound that is distinctly his own. Stripped back and raw, the music places Spanish guitar and Natty’s vocals front-and-centre for a free-flowing, tender journey, during which he reflects on the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of looking inwards to grow without putting too much pressure on each moment.

“I wanted to make a project that felt honest to who I am, something that represented my thoughts at this stage of my life. Recently I’ve been thinking about second chances, new growth and how fleeting life is - coming back to the sounds and rhythms I love, not trying too hard to make something that people would find impressive, this is a bit more introspective and forgiving of myself. I just hope that listeners enjoy the sounds and find some peace of their own in these songs!”

As well as working on ‘Mist Over Water’, Natty has been hard at work on other projects. Released earlier this year under his instrumental hip-hop alias Astairé, his ‘Greener Days’ EP is a tasteful blend of hip-hop sensibilities with bossa-nova-tinged passages and uplifting improvisatory flavours. A prolific writer and sought-after collaborator in his own right, he’s also collaborated with the likes of Matt Wilde, Simon Jefferis and Abhi The Nomad.

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.

Natty Reeves returns with new single 'Bloom', featuring trumpeter Jackson Mathod

It’s been a couple of years since we last heard new music from Brighton-based songwriter and producer Natty Reeves. As will become evident upon listening to new single ‘Bloom’, it’s been time well spent crafting a distinctive sound shifting away from hip-hop, and deeper into the world of Brazilian music.

Natty encourages listeners to look out for new opportunities, and not be afraid to take a leap of faith. Working with trumpet player and serial collaborator Jackson Mathod, he creates a gentle atmosphere, blending rhythmic percussion with serene guitars and warm horn layers. He shares:

“This was the first song I made for this project, and I think it sets the tone for the rest of the EP. I want to give a massive thanks to my good friend Jackson Mathod for playing horns on this - I’ve always admired his playing and he really gave this track a lift!”

Informed in equal parts by the songwriting discipline of artists including Ben Watt and James Taylor, as well as the deep harmonic and rhythmic language of Brazilian jazz pioneers João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá, Natty’s forthcoming ‘Mist Over Water’ EP sees him craft a sound that is distinctly his own. Stripped back and raw, the music places Spanish guitar and Natty’s vocals front-and-centre for a free-flowing, tender journey, during which he reflects on the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of looking inwards to grow without putting too much pressure on each moment.

“I wanted to make a project that felt honest to who I am, something that represented my thoughts at this stage of my life. Recently I’ve been thinking about second chances, new growth and how fleeting life is - coming back to the sounds and rhythms I love, not trying too hard to make something that people would find impressive, this is a bit more introspective and forgiving of myself. I just hope that listeners enjoy the sounds and find some peace of their own in these songs!”

As well as working on ‘Mist Over Water’, Natty has been hard at work on other projects. Released earlier this year under his instrumental hip-hop alias Astairé, his ‘Greener Days’ EP is a tasteful blend of hip-hop sensibilities with bossa-nova-tinged passages and uplifting improvisatory flavours. A prolific writer and sought-after collaborator in his own right, he’s also collaborated with the likes of Matt Wilde, Simon Jefferis and Abhi The Nomad. 

Natty Reeves drops surprise new single 'White Lies'

Natty Reeves returns with new single ‘White Lies’, which sees the Brighton-based multi-instrumentalist and producer reintroduce vocals to his music for the first time since his 2019 debut album 'Condition'.

Coated in Natty's signature guitar-laden production, 'White Lies' on the surface depicts a struggle with honesty and transparency within a relationship, but is in fact more about trying to get some good sleep; something Natty struggled with around the time of writing the track.

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.”

Natty Reeves & Jackson Mathod deliver stunning 3-track live EP 'Live at 43'

Following the release of his album ‘Our Time’, Natty Reeves teams up with trumpeter Jackson Mathod for 'Live at 43’.

During the recording of ‘United Untied’, the pair quickly formed a bond and found themselves writing some breath-taking music, which effortlessly developed into a 3-track live EP - ‘Live at 43’.

‘Live at 43’ illustrates Natty’s ability to cohesively link his usually more up-produced and hip-hop-drum-laden tracks into a live and stripped-back setting, moving himself further into the UK jazz scene, displaying his intricate guitar play throughout, whilst showcasing an undeniable relationship with Jackson Mathod. Across the project, we also hear Jackson grow further into each track, with his bright arrangements and dazzling tones on the trumpet, as the two harmoniously grow from start to end.

Natty Reeves ascends on brand new album 'Our Time'

After taking a short break from writing and producing following the release of his 2019 debut album ‘Condition’, Natty has returned with an appetising new album showcasing a new direction in his music and leaning his attention towards a further developed instrumental-focused sound embedded further into the UK Jazz scene.

‘Our Time’ sees Reeves level up his production and bring in some helping hands across the project from an array of the UK’s thriving jazz scene talents, such as Charlie Allen, Poppy Daniels, Ben Vize, Matt Wilde, Jackson Mathod & Dutch producer and multi-instrumentalist, Marnix de Haus.

On the album’s opener, ‘5:23am’ we’re hit straight from the off with Natty’s layered and well-known rich textures of melodies and groove-heavy drums to amplify his newly developed sound whilst Marnix De Haus delivers highly appetising keys throughout that add the finishing touch to an exciting beginning of a delightful and powerful new body of work. For the album’s second course, ‘Snakes in the Grass’, Natty brings in rising UK trumpeter Poppy Daniels who presents some flavoursome horns throughout, complimenting Natty’s signature production and intricate guitar-play.

‘Lilac’, the final single taken from ‘Our Time’, sets up the remainder of the album beautiful, and sees the introduction of Charlie Allen and trumpeter Jackson Mathod, the latter delivering vibrant melodies throughout, whilst Charlie Allen effortlessly delivers some enchanting guitar tones which compliment the entirety of the song to perfection. ‘Our Time’ is a shining illustration to Natty’s ascending growth as an artist and producer, taking listeners on a mouth-watering journey of his best work to date.

Natty Reeves debut album 'Condition' is here!

DeepMatter is proud to present, 'Condition', the debut, full-length album from Natty Reeves. 11 tracks painting internal monologues and complex feelings across mesmerising groove-driven melodies and brightly coloured guitar soundscapes.

“I wanted to create an honest musical reflection of my past year. Condition is an attempt to balance my perfectionist approach and the imperfections in day to day life. The album was made in my bedroom with some help from close friends.”

All music throughout is written, performed, mix and mastered by Natty, with the exception of Living Lonely & Living Lonely (Reprise) in which he brought in his good friend and long-time collaborator, Simon Jefferis. As well as being an expression of himself as a musician, it was also an opportunity for Natty to show off his artistic side with a paintbrush – Using paintings he has created himself as the artworks throughout. A limited run of prints will be available of each artwork with the album's release.