The Offline - Les amis

Prolific Hamburg-based composer The Offline returns, inviting listeners to join the cast of his ever-growing Mediterranean Cinematic Universe with new single ‘Les Amis’. The single is the second taster of his forthcoming ‘Les Cigales’ EP, building upon the library-nodding, instrumental hip-hop blend explored on his acclaimed 2023 debut ‘La couleur de la mer’.

Following lead single ‘Fumée’, which established the story of two people on the search for each other, ‘Les Amis’ develops the narrative of ‘Les Cigales’ further, with a romantic theme and scene set by breezy guitar tones and vibraphone embellishments, all held down with a hip-hop shuffle. The track frames growing intimacy between two friends, before taking a tense turn, hinting that all may not be as it seems. Felix shares:

“Les Amis is about the relationship between two friends spending the summer on the Mediterranean. The musical theme, played by a guitar, tells of the intimacy and closeness of the two friends, which develops over the course of the track and changes into tension and an uncertain foreboding towards the end with the use of the wind instruments.”

‘Les Cigales’ takes its’ sonic cues from the structure of film and TV music from the 1960s and 70s, channelling the influence of film composers such as Francois de Roubaix and David Axelrod, whilst also sitting somewhere between the washed out, sun-soaked sonics of Surprise Chef and Robohands. As the EP unwinds, its narrative reflects a love story, full of longing, melancholy and drama, connecting with the story of Gyptis and Protis – the founding myth of Marseilles – whose love broke convention and welcomed the arrival of foreign people on French soil.

The Offline - Les Cigales / En clair-obscur - 12" Vinyl

£22.00

The project follows The Offline’s debut album ‘La couleur de la mer’, released in November 2023, which saw him create his own soundtrack to a film yet to be made. Inducing images of manorial, fog-swept villas at the seas edge, silhouetted sailing boats and cigar-chomping villains attempting to thwart the mission of an imaginary hero, the record is a masterfully composed sonic journey. ‘Les Cigales’ sees him continue to build upon a distinctive sound that moves from dramatic cues to fragile romanticism, incorporating psychedelic spaciness, retro soul and hip-hop sensibilities informed by his extensive record collection.

The Offline came to life when composer and photographer Felix Müller travelled the Atlantic coastline in the south of France with his analogue camera, capturing beach life on film. After returning to his native Hamburg, he started writing songs as the sonic counterpart to the analogue visuals. Debut EP ‘En Clair-Obscur’ captured the essence of his journey, and the feeling of a cool summer soundtrack. His music has seen support from Huey Morgan and Deb Grant (BBCR6), plus Somewhere Soul, Rinse FM, Radio FIP, Jazz FM and more, amassing millions of streams and selling hundreds of records.

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.

Quinn Oulton - When You're Near (ft. Rich)

Quinn Oulton embarks on a fresh new journey into the realm of alt-RnB with heartfelt love song, ‘When You’re Near’, featuring LA-based singer-songwriter Rich.

Over the past year, prolific multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Quinn Oulton has been refining his sound and production style. Collaborating with artists including Linden Jay, Reuben James and Col3trane, and relocating from his London base to LA and Berlin, he’s been on a creative drive, pushing his forward-thinking RnB to new places and amassing millions of streams in the process. A culmination of his efforts, Quinn shares ‘When You’re Near’ – the lead single from his forthcoming ‘Lead You To Water’ EP.

Quinn Oulton - Lead You To Water EP - 7" Vinyl

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Featuring LA-based singer-songwriter Rich, ‘When You’re Near’ sets a marker in Quinn’s journey into the realm of alt-RnB. The heartfelt love song reflects on how easy it can be to forget what life was like before finding that special someone, and the blend of Quinn’s captivating melodies and Rich’s soulful refrain create an atmosphere to get lost in. The strength of the songwriting is front and centre, with a warm, minimalist arrangement featuring lush acoustic guitar and glistening piano motifs, aided by sparse saxophone flutters, connecting back to Quinn’s jazz roots.

He shares: “I’ve always admired artists whose voice alone can fully carry a song. I remember finding a video of Rich online, just him singing at his piano, and his voice totally blew me away. I’ve often found myself trying to make my music denser or more complicated, out of fear that the song won’t stand strong without the distractions – with this project I’ve tried to hone in on this, and having Rich on When You’re Near is such an honour given his impact on this part of my creative process.”

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.

SHOLTO - 'Letting Go of Forever' - Double Gatefold LP [Pre-order]

Having found support from tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Deb Grant, Jyoty and Tony Minvielle, SHOLTO returns with the second single from his forthcoming album + announces the album on gatefold double LP, available for pre-order now.

Once again marrying subtle psychedelic influences with orchestral instrumentation and a cinematic ear, ‘Ligurian Storm’ follows the albums first offering ‘For the Love of Stripes’.

Dreamt up on a stormy train ride from Milan to The Ligurian Region of Italy, ‘Ligurian Storm’ creates a mystical blend of harp, strings, vibraphone and synths to mirror the build of a growing storm swallowing a beautiful landscape. Musically sitting somewhere in between the Cinematic Orchestra and Surprise Chef, SHOLTO reflects: “I wanted to capture a scene of outstanding beauty becoming engulfed in clouds and rain as I watched the light disappear. A reminder of how quickly the tides can turn in any situation.”

Oscar 'SHOLTO' Robertson is a drummer, instrumentalist, producer & composer based in London. Growing up with a love for jazz, soul, kraut, and 60s & 70s soundtracks, his music expresses a warm array of colours, analogue instrumental grooves and euphoric sentimentality. His music career began in 2013, when a record deal took him to LA, leading to him working with producers like Nick Waterhouse (Allah-Las) before returning to the UK and collaborating with the likes of Inflo (Cleo Sol), and Dan Carey (Wet Leg, Squid). He is also one half of the production duo Sunglasses For Jaws.

With a writing style inspired by soundtrack composers from the 1950s-1970s like Piero Umiliani & David Axelrod, he also sits alongside soulful soundtrack contemporaries like Robohands and The Ironsides. 2023’s ‘The Changing Tides Of Dreams’ introduced listeners to his world of psychedelic-infused, euphoric arrangements, drawing on disciplines from the world of film & classical music, as well as jazz and experimental arrangement techniques.

‘Ligurian Storm’ sees him return to work with many of the talented cast of musicians he collaborated with on his debut EP, including co-producer and bassist Syd Kemp (Crack Cloud, Jessie Ware) and violinist Clementine Brown (Penguin Café, London Ambient Orchestra). The track is the second taster from his forthcoming debut album ‘Letting Go Of Forever’, an expansive double LP expected this November.

SHOLTO - Letting Go of Forever - 12" Gatefold Double LP

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The Offline Announces new EP Les Cigales + new track 'Fumée' [Vinyl pre-order]

Prolific Hamburg-based composer The Offline returns, inviting listeners to join the cast of his ever-growing Mediterranean Cinematic Universe with new single ‘Fumée’. The single is the first taster of his forthcoming ‘Les Cigales’ EP, which builds upon the library-nodding, instrumental hip-hop blend explored on his acclaimed 2023 debut ‘La couleur de la mer’.

‘Fumée’ introduces part one of the narrative of ‘Les Cigales’, an EP that reflects upon life on the Mediterranean during the summer months. Balanced around alternating light and dark sections, and a captivating Rhodes theme that sits in a different time signature to the rolling drum groove, this purposeful instrumental begins to tell the story of two people on the search for each other, situating the listener in and around Marseille. Felix shares:

"As some may know, Hamburg is not known for the best weather, especially the winters, with little daylight, cold winds and rain lashing down on your face. Maybe that's why this longing for light, warmth and the sea is always a big part of my music - by composing the songs, I can be in these places."

‘Les Cigales’ takes its’ sonic cues from the structure of film and TV music from the 1960s and 70s, channelling the influence of film composers such as Francois de Roubaix and David Axelrod, whilst also sitting somewhere between the washed out, sun-soaked sonics of Surprise Chef and Robohands. As the EP unwinds, its narrative reflects a love story, full of longing, melancholy and drama, connecting with the story of Gyptis and Protis – the founding myth of Marseilles – whose love broke convention and welcomed the arrival of foreign people on French soil.

The project follows The Offline’s debut album ‘La couleur de la mer’, released in November 2023, which saw him create his own soundtrack to a film yet to be made. Inducing images of manorial, fog-swept villas at the seas edge, silhouetted sailing boats and cigar-chomping villains attempting to thwart the mission of an imaginary hero, the record is a masterfully composed sonic journey. ‘Les Cigales’ sees him continue to build upon a distinctive sound that moves from dramatic cues to fragile romanticism, incorporating psychedelic spaciness, retro soul and hip-hop sensibilities informed by his extensive record collection.

The Offline came to life when composer and photographer Felix Müller travelled the Atlantic coastline in the south of France with his analogue camera, capturing beach life on film. After returning to his native Hamburg, he started writing songs as the sonic counterpart to the analogue visuals. Debut EP ‘En Clair-Obscur’ captured the essence of his journey, and the feeling of a cool summer soundtrack. His music has seen support from Huey Morgan and Deb Grant (BBCR6), plus Somewhere Soul, Rinse FM, Radio FIP, Jazz FM and more, amassing millions of streams and selling hundreds of records.

The Offline - Les Cigales / En clair-obscur - 12" Vinyl

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FELLAS - SILLAGE

Quickly emerging as France’s answer to the likes of BADBADNOTGOOD and Yussef Kamaal, Toulouse’s FELLAS are set to release their debut EP ‘NDONTI’ via Root Records on Friday 13th September.

The final single from the project ‘SILLAGE’ aims to situate the listener within the frames of Sergio Leone’s crime epic ‘Once Upon A Time In America’, seeking to capture the odour of the films opium dens in hazy musical form. Built around a haunting Rhodes loop, with skittering delays and a sleazy backbeat, the track builds into a saxophone-led cacophony, melting away into a four to the floor two-stepper. The band share: “On SILLAGE, we’ve translated scent into music, creating a warm, amber atmosphere that is both captivating and unsettling.”

The forthcoming ‘NDONTI’ EP has been approached by the band as the trailer for future LP ‘DINDI’, introducing listeners to their distinctive, cinematic nu-jazz blend. Moving between brooding trip-hop moods and boom-bap grooves, with disco and neo-soul in the mix for good measure, the compositions on the EP are centred around the concept of wabi-sabi – capturing a raw energy, complete with the unashamed imperfections that are a cornerstone of human nature.

On opening track DINDI, the band shares: “Dindi Is the main character. The song tells the story of a young man who arrives in a new city. He’s alone and delves deeper into a city that becomes increasingly crowded and dirty. We come to understand that he has arrived with bad intentions.”

Alongside bandleader Charlie Burg, FELLAS consists of Robin Safaru (drums), Séraphin Vergniot (bass), Robin Espagnet (guitar) and Léo Colman (keyboards) – a group of friends obsessed with the intersection of film, fashion, and music. Formed from the fire of the Toulouse jazz and hip-hop scene, the band cut their teeth at clubs, where they’re known to collaborate with MC’s and additional musicians to expand their sound even further. Much of their inspiration comes from Charlie’s upbringing – trips back to Italy to see his family and understand his roots – and the rich traditions of black American music, spanning the raw sounds of Pharoah Sanders and Dexter Gordon, all the way through to D’Angelo and 50 Cent.

Jerk - Mood Swings

Jerk returns to some of their core influences, embracing vulnerability, and an authentic experience of the self on the forthcoming ‘Mood Swings’ album. Released via DeepMatter Records, the album is an eclectic collection of pieces spanning varying compositional and production styles, captured on analogue instrumentation.

Channelling the beat-making sensibilities of J Dilla and Madlib, the Brazilian rhythms and textures of Hermeto Pascoal, and the uplifting sonics of Patrice Rushen and Earth Wind & Fire, Jerk comments:

“Mood Swings is a collection of 12 pieces reflecting on gender and mental health. 2022 was a year of political strife for transgender people in America, and a time when I was experiencing some intense emotions–dysphoria, derealization, grief, and romantic love and loss. I wanted to write music embracing this very authentic and vulnerable experience of self.”

Lush saxophone tones, glistening Fender Rhodes, and cyclical beats encompass the project, with weaving synths adding to Jerk’s tapestry of sounds. ‘Mood Swings’ Parts I-III appear throughout, introducing recurring motifs and operating as spacious, atmospheric interludes that glue the album together. ‘Space Case’ builds on the addictive melody introduced in ‘Mood Swings Part I’, with subtle nods to 80s jazz funk in the beat, and melody arranging reminiscent of Brazilian bossa nova.

The record builds upon some of the themes closest to Jerk’s heart, including trans rights, gender identity, and love. Lead single ‘27’ marks Jerk’s age at the time of creating the album, whilst also putting a critical microscope on American lawmakers’ attempts to raise the age of consent for medical transitioning from 18 to 27. ‘I Don’t Question You ’ is an empowering vocal feature building upon the sentiment of fighting for your truth, rather than feeling the need to answer to others, whilst ‘4Sal’ is a poignant dedication to Jerk’s late grandmother. Written in the days following her passing, it’s a heartfelt expression of the process of grief in musical form, in Jerk’s words: “The piece is a dedication to the living burning memory of a fierce woman I was fortunate to have in my life.”

Jerk is the brainchild of composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Kinney. Based in Brooklyn, NY, they explore the connection between jazz and hip-hop, with compositions blurring the lines between hip-hop beats and instrumental jazz compositions. Their music has found support across BBCR6, Reprezent Radio, Soho Radio, and Jazz FM.

SHOLTO announces new record with 'For The Love of Stripes'

Having found support from tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Deb Grant, Jyoty and Tony Minvielle for last year’s EP ‘The Changing Tides Of Dreams’, SHOLTO returns with the lead single from his forthcoming debut album, ‘For The Love Of Stripes’ - a stirring, emotive exploration with choral and classical influences at its core.

Drawing inspiration from Mozart’s ‘Lacrimosa’ and the work of David Axelrod, ‘For The Love Of Stripes’ combines moving strings and choral orchestration with swirling flutes and twinkling percussion to create a hazy instrumental with moody, nostalgic undertones. SHOLTO took the imagery of stripes, applying a linear concept to his composition style, he shares:

“Stripes divide space and bind forms, and are inherently associated with in nature as a warning and signalling of the audacious. They grab attention and at the same time tell us to stay away. Throughout history, they have been the outfit for the outcast or maverick - I thought applying this linear concept to a piece of music could be interesting.”

Oscar 'SHOLTO' Robertson is a drummer, instrumentalist, producer & composer based in London. Growing up with a love for jazz, soul, kraut, and 60s & 70s soundtracks, his music expresses a warm array of colours, analogue instrumental grooves and euphoric sentimentality. His music career began in 2013, when a record deal took him to LA, leading to him working with producers like Nick Waterhouse (Allah-Las) before returning to the UK and collaborating with the likes of Inflo (Cleo Sol), and Dan Carey (Wet Leg, Squid). He is also one half of the production duo Sunglasses For Jaws. 

Introducing: FELLAS

Introducing the latest addition to the DeepMatter & Root Records family - FELLAS; The Cinematic Nu Jazz Revolution from Toulouse.

Hailing from Toulouse, France, FELLAS is a groundbreaking Nu Jazz band that seamlessly blends Jazz, Hip-Hop, and cinematic influences to create a soundscape that's as intense and sensual as it is emotionally captivating. Led by saxophonist Charlie Burg, this five-piece ensemble crafts music that transports listeners far from reality, into a world defined by raw emotion and vivid storytelling.

On stage, FELLAS is known for their dynamic collaborations with rappers like Oggy Nilz and Wisley, as well as singers and jazzmen like Daoud. They fearlessly blend influences and genres, resulting in a hybrid musical project that has quickly garnered attention from stylists, designers, photographers, and directors.

Inspired by the likes of BADBADNOTGOOD, FELLAS embodies a childhood dream realized. Their passionate adventure in music promises a future full of innovation and boundary-pushing performances, making them a band that's not planning to slow down anytime soon.

Their debut EP 'NDONTI acts as a trailer for the future LP « DINDI » with the introduction of the character « dindi » and the mentality of FELLAS.

Charlie grew up in France but also, in parallel, with his Italian family. Since he was little, they made him understand that he was a "dindi" and that he belonged to a small clan within his family. As he grew older, he realized that his family was involved in more than one adventurous and often illegal stories. It took him almost 20 years to find out what DINDI means. DINDI comes from Veneto (an Italian dialect from Venice) and means « MONEY ». Charlie discovered the Movie A Bronx Tale and drew a parallel between the movie and his life. He draws inspiration from this to form his group FELLAS and his upcoming album "DINDI."

Their debut single 'DINDI' introduced people to their world in March 2024, and tells the story of a young man who arrives in a new city. The young man is alone and delves deeper into a city that becomes increasingly crowded and dirty. We come to understand that he has arrived with bad intentions. Shortly after, this was followed by 'CAN YOU FEEL MY EYES ON YOU', the second single from their forthcoming debut record.

The band now announce they will be releasing their debut EP 'DINDI' under London-based Record Label, DeepMatter Records this coming August.