SHOLTO — Smooth Sailing (ft. Phoebe Coco)
SHOLTO releases new single ‘Smooth Sailing’ Ft. Phoebe Coco. Pre-order the LP
Endorsed by the likes of Gilles Peterson and known for his cinematic, groove-rooted soundscapes, SHOLTO returns with his latest single 'Smooth Sailing', out today via DeepMatter Records. The track offers a rare vocal moment in SHOLTO’s discography, featuring long-time collaborator Phoebe Coco, whose voice threads throughout the forthcoming album ‘The Sirens’.
Following the sprawling double album Letting Go of Forever (2024), SHOLTO’s third album in as many years finds him turning inward, exploring themes of duality, temptation, and emotional dislocation. Described by SHOLTO as “blurring grief with groove, seduction and surrender”, The Sirens flips his trademark ethereal textures into something darker and more emotionally unflinching.
Recorded once again in the creative hub of SHOLTO’s SFJ studio in Hackney, the album reunites a cast of trusted collaborators including bassist Syd Kemp, string arranger Clementine Brown, and harpist Rachel Horton Kitchlew. The result is a cohesive sound world that balances cinematic richness with intimate detail.
On 'Smooth Sailing', Phoebe Coco’s tender vocal takes center stage, unfolding as a meditation on love’s quiet complexities. SHOLTO shares:
“Smooth Sailing moves like a half-remembered dream - clouds that mimic mountains, soft voices swaddling you whilst floating across an endless sea. It reflects on love, and the way stillness can tremble, how even ease can ask something of us. A gentle unravelling of the myth that calm means simple - the quiet complexities of connection, anchored by the line ‘today the clouds looked like mountains, why don’t we climb them’.”
The single follows August’s 'Persephone’s Perception', which set up the mythological themes of The Sirens, reimagining Persephone’s descent to Queen of the Underworld as an act of choice rather than fate. Across the record’s 12 tracks, SHOLTO channels allegory and the carnivalesque to navigate emotional turbulence, trading shimmering dreamscapes for darker, unresolved resonances that still hold beauty.
Oscar ‘SHOLTO’ Robertson has become a key figure in the modern resurgence of cinematic psychedelia and library-inspired jazz, standing alongside the likes of Surprise Chef, Sven Wunder, and The Cinematic Orchestra. His work nods to greats like Piero Umiliani and David Axelrod while building a unique niche that has won support from Huey Morgan, Deb Grant (BBC 6 Music), Jamie Cullum (BBCR2), Jyoty (Rinse FM), and Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM). Having worked with the likes of Nick Waterhouse, Inflo, and Dan Carey, and toured with Lady Wray and Baxter Dury, SHOLTO has carved out a reputation as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking composer-producers.
Blue Earth Sound — Cicero Nights
Listen to Cicero Nights everywhere now. Buy the album on vinyl.
Adding to the rich lineage of Chicago’s experimental jazz and instrumental music, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and composer James Weir steps into the spotlight with the debut of his new project, Blue Earth Sound. 'Cicero Nights' is out now via Root Records, featuring eight immersive tracks that evoke everything from neon-lit city nights to serene sunlit strolls – all through the lens of cinematic, organic instrumentals.
The record was shaped at the International Anthem warehouse with in-house engineer Dave Vettraino, following a period of soul-searching for Weir. Previously known for his work as bassist in post-punk outfit NE-HI and synth-rock band Spun Out, Weir sought a new creative outlet that could reflect his evolving tastes and life experiences. Drawing inspiration from 70s Chicago jazz and soul, Talk Talk, Japanese jazz, and Italian soundtrack composers such as Stefano Torossi, he began laying the groundwork for what would become Cicero Nights.
Weir’s journey started in his Humboldt Park basement, where buying a piano led to unexpected chemistry with his neighbor and drummer Patch Romanowski. Those intimate sessions birthed the early sketches of the album, including lead single 'Mariposa', a bright, pastoral piece carried by shimmering piano chords and a shuffling groove. From there, the project expanded with contributions from Will Miller (Resavoir), Eamonn Prizy, and longtime collaborator Michael Wells, solidifying Blue Earth Sound as a collective effort rooted in collaboration and improvisation.
“My earlier bands were inspired by what I fell in love with between 16-21… I wanted to make music inspired by life experiences and the music I fell in love with in my late 20s/early 30s – 70s Chicago jazz and soul, Talk Talk, Japanese jazz, and Italian soundtrack composers.” – James Weir
Across its tracklist, Cicero Nights moves like a story arc, its flow both intentional and transportive. Highlights include 'Half & Half', whose horn arrangements nod to Curtis Mayfield and Donald Byrd, blending with Weir’s buoyant basslines to capture a summer groove. Meanwhile, 'On the Court'—inspired by the Hoop Dreams soundtrack—adds a boom-bap rhythm, smoky wah guitars, and clouded Wurlitzer chords, delivering an atmosphere fit for Chicago’s storied bar scene. As Weir puts it:
“I just wanted to make tunes that a DJ could play at a Chicago bar like Danny’s at 8:30 pm that would set a good vibe.”
The name Blue Earth Sound reflects Weir’s roots in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, while also embodying the duality of nostalgia and experimentation that defines his Chicago years. The result is an album that feels grounded, soulful, and deeply cinematic—a collection that both honours jazz traditions and reimagines them for modern audiences.
Jerk — incoming
Listen to ‘incoming’ + pre-order the EP ‘as night falls’
Prolific Brooklyn-based producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Jerk returns with the striking new single 'incoming', out now via DeepMatter Records. Serving as the second release from their upcoming two-part EP cycle as night falls, the track pushes Jerk’s sound into bold new territory – weaving together electronic textures, midnight funk, and jazz-fueled innovation.
Created alongside longtime collaborator Martin Wade (drums), as night falls follows 2024’s Mood Swings, which earned widespread tastemaker support from the likes of Huey Morgan (BBC 6 Music) and Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM). This new project acts as a conceptual journey through a single night, exploring the darker side of human nature with both light and shadow in constant interplay.
Where lead single 'dance beneath the dripping moon' channeled disco grooves and funk-driven energy, 'incoming' takes a sinister turn. Drawing inspiration from the deviance and rawness of MF Doom and The Alchemist, Jerk describes it as “a warning shot soundtrack for the anarchists and vigilantes.” Anchored by an urgent boom-bap shuffle, the track’s squelching bass, sharp guitar lines, and relentless energy make it impossible to ignore – a head-nod-inducing anthem even for the most restrained listeners.
The wider as night falls narrative sets 'incoming' within a broader exploration of the night’s dualities. The title track opens as a gentle campfire gathering, with flute and acoustic guitar, before morphing into a driving drum & bass groove, symbolizing the fall of night. Jerk explains:
“None are immune to the fall of night - no one safe from its darkness. All we can do is cope and persevere knowing the break of day lies ahead.”
Elsewhere on the record, Jerk expands beyond their beatmaker roots. On 'stealthy, she moves', the atmosphere nods to 70s film scores and Italian fusion pioneers Goblin, with Jerk stepping forward on saxophone in dialogue with Wade’s drums and co-writer/bassist Wyatt Rydlewski.
Behind Jerk is Joshua Kinney, a multifaceted composer, producer, and instrumentalist. With five albums and multiple EPs already under their belt, their sound draws equally from J Dilla and Madlib, the uplifting brilliance of Patrice Rushen and Earth, Wind & Fire, and the boundary-pushing jazz fusion of Louis Cole and Knower. Beyond music, Kinney also channels their creativity into writing and video essays, making Jerk one of the most compelling, cross-disciplinary voices in today’s music scene.
Jr. Thomas & Eraserhood Sound — Life of the Party
Listen to ‘Life of the Party’ .
Pre-order ‘Jr. Thomas in the Eraserhood’.
Minnesota-born singer, songwriter, and producer Jr. Thomas – best known for his work with Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos – is back with a brand-new single, 'Life of the Party'. The track marks the final release ahead of his forthcoming album Jr. Thomas in the Eraserhood, landing September 26th via DeepMatter Records.
A collaboration with Philadelphia production duo Eraserhood Sound (Maxwell Perla & Vincent John), the project sees Thomas exploring a new chapter in his career, paying homage to the golden era of soul music while carving out a sound that’s uniquely his own. Drawing inspiration from Eraserhood’s previous work with Kendra Morris, Angelo Outlaw, and Say She She, Thomas felt he had found the perfect partners to bring his vision to life.
Recorded in Eraserhood’s Philly studio – once owned and custom-built by Questlove – the sessions brought together Thomas’ songwriting with the studio’s rich musical history. Joined by keyboardist Raynier Jacildo (The Volcanos, The Black Keys), the result is an analog-driven, deeply authentic take on modern soul, sitting comfortably alongside rising stars such as Jalen Ngonda, Thee Sacred Souls, and Pale Jay.
'Life of the Party' is a powerful, expansive piece of music that blends rich soul textures with subtle psychedelic touches. Featuring standout performances from Ron Kerber on flute and Angelo Outlaw on vibraphone, the track perfectly complements Eraserhood Sound’s lush production. Lyrically, Thomas reflects on his past struggles:
“‘Life of the Party’ reflects on the years I spent drinking and using, capturing the search for something deeper in the depths of addiction. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see those experiences as a source of inspiration.”
This introspective, honest storytelling runs throughout Jr. Thomas in the Eraserhood. Previous singles including 'Never Be Another', 'By Your Side', and 'Can’t Leave You Alone' have already received airplay and support from BBC 6 Music’s Craig Charles, Jazz FM, and KEXP, building anticipation for the full album release.
Born in Saint Cloud, Minnesota in 1981, Thomas’ musical DNA is steeped in classic Jamaican reggae, 60s/70s soul and funk, and singer-songwriter traditions. After early success with Minneapolis ska outfit The Dropsteppers, he relocated to Los Angeles to form Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos, releasing acclaimed albums including Rockstone on revivalist label Colemine Records. Now, with Jr. Thomas in the Eraserhood, he enters a bold new era – one that embraces the timeless energy of soul for a new generation.
Blue Earth Sound shares final single ‘On the Court’ ahead of debut album ‘Cicero Nights’
Listen to ‘On the Court’ on all platforms. Pre-order the LP
Chicago-based bassist and composer James Weir, aka Blue Earth Sound, unveils On The Court — the final single before the arrival of his debut LP Cicero Nights, out September 12th on Root Records.
Drawing inspiration from the Hoop Dreams soundtrack, On The Court pairs a boom-bap beat with radiant horns, smoky wah-pedal guitars, and a haze of Wurlitzer keys. The result is a soulful, horn-driven groove that captures both the grit of the basketball court and the warmth of 70s jazz-funk. It’s a track that feels instantly familiar, yet full of character — bridging jazz tradition with a modern, sample-ready sensibility.
With Cicero Nights, Blue Earth Sound offers a late-night jazz journey steeped in Chicago soul, brass-heavy arrangements, and deep grooves. Following singles Lover’s Rock and Half & Half, On The Court provides a final glimpse into an album built for golden-hour listening — cinematic in scope, but rooted in groove.
Cicero Nights drops September 12th via Root Records.
The Offline announces new album ‘La grande évasion’ + shares lead single ‘Boulevard National’
The Offline announces new album ‘La grande évasion’ with new track '‘Boulevard National’. Pre-order the LP
Hamburg-based producer and multi-instrumentalist The Offline has announced his brand new album, La grande évasion, set for release later this November via DeepMatter Records. Alongside the announcement, he shares the project’s lead single, Boulevard National, complete with a new video to bring the track’s atmosphere to life.
Boulevard National offers the first glimpse into the world of La grande évasion: a widescreen, cinematic cut that fuses hip-hop’s head-nod swing with rich jazz harmony and atmospheric textures. Built on hypnotic grooves and layered instrumentation, the track captures The Offline’s signature ability to create soundscapes that are as immersive as they are rhythmically compelling. The single arrives with a video which offers a visual escape into the moods and motifs that drive the record.
With La grande évasion, The Offline continues his exploration of instrumental storytelling — blending hazy nostalgia with forward-looking production to deliver a record that feels timeless yet contemporary. Available on black or transparent violet vinyl, the album promises to be one of the most evocative releases in the DeepMatter / Root Records catalog to date.
SHOLTO unveils new single ‘Persephone’s Perception’ — a myth-soaked groove from forthcoming album ‘The Sirens’
SHOLTO announces new album ‘The Sirens’, with ‘Persephone’s Perception’. Pre-order the LP
Cinematic jazz visionary SHOLTO returns with ‘Persephone’s Perception’, the first single from his upcoming album ‘The Sirens’ — out 21st November via DeepMatter Records.
Rooted in Greek mythology, ‘Persephone’s Perception’ flips the classic tale on its head — reframing the goddess’s descent into the underworld not as a tragedy, but a deliberate embrace of transformation. Musically, it blends low-slung bass and rolling drums with shimmering strings and harp — anchored by SHOLTO’s signature cinematic production and rhythmic sensibility. It’s hypnotic, mythological jazz-fusion that blurs the line between groove and storytelling.
Built in SHOLTO’s SFJ studio in Hackney, the track reunites his core ensemble of collaborators: Syd Kemp on bass, Clementine Brown on strings, and Rachel Horton Kitchlew on harp. The result is a sound that feels both ancient and futuristic — library music for a fever dream — setting the tone for the album’s exploration of temptation, surrender, and emotional duality.
Following support from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson, Deb Grant, Jyoty, and Huey Morgan, SHOLTO continues to carve out his own space in the world of contemporary cinematic psychedelia. ‘Persephone’s Perception’ is a bold first glimpse into ‘The Sirens’, revealing an artist leaning into deeper emotional terrain while retaining the rich textures and groove-rooted soundscapes that have defined his ascent.
‘Persephone’s Perception’ is out now. Stream it everywhere + pre-order on 12” vinyl.
Devra returns with new single ‘Mill Street Samba’ featuring Paul Grant
Listen to the ‘Mill Street Samba’ (ft. Paul Grant) now
Italian drummer, composer and producer Devra returns with a vibrant new single titled ‘Mill Street Samba’, featuring acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Paul Grant. Released via Root Records, the track blends modern jazz, samba, and soulful grooves into an uplifting and rhythmically rich listen.
The first track in a new era, the upbeat tones of ‘Mill Street Samba’ come at the perfect time to soundtrack the heat of August, with infectious synth work combining with swung grooves, fluctuating between sun-kissed samba and bossa before transforming into a hip-hop shuffle. Devra shares: “The vibe is kind of modern samba-meets-jazz, but filtered through our own palette. Paul had the original idea — I reworked the rhythm and melody, then developed the arrangement together with Andrea Ragnoli (my go-to guy for synths and keys).”
This release follows his breakthrough self-titled ‘Devra’ EP, which found widespread support in the UK across Jazz FM and Soho Radio, as well as being backed domestically in Italy by coveted youth culture site DLSO and DJs including Alessio Bertallot. The EP was praised for its fusion of Roy Hargrove-esque contemporary jazz with hip-hop sensibilities and a neo-soul swagger.
Originally from Vicenza, Italy, Fabio De Angelis made a name for himself as a session drummer in his native country, collaborating with several artists on the national scene across the worlds of jazz, pop, indie and electronic music. Musically raised in the underground scene, he has steadily made his way with quiet determination, earning the trust of many key figures in the Italian music landscape. Over the years, he has performed and recorded with the likes of Ghemon, Joan Thiele, Hu, and Elodie, as well as with iconic jazz musicians such as Ares Tavolazzi, Robert Bonisolo, and Pietro Tonolo.
Pink Butter Deliver Raw, Soulful Debut EP Can We Go Back
Listen to the debut EP ‘Can We Go Back’ from Swedish collective Pink Butter
Swedish outfit Pink Butter make a powerful first statement with their debut EP Can We Go Back, out now via DeepMatter Records. Rooted in live performance and spontaneous creativity, the four-piece collective blends the timeless feel of jazz improvisation with the grit and soul of contemporary hip-hop and R&B.
Consisting of Oskar Bettinsoli (guitar), Björn Lehnert (keys), Malte Bergman (bass), and John Bjurström (drums), Pink Butter made this record the old-school way: jamming live in the studio, capturing real energy and real moments. Their debut EP is a warm, groove-heavy reflection on uncertainty, presence, and connection — both musically and emotionally.
The project opens with ‘Made For Me’, a neo-soul slow jam featuring Jermaine Holmes, best known for his role in D’Angelo’s live band. His vocals drift over lush guitar textures and rich harmony, setting the tone for what’s to come.
Title track ‘Can We Go Back’ brings in T3 of Slum Village, whose unmistakable flow glides over dusty drums and dreamy keys — a seamless meeting of Dilla-inspired hip-hop and organic musicianship. ‘Alright’ features Joanné Nugas, whose tender delivery and lyrical message of hope shine through Pink Butter’s laid-back instrumental. A soft piano line and languid bass give the song space to breathe — the kind of tune made for late-night reflection. ‘U’, a standout collaboration with Venus Anon and Jermaine Holmes. It’s a bass-heavy, soul-infused cut with emotionally raw vocals, expressive harmonies, and deep groove — a love song that feels as vulnerable as it is powerful.
Across all tracks, Can We Go Back showcases Pink Butter’s ability to bridge eras and genres: classic yet modern, structured yet free. It’s a bold debut from a band rooted in live energy and collaborative spirit — music made by real people, in real time, for real connection.
Jerk releases ‘dance beneath the dripping moon’ – the first single from new EP 'as night falls'
Listen to the new single + pre-order the EP ‘as night falls’
Prolific Brooklyn-based producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Jerk returns with the first part of a two-EP narrative cycle, unveiling as night falls. This project pushes their sound into new territory — a journey through a single night, exploring the darker side of human nature through a fusion of electronic influences, midnight funk, and forward-thinking jazz.
No stranger to blurring lines — between genres, moods, and the light and the dark — Jerk offers the first glimpse of the record with ‘dance beneath the dripping moon’. Built on a slow-funk groove, the track feels unhurried, like a conversation that lingers long past midnight. Psychedelic guitar lines curl in and out of syrupy bass, while the drums — courtesy of longtime collaborator Martine Wade — lock the whole thing into a deep, head-nodding pocket. There’s a sensual warmth to it, but also something ghostly at the edges, like shadows flickering in the corner of your eye.
Jerk cites The Isley Brothers and Eddie Hazel as touchpoints, and that lineage is clear in the song’s rich, immersive sound. But this isn’t a retro exercise — it’s a living, breathing track, infused with their ear for texture and space. Every note feels intentional, yet loose enough to let the music breathe.
As the opening chapter of as night falls, ‘dance beneath the dripping moon’ sets the tone for an EP that promises to be as cinematic as it is soulful — music for night walks, slow drives, and moments when the world falls away.