Stella Talpo drops 'FINE: Stripped' EP

Born in a small town outside Milan, and raised in Singapore, Stella Talpo has wanderlust woven into her bones. Influenced by a wide range of artists from Billie Holiday to Nirvana, she gracefully traverses genres, with her poignant lyrics addressing themes from addiction and human behaviour to politics.

Stella Talpo kick starts 2023 with 'Where Did I Go (Stripped)', offering an alternative take on the electronic-tinged, atmospheric soul / R&B cut taken from last years' EP 'FINE'.

Stripping everything back to just voice and guitar allows Stella's earthy vocal and lyrics to shine, as she explores themes of anxiety and the life altering consequences of pursuing love and validation at all costs. The track completes her EP 'FINE: Stripped'.

Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Jerk reveals brand new album ‘Bloom’.

Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Jerk reveals reveals brand new album ‘Bloom’.

Written in the late spring of 2021, the album's first offering, ‘Il. Sunshower’ demonstrates the boundless virtuosity of the Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, playing every instrument on the track (and the album for that matter) completely themselves, minus the programmed drums. The track offers a tantalising glimpse at what Jerk has created across the album and sees the polymath step into an exciting new zone of rawness and musical purity ahead of the album’s unveiling.

Speaking on the single, Jerk went on to say; “This was the first piece I had written in months, it seemed to pour out of my fingers. The melody, harmony, and textures felt so fresh and invigorating. I exported the demo to my phone and took a walk to Prospect Park in Brooklyn to listen. Mid walk, it started pouring rain, but there were hardly any clouds in the sky - a Sunshower. I was soaked head to toe, but it was so beautiful I couldn’t even be upset. It was a renewal - a washing away of the old and embrace of the new.’

Second single ‘Miss Psilo’ was born during a complicated period in Jerk’s life and is the first piece of music Jerk wrote after acknowledging their queer identity, as they describe: “I was on a trip in Upstate New York and participated in a mind-expanding activity. I remember looking in a mirror and hating what I saw, and I didn’t understand why I felt this way. As a result, I fell into a deep depression. After swimming in these feelings for weeks, I acknowledged that I had been lying to myself for my entire life. The first time I sat down at the piano, Miss Psilo poured out of my fingertips.”

That is evident throughout, with an abundance of emotive instrumentation, along with a rawness that cuts through the heart of the track allowing space for the stunning piano solo to effortlessly enter across the mid-section of the song, in preparation for the harmonic saxophone to come in towards the end.

The album's final single, ‘Still Searching’, is an embrace and reclamation of one of Jerk’s earliest influences, the legendary Roy Ayers, and his piece ‘Searchin’. Gleaming with uplifting vibrations, 'Still Searching' is Jerk at their finest with melodic saxophone throughout, accompanying the abundance of instrumental layers and textures within the three and half minute striking and upbeat jazz number.

The album itself follows a period of change, understanding and coming of age for Jerk, which clearly transcends within the music, and sits fittingly within the album's title - Bloom. The music from beginning to end is raw in form and profoundly personal, as Jerk articulates:

“When a flower blooms, it’s a sign that everything went right - the soil was fertile, the sun and water met its needs, and the plant was nourished. Bloom is a collection of music I wrote when I was embracing my queer identity and coming out of the closet. Coming out wasn’t something I wanted at the time, but rather something I needed. In the same way, I didn’t intentionally write this music, it just seemed to pour out of my fingertips. This album is my bloom - proof that owning and embracing my truth was necessary to be nourished.

Bloom is very raw and very personal. The songs captured real-life moments of beauty, euphoria, fear, and awkwardness. When I decided to make this album, I wanted to capture that rawness. The drums are programmed. Everything else is a live instrument - you can hear my mistakes, my breathing, the piano bench squeaking, and the warm and hissy sound of signal pouring through vintage instruments, microphones, and preamps.” 

Myele Manzanza enlists the help of Omar, China Moses, Rosie Frater-Taylor & more for new album ‘Crisis & Opportunity, Vol.3 - Unfold’

Having established himself as one of the most energetic and exciting Jazz musicians within the already thriving worldwide scene, New Zealand born, London based Drummer & Producer Myele Manzanza has made a major impact upon the global music landscape.

Following the release of his last offering, a chance conversation between Myele and a young Barista at a local coffee shop occured - their topic (centred around the trials and tribulations of following your musical passions) sent Myele down a spiralling path of internal reflection, spawning a new lease of creative energy and examination of new ways to approach his craft. The third addition to the heralded series, ‘Crisis & Opportunity Vol.3 - Unfold’ sees Myele change his approach from drummer / improviser, altering his sonic output to an electronic focussed sound, sharing production duties with Lewis Moody (Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange). His initial instinct was to create music that could be played in a club, but also incorporate elements music of the Jazz and technical musicianship he’s renown for.

Buy on 12” Vinyl Now

Articulating his thoughts on the record’s genesis, Myele explains: ‘‘As the process developed, I was also drawing a lot of inspiration from vocal driven soul, RnB and songwriter-driven music, to a point where I had lit a new creative fire. Reconsidering the direction of the album, I was left with the creative question “What broader ranges of emotion might my music be able to access, and what kinds of art could be made possible if I were to open up my music to hold space for singers and for stories?”

First single ‘Silencing The Sun’ features the vocal talents of fast-rising  fellow Kiwi artist Wallace, whose spectral tones glide gracefully over the pulsating rhythm section and twinkling keys. On second single ’Therapy’ UK Soul royalty Omar weaves his trademark magic over a solid 4/4 beat, soulful key stabs and lush synths, bottling lightning into dancefloor alchemy. Final single ‘Unfold’ sees Rachel Fraser deliver a delicate and introspective vocal performance over stripped back instrumentation as cold, angular electronics juxtapose the warmth of piano keys and sweeping strings. With a wealth of additional incredible talent (such as China Moses and Rosie Frater Taylor)  enlisted to further compliment the record’s grainy synth textures, emotive chord changes, driving low end sonics and expressive percussion, the scene is set for a beautiful, shifting and engaging listening experience.

Articulating his thoughts on the record’s genesis, Myele explains: ‘‘As the process developed, I was also drawing a lot of inspiration from vocal driven soul, RnB and songwriter-driven music, to a point where I had lit a new creative fire. Reconsidering the direction of the album, I was left with the creative question “What broader ranges of emotion might my music be able to access, and what kinds of art could be made possible if I were to open up my music to hold space for singers and for stories?”

First single ‘Silencing The Sun’ features the vocal talents of fast-rising fellow Kiwi artist Wallace, whose spectral tones glide gracefully over the pulsating rhythm section and twinkling keys. On the second single ’Therapy’ UK Soul royalty Omar weaves his trademark magic over a solid 4/4 beat, soulful key stabs and lush synths, bottling lightning into dancefloor alchemy. Final single ‘Unfold’ sees Rachel Fraser deliver a delicate and introspective vocal performance over stripped-back instrumentation as cold, angular electronics juxtapose the warmth of piano keys and sweeping strings. With a wealth of additional incredible talent (such as China Moses and Rosie Frater Taylor) enlisted to further compliment the record’s grainy synth textures, emotive chord changes, driving low-end sonics and expressive percussion, the scene is set for a beautiful, shifting and engaging listening experience.

Jerk Release 'II. Sunshower', the first single from their forthcoming album 'Bloom'

DeepMatter is very excited to announce 'Bloom', the brand new album by Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Jerk.

Written in the late spring of 2021, the album's first offering, ‘Il. Sunshower’ demonstrates the boundless virtuosity of the Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, playing every instrument on the track (and the album for that matter) completely themselves, minus the programmed drums. The track offers a tantalising glimpse at what Jerk has created across the album and sees the polymath step into an exciting new zone of rawness and musical purity ahead of the album’s unveiling.

Speaking on the single, Jerk went on to say; “This was the first piece I had written in months, it seemed to pour out of my fingers. The melody, harmony, and textures felt so fresh and invigorating. I exported the demo to my phone and took a walk to Prospect Park in Brooklyn to listen. Mid walk, it started pouring rain, but there were hardly any clouds in the sky - a Sunshower. I was soaked head to toe, but it was so beautiful I couldn’t even be upset. It was a renewal - a washing away of the old and embrace of the new.’

The album itself follows a period of change, understanding and coming of age for Jerk, which clearly transcends within the music, and sits fittingly within the album's title - Bloom. The music from beginning to end is raw in form and profoundly personal, as Jerk articulates:

“When a flower blooms, it’s a sign that everything went right - the soil was fertile, the sun and water met its needs, and the plant was nourished. Bloom is a collection of music I wrote when I was embracing my queer identity and coming out of the closet. Coming out wasn’t something I wanted at the time, but rather something I needed. In the same way, I didn’t intentionally write this music, it just seemed to pour out of my fingertips. This album is my bloom - proof that owning and embracing my truth was necessary to be nourished.

Bloom is very raw and very personal. The songs captured real life moments of beauty, euphoria, fear, and awkwardness. When I decided to make this album, I wanted to capture that rawness. The drums are programmed. Everything else is a live instrument - you can hear my mistakes, my breathing, the piano bench squeaking, and the warm and hissy sound of signal pouring through vintage instruments, microphones, and preamps.”

Quinn Oulton Reveals New Single 'If You Could See Me Now'

Following the release of his debut album ‘Alexithymia’ back in May 2022, Quinn Oulton returns with a new single 'If You Could See Me Now'.

'If You Could See Me Now' sees Quinn Oulton flipping his own sample, revealing a darker side to the original hook that we saw back in a video on TikTok in April, which featured a pitched-up vocal hook and instantly struck a chord with Quinn's audience.

Already known for his unique concoction of electronic, indie and jazz, this song brings contemporary RnB elements such as heavily altered vocals, chopped acoustic guitars and fast-paced drums into the mix.

Myele Manzanza Announces ‘Crisis & Opportunity, Vol.3 - Unfold’

Having established himself as one of the most energetic and exciting Jazz musicians within the already thriving worldwide scene, New Zealand born, London based Drummer & Producer Myele Manzanza has made a major impact upon the global music landscape.

A founding member of Electric Wire Hustle, Myele has released five solo albums, and racked up tours and collaborations with Jordan Rakei, Theo Parrish, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Recloose and Amp Fiddler amongst others . Myele has developed a strong live presence in his new London base; his quartet has shared stages with the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote, The Bad Plus, Alfa Mist, and drawing packed houses to top venues such as The Jazz Café and Ronnie Scott’s. Last year, the first two instalments of his 'Crisis & Opportunity’ record series saw him garner praise from Mary Anne Hobbs, Cerys Matthews, Jamie Cullum, Huey Morgan, The Guardian, Complex, Jazz FM, Lefto, Worldwide FM, Jazzwise and more.

Following the release of his last offering, a chance conversation between Myele and a young Barista at a local coffee shop occured - their topic (centred around the trials and tribulations of following your musical passions) sent Myele down a spiralling path of internal reflection, spawning a new lease of creative energy and examination of new ways to approach his craft. The third addition to the heralded series, ‘Crisis & Opportunity Vol.3 - Unfold’ sees Myele change his approach from drummer / improviser, altering his sonic output to an electronic focussed sound, sharing production duties with Lewis Moody (Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange). His initial instinct was to create music that could be played in a club, but also incorporate elements music of the Jazz and technical musicianship he’s renown for.

Buy on 12” Vinyl Now

Articulating his thoughts on the record’s genesis, Myele explains: ‘‘As the process developed, I was also drawing a lot of inspiration from vocal driven soul, RnB and songwriter-driven music, to a point where I had lit a new creative fire. Reconsidering the direction of the album, I was left with the creative question “What broader ranges of emotion might my music be able to access, and what kinds of art could be made possible if I were to open up my music to hold space for singers and for stories?”

First single ‘Silencing The Sun’ features the vocal talents of fast-rising  fellow Kiwi artist Wallace, whose spectral tones glide gracefully over the pulsating rhythm section and twinkling keys. On second single ’Therapy’ UK Soul royalty Omar weaves his trademark magic over a solid 4/4 beat, soulful key stabs and lush synths, bottling lightning into dancefloor alchemy. Final single ‘Unfold’ sees Rachel Fraser deliver a delicate and introspective vocal performance over stripped back instrumentation as cold, angular electronics juxtapose the warmth of piano keys and sweeping strings. With a wealth of additional incredible talent (such as China Moses and Rosie Frater Taylor)  enlisted to further compliment the record’s grainy synth textures, emotive chord changes, driving low end sonics and expressive percussion, the scene is set for a beautiful, shifting and engaging listening experience.

Myele explains: “I guess that’s why the impromptu conversation with that neighbourhood barista at the beginning of this essay resonated with me so much. Music is such a profound  way to connect with other people and it can be an infinite and evergreen source of inspiration. I’m not a religious person but I can understand the spiritual impulse that comes from having something bigger than yourself that you can dedicate your life toward, and I suppose in many ways music serves that purpose for me . I’ve had phases in my life where I’ve had to put music to the side and in many ways those were the times when I was most lost and internally divided. I’m deeply grateful that my life is at a place now where I can devote myself to this weird ephemeral thing called music, make a life around it and release these offerings to the world.”

Stella Talpo Returns with New EP, 'FINE'

Born in a small town outside Milan, and raised in Singapore, Stella Talpo has wanderlust woven into her bones. Influenced by a wide range of artists from Billie Holiday to Nirvana, she gracefully traverses genres, with her poignant lyrics addressing themes from addiction and human behaviour to politics.

The new project sees Stella Talpo step into a new energy, a reclaimed self and with it, a reinvented sound, capturing a power and self-belief; sure to be a turning point in her winding and unusual story.

Speaking on the influences behind 'FINE', Stella said: "My best friends’ started a punk band [Shelf Lives] and I found myself listening to artists like Luna Aura, Audrey Nuna, Rina Sawayama, beabadoobee, Olivia Rodrigo and revisiting old grunge records I loved so much by Hole, Pearl Jam and Nirvana (such a 90’s baby)."

Oozing with vibrancy and soul, lead singles "Water" and "Where Did I Go" dissect subjects such as the allure of self-destructive behaviour, and personal validation and acceptance, sonically blending her rock roots with a distinguished, soulful sound.

Stella has a graceful way with words; probing her own artistic journey and personal development over the course of the EP, the 6 track release succinctly displays her talent as a lyricist and vocalist, delivering smart, introspective prose through her smoky, alluring vocal.

Speaking more on the lyrical themes at play on the upcoming 'FINE' EP, Stella said: "FINE is the eye-roll that follows the realisation that growth is never easy but always necessary. It is the reluctant willingness to grow up; the inconvenienced ‘ugh’ you moan in knowing that living a fulfilling life means abandoning your comfort zone. A nuisance that the curious welcome, the lament that precedes the ‘Fine then, bring it on'."

The Offline's Debut EP 'En-Clair Obscur' Is Here

Inspired by the moody soundtracks of 1960s and 1970s film composers such as Francois de Roubaix, Brian Bennet and David Axelrod, The Offline releases atmospheric, soulfully visual tunes with dramatic Library-music-esque cinematic arrangements.

In these times of endless sonic possibilities streaming out your computer 24/7 comes the idea of putting away the screen and going back to the beginning, with an analogue feel reminiscent of old funk and jazz albums you’d often found sampled in hip-hop, The Offline delivers songs that capture the feeling of a cool summer soundtrack.

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 the beach life on film. After coming back to Hamburg, he started writing songs to match the sonic counterpart to the analogue visuals and soon recognized that he needed to build a group of musicians. With Carl-Michael “Grabi” Grabinger on drums, Sebastian Schütze on bass and the brass section with Hans-Christian Stephan and Kimo Eiserbeck, he found highly skilled instrumentalists to help the tracks come to life.

Clair-Obscur, or better known as Chiaroscuro, is the use of light and dark areas in a painting or in an image. The use of light and dark, positive, and negative can also be found in music, whether in harmony progressions, arrangements or soundscapes to create a certain mood. With each track named by a famous surf spot, ‘En Clair-Obscur’ is a journey along the shores of the French Atlantic, paying homage to great French composers.

Quinn Oulton 'Alexithymia' has arrived

South London based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist & producer Quinn Oulton delivers his debut album, ‘Alexithymia’.

Following on from his recent singles, 'Far Away', 'Clashing Colours ft Moses Boyd', 'Better', 'Royalty' and 'Sober', lead single 'Next Time' forms an arresting body of work, with its subtle delicate touches and Quinn's soulful, heartfelt delivery. He continues to carve out a unique musical style, one that refuses to be pigeonholed or categorised.

Quinn Says: "I think Next Time was the only time I’ve written a complete song in one sitting. I wrote it in about 15 minutes, sitting on the Northern Line. I heard the chords and the production in my head, and typed it all out on my phone. It was an immediate reaction to what was going on in that moment, and it seemed to just spill out in a very natural way. I decided not to change any of the words, to keep it as true as possible to how I was processing my feelings at the time."

He goes on to add: 'My album ‘Alexithymia’ dissects events from different relationships, whether family, friends, or romantic, presented as a single story from start to finish. Obsession, frustration, passion, false hope, grief, self-pity, helplessness, and acceptance are all part of this story. I wrote it in this way because I was trying to work out why I connect so much with sad or melancholic music, and I realised that maybe listening to that music was filling a hole that I didn’t know I had. It was comforting to hear somebody process their own troubles outwardly when I didn't feel I had a way, or even a reason, to do so myself. Writing the album has been an extremely therapeutic process as I've been able to seek out difficult parts of my life that I'd buried because I couldn't process them at the time."

Quinn Oulton exhibits a raw sound, melding soaring vocals and tangled acoustic textures with complex electronics. The sound is deeply unique, which is understandable when you consider the journey that he has taken to reach this point in his career.

He adds: "I think a lot of people, particularly men, struggle to recognise and process their own emotions. It makes it very hard to share them with others, and it’s something that needs addressing to allow for healthier relationships with other people and yourself."

Quinn picked up the saxophone at a very young age. His thirst for music was nurtured by mentors Julian Joseph and Soweto Kinch - two heavyweights of the UK jazz scene. Although jazz was his focus, he was also surrounded by blues, folk and rock music at home thanks to his dad’s diverse record collection.

His first leap into the world as a solo artist was a self-produced EP in 2017, when he began exploring his own voice and how to manipulate his skills as an instrumentalist to tell a story. These releases earned him a place on the 2018 Red Bull Music Academy. The two-week course entirely changed his scope and ambitions, as his eyes were opened to the world of electronic music culture - working alongside legends such as Just Blaze and father of techno Mike Banks (Underground Resistance).

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.