Mancunian pianist and producer Matt Wilde releases his debut album ‘Hello World’ via Band on the Wall Recordings. With a slew of hotly tipped projects released over the past two years via Root Records & Inner Ocean Records – Matt has been steadily gaining support from the likes of Jamie Cullum, Gilles Peterson, Tom Ravenscroft, Jazz FM & many more. With his name firmly cemented as one to watch in the Jazz / Beats landscape, ‘Hello World’ promises to be his most expansive body of work to date.
‘Hello World’ is an audio catalogue of personal experiences, thoughts and feelings, shared with honesty and curiosity for the human condition. Matt crafts emotive and uplifting compositions denoting a tender illustration of the human experience, finding and celebrating the simple and beautiful moments of life.
From the initial key flourishes of first single and LP opener ‘Who Cares‘, ‘Hello World’ embeds the listener in a technicolour world of rich melodies, crisp instrumentation and meditative grooves. Second single ‘Figuring‘ stays on this boom-bap inspired theme, and sees Matt joined by Carrtoons on bass, and Rebekah Reid on Violin. Third single ‘Savvy‘ sees harmonic bass and keys riffs intertwine over a syncopated beat, before watery rhodes chords pave the way for a mood elevating brass section to take centre stage. With improvisation at the heart of this piece, elegant ivory patterns tumble atop sporadic low end notes and elevating strings. Over its eleven track duration, the album channels calming sonics, passionate playing and an optimistic, playful outlook whilst offering moments of reflection and calm.
The relationship between Matt and Band on the Wall is a true family affair, reaching all the way back to Matt’s teenage years. Matt explains: “I grew up in Manchester after my mum emigrated from Poland. I was surrounded by MCs, rappers and musicians who were writing and recording hip hop and grime. I began producing, making beats and DJing, and spent several years getting involved in workshops at Band on the Wall through music charity Brighter Sound, which laid the foundations for my musical development. Growing up, I was enveloped by loads of different cultures which have all fed into the music I make and continue to inspire me today. The Manchester music scene is thriving with so many innovative artists doing their thing and making a big impression, and I’m proud to be from here.”
The release of ‘Hello World’ is the culmination of a beautiful full circle moment, showcasing what can be achieved when community and creativity is given a space to grow organically.
