“Find Your Tribe” and “Ships Do Sail” are the first singles to be taken from South London-based saxophonist and composer Lewis Daniel’s forthcoming conceptual jazz album, “Defective Disk,” due for release in May 2025.
“Find Your Tribe” underscores the vital role of community and kinship, blending rich afrobeat rhythms with futuristic, video game-inspired sounds. This single evokes a meeting point between the vibrant, cultural pulse of Wakanda and the revolutionary spirit of Fela Kuti, taking listeners on a captivating sonic journey with a distinct South London vibe. The track is more than just music; it’s a warm embrace—a celebration of the support and strength found in those who feel like family. Produced by acclaimed DJ Harrsn (whose remix of “God Is Trying” by House Gospel Choir was crowned Hottest Record on Annie Mac’s show), “Find Your Tribe” showcases Lewis’s experimental production, leading up to a lush string section and a powerful voice note from renowned gospel choir director Daniel Thomas. Thomas delivers an uplifting and sometimes humorous message, urging us to “align with souls on your path” and to “never allow anyone in your life who doesn’t add to it.” Reflecting on the theme, Lewis Daniel shares: “Finding your tribe was pivotal for me in my 20s. I needed people who saw me for who I really am and pushed me to grow. It took a lot of trial and error, but I’m grateful for all the tribes that helped me reach where I am today.”
Second single “Ships Do Sail” is a powerful blend of drum and bass, electronic, and experimental jazz that marks a pivotal point in his upcoming album. This drum-and-bass-driven track, layered with glitchy electronic textures, industrial sounds, takes listeners on an emotional voyage through turbulent waters. Drawing on powerful water metaphors, “Ships Do Sail” symbolises the process of drifting apart and learning to release relationships that no longer serve us. “Ships Do Sail” dives deep into the emotional process of learning to let go—whether it’s a friendship, a job, or a relationship breakdown. With pulsating rhythms and innovative production inspired by Radiohead and Hudson Mohawke, this track captures the confusion and pain that comes with navigating loss. It speaks to the harsh reality of how two close friends can suddenly feel like strangers in an instant. Produced by acclaimed DJ Harrsn (whose remix of “God Is Trying” by House Gospel Choir was crowned Hottest Record on Annie Mac’s show), the track marries haunting strings, ambient vocals, robotic synth textures, and voice notes that offer poignant reflections on endings. A key moment comes from Rachel Kerry, who says: “Things coming to a natural end because people drift apart is totally fine… it doesn’t necessarily have to be dramatic”—though it often is. Reflecting on the track, Lewis Daniel shares: “This was the first song I wrote for the album, and it was the seed for everything that followed. I was going through a friendship break-up that really tore me apart, and writing this song became a form of therapy. We don’t often talk about friendship break-ups, so it’s hard to know how to deal with them. This track helped me process those feelings and build the cyberpunk world that the album now lives in, blending my love for video games with music that carries deeply personal messages.”
Listen to ‘Find Your Tribe’ here
Press Release courtesy of Only Good Stuff
