From Here On Out

Description

Sonedo is a stage builder. This Nippo-Scottish producer, pianist, and bandleader is at the forefront of an essential new British sound, blending jazz improvisation, rap, and grime. His music is collaborative and flexible, a mix of live instruments intertwined with MCs and singers. Equally at home in a jazz setting as in a club, he has received support from Jamz Supernova and Gilles Peterson for his work with Rebecca Vasmant; he was awarded the Peter Whittingham Jazz Development Award; and headlined his first concert at the Lancaster Jazz Festival, confirming his place as one of the most captivating voices on the Scottish jazz and rap scene. Sonedo grew up in a large Japanese family, first finding his voice on the piano at his cousin's house at the age of seven. Based in Glasgow and completing his studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he has established himself as a key figure in British jazz. A longtime fan of A Tribe Called Quest, J. Cole, and especially Kendrick Lamar, his style also draws inspiration from jazz pioneers like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, as well as the modern British movement led by Alfa Mist, Yussef Dayes, Venna, and the Glasgow group Corto.Alto. Longtime musical director and bandleader of the group BEMZ, Sonedo has become an essential link between the Scottish jazz and rap scenes. His production work reflects this same cross-generational ease. His collaborative projects embrace house and jungle-tinged drum & bass, and he has also transposed his hybrid live approach into electronic spaces. A rising talent, Sonedo continues to develop a unique sound characterized by collaboration, cultural openness, and deep roots in jazz tradition and contemporary British club culture.