
Further praise from: Benji B (BBC Radio 1), Global Roots (Rinse FM), Marshmello (NTS), Kid Hops (KEXP), Tom Ravenscroft (BBC 6Music), Okayplayer, Groove, Four Heads, Music Is My Sanctuary
Brussels-based producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ Kuna Maze, aka Edouard Gilbert, announces the release of his sophomore album ‘Layers’—a live-driven LP out Friday 7th March. Featuring the previously released single “Bristol Changes”, the album also includes the newly unveiled track 'Stab', where energetic jazz meets broken beat grooves. The band are celebrating the album at their release party on Friday 7th March, at AB Concerts in Brussels.
'Stab' showcases Kuna Maze's signature style of intricate rhythms and melodies. Describing the track, he explains: “I built 'Stab' around a staccato chord. I first came up with the chord and rhythm of the chord, I wanted to have an ethereal sax theme on top of it at the beginning, with a kind of half-time drum feel. The track slowly builds up to an epic momentum with a solo of Ee on saxophone and strong open synth sound. For me there's a feeling of something moving forward in this track, growing to finally release itself, releasing the energy that has accumulated".
Kuna Maze worked directly with the band in the studio to record ‘Layers’, channelling the energy, emotion and spontaneity that are present in his live shows. This album can be seen as a jazz record that invites deep listening at home and offers a glimpse into Kuna Maze's vibrant live energy. Drawing from the dynamic UK jazz scene, Kuna Maze’s music takes jazz as a foundation and expands into various genres—from house to dub—pushing boundaries without sacrificing coherence or his own unique sound signature.
Kuna Maze’s debut album ‘Night Shift’ musically evokes the nostalgia of sweaty and smoky jazz clubs through the prism of modern electronic music. The LP boasts features with the creative polymath Steve Spacek and Midva, aka Nils Boyni, keyboardist from Emile Londonien. Kuna Maze toured extensively around Europe with his live band, including stand-out performances at Brussels Jazz Weekend, Super Sonic Jazz Festival and ESNS, and making his debut in Canada with a tour around Quebec. Kuna Maze topped this all off by sharing an amazing live-action short film, soundtracked with music from ‘Night Shift’ directed by Rocco Manta.
ABOUT KUNA MAZE
Kuna Maze is known for his releases alongside Lyon-based producer and long-time collaborator Nikitch. The duo released their debut and sophomore albums ‘Débuts’ and ‘Back & Forth’ via Tru Thoughts. Their second LP was made Worldwide FM’s Test Press Club Record and gained acclaim from Jamz Supernova, Mary Anne Hobbs (BBC 6Music) and Okayplayer. The album was followed by a Europe-wide tour with standout shows at Dour Festival, Ronnie Scott’s (London) and Le Botanique (Brussels).
Holding down previous residencies on Brussels’ essential radio platform, Kiosk Radio, and community music space Volta, Kuna Maze has firmly made Brussels his home, a metropolis with a flourishing and emulating jazz-electronic scene (home to Alia, Echt!, Le Motel, Lefto, Mika Oki). Constantly evolving and adapting his sounds, Kuna Maze has played alongside accomplished producers, such as Nosaj Thing, Flako, Lapalu and Machinedrum, while boasting releases on Cascade and Galant Records, as well as remixes and collaborations with the likes of Andreya Triana, Toshio Matsuura, Blu Samu, Black Josh, Ødyssee, Katuchat, Woodwire, Winston McAnuff and more.
Kuna Maze has found a new home on the Brighton-staple Tru Thoughts, turning his hand to the resurgent sounds of jazz-infused broken beat, releasing two EPs, “My Fish Is Burning” and “Backward” as well as his debut album ‘Night Shift’ on the imprint. Kuna Maze’s music has garnered support from key tastemakers like Jamz Supernova, Gilles Peterson, Lefto, Tarsza, Nubya Garcia and many more, bringing his live shows and DJ sets to stages such as Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festival, Les Nuits Sonores and Parisians finest Giant Steps.
KUNA MAZE LIVE
07/03, Ancienne Belgique, Brussels