Next Wave #630: Sam Gellaitry

Vividly imaginative instrumental hip hop...

Last summer Sam Gellaitry’s much-lauded track ‘reflectionz’ – a stuttering expression with elements of Far East strings and stuttering percussion – garnered him much-deserved attention, with the likes of Lakim, Vic Mensa, Zane Lowe and Cashmere Cat expressing admiration.

Serving him with more ammo for his debut project, 'Short Stories', the Scottish producer is expressing renewed confidence. “This EP was inspired by the appreciation my music gained on SoundCloud during summertime,” he explains to Clash. “The project wouldn't exist if it wasn't for that.”

Sam recently became Soulection’s newest signee, with the label throwing their support behind him – and it's clear the respect is mutual. Calling the imprint “the future of music,” when asked what it represented to him, his addition to the camp is befitting considering the multiple sonic patterns which exist in the label's – and his own – ethos.

A testament to his talent and the anticipation surrounding him, Gellaitry embarked on his first tour around Europe with The Sound of Tomorrow late last month, coinciding with the release of 'Short Stories'.

“I knew I wanted it to be cinematic and story-like. There are no lyrics on any of these tracks so it was important to me to keep people interested by using as many ideas as possible,” said Sam of the release. “This project was influenced by the energies that started my interest in trap music infused with the dynamics and appeal of house, funk and jazz – the genres that inspired me to make music from the start.”

'Short Stories' displayed thought-processes which leaned more towards hues and colours, breaking away from standard song structures “in order for these tracks to take the listener on a journey and leave a lasting impression, just as a story would.” And that’s exactly what he does with this project, taking you on an undulating parlay through his influences right to the closing track, 'the end'.

WHAT: Vividly imaginative instrumental hip hop
WHERE: Stirling, Scotland Get 3 songs: ‘Reflectionz’, ‘Body Party (remix)’, ‘Bruh’
FACT: Sam's father has a background making bagpipes.

Words: Laura Arowolo

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