SK Shlomo knows how it feels to be on top of the world. For a decade, the genre-defying, award-winning producer, beatboxer and live-looper has set new standards for his craft, working with Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Damon Albarn. Two years ago, he took a step back to work out what he wanted and his world seemed to crumble. Diagnosed with PTSD, he was forced to confront his past.
His forthcoming debut album Surrender candidly explores surviving depression – a richly-atmospheric electronic journey from life’s darkest moments to celebrating new beginnings.
“I had a great time putting this tracklist together – I am a real late night music lover, and a bunch of these tracks have helped me through some of those trickier nights. The best music can just take you away and sometimes when you get back you’ve changed a little bit inside.”
1. Underwaterfall – Bearcubs
Can’t hold my breath for another – I fell in love with this track when it was suggested on Apple Music last year, I love how it holds tension, builds and releases.
2. Never, Never – SBTRKT
I consider this album to be a modern electronic classic – the emotions, harmonies, soaring synths, so much to love.
3. Life Round Here – James Blake
The trippy disorientation in this track feels like a journey to the past and future at the same time, and when it goes off, oh my gosh…
4. Invisible – SK Shlomo
Invisible is about feeling something creeping in whilst you’re looking away and quietly destroying everything you have. It’s me taking my pain and making it my power.
5. Blood Type – Turtle & Eliza Shaddad
This song is the end of the night coma that does just what it says: “like a drug”.
6. Protection – Massive Attack
“Stand in front of you, take the force of the blow, protection” – I’ve gone back to this song time and again in hard times – i just get lost in the rich soundscapes, it’s like walking out in a summer rainstorm and washing all the baggage away.
7. Blood On Me – Sampha
I’m a massive Sampha fan and this track tells such a fascinating story. I saw him live at the Roundhouse last year and this track went off.
8. Running – Moderat
I think I heard that Moderat announced they are going separate ways which is heartbreaking, this whole album is so inspiring. It makes me want to run to my studio and start making.
9. AO – Submotion Orchestra
I’ve known these guys for years and this album in particular blew me away. Perfect for the late late late sessions.
10. Glow – Precept
This is a young producer from Leeds, I love the space he creates in his vocals and his productions and can’t wait to hear what he’s going to create next
These tracks in a secret Spotify playlist:
Pre-order Surrender, SK Shlomo’s debut studio album:
Watch SK Shlomo’s monthly live stream #WeAreListening, featuring guests like Jason Mraz, Kodaline Bill Bailey talking about mental health and creativity
http://skshlomo.com/wearelistening
Catch SK Shlomo LIVE at London’s Hospital Club on Nov 28th 2018:
http://skshlomo.com/tour
