Having built a stellar reputation under the pseudonym Alphabets Heaven, releasing records via the likes of Nightmares On Wax, Tru Thoughts, Soundway and King Deluxe, London artist Jonny Wildey has changed direction embracing the sites and sounds of 70s soul, jazz and funk. The neo-soul soundscapes are no more apparent on his latest cut, double a-side single Your Dreams/Lonely, tracks taken from his forthcoming album, Nitely.
Wildey recorded the album upstairs at Total Refreshment Centre, where he gleaned inspiration from artists such as Neue Grafik Ensemble who were creating new sounds in the very same space. This, allied to a love of 70s soul music, has seen Wildey spread his wings and develop a rich, dynamic neo-soul sound both contemporary and vintage in its approach. Your Dreams/Lonely offers an insight into Wildey’s creativity as ‘Your Dreams’ straddles the line between the jazz-funk influence of producers like David Axelrod, while ‘Lonely’ embraces the warmth and intimacy of soul artists like Shuggie Otis and Bill Withers.
‘Your Dreams’ comes swaggering out of the traps as Jonny’s funk-inspired guitar licks are accented by a grooving beat, slick basslines and his seductive vocal tones. While ‘Lonely’, languid, soulful and gentle, sits somewhere between The Commodores ‘Easy’ and Bill Withers ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, as Wildey’s emotive lyricism shines brightly. The double a-side works perfectly as a companion piece and illustrates the eclectic nature of Wildey’s forthcoming album, Nitely.
The record has an impressive list of collaborators including Danalogue (The Comet Is Coming, Soccer96), Emma Gatrill (This Is The Kit, Laura Marling), Marcus Hamblett (James Holden, Timber Timbre) and London-based beat master Deft (Yip Wong). This, along with Wildey’s impressive range of musicianship, has meant he has been able to pick up support from the likes of Huw Stephens (BBCR6), Huey Morgan (BBCR6), Dom Servini (Wah Wah 45s), Clash Magazine and WorldWide FM.
Your Dreams/Lonely is out now. Nitely is due for release on 15th October 2021 via WotNot Music.