South London-based saxophonist and composer Lewis Daniel sets the stage for his upcoming album, Defective Disk, with the release of two striking singles, “Find Your Tribe” and “Ships Do Sail,” out 17 January 2025. These tracks offer a glimpse into the conceptual and sonic depth of the album, which is slated for release in May 2025.
“Find Your Tribe”: A Celebration of Connection
“Find Your Tribe” is a pulsating blend of afrobeat rhythms and futuristic, video game-inspired sounds. With its rich textures and cultural nods, the track channels the spirit of Wakanda’s vibrant energy and Fela Kuti’s revolutionary rhythms, all while maintaining an unmistakable South London edge.
Produced by DJ Harrsn, whose remix of House Gospel Choir’s “God Is Trying” earned the title of Hottest Record on Annie Mac’s show, “Find Your Tribe” takes listeners on a heartfelt journey. The track crescendos into a lush string arrangement and features an inspiring voice note from gospel choir director Daniel Thomas, offering both wisdom and humor: “Align with souls on your path” and “Never allow anyone in your life who doesn’t add to it.”
“Finding your tribe was pivotal for me in my 20s. I needed people who saw me for who I really am and pushed me to grow. It took a lot of trial and error, but I’m grateful for all the tribes that helped me reach where I am today.”
For Lewis, the song is deeply personal. He reflects,
“Ships Do Sail”: Navigating Loss and Letting Go
The second single, “Ships Do Sail,” is a deeply emotional exploration of endings. Fusing drum and bass, glitchy electronic textures, and experimental jazz, the track captures the turbulence of drifting apart from people or situations that no longer serve us.
Drawing on metaphors of water, the song reflects the pain and confusion of loss, whether it’s a friendship, a job, or a relationship.
“Things coming to a natural end because people drift apart is totally fine… it doesn’t necessarily have to be dramatic.”
Rachel Kerry’s poignant voice note encapsulates the track’s essence:
This was the first track Lewis wrote for Defective Disk, marking a creative and emotional turning point.
“I was going through a friendship break-up that really tore me apart. Writing this song became a form of therapy. We don’t often talk about friendship break-ups, so it’s hard to know how to deal with them. This track helped me process those feelings and build the cyberpunk world that the album now lives in.”
he shares
A Preview of Defective Disk
The forthcoming album, Defective Disk, is a 13-track narrative following a video game character named Xavier through a futuristic, cyberpunk world. Rooted in jazz but layered with hip-hop, electronic music, and Caribbean influences, the album pushes genre boundaries.
Collaborators include drummer Sam Jones (Nubya Garcia, Binker Golding), Natty Reeves, Tee Peters, and actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit, Star Wars). The album also features contributions from The House Gospel Choir, a string quartet, steel pans, and an extended brass section.
Lewis Daniel: A Rising Star
A graduate of The BRIT School, Guildhall School of Music, and Tomorrow’s Warriors, Lewis Daniel is making waves as a session musician and arranger. His resume includes performances and recordings with Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, and Tom Grennan, and he recently toured with Florence and The Machine, culminating in a standout performance at Madison Square Garden.
With Defective Disk and its captivating singles, Lewis Daniel is poised to redefine the jazz landscape, blending personal storytelling with innovative sounds. “Find Your Tribe” and “Ships Do Sail” are just the beginning of a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression.
