Sean Haefeli Unveils ‘Flying Broken Form’ (Album Sampler)
Berlin-based jazz and soul innovator Sean Haefeli is gearing up for the release of his independently crafted fifth album, Flying Broken Form, set to drop on 4th April 2025. Ahead of the full release, Haefeli presents a three-track album sampler featuring ‘Drop,’ ‘Battle Cry,’ and ‘Ride to the Beat,’ all set for release on 28th February 2025.
Born in Indianapolis and now rooted in Berlin’s vibrant jazz scene, Haefeli is a genre-defying artist whose work effortlessly fuses jazz, soul, and hip-hop. His ability to seamlessly flow like an emcee, craft melodies with the finesse of a singer, and improvise with the dexterity of a pianist has carved a unique creative lane—one that bridges the classic with the contemporary.
The Sound of ‘Flying Broken Form’
‘Drop’ – A Bold Reawakening

With ‘Drop’, Sean Haefeli reintroduces himself in full command of his artistic prowess. His melodic rap delivery dances over a fusion of bossa-funk rhythms, soulful bass lines, and vivid chord progressions. A layered composition, the track crescendos with background vocals, a striking piano solo, and a hypnotic groove that lingers as he delivers the introspective refrain:
“They keep saying next time, maybe it’s the best time.”
‘Battle Cry’ – A Soulful Reflection

Drawing from his early gospel influences, ‘Battle Cry’ unfolds with a deep, meditative organ sound, complemented by analog synth textures and a stripped-down beat. The lyrics explore themes of resilience and self-awareness:
“Amplified future, disembodied past, a handful of sutras, hope I’m up to task to last and go the distance.”
The song builds into a layered, arpeggiated soundscape, enriched by delays, background vocals, and a driving bassline, before concluding with a quiet yet powerful plea:
“Lead me to the water, lead me to your battle cry.”
‘Ride to the Beat’ – A Timeless Groove

A reimagining of a track Sean Haefeli originally recorded with DJ Vadim nearly a decade ago, ‘Ride to the Beat’ radiates an effortless summertime energy. Featuring tight horn riffs, a dub-infused bassline, and warm keys, the track invites listeners on an upbeat journey:
“Six gears on a cosmic ride.”
Its seamless blend of jazz and soul showcases Haefeli’s ability to revive and reinterpret his own work, making it feel both fresh and timeless.
A Global Collective Shaping the Sound
A true sonic adventurer, Haefeli’s creative journey led him from Indianapolis to Berlin, where he immersed himself in the city’s international jazz circuit. His ability to meld genres and styles has earned him recognition from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson and Lefto, as well as collaborations with acts such as Jazzanova and The Polish Ambassador.
For Flying Broken Form, Haefeli has assembled a powerhouse ensemble, reflecting Berlin’s cosmopolitan music scene:
- Francesco Beccaro (Italy) – Bass
- Dima Bondarev (Ukraine) – Trumpet
- Ben Kraef (Germany) – Saxophone
- Clinton Agu (Nigeria) – Drums
- Magro (Germany) – Drums/Production
With experience spanning from Kurt Rosenwinkel to Popa Chubby and Fave, these musicians bring a wealth of influence, allowing the album to transcend traditional genre boundaries while delivering a visceral and compelling artistic statement.
A Bold Step Forward
Flying Broken Form isn’t just an album—it’s a journey through intricate harmonies, hypnotic grooves, and thought-provoking lyricism. Haefeli’s command of storytelling and sonic textures makes this project a compelling listen for fans of jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop-infused soundscapes. With the album’s 4th April release on the horizon, the sampler offers a first glimpse into a body of work that is bound to leave a lasting impact.
Get ready to experience the future of jazz and soul—Sean Haefeli’s Flying Broken Form is about to take flight.