Lewis Daniel’s Cybernetic Jazz Vision: “Tech Glitch” & “When I”
South London-based saxophonist and composer Lewis Daniel is set to release Defective Disk—his ambitious 13-track conceptual jazz album—on 09 May 2025. As a preview, he unveils two compelling singles, “Tech Glitch” and “When I” (feat. Tee Peters), dropping 18 April 2025. These tracks showcase Daniel’s fusion of jazz, hip-hop, electronic textures, and Caribbean influences, blending cyberpunk aesthetics with deep introspection.
“Tech Glitch” – A Sonic Representation of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts
“Tech Glitch” is a glitchy, tech-driven disco-jazz piece that mirrors the chaos of anxiety and depression through computer errors and system malfunctions. The track features:
- Lush synth textures
- A jazz scat duet with steel pannist Marlon Hibbert
- Granular effects and distortion by producer DJ Harrsn
“a humorous yet poignant reminder to step back, talk to someone, and untangle what’s really going on.”
Daniel describes it as
Inspired by feelings of mental paralysis and emotional disarray, “Tech Glitch” captures the unpredictable nature of intrusive thoughts, reflecting the digital and psychological overload of modern life.
“When I” – The Hedonistic Treadmill & The Illusion of Success
Featuring acclaimed rapper Tee Peters, “When I” is a dark hip-hop jazz fusion track that escalates into a soaring gospel ride-out. The track explores the relentless pursuit of success, with themes of capitalism, digital surveillance, and the fleeting nature of ambition.
- A distorted synth bass lays the foundation
- House Gospel Choir vocals amplify the emotional weight
- A lush string quartet adds cinematic depth
Tee Peters’ verse paints a stark picture of a world where “brotherhood is transacting” and “family is never lasting,” exposing the exhausting cycle of external validation. The haunting choir refrains—“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do… I don’t know what I’ve got to lose”—build tension, leading to a cathartic gospel-infused outro.
“This song represents a younger version of me—hopeful, naïve, believing success would be the answer. But life keeps shifting the goalposts.”
Daniel reflects,
‘Defective Disk’ – A Cyber-Jazz Odyssey
Set in a futuristic cyberpunk world, Defective Disk follows Xavier, a video game character navigating a broken system. Inspired by the storytelling of Frank Ocean and Beyoncé, Daniel’s genre-blurring project fuses UK jazz, hip-hop, and electronic soundscapes with his Caribbean heritage.
With “Tech Glitch” and “When I”, Lewis Daniel continues to push the boundaries of jazz, blending conceptual storytelling with sonic innovation. These singles set the stage for Defective Disk—a bold, immersive journey into the digital and emotional glitches of our time.
Release Details
- Singles: “Tech Glitch” & “When I” (feat. Tee Peters)
- Release Date: 18 April 2025
- Album: Defective Disk
- Album Release Date: 9 May 2025
Stay tuned for more from Lewis Daniel, as Defective Disk promises to be one of the most innovative UK jazz albums of the year.
