London-based jazz artist Goya Gumbani drops “Valley of Def feat. Pearl De Luna” alongside producer Subculture ahead of their upcoming EP called "KRYSTIN". The EP will include 7 collaborative tracks from both artists and is expected to be a sensation of noise.

This latest track “Valley of Def feat. Pearl De Luna” is a jazzy, dreamy escape that is needed after summer - it connects the classic aesthetic (such as the streets of Brick Lane) with the vintage impression from the 80s melody. Gumbani's mellow flow is complemented by the soulful vocals of Pearl de Luna & Subculture's evocative production with stories of loss and learning. The overall effect is introspective and meditative; hip hop but free-form, taking you out of the club and into a low-lit corner deep in the subconscious.

Gumbani, is recognized for his recent COLORS performance and acclaimed collaborations within various electronic and jazz circles (Joy Orbison, Joe Armon-Jones, Rago Foot), and he contributes his always recognizable Brooklyn-tinted delivery while navigating his learnings, losses and lived experiences.

Subculture has won praise from the likes of the New York Times, Fader, WNYC, BBC Radio 1, Line of Best Fit, COLORS, Jamz Supernova for his years of producing, song writing and DJ'ing. He is committed to lifting a new generation of artists producing experimental hip hop and soul.

Subculture now brings Goya Gumbani into his ever-expanding fold with “Valley of Def feat. Pearl De Luna” and the forthcoming "KRYSTIN" EP.

We talk with the pair about their recent music, explore their inspirations and uncover their opinions on the forever expanding industry.

How are you finding being a musician in London during these current times?

GG: London has been good to me, i like it here. It’s like a creative pot so I’m always inspired, everyone shares a similar hunger.

Where do you usually pull your inspiration from?

GG: normally life, things around me. Things I watch and see, interactions & conversations I have, Weither that be people I know or strangers... OH and sonics, the power of music, The feeling it leaves.

Describe the creative process behind new single "Valley of Def”, where did the idea come about, how long did it take you to create the track etc?

GG: At the time of making that song I was in a gnarly place. my sister passed away a few weeks before and me and my shortie broke up. Shit was ROUGH. Me and Sub (Subculture) had made a few tracks, but I was kinda just learning how to make a song at the time with hooks and shit, just closed my eyes and did what felt natural. In all the song didn’t take long to make, we made multiply that day if I’m correct.

Are you looking forward to performing the track live? Have you got any shows lined up, can you tell us a bit about them?

GG: Yeah, I love live! I’m super ready to take the whole project on the road. I’m gonna be playing boiler room festival in London and a paris gig all in October.

What was it like working with Pearl De Luna, did her persona match the jazzy lo-fi hip hop beat which is signature to you?

GG: Pearl is like my baby sister, she’s one of the purest people I know. Pearl always surprises me every time we make stuff. Her vocal control is insane at the quietest range. I knew she was perfect for the vibe off the rip.

How would you describe your and Goya's relationship?

SC: We’re both fans of each other’s work and both have quite different approaches. Collectively pooling references and ideas from a lot of different places, it was always about finding beauty in a middle ground. I think broadly speaking there was a real trust and openness in our sessions and the objective for me was to tap into the frequency and channel that in the music.

I love the style of the music video, why did you choose old fashioned cinematography?

GG: the movie Babylon inspired the video. It’s one of my fav British movies. It captures southeast London at a time when shit was rough for black West Indian community, but the music and vibes couldn’t be stopped. The way it was shot just has a feel of age to it. Like some fine aged wine shit.

How would you like your music to develop even more over the next couple of years?

GG: I’m always experimenting over different stuff. I got sooo much to give. I guess I would wanna just tune my ear even more.