Matt Wilde - Find a Way (Album) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: @sophiajcarey
Matt Wilde Finds a Way – New Album Blends Jazz, Hip-Hop & Electronics
Manchester-based pianist, composer and producer Matt Wilde returns with his latest album ‘Find a Way’, released via his own label Hello World Records. The project is a reflection on creativity, resilience, and the beauty of imperfection – reminding us that progress often comes not from perfect conditions, but from persistence and openness to the unexpected.
Blending jazz improvisation with hip-hop rhythms and electronic textures, Find a Way explores the idea of navigating life’s uncertainties. The title track captures this ethos, unfolding with a hypnotic loop and metronomic drums that give way to a rich conversation between keys and trumpet – representing the non-linear journeys we all take.
Created in collaboration with trumpeter and composer Aaron Wood in a rural DIY studio outside Huddersfield, the album was supported by Arts Council England. Rather than rely on traditional live drums, Matt programmed intricate beats using Ableton Live – a meticulous decision that gives the album its distinctive modern edge.
Wilde’s unconventional path into jazz – from making grime beats for friends to discovering Madlib, J Dilla and Pete Rock – is woven throughout the record. Tracks like “Windup” and “It’s Ok, Feel It” channel influences from UK club culture and Manchester’s iconic venues, fusing glitchy basslines with crisp dancefloor energy.
A proud Mancunian with Polish heritage, Matt’s work is rooted in community and inclusion. Alongside his creative output, he’s the founder of the UK’s first youth-led charity and a trustee of Manchester’s Brighter Sound. Hello World Records is an extension of these values – championing grassroots music with fairness at its core.
With support from BBC 6Music, Jazz FM, BBC Introducing Manchester and more, Matt has performed headline shows across the UK and continues to be a key voice in the country’s ever-evolving jazz and beats scene.
Catch Matt live at the below dates, cop tickets here.
1st Nov – Headrow House, Leeds
4th Nov – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
6th Nov – Servant Jazz Quarters, London
8th Nov – Low Four Studios, Manchester
Matt Wilde sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I didn’t study music, and I discovered jazz through an unconventional journey. Starting out as a self-taught beat maker, I grew up making tracks for friends in the Manchester grime scene before falling in love with jazz by crate digging and finding records that hip hop legends were sampling. I was DJ’ing electronic music in Manchester in my late teens at venues like Sankeys, and developed a real love for club music and the connection between movement and dancing.
Stumbling across J Dilla’s “Life”, and the sampling of Miles Davis “Blue in Green”, was the closest to creative expression that I could imagine. From that day, I started learning piano in the hope that one day I might be able to sample my own playing like the greats were sampling others.
My new album ‘Find a Way’ is an expression of this journey. It’s an open and honest body of music which reflects my musical influences and is constantly evolving.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’ve been hugely influenced by legends including J Dilla, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and Erykah Badu, alongside contemporary US jazz artists like Robert Glasper, Kiefer and Amber Navran (Moonchild) - all of whom I’d love to work with.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Find a Way is out Friday 10th October and it’s the debut album release on my own imprint Hello World Records. The album was funded by Arts Council England and created in close collaboration with trumpeter and composer Aaron Wood – we spent a lot of time recording in Aaron’s rural DIY studio in Huddersfield. Will be following this with a tour which kicks off in Leeds on 1st Nov, Edinburgh on 4th Nov, London on 6th Nov, and Manchester on the 8th Nov.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I like to dig into improvisation and jazz harmony, creating a sound that bridges jazz, hip hop, and electronic music. To me, creativity comes not through waiting for the perfect conditions, but through constantly exploring and moving persistently through the imperfect.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
A lot of my proud moments have happened in the last year or so but releasing this record on my own imprint and playing Brick Lane Jazz Festival in 2024 stand out. I’m also excited about the momentum I’m building on YouTube, sharing my creative process in case it helps others with theirs. Collaborating and being true to myself is all I could hope for, so being able to do that makes me proud.
Picture Credit: @sophiajcarey
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Try to remind yourself why you make music. Write something little and often from the heart with no agenda. Try to reconnect with your inner child and `play’ with your music - have fun. Try not to judge yourself: your voice is unique, and the world deserves to hear it.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
German producer FloFilz, and LA-based artists Amber Navran and Phil Beaudreau and all the artists they collaborate with.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
‘Hagaki’ by FloFilz.
‘Dreaming’ by Amber Navran and Phil Beaudreau.
’The Eternal Now’ by Chip Wickham.
Debussy Préludes Book 1.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I go swimming to unwind at the end of the day and love photography and getting out into nature - forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku in Japanese).
10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
A piano.
Chewing gum or mints (there’s too many distractions when I’m working on a computer and these help me keep my focus but I can easily get through a pack in a session!).
Some nice drum samples to get the production flowing.