Producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Momoko Gill is stepping into the spotlight with the announcement of her debut solo album, ‘Momoko’. Set for release on 13th February via the esteemed Strut Records, the album marks Gill’s first major statement as a solo artist, fresh from her critically acclaimed collaboration ‘Clay’ with electronic pioneer Matthew Herbert.
To celebrate the announcement, Gill has shared two compelling new tracks: the pulsating ‘No Others’ and the electric, choir-driven ‘When Palestine Is Free.’
Long regarded as one of the UK electronic and jazz scene’s best-kept secrets, Gill has been a vital force in numerous celebrated projects. A self-taught drummer, producer, and vocalist, her unique touch has graced collaborations with artists such as Alabaster DePlume, Coby Sey, Tirzah, and her musical partner, Nadeem Din-Gabisi, in An Alien Called Harmony. Extensive touring behind the drum kit, at the keys, and at the microphone has honed her compositional and production instincts, all of which are on full display in her new work.
The lead singles offer a tantalising glimpse into the album’s sonic breadth. ‘No Others’ showcases Gill’s deep roots in jazz, with a groove-led bassline paving the way for lush, danceable instrumentation. The track is defined by the layered, harmonic vocal stylings that are fast becoming her signature.
In powerful contrast, ‘When Palestine Is Free’ is a profound statement of community and solidarity. For the track, Momoko assembled a staggering fifty-voice choir of her peers from London’s vibrant music scene, including Shabaka Hutchings, Soweto Kinch, Alabaster DePlume, Rozi Plain, Marysia Osu, and collaborator Matthew Herbert. The result is an astonishing chorus lending its collective voice to a call for justice.
“Why is it that we know, with more certainty than ever, that we are just one corner of a vast living, breathing mycelium network in a state of total emergency, battling powerful forces that seem to be driven by antagonism towards life itself?” Momoko says of the track. “Colonial violence, racism and oppression are everywhere, but it has never felt more urgent to renew our vows to fight it everywhere we see it.”
With ‘Momoko,’ Gill channels her extensive experience into a work that is entirely her own. Throughout, you can hear the stylistic flavours of pioneering jazz musicians alongside intimate singer-songwriters and experimental electronic producers. Yet, Gill rejects imitation, sculpting her sound through feel and expression rather than tradition. Having grown up in Japan and the US before settling in London, she draws on this breadth of perspective to inform her distinctive musical and narrative voice.
The album was produced by Gill herself, recorded at the iconic Total Refreshment Centre, mixed by Matthew Herbert, and mastered by Alex Gordon at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.
‘Momoko’ is set for release on 13th February via Strut Records.
Pre-Save/Order: https://strut.lnk.to/Momoko