Cinematic nu jazz and dusty electronic collages. A disorienting, beautiful blend of brass sections and radiophonic experiments for late-night introspection.
Loka began as a studio experiment between Mark Kyriacou and Karl Webb in 1999, quickly finding a home on the legendary Ninja Tune label. Their sound identity is defined by a sophisticated intersection of nu jazz, downtempo, and experimental electronics, often incorporating full brass sections and live-orchestrated percussion.
While their debut 'Fire Shepherds' (2006) established them as critical darlings of the electronic-jazz crossover scene, their follow-up 'Passing Place' (2011) leaned into darker, more disorienting territory. The project has seen significant evolution, particularly after Webb's departure, with Kyriacou continuing to push the boundaries of the Loka sound by integrating influences from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and 60s psychedelia. Culturally, they occupy a space within the 'Ninja Tune aesthetic' - music that is intellectually curious, sample-literate, and sonically rich. Critical consensus highlights their ability to create immersive, cinematic atmospheres that avoid the clichés of lounge-oriented nu jazz.
Shares nu jazz, downtempo, trip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, orchestral_arrangement, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares nu jazz, downtempo, trip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, orchestral_arrangement, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares trip-hop, downtempo, nu jazz (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)
Shares nu jazz, downtempo, trip-hop (subgenres); urban_night, rainy_day, late_night (atmosphere)
Shares nu jazz, downtempo, trip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, orchestral_arrangement, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares nu jazz, downtempo, trip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, orchestral_arrangement, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares trip-hop, downtempo, nu jazz (subgenres); sample_based, orchestral_arrangement, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares nu jazz, downtempo, trip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)
Shares nu jazz, downtempo, trip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)
Shares breathy, ethereal, processed (vocal style); trip-hop, downtempo (subgenres)
Shares nu jazz, sample_based, trip-hop, upright bass (signature)
Shares nu jazz, trumpet, sample_based, trip-hop (signature)
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →