Makoto creates a world where the frantic energy of 170 BPM drum and bass meets the velvet smoothness of classic 70s soul. It is music that feels inherently optimistic, characterized by shimmering Rhodes pianos, soaring synth pads, and a rhythmic precision that never feels cold or mechanical. The sound is expansive and airy, often evoking the feeling of being high above a city or looking out over a vast ocean.
What sets him apart is his background in acoustic engineering, which translates into a pristine, high-fidelity mix. While many of his peers lean into the grit of the warehouse, Makoto leans into the elegance of the lounge and the warmth of live instrumentation. His basslines are melodic and walking, more akin to a jazz bassist than a sub-bass oscillator, providing a sophisticated foundation for his signature melodic flourishes.
Start with the album 'Human Elements' to hear the definitive blueprint of his sound. It perfectly captures the bridge between LTJ Bukem's atmospheric 'Good Looking' era and the modern, polished liquid funk sound that would eventually find a home on Hospital Records.
Shares drum and bass, soul, jazz fusion (subgenres); uplifting, soulful, euphoric (moods)
Shares drum and bass, soul, jazz fusion (subgenres); hi fi, analog warmth, studio polished (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, jazz fusion (subgenres); hi fi, analog warmth, studio polished (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); hi fi, analog warmth, studio polished (production style)
Shares drum and bass, jazz fusion, downtempo (subgenres); hi fi, analog warmth, studio polished (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); hi fi, analog warmth, layered dense (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, jazz fusion (subgenres); sample based, hi fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares drum and bass, downtempo, jazz fusion (subgenres); sample based, studio polished, analog warmth (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); studio polished, layered dense, hi fi (production style)
Shares hi fi, analog warmth, studio polished (production style); drum and bass, soul (subgenres)
Shares liquid funk, soulful, uplifting, drum and bass (signature)
Shares soulful, uplifting, drum and bass, liquid (signature)
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