How is it even possible to merge a syncopated drum groove with a soulful dubwise soundscape that delivers
such a powerful heartfelt message?
Well, you get Cleveland Watkiss, one of the UK’s finest voices to glide perfectly over a musical soundscape
with a well rounded bass and a crisp steppin’ beat. “Energy” is a song about connection, a song about
feeling the love and giving all you have to that connection, “...no Plan B.”
Multi award winning vocalist Cleveland Watkiss (MBE) is a vocal pioneer boasting an eclectic list of
collaborators and achievements. Cleveland recently received the Boisdale Award: Jazz Artist of the Year
2022 and the 2021 Ivor Novello Innovation Award. Cleveland has worked with diverse artists from around
the world including Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, Bob Dylan, Janet Kay, Maxi Priest,
the James Taylor Quartet and Stevie Wonder. Cleveland is professor of Voice Studies at the prestigious
Trinity Laban Music and Dance Conservatoire.
Producer’s Digital and Dike gathered some of the industry’s most seasoned musicians to feature on
“Energy”; celebrated reggae trombonist Henry Tenue, Sovra Dickinson on violins and viola and Nu Jazz
pianist Laurie Milton. Written by Cleveland, Dike and Digital, “Energy” boasts an arrangement of Digital’s
signature drum & bass sound infused with strings, horns, synth and piano over Cleveland’s smooth and
uplifting vocals.
Dike Okoh is an acclaimed songwriter, producer and artist. Famed drum & bass producer, Digital is an artist
and trailblazer who, over the years, has produced music for pretty much every major drum & bass label
(including his own).
With songs that run from dizzying drum & bass to eerie, spacious electronics, “Zawadi” is an artful, boundary-pushing record. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 27, 2016
A unique fusion of percussion and sweeping synthesizers presents electronic music through the framework of a live band. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 1, 2020