There is no doubt that SBTRKT, the adept individual often found in native society ceremonial masks and better identified outside of the industry as Aaron Jerome, creates the most captivating of pieces when working individually. However, the music created when he collaborates with gifted vocalists such as ‘Sampha’ and ‘Jessie Ware’ can be exceptional and, in some cases, unflawed. So, in honour of this exceptionality we’ve accumulated five of the very best SBTRKT collaborations.
5. New Dorp, New York Ft. Ezra Koenig // Wonder Where We Land (2014)
Recognised as the most upbeat song on Wonder Where We Land, this collaboration featuring the popular Vampire Weekend frontman, Ezra Koenig, caused controversy amongst fans as it’s bubbly, almost cheesy beat differs significantly from the more enchanting beats found on the debut album SBTRKT in songs such as ‘Wildfire’ and ‘Sanctuary’. The song title also caused query amongst fans as the meaning was not particularly clear to many, especially the British who, without research, may have had very little idea of what ‘New Dorp’ means. After a little tap into Google it’s not hard to miss that ‘New Dorp’ is in fact, a small neighbourhood in New York’s most distant borough, Staten Island. This gives the song a unique and personal feel, as if the song has possession of a specific time and place. Being the only song with ambiguity surrounding the title, it makes it memorable.