Kaidi Tatham needs little introduction. The multi-instrumentalist, producer and musician has been active for over 20 years, lending his hand to writing, arranging and collaboration, as well as being a core part of the community of artists who helped pioneer London’s broken beat sound.
Collaboratively he’s worked on projects with 4Hero, Bugz In The Attic and Mark De Clive Low, not to mention his longstanding collaborations with Dego of 2000Black and session work for artists like Slum Village, Amy Winehouse, Leroy Burgess and Soul II Soul. His solo feats are myriad too —his releases have come via Theo Parrish’s Sound Signature, Eglo Records and, of course, First Word, with whom he’s released several EPs and albums, including his upcoming LP ‘An Insight To All Minds‘.
For his Stamp Mix he picks out some special cuts from his collection that remain on regular rotation at home. This sits alongside an interview about his experiences of being an artist in isolation, the message and making of his new LP and what’s coming up in the world of Kaidi.
We now premiere all our mixes a week early on Mixcloud Select. Subscribe to our channel to listen first, download the mixes, and ensure that the artists included in each one gets paid. Read more about why we’ve joined Select.
First, our usual ice-breaker – what’s your first ever musical memory?
My first musical memory is seeing my Dad’s records on the floor — and always getting told off for touching dem.
How has the last year or so been for you? How has it been being an artist in isolation?
Isolation has been great, to be honest. Making music, practising, learning new instruments… I’ve also had a lot more time with the kids.
What lessons do you think the music industry can take away from the Covid-19 lockdown?
Appreciation of live events and recognition of live musicians.
You have a new LP coming up on First Word Records, ’An Insight To All Minds’. Can you tell us a bit about the message behind it and the process of making the album?
It’s about our inner sensitivities to other people’s emotions. My process was simple and kinda crazy… Most of the tunes I had in my head, so it’s just taking my time and executing it.
Could you tell us about the mix you’ve made for us?
The mix I made for you is tunes from my collection; tunes I play at least once a week at home.
Are there any standout tracks that hold a special significance?
Joanne Grauer is special to me. I heard it when I was 17. Malachi Trout blessed me with it. It’s taken me 20 odd years to get it on vinyl.
What’s on the horizon for the rest of the year? Any plans for new releases?
I have another album ready to go, an EP with Sounds Familiar and 2000 Black. Big things with Jazzy Jeff too…
Tracklist
Joe Sample – Island In The Rain
Hummingbird – Can’t Hide Love
George Duke – Dukey Stick
Ingram – DJ’s Delight
Egberto Gismonti – Luzes Da Ribalta
Ronie E O Central Do Brasil – Atoa Atoa
Moacir Santos – Quiet Carnival
HUJE ’81 – To The Rising Sun
Teruo Nakamura – Mescalito
Stanley Cowell – El Space O
Joanne Grauer – Frog Child
Buy ‘An Insight To All Minds’ via Kaidi’s Bandcamp.
We now premiere all our mixes a week early on Mixcloud Select. Subscribe to our channel to listen first, download the mixes, and ensure that the artists included in each one gets paid. Read more about why we’ve joined Select.