Alfa Mist Captivates Audiences At The Outernet, London

On the final day of his international tour, Alfa Mist returns to The Outernet for an enigmatic performance. Captivating the audience by performing tracks from his new album Variables, it's clear by looking around the room that the attendees are utterly engaged. A good indicator that it's a performance worth watching is when people choose to remain present instead of engaging from behind the screen of a phone. Through stunning instrumental solos, the performance was soulful and emotive, moving the audience despite minimal lyricism.

Photo credits: Ian Merchant

In the wake of the release of his album Variables, the East-London-based artist, producer and label founder redefines the sound of modern jazz through his sublime head-nodding, heartfelt rhythms. The enchanting vocals of Kaya Thomas-Dyke grasped the attention of wide-eyed listeners, whilst a series of animated graphics flickered on the screen behind her. The live band, composed of the cello, drums, saxophone, piano, trumpet and guitar, harmonised to create a listening experience that commanded the audience's attention, with standout solos from the drummer and Alfa on the keys. Alfa looks to each one at different times, orchestrating each player their chance to perform a solo and trusting them to deliver wonderful improvisations, which they most certainly did.

The artist explains a shift from the who to the how within his musical journey: “I’ve been focused on who I am in my music, but now I’m exploring where I am”. Between the release of Variables and the release of his previous full-length project Nocturne in 2015, Alfa Mist has established himself as one of the most in-demand and innovative producers in the UK.

From working with the likes of Jordan Rakei and Tom Misch to producing songs for Loyle Carner’s album Hugo (‘Plastic’), he has solidified himself as a musical pioneer of this generation.

Follow Alfa Mist: Twitter // Instagram // Spotify

Listen to Variables: