Oftentimes, we feel beholden to the patterns of our pasts. We become comfortable in our routines, they become second nature, and at times appear reflections of ourselves. Life has a way of disturbing our rhythms, and guiding our journeys in unexpected directions. This is certainly the case for London based producer Kidnap, aka Matt Relton. His entire music career is a testament to growth, both personally and professionally. Five years ago, he released his debut album titled, Grow, an aptly named production exploring his own transformation from kid prankster to potent, world-class music producer. Then, the pandemic struck, and much of the procedures that made up his life, like many of our own, were rendered irrelevant.
When fluctuations to our proclivities occur, we either accept and embrace new directions, or fight to hold onto what we believe is precious to our identities. Relton understands this notion and has embraced a new landscape of experiences. Truthfully, there was no choice in the matter, and he’s accommodated changes that have come into his life, like fatherhood, with poise and aplomb. As he prepares to release his sophomore LP in October entitled, Something Lost, Something Gained, through [PIAS] Électronique, he reflected on his musical journey. “It’s about looking back on the last 12 years of releasing music — the touring and the partying and the friends and the sleeplessness, and realising that in order to fully embrace the life I have now, I need to let it all go.”
Kidnap’s newest single released September 6, ‘Something to Say’, featuring the vocal talents of Chelou. Chelou’s moniker translates to hidden and is a fitting title. He is a well respected and sought after vocalist, although elusive for many to lock down. He and Kidnap hold a respectful relationship, and when it came to working together on this project, Chelou’s enigmatic and sometimes somber vocal charm felt a perfect fit. Kidnap glowed about the opportunity to work with Chelou. “I’ve been a fan of Chelou’s music for years and loved spending time writing together. His voice has such a delicate beauty to it – it feels like he’s telling the truth whenever he sings.”
This single gorgeously encapsulates the talents of both these musical aficionados. Kidnap has a reputation for producing beautiful melodic house tracks interspersed with elements of classical, DnB, and indie influences. He generates songs that are unique reflections of himself and his evolving mindset. ‘Something to Say’ is defined by emotional synths and atmospheric progressions, punctuated throughout by Chelou’s delicate and dulcet tones. At times, it feels a bit saddening, like a conversation held with a lover who feels so far away, while still uplifting spirits in the end. Perspective.
Consider these lyrics. “I couldn’t see it coming, there’s always something that stands in your way. // There’s nothing wrong with asking, speak up if there’s something you have to say.” As the song progresses, more of Chelou’s words ring meaningfully. “Happily ever after, such a foolish game we play. // Find comfort in disaster, cuz nothing ever goes my way.” Finally, this portion brings my attention to the temporal nature of life, love, and how we often try to grasp and extend fleeting moments of ecstasy and joy we feel in the company of those we adore. “Let’s take some time together, let life be whatever you need. // Cuz nothing lasts forever, and I’m not ready to leave.”
In many ways, these lyrics remind me to treasure the moments I have with those I hold close to my heart. Sadly, our loved ones can be torn from us at a moment’s notice. Life moves along, with or without us.
‘Something to Say’ feels like a beautiful reflection upon the value we garner from our friendships. To me, this track serves as a personal reminder to leave nothing to chance. Impart to your loved ones how much they mean to you. One day, we all cease to be. Nothing lasts forever, and we have no control over when our time on this earth ends. Life guides our paths in ways we can’t fathom. Relationships and experiences that once felt so integral and important, inevitably fall by the wayside. This is the evolution of ourselves, the currents of life shaping our passages in ways we don’t always understand, but one day we come to appreciate.
Cherish the journey, and those who are part of yours, regardless of how much time we are allotted within the marvel of their presence. Whenever possible, let those you care for know how you feel. Leave nothing to chance, and share the depths of your emotions and feelings in unbridled fashion. One never knows when it could be the last opportunity we have to impart a portion of ourselves unto those we admire. Words of appreciation, when left unsaid, leave a hollowness inside that echoes a deafening silence like screaming into an endless chasm. As our decisions influence our present and shape our futures relevantly, leave nothing unsaid, for we may not get another chance.
‘Something to Say’ released on September 6, and is part of Kidnap’s larger body of work and forthcoming album, Something Lost, Something Gained, set to release in its entirety, October 4th, through record label [PIAS] Électronique. ‘Something to Say’ will be available for streaming on all major music platforms. For more information on Kidnap, follow him on Instagram @kidnapmusic, SoundCloud, and check out his Link Tree. You can follow Chelou on Instagram @cheloumusic and SoundCloud.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
