Forward thinking Jazz Musician.

– Jess Izatt BBC INTRODUCING

What happens when jazz collides with cyberpunk, PlayStation-era storytelling, and genre-blurring innovation? Defective Disk is a groundbreaking concept album that redefines the boundaries of UK jazz. A 13-track sonic odyssey, the album follows Xavier, a video game character navigating a futuristic, cyberpunk world. Rooted in jazz yet seamlessly blending hip-hop, electronic music, and Daniel’s Caribbean heritage, Defective Disk is a bold statement of artistic vision.

LISTEN TO ‘DEFECTIVE DISK’ ALBUM HERE:

https://ffm.to/j3m3d0k

Single one ‘Find Your Tribe’, was made Near future track of the week (6 Music Jamz Supernova) , was playlisted by Jazz FM and had spot plays on BBC Radio 6, Jazz FM, Jamie Cullum’s BBC Radio 2, BBC 3 Round Midnight, BBC London Introducing/Robert Elms and has selected the track to feature on British Airways playlist.

Listeners can expect a kaleidoscope of sound—lush orchestral textures, driving electronic beats, neo-soul grooves, and moments of irreverent, genre-defying creativity. Defective Disk features over 20 musicians, including Sam Jones (drummer for Nubya Garcia and Binker Golding), Natty Reeves, Tee Peters, Jay Phelps, Nathaniel Cross, and Will Fry (percussionist for Jungle), alongside The House Gospel Choir, a string quartet, extended brass, and steel pans.

The title Defective Disk refers not just to the fictional game at the heart of the album but also to Daniel’s own experience of feeling out of place: “I kept asking myself—what’s wrong with me? Why don’t I fit in? There must be something broken.” Across the album, he explores themes of mental health, social expectations, the hedonistic treadmill, and the struggle to listen to one’s own voice amid external pressures.

Defective Disk unfolds like an interactive experience, with the listener stepping into the role of the protagonist. “Much like an action-adventure game, the story follows a pre-defined path but allows room for personal interpretation,” says Daniel.

“This album marks the end of my 20s and showcases everything I’ve learned going into my 30s,” says Daniel. “It started with the grief of a friendship breakup during lockdown, but I wanted to create something bigger—a cinematic world inspired by my love of cyberpunk, moral-choice PlayStation games, and the thrill of breaking genre boundaries. I wanted this to feel like South London—like me.”

The album’s world is brought to life through a cast of collaborators. Acclaimed actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (Star Wars, The Queen’s Gambit) voices Mason, the CEO of Blink, a dystopian social media conglomerate controlling governments and news. Other voice contributions come from renowned choir director Daniel Thomas, artists Rachel Kerry and Shayanne, and fellow musicians. The interlude Fission Mailed pays homage to Metal Gear Solid 2, weaving in a nod to classic gaming culture.

Daniel was heavily influenced by Frank Ocean and Beyoncé’s approach to concept albums, as well as the experimental energy of prog rock. “I wanted to bring that depth of storytelling to UK jazz but in my own way,” says Daniel. “Artists like Louis Cole, Hudson Mohawke, and Radiohead really pushed me to experiment with production on this album.”

Lewis Daniel is an alumnus of The BRIT School, Guildhall School of Music (2013), and Tomorrow’s Warriors. A sought-after session musician and arranger, he has performed and recorded with legends like Chaka Khan, Arthur Verocai, Primal Scream, Kylie Minogue, and Tom Grennan. He also supported Florence and The Machine on their US tour as part of Mykki Blanco’s band, including a performance at Madison Square Garden.