Brasstracks

Mixing punchy, horn-based soul-jazz with hip-hop and R&B grooves, New York duo Brasstracks emerged to buzz and acclaim in 2017 producing Chance the Rapper's Grammy-winning song "No Problem." They further displayed their knack for balancing club-ready hooks with earthy, lived-in grooves with their 2018 debut EP, For Those Who Know, Pt. 1. Formed in 2014, Brasstracks initially began as a side project while fellow Manhattan School of Music students trumpeter Ivan Jackson and drummer Conor Rayne were earning their degrees. Working on original songs as well as crafting inventive covers together, they began posting their work online, and by 2016 had developed a following. They eventually connected with Chance the Rapper via social media and collaborated on his song "No Problem," which won a Grammy in 2017. Similarly fruitful collaborations followed, including tracks with Anderson.Paak, Aluna George, the Underachievers, and more. The duo also began playing live, backed by a dynamic live band made up of top-notch New York horn players. In 2018, they completed their first headlining tour and issued the six-track EP For Those Who Know, Pt. 1. In August 2020, they released their debut full-length album, Golden Ticket, which featured guest appearances by Lawrence, Robert Glasper, Col3trane, and others. ~ Matt Collar