The Heliocentrics

Biography

The Heliocentrics are a London-based musical collective formed in the early 2000s, built around drummer and producer Malcolm Catto, bassist Jake Ferguson, guitarist Adrian Owusu, and multi-instrumentalist Jack Yglesias. Emerging from the ashes of the funk revivalist band The Soul Destroyers, Catto and Ferguson sought to break free from genre constraints, channeling their diverse influences into a new, experimental sound. Their debut album, 'Out There' (2007), set the tone for their genre-defying approach, blending funk, jazz, psychedelia, and library music, and quickly established them as innovators in the UK underground scene.[1][2][3][4]

Throughout their career, The Heliocentrics have become known for their adventurous collaborations, most notably with Ethiopian jazz legend Mulatu Astatke on the acclaimed album 'Inspiration Information' (2009), which won the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Album of the Year award. Their discography includes work with other global artists such as Lloyd Miller, Orlando Julius, and Melvin Van Peebles, as well as contributions to projects by DJ Shadow and The Gaslamp Killer. The group's music is characterized by improvisational structures, vintage analogue production, and a willingness to incorporate elements from hip-hop, Afrobeat, krautrock, and avant-garde traditions, resulting in a sound that is both primitive and contemporary.[1][2][3][6][8]

The Heliocentrics' legacy lies in their restless creativity and refusal to be pigeonholed, inspiring a new wave of musicians to explore the intersections of jazz, funk, and global sounds. Their influence is felt across the modern jazz and beat scenes, and their records are regarded as essential listening for those interested in the evolution of psychedelic and experimental music in the 21st century.[1][2][7][9]

Fun Facts

• The Heliocentrics' core members, Malcolm Catto and Jake Ferguson, were previously part of the funk revivalist band The Soul Destroyers before forming the collective.
• Their debut album 'Out There' was recorded using vintage analogue equipment and tape, reflecting their commitment to classic production techniques.
• The group has provided the soundtrack for the British documentary 'The Sunshine Makers' (2017), showcasing their versatility in film scoring.
• Malcolm Catto's drumming has made him a sought-after collaborator for artists like Madlib and DJ Shadow, further expanding the group's influence beyond their own albums.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• James Brown - Stylistic influence on funk rhythms and grooves (General influence on early work) [2000s–present]
• Sun Ra - Inspirational figure for experimental jazz and cosmic themes (General influence on improvisational approach) [2000s–present]
• Ennio Morricone - Influence on cinematic and soundtrack-inspired arrangements (General influence on production style) [2000s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Mulatu Astatke - Full-album collaboration blending Ethiopian jazz with Heliocentrics' style (Inspiration Information (2009)) [2009]
• Lloyd Miller - Collaborative album exploring Middle Eastern jazz fusion (Lloyd Miller & The Heliocentrics (2010)) [2010]
• Orlando Julius - Collaboration on Afrobeat and jazz fusion album (Jaiyede Afro (2014)) [2014]
• Melvin Van Peebles - Collaborative concept album blending spoken word and psychedelic funk (The Last Transmission (2014)) [2014]
• DJ Shadow - Studio and touring collaboration; appeared on his album and live performances (The Outsider (2006), Private Press tour) [2006–2007]
• The Gaslamp Killer - Full-length collaborative album (Legna (2023)) [2023]
• Madlib - Frequent studio collaborator, especially with Malcolm Catto on Yesterdays New Quintet projects (Yesterdays New Quintet collaborations) [2000s–2010s]

Artists Influenced

• The Gaslamp Killer - Inspired by The Heliocentrics' psychedelic and global jazz approach; later collaborated directly (Legna (2023)) [2010s–2020s]
• Modern UK jazz and beat scene artists - Inspired by their genre-blending, improvisational ethos and analogue production (General influence on emerging artists) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cha Cha (Inspiration Information 3)
2. In The Middle (Jaiyede Afro)
3. Blue Nile (Inspiration Information 3)
4. Esketa Dance (Inspiration Information 3)
5. Phantom Of The Panther (Inspiration Information 3)
6. The Uncertainty Principle (A World of Masks)
7. Addis Black Widow (Inspiration Information 3)
8. Fantasia Pt. 1 (Lloyd Miller & The Heliocentrics)
9. Space Time Girl
10. Nimerudi - Malcolm Catto / The Heliocentrics Remix

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia