Greg Surmacz - Building Beyond The Sky (2025) Hi Res

Having gained support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum, Tom Ravenscroft, Bandcamp Weekly, Spotify Jazz UK, Moses Boyd, Bandcamp, performing at We Out Here Festival and sharing stages with Corto.Alto, James Holden, Colin Stetson & Sarathy Korwar, Leeds-based multi instrumentalist Greg Surmacz prepares to release his fifth album ‘Building Beyond The Sky’ via London-based imprint XVI Records. Presenting Greg’s blend of jazz-tinged instrumentation with electronic influences (ranging from footwork to IDM, ambient and beyond) with an added dose of low-end sonic depth. Now performing with a full live band, the LP demonstrates an impressive progression in not only Greg’s own musicianship, but also the project’s overall scope, allowing him to push boundaries and capture the energy that only a group of musicians can.

From front to back, this is an album of endless undulating terrain, and a masterclass in build and release. Organic and electronic elements are woven together seamlessly, creating a dense, complex but also accessible listening experience. Energetic first single ‘Loft Music’ harnesses a potent creative vibrancy featuring heavy, scattered percussive elements, propelled by an urgent synth line and majestic horns. Greg explains: “Loft Music is about creating energy and forward momentum, building something from nothing. The title was inspired by the 'loft jazz' scene of 1970s New York. Fed up with the restraints of traditional venues, musicians started putting on casual events in loft spaces. At these shows, artists felt free to play whatever they wanted, for however long they wanted. I wanted this record to be direct and powerful, and this track quickly became the focal point of that. It has a sense of urgency from the beginning which only increases over its running time - start high, then get higher. The energy and intensity of footwork has always been a big source of inspiration to me - I tried to imagine a live band playing that music and this is where I ended up.”. Second track ‘Ascend’’s stuttered introduction gives way to brass patterns, hazy synths and dynamic drumming, eventually evaporating into a truly breathtaking breakdown, before charging forth with extra vigour. Third single ‘Stop Dividing Us’ is a tripped out, low-slung, downtempo roller - gliding along in a drunken master style, brought to life by poignant saxophone flourishes, elegant guitar patterns, and glissando bass synth lines.

On the album’s inspiration, Greg says: “This album is about building things, both literal and figurative. Building energy, a community, momentum, a legacy, or a building. There were times during its creation when I wanted to give up, when it felt pointless, and other times when it felt like the only thing worth doing. I feel like it's the best thing I've ever made and also have no idea what anyone else will think of it. I wanted it to be direct, melodic and powerful - there's so much to be negative about at the moment, so hopefully this album provides some uplifting, positive energy. I hope it inspires people to build something of their own.”