Winners of the 2026 Scottish Album of the Year award – Kai Reesu are a melting pot of underground hip-hop and jazz ; led by Paul Copeland on keys and centred around a core rhythm section with Matt Sim on drums and Robert McArthur on guitar and bass , they blend elements of psychedelia , grime and melancholic neo-classical piano into a foundation of old skool funk and progressive hip-hop , with thumping polyrhthms and rich horns. Their debut EP ‘Brake Even’ was entirely instrumental , but they have collaborated with several vocalists including Liz Vice, Cara Rose, CRPNTR & ACEV!S!ON. In recent months the band has found a new pocket with LA-come-Glasgow based rapper Jurnalist and saxophone colossus Harry Weir joining the group. Expect dramatic, vibey and dynamic instrumentals, along with serious head-boppers & dance tracks that harken back to early 00’s Hip Hop and R’n’B.
