wrosound.com

KIDNAP

MAIN STAGE 15.07

Matt Relton, aka Kidnap, first gained recognition by winning the iTunes Best Electronic Track in 2012 with his release Vehl. Forever experimenting with sounds, the Sheffield producer rapidly carved out a unique and intelligent sound. In pursuit of artistic independence, he launched his Birds That Fly imprint in 2015 with Moments featuring Leo Stannard. 2017 was a profound year for Relton, both personally and with his career. Having gone through a year of change and reflection, it was time to drop ‘Kid’ and release under Kidnap. In 2018 Kidnap became an Ambassador for Corona Sunset Sessions which saw Relton travel around the world playing shows in extraordinary locations, from rocky beaches in southern Italy to Mountain summits in Canada. Kidnap also added further releases, Ashes EP, Ursa Minor & Turn2U to his Birds That Fly imprint. However, it was 2019 that saw the most pivotal year of Kidnap’s career. This would be the year that the London based producer would release his finest body of work to date. His debut album, ‘Grow’. Kidnap has enjoyed a momentous year in the lead up to the release of his first album. Its title song saw the return of Leo Stannard, a tried-and-tested formula that gained the pair huge success with hit track ‘Moments’. Picking up from where they left off, ‘Grow’ soon became #1 on SiriusXM Chill and entered the Top 100 U.S. Dance chart. Following on was ‘Start Again’, securing radio play from Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1, and third single ‘Sea Breeze’, a club-ready anthem with support from heavy hitters such as Eelke Kleijn, Mambo Brothers, Don Diablo and Moguai. The album was celebrated in a truly unique fashion when Kidnap conducted an exclusive audio-visual presentation at the Greenwich Planetarium, an experience that will live long in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to attend. Marching confidently into 2020, Kidnap linked up with long term collaborator and friend Lane 8 for their second release in the form of their track Matcha Mistake on Lane 8’s This Never Happened imprint. This highly anticipated reunion wet the appetite for yet another reunion in Kidnap’s career. Anjunadeep fans were overjoyed to see Kidnap was returning to the label with his latest club-ready cut Silence earning a plethora of spins at radio including Pete Tong at Radio 1. Respected and supported by esteemed figures such as; Sasha, Pete Tong, Paul Oakenfold and Maceo Plex… Kidnap continues to confidently stride forward with his sights set on his next endeavor.