Chris Hyson is a multi-instrumentalist who sits at the heart of a creative scene in London which is bursting with ideas and individuality. Over the last decade he’s built a formidable reputation for his refreshing perspective, taste, and integrity as a producer who enhances the music and serves the song. As a result, many London based artists have sought out Chris to produce their music, notably Jordan Rakei for Ninja Tune.

Citing influences from Bjork, Raymond Scott, James Blake, Mica Levi and Radiohead, Chris’ music is uplifting, soaked in sun-drenched harmonies combined with the darker sub-tones of a melancholy that deeply enriches the musical and emotional narrative. 

For Sidekick, Chris brings collaboration deep into the heart of the record, working with some of his favourite vocalists Frida Touray, Alison Sudol and Soren Bryce as well saxophonist/producer Josh Arcoleo and pianist Joe Webb. As Chris says, “Over the past 10 years in my music making career I’ve come to work with some incredible vocalists who have inspired and informed my way of making music. Frida, Alison and Soren are incredible vocalists and unique artists in their own right. They brought so much beauty to this music.

Josh is one of my best friends and an incredible musical influence and force in my life. Joe is a brilliant pianist, joyful improviser and a good friend from my early days in Cardiff. It was such a lovely experience to work with them all in this project.”

On signing to E2 Music, Chris also said: “It’s a great privilege to be releasing my music with E2 Music. Having worked with Dave on two Snowpoet albums, I know just how much hard work and passion he puts behind releasing great music. I feel very supported and have a lot of trust in the team at E2 Music. Everyone is really nice and a lot of love and care goes into their work, I’m super excited and grateful to be releasing my debut album with them and hope this is just the beginning of a fruitful artist / label relationship.”

Dave Stapleton, founder of Edition & E2 Music said; “I’ve known Chris on and off for more than a decade, and worked together on the two Snowpoet albums (with vocalist Lauren Kinsella), so it’s a joy to work again with him on his debut solo album. He is a trained musician who hears music intuitively with an innate ear for what’s current and tasteful. His music is arresting and highly compelling, enriched by delicate production techniques. His album is magic – collaborations with some of London’s most exciting vocalists with a sound that is so relevant. He’s a highly talented composer, producer, instrumentalist and one of the nicest humans to grace our planet. We’re so excited to share what’s to come.”

Since 2015 Chris has released a series of solo EPs and has collaborated with Jordan Rakei, Alison Sudol, The Magic Lantern, Frida Touray as well as producing three albums with ‘Snowpoet’, the evocative, adventurous London based band with vocalist Lauren Kinsella. 

E2 Music is the newly formed imprint from Edition Records, founded to widen the scope of music making and broaden the influences without restrictions by genre and to place the emotion and story of the music at the centre.

Sidekick will be released in March 2023 on E2 Music.