For more than two decades, Spaven has been one of the most in-demand drummers at the forefront of jazz, hip hop, club culture and drum and bass music. His language – technical fluency, electronic texture, deep groove – has shaped a generation of players who move freely across genre, reflected in work with Loyle Carner, Jordan Rakei, Petter Eldh and Alfa Mist. His playing carries a rare combination of precision and feel.

As an artist, he has self-released four albums over the past 15 years, building his vision independently and on his own terms. In July 2026, he releases Light of Day – his first album with a label – a record defined by unmistakable rhythmic focus while opening a new emotional depth in his writing. It is direct, intentional and forward-looking.

Dave Stapleton of Edition Records says:

“Richard is a singular talent – an ultimate original with clarity of intent and vision. He embodies the kind of artist Edition exists for: an individual voice with the courage to push forward and the hunger to build audiences in new ways. For almost a year, we’ve been in conversation about what it means to release music now – the bigger picture, the long view, and how to build something that lasts. I can’t wait for his fans to hear his new music.”

Spaven adds:

“This record feels like a fresh start, which was immediately established in the writing process – written together with Oli Rockberger – from the outset I wanted to do something that was different from everything I’ve done before. It feels like a departure, a shift in perspective. Having a label situation with Edition has added to that as well. I don’t want to overstate it and call it some dramatic reinvention, but it does feel like a significant progression from what I’ve been doing. Light of Day is about finding another path.”