Sculpture Music

Sculpture Music

Sculpture Music is a contemporary jazz, downtempo and world-fusion group from Exeter, Devon. The duo consists of Matt Calder, who plays Hang Drum, Halo, guitars, electronica, hammer dulcimer and vocals, and John Shaw, who plays double bass, piano and vocals. The group forms in 2012 and is active from 2012 to the present.

Style and instrumentation

The group centres its sound on Hang Drum and Halo textures, with bass, piano and electronic elements. The Halo is described as an instrument similar to the Hang, but with a deeper and richer resonance. Their music combines trance-like sonics with ambient and dance textures, and is rooted in a lyrical bass foundation. Their sound draws comparisons to African music and modern jazz, and their listed genres are ambient, downtempo and electronica.

Background and releases

The duo takes inspiration from Matt Calder’s interest in the Hang Drum. Their debut album, Minor Songs In Major Keys, is released in 2013. Their second EP, Beneath The Waves, follows in 2014. The group’s influences include Massive Attack, Steve Reich and Portishead.

Airplay and recognition

Tracks from the debut album receive radio play on BBC Introducing, including One Of These Days, which features on Tom Robinson’s Radio 6 Mixtape sessions. Several other tracks also appear on the Fresh On The Net listening post, and Beneath The Waves receives airplay on Tom Robinson’s Radio 6 show and on BBC Introducing in Devon.