Formed by Merrill Garbus in 2006, Tune-Yards has become a name synonymous with creativity and forward motion. Known for explosive performances, surprising song structures, and danceable rhythms, their music also highlights connections between song and social consciousness. The New York Times praised their debut album, BiRd-BrAiNs, as “a confident do-it-yourselfer’s opening salvo,” and relentless touring established Garbus as a commanding live performer.
Garbus stepped into the producer role with 2011’s w h o k i l l, a bold and sonically inventive album that earned critical acclaim, including the #1 spot on The Village Voice’s Pazz and Jop poll. By 2021’s sketchy., Garbus and bassist Nate Brenner had solidified their partnership, creating a fully collaborative work. The duo has announced their sixth studio record, Better Dreaming, to be released on May 14, 2025 on 4AD.
JayWood, the nom-de-plume of Jeremy Haywood-Smith, fluidly navigates the blurred lines between genres such as Alternative Hip-Hop, Indie, and Neo-Soul—territory where he feels completely at home. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of Black artists, his music features soulful vocals and dynamic production. This is evident in his self-produced 2022 album “Slingshot,” which was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, and his 2023 EP “Grow On”, which combined garnered praise from KEXP, KCRW, CBC, Paste, FLOOD, Exclaim!, The FADER, and more. In 2025, JayWood returned with a brand new single “BIG TINGS”, featuring art-pop duo Tune-Yards. He is putting the finishing touches on a new album, which will drop later this year via Captured Tracks.
