Coldcut

Coldcut are a London duo made up of Matt Black and Jonathan More. They form in the mid-1980s and remain active, with a style that spans breakbeat, downtempo, electro, electronic music, house, turntablism, hip hop, rap, electronica and jazz-influenced sounds.

Early work and breakthrough

Black and More begin working together on the pirate radio station KissFM in the mid-1980s. Their first single, Say Kids, What Time Is It?, appears soon afterwards and is associated with the early development of the UK dance and cut-up scene. They then release a remix of Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full, which reaches the UK top 10, is voted best remix of the year, and is widely regarded as both a hip hop classic and an important moment in remix culture. The track uses a prominent Ofra Haza sample alongside numerous vocal cut-ups.

Their first major hit under the Coldcut name is the house-influenced People Hold On, featuring Lisa Stansfield before she becomes widely known. The single becomes a major UK success. The album that follows includes contributions from Junior Reid on Stop This Crazy Thing and Queen Latifah.

Ninja Tune and other projects

In 1991 they found Ninja Tune, a record label that becomes known for releasing a wide range of experimental and diverse music by many associated artists. In 1997 they introduce VJamm, their real-time video manipulation software, and their live and DJ performances use video alongside records as part of a multimedia setup.

Coldcut also draw on ideas from William S. Burroughs, Throbbing Gristle, J. R. “Bob” Dobbs, Grandmaster Flash, Double D and Steinski. Their approach emphasises DIY methods, play, cut-up techniques and media manipulation. This ethos is reflected in Ninja Tune and in the label’s Stealth idea, which presents listeners and DJs as active participants in spreading that approach.

Later work and broadcasting

Coldcut reach a worldwide audience through the syndicated radio show Solid Steel. Matt Black also works with Penny Rimbaud on Crass Agenda’s Savage Utopia project. In 2006 they release their fifth album, Sound Mirrors. Their single True Skool features Roots Manuva and an Indian sample from a cult Bollywood-era recording, which helps the track connect with bhangra and desi audiences as well as British Asian urban listeners.