One of the UK’s top emerging musicians, Alfa Mist, is quickly making a name for himself as one of the finest beat makers to come out of London. Self-taught on the piano and making music by the time he was 15, Alfa has firmly slotted himself in the mist of the likes of Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei, all who are leading the way in the jazz / hip-hop / neo soul combo that is melting airwaves everywhere. Alfa Mist is playing live in Brighton on 30 September at the Rialto Theatre, you should expect immense musicianship and beats that are silky smooth with a super-chilled groove. We put some questions to the man behind the music to find out more. 

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Newham, East London.

Is there much of a music scene there?
Not that I knew of, in terms of jazz. But when I was growing up, grime and hip-hop were the two genres that were around me the most.

Do you think where you live has influenced by your music and if so how? 
Yep, sampling music to make grime and hip-hop was the way I discovered a lot of music from other genres.

What kind of music were you brought up on?
I wasn’t really brought up on any kind of music. I went to church a lot with my mum when I was younger so I was surrounded by gospel music but didn’t really like it.

Can you remember the first album you owned?
I feel like it was the Prince of Egypt soundtrack, which is actually still a banger haha!

What was the first instrument you played, and when? Do you have a favourite instrument?
Piano was the first instrument I played. I started playing properly very late, when I was at college, but before then I was making hip-hop so I sort of already knew my way around a virtual keyboard. My favourite instrument is the double bass even though I can’t play at all. 

Has your style/genre of music stayed the same?
The mood has always been similar, pretty dark, but my style/genre changes slightly from song-to-song. I think it’s all starting to roll up into my own sound which is the aim really.

When did you start playing music as Alfa Mist?
I’ve been producing for years, I’ve only just decided to push myself as an artist these past two years so this is still very new to me.

Is there a story behind the name?
Well my real name is actually Alfa. Mist was a name I used for a while in secondary school, no real reason behind the name although I was a bit quiet though I guess.

How would you briefly describe your music/ethos?
‘Dark, alternative jazz with elements of hip-hop and soul.’ I’ve thought about that a lot and it sounds cool and everything but I really have no idea, I’m just trying to make music that I would listen to myself. 

What are your main influences?
I think jazz, film music and J Dilla.

How do you approach the writing/recording process? 
I mostly hide, I don’t like it outside. I’ve had to work with people a lot recently on this new project and my previous one so I’ve done much more writing around people this year than I have ever done. Collaboration is important – it’s been good.

Tell us a bit about the 2nd Exit release? 
I met Lester while I was at uni. I was looking for a bassist for my friend’s performance exam. Lester’s cool, our musical tastes and laid-back attitudes are what we have in common so putting together a project wasn’t difficult at all. We produced, wrote and recorded everything at his studio. 2nd Exit is an outlet for us to just rap. We’re both musicians but it’s good to find time to be lyricists as well. 

Is there another Alfa Mist release coming soon? 
Yes! I’m working on my new project right now, it’s nearly done. It’s strange because I play a lot of the songs from it in my live set so they don’t feel like new songs to me at all, I’m just trying to wrap the project up and get it out so people can make sense of the stuff I’m doing live.

What is your favourite song that you have made or have been part of, and why?
There are a few but if I have to say one I’d say a song called ‘Easily I Forget’ I made with Emmavie from our joint EP Epoch. Emmavie’s harmonies on it are amazing.

What has been your happiest memory with music?
I was part of a group called Turtl and playing, learning and growing with those guys made some of my fondest music memories. Still very happy at the moment though.

What has been a musical eye-opener and how has it affected you? 
When I saw the Avishai Cohen Trio for the first time it made me want to get better so I can enjoy playing my music on the level that they were enjoying themselves.

Who would be in your ultimate supergroup? 
Esperanza Spalding, J Dilla and Fink.

What would be your perfect line-up of any three acts for a concert you are putting on and where would it be? 
Avishai Cohen, Ambrose Akinmusire and Scott Matthews at the Barbican.

If you could have made any song ever, which one would it be? 
I wish I made ‘If You Love These People’ from the Man of Steel Soundtrack, but Hans Zimmer made it unfortunately. 

What music are you listening to at the moment, any recommendations?
Jordan Rakei – Cloak is a great album!

Do you get to go to many gigs?
I go to as many gigs as I can when someone I like is performing in the UK. Avishai Cohen is the best I’ve seen so far.

What are your future plans till the end of the year and after? 
Trying to get this new project done and released, and moving straight onto the next one.

Facebook: facebook.com/AlfaMist
Twitter: twitter.com/AlfaMist