Slauson Malone 1 is the project of multi-disciplinary artist Jasper Marsalis – adding the 1 to his artist name in what he describes as “an immature gesture, but also maybe serious” to differentiate himself from earlier work as Slauson Malone, of which he feels a limited sense of ownership. The prolific artist – performing at the festival with cellist Nicky Wetherell – has worked across art and music for many years, notably with Brooklyn-based collective Standing on the Corner, whose post-genre stylings have bled into Slauson Malone 1’s unique musical output. Slauson Malone 1’s recent release, EXCELSIOR (2023) – his debut for iconic label Warp Records – defies strict categorisation: it’s bounding with diverse and surprising sounds with each new track. From experimental hip hop and introspective ambient to lush, psychedelic, crooning soul, the songs are a treasure trove of nostalgic futurism – sounding like they’re from both the not-yet and the forever-been. The distorted, burnished production and Slauson Malone 1’s immaculate voice form an experimental, lo-fi, soul sojourn that demands careful attention. Listen to where it will take you.