INTERVIEW: Crackazat wants to bring back the GROOVE in 2026 with his new single “Pick Me Up”

Crackazat explores a new sound routed in his jazz upbringing It’s easy for some artists to just stay in their lane. You really can’t blame an artist, in this ultra-competitive landscape to stick to what they know. Producer and songwriter Crackazat has over the past decade, been forging a path for himself as one of the key innovators in the jazz/ house crossover, finding an audience that streams, sells and buys tickets. For most artists, this would be seen as the well-earned reward for perfecting a craft and a sound, but for Crackazat, he wanted to take this a step further. With his next project, the British-Swedish songwriter wanted to take a direction more in line with his jazz upbringing. He wanted to create an altogether more organic and performance based piece, working alongside real jazz heads and live musicians. His new single “Pick Me Up” is a first taste of this new approach, something that’s a bit Kaytranada, a bit Anderson.Paak and a bit The Cardigans. “In many ways it’s a tribute to Love Fool by The Cardigans” says Crackazat. “I was about 9 at the time and and it goes without saying that I’ve got very used to this kind of funky live music being accessible to everyone. I miss that in much of today’s more disposable dance music and I want to bring it back.” “Pick Me Up” is available to stream now. We spoke to the talented artist about his new direction and style As you release your new single “Pick Me Up” – what’s your feeling about this song and the new direction you’re heading in? It’s all inclusive, groove production and songwriting with vulnerability. Building my tracks from the ground with live musicians has been a dream of mine for years, and now that’s finally happening. As for the lyrics, they tend to serve best when they’re honest, even if it hurts. Your productions have always been known for that signature blend of “warm jazzy chords, swung grooves, and quirky melodies.” As Sun is your fourth album, how do you feel you’ve elevated that signature style this time around? It’s won’t be just me anymore on my album. This is me driving, with an exploration of collaboration artists. A full vision built with participation. It’s refreshing, and exciting. You have a background in formal jazz composition and performance. How much does that training influence your current music, and are there ever moments when the “jazz musician” in you clashes with the “house/funk producer?” It’s part of my musical core, so it never clashes, more just adds to the mix. The single is described as a tribute to The Cardigans’ “Love Fool.” Can you explain that one for the non-cardigans-versed readers? Love Fool by the Cardigans, was a HUGE hit in the UK in the 90’s. They are a Swedish band (which is where I currently live), and like ABBA, song writing geniuses. The UK has always had a habit of picking the best grooves from Swedish song writers. “love fool” had that GROOVE. Real guitar, bass keys all meticulously placed to elevate and ingenious jazz based pop song. That’s why the track has nearly 1 BILLION plays one Spotify. Plus it tickles my groovy jazzy brain and it just works for every type of audience. The press release mentions you missing the live, improvisational and off-the-cuff nature of your Jazz upbringing.. How do you make sure this still exists in your recordings? I haven’t really & instead I’ve made sure the music itself reflects that lineage. Chords, rhythm that sort of thing. It all points to “real” jazz. It’s when I bring jazz musicians IN to my space that the improvisation really happens. Which is happening now. Your new single features your own bass, keys, and vocals, plus live drums and horns. Any part of the ensemble you prefer playing or do you revel in being the polymath in your projects? The polymath, with specialisms. TBH I love it all. View this post on Instagram Finally.. what can you tell us about the year ahead? There is so much music coming that is part of my next album…including the full piece of work, remixes, edits, and more. I’m also working on a live jazz band launch, which will bring my music with other musicians to the stage. Plus lots of DJ sets across the globe (I’m headed to play in South Africa again in July where I have such a great fanbase, so excited to be back there), then more original music, more Crackazat remixes to come. A collab project with Clara Hill. I can’t wait to share everything. Connect with Crackazat Here: Instagram | Spotify The post INTERVIEW: Crackazat wants to bring back the GROOVE in 2026 with his new single “Pick Me Up” appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.