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Καλοδουλεμένος, underground καλλιτέχνης experimental jazz
The New York Times proclaims “Rafiq Bhatia is writing his own musical language,” heralding him as “one of the most intriguing figures in music today.” A guitarist, producer, and Academy Award-nominated composer “who refuses to be pinned to one genre, culture or instrument,” Bhatia makes sculptural, meticulously crafted music that finds common ground among ecstatic avant-garde jazz, mournful soul, fractured beats and building-shaking electronics. Bhatia’s first LP for Anti- Records, 2018’s Breaking English, has been described as “stunningly focused...a vibrant new instrumental sound world where crushing beats, nimble guitar licks, and shifting electronic textures coalesce with a visceral bite” (Chicago Reader). His subsequent release, 2020’s Standards Vol. 1 EP, renders repertoire from the American songbook “completely deconstructed, infused with brand new textures and electronic effects, dreamlike and beautiful” (BBC). In 2025 he presents EP Each Dream, A Melting Door and full-length release Environments, his first solo release since co-scoring 2023’s Academy Award-winning Best Picture, Everything Everywhere All at Once (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) with his Son Lux bandmates.
He creates sculptural, meticulously crafted music blending avant-garde jazz, electronic, and soulful elements, often incorporating fractured beats.
Follow Rafiq Bhatia on Mood to stay informed about his upcoming performances and releases.
Rafiq Bhatia is a member of the band Son Lux, alongside Ryan Lott and Ian Chang.
Rafiq Bhatia is a first-generation American of East African Indian descent, born in Hickory, North Carolina, and grew up in Raleigh before moving to Brooklyn.