TC & The Groove Family - We Have Each Other (EP) + 10 Questions

10-piece UK afro-fusion outfit TC & The Groove Family are proud to share their new EP ‘We Have Each Other’. Out now via Bridge The Gap, the project sees the band refine the sound debuted on their 2022 album ‘First Home’. Returning to work once again with producer Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, ONIPA), the project explores a darker sonic palette, channeling a deep appreciation of UK bass and electronic music alongside afro-jazz sounds and hip-hop sensibilities.

The record documents a time of change within the group - a new lineup, plus members living in different cities and pursuing various paths - whilst also reflecting the turbulent socio- political climate, and the major shifts and changes on the horizon for humanity. However, despite the heavy subject material, the band strike an optimistic, uplifting tone, with MC Franz Von channeling the music into a message encouraging listeners to look around and embrace community, whatever that may look like. Bandleader Tim Cook shares: “Our collective purpose is to craft music that empowers and energises individuals to embrace their true selves with pride, celebrating the unity and strength we radiate as one community. No one needs to be alone when they are striving for common humanity. No one should be lonely when we celebrate each other, drawn together by a sound that says it’s good to be me, it’s better to be us. As our MC, Franz Von says, music brings peace, love & energy”.

Opener and lead single ‘Stand Strong’ is a love letter to afrobeat, creating a contemporary twist with its Khruangbin-esque guitar lines and weaving horns, whilst ‘Here, Now’ takes the tempo down to an atmospheric haze of dubbed-out ambient effects, pierced by uplifting horn melodies. ‘Blessed’ sees the group welcome Nubiyan Twist’s Aziza Jaye for a dancehall-meets- North African-flavoured feature, subtly reimagining what Elephunk era Black Eyed Peas would sound like today.

At the EP’s centre-point and emotional peak, title track ‘We Have Each Other’ showcases the band’s jazz fusion, Latin and dark electronic influences. The tracks growling, subbed-out bass tones return as a theme for ‘Wile Out’ - a UK hip-hop & jungle tinged collaboration with SANITY complete with virtuosic, tight-knit grooves, furious horn lines and a whirlwind of immersive turntablism.

Originally formed in Leeds, TC & The Groove Family’s sound reflects the diverse musical and cultural backgrounds at the core of the project, with songs exploring grooves and genres including afrobeat, broken beat, jungle, jazz and grime. Their music has drawn widespread acclaim, supported by tastemakers including Jamz Supernova and Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6, BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, Jazz FM, Rinse FM, Radio FIP and more. The group have performed at the likes of Glastonbury, We Out Here, Greenman and Boomtown, and are currently on a UK tour across June in support of the release of ‘We Have Each Other’.

Franz Von from TC & The Groove Family sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My love for music was sparked from growing up in Jamaica with an abundance of music to soak up and the exciting of seeing how hyped up and responsive adults were when certain songs were played. I realised from early on that songs reflected everyday life and people could relate. It made me know that music was important.

Moving to the UK and discovering hip hop, jungle and even techno/rave music further fuelled my love.

I was definitely more of a music fan, specifically hip hop fan, I still am. It wasn't my dream to be an artist performing on stage until later on in my life, now its everything and I love what I do.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Some of the artists that have influenced me through their lyrics and flows are Nas, Black Thought, Klashnekoff, Melanin 9. They are all very lyrical and great story tellers.

I would love to work with Little Simz, Kojey Radical, Ezra Collective.

Other influences would include The Roots, Goldie, Black Twang, Rodney P

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

We have just released our latest EP titled 'We Have Each Other' and we've already started to develop ideas for new songs  plus remixes so you won't have to wait too long.

I have a solo project in the pipelines with my 4 piece band focusing on more of a hip hop afrofusion roots vibe. I'll be announcing a release date soon.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I find it so difficult to describe the sound of TC & The groove family as it's so eclectic. The sound draws from the influences of all 10 band members so it's a pretty broad and diverse range of sources. It encompasses jazz, rap, breakbeats, jungle, UK bass culture, African rhythms, all the cool sounds.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I've been lucky enough to play Glastonbury festival a few times and I've had some moments that I've been massively proud of.

I'm always grateful that I get to share the experiences with my music family which brings even greater moments to be proud of.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

If you are serious, make sure you do it for the love of the music. You will definitely need to have this passion as there will be times of doubt and struggle. Be committed and consistent in creating good quality music. Most importantly make sure it's fun, you have to enjoy it.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

I'm really feeling Manchester based duo J2oh, London based 4 piece Oreglo, B -ahwe, Nix Northwest

Sheffield Based Astrels, K.Dot, Coco Bristol based Durbrain & Binbag Wisdom, Hippo Sound System, Leeds based Plantfood and our Groove Family sister NikNak with her newly released album Ireti. You need to go check them out!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

My playlist rotation is forever changing, at the moment I've been listening to anything from the Griselda camp (Conway, Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher) 

Mach Hommy - Pray for Haiti. 

UK based artists like Flowdan, 

Little Simz - Sometimes I might be introvert 

Ezra Collective - Where I'm Meant To Be

corto.alto - Not For Now + Bad With Names 

Nubyian Twist - Find Your Flame

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Watch my son play games on his PS5, he doesn't like to pass the pad so I guess I just have to enjoy watching him play.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Herbs, rizzla and a lighter.