Ta-ku

Australian hip-hop producer Ta-ku (Regan Matthews) is an influential and sought-after beatmaker known for his inventive, emotion-rich style. His projects dedicated to major influences J Dilla and Nujabes have attracted a cult following, as have releases such as 2013′s Songs to Break Up To and the 2015 follow-up Songs to Make Up To. His subsequent releases have gone in more of a downbeat pop direction, including collaborations with Wafia such as 2016′s (m)edian, and the guest-heavy full-length Songs to Come Home To (2023).
Perth-based Matthews began producing beats during the mid-2000s. His first release, 2009′s Different Spaces, featured collaborations with a variety of MCs, singers, and DJs from around the world, all of whom Matthews contacted via social media. In 2010, Ta-ku released Tribute, a mixtape dedicated to the late J Dilla, in addition to collaborations with Kris Mars and Roughsoul (as LoveChild). Ta-ku released numerous beat tapes and digital EPs in 2011, including the bright, funky Latenyc, which included a guest appearance from Chet Faker, as well as a split EP with Pavel Dovgal (Finest Ego: Faces 12″ Series, Vol. 1). After Ta-ku recorded a track in the style of J Dilla daily for 50 days, HW&W Recordings released the results as the two-volume 50 Days for Dilla in 2012.
2013 was another highly prolific year for Matthews. He followed his J Dilla tribute project with 25 Night for Nujabes, a mixtape dedicated to the late Japanese producer. Bricks & Mortar, a split EP with Suff Daddy, preceded Ta-ku’s full-length Dowhatyoulove, released by German label Jakarta, as was Low Fidelity, High Quality, a collaboration with Raashan Ahmad. Later in the year, HW&W released Ta-ku’s Songs to Break Up To, which revealed a greater complexity and emotional depth to his productions, and soon became one of his signature releases. Songs to Make Up To, a more optimistic sequel featuring guest vocalists such as JMSN, Sango, and Jordan Rakei, appeared in 2015. Also during that year, Ta-ku released “American Girl,” a cover of Estelle’s “American Boy” featuring Wafia. The two released several collaborations over the next few years, including 2016′s (m)edian EP. In 2019, Ta-ku released 25 Night for Nujabes on vinyl for the first time, including two bonus tracks. He also collaborated with Matt McWaters as the duo Please Wait, issuing the downbeat R&B EP Black & White.
Ta-ku released the piano-driven ballad “Glitter” in 2020, followed by the Panama collaboraiton “Cruel.” He curated All Things Considered Vol. 1, a compilation of songs by bedroom producers. Solo song “Notice” was followed in 2021 by “Wide Open” (with Wafia and Masego) and “Process” (with Cabu and Milan Ring). AI Beat Tape, a collaboration with generative soundscape company Endel, appeared in 2022. Songs to Come Home To arrived in 2023, with its extensive guest list including ?uestlove, Xavier Omär, JMSN, Thrupence, and many others. ~ Paul Simpson