Redinho

Under the Redinho alias, London multi-instrumentalist Tom Calvert produces vibrant, densely layered electronic funk that frequently spotlights his own talkbox vocals. Linked to the trendsetting Glasgow imprint Numbers, he cultivated early interest through energetic stage shows and initial EPs, culminating in the 2014 self-titled debut album. He later joined forces with Himanshu Suri and Riz MC to create the hip-hop collective Swet Shop Boys, whose well-received first album Cashmere surfaced in 2016.

Calvert launched his musical path in youthful local funk and metal groups before turning to turntablism and issuing scratch-driven hip-hop material under the name Red, beginning with the 2007 track “Seen.” His first full-length Fingerprints arrived in 2008, with The Nuts following in 2010. Around the same period he began exploring more abstract, bass-oriented sounds as Redinho; Numbers converted his demo beat tape Bare Blips into a debut EP in 2010. His performances drew notice for both his developing talkbox technique, soon a defining trait, and his LED stage setups. Despite maintaining a steady touring schedule from 2011 through 2013, he issued only the Edge Off EP and a split 12" alongside Sibian & Faun that year. In 2014 Redinho appeared on 100s’ IVRY project and on Rustie’s sophomore album Green Language; shortly afterward he delivered his own self-titled full-length, featuring guest work from Vula and Brendan Reilly.

Over the ensuing two years he supplied remixes for Dorian Concept, Fatima Yamaha, and Breakbot while serving as producer for Swet Shop Boys, the duo comprising rappers Himanshu Suri, formerly of Das Racist, and Riz MC. Their debut Cashmere garnered considerable acclaim after its 2016 release, and the follow-up EP Sufi La appeared the next year. Later in 2017 Calvert issued the instrumental beat tape Zanbor. In 2018 Redinho put out the singles “Mmm Mmm,” featuring Vula, and “Square 1,” featuring Kimbra.