If the flatlands of Norfolk seem an unlikely setting for a half-Barbadian, half-Nigerian electronic artist, it probably goes some way to explaining why Maria Uzor is drawn to themes of the outsider. That, and an early childhood experience of cosmic boundlessness. Maria merges electro, trip-hop, and twisted bass-techno to take us on a playful yet slightly haunting journey through space and time where the destination is of little consequence.
Prior to Lockdown, and as one half of SINK YA TEETH, Maria released two dazzling albums that were championed by the likes of BBC 6 Music and KEXP. With rave reviews from The Guardian to Electronic Sound, the pair found themselves supporting the likes of A CERTAIN RATIO and CHK! CHK! CHK!
But then lockdown came, proving a turning point. A line in the sand, a fresh start. Sacramento funk rockers Chk Chk Chk got in touch, and she provided lyrics and vocals for ‘Storm Around The World’. Adrian Flanagan – of THE MOONLANDINGZ and ECCENTRONIC RESEARCH COUNCIL was next on the blower. Two tracks on his acclaimed ACID KLAUS album feature Maria’s distinctive voice. The Chk Chk Chk collaboration was also the first single, and a standout track, from their 2022 album, ‘Let It Be Blue’.
Between collaborations and opening for artists like YOUNG FATHERS, BLACK MIDI and LONE LADY, Maria self-released 3 EPs on her own label ‘Hey Buffalo’. The release of her upcoming debut album ‘Soft Cuts’ in October 2023 sees her teaming up with much lauded boutique electronic label Castles In Space.
