Featuring Carmen Mellino, India Blue and Hannah Kilgore, alongside a special remix from acclaimed Italian producer HLZ, the new release continues Das Spezial's exploration of collaboration as a creative process.
Following a year of creative collaborations spanning music, architecture and interdisciplinary arts, Das Spezial return at the end of August with a new five-track EP release that brings together three distinctive vocalists, an internationally respected remix artist and an exceptional ensemble of musicians.
Richly layered, thoughtfully produced and unapologetically collaborative, the collection reflects the philosophy that has become central to Das Spezial's work. Rather than pursuing a single musical style, each track has been allowed to develop its own identity, shaped by the artists who helped bring it to life.
As Das Spezial founder Shahab Notghi explains:
"We've never been interested in finding a signature sound. We're much more interested in discovering what happens when the right people come together around a piece of music. Every collaboration changes the direction of the recording, and that's exactly what keeps it exciting."
Opening the collection is Kill The Pilot, featuring Carmen Mellino. Restless, melodic and intricately layered, the song combines driving guitar work, rich vocal harmonies and sharply crafted lyricism to create a recording that feels both immediate and rewarding. Built around memorable rhythmic interplay and detailed production, the track reveals new elements with every listen, balancing infectious energy with meticulous musicianship.
Thief introduces India Blue's distinctive voice through a song that feels effortlessly contemporary while carrying the warmth and character of a classic recording. Blending subtle indie-soul influences with an irresistible rhythmic pulse, the track is understated, confident and full of atmosphere, with India's expressive vocal performance sitting beautifully within the groove.
Cobra Mist explores a very different emotional landscape. Layers of strings, delicate guitar and gently swaying percussion are woven into a rich, cinematic arrangement that feels almost hypnotic in its movement. At its centre is one of India Blue's most compelling vocal performances, creating a piece that is both deeply personal and emotionally expansive.
The release also introduces My Eyes, featuring Hannah Kilgore. Brooding and atmospheric, the track moves through darker electronic textures before gradually unfolding into an immersive, emotionally charged arrangement. Hannah's haunting vocal performance provides the emotional focus, bringing both restraint and intensity to a song that slowly builds in power and momentum.
Completing the release is a special remix of Kill The Pilot by acclaimed Italian producer HLZ. Long admired by Das Spezial for his distinctive production style, HLZ reimagines the original with characteristic precision and energy, creating a version that feels both unmistakably his own and entirely sympathetic to the spirit of the original recording. Following the release of his acclaimed EP on Goldie's legendary Metalheadz label, Das Spezial are especially honoured to welcome him as part of this release.
Across the collection, Das Spezial are joined by an exceptional group of collaborators. Drew Morgan's string arrangements add warmth, movement and cinematic depth, while Stew Jackson's contributions on guitar, bass and percussion provide much of the musical foundation across the release. Production, sound design and creative direction come from Shahab Notghi, whose collaborative approach continues to shape every Das Spezial recording.
The release was mixed by acclaimed producer Ewan Pearson and mastered by Matt Colton, bringing together a production team recognised for work across electronic, alternative and contemporary music.
While this release marks a new chapter for Das Spezial musically, it also reflects a broader period of creative exploration. Over the past year, the collective has worked with The Sound Sanctuary, Arts University Bournemouth, musicians, dancers and visual artists, exploring how collaboration, architecture and environment can influence the creative process.
From recording within remarkable acoustic spaces to developing interdisciplinary projects that connect sound with movement and visual art, Das Spezial continue to explore music not simply as a finished product, but as an evolving conversation between people, places and ideas.
This five-track collection represents another chapter in that ongoing journey—bringing together five distinctive recordings shaped by different voices, perspectives and musical approaches, united by a shared belief that the most compelling work often emerges when artists are given the freedom to contribute, reinterpret and transform the music together.
The release will be available across all major streaming platforms, with exclusive editions available via Bandcamp.
