Worldwide Awards 'Label of the Year' First Word Records is very proud to welcome Werkha to the stable with an all new EP, 'The Rigour'.

Werkha hails from Manchester originally and released his debut EP back in 2012. Following early praise from Gilles Peterson and the like, he we went on to release a series of records for Brighton-imprint Tru Thoughts, including an album in 2015, 'Colours Of A Red Brick Raft', and co-writing / producing Bryony Jarman-Pinto's debut album in 2019. He's provided remixes for Quantic, Marcos Valles, Dutch Uncles, Andrew Ashong & J-Felix, toured across Europe with Bonobo, Mr Scruff & Chet Faker and is working with poet / singer Keisha Thompson, additionally to composing music for documentaries.

So to the EP, and we set off with the delectable synth-boogie of 'Generation X', laden with strings from Simran Singh.
As to the meaning of the title 'The Rigour', Werkha says…
"Music is work. In all its different ways, it's a craft that I apply myself to and exist by. As much as that is about love, it's also about pouring in time, effort, patience & rigour. This record is about reflecting on my process and the identity of Werkha as a part of my life."

"These tracks were selected from a much larger bunch of ideas. The tracks that made this EP are the ones where the process was playful. Play in music is so important and these tracks are the ones that best personify play and curiosity, in both their sound and in their process. They all go through the rigor of being played with, pushed and pulled in different directions…"

Werkha has become known for a uniquely eclectic blend of electronics, broken beat, soul and jazz, nestled in an intersection of truly innovative British club music, and exemplified on this EP.

'The Rigour' is released on First Word Records on vinyl & digital, Friday January 17th 2020.

"A great new release from a great artist" - Jamz Supernova (BBC Radio 1XTRA)
"Support" - Papaoul (Worldwide FM)
"Support" - Mari (Worldwide FM)