Examples

Few producers make understatement sound so captivating. With Examples, London beatmaker Eric Lau distils years of musical experience into a 28-track collection of concise instrumentals, each one offering a glimpse into his refined approach to hip hop, soul, jazz, funk and Brazilian-inspired rhythms.

Rather than presenting fully formed epics, Lau embraces brevity, allowing ideas to arrive, bloom and disappear before they outstay their welcome. Rich piano loops, carefully chosen samples and effortlessly warm grooves create an album that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. Whether drawing inspiration from Brazilian music or tipping a hat to hip hop greats through tracks such as “De La” and “Can I Get A Witness?”, the record is full of subtle references without ever feeling derivative.

By this point, Lau had already established himself as one of the most respected producers and DJs in contemporary soul and hip hop, collaborating with artists including Oddisee, Kaidi Tatham, Yussef Kamaal, Guilty Simpson and Fatima, while touring alongside the likes of Erykah Badu, Robert Glasper and Questlove. Examples serves as a showcase for the production skills that have earned admiration from musicians, DJs and tastemakers across the globe.

Released in early 2017, Examples remains an inviting introduction to Eric Lau’s world. Soulful, elegant and endlessly replayable, it proves that great instrumental music doesn’t need excess to leave a lasting impression, often saying more in two minutes than others manage across an entire album.