Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde is the latest release from artist, Tom Caruana and, the newest instalment of Def Pressé’s series of projects made in partnership with KPM (and associated music libraries).In 2021 Def Pressé entered into a deal with KPM whereby the deeper KPM and associated libraries can be used, exclusively, by Def Pressé. Sampled, replayed and reimagined, this vast catalogue has provided music for TV and Cinema for decades. Sampled, often illegally, by practically every Hip Hop producer ever, the library is available to select Def Pressé artists to utilise in order to create new pieces of music. This music is then fed back into the KPM/Sony AVI library for use in TV and Cinema, and the Def Pressé artist in question is then a KPM Artist in their own right. Completing the circle and hopefully providing music to inspire the new generation of beat makers/sample-based producers.With several titles in the series, notable names like Blockhead, Damu the Fudgemunk and Stro Elliot since its inception in 2021, the Def Pressé Editions x KPM series, Crate Diggers continues into the seventh episode.Salsa Verde is unashamedly Boombap. There is a difference, however. The drums we here on most of the record are played by Tom. The Piano, guitar and bass, they’re played by Tom. Caruana uses samples here, of course, but mainly for melody and topline. The foundation of this album is constructed from live instruments, played by the Producer.Every track is a collaboration with at least one vocalist. UK and US appearances included throughout, and established artists sit beside the rising. Much like Tom, there’s little room here for bravado and hierarchy, the record humbly asks us to listen to a musician fully immersed in the simple joy of their work. Nothing particularly fancy or contrived. Just great, solid Hip Hop made with an understanding and respect that’s very apparent.A song named, Walker Mill Road feat. yU & Richard Halligan was nominated for a Music Production Award. Tom travelled down to spend the day in the Sony Publishing offices where the KPM collection is housed.