.multibeat

.multibeat is a Utrecht-based trio and production collective bringing together jazz musicianship, hip-hop beats, neo-soul and contemporary R&B. Consisting of Boudewijn Pleij on keys, Thijs van Zutphen on bass and Aron Smit on drums, the group has developed a distinctive sound built around live instrumentation, inventive production and a strong sense of groove. Moving between instrumental beat music and vocal collaborations, .multibeat creates music that feels both rooted in jazz tradition and connected to the evolving world of modern hip-hop and electronic music.

The three musicians first met while studying at the conservatoire in Utrecht. Initially performing as a backing band under the name Muddy Grease, they gradually developed into a production-focused collective, creating beats and collaborating with artists from across the Dutch music scene. Their early work included “Toolbox”, a 2022 album made together with producer Noflik, followed by the 2023 EP “A Muddy, What Else?”. These releases helped establish the group's groove-led approach, combining hip-hop production with jazz influences and a willingness to experiment beyond conventional genre boundaries.

Musically, .multibeat draws inspiration from artists such as Robert Glasper, J Dilla and BADBADNOTGOOD, as well as the contemporary UK jazz movement. Their sound moves freely between future jazz, instrumental hip-hop, neo-soul, R&B, disco and electronic beats. Warm keyboard arrangements, expressive basslines and dynamic drumming provide the foundation for their productions, while improvisation and live interaction give the music a natural, human feel. Whether working instrumentally or alongside vocalists, .multibeat keeps rhythm and musical chemistry at the centre of its identity.

Collaboration has always been central to the collective's creative approach. In 2024, .multibeat released ”Channel Island”, an album inspired by Kanaleneiland, the Utrecht neighbourhood where the project was created. Featuring a wide range of guest artists, including Pete Philly, GINGE, Joya Mooi, Kay Slice, Thierry Ganz, vAn and Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney, the album brought together different voices and musical perspectives. Tracks such as “Cold Nights”, featuring GINGE, and “Fly Over”, featuring Pete Philly and GINGE, demonstrate the group's ability to create a cohesive musical identity while leaving room for each collaborator's individual character. The album was later expanded through “Channel Island: Deluxe”, featuring remixes and additional versions of the original material.