Album Notes

Mutlu’s music is a clever blend of soul, reggae, hip-hop, and Brazilian jazz deriving inspiration from Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Bob Marley, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. He avoids falling into retro phonic traps with cool grooves and a quick wit. His songs feel foreign and familiar, risky and romantic. The worldly sound of Mutlu finds the groove that makes his thoughtful, clever lyrics dance.

Fans outside his hometown of Philadelphia and music industry professionals got a taste of Mutlu’s music during his well-received stint with Amos Lee on Lee’s North American and UK tours. His performances ultimately caught the attention of Manhattan Records, which lead to the release of his 5-song EP produced by Amos Lee.

The world was discovering what Philadelphia already knew. Mutlu’s independently released CD received considerable airplay on WXPN, the city’s leading Triple A radio station. This, along with a string of sold out clubs dates, lead to shows with artists as diverse as John Butler Trio, Musiq Soulchild, and Soulive, plus a recording opportunity with G-Love, the Amos Lee tours, and the deal with Manhattan Records. Mutlu has come a long way from open mics and free style jams.

He was born Mutlu Onaral on May 16, 1979 in Philadelphia, home of the legendary Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, the fresh sounds of Jill Scott, The Roots, G-Love and Amos Lee. This 27-year-old grew up absorbing the R&B and Hip-Hop sounds that are Philadelphia. He attended a Quaker High School and graduated college with a degree in marketing.

Mutlu’s music, stage presence, and well-deserved opportunities are results of his talent, strong work ethic, tenacity, experimentation, practice, and trust; a trust which is paramount between a musician and his audience. This relationship is a sacred one; one that secured the careers of great acts who have gone before him.