MVW

Common ground exists even between the most diametrically opposed extremes. As if fulfilling a lifelong destiny, Michael Vincent Waller uncovers the nexus of classical music and hip-hop on his new project MVW. Like a string quartet beaming chamber music out of the trap, the project integrates elite beat-craft, bulletproof bars, and classical composition into an inimitable and irresistible hybrid. After earning acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork and WIRE, MVW comes to life at a crossroads. Born and raised on Staten Island, he developed a passion for classic New York hip-hop such as Wu-Tang Clan, The Notorious B.I.G., and A Tribe Called Quest, and also embraced Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne. He studied at New York University, and then composition privately under La Monte Young and Bunita Marcus. In 2015, he unveiled his debut album The South Shore on XI Records—the label founded by Phill Niblock. 2017’s Trajectories gained traction, and two years later, Moments garnered widespread tastemaker praise from the likes of Pitchfork who claimed, “Every note and gesture on Moments seems to be deeply felt and philosophically weighed before a hand touches a piano key or lifts a mallet.” His music filled venues such as Carnegie Hall, Roulette, Palais de Tokyo Museum, and SXSW brought to life by soloists and ensembles a la R. Andrew Lee, Dante Boon, Ensemble Dedalus, and others. He also sat down for a Talkhouse interview with buzzing electronic producer Jlin.