Matt Sephton releases ‘Horizon’ - a bass-driven first glimpse into an album born in Samoa

Coromandel based producer and sound explorer Matt Sephton today releases Horizon, the first single from his forthcoming full-length album Vā, set for release in March 2026.

Created during a 2025 artist residency at the Tiapapata Art Centre in Samoa, Horizon offers the first glimpse into the sonic world of Vā - a collection of twelve tracks weaving exploration, field recordings, underwater textures, conversations and collaborations, and lush bass-heavy electronic production.

At its core, Horizon is a meeting of elements: driving low-end and atmospheric space, electronic rhythms and Pacific breath. The track features the evocative, beautiful and haunting tones of the fagufagu (Samoan nose flute), performed by Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava, layered with immersive soundscapes and natural recordings captured across the island.

The title reflects the spirit of the work. The horizon is a threshold - that line where sea and sky touch, where endings dissolve and new beginnings emerge. A threshold, a liminal zone, always present. Horizon introduces the central theme of Vā: the Polynesian concept of relational space - the active connection between people, land, ocean and spirit.

This release also marks a personal shift for Sephton. After years performing under his bass-music alias Matt Rapid, Vā will be released under his own name, signalling a more exploratory, place-based and more deeply personal direction in his music.

Horizon is out on all major streaming platforms from 7 November 2025, with the full album to follow in March 2026.