Cape Town’s rising neo-soul collective Al Catraz has dropped their debut EP You Lift Me, delivering a vibrant blend of soul, indie finesse, and nu-disco groove. Newly discovered by acclaimed house producer UPZ, the group steps onto the scene with a sound that feels fresh, stylish, and unmistakably their own.
Al Catraz fuses soulful vocals with indie textures and slick nu-disco production. The result lands somewhere between the confidence of Easy Freak, the retro polish of Parcels, and the smooth warmth of Tom Misch – all woven into a lively, modern sonic identity.
Inside Al Catraz’s You Lift Me EP
The EP serves as a preview of what’s coming on their debut album, offering three fully-formed tracks that each explore a different shade of their sound.
“You Lift Me” – The lead single pairs dual vocals with an uplifting fusion of neo-soul and nu-disco house. It’s a celebration of love’s ability to rebuild and restore.
“Some People” – A slow-burning romantic groove designed for late-night listening, built on warm instrumentation and tender delivery.
“Danger in the City” – A darker, introspective track driven by deep bass, atmospheric production, and a sense of emotional vulnerability.
The next EP arrives in January 2026, followed by the full album in February 2026 – a rapid rollout that sets the stage for a major breakout.
Why the EP stands out
This release captures an irresistible mix of neo-soul emotion, indie shimmer, and nu-disco rhythm. It’s a confident showcase of Cape Town talent ready to resonate far beyond the city.
What the creators say
“I was excited to co-produce with Al Catraz. I’m known for house, but neo-soul was a welcome challenge. This project is my love letter to the groove.” – UPZ
“We poured everything into this — the craft, the emotions, the experimentation. Our dream was to blend neo-soul with indie sonic character. We hope listeners feel that connection.” – Al Catraz
Stream You Lift Me on Spotify and all other major platforms.
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