At the heart of London’s thriving cultural scene, a new rhythm is emerging. Challenging the boundaries of traditional genres and music-making processes, The Silhouettes Project is a multi-faceted musical collective and beacon of artistic imagination. Masterminded by Jaden Osei-Bonsu and Asher Korner (who use the monikers Eerf Evil and Asher Kosher respectively), they are carving a new path in the UK’s soul, alternative hip-hop, and jazz-rap scenes. At the same time, they are actively developing radical ways of producing music in the context of an often exploitative industry.
To grasp the true spirit of The Silhouettes Project, it’s necessary to look back to its origins in Root 73 – a non-profit arts organisation based in Hackney that has now morphed into a recording studio, a record label, and an apprenticeship scheme for young people searching for experience in the industry. “It was an idea to try and bring artists together and create a network of people in a collaborative space,” says Asher. Since the launch of Root 73 eight years ago, the organisation has travelled a long way, facilitating many unique projects including The Silhouettes Project.
An unexpected opportunity came when the iconic Total Refreshment Centre was under threat. Root 73 stepped in, connecting them with the council and helping to save the space. In return, they were given a section of the building, which was transformed into a studio with the help of community volunteers. This new home became more than just a recording space—it was a sanctuary for young artists to create, collaborate, and push boundaries.
The Silhouettes Project emerged within this ecosystem, prioritising artistic integrity and collaboration over industry norms. “One of the things Asher and I have always had in our hearts is being really intentional about everything,” Jaden explains. Each artist involved wasn’t just a name—they were voices with a message, driven by persistence and a commitment to working together. Musicians were invited to collaborate in groups, sparking a creative energy that culminated in TSP Vol. 1.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenge that forced them to adapt. Fueled by a shared vision, they pushed ahead with the release of The Silhouettes Project Vol. 1 in 2020. Every element of the album, from its songs to its artwork, was rooted in their community-focused ethos. “For example, one of our members, Santiago, had a friend SagaUno from his collective back home in Colombia who did the artwork for us,” says Jaden. “When we talk about representing community, we mean in the widest possible way.”
The album’s success catapulted many of its artists—Enny, Bel Cobain, Nix Northwest, Lex Amor, and more—into the spotlight. The collective soon performed a sold-out show at Camden Jazz Café and went on to grace festival stages across Europe, including Glastonbury 2023. Their seven-piece house band, initially formed as a jam session at Root 73, has since become a key feature of their live performances, bringing their recorded material to life in thrilling new ways.
In an industry where emerging artists struggle for recognition and financial sustainability, The Silhouettes Project offers an alternative. “It’s tough to see your way in the music industry as an individual, so for us, it’s about what it could look like if the collective came together to act,” Jaden explains. Instead of following conventional financial structures, they devised a model where profits from the album are distributed equally among all contributors—challenging the standard revenue system and fostering a spirit of mutual success.
This approach creates a self-sustaining ecosystem, allowing artists to generate income while retaining creative control. “For us, it’s all about creating the alternative,” says Jaden. “That means building the infrastructure and an economy that supports people and allows us to be genuinely independent.”
Despite their success, The Silhouettes Project remains committed to preserving the beauty of the small. “Everyone’s always like, ‘You’ve got to grow; what’s next?’” says Asher. “But we believe small is beautiful. We need to build on what works rather than expanding for the sake of it.” One example of this philosophy in action is Root 73’s successful apprenticeship scheme, which continues to nurture young talent and bridge industry gaps. Moving forward, 25% of The Silhouettes Project’s proceeds will be reinvested into Root 73, ensuring free studio access and furthering their mission to develop the next generation of artists.
With a firm belief in the power of community and collaboration, The Silhouettes Project isn’t just reacting to the industry—it’s reshaping it. Asher is confident: “Hopefully, we’ll be helping shape the future of the industry.” Their vision is clear: empower artists, redefine success, and make music on their own terms.