Australian hip-hop producer
Ta-ku (Regan Matthews) quietly became one of the most influential and sought-after beatmakers of the 2010s due to his inventive, emotion-rich style. His projects dedicated to major influences
J Dilla and Nujabes have attracted a cult following, as have releases such as 2013's Songs to Break Up To and the 2015 follow-up
Songs to Make Up To. During the second half of the decade,
Ta-ku went in more of a downbeat pop direction, frequently collaborating with duet partner
Wafia on releases such as 2016's (m)edian.
Perth-based Matthews began producing beats during the mid-2000s. His first release, 2009's Different Spaces, featured collaborations with a variety of MCs, singers, and DJs from around the world, all of whom Matthews contacted via social media. In 2010,
Ta-ku released Tribute, a mixtape dedicated to the late
J Dilla, in addition to collaborations with Kris Mars and Roughsoul (as LoveChild).
Ta-ku released numerous beat tapes and digital EPs in 2011, including the bright, funky Latenyc, which included a guest appearance from
Chet Faker, as well as a split EP with
Pavel Dovgal (Finest Ego: Faces 12" Series, Vol. 1). After
Ta-ku recorded a track in the style of
J Dilla daily for 50 days, HW&W Recordings released the results as the two-volume 50 Days for Dilla in 2012.
2013 was another highly prolific year for Matthews. He followed his
J Dilla tribute project with 25 Night for Nujabes, a mixtape dedicated to the late Japanese producer. Bricks & Mortar, a split EP with
Suff Daddy, preceded
Ta-ku's full-length Dowhatyoulove, released by German label Jakarta, as was Low Fidelity, High Quality, a collaboration with Raashan Ahmad. Later in the year, HW&W released
Ta-ku's Songs to Break Up To, which revealed a greater complexity and emotional depth to his productions, and soon became one of his signature releases.
Songs to Make Up To, a more optimistic sequel featuring guest vocalists such as
JMSN,
Sango, and
Jordan Rakei, appeared in 2015. Also during that year,
Ta-ku released "American Girl," a cover of
Estelle's "American Boy" featuring
Wafia. The two released several collaborations over the next few years, including 2016's (m)edian EP. In 2019,
Ta-ku released 25 Night for Nujabes on vinyl for the first time, including two bonus tracks. ~ Paul Simpson