Hey friends, if you've been craving something that feels like floating through a hazy afternoon with killer production and just the right amount of emotional weight, stop scrolling and hit play on Solbore's "To Be Free" right now. Released on February 5th via Rainbow Bridge Records, this track is the latest from Brighton-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Vlad Matveikov's Solbore project, and it's already making waves in the indie scene.
Picture this: we're deep in 2026, where bedroom pop and lo-fi vibes are evolving into something more layered and hybrid. Trends show a shift toward "real life" textures in lo-fi, blending cozy nostalgia with live elements like actual drums and ethereal vocals, moving away from pure loops into dynamic, collaborative sounds. Dream pop keeps pulling us into immersive, atmospheric worlds, and alt pop is all about that genre-fluid freedom. "To Be Free" nails this perfectly—it's fresh, breezy, yet deeply contemplative, sitting in that sweet spot between bedroom intimacy and expansive experimentation.
The track opens with a beat-heavy instrumental groove, courtesy of rising Brighton drummer Ravi Martin (known for his work with Sick Joy, Slung, and The Death Of Us). That energy sets a solid foundation before it fades into Bonniesongs' (Bonnie Stewart) hypnotic vocal section—short, potent, and lingering like a half-remembered dream. Then it drifts into this suspended ambient chamber built by Vlad and co-producer Neil Cosgrove, where innovative synth work and production magic keep everything feeling weightless and fluid. The unconventional three-act structure mirrors the song's themes of drifting freely, untethered from expectations, and finding beauty in that in-between space.
Vlad Matveikov, the creative force behind Solbore, brings a rich background to the table. With Czech/Argentinian roots and time spent in Spain and Australia before landing in Brighton, he's been a key player in the city's grassroots scene—as a musician in bands like Slung and InTechnicolour, and as founder of Small Pond studios, label, and live events. He also co-founded Rainbow Bridge Records with producer Kristian Shelley (Inwards). "To Be Free" builds on the collaborative spirit of Solbore's 2024 debut album Never Alone, Often Lonely, but shifts toward more live drums and vocals, sparked by Vlad's house-share connection with Neil Cosgrove—an early Aphex Twin collaborator and synth-building wizard. They jammed in a Brighton living room full of cables, turning bass and guitar ideas into spacey arrangements, then brought in Ravi for that incredible drum energy. Vlad, a longtime fan of Bonniesongs (whose debut he released on Small Pond back in 2019), reached out after obsessing over her unreleased second record, and she delivered those gorgeous, intuitive vocal takes.
This isn't just a solo effort—it's a beautiful example of how connections across indie, rock, experimental, and jazz worlds can create something truly special. The result? A track that's emotionally compelling without being overwrought, with production that's innovative yet organic. Early praise echoes the buzz from Solbore's previous single "We Are Not Young Anymore," which snagged BBC 6 Music airplay and playlist spots—expect more of that ripple effect as this one spreads through blogs, playlists, and tastemakers from the UK to Japan and beyond.
In a year where hybrid sounds and collaborative magic are defining the scene, "To Be Free" stands out as a reminder that the best music often comes from unexpected friendships and shared creative spaces. It's the kind of song that invites you to lose yourself in its layers, perfect for late-night drives or quiet reflection.
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What do you think of "To Be Free"? Does that dreamy drift hit you the same way, or are you feeling the collaborative energy most? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to hear!
