Acclaimed producers James Rial of Audiojack and Kevin Knapp have joined forces to unveil KJ Cuts, a new collaborative project rooted in trip-hop, downtempo, and hip-hop influences. The duo’s debut single, “Rabbit Hole,” arrives April 24 via Plump Records, accompanied by a fresh remix from both artists that reinterprets the track through a club-focused lens.
Marking a clear shift from their established dancefloor identities, KJ Cuts finds Rial and Knapp exploring a more introspective and experimental sonic space. “Rabbit Hole” sets the tone immediately, unfolding through hypnotic rhythms and a shadowy, textured palette. Built on deep, pulsing downtempo grooves, the track moves with a slow-burning intensity, as fragmented samples drift in and out like distant memories, creating an atmosphere steeped in subtle nostalgia.
In contrast, the accompanying remix sees Audiojack and Kevin Knapp lean back into their roots. Driven by a classic four-on-the-floor structure, the rework injects a sharp, kinetic energy into the original, transforming it into a dancefloor-ready cut primed for peak-time sets while retaining the track’s underlying mood.
“Rabbit Hole” serves as the lead single from the project’s debut album, Slow Burn, set for release on May 8. Conceived during lockdown, the album reflects a shared creative vision shaped by a deep appreciation for hip-hop culture. Across Slow Burn, KJ Cuts navigate themes of vulnerability, connection, and friendship, balancing introspective storytelling with moments of rhythmic intensity.
For Kevin Knapp, a Plump Recordings label boss and longstanding presence in the global house scene, the project signals a new chapter. Known for releases on forward-thinking imprints such as Cuttin Heads, Repopulate Mars, Crosstown Rebels, and Desert Hearts, his work has consistently bridged character-driven grooves with club functionality. With KJ Cuts, he leans further into the influence of ’90s hip-hop that has long shaped his sound.
Meanwhile, James Rial, best known for his work as Audiojack, brings a decade of experience as a DJ, producer, and curator to the project. With releases on Crosstown Rebels, 2020Vision, and Hot Creations, alongside remixes for Moon Harbour, B-Pitch Control, and Dynamic, his catalog reflects a deep-rooted connection to underground house music. His accolades include nominations at the DJ Mag Best of British Awards and the Mexican Dance Awards, as well as delivering the iconic Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1.
With KJ Cuts, both artists step beyond the confines of the club, merging their technical expertise with a more cinematic and emotionally driven approach. As “Rabbit Hole” introduces this new direction, Slow Burn promises a fully realized debut—one that positions the duo as a compelling new voice operating between electronic music’s past influences and its evolving future.
KJ CUTS: Instagram | Soundcloud