London collective Idioteque discuss genre-blurring sounds, immersive live shows, emotional storytelling, and the future of downtempo music ahead of new material coming later this year.

Last updated: 13th May 2026

Originally published: 12th May 2026

The sound of London collective Idioteque is tough to pin down, in the best possible way. Hazy, late-night atmospherics steeped in trip hop and slowcore melancholy collide with walls of distortion, pulsing basslines and moments of raw emotional release. Enigmatic yet deeply human, the project feels restless, reflective and constantly evolving.

Built around a rotating cast of vocalists and collaborators, Idioteque - the brainchild of Emanuele Savoca - has emerged as one of the more compelling names bubbling beneath the capital’s alternative underground, crafting immersive live shows that blur the line between gig and experience. With influences stretching from cult film soundtracks and UK bass music to emo, hip hop and shoegaze, the project thrives in the spaces between genres, never settling in one place for too long.

Ahead of a run of new material later this year, we caught up with Emanuele to discuss the project’s beginnings, the emotional weight behind the music, the creative freedom that comes with collaboration, and why moving beyond nostalgia could be vital to the future of downtempo music.

 

How did Idioteque come to be?  

“I was about 16, 17 years old when I first got the bug for producing music, following words of encouragement from one specific teacher, and after attending many raves - illegally, it must be said. Since then, it’s been the thing that has continued to give me purpose.  

"The collective came about in late 2022. I was studying at uni at the time, and the course gave me a chance to explore some new avenues sonically. I began putting material out featuring vocals, and shortly after, things just aligned, and I found my people - those who understood what I was trying to do.

"Since those earlier releases, I’ve gone on to work closely with 5 vocalists: Bâlâ, Isa Sin, Reptile  B, Sheba Q, and Swan Diver. We started performing live in 2024, after figuring out how to present the concept, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved. 

"The rotating cast helps keep things exciting, and all the artists have been a blessing to work with. Big shouts to Sam and Stanley, who hold it down on drums and guitar live, too."

 

 

 

From listening to the limited Idioteque catalogue available online, it’s clear to see that you like to experiment with a variety of musical styles - tell us about the sound of the project:  

"I think the experimentation and variety are just by-products of having multiple influences and getting bored with just one sound. 

"Our latest releases are pretty different to what came before, and that’s okay. I feel there’s this weird thing artists have of wanting to maintain consistency in case they alienate people, but you can still channel a mood or feeling whilst not having the same instrumental format each time.  

"Regarding the sonic makeup of the project, I guess it’s a fusion between the rhythmic weight and pulse of trip hop, electronica and UK bass music, tied with the emotional honesty of some shoegaze, slowcore and emo."

 

Describe your live show to someone who’s never heard of you before?  

"It’s a constant ebb and flow of varying moods and soundscapes, with many worlds coming together to channel a cohesive message.

"At times, the set is intimate and vulnerable, and at the flick of a switch, it can become explosive. We like to keep the audience on their toes. 

"Many a time, we’ve received feedback that our live performance model stands apart from the usual. We’ve been told our live show feels more like stepping into something than just seeing a band play music, which is cool."

 

 

Who or what do you cite as your biggest influences?

"Thematically, I’d say mental health struggles. Painting how certain aspects of that may feel, the challenging situations you find yourself in and how they shape you,  and analysing the world around us and how it affects our behaviour patterns. There’s a lot of room for introspection in this project.

"In terms of music, there are so many. To name a few artists that have really had a profound effect on me, I’d say Elliott Smith, The Smashing Pumpkins, Massive Attack, Sparklehorse, Modest Mouse, Blur (Self  Titled - Think Tank), Mos Def, Outkast, and Alix Perez. But there are so many more.  

"Special shout out to film and game soundtracks too, some of my favourites include  The Warriors, Heat, Devil May Cry, Memories Of A Murder, Carlitos Way."

  

Originally hailing from Bournemouth but now based in London, what’s the scene like for downtempo acts such as yourself?  

"There are certainly a lot of people who enjoy this type of music. I’ve noticed quite a promising online presence, but I’d say a much smaller group of people know artists outside of the usual big names. Most are sort of stuck in a sort of nostalgic loop, which is okay, but I believe hinders the growth of the next wave, so to speak. You can still enjoy what came prior whilst being open to what’s in front of you.  

"There are newer artists who are pushing elements of the trip hop/downtempo genre forward and blending them with different influences, which is cool to see.  

"As for the live scene, I wouldn’t say it exists in the same vein as the punk or indie scenes, for example, where it’s so connected and insular, but some promoters are open to putting this sound on. There’s a lot of interesting, outside-of-the-box music around, and a lot of that works on bills together."

 

(Reptile B performing live with Idioteque)

 

Have you ever had a pinch-me moment during your career thus far?  

"In recent times, probably supporting Canadian artist Delachute at Hootananny  Brixton. That was a dope show, and it was great to share the stage with someone who not only makes beautiful, unique music but has built a whole world within his art.  

"Second would probably be getting added to Still Listening Magazine’s hype list for  2026. We played their last show of 2025, and they invited us to feature. There are so many promising artists on that list, and I respect the publication for doing the groundwork in finding new music themselves and being present.  

"Finally, I’d just say people reaching out and letting me know how a song has had an impact on them. It’s happened quite a few times from people all over the world. That feeling that your art may be helping someone get through a difficult time is unmatched for me personally."

 

Concerning new music, what can we expect from Idioteque in 2026?  

"I’m currently in the process of finishing new material, and will be dropping some new singles in the second half of the year. Collaborations with the mentioned vocalists are to be expected, of course.  

"My goals for 2026 are to keep up the momentum with the live performances. The last few shows have been a trip! There are some names I’d really like to support, too. Aside from that, just to remain persistent in what I’m doing."

 

Are there any other upcoming acts you are a particular fan of that deserve a shout-out here?  

"Moon Idle, Sharkpit, Louis Gardner, Max Winter, Big Huge New Circle."

 

 

Where can music fans expect to see you performing live in 2026?  

"I’m in writing mode right now, so shows are sporadic. We just did a show in London supporting our friends Moon Idle as part of their UK tour, which was superb. We have another planned in July and some more plans pencilled in for the rest of the year.

"Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date!"

 

Finally, here’s your chance to plug anything we haven’t already covered or to shout out anyone special to you or the collective:  

"Love to all of those who have followed the project thus far.  

"Big hugs to Rowan, Aleks, Gabe and Martin for aiding the artistic process with visuals, Michal at Stray Music for his guidance and belief in the project, and to my partner Alice, who has been by my side through it all.  

"Peace."

 

 

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