In the ever-evolving music landscape of London, few artists embody the spirit of fearless creativity quite like Big O. A producer and artist who thrives on pushing boundaries, Big O has built his journey on a foundation of self-determination and deep respect for the craft of music-making. Unlike many who are content to stay within the comfort of familiar sounds, Big O has consistently sought growth through exploration, viewing music not just as entertainment but as a medium for evolution. His influences trace back to some of the most groundbreaking names in modern production: Madlib, J Dilla, Four Tet, and Kiefer. From these pioneers, Big O has drawn lessons in experimentation, groove, and emotional storytelling through sound. Yet, while these inspirations inform his craft, Big O is far from a mere imitator, his work carves its own lane, blending his London roots with a global palette of sounds that reach into hip-hop, Afrobeats, R&B, and atmospheric instrumentals.
A defining trait of Big O’s artistry is his independence. Working from his home studio in London, he produced his latest project entirely himself, handling every detail of its sound. While collaborators such as IB Delight (A Better (Me)) and Jeronimo G (Walking into Next Week) added depth to specific tracks, the overall vision remains singularly his. This self-reliance reflects not only his technical skill but also his creative philosophy: music should speak for itself without over-explanation. For Big O, artistry is about action, not talk. His career so far illustrates a refusal to wait for permission, instead embracing the unknown and trusting the process. This mindset reaches its most powerful expression in his latest album. Released on September 26, 2025, “When It’s Not Said, But Done” is Big O’s boldest statement yet, a project that lives up to its name by turning intention into sound without relying on empty words. Recorded in his London home studio, the album represents a turning point in his journey, one defined by risk-taking, experimentation, and trust in pure artistic instinct.
Featuring tracks like “Relaxing My Emotions”, which seamlessly weaves together Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B, the album is a testament to Big O’s ability to transcend genre and craft something both fresh and resonant. Inspired by the spirit of innovators like Madlib and J Dilla yet infused with his own London-bred sensibility, Big O constructs a soundscape that is cinematic, soulful, and deeply personal. At its core, this is not an album of promises or declarations. It is an album of doing, of creating without overthinking, of expressing without fear, of letting the music carry the message. “When It’s Not Said, But Done” is not just a title, it is a philosophy, and Big O has translated that philosophy into a body of work that feels as authentic as it is experimental. And for those who want to witness this energy beyond the studio, Big O will be performing songs from the album live at Four Quarters on October 11th for Audio Arcade. This show promises to bring the raw energy, experimentation, and innovation of the record to the stage, allowing audiences to experience the philosophy of “When It’s Not Said, But Done” in its most immediate and visceral form.
When It’s Not Said, But Done Album Track List:
M!dnyght Rude:
“M!dnyght Ryde” from Big O’s album “When It’s Not Said, But Done” is an immersive instrumental journey that immediately pulls the listener into a nocturnal landscape of motion, freedom, and understated intensity. From its opening seconds, the song radiates an atmosphere that feels like a late-night drive through city streets illuminated by neon lights and subtle reflections on wet asphalt. The beat is anchored by a steady but pulsing rhythm that blends classic hip-hop percussion with modern production crispness, laying down a groove that is both laid-back and commanding. The bass line hums with a velvety presence, grounding the track while leaving enough room for the airy textures to float above it. What makes the piece so compelling is the way Big O balances contrasting elements, the smoothness of ambient pads and subtle melodic flourishes against the raw punch of kicks and snares, to create an evolving mood that captures both serenity and urgency.
As the track unfolds, its layers reveal more of Big O’s mastery of sonic storytelling. The production makes clever use of atmospheric synths that shimmer like passing streetlights, while faint melodic motifs weave in and out, never overstaying their welcome but always adding to the hypnotic spell of the ride. The percussion is not static, hi-hats shift patterns, snares crack with precision, and the kick drum subtly shifts weight, keeping the momentum fresh throughout the song. There’s an undeniable cinematic quality here, as if “M!dnyght Ryde” is not just a piece of music but a soundtrack to a very specific feeling: the solitude and exhilaration of venturing into the unknown at night. Big O resists the temptation to overcrowd the arrangement; instead, he builds progression through dynamic layering and textural changes. Each element feels purposeful, like brushstrokes on a canvas designed to evoke both contemplation and movement.
What ultimately makes “M!dnyght Ryde” stand out is its ability to resonate emotionally while being purely instrumental. The track has a groove that inspires head-nods, but it also carries a sense of depth that invites listeners to close their eyes and get lost in the ride it represents. The blending of hip-hop beats with ambient tones creates a dual identity, grounded yet ethereal, rhythmic yet dreamlike. It speaks to Big O’s vision as a producer: crafting music that communicates volumes without words, allowing the listener to interpret and internalize the story in their own way. By the time the song reaches its close, there’s a lingering afterglow, a sense that you’ve been taken somewhere intimate, personal, and profound. It’s more than just a track on an album; it’s a mood, a journey, and a testament to Big O’s evolving artistry.
Still Standing:
“Still Standing” from Big O’s “When It’s Not Said, But Done” is a masterclass in resilience expressed through sound. From the very first moments, the track establishes an introspective yet triumphant mood, built on a foundation of lush keys and a steady percussive framework that feels both grounding and uplifting. The melody doesn’t rush; instead, it unfolds with a deliberate grace, almost like someone gathering strength after a long struggle. There’s an undeniable warmth in the instrumentation, gentle piano chords glide across the soundscape while subtle synth layers shimmer in the background, creating a feeling of hope that grows richer with every bar. Big O uses space brilliantly, allowing each note to breathe and resonate, so that the emotional impact is felt deeply rather than forced. The opening is a declaration of quiet strength, preparing listeners for a journey that is both reflective and empowering.
As the beat settles in, “Still Standing” reveals the heart of its character: rhythmically firm, yet melodically fluid. The drums have a crisp, deliberate punch, snares snap with precision, the kick pushes forward with steady determination, and hi-hats flicker like sparks of persistence. Over this rhythmic backbone, melodic layers build into a soundscape that feels cinematic, almost storytelling in nature. There are moments when strings swell faintly, echoing resilience, while low-end tones provide a sense of gravity that grounds the piece. The way Big O blends organic textures with electronic polish gives the track a modern yet timeless essence, making it feel equally at home in headphones during a late-night reflection or as a soundtrack to a scene of triumph in film. Each instrument feels intentional, contributing to the central narrative of endurance, of remaining rooted despite storms, of rising after setbacks.
What makes “Still Standing” particularly memorable is its ability to inspire without words. It carries the listener through waves of emotion: moments of quiet contemplation, surges of strength, and the steady persistence of the beat that never falters. The song is more than just a collection of sounds; it’s an emotional statement, a soundscape that embodies the title perfectly. There’s a sense of catharsis in how the melodies resolve, how the beat maintains its integrity, and how every layered detail feels like a reminder of the power to keep moving forward. It lingers in the listener’s mind long after it ends, not simply as an instrumental track, but as a symbol of endurance wrapped in music. Big O captures resilience in its purest form, not loud or brash, but steady, graceful, and unshakably strong. “Still Standing” becomes both an anthem and a meditation, leaving listeners with the reassuring reminder that strength is not about never falling, but about always rising again.
Free Spirit:
“Free Spirit” from Big O’s “When It’s Not Said, But Done” is a composition that instantly captures the essence of liberation through sound, painting an aural picture of unchained movement and unfiltered expression. From the very first notes, the track exudes a lightness that feels almost airborne, as if it were designed to mirror the sensation of taking flight. The instrumental layers are carefully woven, starting with a mellow yet vibrant chord progression that creates an open, expansive atmosphere. Over this foundation, subtle melodic fragments rise and fall like gentle waves, suggesting freedom not just in a physical sense, but in the release of emotional or mental weight. The way Big O allows the music to breathe, giving each instrument its moment to shine without overcrowding the mix, is what sets the tone for the track. It feels like a sonic exhale, a release of tension, a reminder that being free often begins with letting go.
The rhythmic structure of “Free Spirit” is where its pulse truly lies. Big O crafts a beat that is steady and grounding, yet never restrictive; it works as the heartbeat of the song while leaving room for the melodies to float and glide above it. The percussion has a crisp, modern touch, clean snares, well-balanced kicks, and hi-hats that dance with understated elegance. The bassline complements this perfectly, deep enough to anchor the track but smooth enough to avoid weighing it down. As the song progresses, faint atmospheric tones and additional instrumental flourishes appear, each one carefully timed to add momentum without breaking the calm energy of the piece. This layering gives the track an evolving quality, almost as if it’s traveling forward on a journey, embracing change with every step. The interplay between grounded rhythm and floating melody becomes the very embodiment of the song’s title, freedom within structure, spirit within form.
What makes “Free Spirit” so enchanting is the emotional response it evokes. It’s a track that doesn’t shout its message; instead, it whispers it through textures, tones, and dynamics that invite the listener into an experience of weightlessness and possibility. The absence of vocals gives the music an even broader canvas, listeners can project their own interpretations, memories, or dreams onto the soundscape, making the experience deeply personal. There’s a cinematic quality in the way the track rises and falls, offering moments of subtle intensity followed by stretches of serene calm. By the end, it leaves behind a lingering sense of optimism and openness, as though one has just stepped out of a cage into a wide, sunlit field. Big O’s gift lies in his ability to translate profound ideas into music, and with “Free Spirit,” he has crafted a piece that doesn’t just sound beautiful, it feels alive, carrying the listener toward a space of release, renewal, and infinite possibility.
Relaxing My Emotions:
“Relaxing My Emotions” from Big O’s “When It’s Not Said, But Done” is a beautifully constructed instrumental piece that feels like a gentle unraveling of inner tension through sound. From its opening moments, the track sets a tone of serenity, drawing the listener into a space of calm reflection with warm chords and an almost liquid flow of melodies. The textures are smooth and atmospheric, creating a sonic environment that feels both intimate and expansive. Big O uses space with intention, allowing each note and rhythmic pulse to linger just long enough to create an emotional connection. The introduction immediately feels therapeutic, like the quiet moment when the noise of the day fades and you finally allow yourself to breathe. It’s not just background music; it’s an invitation to pause and experience a sense of emotional release.
The rhythm of the track is steady and deliberate, built on a beat that feels like the slow, steady rhythm of a heartbeat. The percussion is subtle yet impactful, with crisp snares and hi-hats that gently guide the progression without overpowering the calm atmosphere. The bassline hums beneath it all, giving weight and grounding to the airy, floating melodies that weave throughout the song. What makes the track shine is the way Big O layers delicate elements, ambient pads, soft synth tones, and faint melodic motifs, to create a soundscape that evolves slowly and gracefully. There’s a balance between structure and freedom here: while the rhythm keeps everything cohesive, the melodic layers feel free to drift, like thoughts that come and go during moments of deep relaxation. Each element contributes to a mood that is both reflective and restorative, making the song feel like a musical meditation.
As the piece unfolds, the emotional impact becomes more pronounced, turning “Relaxing My Emotions” into more than just a calming track, it becomes a soundtrack for introspection and healing. The title perfectly matches the experience: you can almost feel the music easing tension away, note by note, as if untangling the knots of the mind and heart. By the end, there’s a sense of completion, a quiet resolution that leaves the listener refreshed, grounded, and at peace. Big O demonstrates not only his technical skill as a producer but also his sensitivity as a composer, crafting music that communicates directly with emotion rather than words. It’s a track that doesn’t just sound good but feels necessary, a reminder that music has the power to soothe, to center, and to reconnect us with our own sense of balance.
When It’s Not Said, But Done is Big O’s fearless leap, an immersive, genre-blending journey of action, growth, and timeless creativity.
“When It’s Not Said, But Done” stands as a rare body of work that proves growth in artistry doesn’t come from loud declarations but from the quiet courage to create, experiment, and deliver. Big O has crafted an album that is immersive, versatile, and emotionally resonant, blending Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, and atmospheric instrumentals into a soundscape that speaks directly to the listener’s inner world. Each track, from the nocturnal pulse of “M!dnyght Ryde” to the meditative calm of “Relaxing My Emotions”, offers its own unique narrative while remaining part of a unified vision rooted in authenticity. This is not an album built for fleeting trends but one designed for reflection, resilience, and renewal, making it just as effective in private listening as it would be in a live setting. For longtime fans of experimental hip-hop and genre-fusing production, “When It’s Not Said, But Done” is essential listening, but it also extends an open invitation to newcomers seeking music that inspires, heals, and challenges. Big O doesn’t just recommend action, he embodies it, and with this release, he sets a new benchmark for creativity that feels timeless.
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