Touching Bass Celebrates a Decade of Global Influence with Ambitious World Tour and a Vision for Community

On a bright April morning, Errol, co-founder of the influential London-based musical collective Touching Bass, beams in from his and Alex Rita’s home in Deptford, South London. "I’m a bit discombobulated," he admits with a weary yet satisfied smile. The year 2026 marks a significant milestone for Errol, Alex Rita, and the entire Touching Bass crew as they embark on a year-long celebration of their tenth anniversary. This momentous occasion is being commemorated with a self-produced, "stupidly ambitious" world tour, aptly named TB10, which has seen them connecting with artists and audiences across continents. Fresh off a successful collaboration with the Berlin-based soundsystem and label SHUSH, Errol reflects on the profound impact of their global network: "It’s wild to have these connections all over the world."

The year-long anniversary festivities commenced in January with vibrant events in Accra and Lagos, laying the groundwork for a multi-city European leg. This European circuit culminates in a highly anticipated date at London’s prestigious Barbican on May 3rd. This landmark event is set to unite two titans of soulful electronic music from opposite sides of the Atlantic: the legendary Theo Parrish and the acclaimed Dego. The undertaking of such an extensive global tour, coupled with the demands of a burgeoning record label, concert series, radio show, and curatorial studio, is made even more remarkable by the fact that Errol and Alex are also raising a two-year-old son. "To be fair, he’s now a seasoned travelling vet," Errol notes proudly. "He’s been to every single continent by the age of two and a half, which is insane."

Established in 2016, Touching Bass emerged as a "London-based musical movement," a descriptor that attempts to encapsulate their multifaceted creative output. This period was a pivotal moment for UK music, particularly with the burgeoning focus on London’s vibrant jazz scene. Errol and Alex strategically carved out a distinctive niche by championing joyful sounds rooted in the Black soulful spectrum, drawing deep inspiration from the capital’s rich underground culture. Their approach was to synthesize diverse elements into a cohesive and influential platform.

Roots in London’s Underground Scene

The genesis of Touching Bass is deeply intertwined with the legacy of London’s seminal club nights and record labels. "Plastic People was a huge one – even though we only really caught the tail end of it, it had already become this kind of mythic space," Errol recalls. He further elaborates on the foundational influences that shaped their vision: "Boy Better Know, Eglo Records, Jazz Re:freshed, Ruff Sqwad, Brownswood – they were all really important reference points. Listening to NTS, Vibes FM, Venture FM and Josey Rebelle on Rinse, going to Wu-Lu’s Brixton house parties. It was about pulling all those threads together and asking what it would look like if we built something that held all of that at once." This desire to consolidate and amplify the diverse sounds and communities of London’s underground formed the core of Touching Bass’s ethos.

The evolution of Touching Bass over the past decade can be characterized as a true "family affair," echoing the spirit of groups like Sly & The Family Stone. "We play We Out Here [festival] every year," Errol explains, highlighting the inclusive and communal nature of their events. "While playing, we hand the baby over. It’s really soothing when you get a moment, look over, and he’s being passed around the various aunties and uncles on the side, just dancing. When I started Touching Bass, the blueprint was my Caribbean family’s house parties. Those were 100 percent multi-generational, with elders and youths in the same place. It feels like it’s come full circle." This emphasis on multi-generational participation and the creation of a welcoming, familial atmosphere remains a cornerstone of their programming.

Navigating the Demands of a Global Movement

While the outward appearance of Touching Bass might suggest a seamless global operation, the reality is punctuated by the inherent challenges of running a significant cultural enterprise, particularly within the demanding landscape of London. Alex Rita, originally from Copenhagen, moved to London in 2015 and was already involved in a collective throwing parties back in Denmark. "I landed right in the middle of the early London jazz scene," she recounts. "I met Errol through a mutual friend from a MogaDisco party." This serendipitous connection proved pivotal, setting the stage for the collaborative and community-driven approach that defines Touching Bass. "Often I’ll meet someone and think, ‘You need to meet this other person so you guys can create magic together.’ That kind of work happens a lot with the label now."

The financial realities of sustaining such an ambitious endeavor, especially in a high-cost city like London, are a constant consideration. "There’s the reality of living in London," Alex states candidly. "Even though from the outside it looks like Touching Bass is flying around the world doing all this stuff, financially it’s really hard. You might not actually make any money on tour – sometimes you just have expenses covered. Then when you come home it’s like ‘oh, OK, back to square one.’ It’s a privilege and I’m not complaining. But it’s hard." This transparency about the economic pressures underscores the dedication and passion required to keep the movement thriving.

An Intergenerational Relay and Future Aspirations

A testament to Touching Bass’s commitment to fostering talent and nurturing community is the integration of individuals who have grown alongside the collective. Carli Adams, who initially interviewed Errol for her university dissertation eight years ago, now serves as the Label and Community Manager. Similarly, DJ and producer Shy One, a long-time friend and supporter since Touching Bass’s inception, has just released her album Mali on the label, a release widely considered a standout in UK electronic music for 2026.

Errol reflects on this dynamic: "We’re now in this middle phase of an intergenerational relay. When we first started out, we were looking backwards a lot to understand what came before us. Now, we’re slowly becoming part of that chain ourselves. People like Dego, Theo Parrish and Ron Trent reaching out and saying they rate what we’re doing, that means a lot. You can feel a younger generation coming through now too – maybe shaped in some way by what we’ve done – taking the spirit and pushing it somewhere else entirely. And that feels right." This cyclical transfer of knowledge and inspiration highlights the enduring impact of their work.

Looking towards the future, Errol and Alex harbor aspirations for a dedicated physical space—a hub where the Touching Bass creative community can convene and connect beyond the often-intense pace of London’s artistic landscape. "We just need that one person with the bag to say, ‘I believe in you.’ So if you’re out there!" Alex humorously remarks, expressing their hope for a benefactor who shares their vision.

In the immediate future, Touching Bass is focused on evolving the nature of their events, with a growing emphasis on daytime gatherings designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all. Alex draws inspiration from the intergenerational environment of her Caribbean upbringing, where "the uncles and aunties and everyone is together." This concept was successfully tested at their Notting Hill Carnival event last year, which saw an overwhelming response from families. "Everyone came with buggies, and there were so many we literally ran out of space." The upcoming August edition of this event will feature a dedicated buggy section, a proactive measure to accommodate the growing community of "babies and bass."

With the Barbican show representing a significant highlight of the TB10 tour, and further dates planned across North America, Asia, and Australia, 2026 is shaping up to be an expansive celebration of a decade of musical innovation and community building. "I’m just incredibly grateful for everyone who has made the tour possible," Errol concludes. "We’ve really been feeling the love. It’s a special feeling to travel to all these disparate places and walk in thinking, ‘This feels like Touching Bass. This feels like home.’" This sentiment underscores the profound sense of belonging and connection that Touching Bass cultivates, not just within London, but across the globe. The journey from a nascent London movement to a globally recognized entity is a testament to their unwavering commitment to soulful music, authentic connection, and the power of community.