Booking BADBADNOTGOOD

BADBADNOTGOOD (often stylized as BBNG) is a Canadian instrumental group from Toronto known for redefining jazz for the modern era. Formed in 2010 by Matthew Tavares, Chester Hansen, and Alexander Sowinski while studying at Humber College, the band initially gained attention for their jazz reinterpretations of hip-hop classics from artists like J Dilla and MF DOOM. Their innovative approach quickly resonated with a new generation of listeners, bridging the gap between traditional jazz musicianship and contemporary beats culture.

Their early self-titled projects showcased their raw energy and genre-bending instincts, but it was their collaborations that elevated them to international acclaim. Working with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, Ghostface Killah, Kali Uchis, and Daniel Caesar, BBNG became one of the most in-demand collectives in modern music. The 2015 album Sour Soul with Ghostface Killah was hailed as a masterpiece, fusing golden-age hip-hop with cinematic jazz instrumentation.

In 2016, their critically acclaimed record IV marked a new creative peak, with tracks like Lavender (featuring Kaytranada) and In Your Eyes blending neo-soul, funk, and electronic elements into an unmistakable sound. Their 2021 album Talk Memory represented a return to their improvisational roots, emphasizing instrumental storytelling and emotional depth.

Live, BADBADNOTGOOD are a revelation — weaving between structure and spontaneity with masterful precision. Their concerts combine the intimacy of jazz with the power of rock and the rhythm of hip-hop, captivating audiences at major festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury, and Montreux Jazz Festival.

Beyond their musicianship, BBNG have earned respect for their production work and cross-genre collaborations, contributing to a new global appreciation of instrumental, groove-driven music.

BADBADNOTGOOD remain at the forefront of contemporary jazz innovation — proof that true musicianship never goes out of style.