BADBADNOTGOOD – exploration and memory in contemporary sound

BADBADNOTGOOD is a Canadian ensemble formed in Toronto, whose practice is situated at the intersection of contemporary jazz, hip hop, and experimental music.

Comprised of Alexander Sowinski, Chester Hansen, and Leland Whitty, the group initially developed a language that reinterpreted hip hop through improvisation, progressively expanding their focus toward more open and exploratory structures.

Throughout their career, they have collaborated with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, and Kaytranada, integrating themselves into diverse contexts within contemporary music. Their approach is characterized by the construction of collective spaces where composition and improvisation interact fluidly, prioritizing listening and the evolution of the ensemble.

In projects like Talk Memory, this practice is oriented toward a reflection on memory, collaboration, and sound as a constantly transforming process.