PillowTalk member Michael Tello steps into the spotlight with his solo project, Lil’T, unveiling his ambitious new album, Back 2 The Future. This genre-defying 10-track release seamlessly fuses elements of electronica, indie dance, future house, dub, and garage, featuring a dynamic lineup of talented collaborators.
Tello is a multifaceted DJ, producer, and industry innovator. As the co-founder and A&R lead for both PillowTalk Music and Touch of Class Records, he has built a reputation for crafting unique sounds that span multiple genres. Under various monikers, including Lil’T & Big $exy, Signal Flow, and as the creator of the Housepitality event brand, Tello has remained at the forefront of the electronic music scene.
With PillowTalk, Tello has captured global audiences, blending house, indie dance, disco, electronica, latin, soul, funk, and boogie into standout tracks like “Soft” and “We All Have Rhythm,” as well as two classic albums that have earned the band widespread acclaim and taken its signature sound to audiences worldwide. PillowTalk’s contributions have graced cult labels such as Life & Death, Visionquest, Bar25, Kompakt, Crew Love, and Wolf + Lamb showcasing his ability to cook up deep, emotionally resonant grooves.
Back 2 The Future is an intimate and dynamic project that reflects Tello's enduring passion for beat-making, sound design, songwriting, and vocal production. This album crafted a sonic timeline that encapsulates works assembled for two decades. During its fabrication, Lil’T seized the opportunity to tap into and display his personal writing and production style. Sessions recorded abroad in Berlin, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and his home in New York were gathered to showcase the various artists and collaborators who have a deep connection and friendship with him.
The album kicks off with “Mama Knows Best,” a dubby introduction by Aquarius Heaven about life's ups and downs and smiles and frowns. Next up to bat, is ‘Open Your 3rd Eye’ where Tone of Arc, shares his reflection on consciousness, spirituality, and the cosmos, complemented by Hannah Noelle and Lionize's infectious vocal mantras.
'Eyes Wide Shut' is a lithe collaborative groove produced with Tone of Arc that's filtered, pained vocals, and chunky, funky beats bring the music to the heart. There is a sultry, playful mood throughout this record on cuts like the 80s-tinged synth sounds of 'C 2 Believe' with Wolf+Lamb and PillowTalk vocalist, Sammy D. At the same time, the album's self-titled track 'Back 2 The Future' takes the journey even further into the dancefloor paying homage to some of Tello’s inspirations Pal Joey, Lil’ Louis, and Lil Louie Vega, that brings a steamy tropical vibe representing his Latin heritage.
The second half takes in reverb-laden deep house on 'Free Yo Body' a warm message from newcomer Jowil De La Vega to the world, snappy kicks and sultry R&B tones on 'Giving All My Love' engulf ears with Hannah Noelle's sultry voice and spark a fun duet with Lil’T on backing vocals.
The smooth and deep performance by Big $exy on 'Don't Make Me Wait' decrescendos the album as 'Memories of Mumbai' brings star-gazing melodies, poetic lyrics, and driving polyrhythm drums and bass to continue its saga. 'Super Sound Boy' sun-kissed dub sound closes with Hannah Noelles' R&B delivery and Greg Paulus's smokey laid-back trumpet.
Back 2 The Future is a timeless fusion of sounds, songwriting, and moving grooves that reveals more with every listen.
