A Collaboration Built on Emotion and Groove
There’s something refreshingly genuine about Tell Me Now, the upcoming release from Matt Rhys and Zulema Nakinda Cheek. Stripped-back, bluesy and emotionally rich, the track leans into feeling over perfection, creating a soulful listening experience built around groove-led guitars and powerful vocals.
Scheduled for release on 12 June 2026, Tell Me Now was born from a spontaneous creative process that started with Matt experimenting with guitar sounds inside Native Instruments.
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“I discovered these incredible guitar instruments within Native Instruments, they sound so realistic and I came up with these guitar riffs or chords and they just had a really nice feel. It’s roots, bluesy, instrumental music and with Zulema Nakinda Cheek’s gospel voice again adds new soul elements to the track.”
The chemistry between the two artists came naturally. Matt sent over a selection of guitar-led grooves and Zulema immediately connected with one particular instrumental, the foundation that would eventually become Tell Me Now.
The result is a hypnotic and moody record that feels intimate from the very first listen. Early praise has already started to arrive too, with Blues & Soul Magazine editor Peter Lewis describing the single as:
“Liking the hypnotic, moody feel of this one!”
While the production remains warm and understated, the emotional core of the song sits firmly within Zulema’s vocal performance and lyricism. Her contribution brings themes of healing, reassurance and emotional maturity to the forefront.
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Zulema Nakinda Cheek Opens Up About the Meaning Behind the Track
Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Zulema shared:
“Tell Me Now was an inspired collaboration with Matt Rhys because the track immediately spoke to me when I heard it. I was able to connect to the other side of forgiveness which deals with embracing the act of moving forward without the hindrances of past reminders.”
“Tapping into personal experiences allowed me to write freely from a space of freedom and familiarity. Tell Me Now speaks to the need for reassurance and hope as one steps into their new normal and embraces hope without looking back on what used to be.”
That emotional honesty is exactly what gives the record its depth. Rather than overcomplicating the production, Matt intentionally allowed space for the vocals and atmosphere to breathe.
“The backing track doesn’t have bells and whistles. It’s a song with feelings. And should be listened to that way.”
Musically, the track draws subtle inspiration from soul, blues and groove-heavy songwriting, with Matt referencing artists such as Amy Winehouse, Joan Armatrading and Me’Shell N’Degeocello as part of the wider musical world that inspires him creatively.
Beyond the music itself, the collaboration also extends visually. Zulema designed the artwork for the release, adding another personal layer to the project and showcasing her creativity beyond songwriting and performance.
At its heart, Tell Me Now is a song about commitment, emotional growth and choosing connection over the weight of the past. It’s soulful without trying too hard, reflective without losing warmth, and proof that sometimes the simplest productions leave the strongest impact.
As Matt puts it:
“Tell Me Now is about being committed to a lover. And being loyal in this life together.”
Tell Me Now releases 12 June 2026.