He’s from Vienna, lives in Brooklyn, and creates music that breaks boundaries. Austrian jazz guitarist and producer Matthias Löscher is part of a generation of artists for whom HipHop is more than a genre — it’s a mindset, a cultural foundation, and an artistic compass. This November, he’ll bring his unique sound to the HipHop Ball in Berlin, together with Grammy-winning vocalist Jay Howard.
When Jazz Meets Boom-Bap
“HipHop isn’t just HipHop anymore — it’s a vast spectrum, a whole universe that keeps evolving,” says Matthias in conversation. He speaks from experience. Having spent over a decade in New York, he’s made a name for himself in the scene, collaborating with legends and newcomers alike — on stage and in the studio. For him, it’s never been about genre borders — it’s about musical honesty. “A lot of young musicians today discover jazz through HipHop. They hear a track, search the sample — and suddenly they’re listening to Coltrane, Miles, or Nina Simone. That changes everything.”
Culture Lives in Every Note
Matthias explains how deeply Hip-Hop is woven into his everyday life — even beyond music: “Here in Brooklyn, HipHop is the soundtrack of life for so many people. A lot of my friends found their way to deeper musical roots through rap — and from there to soul, funk, and jazz. Now it all flows together — in beats, in sessions, in live shows.” That fusion is exactly what he’s bringing to Berlin, performing live with Jay Howard, a powerhouse vocalist with soul roots and a jazz mindset — their first performance as a duo.
“Ball Culture is Part of My DNA”
For Matthias, the HipHop Ball holds a personal dimension as well: “I grew up in Austria. played Strauss on the cello at a school ball when I was 13 — it was both a duty and an honor. In Austria, you can’t escape ball culture.”
Now seeing that classical tradition merged with Hip-Hop? “It’s a brilliant concept. It shows how culture can evolve when we dare to think differently. It’s not about breaking traditions — it’s about creating new connections. And that’s exactly what our time needs.”
The HipHop Ball: A Place Where Generations Meet
Matthias is excited to return to Berlin — for the music, the crowd, and the exchange: “Being away from Europe for so long, it’s amazing to see what’s happening in Germany. The HipHop Ball brings it all together — urban culture, classical tradition, emerging voices, and seasoned artists. It’s more than an event — it’s a statement.” A statement for connection, openness, and cultural courage. And that’s exactly what Matthias Löscher stands for — through his music and through his story.
