Alchemist is the debut full-length album from Alexander IV, the jazz-influenced beat project of Dutch producer and multi-instrumentalist Joris Feiertag. Known for his club-ready solo productions under the name Feiertag, this project sees Joris stepping into a more introspective and cinematic space—merging beat culture with live musicianship, sample-based craftsmanship, and a deep love for soul and jazz. The album is a carefully sequenced, 13-track journey through textured instrumentals and vocal collaborations, drawing inspiration from artists like Mr. Scruff, Thievery Corporation, Kruder & Dorfmeister, SAULT, and Khruangbin. From dusty drum breaks to dubbed-out horns, from soulful toplines to hypnotic rhythm guitars, Alchemist feels like both a beat tape and a full-band session—intimate, spacious, and richly detailed. “I took small pieces of sound and turned them into something whole,” says Joris. “Chopping, isolating drums, reversing parts, slowing things down… one of the things I’m most proud of is the detail. Even the smallest quotes and samples are intentional — everything aligns.” The album opens with “Touch of Gold”, a cinematic instrumental that flips from lush jazz into gritty hip-hop in a matter of bars. The mood deepens on tracks like “All I Have to Say” (inspired by Mr. Scruff),“Génie” , and “Palau”, which draw on crate-digging traditions and lo-fi jazz sensibilities. Elsewhere, the storytelling shifts into collaborative song territory. Notable vocal features include Cézanne (“This Won’t Do”), Oli Hannaford (“Time of Day”), Pete Josef (“Long Way from Home”), and spoken word legend Ursula Rucker (“Now, Pause…”). These songs bring lyrical weight and emotional dimension to the record, with influences ranging from neo-soul and bossa nova to Afrobeat and modern UK jazz. Alchemist is more than a genre exercise—it’s an emotional, hand-crafted reflection on process, patience, and the magic of collaboration. As its title suggests, it’s about turning raw ingredients into gold.
