Mary Ancheta may have cut her teeth playing keyboards with Vancouver artists including Kimmortal, Amanda Sum, and Ashleigh Ball, but the newly minted bandleader is now taking centre stage with her new single, “Gotta Get It.” 

The song—which charges up its musical landscape of jazz and funk with electronic textures—is an excellent first offering from Mary Ancheta Quartet’s debut EP, Level Up, which is due out on June 2. 

“With our roots in jazz we recognize where this music has come from and aspire to broaden our galactic awareness,” Ancheta said in a press release. “This EP release is special because this is my first release as the Mary Ancheta Quartet. I have played in the industry as a side person with many fantastic artists. Taking those experiences along with my killer band we are excited to share these new songs to live audiences across Canada.”  

Alongside Ancheta, the quartet features tenor saxophonist Dominic Conway, bassist Matt Reid, and drummer Trent Otter. The band has a busy summer ahead with performances at jazz festivals across the country, including the Vancouver Jazz Festival where they’re opening for BADBADNOTGOOD. 

Level Up is set to showcase Ancheta’s formative musical influences like Prince, Squarepusher, and the Meters. It also pulls from her experience scoring for film and television—which, most recently, includes the award-winning coming of age drama, Golden Delicious. 

Mary Ancheta Quartet performs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for the Vancouver Jazz Festival on June 29. Tickets are available online.