Since the release of his debut album Triple Life in 2011 New York based keyboarder, pianist and composer Manu Koch has shifted focus on Filtron M, a project which serves as a platform for a selection of musicians and visual artists. At the core is a global network of collaborators which interpret and perform Manu’s compositions and are highlighted by their creative contributions. Units such as Unique Afrique and Astoria Roots, introduced on the 2014 EP Mandatory Underground, have shaped the unpredictable and distinct direction of Filtron M, whereas the latter unit can be heard with guest appearances on the 2017 release Astoria Roots Live.

It all has been and continues to be an adventurous journey for Manu Koch. His Swiss upbringing, a home base in the US for over 20 years, and having resided in China, India and Brazil for extended amounts of time have formed his perception of the world and sense of sound as much as his work with over 100 artists, bands and projects throughout his professional career.

In recent years he has toured internationally and/or recorded with Teodora Enache, Benny Rietveld, Kofo The Wonderman, KJ Denhert and the New York Gypsy All-Stars to name a few, while regularly involved in singer/songwriter/guitarist Tomás Doncker‘s True Groove productions.

Born in Switzerland in 1972, Manu studied classical piano from age 6 and tenor saxophone at age 18 while also taking courses at the Jazz School Lucerne. In 1993 he attended Berklee College Of Music in Boston where he graduated four years later. During his Boston years he soon became an in-demand freelancer performing with various bands and projects ranging from jazz, funk and hip-hop to music from Brazil, Mali, Trinidad and Haiti. Manu Koch relocated to New York in May 2000 where he still lives today.

As a professional he has collaborated with Angélique Kidjo, James Chance, Mahmoud Ahmed, Cindy Blackman, Lionel Loueke, Selam Woldemariam, Malika Zarra, Fantcha, Mendes Brothers, Portinho, Bob Moses, Gino Sitson, Adam Deitch, Grégoire Maret, Anat Cohen, Avishai E. Cohen, Prasanna Magos Herrera, Mattan Klein, Sekouba Bambino, Irène Jacob and performed in concert with top international artists such as Dave Liebman, Trilok Gurtu, Roy Hargrove, Mino Cinelu, Lonnie Plaxico, Graham Haynes, Donny McCaslin, Billy Drewes, Hüsnü Şenlendirici, Miguel Zenon, Don Braden, Emeline Michel, Bau and Vusi Mahlasela among others.