(headline image: Theo Croker – Photo by Bruno Baretto)
American trumpeter, composer, producer, and vocalist Theo Croker has announced his upcoming album Dream Manifest, set for release on June 13, 2025, via Dom Recs. The lead single, “High Vibrations,” features vocalist Malaya and producer/multi-instrumentalist D’LEAU (J*Davey). The track combines electronic house-influenced production with Croker’s distinctive trumpet work.
Stylistically, the album spans jazz, dance, neo-soul, R&B, and electronic music, combining intricate rhythms with Croker’s versatile trumpet approach.
Dream Manifest follows a career that includes multiple GRAMMY nominations, performances with the Berlin Philharmonic, and collaborations on platinum-selling projects by J. Cole, Ari Lennox, and Common. The album features guest appearances from Estelle, Kassa Overall, Tyreek McDole, MAAD, Gary Bartz, Natureboy Flako, Malaya, and D’LEAU.
Croker began playing trumpet under the influence of his grandfather, GRAMMY-winning jazz musician Doc Cheatham. He later studied at Oberlin Conservatory with mentorship from Donald Byrd. After graduation, he spent time in both Shanghai and New York, experiences that shaped his globally influenced sound. His major-label debut, Afrophysicist (Sony Masterworks), was produced with Dee Dee Bridgewater and laid the foundation for his continued experimentation across genres on Dream Manifest.