New Release: Jai Paul – Jasmine
XL’s Enigmatic Singer/Songwriter Jai Paul has kept fans waiting since 2010’s BTSTU for some new material and at last he delivers. It’s a bit of a slow-burner compared to his last effort…
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‘I am mostly driven by my overall energy and feeling’: Talking Tech with Coco Em
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Diggers Directory: Liv Ayers
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A Brief History of South Yemeni Music
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Reflections: Are Exclusivity Contracts Holding Back Local Music Scenes?
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Stamp Mix 112: Azu Tiwaline
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Self-Portrait: Osunlade
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Latest
Competition: Win 2 VIP tickets to Major Lazer w/ Toddla T, Mele & Unicorn Kid
Win 2 VIP tickets to Major Lazer, Toddla T, Mele, Unicorn Kid, Kelly Twins and more at Motion, Bristol. Click to find out how to enter.
Mini-Documentary: Schoolboy Q – A Day In The Life
We haven’t heard much from L.A. hustler Schoolboy Q since the release of his second album Habits and Contradictions at the start of this year – so it makes for perfect timing having Vate Magazine put out this mini-documentary a couple of days ago, following the young hip-hop artist and his crew through New York City. Fresh.
New Release: Submotion Orchestra – It’s Not Me It’s You (video)
After releasing one of our favourite albums last year, Submotion Orchestra are back with a new single It’s Not You It’s Me. This one pitches at the more frenetic scale of their sound, rather like the brilliant Always
New Release: Mar – Our Attempt
Dutch soul-singer Mar is back with bite this month, releasing the lead single off his debut solo EP Seeing Her Naked (slated for a release by the end of this month). Our Attempt begins with Drake/The Weeknd style production (fizzling string-pads and gittery Hip-Hop rhythms), which is then brought back down to earth via a blues guitar riff doused in melancholic distortion. Together with Mars silky vocals, the track is a beautiful example of what the future holds for RnB and Soul music, joining other forward-thinking artists like The Internet and Frank Ocean who are really pushing the boat out within this type of music. We’ve also been told that a new Full Crate and Mar album can be expected by the end of 2012! All good things to come…
New Release: Sonnymoon – Just Before Dawn
One of our favourite labels around, Plug Research (home to Exile, Bilal, Boom Clap Bachelors) have ferociously tugged on our ears yet again with the beautifully balmy tones of Experimental duo Sonnymoon. The track Just Before Dawn is stripped-back chill-out music in its purist form, with just simple synth-work and a magical melody. But as the song progresses, it builds and enters new realms of frequency that blew us away when combined with visuals from Gordon Hendrick and Hunter Steinman. The release is part of a free compilation that Plug Research wanted to share with everyone: ‘all brand new music coming out on plug during the spring quarter of 2012’, which you can download for free right here!
New Music
Premiere: Makéz Feat. dreamcastmoe – Phases (dego remix)
The 2000Black founder puts his signature broken beat spin on the latest The Remedy Project release.
Premiere: GIDEÖN ft. Mandel Turner – Nothing Without You
A bouncing seductive house track from Block9 founder’s new label, Homo-Centric.
Premiere: Donald’s House – Budge-E Beat
Spacious and soaring cosmic cuts on party-turned-label, Wax’o Paradiso, sophomore release.
Mixes
Monday Morning Mixtape 396
G funk soul and deep Brazilian 90’s club r&B, to smooth jazz-funk and infectious 80’s Zambian rock.
Stamp Mix 113: Kikazaru
A mix of weighty breaks and hard-hitting techno from the deaf DJ and Voices Radio resident.
Reduced By DJ Winggold
A lush ‘tapestry of sounds designed to act as an emotional balm’ from the Unbound Events boss.
Long Reads
Reflections: Are Exclusivity Contracts Holding Back Local Music Scenes?
DJs, club owners and promoters discuss whether it’s time to rethink this intrinsic part of nightlife.
Reflections: how can the music industry learn from Covid-19 to become more sustainable?
Katia Mullova explores the lessons we might learn from Coronavirus lockdown to create a more environmentally-friendly gig economy and community at large.
Reflections: is Spotify Wrapped designed to celebrate artists or big data?
Katia Mullova assesses the wider implications of this annual focus on data sharing.