Audiation KITTEN AND THE HIP An insight into the eccentric band who defy to be pigeonholed Aesthetics: Unearth the beauty of lyrics
Audiation
Eclectic magazine for the expression of music and the creative arts. For the love of music.. we interpret this passion through variations including fashion, art, lifestyle and words from the heart of the industry. Audiation Magazine is an international publication featuring music content to varied tastes. We are a proud voice for the creative sector and support Independent talent. Audiation Magazine Ltd is a registered company in the UK with writers from across the globe. Each member of the team has their own passions and projects bringing unique ideas to the magazine. The term Audiation means the imagination of sound. www.AudiationMagazine.com
"Music is much more than sound. Music can be a comforter, party maker, career path or a way of life." Ruby, Editor & Owner "Music joins people together from all around the world, without music life would be pretty boring." Rokuro, Associate Editor "The birth of one's child is the only feeling that comes close to getting lost in music." Cessle, Staff Writer "Music is a form of art that reveals a truth in a world full of mystery." Sarah, Staff Writer "No matter what's happening in life, it's usually great music will keep you going.." Malachi, Staff Writer "Music is life. It's a universal language that has no barriers. It unifies people around the world. It brings people joy." Andy, Staff Writer "Music & love are the same things really. If kids grew up with music in their lives, then their lives would always be filled with love." David, Associate Editor "The moment you feel happy about music, that is the very essence of it. Being in the vibes and understanding what music has for your soul.." Steve, Staff Writer Luv4Luv Contributors: DJ Emma Champion - soundcloud.com/djemmachampion & DJ D-Mize - mizzrubyx.com/p/d-mize.html
Audiation
CONTENTS 8 Radio Listings 10 The Skill of Happiness: Gratitude 12 Luv4Luv: The Oldschool Collection On Screen 14 Whiplash 16 Kitten And The Hip 21 New Music 28 Southstar Radio 29 Right Chord Music 30 The Aesthetics Of Music Mauritius 35 Mauritius Top 40 36 Bonane! 38 Festival Guide 39 REWIND 2015
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Audiation
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Editor's note Hello, Bonjour, Ola, Ciao! I hope you're well wherever you are, welcome to our crazy creative world. Happy New Year from us all! We welcome 2016 with optimistic aims to carry on growing and sharing the incredible creative talent. A few announcements in our development.. We are now proudly in partnership with Right Chord Music and McCloy DJ Agency. Also, congratulations to Steve who has shown his passion and creative mind, he is now a fully fledged Staff Writer. And finally, as of February Audiation will have a show on Southstar Radio every first Thursday of the month 10pm - 12am British time. Inside AM021: We begin the year with David challenging everybody to appreciate the good things in life. DJs D-Mize and Emma Champion front the Luv4Luv feature section and select rare oldschool gems. Get a lashing from Steve as he reviews the movie which revolves around the struggles of a drummer's career progression. Our featured band this month is Kitten And The Hip who discuss their music and experiences, including competing on The X Factor. Sarah's Thoughts describe the beauty of lyrics. We also present the top 40 chart in Mauritius. Rewind back to 2015 with our spotlighted articles. We've also got your global festival guide plus new music from CJ Seven, Sheila Gordhan, and High Tyde. Ruby x Connect with us: Facebook /AudiationMagazine Twitter @AudiationMag 6
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Happy New Year
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RADIO
UK Time
MONDAY 6pm Southstar Radio | Holly L - House 10pm Southstar Radio | Natalie INDYA West - Indie
TUESDAY 2pm Select UK Radio | Danny Blaze National Anthems - Club Classics 10pm D3EP | WisK - House, Garage & Bass
WEDNESDAY 8pm Southstar Radio | Queen E - HipHop, RnB & Grime
THURSDAY 10am Empire London | D'Elle 8pm Southstar Radio | Brazah - New UK Garage 9pm KISS FM | Majestic – UK Garage
FRIDAY 2pm Rinse FM | Sam Supplier - House, UK Garage & Bass 4pm Southstar Radio | Captain Rosko - House & UK Garage 6pm The Underground Sessions | Emma Champion - House & UK Garage 8pm Voice FM | Artful 60Hz Sessions - UK Garage & Bass 8pm BN Radio | DJ Mary Jane Global Sensation - Dance
SATURDAY 12am KISS FRESH | Tough Love - UK Garage & Bass 3pm Southstar Radio | DJ Obscene - House & UK Garage 9pm KISS FRESH | Mike Delinquent – UK Garage & Bass
SUNDAY 10am Vision Radio UK | EssnVee Sunday Rehab – House & UK Garage 2pm Empire London | DJ X-Ray – House & UK Garage 8
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The Skill of Happiness: I am challenging the readers and my colleagues of Audiation to start expressing their genuine appreciation for someone or something. It might feel a bit weird at first as we do not think of gratitude as a skill, but it indeed is. Choosing to be grateful in any circumstance requires practice, effort and habit! Do it every morning when you're brushing your teeth in front of a mirror, think of a few things that you're grateful for. Scroll through your contacts and randomly pick someone to tell them you're grateful for them or for something they've done. Opening up builds confidence and healthier relationships! If it feels hard, let's start small by posting something on Facebook once a day, for a week. I'll start: Even when people criticise me, misunderstand me, or underestimate me, I am still grateful to have been given an opportunity. I am grateful to be able to share the love I have for music through my passions. With this channel, my life is enriched. The benefits and joys of writing, and having the freedom to express myself overweighs the occasional rotten apples. And reminding myself of that, makes it so much better. So thank you, to all of you who made it so worthwhile of doing this. Now it's your turn. Start the new year by welcoming positivity and spreading love! If you are inspired to give our challenge a shot, don't forget to tag us on Facebook, we love hearing from you guys!
-- David 10
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Gratitude
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The Oldschool Collection Annette - Dream 17 This tune is an absolute percy, I am lucky enough to have a copy for myself. It really is an important tune for me as it defines my youth, the places I went to, the people I met at this time. The drugs I took and the euphoria I felt every weekend. They really were the best times. -- DJ Emma Champion
Ray Hurley - Your Love Released originally on Hurleys Grooves, but later on Quench Records. From the opening punchy kick drums, skippy tight percussion, heavy sub bass and stabby hooks this track has everything a UK Garage track requires to do the bizzo on the dance floor. -- DJ D-Mize
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McCloy DJ Agency booking agents is for NEW up and coming and PRO Club DJ's/Producers in the UK and abroad who are looking for DJ gigs. Playing and producing a variety of Commercial and Underground House, UKG, HipHop, RNB, Bass, Grime plus more! DJs include Aaron Oliver, DJ Cardiac, Codge Jnr, Dirty Retro, Dr Disco DK, Jason Brooks, Leo Twist, Mark S, Miche & Rowland Samuel. The agency is also in affiliation with Mix Hit Radio. What music means to the team: "Uplifting, exciting and creative," Hunter. "Family, love and everything," Suzanne. "It sober's my being," Paulo. "In my opinion music is life, it is with us wherever we go and personally there's always some tune in my head!" Sarah.
- UK & International DJ booking agency www.mccloydjagency.co.uk Our aims for the future are to be recognised worldwide as the DJ Agency to turn to for some top quality DJ's and Producers for events around the globe. I don't just look for talent, I am very particular about attitudes of whom I work with and reliability which I feel is a must in business for everyone involved.
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ON SCREEN
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WHIPLASH The long awaited movie that kickstarted the previous year. If I had to give it a tweet, my limited 140 characters would be the following: #WhiplashMovie #jazz #drummer #mentor #tyrant #abusive #tempo #passion #faith #belief #opportunity #AimHigher #Caravan #AssertYourAim Here the movie title got its true meaning by giving an electroshock. It just awakens the deep and true feelings that one might have. In my case, it just enhances my love for music besides questioning me to an extent, have I done everything to reach my goals, be it personal or musical.
Andrew, teenage drummer of 19, starting at Sheffard Conservatory is trying his utmost to impress Fletcher a band conductor always on the look out for new talents and mentoring these in order to get from them their best. Andrew is given his chance to join Fletcher’s band which turns out to be the start of a complicated relationship. Fletcher playing on his nerves giving it a soft approach praising the lil’ guy's talent but soon and explosively turns to that rude figure playing him down carrying along some cross words that would only allow you to walk out from his face. This confrontation is not well understood, as at first sight Fletcher can be seen as a psycho whose will is to despise others. No, that is none of that, he is just kicking them from their pedestal, bring them down to the basics, meaning talent is nothing without hard work, discipline and respect. Throughout the story there is this pattern that shows up, the confrontation-surrender of both characters. If in the start Fletcher is the winner, the final act shows Andrew who confronts this tyranny, harassment and lack of respect by doing what he does best, playing his drums. Finally, Fletcher is the one who surrenders as he has got what's needed to be revealed from that drummer. The change he has driven from the first day that guy was in front of him performing for the band to this final act where hard work, determination and most of all love for music pays. That guy earned his respect. I am sharing this movie and invite you folks to view it, as it is a wonderful life lesson. It breaks down the feeling of complacency and reminds us that hard work is the way. We always have to confront our doings and put a question mark on them. We cannot get any further if we are our sole judge as it gets biased. For me it has literally been a Whiplash and bringing me to redirect my musical ambitions for this New Year. Hope it works for you.
-- Steve
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KITTEN AND THE HIP I caught up with Scarlett Quinn and Ashley Slater from Kitten And The Hip Ash produces and writes a lot of our to chat about all things music. music, but we're equally happy to work with anyone, as long as the vibe Hi guys, welcome to Audiation Mag. is there. We don't confine ourselves I'm loving the funky vibe on your to any one genre either, which is a bit forthcoming single (DLS) 'Dirty of a double edged sword, as we're Little Secret'. Where do you get you primarily known for Electro Swing inspirations from? stuff, but we've always been pretty catholic with our musical tastes and Well, it's not always easy, that's for we aren't afraid to have a go at sure. We were working on 'A Topline anything! Tonight' and sometimes you really have to dig deep to find something Scarlett has a whole other career as that doesn't bore yourself silly. a house diva and Ashley features on We've heard it said that inspiration about a dozen different releases a is for amateurs, and we totally get year, from deep house to funk and that saying. As far as that particular anywhere else‌ track goes, we work with Rory Hoy about twice a year. He sends us a track Many people know Kitten & The Hip on average about every 3 weeks and from The X Factor.. How did you find sometimes they just click and the the experience and would you song just pours out. Those are the encourage other singers and artists good ones. There has to be to enter talent shows like The X something in the music that sets us Factor and The Voice? off in some mad direction. The last couple of singles we've released We have two very different views have been quite funky, this one and about these shows, but also a similar 'I Wanna B Onnit', which is out now conclusion. Ash hates them, but he's on our own imprint. a grumpy old git who's come up from live playing and working your ass off Some of the tracks we make are from to get anywhere, so he sees these toplines that weren't quite what the shows as a shortcut to oblivion. producer we were working with wanted, but they're solid songs with Scarlett is more pragmatic and solid ideas in them. We may take one realises that although music seems of those and re-work it until we get something we both like. 16
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to be democratised and it feels like anyone could have a hit from Soundcloud (and that can sometimes happen, but very rarely) in reality, it costs a lot of money to break a pop act and the people who hold the keys to the wallet are still there, and still holding the keys. Simon Cowell happens to be one of those people, so if you get asked to take part in his show, it's worth a bash, and we both agree with that. That's how we ended up on The X Factor.
30,000,000 views on YouTube. That's quite a big record in anyone's eyes. Scarlett's also toured with Netsky, she was the singer and writer on Come Alive, one of his biggest hits to date.
The process itself is quite humiliating and dehumanising, they use pretty crude psychological methods to ensure that the participants are pretty much on edge all that time. Ash reckons that they probably break several human rights laws per episode. How long have you been together and could you give us some info on your past careers, including who you have performed with? We've been together doing Kitten and The Hip gigs for more than 4 years, but we took 18 months off while we attempted The X Factor, and then Scarlett went back this year to try it on her own. That came to nought, so we're back out there on the road with KATH next year, and have another album nearly ready to release. We also work for a lot of producers, some of them quite well known, and Scarlett has one tune out with Mark Lower which has
Ashley does a lot of different things, including writing for kids TV, ads, writes and produces film scores and plays with a few different bands, including jazz legends Loose Tubes. Ashley has a long history of gigging but reckons one of his most memorable gigs was singing on stage with Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry, as part of a project with Roy Nathanson. 17
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Ashley, I remember you were in a band called Freakpower with Fatboy Slim. How did the collaboration come about? It's actually a very long story, but basically Norman got to know about Ashley when his first signed band, Microgroove, was remixed by him. They danced around each other for a while, and Ashley's band formed Norman's live band when he was touring Beats International. Anyway, they kept tabs on each other and when Norman decided to hang up his Beats International gloves, he phoned Ashley and asked if he'd like to start a new thing with him. That thing became Freakpower. Where have you been performing recently? As a band and separately on your own..
Atari 1040 ST! He loves his UAD Quad Core card for mixing, which he does all in the box. All the Native Instruments stuff is absolutely excellent with a really specific sound to it. He also really likes Wavesfactory stuff, which is incredibly cheap but really well produced sample libraries. Quite obscure things in there, always worth a dig through when he's looking for something a bit off the wall. What are your favourite styles of music right now? Ash doesn't really get time to listen to much stuff, he's always writing or composing something. Most of his musical intake these days comes from what he might hear on the TV, he pays particular attention to what's on the ads, they tend to be a good way to find interesting music that's out there. He'll never stop listening to the great jazz singers as he does quite a lot of singing with his jazz quartet.
Well‌ We've been off the road for quite a while, as we mentioned but we've played at most of the big festivals in the UK, as well as France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Ukraine and Russia, to name but a few. We're Scarlett likes, Jessie Glynn, Jessie J, also playing in Lewes on New Years anyone called Jessie really‌. Eve this year! Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Rita Ora, Justin Bieber, she likes great pop Do you produce all your own songs music and great voices. and if so, which DAW do you use and some of your favourite plugins? And lets rewind for a moment, what were your earliest musical As we mentioned before, we do memories? produce most of our own stuff. Ashley uses Logic Pro and has been Ashley was raised on a diet of country using that since it was Emagic on the music, bluegrass, easy listening and
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country music, bluegrass, easy listening and dixieland jazz. He also remembers his dad having lots of musicians over playing with his dad, who could play anything with strings on it. Scarlett grew up with an indie loving mum and dad, so Stone Roses, Elliott Smith, REM, Neil Young, Tracey Chapman, Lauren Hill and The Posies. She also used to go and see her dad's band, Blow Up.
What plans do you have going forward for the band and what are your goals for 2016? We want to keep making tunes and videos, keep on being out there. Hopefully a lot of touring over the spring and summer, we love gigging for many reasons. We love performing, we like traveling together. We love meeting new people and don't love sleeping in mud or in stranger's shockingly filthy beds. As we're also topliners who are slowly moving up the scale of producers (we'd say we're at level three from the top now) and keep going for cuts and maybe even a hit! We like working hard and we like working with each other. And finally when you're not working on music projects what do you like to do to chill and unwind? Nothing legal.
-- Rokuro
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COMING SOON soundcloud.com/rokuro
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NEW MUSIC CJ Seven - Luna Park A great track progressing with new sound elements continuously. Magic Island Records welcomes back CJ Seven with another high class balearic trance beauty: LunaPark. Even though it is winter, with these therapeutic melodic rays of sunshine, you can feel that summer is nearby! Ten Words featuring Almafolk - Psycho Tarantella Easing into an edgy futuristic sound, the hints of culture seep in being twisted and pulled with a new take. For his next release on Black Hole Ten Words teams up with Italian music group Almafolk. The result is a very special track that fuses underground techno sound with traditional Italian music.
Nothing But Thieves - Itch The dark and moody tone makes way for a powerful passionate climaxing energy reflecting the lyrics. 'Itch' is a part of the band's debut EP titled 'Graveyard Whistling'. The track was premiered by Clash Music, who describe the track as, "a sweeping, soaring piece of music". 22
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around a male perspective reflecting the track well with a seductive and fun-loving outlook.
Tom Zanetti - Darlin' This is a highlighted track in underground clubbing from 2015 with Techno really dominating the scene. Released on the Pitched Up label and co-produced by K.O Kane, Darlin' has an almost contageous beat which will remain in your mind and easily be remembered. The main rhythms remain consistent and draw you in. DJ Mag describes the track as a "blistering cult anthem".
Tom Zanetti, the artist and entrepreneur from Leeds, fronts the Sleepin' Is Cheatin' promotions brand which has established itself across the party islands and the UK. SIC is comprised of several club nights, festivals, a label, clothing and a TV series. In late 2014, Tom told Leeds City Magazine, "in the Leeds clubland everyone gets along and there’s so much love for people, in other cities it all seems a bit moody". He describes his journey in the industry and how he continuously pushed the levels when he had achieved his previous goals. From recording his MC'ing over a track on a CD to performing to launching a new event and then onto a whole array of brands.
The video captures the clubbing scene whilst also telling the story along with the lyrics of two people very much attracted to each other. The style revolves 23
Sheila Gordhan - Smile (Roger Sanchez Mix) A gorgeous and vibrant track with sweet vocals. This is sure to get you dancing with bursts of jazz, an optimistic attitude and an upbeat rhythm. After her top 5 club chart position as vocalist on Samsara’s Ten Feet High, London based singer/songwriter Sheila Gordhan hits the nation’s dancefloors with her first official single Smile this December. Produced by DJ legend Roger Sanchez, the package also features mixes by Marc Baigent & Element Z, Deep Matter, AM2PM, House of Virus and Ramsey & Fen. Smile has already gained Top 5 Club exposure and national radio support from Kiss, Capital and Gaydio. "Smile is a feel-good track which uplifts everyone who listens to it. The fact that Roger Sanchez loved the song and wanted to produce it is amazing as it means everyone on the dancefloor will be smiling when the track is on!” Sheila Gordhan Smile is the first single from Sheila’s forthcoming debut album due for release in spring 2016. The album is set for release in the US and UK and includes a raft of top co-songwriting talent. 24
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Rodriguez & Salgado - MNDSS EP A nice trio of deep rhythmic sounds. OneFold Digital brings you producing talents Rodriguez & Salgado. Hailing from Guanajuato, Mexico, the duo have been making waves well beyond the North American waters, and after hearing this three track masterpiece, MNDSS, there's no doubt their reach is only getting bigger. First up, Faction – a heavy mix with pounding rhythms and deep vocal loops. Keeping attentions hooked, the pair inject the energy infused beat with choppy breakdowns and - most notably - a euphoric build at the core, breaking up the tough sound top and tailing the mix. Follow up track, Indifference, continues on a high, serving up a solid opening with a throbbing beat and head spinning synths. But, as any great producer can testify, it’s sometimes the smallest additions that give a track its edge. In this case, an incredibly simple, yet fast paced beat transforms this cut into an irresistible invitation to the depths of any dance floor. To finish off this EP the duo bring you 'Too Close' which complements the first two tracks and finishes off the EP nicely. 25
A well rounded compilation to suit all Garage lovers with sweet and bumpy sounds to fresh lyrical works. A favourite for me is DJ Phantasy ft Sonia Redd - Music Is My Life (Steve Gurley SAS Remix), a 4 Liberty classic released in 1998.
MIRAW have compiled MIRAW LP 002 which Includes more recent highlights from the label, and as a salute to their heritage they've invited a few friends along to the party by way of parent label 4 Liberty Records (classics), a handful of timeless UK Garage singles remastered & released digitally for the first time since their original releases. The Mixing and blending comes courtesy from a pioneer of the Nu Skool Garage, House & Bass scene, weekly Rinse Fm, and Garage Nation resident Dj, DJ Cartier. Release Date: 22nd January. 26
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Kyle Lettman - Under Construction EP Smooth and sexy RnB vocals with the ability to show great passion with a powerful side. Kyle Lettman shows off his ability to blend and fuse sounds such as Garage, Reggae and R&B in his new EP ‘Under Construction’, keeping him apart and showing his uniqueness from other singers in the UK. Top tastemakers such as i-D, Soul Culture, BBC Radio 1Xtra and many more have jumped on board to support him since the beginning of his solo career, and the new EP will be no different, showing Kyle at his best and doing what he loves, pure, undiluted R&B straight from the heart with no attempts to make it commercial – just straight realness The 5 strong track EP will include the previously released single; the remake of Artful Dodger’s Garage classic ‘Moving Too Fast’ featuring rapper Scorcher. Normally you don’t mess with a classic, but Kyle did and the outcome was incredible across Radio and Online being supported by the BBC, Kiss, and Capital networks. ‘Crush’ was the second track to be released to the public on his Soundcloud, showing a laid back side to Kyle with Reggae tones that will get you feeling hot under the collar. ‘Matter Of Time’ brings together an old skool R&B vibe for Kyle who collaborates with Coco Dupree. The video shows the two pairing for a simply magical outcome, bringing a different flavour to the track. “We really tried to capture the true essence of an old school slow jam, but served on a modern platter’. 27
NEW YEAR.. We are now promoting more in the community to bring through young talent. NEW STUDIO.. We have moved into a bigger studio to incorporate our DJ classes too, we plan to be more involved with local charities and help people achieve their dreams.
NEW TALENT.. Parisa is 17 years old currently learning music at college, she took it upon herself to branch out into the radio world. She has come through our community-run scheme where we invite all ages to learn about radio. Parisa will be gracing the airwaves soon mixing the very best in Drum n Bass. 28
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off to a faint electric guitar piece. The dynamic ranges and texture are the highlights of this track.
High Tyde - Do what You Want The instant moment I heard that guitar riff, I was hooked! That fun, fresh and lively charisma of a great Indie band really shines through in this track. Catchy vocals, memorable sounds and a vibrant attitude throughout. Having been premiered on Clash Music and racked up over 55 thousand soundcloud plays, High Tyde were chosen as part of the First Signs of Love featured artists by RCM. And they're spot on, you love them instantly. The band's live performances are described by Romy - Wild Heart stating, "in that moment you believe you have seen something A mesmerising intro leads up to the significant". seductive main section. This cuts 29
The Aesthetics Of Music Happy 2016! Excited for everything to come this year, but always remember to live in the present. Don’t be too worried on how this year will turn out to be, make it something as your own, each step of the way! Be happy, be kind and appreciate the little things. Aesthetic. After a simple Google search, the term can be defined as “a set of principles guiding the work of artists concerned with the appreciation of beauty.” I’ve learned the blurred difference between liking music because it is catchy, and liking music because of the lyrics. A couple years ago, I did a project for a philosophy class in presenting a piece of art that I believe is beautiful. It was based off the lecture of aestheticism, and of course I picked a song. Now, writing this article, there are so many songs that could make this list, and I’m sure I’m leaving out classics. It was very difficult to narrow to 9 songs, but I picked the ones that immediately popped in my mind. However, these are examples of what I am talking about, the aesthetic beauty in the lyrics. Plus, you might hear music you have not heard before! Maybe after reading below/listening, there can be a new found appreciation in other songs solely based on the aestheticism in the lyrics. Tame Impala - The Less I Know the Better
“Oh my love, can't you see a child on my mind; Don't suppose we could convince your lover to change his mind.” 30
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The song talks about the jealousy of finding the person you love in a relationship with someone else. He wants to wait for her, but still tries to hide the hurt from seeing his love with another person. Not only is this song relatable to people who want to be with people they can’t have, but it also has a great tune for feet-tapping. Led Zeppelin - Tangerine
“Thinking how it used to be, Does she still remember the times like these? To think of us again? And I do.”
This song has very few lyrics, but anyone can take away the emotion from the song in losing someone and wanting them back. Chris Brown - Zero
“Ask how many nights I’ve been thinking of you, zero, zero.”
Eyebrows may raise in me putting Chris Brown on a list based on beautiful lyrics, but I think this song is very powerful as a break-up song. Chris Brown is known for delivering dance tunes that may attract only a certain demographic, but this song can be applied to both men and women in moving on from a relationship. Also, it always makes me shake my hips and there’s nothing wrong with dancing. John Mayer - Perfectly Lonely
“Tore up my heart and shut it down.”
Of course I wanted to put every John Mayer song on this list, like “Gravity,” or “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” but this song helped me though a personal situation last year, 31
I tweeted it a while back talking about the aesthetic appreciation I felt. Yes, John Mayer everything is powerful, so this does not need much of an explanation. Eminem - Lose Yourself
“Look, if you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted. In one moment, would you capture it, or just let it slip?”
This is probably one of the most self-motivating songs written, which is hard to come across in the music industry. Most songs are about love, break-ups, money, relationships, but there are only a few that have a “Go you!” atmosphere. The Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music
“We'll be happy and we'll dance; Oh, we're gonna dance our blues away.”
This song is a background theme to this entire article. Its message is to get lost in the moment and just listen to the music, which is a powerful tale in the appreciation of the art. Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
“And then I tell her, as I turn out the light. I say ‘My darling, you were wonderful tonight.’”
My all-time favorite song. It is about a simple date night, with kind words exchanged and captures the simplicity of a romantic night. Any girl likes hearing kind words from the guy she’s with, and “Wonderful tonight” would do the trick. ZZ Ward - ‘Til the Casket Drops 32
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“You asked me how long I’d stay by your side, so I answered with only just one reply. ‘Til the casket drops.”
This is the song I presented in my philosophy class. As morbid as the title may be, the song is her dedicating her love to someone, and sticking with them until death. I thought it was beautiful because I heard it in the background of a commercial, but it stuck out so much that I had to track down the song. Ed Sheeran - Tenerife Sea
“We are surrounded by all of these lies and people who talk too much; You've got that kind of look in your eyes as if no one knows anything but us.”
Ed Sheeran is like this generation’s John Mayer. They just understand song-writing. Co-written by Snow Patrol member Johnny McDaid and Foy Vance, this song appears on Sheeran’s sophomore album x. With all the bad in the world, he wants to be stuck in it all with a special someone, as most people search for their whole lives.
There’s so many others, I know. Tweet at us @AudiationMag with other songs you find aesthetically pleasing!
Sarah's Thoughts
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MAURITIUS
Mauritius Top 40 The top 40 singles sold on itunes in Mauritius. 1. Adele - Hello
21. Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines (feat. T.
2. Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime
I. & Pharrell)
3. Major Lazer & DJ Snake - Lean On (feat. 22. Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (feat. MØ)
Sean Paul, Descemer Bueno & Gente de
4. Justin Bieber - Sorry
Zona) [English Version]
5. R. City - Locked Away (feat. Adam 23. James Arthur - Impossible Levine)
24. Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do
6. Adele - Skyfall
25. Kygo - Stole the Show (feat. Parson
7. Jimmy Gassel - Friends (feat. Laura James) Beg)
26. PSY - Gangnam Style (
)
8. Eva Simons - Policeman
27. Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
9. Désiré François - Di pain griyé (feat. 28. Katy Perry - Roar Cassiya)
29. Ellie Goulding - On My Mind
10. Wiz Khalifa - See You Again (feat. 30. Arijit Singh - Tum Hi Ho Charlie Puth)
31. Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep
11. Omi - Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Is Your Love Remix Radio Edit)
32. Lost Frequencies - Reality (feat.
12. Pharrell Williams - Happy (from Janieck Devy) [Extended Mix] "Despicable Me 2")
33. Lilly Wood & The Prick & Robin
13. Avicii - Wake Me Up
Schulz - Prayer In C (Robin Schulz Radio
14. Kygo - Firestone (feat. Conrad Edit) Sewell)
34. Adele - Someone Like You
15. Sia - Chandelier
35. The Avener & Kadebostany - Castle
16. Yoan Catherine - Marye mwa
in the Snow
17. Rihanna - Diamonds
36. Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean?
18. Coldplay - A Sky Full of Stars
37. Patrick Bruel - Place des grands
19. Zulu - La métisse (feat. Mario hommes Ramsamy)
38. Sam Smith - Writing's on the Wall
20. Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias - El 39. Adele - Set Fire to the Rain Perdón
40. Imagine Dragons - Radioactive 35
Bonane! Happy New Year! In our Mauritian culture there is some musical folklore that pops up to my mind when speaking of season celebrations. Firstly, the hit of year competition at the time we had only a national radio. They invited all Mauritians to participate by sending by postal mail, their personal chart for the hits of the year. It was great to hear on the 31st everyone tuned to the same radio and listening to the show. Besides being busy with my firecrackers and running down lanes with friends, we would halt for some time to catch up with the ranking and whenever a favorite song was being played, we would light up a bunch of firecrackers to celebrate it. Nowadays, we have three private radios and the national one. They would all have their own show for the hit of the year election, with results of having different songs ranking first. I missed that single show, I would prefer that they all come together and give it a national show broadcasted on every radio and having one Mauritian hit of the year be it international, national or Bollywood.
concerts being dressed up in tuxedo, getting on stage with spots directly on my head and finally having rivers running down my spine. Anyway, I loved it and singing out loud in order to share the Christmas joy. Sharing that is the most important word, it was not only a word but was materialized through giving of one’s time and love to the others by any means. To start this year I would share three of my best discoveries and give it a brief story of why these have twitched my insides or kept a smile on my face. Basically those discoveries were made early morning around 2 a.m. when everyone is still sleeping and I am up working or rather having some good music listening times in HIWO mode (Headphones In World Out). Here they are:
Secondly, the Christmas carols. Here we are not caroling out in the snow but rather under the sun or halogen lamps adding up heat on stage. I remember the Christmas Hiromi – Pachelbel Canon D 36
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That woman is awesome. I left her concert playing in background whilst busy working when the first notes were heard. I have stalled everything to watch that joyful and energetic lady over and over again. What would she be up to with metal rules in a piano, but hey, she just threw down the basics and got up with something outstanding, creative and most of all full with happiness. It’s priceless, I wish I were there to witness that live performance.
Christophe Rey - Distillery My best musical discovery this year especially with the song 'Distillery' that reminds me of my early listening to some folk, alternative rock, unplugged style. I think what catches me most is the way it has been recorded and it just remind me of early discoveries of Live and Pearl Jam on MTV unplugged. I am supportive of that style and especially that this guy is Mauritian. The outcome is of great standard and worth the share, as well Snarky Puppy - Lingus as invitation to buy the album. Go for My best friend sent that link and it! mentionned “Check this out”. One point that struck me was that all I would not rank the above but I would people attending were wearing rather share with hopes that you’ll headphones. Me too but on the other enjoy them. I convey all my warmest side. I loved the expression of each wishes from Mauritius for the festive musician and the guys listening to the seasons and have a great musical new band. Smiles on each face, the year. Bonane! drummer is so focused, the clear riffs from the guitars, the brass section with nice inputs and on the top Mr -- Steve Cory Henry with an amazing keyboard solo. Just check it out! 37
FESTIVALS Garosnow - Les Angles Maidstone, United 8 - 10 January Kingdom Les Angles, France Awakenings Awakenings Eindhoven 6 February 30 January Manchester, United Eindhoven, Kingdom Netherlands Let It Roll Winter Sneeuwbal Winter 26 February Festival Prague, Czech 30 January Republic Utrecht, Netherlands Paul Van Dyk: The We Are WHSE: Rumors Politics Of Dancing 3 30 January Album Tour London, United 26 February Kingdom Brno-Kralovo Pole, Czech Republic The Peacock Society Winter Edition Ultra South Africa 30 January 26 - 28 February Paris, France Cape Town / Johannesburg, South Pollerwiessen Africa Wintercruise 31 January Horizon Festival Cologne, Germany 12 - 17 March Bansko, Bulgaria Exodus 6 February Rampage Dortmund, Germany 12 March Antwerp, Belgium The Winter Social Fe6stival Snowboxx 6 February 12 - 19 March 38
Morzine, France Awakenings Presents Electric Deluxe 24 March Amsterdam, Netherlands Awakenings Easter Special 25 March Amsterdam, Netherlands Awakenings Presents Adam & Ida Special 26 March Amsterdam, Netherlands DGTL Festival 26 - 27 March Amsterdam, Netherlands Awakenings Presents Ben & Marcel Special 27 March Amsterdam, Netherlands
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SingingWithAmy shows how the tongue’s position can GETTING THE TONGUE ‘OUT OF affect your tone and its quality. THE WAY’
Instead, we want to think about relaxing To unleash your true potential, you need the tongue and bringing it forward to to get most things out of the way. When allow for a free flow of air. How do we I say ‘out of the way’ I mean, get do this? everything in its natural, correct place. We develop bad habits when we force Do vocal warm-ups with the tongue our voice to do things it shouldn’t do, hanging out of the mouth. This may look such as bringing the chest voice up too silly, but the idea of this is to teach the high. Doing this regularly means you’ll tongue to lie at the front of the mouth be using a high larynx (which can pull and through muscle memory this will the vocal chords apart – causing your happen over time. This also works as a voice to have that horrible break). This great exercise just before singing, as the is just one example of a bad habit. Some tongue is already where you want it to singers have a nasally voice, others be, so you aren’t forcing it to be in a develop the habit of singing with a different position. The sillier you feel, the better the exercise! breathy tone. Imagine the chords are your index and middle finger. Now apply press your other hand on top of these fingers. If you press down harder, the two fingers will not take the added weight and will push down, or at least strain. The same thing happens with the chords. The root of the tongue lies just above the vocal folds, so if the tongue is at the back of the throat, it will push the chords down which will push the larynx down, to create tension and block any air coming though. In other words, your tone is blocked and it sounds like you’re singing at the back of the throat.
When pronouncing vowels, try to keep the tongue relaxed and touching just behind the bottom front teeth. Don’t force the tongue to stay there, just keep relaxed and allow the tongue to arch as it naturally does. Practice singing “ae, ee, ie, oe, oo” on a scale, while keeping the tip of the tongue touching the teeth. This will prevent the tongue curling up too much and touching the roof of the mouth, which can block the throat.
Being aware of the tongue will help you to control it and prevent it lying at the back of the throat. It takes time to get out of this habit, but once you learn, you will Put your tongue to the back of your throat have no limits! by moving it slightly. In this position say “how are you doing?” The words will be muffled and unclear. Now, put the tongue towards the front of your mouth (even hanging out a little) and say “how are you doing?” Notice that it sounds a lot clearer than the first time. This just 54
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Don Argott’s film is one of those rare occurrences where real life takes over the film. Beginning as a documentation Capturing the essence of a genre of of US heavy metal band Lamb of God’s music on film has always been 2012 world tour, circumstance takes something of an elusive task. The over when lead singer Randy Blythe is formula that works the best for arrested and charged with the Hollywood is usually to focus on a single manslaughter of a fan in the Czech artist through the medium of the biopic, Republic. The film mutates into a where big stars can flex their acting gripping legal drama as Blythe fights to skills inhabiting the roles of legacy clear his name and his fellow band artists, delivering the dramatic narrative members fight to hold the band as expected. Bringing a whole genre of together. music to the big screen however, is notably more difficult - as anybody who suffered through the recent trailer for Zac Efron’s mantra to EDM ‘We Are Your Friends’ can attest. It’s a rarity if a director gets it right – and even if they do, the results are far from timeless as scenes and sounds can date almost as quickly as the camera stops rolling. Thankfully, the one area of cinema that treats music genres and scenes well is in the form of documentaries. With I’m Tryna Tell Ya (2014) more being released with each successive year, we take a look at some Just Jam TV dons Tim & Barry visit of the essential classics from the past Chicago to document the Footwork scene that has become an international phenomenon. Initially starting as a much smaller piece around the Teklife producer DJ Rashad, it was expanded into a full length feature about the scene in general. Collecting interviews with the movement’s key players, it pieces together what makes the genre so compelling in both musical and dance terms. The film also acts as a testament to Rashad, who sadly passed away the same year as it’s release. As The Palaces Burn (2014)
MUSIC ON FILM
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La Boutique Studio of a god!) asked me to come on board as one of the in–house mix–engineers. Obviously I leapt at the chance. Have any well know bands and artists come through the doors to record there in the past? Hi Joe, where is La Boutique Studio situated in London and how long have you been the in-house engineer there? La Boutique is in Tottenham Hale. It’s a buzzing and vibrant area and the studio is absolutely gorgeous. Inside it’s like a home from home, rather than the clinical style some studios go for. I’ve been working with the guys there for several years, and in February this year, Matteo Cifelli (the owner with the ears
At La Boutique, we like to encourage new talent as well as big names so we’ve worked with fresh faces like Alice Ella, Brey Baptista, Elsie and John Parry, as well as established names including Tom Jones, Matt Goss, Joss Stone, Robert Plant, Il Divo,and many others. For me, La Boutique is far less intimidating than any other studio I’ve been in, due to the atmosphere and attitude here.
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Ciao from Italy! There is so much history (physically and theoretically) built into this city, it is a huge transition for a girl from Chicago, which now seems like an extremely modern city. I am not sure about every European country, but Italian MTV is almost polar opposite from American MTV in the sense that the Italian one actually plays music (no offense to the homeland). It seems almost every restaurant and café shows MTV nearly 24/7, including a café on my campus. Music videos are played constantly, some very familiar, some very Italian. But overall very enjoyable tunes. This is actually the primary way I learn the popular music here in Italy. That and taking taxis. My favorite one so far is called “Sabato” by Jovanotti. It always makes its way onto the radio while in a taxi, automatically starting a party. Wanting to find out more about his music, I learned that his lyrics address political, philosophical and religious ideas. I would have no clue since I speak minimal Italian, but all the while his sound is still very appealing. After learning this, I have a totally different outlook on his music video, which sometimes was pretty awkward to watch in public. Jovanotti is the stage name of Italian singer-songwriter (or Cantautori, in Italian) Lorenzo Cherubini, also known as “Jova” by his fans. He has taken on genres galore by changing from hip hop to rap to disco to funk to classical to world, all the while changing the topics of his songs. Even though his breakthrough in 1988 with the album “Jovanotti for President” was a commercial success with the youth, he revamped his style to his current niche. For any Sopranos fans, his song “Piove” was used for a second season ending credits tune. In the UK, he was known as the presenter of the DEF II program called “Gimme 5.” This guy is really involved with philanthropy and I can tell he wants to change the world. He has previously worked with organizations like Amnesty International, Make Poverty History and dedicated time to events like Global Call to Action Against Poverty. He even befriended U2 lead singer Bono in a mutual interest of helping African foreign debt. 44
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A step-by-step guide to London’s best beer gardens and ravishing rooftops. Looking for amazing beer gardens and rooftops to enjoy the wonderful weather throughout the summer months? Check these places out over the following weekends and let us know what you think via Facebook, Twitter and our Instagram.
The CandleMaker, Battersea This traditional pub has been serving its locals for years and with its pleasantly bright welcoming beer/BBQ garden, it is definitely one to visit. Close to both Battersea Park and Clapham Junction station, it’s very easy to get to, hidden on the beautiful Battersea High road. The décor and artwork inside the pub is just captivating.
The Ship, Wandsworth This is a great pub/bar to meet mates perfectly situated on the banks of the river just off Wandsworth Bridge with a view of the river and neighboring Fulham. If you like a traditional pub feel with a lively atmosphere this is a perfect choice for you.
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NEEV A little bit about your background, you went from drama to radio and tea making! How does it feel to now be such a well known personality? When I started out, it took me about 5 years to get my break in radio. In those 5 years, I worked at every Asian station imaginable, made amazing cups of tea and mainly perfected my skill of being a presenter. No job is too small for me, I read traffic and travel, I used to do bits on other people’s shows, I produced the Rishi Rich Project show at KISS FM UK and that’s how I got my break. What are your favourite old school tracks? It’s really difficult to pick my favourite KISSTORY tracks. Hip Hop wise, Mo Money Mo Problems, Notorious B.I.G. Garage wise, Mis-Teeq - Why. Jungle wise, Original Nuttah. House wise, BeatFreakz - Somebody’s Watching Me.
the music and media are open to different ethnicities and cultures? It took me a very long time to get an opportunity at a commercial station. When I started out, people would say to me, sorry we don’t have an Asian show at our station so we can’t hire you, it was ludicrous. I broke a lot of barriers within radio and I’m very proud of that because it means that a lot of younger Asians out there can go to their parents and say “I want to this as a job and look Neev did it.” I had nobody to refer to. My Dad would just go, “you should be on BBC Asian Network, and stay there.” So it was really difficult as I had to please my parents but I had other ideas in my mind. I’ve done radio now for twelve years, I love it, I love being a DJ, I love that side of it. But like anything in life, if you can put a tick next to something, that tick is there. And I want my next challenge, I want to present X Factor, Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing. I want to break down the barriers that I broke down in radio for Asians, all around the world wide not just in this country, on TV. And that’s my goal and that’s what I’m working towards.
The 90’s was great for culture and music, if you could bring back one thing KISSTORY, it’s something you need to from that decade what would it be? experience live so find out where your local KISSTORY event is going to be and The fashion, because it was awesome. make sure you get tickets. And don’t There was lots of baggy trousers, bright forget, if one hour of the day is not colours, outlandish hairstyles. It was a enough for you, you can listen to wicked time, can we just go back to the KISSTORY 24/7 on our KISSTORY radio nineties it was amazing! station. It’s on Freeview channel 714, on DAB and online. You are a role model for the Asian community, you spoke about rising to British radio and wanting to present on various TV shows. Do you think that 46
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Neev is the most listened to British female DJ in the UK, and is voted as one of the top 5 most stylish Asian women! 47
music. But you hear it so much over the radio then all of a sudden it's big. You can't predict certain things and popular music, I think a lot of people do forget the fact whether it's from the underground or not, that none of these records were made for will always do that journey. That's what the intention to go to the charts. They were records have done over the test of time. made solely for the club, they were club records that became so popular from the A lot of people don't realise that 'Pony', underground and the guys that actually 'So Freakin Tight' and a few of the other listen to underground music and then records, they've been on the circuit for 2 they've crossed over. Breach, there was years way before they came out on radio, no way that anybody thought that the before people have highlighted it. They've record was going to do what it's done. But gone from an underground level to now it did, you can't help it some of the time. crossover 2 years later, but people seem When people hear it first and foremost in to think they've just come out now, but the industry, they're not going to turn round they haven't - it's been a long journey to and say that record is going to set the where they've got to. charts. It's a bass-heavy, underground club
TOUGH LOVE
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DJ Kicks A dose of some of the best summer sneakers & trainers perfect for that outdoor festival, beach party or just chilling with you mates at the pub. Tying in nicely with the Audiation music theme is the Reebok Ventilator collaboration with USA rapper from Compton LA, Kendrick Lamar. This Release is a nod to the gang culture of the rapper's hometown of Compton and surrounding LA suburbs. The concept behind the colourway is the idea of neutrality, hence the shoe is mainly white, but with a balance between the blue (Crips) and the red (Bloods). On the heel of the left shoe sports blue and on the heel of the right shoe sports red. With Kendrick Lamar branding on the tongue, this shoe was released on the 18th July and sold out worldwide within minutes.. But you may be able to find them on Ebay on a hiked up price!
ÂŁ120
Check out Kendrick Lamar’s new Hip-Hop/Rap album 'To Pimp A Butterfly' which is out now in stores.
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“Bullying is a problem that has affected me and my family and is something that continues to affect millions of people daily. I'm a huge advocate for anti-bullying and wanted to create this video to let people know that love goes a long way. Sometimes those that are the most hateful are those who never received love growing up. It’s all about treating everyone with kindness.” Taylor-Ann Hasselhoff 50
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My Digital Enemy's Advice to Aspring Artists.. Send your tracks out to as many labels as possible, and keep sending them even if you don't get a reply at first. If you can build a relationship with a label it will really help you shape your career. Feedback from other people in the industry is so important. Also team up with other artists. A second opinion when writing tracks really helps and can make it much easier to get a finished product.
Job Satisfaction: Achieving Your Dreams Hosted by @AudiationMag
It's vital to stand out in any sector, what do you do to make yourself unique from the others?
We have a strong ethic for optimism, What are your best methods to staying positive and motivating yourself?
"This goes for any career and just life in general. Be you and be an exxagerated version of yourself." Leanne
"I remind myself how far i've come and my plans for the future. Aim for your goal." Lauren
"Be polite, professional, actively engaged and listen!" Vicky
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Issue AM021 On The Cover: Kitten And The Hip
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With love Ruby, Rokuro, Cessle, Sarah, Malachi, Andy, David, & Steve xx
Audiation AM021 Copyright 2016 Š Audiation Magazine Ltd