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MASTERHEA D PUBLISHER inspiredbymusicuk.com Editor in Chief Josh Gabbana josh@inspiredbymusicuk.com deputy editor Will Ackrill will@inspiredbymusicuk.com ADVERTISING ADS@INSPIREDBYMUSICUK.COM PRESS PRESS@INSPIREDBYMUSICUK.COM GENERAL ENQUIRES & SUBMISSIONS INFO@INSPIREDBYMUSICUK.COM FOLLOW US twitter.com/ibmonline facebook.com/online.ibm instagram.com/inspiredbymusicuk Contributors Bally Athwal Johanna Lambert Kelleyah Simmons Anton GaBB deni felton THANKs TO JOSH MILLGATE / purple pr / VIRGIN RECORDS / GENTLE MANAGEMENT / CHUFF MEDIA / harris & hoole / james horrocks
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COV E R MA J O R ' S
- - S E LA H S U E
- - N A U GH TY B O Y
- - E LI Z A D O O LI T T LE
- - A * M * E 032 Q&A's
t h e lo t !
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W H AT W E ’ R E L I S T E N I N G T O
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E X C LU I V E P L A Y L I S T :
TH E HYPE
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- - F R A N K O C E A N V S MI G U E L
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the next new: 2014
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I N T RO D U C I N G E D I TO R I A L :
S A S H A K E A B LE
from the editor
Welcome to THE GOOD MUSIC ISSUE. It’s amazing to final-
ly be releasing our first issue to you all, it has been the best and longest time for us all. In 2011 I started
IBM, three years later I’m embarking on the release of my own magazine. We tried to focused a lot of our time into finding out what our readers want. It didn’t feel right to base this first issue on anything other than good music. Simply!!!
Our four cover stars (Selah Sue, Naughty Boy, Eliza
Doolittle and A*M*E) we feel represent where we’re at
with urban music. We aspire to inspire and stay committed at being one of the best online hubs to discover
new music. A massive shout out and thanks to my Purple massive. They’ve been supporting us since beginning.
And a hugmungas thanks to you all who have been reading since 2011. I
H O P E
Y O U
Josh Gabbana
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E N J O Y
E DI TO R ' S PICK'S Gabrielle Well, not much to say here apart from my all time favourite Gabrielle is coming back! This lady is effortless! After long six years without a release, she returns with a brand new album ‘20 Year of Dreaming’, featuring six new songs, including her new single ‘Say Goodbye‘.
Laura Welsh The innovator of one of 2013’s best songs by far. Laura Welsh, the British singerr/songwriter worked with Dev Hynes [Solange] on ‘Unravel‘ Since then she has gone on to release Cold Front and Undiscovered. Check her out!
Jessie J I’ve been a fan of her’s for so long. I waited patiently for Who You Are and I think Alive was a gret follow-up. They sound hear
nothing something
Are set
alike,
but
different.
its The
great Who
to You
was ongoing for three years.
Vincent Devine The name alone is a selling point, but incredibly talented artist Vincent Devine has caught the attention of millions of people with his infamous drawings of some of music’s biggest legend, but also his breathtaking drawing of rapper Iggy Azalea and Lady Gaga.
COVER
MAJOR’S
S E L A H E L I Z A
S U E
D O O L I T T L E
N A U G H T Y A * M * E
B O Y
all about the music
INTERVIEW
SELAH SUE
Belgian
born
singer-songwriter
Se-
lah Sue is a rare spirit to come across. Gaining inspiration from artists such as Lauryn Hill and Damian Marley, the 23 year old has developed her own unique sound by infusing reggae with guitar stricken chords and accented beats. Initialy getting her start on Myspace, the self-taught musician utilized the powers of the internet to construct a platform that would work in her favor. Through social media she has been able to perfect her craft and generate a concrete fan base not only in Europe but overseas as well. Her vibrant debut ‘Ragamuffin’ serves as the perfect introduction to Selah’s musical efforts. The video has garnered over 12 million views and her other hits like ‘This World’ and ‘Mommy’ are certainly creeping behind. Although she admits to not having an extensive musical background, Selah’s passion for the art is impossible to ignore. She’s already worked with a number of artists like Nneka, Cee-lo, and J. Cole so it’s only a matter of time before she claims international fame.
WO R D S /
J OA N N A
I N T E R V I E W /
J O S H
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LA MB E RT G A B B A N A
“ A ll m U s ic i s bas e d O n i n s p i RA t i O n b y O t h e r m U s ic . - S e la h S U e
Selah, how is everything?
What are you working on at right now?
Very good, thank you
My second album... Finish demo versions to start the recording in October.
When did you discover your love for soul and reggae? When I was about 14... I got obsessed with the Unplugged album of Lauryn Hill... I discovered ragga music from my older brot-her and his friends. I Listened to a lot of Damian Marle and Sizzla... If you wasn't a singer, What would you be?
How important is music to you?
J. Cole made an appearance on your track Raggamuffin. What was that like? He did a really good job. Still need to meet him though. When can we expect the next album? Probably before the summer next year...
Very... There’s always music on in our house... On a day to day basis what can’t you live without? The sun, which is not easy if u live in Belgium.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Spending time with family and friends… cosy dinners, drinks.. Cruise on the back of my boyfriend’ motorcycle.
I’d be a psychologist. Who are your favourite song-writers right now?
Our first issue is called The Good Music Issue. What is good music to you?
Are there any up and coming artist that have caught your interest? DELV!S, A big talent from Belgium
Music that touches you in any way.
The XX, Baths, Thom Yorke. Do you have a particular writing process? (1) Music (2) Vocal Melody (3) Lyrics
Do you feel a loss of respect for an artist when they didn’t write their own material? Honestly I do. Unless of they stand out in something else.. Dancing, performing...
Who would be your dream collaboration? Lauryn Hill / Flying Lotus / James Blake Who is your biggest musical influence? Lauryn Hill
What do you have planned for the next 12 months? Finish demos, next album, record & releasing it...
You released ‘Rarities’ last year. How was the reaction from your fans and critics? Really good.. But I never do research on that.. As long if I’m happy with it myself, I don’t worry.
Do you believe that inspiration key to good music? Yes!
INTERVIEW
NAU GHTY BOY
‘Hotel Cabana, where the sleepless kids live… Hotel Cabana,
Sitting in the chair overlooking the whole process is Naugh-
where the curious go,’ croons Emeli Sande as she welcomes you
ty Boy, and as stated on the album cover, he’s directing this
to Cabana. Her voice remains a prominent feature on this debut
album. It features an all-star cast, with renowned names such
LP from the acclaimed producer, writer and musician, Naugh-
as Wiz Khalifa, Tinie Tempah and Ed Sheeran to the up and
ty Boy. Their stunningly successful synergy has already creat-
coming artists such as Mic Rightious, Ella Eyre and Chasing
ed one prestigious album, now it’s time for the second. Hotel
Grace. Perhaps most interestingly, you’re storyteller and you’re
Cabana is an album unlike any other in popular music. Taking
narrator, is George The Poet – who offers a typically vision-
influences from various genres is almost expected now in a
ary look into the interwoven concept that is Hotel Cabana.
good pop album. What’s not expected, is a concept that is at
Further strengthening the cinematic feeling is the music videos for
the very base of the project, so deep-rooted that it dictates
the singles, ‘Wonder’, ‘La La La’ and ‘Lifted’. Through their perfectly
how the album is presented, told, and conveyed. There’s many
picturesque and provo ative unexplained stories and tales, the
ways of taking the ideas behind this album. You should focus
videos grant more insight into Cabana. However, with a concept
on the hotel aspect definitely, but the filmic aspect of how the
and idea so strong, the music needs to be at a high enough
album has been promoted and unveiled is equally intriguing.
standard to match the strength of the foundations. Well, it’s gone way above matching it. The imaginary hotel has been built using
D E LU X E V E RS I O N O F H OT E L C A BAN A
these exquisite songs. Every featured artist either lives up to their
WO R D S /
name, or builds upon it. In working on this project, they’ve built their own room in Cabana, each fitted specifically to their skills. All the while Naughty Boy is surveying the project, a project he can be proud of. Hotel Cabana is an organic and uniquely made album, and teaches much of popular music a lesson. INSPIRED BY MUSIC were given some time with Shahid Khan, aka Naughty Boy himself. In the chat we had, we discussed the concept at the heart of the album, moving to the forefront of music and briefly, Noel Edmunds. J OA N N A
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J O S H
LA MB E RT G A B B A N A
First of all, congratulations for ‘Lifted’ charting at #8. Did seeing the single do so well settle any apprehensions with the instant success of ‘La La La’?
I’m sure you’re tired of answering this, but the idea Hotel Cabana is so interesting. What was the base of it, and how has it spread and developed?
Ah, well thank you. Yeah, because it was such a monster, even now it’s still played on radio a lot. Anything I could’ve come with after that, I think because of the affect it [‘La La La’] had, it’s nice that ‘Lifted’ was still able to come through so quickly, and the album too. But yeah, ‘La La La’ definitely set the bar.
Ah thank-you. Well I used to work in a hotel, a luxury hotel, called The Grove. I was a waiter there and I always used to remember thinking compared to where I grew up, it was a different world. These hotels can be amazing and I always thought how people have all this money, all this stuff gets wasted, and you get rich and famous people mingling. But if you haven’t got money, you can’t go there. I always had that concept in my head, and then I decided to go into random hotels and the concept was born. But even then I didn’t know I was going to turn it into an album. It was just a weird obsession of mine.
Is it more daunting releasing your own singles rather than being a featured artist? Is it more daunting? Er, it is. Yeah, because I’m so used to being in the background, being a part of other people’s successes. But you feel the pressure a bit more when it’s your own album, or your own single. Yeah, because with the name too, Naughty Boy, is that a way of making sure the focus is on the music rather than the creator? Yeah, and it’s only recently that I’ve started doing the interviews and press. I deliberately didn’t do it because I wanted people to put the music first and have a reason to talk. You know I didn’t want to be that guy telling you guys about what I was doing. I wanted to in some way have more to talk about. I thought I’d be more mysterious, because I feel that’s what the public want more these days.
I was going to ask specifically about the ‘La La La’ video, but while preparing the questions, I re-watched the videos for ‘Wonder’ and ‘Lifted’ and also now after hearing the album too, they all seem to come together to explain the album. Was that the plan, even before ‘Wonder’? Thank-you, yeah, that’s what I wanted, the whole experience. Because when people ask me about the videos, I wanted them to be aware of the album. I wanted people to be using their own imagination y’know. That’s one of the key things for me, having that.
The way the album’s been revealed, with the trailers etc, it’s in essence, cinematic. I’m assuming that’s planned, because on the front of the album it reads ‘Directed by Naughty Boy’? Yeah that’s how I envisaged it, it is a bit daft, but it’s all quite filmic. My personal favourite feature on the album is George The Poet. And with that filmic theme, he effectively narrates the trailers and the album. How highly do you rate him? Yeah, he’s amazing. He’s just been signed as well, and that’s so good to see early on in his career and to show a bit of pace. The choice of featured artists is so interesting. Huge artists like Wiz Khalifa and less known ones like Chasing Grace and Maiday. Was the key aspect to choosing them, just talent? Yeah it was important definitely. I didn’t want to have the album filled with big names, because it’s important to showcase new talent because that’s where I come from. Y’know introducing Emeli with the album – that was an important part of my journey because it’s the first thing I did. So, I obviously need to show faith in new acts, and that was important for my album, George The Poet, Chasing Grace, Mic Rightious y’know. I love the fact that Wiz Khalifa and Ella Eyre became a combination.
woah woah W E
With the features, I read that you made sure all the collaborations were done in the studio. The organic way of making an album, was that important to you? Yeah, definitely... I had to do it natural. It feels it, it feels well put together. And I’ve seen you’re already working on the next album with Emeli. Without being to nosey, is that going well? Any ides on when new stuff will come out? Yeah, well we’re working without pressure at the moment and not trying to put any time on it. Y’know, I want to make sure, because we set the bar with the first album, so you want to keep it up. We’re gonna take our time. You’ve taken your time with your album too. Is the perfectionist way always been how you’ve worked? h yeah, it has to be patient. If was to ever make another album it wouldn’t be soon at all, if ever. I just think sometimes I’ll put everything into something and just let it live y’know. People get scared easily and feel like they need to put out an album. I don’t know, I just think you’ve got to put your heart into it once and if they want another one, then think about it then.
It makes people appreciate it more I think... Yeah! And you get real good fans like that as well, real proper fans that will actually get into you and the music and I think you get perspective more as well. Yeah the list of artists you’re working with or have worked with is quite something. MKS (Mutya Keisha Siohan) – the latest reincarnation of the Sugababes, Britney Spears as well. But have you got anyone, up-andcoming, that you want to work with, that we haven’t heard about yet? Erm, well I ’ve just been working with Charli XCX and she’s really cool.. Oh wow. I can imagine a lot of artists that would work well with you. Yeah, to be honest, it’s not... ah how to explain it… If someone told me, ‘Oh, this person’s big’ then I’d be like, ‘Well that’s not all it takes though.’ There’s got to be some kind of excitement, yeah that is important. So is that what you look for? You have to do that, because when you’ve got a bit of hype, I don’t want to be that guy of the moment when people are like ‘Can you get me a track from Naughty Boy, that’ll make it happen’ I don’t want to be that guy that makes it happen because I’m Naughty Boy, I want to find the right things and make hem happen, y’know what I mean.
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Yeah, course, it’s a good way of doing it. Obviously you’re helping acts by giving them exposure, but how much did Noel Edmunds and the banker help you out? Oh well, yeah they did help my vehicle start basically. So, that was important. If it wasn’t Deal Or No Deal I definitely would’ve found another game show I think. Apart from the promotional push, have you got any time off now seeing as the album is out now? Oh no, not at all! Honestly, it’s like a whirlwind right now. Because I’m a producer and an artist it’s just made my whole thing more intense. All days are planned out, like doing TV and stuff. Obviously I’m loving every minute of it, and I’ll be starting to take the show on the road. So that’s another element. Time is the thing I’m missing right now. With touring then, as the album is full of features much like Chase & Status’ and Disclosure’s albums, how do you go about touring the album? Yeah, it’s going to be interesting to say the least. Not everyone will be at every show, but we might do something interesting with holograms, something that’s never been done. Watch this space.
F U L L
h woah woah
L
O F
W O N D E R
Younger artists can be faced with many decisions, where to go, where to take their music. Is there an advice you would give them? Yeah I would say that there are no rules. If anything, tear up the rules. I’ve done it against the odds if you like, I’m just a boy from Watford, I grew up in a council estate, I went on a game show and I had a plan to be a music producer. That’s what my actual plan was, I wasn’t waiting for it to happen. You’ve got to clear your own lane sometimes, and I believe anyone can do it. There’s no guidelines when it comes to creative things. I don’t know about business or anything, just when it comes to creative things, it has to be instinct. Also, do you think more should be done to make a more sustainable route for up-and-coming artists? Yeah it shouldn’t feel like it’s so far to get there, that’s what it feels like to upand-coming artists I think – that you need a label, you need this. These things are important, but you’re not going to get those things unless you start it yourself. That doesn’t mean go on a game show, but sometimes you’ve got to do things a bit outside the box in order to get the results of something . With this being INSPIRED BY MUSIC’s first issue, titled The Good Music Issue, what would you say is good music? I would say, oh good music, erm anything? Old or new! Er, I’d say Meat Loaf, I’d say anything, that is a big tune.
Finally, do you believe inspiration to be the key to making good music? Yeah, and I think the best inspiration comes from people. It’s not always necessarily from other music or other things. The best songs I’ve written have been based on real things, real conversations, some people that are strangers or family. Y’know, people are the best source of inspiration when it comes to writing great songs. And that shows, like Emeli’s album! That whole album was written with an intent to talk to the people, and that’s what it did, and I that’s why I think it was so big. It depends what you want, and I know what I want to do with music is to change people, change their lives, because music has the power to do that. The inspiration has to come from the people. Yeah, I completely agree, people obviously inspired Emeli’s, and Ed Sheeran’s and Adele’s albums – and they’ve been the biggest selling albums of the past couple years now. You can see there’s a common thread there. You’ve just got to connect with the people, that’s what the real power of music was, and we’ve lost that a bit, with the Flo Rida’s and this new wave. It’s like McDonalds, we’re so used to it we’ve forgotten how bad it is for us.
H OT E L C A BAN A I S AVA I LA B LE F RO M ITUNE S HE RE
INTERVIEW
ELIZA DOOLITTLE
When Eliza Doolittle appeared on Disclosure’s ‘You & Me’ track,
to stand out is a task in itself, but with a voice like Eliza’s, it’s
heads turned for all the right reasons. To many people, this was
hard not to. With her new album now out and the garage
an unexpected collaboration, yet it instantaneously worked,
crossover, Doolittle has illustrated her musical ability by show-
and worked well. Then a track with the legendary producer
casing it throughout various genres. Personally, more garage
Wookie, ‘The Hype’ emerged with Doolittle again featuring. With
tunes would be great. We at IBM were lucky enough to have a
more heads turned it, gathered more praise while simultaneous-
chat to Eliza before her album was released. We covered her
ly her pop comeback single, ‘Big When I Was Little’, was getting
favourite songwriters (they’re all good choices), her solo music
great responses on places like Radio 1, and obviously Inspired
absence and appearing of Never Mind The Buzzcocks with
By Music. Tracks ‘Make Up Sex’ and ‘No Man Can’ among others
Jedward. A tough recording for anyone to endure.
on ‘In Your Hands’ suggests this is a coming of age album, 3 years after her debut LP. One thing hasn’t changed though, that voice. In a market saturated with incredible female artists,
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Eliza, it’s great to speak to you, how are you?
If you had to categorise the album to one genre what would it be?
What is your all time favourite garage tune?
Great thanks! How are you?
I always like to say Pop because then it can be anything. It can be so much!
There are so many good ones, but the reason i worked with Wookie is because he made my all time favourite garage tune ‘Battle’. It is so original and i’ve never got tired of it, I must have heard it over 1000 times !
Very well thank you-
Listening through your catalogue of your tracks, I reckon would put a smile on anyone’s face, especially so with ‘Big When I Was Little’. Some artists seem to excel in writing bleaker songs, but do you find it easier to make people happy with your tracks? Haha! On my last record I definitely wrote lots of up and merry tunes, mainly because I was young and had no worries really. I do have another side to me too, i’m sure that everybody does. *smiles*
Our first issue is called ‘The Good Music Issue’. What is good music to you? Any music where you can hear the soul of the artist loud and clear.
Can we expect the album to have the same feel as ‘Big When I Was Little’ then? Well, BWIWL ties things nicely from my last album to the new album, and then the rest of the album delves deeper and deeper…you will hear it !
Your track with Disclosure was one of the many highlights of their album. Who got who on board for ‘You & Me’? I think it was all down to Howard! You’d have to ask him for the details but through our friend Jimmy, we got in touch and we all worked together one day and it came really naturally ! I’d already heard Latch and loved it so was really up for trying something out with the boys !
Will we be hearing more of you in this vein of music?
The track you did with Wookie was also effortlessly perfect, one my favourites of the year. Has moving into dance/ garage music always been something that interests you? Did you perhaps feel pinned down by one genre?
Hmmmmmm there are some really great writers out there at the moment.
I just love to make music and have no boundaries ! Working with the Disclosure boys we knew it would be for their project and then with Wookie we didn’t know what we were doing it for... we just made the song out of pure love. We didn’t know whether it would be for my project or his or what! That’s the only way to make music really! Just do it and see what arises!
Like i said before, i have no boundaries when it comes to music and expressing myself :) Who are your FIVE favourite songwriters at the moment?
I love Tom Odell’s new album. Great lyrics and so much soul. Kendrick Lamar could easily take the number 1 spot in the rap game right now and iIam a huge fan of his lyrics and how well he can craft a song. Sam Smith’s album isn’t out yet but he is a fantastic writer and no doubt an incredible singer and i’ve heard bits and bobs and all I can say is WOW. Hmmm what else have I been vibing to recently…
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I love the Arctic Monkeys new song Do I Wanna Know… Alex Turner is a genius wordsmith, the way he spills out his song is like no other. Always been a fan. & Frank Ocean. So clever, and everywhere I hear him, i’m always so impressed. I love the Oceans record with Jay Z as well as both his own albums.
As good as the dance/garage features are, it’s great to have you back making your own pop records - it’s just a shame it’s been so long. Were there specific reasons for your solo absence? Ah thats sweet! and yes ! blame my label ! They were being sold to another company so we couldn’t release for a while. But it was a blessing in disguise as i feel some of the best songs were written in the last 6 months of the whole process!
With the album release coming up sooner and sooner, how hard is it to hold onto new music?
Slightly away from musical matters, I recently wound up watching a repeat of Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and you happened to be making an appearance, and so were Jedward. Without meaning to upset them, (you can if you like) it’s all an act surely? They can’t actually be like that? Haha ! That was such a funny time ! Loved being on the show, I’d watched it since i was little. They are actually like that all the time
Have plans been made about touring the new album after its release in October? I’m just getting those plans together now… I don’t have dates yet but will keep everybody posted as soon as I do we’re doing a few spot dates here and there until then so keep your eyes and ears open.
How is important is music to you? It is all I have , so very...
It’s hard I have the master now and I cannot wait for everyone to hear it ! I did actually put out a song called ‘Waste of Time’ which you can now get if you pre-order the album. I guess it’s a way of me saying thank you for pre-ordering but also i’m just dying for everyone to hear it…even if it is just one song for now.
Are you inspired by music? Of course! All the time, there is so much great music out there…new and old and every time something gets me and makes my chest swell, I know why I love music and why I make music. I aim for that in everything I do.
I N YO U R H AN D S I S AVA I LA B LE F RO M ITUNE S HE RE .
INTERVIEW
A*M*E
Loving all things pop is rising Sierra Leone born- London based singer-songwriter A*M*E. Who takes inspiration from some of pop’s most royal of royal in popular music. From K-Pop, to Beyoncé, to Britney Spears, to John Lennon, James Brown, Madonna and biggest of all Janet Jackson. You’ll know A*M*E from Duke Durmont’s number 1 hit ‘Need U 100%’, which she features her vocals and writing skills on. The song was co-wrote by her and her partner in crime [music] MNEK. Both teens are leading themselves to a hugely successful career. Featuring in The Good Music Issue, A*M*E gives us an insight into the world of a pop princess. Every artists will tell you, It’s not like the movies! She’s been in the studio, and worked on a track with our other cover feature Naughty Boy. ameofficial.com
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H E ART LE S S I S O U T N OW !
It’s great to speak to you, how is everything? Hey, amazing thank you.
Our first issue is called ‘The Good Music Issue’. What is good music to you? Good music speaks for itself, its not the easiest thing to describe. I think good music is one that really captures what the artist is feeling.
It’s caused a stir and particular interest from the public that you’re only 18. For those who don’t know tell us about the rise of A*M*E... I started out in choir at school then wrote my own songs which led to Gary Barlow first signing me then I just carried onwards and upwards, haha.
Are you excited to be supporting Jessie J? Very excited!
What would you be doing if you wasn’t a singer? I’m not sure actually haha I’ve never wanted to do anything but music although I did ballet for a while.
Tell us two things that not many people know about A*M*E..I love sushi and I have 13 piercings. How is important is music to you?
When you have down days, what’s the one song that can lighten your mood?
Do you feel a loss of respect for an artist when they didn’t write their own songs
Janet Jackson’s All For You.
No not at all, each to there own.
Do you have a particular writing process?
When are we going to hear what you and Naughty Boy have worked on?
No, it always varies depending on who I’m working with and the vibe I get from a track.
You’ve heard one track we worked on already called “Find A Boy” which was co-written by Emeli Sandé.
Who is your biggest musical influence?
Who would be your dream collaboration?
You’ve just released your single ‘Heartless’ did you write this in 30 mins like ‘Need U (100%)’?
Is inspiration key to good music?
Big Bang or Janet Jackson.
Are you INSPIRED BY MUSIC?
Haha no this took a little longer. For anyone trying to crack the industry what advice would you give to them in five steps?
When can we expect the album?
1 - Work hard
Just great pop songs, I worked with some super talented writers and producers on it so i’m very excited.
2 - Stay focused
Incredible important,its my life its everything that I am.
3 - Stay humble 4 - Be open minded
Do you have plans to work with MNEK on it?
5 - Never give up!
Yes we’ve written a few tracks together
Yes, you’ve got to be in order to be an artist.
Janet Jackson.
Absolutely, your inspiration is your starting point.
Y N T H T
O E O E H
LUPE FIASCO
U E D A R I S
FT. ED SHEERAN
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RAINY MILO
DROWING BUTTERFLIES IS OUT ON ITUNES NOVEMBER 11TH
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(CLICK ‘HERE’ TO BE DIRECTED)
TORQUX
‘OLD SCHOOL LOVE’ NOW FOR THE MOST UNEXPECTED COLLABORATION, PHARELL’S COUSIN LUPE FIASCO TEAMS UP WITH OUR BRIT SENSATION ED SHEERAN ON A TRACK CALLED ‘OLD SCHOOL LOVE’. IT’S THE FIRST SINGLE FROM LUPE FIASCO’S FORTHCOMING FULLLENGTH ALBUM, “TETSUO AND YOUTH,” WHICH IS EXPECTED IN 2014 VIA ATLANTIC RECORDS.
‘THE OTHER WAY’ THE ODDISEE PRODUCED TRACK TAKEN FROM RAINY MILO’S EP ‘LIMEY‘ OFFERS A SWEET TONE TO THE EAR. THE RIING STAR SAID IN AN INTERVIEW: HER SONGS ARE A “COLLECTION OF SONGS WRITTEN ON RED BUSES, TUBES, CLOUDY DAYS AND CHILLY NIGHTS IN LONDON”. SHE’S BEEN WORKING IN LA, OBVIOULY SHE DIDNT LIKE THE RAIN IN LONDON.
‘ASKING FOR MORE’ THE VOCALS FOR DJ ZINC’S HIT ONLY FOR TONIGHT, AND DISCLOSURE’S VOICES THE URBAN SCENES BEST KEPT SECRET COMES ALIGHT! SASHA IS NOW MENTORED AND SIGNED BY TINIE TEMPAH AND HIS LABEL DISTURBING LND. THIS TRACK COMES FROM HER DEBUT EP BLACK BOOK EP, WE’RE GOING TO BE HEARING AND SEEING THIS LADY A LOT! THE TRACK WAS PRODUCED BY ROBBIE LAMOND. CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW WITH HER(P**).
‘SO DIVINE’ THE EP’S TITLE TRACK SO DIVINE FEATURES TIFFANI JUNO, IT’S EASILY ONE OF THE HOTTEST TRACKS OF 2013 AND IS THE FOLLOW UP EP FROM BLAZIN’. COMPLEMENTED BY THE EFFORTLESSLY BEAUTIFUL VOCALS, THE TRACK IS MOST CERTAINLY DIVINE. THE DUO RECENTLY SIGNED TO MTA RECORDS, THE LABEL OF CHASE AND STATUS.
LAURA WELSH
MAX MARSHALL
TWO INCH PUNCH (TIP)
DOMINIC LORD
‘UNDISCOVERED’ SO IN THIS ISSUE WE INTRODUCED THE WONDERFUL VOICE AND AMAZING SONGWRITER... LAURA WELSH. IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THIS, OVER THE LAST YEAR SHE’S BEEN RELEASING TRACKS Via SoundCloud, AND THEY’RE ALL BLOODY AMAZING, UNRALVEL, HOLLOW DRUM, COLD FRONT AND THE REST. WE’VE DECIDED TO SHARE HER LATEST, UNDISCOVERED. AH’ IT’S JUST AMAZING! HER TONE IS SO RECOGNISABLE WITHOUT ANNOYING THE EAR.
‘PRESSURE’ HAVE YOU HEARD OF MAX MARSHALL? THIS TRACK COMES FROM HER ENTITLED EP PRESSURE. I FIRST DISCOVERED MAX AND HER TRACK DON’T TRIP, HERE’S A LITTLE TIP FOR YOU: WATCH HER SPACE AND DON’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF HER.
‘NIRVANA (REMIX)’ TIP REMIX SAM SMITH’S TITLE TRACK FROM HIS ‘NIRVANA‘ EP AND DELIVERED AN AMAZINGLY MELODIC TUNE. ONE THAT YOU CAN NOT MOVE YOU HEAD TO, TAP YOUR FEET, OR CLICK YOUR FINGERS I LOVE WHAT THEY’VE DONE WITH IT. MR SMITH IS LEGENDRY IN HIS OWN RIGHT, THERE WILL BE MUCH MORE TO COME FROM SMITHY.
‘REAL (REMIX)’ EX A$AP MOB MEMBER DOMINIC LORD REMIXES GORGON CITY’S SMASHING TUNE REAL FEATURING YASMIN. HE WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AS A$AP DOM, BUT THE HARLEM NATIVE IS NOW SIGNED SOLO TO UNIVERSAL, OH AND NOT TO FORGET SIGNED AS A MODEL TO IMG MODELS.
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So they may call him 2014’s Tom Odell, but unlike the ‘Another Love‘ singer, chances are William Carl Jnr. may be around a little longer than Odell’s 12 month bomb, which may, possibly, who knows, god knows, I know, be soon to end. Nothing better than a real feel for soul, and R&B, done properly, but when it’s done properly, and jazzed up or stripped down a you may call it well then your in for a treat. The amazing singer/songwriter has been Brooklyn posted for three years, BUT we’ve got him back. Let’s not jinx things, Will has done an exclusive playlist for you all to listen to,
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exclusiveeeee.
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EXCLUSIVE PLAYLIST
W I LLI A M
C ARL
Nirvana - Negative Creep My brother in law bought me Bleach when I was about 13. I feel this is a good place to start as I owe him a lot when it comes to shaping my early listening habits. I’d heard and loved Nevermind by then which has such a polished feel comparatively, so when I got to Bleach I was I really shocked at the rawness and to my young ears, the messiness.
Blur - Charming Man Damon is the king of the chorus and Graham Coxon is easily in the top 5 favourite guitarists of mine. I remember my friends dad’s confused expression when listening to the solo in ‘Coffee & Tv’ for the first time. He was like ‘sounds like that’s the first time he’s ever played a guitar!’ - I respect those kind of risks in ‘pop’ music.
Beastie Boys - 3 Mc’s & 1 DJ A classic, Im still massively inspired by the way they performed live and in all their videos, infinite charisma, RIP MCA.
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams I used to run up to the tv and kiss Annie on the lips when I was a kid! Beautiful voice and such a gracious person.
Holly Miranda - Joints Holly was like a second mother to me when I lived in NYC. Touring with her when we supported Tegan & Sara is something I’ll never forget. Not just the spectacle of playing in nearly every single state, but being part of a liberating couple of hours each night for all types of sexually oriented young adults in parts of America where it can be really hard to be who you are openly. Also the best bit for me, musically happens in this song, when the drum and bass kick in together all off beat and in the key of F#Maj7 - Dreamy and frightening at the same time.
Jay Z - Can I Live All I really listen to these days if we’re honest. I was lucky enough to have a session with Ski Beats’ in Damon Dash’s mental media complex in Manhattan. He tried to get us all tattooed by his personal tattoo artist. I couldn’t quite face it but it was funny to see the little heart he had done (inspired by Holly as she has one on her neck) next to all his prison tattoo’s.
Deftones - Change In The House Of Flies The teenager in me is still alive, I’m reminded of this every time someone (me) blasts Deftones through the speakers. I think Chino Morino is the coolest guy ever and remember watching the bassist, Chi Cheng fall of the stage at The Docklands arena RIP Chi Cheng.
Nigeria Special - Ayamma Holly played this to me when I crashed with her in Brooklyn. I think she had it on vinyl if my memory is correct. 1000’s of replays. The rhythmic elements, and the relationships between the bassists and drummers on this compilation in particular really inspired me during my time as a bassist in America.
Natalie Duncan - Find Me A Home (Dot Major London Grammar Remix) Dot has become one one of my best friends, along with his brother Bruno and between them, they are two of the most inspiring musicians I know. I owe a lot to Dothe’s given me so much when it come to production and has encouraged me to explore the electronic side of life. Dan Croll - In/Out (Will Carl Jr Remix) My first ever remix. Definitely something I’m proud of and honoured to have been given the chance to do it. As soon as I heard the original I got really excited to put my spin on it. Claam - Casa Rita This is one of my childhood friends side projects with his girlfriend. His name is Sam, her name is Claire. Together they make Claam. Keebo - Tell Me When The Beat Turns On The sister of a school friend. All girl band from North London and I really love them. Rhapsody, the singer always has really interesting, off kilter but totally on point melodies and lyrical approach. I find her very inspiring.
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INTERVIEW
MIKILL PANE
Not many could say that they’ve got Paloma Faith to sing about a shoe fetish before. The man who can make that
That way you can push it onto other
claim, however, is Mikill Pane. His recent
people who are yet to be embraced
releases, ‘Good Feeling’ and ‘Chair-
by the unique sound, and you’ll get
man Of The Bored’, have heightened
that good feeling. A line from the Palo-
the expectations surrounding hotly
ma Faith featuring track, ‘Heart & Sole’,
anticipated debut album, ‘Blame Miss
which has always had some punch
Barclay’. With an ever increasing cata-
is, “Even though Mikill Pane’s not a
logue of high quality tracks conveyed
household name, it kind of rolls off the
through numerous EPs over the past
tongue.” Hopefully ‘Blame Miss Barclay’
couple years, it seems 2013/14 will see
will see Mikill Pane become that house-
ever increasing public awareness. With
hold name. Time, and sales, will tell. A
growing radio play, primarily with Ra-
great amount of hard work has been
dio 1’s Huw Stephens, Mikill Pane’s mu-
put in up to this point, so this single
sic is gradually seeping through, even
is just another stepping stone, and so
to the people who need a real good
far Mikill Pane has been able to cross
push in the right direction. Mikill’s also
over them with ease. INSPIRED BY MU-
an artist that is held in obvious high
SIC had a catch up with him and see
regard by others, even just by judging
how all that stone stepping is going.
who he’s collaborated with. Example, Rizzle Kicks, and the aforementioned Paloma Faith, all have worked alongside the man, and not to mention Ed Sheeran. It was that track, ‘Little Lady’ which many can say was their point of discovery of Mr Pane - but let’s not get into that ‘who knew who first’ thing, it’s tedious. What’s important is that if you’re a fan, for a year, for a day, that you get behind the debut album.. 032
Hey Mikill, how’s it going? Depends what you mean by ‘it’. If you mean the penis enlargement process, that’s not going too well.
Who are your five favourite songwriters right now? Alex Turner, Lorde, Jay-Z, Matt Corby and Jake Bugg.
characters that pop up now and again. Some of them encounter each other and I encounter some of them too. Any surprise features? No. no unsurprising features either.
Our first issue is called The Good Music Issue. What is good music? How do you define it? You don’t define it. Taste is subjective. Unless by good music you mean the record label that Kanye West set up; in which case, that’s exactly how you’d define it. G.O.O.D answer... What’s the biggest misconception of Mikill Pane? That his name is pronounced ‘Mick-ill’. It’s ‘Mike-ill’. If you had to choose one artist as to collaborate with who would it be?, and why? Annie Lennox, simply because she’s magnificent.
If you could teleport anywhere in this world where would you go? And why? Back to my flat. I forgot my f****** wallet. When you write a song, does it just roll of the tongue or do you think about what you’d like it to sound like? I write lyrics to music after deciding what mindset the music puts me in, but there’s no telling how it’ll come out. Sometimes, I can write a song in an hour, sometimes, it can take a month.
How is important is music to you? Out of 10? 11. I spent too much time loving music to listen (to my teacher) during maths lessons. Would you say you’re inspired by music? No, no, no. Yes, I’ve been black, but when I come back, you’ll know, know, know. Who is your biggest musical influence?
Tell us about your album Blame Miss Barclay.
Nobody. I turned out just like him.
It’s named Blame Miss Barclay because I had an English teacher called Miss Barclay that always encouraged me to write creatively. It’s a collection of stories that I wrote. These stories involve a few-
Is inspiration key to good music? Not in my opinion. WO R D S / W I LL
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INTERVIEW
vv brown
Following her debut album Travelling Like The Light V V Brown returns and talks exclusivly to us about her second studio album Samson & Delilah releasing on YOY Records, and her collaboration with luxury fashion house Paco Robanne. The singer/songwriter returns, and her fans are raging! So are we!
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It’s great to speak to you, how is everything? Fantastic . . . I have just come out of a Bikram Yoga class. Feeling very peaceful in mind and body and soul. Tell us about your massive collaboration with Paco banne...
Ra-
Paco Robanne are an incredible fashion brand and they approached me to be apart of their black excess diary, where they follow me throughout the journey of this new album with shows and music videos and competitions. I feel very honoured to be involved as they previously worked with Ellie Goulding and the Kaiser Chiefs prior. We are currently about to make a music video with a song from the new album chosen by the fans. What exciting plans do you have for this year? Touring promoting the new album and our short film. Living life and staying peaceful. Last month you released your new album Samson & Delilah. Tell us a little about it... the album is about the relationship between strength and weakness.This is why I was so attracted to the story of Samson and Delilah. It’s a adventure around these wild meanings and my career has represented this wild journey of power and weakness which I have learnt to ride now like a wild unpredictable horse.
How is important is music to you? So important, that it drives me crazy sometimes. It’s a part of who I am and all I know and what I think about and how I define myself and the world. It’s a deep connection and often unhealthy. Are you INSPIRED BY MUSIC? Every day and from many different angles. The hum of a fan in a bathroom causes me to well up it’s the sound of a train in a lovely key. *Wow* HahaWho is your biggest musical influence? Bjork. Hands everything.
down.
She
is
Is inspiration key to good mu-
How long has it taken to make this album? It has taken a year but it took a long process to get to the realisation of it. I scrapped an album previous to this and took a risk to change my sound. It was something I needed to do. When I discovered this new direction it was a liberating wonderful experience.
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INTERVIEW
DOMINUIQUE YOUNG UNIQUE
Following the sucess from her debut EP Hot Girl in 2009 she has had new two mixtapes, has a sucessful modelling career and has been studio jamming with the like of Diplo, DJ Fresh, A.N.D.Y things are looking UP! Expect the unexpected from Dominique Young Unique, this rising beauty.
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Our first issue is called The Good Music Issue. What is good music to you, and how would you define it? All music is good. It depends on personal taste and style, as well as how you feel at the time. Music is cultural influence, love, hate, the expression of feelings and emotions in a melodic tune that we all can enjoy. Thats how I define my music, it’s what feelings sound like. The on-set photos of the video for ‘Earthquake’ looked very promising, but when the video actually dropped it delivered and more. How fun was it filming that? Lol it was really fun and hard work over a 17hr shoot. Me and my superheroes had an amazing time but I would love to work with them all again ;-) Really enjoyed myself, especially with Diplo and DJ Fresh joking around on set. Personally, I think ‘Earthquake’ is in possession of one of the best drops in 2013. How was the track put together, who had the most input into the track, or was it all equal? Awwww, thanks!!! Well the track got put together because I just signed with my management Insanity Group and DJ Fresh is with them as well. My manager got me over to London to work on my first album and he introduced me and Fresh. As soon as Fresh played me the track I loved it and went straight in to record. It was great time working with him & awesome to be on something him & Diplo created together.
If you had to choose between Diplo and DJ Fresh who would win? Either musically, on looks, or even in a fight?
Anyone who follows your Twitter vaguely close would be able to gather that you’re quite outspoken. Without deliberately trying to get you to have a go at someone, who would you say is the most overrated artist around right now?
Haha, You bitches are crazy. I would choose Abraham Lincoln... I read that you began writing lyrics at the age of just 12, has music been a childhood dream which is working out very well now? Yes it has always Music is my life souls just everything that’s how I define myself through my music I came across the story of the ‘Show My Ass’ video which was shot in London. The guy who shot the video was quite interesting, wasn’t he? Lol yes I bought him 6 hot chicken wings from pizza hut to shoot the video! Whilst reading a few previous interviews you’ve done, We noticed how much you seemed to love London (notably Primark and Selfridges) How often do you get to visit the UK? I visit the UK a real lot. Probably every two months & yes, really love it. Just hate the weather.
Would you say it’s harder for a UK artist to break America or for an American artist to break the UK? It’s harder for a UK artist to break America...America is very very picky of the kind of music they like but people in the UK love new sounds. They love new music no matter where your from. Any UK shows planned soon? Yes my team getting all that together nowwwww. I’m back in the UK in a month for V Festival and a headline London show, which I’m excited for. Who do you draw on as influences for your own work? I know it’s a typical interview question, but your music seems to unique for it to be a typical answer.Well what influences me is my struggle, everything that I had been through at the age 15. I love music so I just work hard to not go through that struggle again, it was very scary.
To be honest, when I comes down to it I really don’t know or care about that kind of thing. Just concentrating on my own music. As a contrast to that last question, who are you loving right now? Anyone us UK lot should be checking out before everyone else does? I love so many artists but my fellow girls like Rita Ora, Rihanna, and Beyonce are all doing so well. So now you’ve grabbed even more attention with ‘Earthquake’, what d’you do next? Well next would be my new single, coming straight after and then my Album…Woohoooo! Who is you’re biggest musical influence? Beyoncé! *smiles*
INTERVIEW
AMPLIFY DOT
Following a unexpected perfomance at a Missy Elliott show in Brixton when she was 13, South London rapper Amplify Dot beams brighter than a light house, as she embarks on the release of her debut album ‘Paper Cuts’ on Virgin/ EMI. She’s definitely one of the most promising female rappers to take to the charts in 2013. She’s already collaborated with American phenomenon Busta Rhymes.
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Hey, It’s great to speak to you, how is everything? I’m good! Now you’ve just released your new single ‘Im Good’ and it features Busta Rhymes. That’s crazy! How did it feel to know he was going to jump on the track? It was an incredible feeling. I grew up listening to Busta Rhymes’ and he is a true Hip Hop legend so to share a track with him is surreal. When we spoke and he told me how much he liked the song it was very humbling. The video was shot in Jamaica, who’s idea was Ito shoot it in there? Mine! The song has a strong Jamaican influence and samples Buju Banton’s ‘Champion’ so it seemed fitting to set the visual there. You’re keeping it real representing the ladies. Cleo Sol and Etta Bond are both set to be on the album. How does it feel to have support from them?
Which artists should we watch out for?
Cleo and Etta are two of my favourite artists and some of the coolest girls I know. To have them on the album is a real blessing, they both bring something epic.
There are so many amazing artists breaking through, I would encourage you to check out emerging artists like Jhene Aiko, Hobbie Stuart, Cleo Sol, Jacob Banks and GFrsh.
Is there anyone who’s not featuring on the album that you’d really like to?
Are you inspired by music?
I’d love to work with Pharell and Timbaland. Tell us something about you that not many people know...
More than anything! Who is your biggest musical influence?
I used to work in JD Sports selling trainers.
I have so many influences from Bob Marley to Jay Z. I’m influenced by lyrics and individuality so Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot were also big inspirations for me.
How is important is music to you?
Is inspiration key to good music?
Music is the soundtrack to our lives, I can’t think of many things more important to me!
If your music isn’t inspired it will not inspire.
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INTERVIEW
RIA RITCHIE Well well... the UK love their ‘best kept secrects‘. We’ve come across a few in this issue, one being Ria Ritchie. In 2012 she released her debut single Only One. She also added and contributed her vocals to UK House duo/brothers Disclosure’s EP The Face. We spoke to the lovely lady to talk influences, working and writing with Disclosure and her own record.
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Hey Ria, it’s great to speak to you. The name of our first issue is The Good Music Issue, what is good music to you? Good music is anything that I can relate to depending on what I’m feeling, also something that grabs your attention and can also get you moving! Who are you five favourite songwriters right now? Amy Winehouse Alicia Keys Emeli Sande Adele Plan B What are you working on at the moment? Promoting my debut EP - Wrong Side Of Paradise What artists are you currently listening to? Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, Paramore, Passenger, Sean Hayes In 2012 you released your single ‘Only One’. What was the reaction like? It had a really great reaction, a lot of people liked the single and the video and it also was synced with quite a lot of programmes/adverts on the BBC which was nice!
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You featured on Disclosure’s EP ‘The Face the track ‘Control’. How was it working with the boys? It was really nice to team up with the boys to write! They had a beat that they had been wanting something written on for a while, so I had a listen and then wrote Control, I never expected it to do as well as it did as it’s quite different to the material I usually write, so I was pretty chuffed about that! What else do you love, other than music? I love going to the gym whenever I can, keeping fit. I also love food & cooking so it’s probably just as well that I do like working out haha! What was the chorus of the first song ever wrote? Coz I love you And I wanna be there for you And in the middle of the night I want you You to hold me tight... Haha how embarrassing! Haha-
When can we expect the album? Hopefully sometime next year! Are you inspired by music? I’m inspired by music every day, it’s kind of what helps me write and it triggers ideas. Also no matter what mood you’re in there’s always a song to suit it! Who is your biggest musical influence? I have a few, a lot of the early soul motown singers. Stevie wonder, Aretha franklin. More current artists that influence me are Plan B, Alicia Keys, Sean Hayes, India Arie.
VS. BATTLE OF THE DUOS
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DISCLOSURE vs. bondax Bondax and Disclosure are both British born producing duos that create electronic art and have both helped play a part to bring across the latest electronic movement in the charts. But with signature production styles which they own, their singles have differences, but which format is better? Disclosure were brought to fame by their remix of Jessie Ware track Running and showcased their signature production values by keeping a repeated drum beat to lead ways for different synth types, but to also highlight and emphasise the vocals. With synth pads used as hits, and creative bass placements, they created a remix track which excelled the original that appealed to both the mainstream and underground circuits. Their next track Latch was a strong debut and follow up to the remix. The track again not only held a solid, wavy, bassy beat with room for a synth explosion in the chorus; the duo cleverly made the way for Sam Smith’s vocal abilities which blended well with the high notes of the electric instruments used. It definitely proved that deep house/dance music could be popular and was worth listening to a lot of the public. White Noise is probably their most notable track. With an engrossing opening, a reciprocated drum loop from previous work and Aluna Francis’ enchanting vocals, it was another astonishing track by the already mature duo. With heavy reverbed leads and a high tempo drop, it made its way to number two on the charts and was more experimental, which most people approved of.
Disclosure have recaptured retro electronic music and made it popular again and has made it possible for more producers to open their works onto the charts too. What most people highlight the pair for, is the fact that they have stuck to the direction they want and have managed to make genre crossovers sound amazing and not a mess.Whilst Bondax are still lesser known, and haven’t received this amount of recognition, some may argue their music masterpieces are more sophisticated and finer than Disclosure’s. Gold starts off with a blended down sample and choir synth to create an atmosphere. It then uses vocals alongside a current, strong beat which implodes on the chorus. The chorus is trendy, open and charismatic. What should be known is that Bondax add more samples and more textures to their work, as Gold even has a piano-vocal solo section and this makes it more memorable than a Disclosure beat. Baby I Got That is another example of a layered and textured Bondax beat that is a wild, genre bending combination. Its more high paced and uses more effects at the pair use filters and frequencies to their advantage more blatantly.
The group also re-texture and distort the original sample more in their tracks often making the vocals blurry but the beat refined to create a contrast.
In Baby I Got That again simple solos are used, this time piano and exotic drum solos which are part of the chorus beat are extracted and uses to keep the track different at all times. Bondax seem to use more samples and effects to create tracks more suited to core electronic fans, but for what they produce, they produce it well and keep the tracks memorable and different too. However Disclosure have the edge, not only have they opened up a whole new music sector, they have done it in a nostalgic, more-ish manner which will get you hooked on whatever they release.
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FRANK OCEAN VS. MIGUEL Frank Ocean and Miguel are by far the biggest game changers when you look at R&B in the last year. Sure old hits are usually in circulation and sure some artists are making big comebacks, however Frank Ocean and Miguel who are relatively new to the game, have made R&B more accessible and with enough time could reincarnate what is left of R&B. When you compare the two, its hard to find strengths and weaknesses that they have against each other, not only is their music near to perfect; but their weaknesses always turn into strengths in their own right. They can not do any wrong. Musically and sonically both artists make ART. They don’t produce “fast-food” albums that are only enjoyable for a limited time, instead they opt to make “Good Music”, better produced and longer lasting LP’s which can stand the test of musical fazes. If you compared their latest releases (“Kaleidoscope Dream” from Miguel and “Channel Orange” from Ocean), you would see a mix of fast paced tracks for any occasion, songs that are undeniably catchy and tracks that have a deeper meaning on several levels. Kaleidoscope Dream features a wide range of live instruments, samples and computerised elements. V”Adorn” is a highly produced highlight that not only impresses on the beat and its textures, but excels in the clever, metaphorical songwriting that Miguel uses. Not only this but Miguel manages to showcase his gift of a voice he has and sings to the highest note he can possibly sing without going off key, something only he (and Frank Ocean) own right now.
Another uptempo cut on the album is “Where Is The Fun In Forever” which uses a heavy drum loop, minor piano chords, muted bass and Miguel’s pitch perfect vocals in the right blend to make a perfect R&B concoction. “Do You” is essentially a mix of both tracks but again manages to fit in with Miguel’s eclectic style and when listening to Miguel’s works on a whole, you immediately a sense of Michael Jackson around. Channel Orange in comparison also features counterparts to match these picks. “Thinkin Bout You” is definitely a track that meets “Adorn” and raises the bar. Using a warmer sound, along with a highly produced beat and intelligent lyrics meets the high standard that both artists have.
However Frank Ocean’s music is softer and is in a better balance than Miguel’s making it flow better, giving it the edge in the process. Experience also gives Frank Ocean the aid as you can tell that Miguel’s music is ‘busier’ whereas Ocean uses his past experience to reduce the emphasis on affect and more on the actual music. again this is a different route compared to Miguel (both of which produce great outcomes); however upon listens you can tell Ocean has a better sense of direction than Miguel on what music he wants to create. Now it’s time to judge on commercial success. Sure making great music is all well and good, but without no-one to listen to it, it seems quite pointless. Kaleidoscope Dream was received with overwhelmingly positive reviews and has sold 320 000 copies and topped the R&B Album Chart in America, it also featured the singers highest charting single Adorn which also topped the R&B
singles chart for a whole tally of 20 weeks. This makes it the longest lasting number one in the charts history and it also won a Grammy Award for best R&B single. Overall since 2011, Miguel has been nominated for six Grammy awards winning one. Channel Orange was also received with acclaim making nearly every critic’s lists of best albums of 2012. In these lists the album would usually top or come second (mostly in second place for good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar). The album has sold 510 000 copies, which beats Miguel by just under 200 000 sales. Despite also peaking at the top spot on the R&B albums chart; no single on Channel Orange is yet to receive as much chart success as Adorn even though they have has stronger sales. Frank Ocean has also, like Miguel been nominated for six Grammys, but unlike Miguel has received more prestigious nominations including Best New Artist, Album of The Year and Record of The Year for 2013. He has won two, one of which was a win against Miguel as they went head to head by contemporary album. In conclusion, you can see how even though Miguel is such a strong artist for R&B, Frank Ocean is the winner. More experience, knowledge and acknowledgment by critics have helped him to bigger success, but only time can tell as to whether the scales will change in the future.
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THE NEXT NEW 2014 SINEAD HARNETT If you’re a fan of Disclosure and Rudimental then you might already be familiar with the sounds of North London’s Sinead Harnett. Electro’s refined ‘it’ girl has been bounced around dance floors from wall to wall but now it’s time to hear her story. Consciously described as soulful with a modern twist the 23 year old got her big break when grime recording artist Wiley handpicked her out of a thousand applicants to be featured on his hit record ‘Walk Away’. Wondering what ignited this flame? Well, Sinead has been recording and writing music for the past six years and while she is still adjusting to the recognition she has been receiving, the soulstress makes no mistake to identify herself as an individual. Often times when people think of soulful British female acts Adele, Corrine Bailey Rae and Joss Stone are among the first that come to mind- and while honored to be considered for such a category, Sinead is determined to find her own niche in the crowd. Full of velvety smooth vocals, synths, and catchy back drops she recently teamed up with electro duo Eats Everything and Lukas (EEL) for club banger ‘Got Me’ and judging by its reception, we are definitely looking forward to hearing more.
JOEL COMPASS It’s been one big tease, and we’ve been waiting for ages to hear some full length tracks. What all the fuss is about you might ask, thats what we thought too, But rising singer Joel Compass has blown “onliners” away with his stunning vocals and his masterly songwriting. His easily identified tone seduces the ear (a bit over the top?), now we think you should just listen to his new single ‘Run’. The effortlessly mind blowing track was released last month. You can watch the official video right now if you click below.
RYAN ASHLEY Here is a very good friend of ours, but thats no excuse to waffle on... we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Ashley, the promising 17 year old whose about to take over. His only original release was an amazing track called ‘The 97‘ via his SoundCloud. He recently signed a development deal with PMR and Island Records, and he’s currently working on his debut record. Ashley gained lots of attention over YouTube, performing covers, but it was always clear, songwriting was apart of the package. He’s been in the studio with some of the top writers! Really excited to hear more!
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in ore OF SAM SMITH DOWNLOAD -
NIRVANA EP NOW -
Sam Smith is singer/ songwriter who shot to the mainstream eye when he featured on Disclosure’s Latch and most recently Naughty Boy’s La La La. What’s most notable about his vocals is how versatile his voice can be; he can reach the lower, bass notes while still having the ability to sing atDOWNLOAD the highest pitch too. His voice isn’t just unique due to his vocal range; but his tone tooNIRVANA which he EP can capture any emotion/feeling from excitement to vulnerability. Add talented song writing to NOWthe - mix and you have an artist who is truly born to be successful. Lay Me Down is one of his tracks in which he is the solo, lead artist. It starts off as a mid-tempo piano ballad in which he moves to story-telling mode and his tone seems to be saddened. This intensifies in the chorus as the drums become harder-hitting and he almost sobs whilst singing and really passes over a raw emotion to the listener... As the song progresses, synth pads and strings join in too, creating a textured ballad in the process.
Suddenly, the song becomes slightly more cheerful in the third verse - but the lyrics get even more dramatic as his soulful/ jazzy tone starts to shine. It’s a passionate and emotional performance by Sam Smith who knows how and when to shift the tone for the biggest effect. La La La is most known for the Naughty Boy production and sampled chorus; however Sam Smith also keeps up the quality standard on the track. On the first verse Smith displays the magical aura that seems to be around the track and doesn’t let his vocals become extravagant too early and keeps the pace of the track well. Then he explodes in the chorus as he makes full use of his range and ability. It’s a well executed performance from the singer, as he keeps it chilled when he needs to and also moves with the beat, producing an enchanting 3 minutes 41 second. Then there is Latch - the single that made him famous.
The acoustic version without Disclosure’s production is just as good as the original. The track opens with warm, fuzzy melodies that are sonically enjoyable to hear. His voice almost melts into the track’s instrumental and again uses tone and his range in the best way possible and emphasises the talents he holds to the maximum. The acoustic edition of Latch, some may saw wouldn’t be as good due to production, but the show that Sam Smith puts on for the song makes it worth hearing. The Lonely Hour is another beautifully written and perfectly executed track in which the beat works around Sam Smith to give him all the opportunity to showcase his talent and shine. He uses the chance well and really proves that he can make a simple track amazing with his lyrics and vocals. Watch out for Sam Smith as he approaches his debut album release, everyone’s going to be saying his name soon.
ANYTIME, (YOU CAN GET IT, YOU CAN GET IT,YOU CAN GET IT) ANY PLACE, I DON’T CARE WHO’S AROUND
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in ore OF ELLI INGRAM Say hello to Brighton’s newest rising star, Elli Ingram. With her effortless sultry vibe and honest lyrics her presence nearly demands all eyes and ears. Equipped with lyrical ambition Elli’s sound is raw, authentic, and more forward than most. Gaining popularity after her melodic rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Poetic Justice’ Elli proves that she is able to chop, screw, and delicately piece together a masterpiece from anything thrown her way. Following the success of the Janet Jackson inspired track she released her EP Sober, the perfect example of what we like to call hip-pop-soul. As we board the Elli jet plane and soak in the fine crisp air ‘High Love’ elevates us to a point of no return and beckons that we’ll never wanna come back down. The tempo quickly shifts gears on the mellow ballad ‘Fun’, reminiscing on the previous night’s festivities and stolen drunken moments. With the rise of artists like Frank Ocean and Jhene Aiko, Elli couldn’t have chosen a better time to make her debut. Elli was also nominated for Best Newcomer at this years MOBO’S, which was swept up by Laura Mvula.
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LOVEBOX
VICTORIA PARK 19/07/2013 - 21/07/2013
As autumn begins to set in and a blanket of grey creeps in over London, the memories of the sun and heat we witnessed this summer seem to fade away. Right at the heart of this heatwave, a mass of people flocked to Victoria Park to attend the annual Lovebox festival. The 3 day even is renowned for its sheer brilliance in line-ups for a very affordable price. The first day, Friday 19th July, was only just over ÂŁ30, which granted you access to one of the hottest dance line-ups over the summer. Dance tent after dance tent, with a nice little Pimms bus and a Russian Standard Vodka tent thrown in there too for good measure.
Festivals leave you faced with many tactical
If you’re wondering, it seemed to revolve around
decisions. Factors that need to be taken into
circus stuff and vodka… But back to it, Bash-
account are whether you want the best possi-
more’s set was an incredible one, one of the
ble view, i.e down the front of the barriers. This
many highlights of the day. ‘Au Seve’ went off as
then however can leave you standing in one
you can imagine, but my favourite moment was
place constantly, possibly watching people
the hearing the wondrous noise of Chic being
you couldn’t care less about while waiting for
played out of those speakers. SBTRKT was on in
the next act – which leaves you looking a little
the Big Top Tent next, so doing the socially aw-
boring. Alternatively, you can rush around trying
ful thing of slightly pushing forward after Bash-
to catch everyone you want to see no matter
more’s set, the barriers were the only thing be-
where you see them from. Personally, I favoured
tween us and SBTRKT – oh, and the string of big
the second option, which led to lots of rushing
security men – and may I add, one very scary
got deeper into their growing back catalogue
around on the dusty plains of Victoria Park, so
looking woman. Expectations were surpassed
of magnificent music, but it was obvious that
much so that on the tube later, I look down see
as SBTRKT’s DJ set went down incredibly well,
‘Latch’ and ‘White Noise’ received the biggest
my shoes coated in a new murky colour. Anyway,
highlights being ‘Wildfire’ and his track with Jes-
sing-along of the day.
I thought I’d pay credit to the acts I would’ve
sie Ware. ‘Right Thing To Do’, and ‘Retrorgade’
seen if time travel had been available, peo-
by James Blake went down a storm too.
ple like Artwork, David Rodigan, Toddla T, Fly-
Heading back over to the AMP Stage, the ends
Their set ran right up to when Annie Mac was
ing Lotus, Mele, Rudimental, Jurassic 5, Foreign
of Wiley’s set was caught. This was just before
due on, and with some leaving to catch Azealia
Beggars and probably a few more. With a list
the whole ‘Cumbria vs Wiley’ incident, in which
Banks’ headline set (why?) you knew that the
like that, you being to get why Friday’s Lovebox
Wiley played for 15 minutes before abandon-
people around you were fans of properly good
was a top day out. The first act witnessed fully
ing his headline set and taking the £15,000
dance music. Why else would they be there to
was a set from Breach, which following the huge
performance money with him. Oh, and it fol-
watch Annie Mac? This was her first performance
success of ‘Jack’, meant a very sizeable crowd
lowed the Glastonbury meltdown too. Tough
at the decks live since giving birth, which de-
packed to the open air Annie Map Presents
times for Wiley this summer... Well, this time he
serves a massive congratulations. Her set was
Arena. Arguably, if you were to stay at one
played the whole set. But you felt that the at-
addictive, the atmosphere that Disclosure had
stage it would have to have been the AMP. Lulu
mosphere was building in anticipation for the
built up had didn’t just remain, it spread as far
James, and Monki as well as Breach were all on
next act, Disclosure. This was my first viewing of
back as the eye could see. As the sun has finally
early, and many of the acts I was lucky enough
the dance duo who had only recently released
vanished, strobe lighting took over and lit up
to enjoy were acts chosen by the legend that
‘Settle’ and who cares if it was ‘just a DJ set’,
the wonderful produced open-air arena and
is Annie Mac. Obviously, with Duke Dumont fol-
they were incredible.
crowd within it. I don’t know how Banks’ set went
lowing Breach on the very same stage, the only
down, but everyone watching Annie Mac do
logical thing to do was to hang around to
her thing knew they’d definitely made the right
catch his terrific set which featured MNEK too.
The crowd reaction was the best I’d witnessed
call. An unbeatable 90 minutes. Tell you what,
Then the first tent transfer. Over to the Big Top
all day, and people had finally got drunk
that DJ set could’ve been recorded and sold
Stage to make sure Julio Bashmore’s set was
enough to begin to climb the huge poles sur-
on as a post-pregnancy work-out DVD. It’d sell,
caught in action, obviously via a brief encoun-
rounding the crowd area for the AMP Stage. I
and at least the music would be good.
ter with the Russian Standard – House Of Davai.
wondered how long it wold take for that. Didn’t see any big falls, unfortunately. After manoeuvring into a decent position, the brothers -
LIVE
PROFESSOR GREEN SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION 24/06/2013
3 gigs in 3 days with a big set on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage a few days later was probably unimaginable when Professor Green had his leg crushed and broken by a combination of a Mercedes ML63 and a SLS AMG - which admittedly is probably better than a Reliant Robin and a Smart Car. Thing is, that leg break was almost exactly a month before the 3 gig run was planned for. However, after a very speedy recovery, Professor Green was able to take to all 3 stages and give it the usual full-on performance that we’ve come to expect. INSPIRED BY MUSIC made sure there was someone there to witness his live comeback.
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Of course, every good all-round gig requires
It wasn’t all looking forward though, as Pro
a good support act, and when news arrived
stated on the night, it’s been an ‘eternity’ since
a while back that Mikill Pane would be playing
he’d played some of his lesser known tracks to
and crowd warming at all 3 gigs, there was a
a baying crowd, and ‘Where Do We Go?’ went
feeling that the £20 ticket had been fulfilled.
down especially well with the poignant ‘Astro-
Mister Pane took to the stage in a typically
naut’ also pleasing a lot of ears. A must mention
confident manner, with the ever-recognisable rift
moment has to be the unexpected rendition
from his Example featuring track, ‘Andy Warhol’,
of Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ midway through the
blaring out of the Southend speakers. Further
eternal classic, ‘I Need You Tonight’ which came
tracks continued to come thick and fast, with
ever so slightly out the blue, but went down a
While reading this however, spare a moments
‘Good Feeling’ and ‘Chairman Of The Bored’
treat. It does says a lot about an artist’s back
thought for the school or college which had
both creating even more excitement about the
catalogue when they can leave out some pret-
cruelly planned their prom-like event in the
upcoming debut album, ‘Blaming Miss Barclay’.
ty big tracks, for instance, ‘How Many Moons’,
downstairs area of the Cliffs Pavilion. Hearing
But the variation of new and old was what
‘Into The Ground’ and ‘At Your Inconvenience’
the raucous noise and thundering jumping
made it a great set, particularly with ending
were all left out on this occasion.
coming from directly above them must have
on the classic ‘The Return Of Mister Pane’. The
been ever so frustrating. All they had left to
downside with it being a support slot was that
hold onto was how much smarter they looked in
the set-list had to be selective, but as soon as
But that’s not to say that the crowd were dis-
their suit and ties, but looking around as peo-
the album is released and recognised, it won’t
appointed, because hearing the powerful vo-
ple were leaving the gig - with sweat-ridden
be long until you’ll be seeing ‘sold out’ signs
cals of ‘Avalon’ and the George Best similarities
hair and aching bodies, that wouldn’t have
under Mikill Pane’s name on Ticketmaster.
on ‘Oh My God’ will always keep a crowd sing-
taken much effort.
ing and sweating throughout. That sweating further heightened during the incredible ILS reOpening with a new track can be a risky start,
mix of ‘Remedy’ and the Camo & Krooked take
but as Professor Green launched into ‘I Need
on ‘Monster’ which both caused a few spilled
Church’ at full speed, the rowdy nature of it took
drinks and accidental headbuts (on my part
the crowd by surprise before they quickly got
anyway). The medicinal value of brandy seem-
their heads around it and responded with some
ingly helped Pro numb the pain of that broken
rowdiness of their own. The new style of music
leg, but the crowd reaction must have helped
we’ve been teased with, in ‘I Need Church’ and
too. Throughout the set each track was sung
‘Are You Getting Enough?’ – which got arguably
and rapped back - with varying degrees of
the best reaction, sees a much heavier sound
accuracy - before it all ended on ‘Read All
developing. Which is seen especially with the
About It’. Emeli Sande’s soaring vocals weren’t
superb Miles Kane feature on the new single
needed as there was a crowd that, individually
and in live terms too, with plenty of focus shift-
probably sounded awful (myself included), but
ed onto Pro’s guitar player even when playing
as a collective really did a decent ‘Oh Oh Oh
through the older tunes.
Oh, Oh Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh Ohhh, Ohhh’.
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THEY’RE DOING IT AGAIN
MUTYA KEISHA SIOBHAN THREE MAKE A CROWD
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lot of the time when bands reunite they’re are pressured into getting back together and creating them whack tunes that really have no reference to real music, then you have original Sugababe Line-Up Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy who have reformed simply as Mutya Keisha Siobhan, shorted down to MKS. They’ve sorted out their past issues and have taken their time working on their new album. I spoke to Mutya and she confirmed that the album is wrapped up, and is set to be released later this year. We’ll definitely be hearing more from them soon. When people say you shouldn’t rush art, it’s very true! That’s if you have creative input, which many recording artists don’t! The trio have mentioned in many interviews how they wasn’t happy with the music they released back in 2000, which I guess is the reason the second time round they’ve taken their time and
worked with some dope ass talented music geniuses and curators of music. They’ve been in the studio with lots of different producers and writers. One producer who were especially excited to see what they’ve souped up is Blood Orange, the crazy “music maker” who producedmm Solange Knowles track Losing You, that’s not all though. Dev Hynes aka Blood Orange is good friends with Florence Welch and Jessie Ware. Moving back onto the subject of Mutya, Keisha and Siobhan they’re coming back with a bang, if you haven’t already hear their version of Kendrick Lamar’s Swimming Pools we suggest you get your crazy selfs over to soundcloud.com and while your at it check out their new single ‘Flatline’. It’s a really relatable song, It’s about the last tethers of a relationship, and in essence dumping your partner. There you go. That’s that’s… MKS are officially back. This means trouble!
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IN QUESTIONING-
EMELI SANDÉ WILL TALKS EXPOSURE
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hink back around 12 months ago. London was in a modern day unprecedented state all due to the Olympics, and that aided and intensified a togetherness across the UK, where even the grumpiest of people were forced into unnatural feelings of joy. New stars were born, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis and Greg Rutherford to name 3, but you could be forgiven in thinking Emeli Sande ranked higher in the medals table than Australia - due to amount of times she featured on the TV coverage. This however, obviously gave an excuse to those aforementioned grumpy people to complain about something, and her extensive feature in the Opening Ceremony and beyond seemed to do just fine. Even I must say by the Closing Ceremony even I thought it strange, that in attempting to showcase the UK’s incredible musical scale we opted to give Emeli the platform again.
Further performances were given, from The MOBO Awards to the X-Factor to The Brit Awards. Despite this, there is no case to say that Sandé doesn’t warrant the opportunity. Personally, I think Sande to be in possession of one of the best voices in modern day music, and her song writing ability has been proven with the undeniable success of Our Version Of Event. But with excessive public appearances, many people began to question how much expsure she was getting. However, for reasons I’ll go through now, Sande is far from over-exposed. Emeli is a musician who has put the work in, despite what many may assume, with X-Factor and the like giving false hope to many an average singer. (Sande is actually a favourite to the Dark Lord, Simon Cowell himself, and no matter what you say of him, he’s a good talent spotter) Think back to Chipmunk’s ‘Diamond Rings’, Wiley’s ‘Never Be Your Woman’ and Tinie Tempah’s Let Go and you pretty much instantaneously remember the hook. Well Sande did all 3 of those. Also in terms of song-writing, she worked for nearly every vaguely successful X-Factor contestant in previous years, as well as Wiley, Tinie, Wretch 32 and many more. This was all before the release of the massive ‘Read All About It’ with Professor Green which exploded into number 1 in the singles chart.
EMELI'S DEBUT ALBUM ‘OUR VERSION OF EVENTS‘ ARTWORK
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This had been after her own track, ‘Heaven’, hit the number 2 slot. After all that and a further release, in ‘Daddy’, Emeli was named as the BRITS Critics Choice Award Winner. Previous winners included Florence & The Machine and Adele - showing, quite clearly, the high regard Sande was being held in. Now I must talk about the album, but as much as I want to state every incredible figure ‘Our Version Of Events’ caused, I wouldn’t want this piece to transform into her Wikipedia entry. But there’s one fact which there is no thinkable reason not to mention it. The one revolving around the amount of weeks her debut album stayed in the charts; most importantly that it passed 63 weeks. This number meant it beat the previous record, which was held by The Beatles. I mean, there are not many other musical records that come near that. What would be easy for Sande to have done after the Brit Award domination and album success would be to take a few steps back and break off from new music for a while. Yet, despite no solo work coming out, Sande has used her own success to help collaboratively with other artists, in Naughty Boy, Labrinth and featuring on two tracks on Rudimental’s brilliant debut LP, ‘Home’.
Obviously Emeli with Naughty Bo ly nice to see lo adays. Her trac stand out on the
to her stature, b to your imaginat to them. I see S change from the who rely on imag
Britain's smartest pop-star"
has always worked oy, and it’s especialoyalty in music nowcks with Rudimental e album track list due
but they also live up tions when you listen Sande as a welcome e artists like Rihanna ge to sell records. In-
stead of a party lifestyle, Sande relies on vocal and writing talent. She can be easily recognised as Britain’s smartest pop-star, this being due to her almost pursuing a career in neuroscience. Despite the vast difference in career options, Sande had always been around music from a young age, becoming an accomplished piano player be the age of 10, and writing tracks on world peace at 11. 5 years later, at 16, she won Trevor Nelson’s BBC Urban Music Competition, and then proceeded to reject many label offers, as she told Q Magazine, “I could feel my control slipping.” Sande choose the organic route through music, and eventually things worked out through 1xtra and Naughty Boy. It was hardly luck though, was it? If we take a step back and look at her career from the age she became involved in music to where she’s at now, we see a timeline of an ideal nature for any aspiring musician to emulate. My main argument against people who complain about Sande being given too much airtime is simple. Who would you give it to? Sure there are great female vocalists coming through, Sinead Harnett, Laura Welsh, Harleighblu to name a few. But are there many worthy of an Olympic performance, a closing BRIT Award
performance or even playing live at The White House? Certainly not yet. I mean, would you really want Tulisa covering John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ at the Olympics in front of the rest of the world? On a international stage, we only really have Adele and Jessie J. Adele was given, I’d imagine, even more airtime than Sande around the release of ‘21’, just think how many times you heard ‘Someone Like You’ played on Radio 1 and you get the idea. With Jessie J too, it’s hard to miss her, either on radio or TV. But there’s a very good reason why Adele, Jessie J and Emeli Sande have been given so much coverage and exposure since releasing big selling pop albums. Because they sold big-selling pop albums. The minority who complain about seeing or hearing ‘too much’ of Emeli Sande are presumably the minority who don’t enjoy her music. There’s nothing wrong with that, you’re allowed to not like an artist, but to assume because you dislike it that everyone else feels the same is a completely naive thought process. In my and many other views, Emeli Sande is deserving of all the exposure she gets. In an age lacking role models, Sande
seems to be the best one we have in UK music. Look at it this way; you’re hardly likely to see her splashed across the front page of The Sun due to a cocaine bust, are you? Her refined and cultured approach to music mixed with a kind and respectful attitude to music and those involved in it makes for a truly great characterisation, one that could never be over-exposed.
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ALBUM REVIEW
NAUGHTY BOY ‘HOTEL CABANA‘
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erhaps most interestingly, you’re storyteller, you’re narrator, is George The Poet – who offers a typically visionary look into the interwoven concept that is Hotel Cabana. Further strengthening the cinematic feeling is the music videos for the singles, ‘Wonder’, ‘La La La’ and ‘Lifted’. Through their perfectly picturesque and provocative unexplained stories and tales, the videos grant more insight into Cabana. There’s many ways of taking the ideas behind this album. You should focus on the hotel aspect definitely, but the filmic aspect of how the album has been promoted and unveiled is equally intriguing.
Sitting in the chair overlooking the whole process is Naughty Boy, and as stated on the album cov\er, he’s directing this album. It features an allstar cast, with renowned names such as Wiz Khalifa, Tinie Tempah and Ed Sheeran to the up-and-coming ones such as Mic Rightious, Ella Eyre and Chasing Grace. However, with a concept and idea so strong, the music needs to be at a high enough standard to match the strength of the foundations. Well, it’s gone way above matching it. The imaginary hotel has been built using these exquisite songs. Every featured artist either lives up to their name, or builds upon it. In working on this project, they’ve built their own room in Cabana, each fitted specifically to their skills. All the while Naughty Boy is surveying the project, a project he can be proud of. Hotel Cabana is an organic and uniquely made album, and teaches much of popular music a lesson.
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A C K R I LL
ARC TIC _ M O N K E YS THE NEW ALBUM ‘A M ‘
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ALBUM REVIEW
ARCTIC MONKEYS ‘AM‘
B
ack in early 2006, barely a few months after releasing their debut album, a band from Sheffield put out an EP entitled, ‘Who The F••• Are Arctic Monkeys?’ – a question which, even in 2006, never needed to be asked. After releasing their debut album, ‘Whatever People Say, That’s What I’m Not’, the Arctic Monkeys were the band to know, the band that you had to know. Well, I’m assuming that was the case, I was only 11 at the time, so it’s hard to know or remember how engrained into popular culture the band were in 2006. To me, however, they were just creators of brilliant music. Innovative, original, expansive, and many other adjectives I wouldn’t have known the meanings of when I was 11. Since I was first given their debut album and subsequently the aforementioned EP I’ve religiously followed the Sheffield four-piece. It was mainly the music, but they outwardly used the
word ‘fuck’ in the EP title and had a guy smoking on their album cover, and that’s exciting when you’re that age. Yet somehow, while all other bands from that modern day golden age for guitar bands faded away with bust-ups, ‘artistic differences’ or just being a bit shit, Arctic Monkeys kept that excitement, that buzz which put them above other bands. In truth, they’re the only band to, rather than fade away, push further forward. 4 instant number 1 albums, a string of successful singles, a performance at the Olympics Opening Ceremony and recently a headline set at magnificent Glastonbury. It was at this Glastonbury show that we first heard the opener for ‘AM’ in a live occasion, Do I Wanna Know? Despite only being released a week before, it received an incredible response from the thousands watching in awe. This is hardly a surprise, as with an Arctic Monkey’s album, you’re guaranteed a proper heavy, powerful opener – look no further than ‘The View For The Afternoon’ and ‘Brianstorm’.
AM has possibly eclipsed their previous attempts, as Jamie Cook’s infectious, foot-stomping rift carries you from its first heavy note, before we’re graced with the newly amped presence of Alex Turner. Then R U Mine? hits us hard once more, showcasing the Arctic Monkeys at possibly their fastpaced best. After two dominant tracks like that, you need a slight breather and as ‘One For The Road’ begins, you start to hear a heavier R&B and hip-hop influence which remains a constant on the album. After ‘Arabella’ has left you, the realisation sets it that this is a special piece of work. You begin to realise that the further you delve into this album, you’re going to lose track of your highlights. ‘I Want It All’, Snap Out Of It and Knee Socks possibly edge it after the opening four, but it’s a decision that will change as much as Katie Price’s husbands. An album end should always be a memorable one. ‘Whatever People Say…’ had ‘A Certain Romance’ and ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’ had ‘505’ – both huge fan favourites.
In their last two albums, this hasn’t really been the case though. But they’ve saved a great track for the conclusion this time. After having heard Alex Turner’s lyrics at a new peak in the previous 11 tracks, the band then choose to acknowledge the iconic John Cooper-Clarke’s writing for good measure. Taking the name from Clarke’s track, ‘I Wanna Be Yours’, Turner croons the perfectly formed lines, ‘I wanna be your vacuum cleaner/ Breathing in your dust/ I wanna your Ford Cortina/ I’ll never rust’. And as the needle reaches its last groove, you’re left overwhelmed by what you’ve just listened to.Creativity and originality has been at the centre of Arctic Monkeys’ brilliance over the years, and is also probably a main factor in how the band still can sound so fresh and different in 2013, with ‘AM’. After an album like ‘Whatever People Say…’ and then ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’, the easy option would have been to replicate that sound for the third. Easy options aren’t good though.
There will always remain some people who wanted that easy option to have been taken, but they still to this day fail to see the wider picture. There were some cries around that ‘Humbug’ sounded different, it wasn’t as strong and brash. It was recorded in L.A, which then became the new location for the band, leading to cries of abandoning their Sheffield roots. This wasn’t an Arctic Monkeys album. Josh Homme – from Queens Of The Stone Age, was vital in this 3rd record and many people blamed him for the change in direction. What NME brilliantly pointed out this week is that without Josh Homme’s initial input into ‘Humbug’, ‘AM’ would never have been made. They went on to describe ‘Humbug’ as a ‘shedding of the skin’ and I couldn’t
have put it any better. That album cleared the Monkeys’ path so they would never be tied down by genre, by one particular sound. And by God it worked. Without that innovation and experimentation, Arctic Monkeys may well have fallen by the way side along with the likes of The Kooks and Hard-Fi. For those people I mentioned, who only want to hear ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ like tracks, you may still be disappointed with this album. ‘AM’ doesn’t have that raw, amateur power which ‘Whatever People Say…’ had, ‘AM’ has its own punch.
A sleek, sophisticated, accomplished, professional and powerful sound which can only come through experience. This is so far from a debut album. No new band could come along and make a record at this standard. This has happened through dedication and perusing their sound over the years. The only real way of describing the sound of Arctic Monkeys in 2013 is they sound like Arctic Monkeys. ‘Whatever People Say…’ broke them in. ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’ saw them break down the tricky second album barrier. ‘Humbug’ saw them get heavier and softer simultaniously and ‘Suck It And See’ saw the finishing of their maturing process. ‘AM’ sets them as modern day musical icons. Who the fuck are Arctic Monkeys? Only the greatest band of the 21st century.
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INTRODUCING
SASHA KEABLE T H E I N D U S T R Y ’ S B E S T K E P T S E C R E T, R I S E S
Exploding onto the scene is Sasha Keable, former BRIT School Student (Jessie J, Adele, Amy Winehouse) and singer-songwriter from South-East London. She gained recognition from UK rapping sensation Tinie Tempah, and eventually signed to his label Disturbing London Records, as well as signing a 5-album record deal with Polydor. Last month she released ‘Black Book EP’, her debut release, delivering some of her own material. You may know Sasha from her feature on Zinc’s Only For Tonight and Disclosure’s track Voices taken from their debut album Settle. She has spent the last two years developing and working towards the EP, we sat down to have a chat with her about her influences, attending The BRIT School and what to expect in the future. Here is someone to really keep your eyes on.
B LAC K B O O K E P I S AVA I LA B LE F O R F R E E D OW N LOA D S A S H A K E A B LE . CO M
PERSONAL FAVOURITES > ASKING FOR MORE SPOKE TO MYSELF CARELESS OVER YOU
Tell us about yourself, where you grew up, what got you into singing? I’m a singer/songwriter from South London. My dad was the main person who got me into music and singing when I was very young – he was the musical member of our family. Who would you say you idolised the most when you was younger? I’d probably say Seal, Dr.Dre and even the Spice Girls. Me and baby spice had a connection. I’ve just had your new EP Black Book on repeat all day, my personal favourite is Asking For More, I felt so much passion through your vocals, and the melodies, what’s the song about? Thank you, the song was written about anxiety and how it affected my life. I suffered from panic attacks and anxiety for 5 years and it was tough being so young in the music industry and dealing with that at the same time. It means a lot to me to be able to write about a topic like that and have it accepted by others. Do you have a favourite track on the EP? ‘Spoke To Myself’ is my favourite track off the ‘Black Book EP’. The song means a lot to me because it was about my step dad who passed away earlier on this year. It was definitely a hard song to write. So you’re signed to Disturbing London Records, tell us how this came about? I met Tinie Tempah at a gig I did in Peckham when I was 14 years old. He really liked what I was doing and he took me under his wing and from then on I have been managed by Dumi Oburota (our manager) and started working on my solo stuff.
The stereotype is that we run through the corridors belting at the top of our lungs, and have a flashmob every lunch. What’s you’re take on peoples pre-judgement? Haha, I think they are completely right to think that. A school like BRIT is so alien to everyone on the outside I don’t judge them for assuming we did that but no it was pretty normal, although there were some characters in the school. So onto the present… you’ve just released your EP, why did you decide to give it out for free? I wouldn’t expect anyone to pay money for my music just yet, I’m not established. You have to earn people’s respect as an artist and songwriter and I don’t feel I’ve done that yet. How long had you been working on it for? About 2 years or so, it was a long process of creating and pulling apart tracks but I am happy that I spent time perfecting each track on the EP. Who are your five favourite songwriters? Yukimi Nagano Marvin Gaye Justin Vernon Lauryn Hill Jon Bellion Do you have anyone in mind that you’d like to feature on your album? Not at the moment, but if I could I would love to work with Kendrick Lamar, Little Dragon, Sohn and Kwabs. How was it working with Disclosure? Amazing, they are crazy talented boys and they are so fun to work with, they both have great ears for music. There are so many great rising talents, who do you think we should watch out for?
It depends what you consider the right label, what might be the right label for me could be the complete wrong label for someone else. I think it’s about building relationships and seeing which label can do the best for YOU and what YOU want as an artist.
Jamie Isaac Banks Purple Ferdinand All About She
It definitely matured me a lot quicker than a normal school would have, it was a lot to take in and a lot to handle, but it was an amazing experience. I guess a ‘normal’ college couldn’t offer me what I needed to learn about music.
No, I generally like to create a vibe first with the producer, it allows me to explore the melodies better. What are you working on at the moment? So much! I’m working on my debut album, I’ve been in the studio with producers like Dev Hynes and Cinematic. Plus, I’m working on live sets, developing myself and promoting my Black Book EP. It’s a busy time. What’s the main pressure of being an artists, who also writes? I think being judged on so many more levels than someone who doesn’t write.
How important is it to sign to the right label, for those who may not quite understand?
Like myself you attended The BRIT School, do you think it developed you as an artist and how would you defer it to an normal college?
What is you’re writing process? A lot of what we’ve heard from you is acoustic, is this how you tend to write?
Who is your biggest musical influence?
Little Dragon Erykah Badu Lauryn Hill Donny Hathaway
Have you got any live shows coming up? Yes, I am touring the UK with Disclosure this month and I will be doing my solo show very soon. Do you enjoy performing live? Of course! It’s my favourite part of my job along with writing.
Do you feel a loss of respect for people who don’t write their own songs? Yeah, writing for yourself is all part of the struggle, it makes you an artist and that’s very important in my eyes. Our first issue is titled The Good Music Issue, what is good music is you’re eye (or ears)? Good Music is something that makes me feel something, it could be anything, but I just need something. Also if the lyrics are beautiful then it definitely gets my vote. Lastly when can we expect your debut album and what can we expect from you in the next year? My debut album will be out next year sometime, until then I will be touring with Disclosure, doing my own shows, festivals and in the studio making more music.
INSPIREDBYMUSICUK.COM M U S I C DI G I TA L LY
THANK YOU FOR READING. IT MEANS A LOT, THE AMOUNT OF SUPPORT WE HAVE HAD OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS OF OUR DIGITAL EXISTENCE. WE ONLY REALLY HAVE YOU TO MAINLY THANK, THOSE WHO HAVE FOLLOWED THE JOURNEY, ENJOYED THE TRACK WE’VE THROWN YOUR WAY.
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