URBANLUNCH
KWABS On the internet, his rise to fame and his hotly anticipated album.
URBANLUNCH
WELCOME
URBANLUNCH
Editor Bally Athwal
All Contact Enquiries URBANLUNCH0@GMAIL.COM
Twitter @urbanlunch_
Website urbanlunch.wordpress.com
URBANLUNCH
Editor's Letter
Welcome to the very first issue of URBANLUNCH magazine. Our ethos is to bring you the latest and best music, whether it's from raw unsigned acts to big names, if it's good URBANLUNCH will bring it to you.
I'm going to be honest, I've been writing this editor's letter so many times, drafts upon drafts upon drafts. So I guess honesty is the best policy, I'll let the content describe itself to you and I hope you enjoy reading!
Bally
URBANLUNCH
PARTNER
LOWKIEE is a brand new lifestyle brand. The brand has a YouTube channel which aims to promote unsigned, new artists that deserve the recognition. Not only this but LOWKIEE is currently planning to present some live nights, utilising the independent acts to their best. An expanding T-shirt range is also in the pipeline for the brand alongside the success of their labeled snap-backs. Use the code urbanlunch for a 20% off discount on items in the LOWKIEE shop.
Website : http://www.lowkiee.com/ Twitter : @LowkieeLWK YouTube : lowkieeTV
Type to enter text
I N S T A G R A M // F E B // 20 14
URBANLINCH
WISH LIST
GUCCI LEATHER LOW TOP SNEAKERS
£365
WISH LIST
RAF SIMONS SLIM-FIT PANELLED COTTON SHIRT
£205
WISH LIST
ACNE ACE KANE BURNISHED-DENIM JEANS
£190
WISH LIST
NEIL BARRETT PANELLED SHORT-SLEEVED BONDED SWEATER
£315
WISH LIST
KATIE EARY LEOPARD-PRINT COTTON JERSEY T-SHIRT
£215
URBANLUNCH
Introducing: Dominique Young Unique The Tampa rapper who showed the world how to drop like an Earthquake
Le Youth ft. Dominque Young Unique - Dance With Me Out Now
URBANLUNCH
URBANLUNCH You may know Dominique from her fashion career, strutting down London catwalks for trendy designers such as Katie Eary and appearing alongside Cara Delivingne for Vogue back in 2012. The model isn't just famous for her fashion ventures, after appearing as the main vocalist for DJ Fresh's Earthquake she blew up onto the music scene as a feisty, tough rapper that you don't want to mess with.
Her distorted lines on Earthquake proved her edginess as a female rapper who at the youth of her music years, knows how to mix hip-hop with pop. Yes, it's another debate with most big female rappers, always on the borderline between
the genres as they find the balance between commercial and critical success, but Dominique knows how to perfectly walk along that borderline.
Take Cherries On Ice, a collaboration between Semi Precious Weapons and Dominique. It's a steamy track as the chemistry between Dominque and Justin Tranter (lead-vocalist) unfolds, whilst at the same time she stays ruthlessly cold. Her flow bounces off the beat effortlessly and she feeds from the energy given off by the backing constantly, like a rap-game monster.
She Know is another track from her catalogue to snippet at. Skating flawlessly along that borderline, she
creates bubblegum hip-hop. Don't be fooled, this bubblegum is tangy.
Her most recent collaboration with Le Youth maintains her notable attitude. The track has enough synth to satisfy radio and enough 80's flexibility to please urban lovers too.
It's a mix of experience, youthfulness and uniqueness that keeps Dominique so effortlessly fresh. Like a grime act that has the ability to break the mainstream market. Grittier and dirtier than pop but still tangy sweet too not intimidate any genre. Showing no signs of ever backing down, there is no stopping where she could go.
URBANLUNCH
TREND SPOT: GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH GLITCH
URBANLUNCH
Glitch is the technological equivalent to graffiti. It shouldn't happen, but when it does, it has the power to become a stunning piece of art.
You better take notice, because not only was glitch art becoming notable in art galleries in late 2013, it started touching the world of music and fashion. Last year, several musical artists started tampering with a more glitchy sound which was rough and uncut.
Mathieu St-Pierre Oceans 1
Diplo who produced On The Edge for Angel Haze early on in the year used jagged synths and ripping saw lines for his drop on the track. It was heavy and became a quick hip-hop favourite because of the intensity. The drop soon was recycled onto Earthquake by DJ Fresh and proved that the mainstream was ready for a wave of glitch. Beat maker Hit-Boy also experimented with glitch sounds in the final seconds of N****S In Paris, as a dark, shooting bass tore up the sounds of an angelic choir. These were all signs that glitch was coming whether you'd like it or not.
Mathieu St-Pierre Blue Bikini 2 fashion world at the same time. Bright, contrasting colours already fashioned by some of fashions most elite including M.I.A, Lady. Gaga and Henry Holland are creeping into everyday fashions.
It's not only the sharp colours that are bursting onto the fashion scene either, designers are using patterns and prints and "glitching" them out. Henry Holland showed a glimpse of this in his SS14 show where plaid patterns were mixed and mashed into a subtle glitch attitude.
Then Kanye solidified the movement with Yeezus - an album almost dedicated to glitch sounds. Kanye wanted the album to be progressive, and it certainly was, he made sure that hip-hop's next move was going to be glitch. There's no escaping the genre, it's harsh sounds are already bursting with life in underground circuits and in no time it'll storm 2014's mainstream music in a bigger way than it did in 2013. It'll disrupt and intensify the darker sounds you'll hear throughout the rest of the year.
Whether you're just admiring the glitchy art exhibitions, raving to the latest glitch-step produced by electric dance/rap producers or are wearing glitchy patterns like there is no tomorrow; one this is for sure, glitch isn't going away any time soon. Glitch is a fairly new area developing due to the opening of the digital age and is only in its beginning stages. So buckle up, because glitch is about to boom.
However glitch isn't only coming in the form of music, the trend is equipped enough to take over the
Photography: Inez & Vinoodh (V Magazine)
Trend Spot Issue #2 All Black Everything
URBANLUNCH
Debate:
Is Sam Smith too Well Known for the Brits Critic's Choice Award?
URBANLUNCH
The Critics' Choice Award is one of the biggest modern traditions of not only the Brit Awards but British music in its entirety. The award, which has helped spawn the likes of international acts such as Adele, Florence + The Machine, Jessie J and Amy Winehouse is usually given to an artist who has not seen much chart success and is relatively unknown. The award offers hope to talented singers and bands trying to catch a big break and find exposure in an internet heavy climate.
However when the Brits had announced that Sam Smith became the chosen winner for 2014, it caused a stir. Not because of the quality of his music (which must be said is of an exceptional standard) - but because he had already seen exposure. In 2012 he had appeared as a guest vocalist on Latch by Disclosure. In 2013 he had then catapulted Latch's win by featuring on La La La, produced by Naughty Boy. The
latter became a chart topper and peaked in the top five around the world in countries such as Australia and France. On the back off of this success, it's evidently clear that Sam Smith would've been big on the music scene, even without the Brit Award.
So the question lies, why did the voters give the award to someone who is already a mild public figure? Surely other nominees, just as deserving would've needed it more, such as finalist for the award Chlรถe Howl who did not feature on any hit single in the previous year.
One reason behind the move was for figures sake. Tom Odell who won last years award was very unheard of, even more so than his predecessors. So when he won the award it was a shock, but a nice shock. He did receive some fruitfulness from the award, including a number one album; although when you put his first year triumph in
perspective against those such as Jessie J and Ellie Goulding, his success was not as strong. Emeli Sande on the other hand, who had one top twenty hit before receiving the award, and was somewhat of a known personality within UK boundaries for music, then went onto having the biggest selling album of 2012 and performed at two Olympic ceremonies. It was a great year in 2012 for Emeli and the Choice Award and an slow year in comparison for Tom in 2013.
So maybe the voters deciding, chose Sam on the basis not only his music is good, but he is a respected singer too. It's clear that he is going onto big things and having the award would improve the image and the importance of the tradition.
There is also the possibility that The Brits want the award to be more male friendly, by awarding another male winner against the long list of female only winners.
URBANLUNCH You do have to balance out the exposure with the quality. From the finalists nominated for the award (Sam Smith, Ella Eyre and Chlรถe Howl), Sam has the edge. His quality touch can be heard as he revitalises classical ideas and themes and creates for himself a signature tone to his voice. Judging on music alone he would get the Solo Male award. Reminding yourself
the Solo Male award isn't the award he is receiving and it feels out of place for him to get a Choice Award.
the award "to identify future British recording talent before it happens" has definitely been lost.
For the Critics' Choice Award, it seems unfair and it is clear he is more suited to British Breakthrough and Solo Male Artist awards than anything else. His album would be a big hit regardless and the motto of
Sam Smith Money On My Mind
Available Now on iTunes
FOLLOW US FOR UPDATES
@URBANLUNCH_
URBANLUNCH
Ten Collaborations That Must Happen Collaborations are always the history makers, they set what will make the musical time-books and what shouldn't. Get the collaboration perfect and the chemistry sets the song alight, take Crazy In Love as an example, the song wouldn't be as powerful and memorable without Jay Z's exchanges with Beyoncé. However if the partnership doesn't work, then it's most likely the song would be forgotten quicker than you can say "Gotye ft Kimbra".
heavy and gothic album that people are probably still recovering from. Matangi was as crazily high spirited and busy an album that could give you sonical epilepsy attacks from just listening alone. Some may say that having these two political beings join forces is only asking for trouble and will be too intense to control, but we can't imagine anything better than climaxing his new found anger with her dopeness on a track.
2. DRAKE X BONDAX
1. M.I.A. X KANYE WEST Both are known for their creative efforts within the music, art and fashion worlds. Both have swag that droops out of their ears. Both have distinctive sounds and patterns that can only be ascribed to them. Most importantly, both are cocky and ready to break the mainstream apart. They are the
two most controversial artists in the world and without a doubt seeing them join forces will cause even more terror and mayhem. It's no secret that both love each other's direction creatively, Kanye even branded her a "genius" in her new upcoming biographic documentary. Think Kanye's mood and production behind M.I.A's blunt lyrics. Think M.I.A's influences and Asian samples distorted by Kanye West. Yeezus was a very
Drake reached heavenly heights with his contemporary electronic R&B smash Hold On We're Going Home. The warm pads, the pounding but not piercing bass and the eerie melodies to accompany it all. It was a recipe for success, and even those hip-hop heads who were "too tasteful for Drake" fell to their knees when they first hit play. Adam Kaye and George Townsend, aka Bondax are a British production duo whose name is circulating more and more often into wider streams. Unlike most other producers, they don't destruct and rip sounds harshly,
instead they infuse and blend with the right balance of couture and casual sounds. Their uptempo electro-pop has all the elements for Drake to embrace, but it also has additional flair and bounciness that has the
URBANLUNCH potential to send Drake to further heights than the heavens.
songs into stories and art. So when you mash-up the trendiest female around with the most intriguing and subtle guy around,
3. A$AP ROCKY X HUCCI Goldie produced by big name producer HitBoy was a champagne single. It was luxurious but still kept the fine weight of maintaining a street presence. More recently A$AP has been maintaining this balance with a synth heavy vibe. Whether it's the energetic and action paced Wild For The Night or the fuzzy Fashion Killa, A$AP Rocky knows how to maximise potential of an instrumental using his aura and lyrics. So why not use a beat from one of the most rising producers around. Hucci is fresh sunshine inside an era where rap production turns more and more into a jungle; and he's already one of the most talked about trap producers in the world. An energetic track from Hucci to be matched with A$AP's swagger can only create a game changer.
you can only see the end product a cloudy and spacey EP that modernises soulful R&B. Solange will keep it cool, Ocean will keep it meaningful and the pair as a whole will keep it chilled.
4. FLORENCE WELCH X RUDIMENTAL Whenever the Florence and The Machine songstress steps away from her indie-rock roots, she always strikes gold. She showed a glimpse of this when she remixed her version of You've Got The Love with Dizee Rascal's Dirtee Cash live at the Brits back in 2010. She then confirmed that her experiments with other genres would lead to musical bliss on Sweet Nothing which was made for Calvin Harris. Florence proved her voice was perfect for dark verses and infectious hooks. Rudimental who are still fairly new to the scene have all the punch in their tracks and all the explosiveness to really give Florence a background bass pounder that she deserves to sing over. Watch out, because if this does happen, it will cause a meltdown just on the hype.
5. SOLANGE X FRANK OCEAN She's the R&B "it" girl known for her fashion taste and reminiscent 80's vibes. He's the R&B "it" guy known for his ability to turn
6. DISCLOSURE X LAURA MVULA Everyone knows Disclosure are already the masters of maxing out minimised vocals into their looped dance music. All they need is soft, toned down vocals to make magic ready to receive acclaim. Laura Mvula has just the right soothing and soulful voice which seems to just flow out naturally every time she turns on the mic. Use a Laura acapella and Disclosure have club hit number 637393 on their hands for. The boys will act like a harsh wave ripping up a bouncy ripple.
7. LILY ALLEN X ANGEL HAZE Lily Allen is a Brit sensation. Storming up the mainstream charts whilst taking shit about mainstream media would seem impossible. Despite every dig and punch at the media she gives, she seems to be loved for her refreshing attitude and take on pop-culture. Every step she takes turns into meaningception and her whirly manner is too warm not to like. Nevertheless Lily can turn into a
URBANLUNCH rough, boss ass bitch when she needs to, and can be as powerful as dynamite. Angel Haze is the female rapper who knows how to say "fuck you" to the media too. The only rapper with enough balls to leak her album early to push forward her album release. Putting the boss ass bitch with the most indemand female rapper will lead you to one road. The smooth road is success ridden and a cheery delight.
8. MADEON X CHARLI XCX
She's skilled and subtly, she knows she is. Her debut Pure Heroine was full of intricate emptiness, echo and contemplation, held together by sounds of drums on maximum reverb. Lorde knows how to stylistically pull off a slow tempo and make it seem modish. It's not just the attitude though, her lyrics have a polarising effect as shown by the praise and criticism of Royals. Jamie XX is the master of contemplative silence and his remixes have seen success in every underground, London club you'll go to. Whether he's remixing or recording, he knows what's hot and fresh, just imagine the greatness when the pair meet; even if it is too hipster for some of us to cope with.
Punk pop princess Charli XCX knows how to destroy a beat (in the good way) and put her signature twist on it. Madeon is ever rising as a European powerhouse when it comes to dance music. He holds the strength to produce a track airy enough to compliment Charli's playfulness but gritty enough to keep her "to cool for school" attitude which we all know and love. This collaboration can only turn into another chart smashing and top spot hogging single. At the same time too, it'll push boundaries and hopefully continue paving the way out of a generic period much like Icona Pop did with I Love It in 2013.
9. LORDE X JAMIE XX
10. OUTKAST X BRUNO MARS The Outkast boys are back. 2014 will see their (super long awaited) reunion. A reunion that'll put all other reunions to rest. The cheeky, witty, fast paced duo will return. Whilst it may only be a few festival appearances to celebrate the groups anniversary, they surely have to come back with some new music. Bruno Mars could almost be the third member for the crazy pair. Bruno has the right attitude, out-of-thisworld performance skills and an eye-to-eye smile which all qualify him to turn the duo into a trio. But let's not ruin with the balance of the universe here. All we need is a simple but funny and creative collision between both artists to reach new hip-hop highs. The track would destroy boundaries. Period.
COLLABORATIONS THAT MISSED THE LIST:
Lorde is the feisty teen that has a dark aura around her. A teen that you'd see on the bus and try to decode on the same journey.
CHILDISH GAMBINO X TYLER THE CREATOR KODALINE X COLDPLAY TIMBALAND X ROBIN THICKE DAFT PUNK X CHASE AND STATUS MILEY CYRUS X DIPLO
URBANLUNCH READERS GET 25% OFF ALL ORDERS FROM FRESCH CLOTHING USING THE DISCOUNT CODE "URBANLUNCH"
URBANLUNCH
The Uncertain Future of Album Releases face promotion for albums. The correlation they showcased recognised the point that promotion was a tiresome gimmick, especially for older and bigger artists. Fans demanded music instantly and quickly.
Back in December last year, Beyoncé changed the game once again, unleashing a surprise and unexpected album onto the internet which caused chaos. Despite the minimal promotion, the album went on to break records as it became the fasting selling album in the history of iTunes, selling 828000 copies in three days. In the US alone her first week sales add up around 617000 of these, beating her own record for her highest opening week. The experimental album stunned, and fans became quickly in love with the new sound, however this sparks the conversation... Where do album releases lie in 2014?
It has to be noted that Beyoncé wasn't the only artist to use near
zero promotion before an album release (although her release was the quietest of all time). Her husband Jay Z also suddenly dropped a new album onto the world. Little was spoken by Jay's camp until a series of Samsung adverts premiered. He had signed an exclusive deal with the tech giants who bought one million copies of Magna Carta Holy Grail, giving it a platinum status even before it's true release. On the physical release week it sold over half a million copies on top, and all this was done from a string of adverts alone. No guest appearances, no performances, no interviews.
Looking at the figures from Mr and Mrs Carter, the trend shows that maybe the public is quite tired with over-the-top, in your
However the "Beyoncé" method isn't always a winner in the longrun. Flashback to June last year, Kanye was releasing his fifth solo instalment Yeezus. The only marketing involved was through projecting the New Slaves video onto buildings around the world and two Saturday Night Live performances. Now you may say the former method was a bit extravagant for an album release, but in true Kanye style, any promotion had to indulge in some aspect of revolution. Apart from that Kanye did nothing else to promote the album. The rapper even made it a point that promotion was minimised saying
"With this album, we ain't drop no single to radio. We ain't got no NBA campaign, nothing like that. Shit, we ain't even got no cover".
And with that he went onto
release the eagerly awaited Yeezus to critical acclaim and a positive commercial outcome selling 327000 copies in its first week. Unfortunately for Kanye, sales slowed down very quickly after and the hype after the album for singles and his tour also declined - very much different from Jay Z and Beyoncé. Maybe it was due to Kanye's constant rants that swayed fans away from
URBANLUNCH purchasing the album following it's first week. Or maybe it was that fans simply didn't hear about the album release until later on because of the approach taken for release. It's not hard to see that it was a mixture of the two that caused a thorny end to Yeezus.
Then you look at some of the biggest selling albums of the year, and see how extensive their album releases were. Justin Timberlake, Eminem and Drake all had very lengthy periods of build-up and hype prior to the album and all three came out with higher figures in the long-run and in the first week. Early reviews, music videos and appearances all improved sales, so it is a problem saying that oldfashioned marketing techniques have become increasingly irrelevant because, quite simply, they work better than not having one.
Contradictory to this, some of the longer, more in demand releases have failed to impress in terms of sales and have created huge losses for major labels. ARTPOP by Lady Gaga turned out to be unpopular with regular listeners and had abysmal sales even though it had been promoted very harshly for three months prior. It didn't seem to quite fit in with the pattern set by Justin Timberlake and Drake, but rather it did the opposite. It was a lesson saying that too much is enough to make the public go crazy and reject the music. This reopened the dilemma, that sometimes fun, but heavy releases aren't the way forward and that more established acts should tone it down a little. The future for album releases is very much up in the air, with Beyoncé changing the game completely as the costs for promoting the album were so much smaller that, no matter if she sold the
same as Gaga, she'd turn enough sales to make a profit.
It is a matter of the artist too. Beyoncé is loved by everyone girls, guys, teens, adults, children. Everyone needs a Beyoncé fix in their life, so when the internet crashed due to her event-like publish, it was a sign that acts with enough love and fan base do not need to go on time consuming interviews. Problems do arise if everyone used that route, because then it would turn into a popularity fair and square, with no singles to judge upon before someone decides to buy a CD or not. Hinting only the biggest artists with die-hard fan bases should follow the Yoncé path.
Also it may not pass you, but some items conventional promotion is entertaining. Just imagine a Grammy award show with less performances - even more of a waste! Just imagine the VMA's without any promotional faces - boring! Just imagine chat shows, they'd just
be full of movie stars *yawns*. Daft Punk's Random Access Memories also brought back the fact that album releases can be culturally significant events in the current day.
Essentially the future of album releases, relies in the balance of strategy, quantity and the artist (someone like Chance, The Rapper would need all the promotion he can get). Labels won't see this though, they'll look at Beyonce's release in an envious manner and may their biggest stars to follow suit. It's a confusing time for albums, nobody really knows when and how the industry will re-mould its formula for chart success and commercial popularity. All we can do is hope that the right artists follow a minimalistic scheme and the right stars use an all-out menthod; the question really relies on, which stars?
URBANLUNCH
Fresch Clothing
The street garment range that is making its own bedroom to boardroom story. However unlike all other success stories, personality is never lost from the hand-sewn labels to the unique, characteristically quirky designs. We talk to the brains and suits behind the entrepreneurialism of the brand.
URBANLUNCH So where did you get the idea of starting Fresch Clothing?
My friends and I wanted to start a little brand doing pocket tees, but they're both off to university, so I started practicing sewing while I was selling a design I made quickly, and Fresch was born.
How do you stay relevant and in demand during a time when the internet is saturated with clothing brands?
Cut and sew is big at the moment and I'm learning sewing techniques to keep up with the trends, but when it comes to printing tees I try to keep it simple but also throwing in designs that incorporate things from my childhood like the pokemon tee.
You're an exclusively online seller, do you have hopes of seeing your designs in physical stores in the future?
Thats the dream, I think that theres only so much you can do selling online, but selling in a shop gives you more space to be creative with, and you get to meet alot of interesting people who purchase my products around the country.
When creating new designs, do you go by creating seasonal collections or by when the designs feel organic to release?
It started off just doing it when it felt right and when I felt it was a strong product, but as the brand is growing I think I'm having to start thinking about the seasonality of products.
How do you know when a product is perfect for your brand, do you have a gut feeling it would be a big seller and success?
Its difficult to know, I'd say that since my age and experience in the industry go against me, but I don't think you can really gauge how potential customers will take to my products. However, I know when a design is good and when it's not so good. What vital tips would you give to someone opening their own label?
Just design stuff that reflects your personality; don't go into it thinking that people will come flooding to your label, it takes hard work. Just talk to other people who have brands because it's always great to have people to talk to who know what you're going through.
Kimberly Anne The chilled singer/songwriter who's passion is never lost, Kimberly has worked with some of the biggest acoustic producers around and has even accompanied the help of Bastille to remix a track for her.
With plenty of experiences behind her, there's no way she'll lose touch of her songwriting ability...
Kimberly Anne - Hard Out Here EP Out on 25th March
URBANLUNCH So your supporting Bipolar Sunshine on several dates across the UK, what is your favourite aspect of live performances?
For me it's all about seeing peoples instant reaction to something you have created. It amazes me how songs can feel so personal when you write them but then after you get up in front of a crowd you realise just how universally relatable they can be to others. I guess it's really reassuring to know that I'm not alone in feeling all this stuff!
Your upcoming EP Hard As Hello is to be released soon, can you tell us about the influences surrounding it and the messages it portrays?
These collection of songs are all about recognising that I'm always going to be a bit of a work in progress I guess. I can be my own worst enemy at times, I tend to battle with being kinder to myself. Need to learn to let myself screw up from time to time and know it's ok to not always have the all answers. Whether it be in love, family, friends, politics or career, I guess I'm trying to accept it's cool not having it all quite figured out as much as I'd like just yet.
The EP also features a Bastille remix, how was that conceived?
A producer I'm currently working with, Mark Crew produced the Bastille album and that's how Dan got hold of the track and luckily he
was into it. I'm really chuffed with how it came out, I wanted Dan to just run free with it and he really turned it on its head. I love that he fed on some of the more sinister tones of the lyrical content.
Who would be your dream collaboration?
I'd love the opportunity to work with Imogen Heap, I really admire her unique production style and writing. Her approach to creating fascinates me especially with her classical background paired with programming, I think it would be a massive eye opener.
personally and musically before creating anything worth while. I fell in love with the raw emotion in music from brave artists like Billie Holiday that would wear their hearts on their sleeve and be truly vulnerable. I think you need to write openly and fearlessly to produce something truly genuine.
In the studio you worked with producers that created tracks for Lianne Le Havas and Bombay Bicycle Club, what was it like working alongside these producers to fine tune your music?
When you are into so many different genres it can sometimes to hard to pin point your influences but I'd say these are acoustic pop songs seasoned with an indie and West African influence.
It's amazing working with such experienced people, I feel very privileged to get the chance to try out my ideas with them. Sure any day now someone's gonna politely tap me on the shoulder and inform me they got the wrong Kimberly ask me to leave the studio quietly. Sculpturing your production is a real process and I'm lucky to be working with what I feel are the right people for me.
Being a songwriter too, do you find songwriting a hard process to convey thoughts across?
After the release and the tour nights, what else will you have planned for the rest of the year?
The title track has a blend of genre hints, what would you say the sound of Hard As Hello is?
I find writing hard when I consider too much what people may think of it.
When I first started writing I got caught up in making music I thought people wanted to hear and didn't pay enough attention to what I had to say. I was really unhappy with how insincere it felt and knew I had to seriously get to know myself
This year is all about playing to everyone, anywhere! I'm a big fan of gigs in unusual spaces so you'll see quite a bit of that. I also want to blag my way on to a heap of festivals and tours. I've got lots of material planned for release so looking forward to sharing and getting new tracks on the road.
URBANLUNCH
KWABS
After being tipped by many as a rising star for 2014, Kwabena Adjepong has effortlessly lived up to the hype. His mix of electronic and live sound brings him to the top of the game and proudly waves the flag high for British sound. After working with fellow upcoming talent SOHN, Kwabs cemented himself into the future of contemporary R&B.
URBANLUNCH So your success as a rising star was helped by your online presence on SoundCloud and music blogs, how much significance would you give online media as a platform to start a music career?
Online media has a massive effect on people’s careers when they’re starting out, providing that what they’re doing is good. It gives artists the chance to showcase their music in a way they couldn’t before. It also empowers fans
to directly support the careers of artists they love by sharing that music publicly.
You've been noted as a rising talent by outlets such as the Guardian, 1Xtra and SBTV, what is like to have a great critical response in the beginnings of your musical journey?
It’s kind of weird! But it is great. It just assures me that there’s something good in the music I’m making that people
are watching and hoping me to succeed.
Pray For Love incorporates a dramatic sound, how do you feel this sound reflects onto the upcoming EP?
I think there’s always been a sense of drama about my music. I think it’s because my songs put me out on the line emotionally. That definitely works it’s way into the fabric of the sound. The next EP will definitely wear its heart on its sleeve.
There's always been a sense of drama about my music...the next EP will definitely wear its heart on its sleeve.
URBANLUNCH
You have a rich African heritage, will you be experimenting with sounds from your heritage in the future?
There will definitely be hints of Africa in the mix somewhere, I’m certain of it.
You've used electronic sounds very heavily and have worked with SOHN, which other producers would you love to collaborate with? Ah! There are so many talented producers out there to pick from – but I’d love to work with Der Hynes, or spend a day in his head!
Which musical influences have helped define your sound now?
I’m all about singers – be they from jazz or classic soul like Aretha or Donny. But then there’s the other side of things: the singer. Song writers like Feist or Regina Spector; and more left-field influences such as James Blake and Little Dragon. For me it’s
about the voice, the great song and production that pushes boundaries.
With several internally renowned artists from the UK hitting success, do you feel the British music industry is taking off at a faster rate than before?
Finally, do you feel pressure to reach the heights Wrong or Right reached with Pray For Love?
There’s always pressure, as you watch the statistics rise (or not), to do as well as you did before. The trick is to love everything that you do. I’d have to be able to stand by a song even if it bombed!
I think that British music matters more than ever now. It seems to have an inherent to it that the rest of the world wants a bit of. I can’t figure out what it is but it’s working.
How would you put a definition on your upcoming debut album?
I’ve been working on material for a while now and it’s shaping up to be a really good bunch of songs so I’m just gonna say it’s a collection of my best work. No new collaborations to speak of, but maybe some old ones will come back into play…
There is no denying that Kwabs is a major player in the scene right now. His voice that he ushers across spacey sounds has already proven to be distinctive, and this is at the start of a career that is going to flourish. His next musical project, is his upcoming Pray For Love EP due for release on 20th May.
S I N G L E S
S I N G L E S
URBANLUNCH
REVIEWS PHARRELL WILLIAMS GIRL
***
Pharrell was noted as one of the hottest producers in 2013. Whilst the production quality is definitely there on G I R L - it just doesn't feel as exciting as new Pharrell should. If you're looking for an album full of Get Lucky's and Happy's you'll be disappointed. If you're wanting a decent pop album then here's your answer... for now anyway.
SCHOOLBOY Q OXYMORON
****
Embedded, suggestive messages to champagne rap Oxymoron has it all in one package that delivers on lyrical content, flow and rhythm. If for one minute you think Schoolboy Q doesn't have the potential to dethrone Kendrick in the future, this album serves as exhibit A to put your case to rest. Just like Kendrick, Schoolboy Q knows how to make urban radio tracks meaningful again.
URBANLUNCH
PALOMA FAITH A PERFECT CONTRADICTION
****
Paloma Faith proudly waves the flag for British music and A Perfect Contradiction puts no halt to this. Her jazzy, brassy and loud vocals enchant over the even funkier drumbeats and string sections on every track. Paloma's voice is unstoppable and her confidence is intensified to the point where she makes what she does look effortlessly easy.
MĂ˜ No Mythologies To Follow
****
MĂ˜'s emotional state fluctuates through the duration of the album, but it's the emotion which you immediately fall for. Her dramatic tone juxtaposes against the neon sounds which are just as enticing and hypnotising as the singer. Her debut is the glossy, pop masterpiece that reminds us that the 2010's as ever an exciting era than before for pop, especially when excited well.
URBANLUNCH
Albums You Must Own
URBANLUNCH Channel Orange by Frank Ocean is undoubtably one of the best albums that we've seen in modern music. The album was not only a debut for Ocean, but it helped create a bridge between homosexual themes in urban music and also helped in the revival of contemporary R&B. As the album commences, Ocean starts a physical channel on intro Start, which opens up a physical "channel orange" which, is frequently heard throughout skits of the album, between the main fantastical channel that opens up the singers mind and thoughts.
he conveys on Pyramids, to the nearly childish adult who reminisces on the world in his younger days on Super
Then we hear a string opening to Thinkin Bout You a song with so many personal meanings to the singer. Referencing his stormy hurricane experience in New Orleans with the aftermath taking over his life and future. His vulnerability is then accelerated with doubts of his lover. This doubtful feeling is then juxtaposed by the relaxing and not piercing bass, which resonates a boom regularly and warm pads make this track even more inviting. The star of the show, is through Ocean's vocal performances, from the high notes of the chorus to the mysteriously low notes of the verses - he pushes boundaries using his vocals.
His cracky vocals can be tuned to create any atmosphere and tone. From the authoritative voice that
either, be it the beautifully executed string sections on Bad Religion to the spacey electronics of Pilot Jones, the album showed no flaws in consistency. Production was strong and despite Ocean using samples and textures taken from a wider range of inspirations and genres, he used them efficiently to keep them under the R&B belt - a feat not to be underestimated. Every song had it's own distinct flavour whilst still having a Channel Orange touch, and each song kept on building along the magical journey. It wasn't just an enchanting ride in one song moving to another, the whole album was one big enchanting ride with the songs being the mere building blocks, the suggestive lyrics and the sound were what built the yellow brick road.
Rich Kids. His voice doesn't just sing exceedingly well, it tells a story, it releases emotion, passion and it never gets too intense either. It's a balance that the OddFuture member seems to have perfected already.
Production values on the album didn't disappoint
Channel Orange was the long-awaited album that everyone was buzzing for, and it didn't leave anyone dissatisfied or hungry for more, it left them eager to explore what they had actually just consumed. The album is a staple that can't be denied in any aspect, it's a flawless story that just so happens to be an album at the same time.
Must Listen: Pyramids, Thinkin Bout You, Sweet Life, Forrest Gump
URBANLUNCH
INTERNET FEATURE
7 REASONS WHY WE LOVE
The social media site has been rapidly growing whilst developing a pop-culture humour that stays original to itself.
So in true BuzzFeed style, here is an loose number of reasons to love something trendy....
All Images Sourced From BuzzFeed
URBANLUNCH
INTERNET FEATURE
1. Christmas Is A Lot Cheaper
BuzzFeed DIY is possibly the biggest lifesaver going
2. No Longer Do You Need To Scrounge The Net For The Best Cat Memes
Cats are essentially the funniest internet sensation
URBANLUNCH
INTERNET FEATURE
3. Procrastinating Is Made Easier
No longer do you have to procrastinate on how to procrastinate, especially when you have a homepage like that to go through
4. It's Also Visual, Perfect For When Internet Surfing Seems Daunting
Short and snappy videos that'll get you hooked into the world the media calls BuzzFeed
INTERNET FEATURE
URBANLUNCH
5. Impress Your Friends With Random Facts
Facts are always fun for when conversations run awkwardly dry
6. They Also Share The Beyoncé Obsession With You
Who wouldn't want to know which Beyoncé they are?
URBANLUNCH
INTERNET FEATURE
7. Finally, Life Becomes Simple
Life becomes bearable with the help of BuzzFeed
URBANLUNCH
The Story: Hudson Mohawke
From home turntables to renowned hip-hop producer
From a young age, Ross Birchard was an avid music enthusiast, as he flirted with dance, pop and 80's rave. By age 11 he was already given his first pair of turntables, however nobody expected that the wee scot would become a producer on major records and signed to Kanye West's label as a producer.
under the label. However more notably before this, he met Lunice in 2008 when both acts played at the Pop Montreal festival.
When Ross turned 15 he already became the youngest ever UK DMC (DJ Championships) finalist under the name of DJ Itchy. As his sound continued to develop and grow into a genre bending smoothie, his name became more prominent and adopted the name Hudson Mohawke after seeing it engraved on a statue near his accommodation.
Despite TNGHT's success, the formation of the band wasn't the biggest hit for HudMo in 2012. In the hectic year, Mohawke produced 4 tracks for G.O.O.D Music album Cruel Summer. One of the tracks included Mercy, the ravely reviewed track that featured Kanye, Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz. Not only this but the single made many critic end of the year lists as a standout single for the year and achieved double platinum status. To round off the year HudMo worked with Azealia Banks on her Fantasea mixtape.
His music became acclaimed and in 2009 Warp records signed him as an artist. Releasing his debut album and two more EP's
Fast forward to 2012 and the duo decided to group up and form TNGHT, a famous production group known for their whacky hip-hop sounds.
2013 then heightened the previous year. Following his pairing with Mr West which turned out to be very triumphant, Mohawke then produced again for the rapper. Working on Yeezus, he helped to create infamous songs included the brassy and bold I Am A God and Blood On Leaves. Not only that but HudMo's work was highlighted by Drake and Pusha T, both of whom asked the Scottish producer to work with them on their 2013 releases.
Now Ross Birchard has signed onto the G.O.O.D Music label and his name is well known in the hip-hop circuits. If all that isn't enough to reassure you of his music, he's on GTA V, so keep your ears open for HudMo
URBANLUNCH
AKUA BOATENG
URBANLUNCH Tell us a little about your background and how music became the path for you?
I was always singing as a child and I loved music. In school I played classical piano and clarinet and I would do after school classes like orchestra, wind band and choir. I started to write songs at the age of 14-15 and at that time, I didn’t know many producers so I would also produce the backing tracks and perform them wherever I could. I hungry for it and quite fearless at that age, I was more than happy to jump on stage and sing my songs.
me to other genres of music like dubstep, drum and bass, indie, alternative and the rest. I went to Reading Festival in 2010 and saw, Arcade Fire, Biffy Clyro, Katy B and Paramore, so I love R&B music, but I’ve also got an alternative indie side to me.
grow as a person and a musician. Four years ago, I didn’t know how to play the guitar, so I’m glad that I took the time to learn how to do that and also experience normal things like working and going to university.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
In five years I see myself with top ten albums, I want to be touring and traveling the world performing at festivals. I love writing songs, so winning an Ivor Novello would be a great achievement among other highly coveted awards. I love the writing process, so being
Give us some insight to your debut single Only U? Only U is the first track from my upcoming EP. It’s quite a dark, moody song, about the ups and downs of love, bad relationships, second chances and forgiveness. There is a part of it that relates to addiction; wanting
"I was fearless and hungry for it, I was more than happy to jump on stage and sing my songs"
Growing up, what were you surrounded by that has defined your own sound today?
I grew up listening to a lot of Ghanaian gospel and highlife music. From a young age I was very interested in R&B and urban music as a whole. I loved US R&B but in terms of UK urban music, Miss Dynamite and Estelle were people that I looked up to and wanted to achieve the same kind of success, especially with Estelle being able to crossover to America. As I got a bit older, my taste in music broadened and I had friends who introduced
more and more of something or someone which might seem good at the time, but ultimately is bad for you and causes you pain.
Do you find it hard breaking into the industry?
Industries like acting, modelling, music and fashion, are very competitive and difficult to enter into. Nothing is handed to you on a plate, you’ve got to go out there and make it happen for yourself. Its hard work and I’m in it for the long term. In a sense I’m glad that I didn’t have success in my teens, because I’ve been able to
to write music for other artists is something that I’d like too. I studied Music Industry Management at Hertfordshire University so it would great to be invited back to do guest lectures every now and then as somebody how has experienced life in the music and entertainment industry.
URBANLUNCH
Producer We Love: starRO My name is Shinya Mizoguchi aka starRo. I am originally from Japan and have been based in Los Angeles for about 7 years. I am a music producer, re-mixer and multiinstrumentalist. I represent a LA based music label/artist collective called Soulection. You've got an upcoming tour in Asia soon, what is the thrill like playing your music in sets throughout the world?
It’s definitely thrilling as it’s not just another part of the world but it’s also where I grew up. But I also get some strange feelings playing there because my career as starRo started in Los Angeles, and everything (producers, friends, fan base) developed around the music community in LA or internet platform such as SoundCloud. When I lived in Japan I used to make a bit different kind of music, and I was not actively making music in the first place. So me as starRo has almost no connection with music scene in Japan. So now I feel like I am going there more an American artist than homeboy in Tokyo. Nowadays I receive lots of
StarRO is a producer you can't miss, his infectious beats are infused with soul and electronic, offering a highly seductive palette for your ears. We talk to him about his music and sound, and how they've evolved.
loves and messages from Japanese fans and I still get the strange feeling sometimes, but it’s really blessing.
Your production incorporates many elements from several genres, where do your main influences and inspirations lie?
Probably jazz is the strongest influence as you might be able to see. My father is a
jazz pianist so I grew up listening to jazz for my entire life. Jazzy chords or vibes are definitely the core ingredient of my production. I also listen to a lot groove-based music such as soul, R&B, disco, UK garage, they are also my influences. Lastly, I used to play in the rock band, and I
like a lot post-rock/indie-rock type of music. If you are listener of those type of music you can definitely tell it from how I incorporate guitar sounds. Actually you will hear more of an indie-rock element in my music in the future.
How would you describe your sound?
I am not good at describing my music at all but here is
how my PR guy described my music which I don’t disagree at all. “A remnant of mid 90’s R&B, paired with lush chords and atmospheric melodies”. But like I said my music is constantly evolving and you will hear something different this year.
URBANLUNCH
Which artist right now would you love to produce a track for?
Erykah Badu has been always on top of my list. I actually was very fortunate to meet her in person last weekend during the Red Bull Music Academy Bass Camp. I gave her my demo, so hopefully she gets to listen to them and feel something from that.
Which other producers are you addicted to right now?
and I am very excited about it.
There are too many of them, but if I were to bring an artist from Japan that I am recently addicted to, it’s Metome who is based in Osaka. Osaka has really amazing electronic music scene and there is another genius producer called Seiho. Actually Metome will playing with us for our Osaka show
Finally, what else, apart from the tour, have you got planned for 2014?
Twitter : @starRo75 SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/starro
I'm working on the album right now, hopefully I can release by this summer. Also my new duo project with a New York based singer Iman Europe will most likely be launching soon, so stay tuned!
adslibitum.tumblr.com