Urbanlunch Issue 2
Josh Record
GoldLink • Luke Sital-Singh • Blonde
100% of Advertising Revenue From Issue 2 Will Be Donated To Cancer Research UK
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In This Issue Blonde // P54
Grades // P20
GOLDLink // P38 The view from the shard // P26
Josh Record // p28 Luke sital-singh // P42
Paperwhite // p60
Twitter // @urbanlunch_
Web // URBANLUNCH Contact // URBANLUNCHMAG@GMAIL.COM
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Bad gal riri 5
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Instagram // 2014 7
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The Yeezus Problem How seeing so far into future trends has unfortuneately hindered mr west.
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///////////// To some he’s solely a mad-
most. Yeezus either fell into
play of courageous spirit.
man whose rants have be-
two categories – shocking
West knew he was going to
come foolish ramblings that
and marvellous or shocking
be marmite on the record,
the press can’t get enough of; and senseless. Critics all fell
which added to the genius,
to others he’s a musical mas- into the former option,
instead of attempting to ap-
termind that is constantly
whilst casual listeners and
peal to it all, he gave the big-
pushing the boundaries, in
fans fell into the latter.
gest fuck you and dropped a
other words, he’s a visionary Opinions were divided, the of our time. Whilst Kanye explicit, graphic and glitchy
record that audaciously
may be the world’s most po- sound wasn’t swell for those larising figure of late, you hunting for a return to soul
of Gods. It may have been
have to feel obliged to accept Kanye. The reason why the
putting, but Yeezus still
he is a game changer, and
claimed he was on the level
controversial and off-
has already changed the
harsh sounds were a struggle stands as an aggressive yet moving 10 track collection. to most, were that the
game. He name drops Mai-
sounds were too powerful,
son Martin Margiela, then
they were too cutting edge – you were to listen to the al-
Critics saw the vision; now if
anyone with a single percent no-one was ready for the raw bum again, maybe you’d see of relevancy follows suit.
textures to drop, fans were
it too. It’s a revelatory expe-
However the biggest prob-
after cushy bass and party
rience, and when it happens,
lem Kanye faces is that he
anthems; instead they re-
you’ll see the soul you were
may be too futuristic for
ceived a potent, vigorous dis- after is embedded into his
///////////// 10
///////////// Critics saw the vision; now if doesn’t lie with Kanye at all, you were to listen to the al-
maybe it lies with the public
bum again, maybe you’d see
who aren’t ready for a giant
it too. It’s a revelatory experience, and when it happens, you’ll see the soul you were
leap, but a slow evolution.
Nevertheless, as time flies, and records come and go you can always rely on the previ-
after is embedded into his
ous Kanye album to be on
passion spitting verses and
point, because that’s just
creating heavy melodies. At
how we are; and our stub-
the time though, commercial bornness can only be exceed interest was weak, instead,
by Kanye West himself.
tired trap sounds dominated the year, paving the way for more generic hip-hop party rap to take over. It’s a phenomenon that unfortunately sees Kanye lose public interest in his music, it’s almost as if he’d been in a tardis, returning with a sound we’re simply foreign to. So maybe the problem
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:
Lake District duo Aquilo are pioneers of electronic soul. After widespread acclaim from the likes of NME and the BBC, the pair seem ready to blow up Disclosure style. Already defined and unique, their heavenly mesh of soul sounds, really bring Aquilo head and shoulders above their rivals.
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So guys, you both started off
Which artists would you love
Which artists have inspired
on the rock scene, how did
to work with on a track?
you to make music and influ-
you move from rock to elec-
We’d love to make a track with
enced your sound?
tronic soul?
Hall and Oates.
We found a lot of inspiration from bands such as Explosions In The
We both started listening to different music, experimenting with
How have you reacted to the
Sky, Mount Kimbie, Fink, Jeff
different instruments and synthe-
amazing reception you've re-
Buckley, Steely Dan.
sisers eventually stumbling across
ceived on your self-titled EP?
a sound we liked. There was never We’ve just been slightly shocked at You've also been highlighted a conscious decision to change the response. It’s a pleasant surby the Guardian, NME and genre or sound. It was quite an
prise to see people enjoying and
Radio 1, how have you re-
organic, exciting process.
talking about our music.
sponded to acclaim from
Seeing as you were neigh-
You played on the BBC Intro-
tions?
bours, has there always been
ducing stage at Glastonbury,
We suppose it’s given us more
a competition between the
how did you feel playing at
confidence in what we’re actually
both of you? We don't believe there has been a
the world’s biggest music fes- doing. Having the magazines and tival so early in your career? articles we normally read writing
rivalry as such. Maybe some peo-
It was an absolute pleasure to get
some of the biggest publica-
cause we were both in separate
about us is such a great boost that invited onto the BBC intro stage. It we’re heading the right direction. was our first time at Glastonbury
bands playing the same venues
and our first major festival which
What's next for Aquilo in
when we were a lot younger. Our
made it all the more special.
2014?
ple just made that conclusion be-
families have been friends in the
We’re working on our second EP
village a long time so we’ve always
with intentions to starting our de-
known each other and got along.
but album.
—
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: Raised in Baltimore, Black Zheep DZ aims to put the area on the map. His early access to music started on Reggae as he listened to the sounds of his father’s Jamaican roots. Now he’s carefully crafting a symphony of hip-hop textures, that meet his powerful lyricism.
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So where did you get the
Who are your major inspira-
that I like a lot. There's a couple
name Black Zheep DZ from?
tions and influences?
artists I'd like to collaborate with,
First and foremost, DZ came from Well, musically I would say
but it would have to come about in
me being called DZ - like wheezy - like...I've got a couple. But two off
the right way, it would have to
from middle school onward.
the top: Jay Z and Lil' Wayne. As
have good chemistry. I like to sit
Throughout the whole city, that's
far as other inspirations, it's just
down with a potential collaborator
what I was known as. I put the
my life experiences and living sit-
and pick their brain; find out
Black Zheep on there to make it
uations, just people that sur-
where their head is at.
easier to find me.
rounded me, my mother, people
Using the Hebrew word Zee,
that pushed me to be more and do You worked with LAKIM on
which means wolf, I took that and
more. My mother has cancer, so it Victory Calls, how did that
mixed it with the word sheep. So
makes me keep pushing and let
come about?
I'm like a sheep in wolf clothing.
her see me do something bigger
I actually met LAKIM through my
Making me the good-villain or the for my family. My family has had
dudes at Indigo Studios. From
humble-god.
studios and little stuff, but have
there we just built a relation. We
never really made it out of Balti-
were actually in Bethesda, just
more or had a big name.
freestyling on LAKIM beats and
I'm a sheep, but can also run with the wolves and was raised with the wolves.
he was fuckin' with us, so he sent Are you trying to put Balti-
us some beats and I spit on a few
more on a more pronounced
of him, plus I've still got a few in
How long have you known
level on the map?
the vault.
that you want to pursue hip-
Yeah, I'm pretty much tryna [sic]
hop?
like open another door for us.
Finally, what's the main take
I've been writing for a while. Even There's other hip-hop lanes here
home message you want to
when I was young not to sound
for people that rap. But I'm tryna
portray in your music?
clichĂŠ, because my cousins had a
put Baltimore on the map in act-
I just want people to be able to be
studio. But I really knew once I
ing and film and other ways. I'm
able to feel what I'm saying. And
graduated high school. I got ac-
trying to show people there's more pretty much and be able to take
cepted in to two fashion schools,
here than just The Wire.
my music and make their music
but I didn't really want to spend
better. Understanding that they
all that money, so I started to take Any artists right now that
have to be themselves too. Be
it much more seriously. Began
you'd love to collaborate
yourself, go whatever for you want
honing my craft.
with?
to go for, and don't let anybody
Hmm, I would say there's artists
tell you different.
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: Cornish fellow Matt Woods is one of the UK’s brightest, emerging stars. The dark, soulful tone he emphasises in his music in spine chilling. Now Matt is based in London, fully equipped with all the resources he needs to showcase his fine talent.
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So Matt, Give Yourself
Alt J and London Grammar for
Have you always wanted to
Away has a very dark mood,
encouraging me to experiment
be a singer?
could you tell us anything
with sounds. Etta James, Van
Yes and no. I found a Filofax the
about the conception of the
Morrison and Nina Simone for
other day from when I was 6 or 7
track?
what soul means to me.
and it said: what do you want to be when you grow up? I had writ-
It was the first song I wrote with the One Bit boys. We started with
Has the move to London
ten either Michael Jackson or a
the drum pattern and then I wrote changed your music in any
farmer'. Classic Cornish boy an-
the melody over the top of it. I
way?
swer.
think the If it feels right then it
Every day, every place and every-
feels right, no matter what they
one I meet influences my music. I
The video to Give Yourself
say lyric was the first one that was don't know exactly how the city
Away was very spooky and
penned. The rest of the song
will have influenced me, but I'm
mysterious, where did the
stemmed from that.
sure it will have. London can be a
ideas for the visual originate
struggle and it's quite dirty, so it's
from?
You seemed to have devel-
probably influenced my dirty
I sat down with my manager and
oped a soulful sound, but
songs about struggle.
Harry Cauty, the director, in The
how would you describe your
Cock on Great Portland Street and
sound?
What gave you the inspira-
Soul is always the first word I'd
tion and perseverance to en-
use. A bit of gospel, a bit of folk, a
ter the music industry?
think Harry can be held responsi-
bit of everything really!
I didn't want to be that guy at the
ble for the dark grading and the
bar telling stories of how he could
beautiful shots, I think I was prob-
Which artists have moulded
have done this or that. Also there
the music you make?
have been a lot of kind people who
Mumford and Sons, Ray LaMon-
gave me confidence in my music
tagne and Damien Rice for the
over the years.
had a session of idea sharing. I
ably responsible for the scary masks! They were supposed to represent various elements of fear.
acoustic beginnings. James Blake,
—
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:
After becoming an electronic sensation with his remix of Lana
Del Ray’s single West Coast; Grades is set to bring some highclass, British, electronica.
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Your remix of Lana's track
as far back as I can remember. I
barely played it to anyone, but
West Coast caught major at-
started out DJing through turnta-
there's nothing more rewarding
tention, how do you know
bles, watching people like A-Trak
than sharing it with people and
when a track would create a
winning the DMC Championships getting such a positive reaction,
great remix?
as young as 15 and wanting to be
For me it's all about the vocal, as I like him. I think I annoyed my
especially with recognition from people as respected and influen-
rarely use many instrumental
parents enough for them to get me tial as Annie.
parts from the original when ap-
my first pair of (terrible) belt
proaching a remix. Vocals with
drives for my birthday when I had
strong character, that evoke some
just started high school, at around what would you be doing
kind of emotion are always best,
11 or 12. DJing pretty quickly led
as was the case with Lana's which
me into production. My first expe- I think I'd still be involved in mu-
is probably why she gets remixed
rience was with a really old Casio
sic, somehow. Managing artists,
by so many producers. I also look
keyboard that could record three
starting a small label - or making
out for interesting vocal melodies
or four tracks, which was where I
tea - I'd find a way to be around it!
that I can chop up to create cool
discovered the concept of layering
new hooks.
beats, chords and melodies. Natu- Do you think living in Lon-
If you weren't doing music, now?
rally, I then moved to the comput- don has given you exposure Which artists and cultures
er, from Acid to Fruity Loops and
to a wider variety of music as
have inspired the sound you
now Logic.
opposed to living elsewhere
create? I grew up listening to a lot of Hip
in the UK? When do you know if a track
Yeah, definitely, especially as I
Hop, and my production is heavily is ready to be released to the
didn't grow up here. I feel like it's
influenced by Soul and R&B,
world?
such a cultural melting pot that
whilst on the other hand I've al-
I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so
everything moves so fast, with
ways been obsessed with electron- sometimes tracks are never really
new scenes and genres popping up
ic music and discovering new and
completely finished. But when you left right and centre, all merging
emerging sounds and genres. At
know, you know. There's nothing
my flat I have a wall of some of my worse than over-working an idea favourite and most inspirational
and mutating. It's a really inspiring place to make music.
until the vibe is lost.
album covers, which range from
What's the ultimate dream
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson
You've seen major support
you set out to achieve when
and Prince to Gorillaz & Kanye
from the likes of Annie Mac,
you started this journey?
West.
did you ever go into music
When I started out I just wanted
making, thinking you'd get
to produce music that I enjoyed
What influenced you to enter
such accolades?
making and was proud of. The
the music industry?
Not at all. I've always made music
idea that others would enjoy it for
I've always been into music since
because I enjoy it. For years I
themselves was a dream of mine.
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Remix Roundup
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Usher Good Kisser (Disclosure Remix) The only way to make a single better is for it to get the Disclosure treatment. Good Kisser which felt choppy has been smoothed out by the duo, making the song slicker.
Wunder Wunder Coastline (GoldRoom Remix) GoldRoom bring a peaceful and relaxed aura to the remix for Coastline. Removing harsh synths and replacing them for mellow guitars, results in a magical end.
Disclosure [ft. Sam Smith] Latch (starRo Remix) 80’s rap provided by the iconic melodies found in The
Message by Duke Bootee combine with a slower version of the Disclosure classic, thus leading to an empowering mix.
Coldplay Magic (AlunaGeorge Remix) The bubbly sounds that took last year by storm, are back with a stereotypically chilled bang from AlunaGeorge. The enchanting nature of the
Coldplay original remains, but this time full of jazzy and poppy flavour thanks to George Reid.
24
Banks Drowning (Lido Remix) Blog favourite Banks receives harmonious harps and punchy synths from remixer Lido. The original track Drowning carried a dark and dramatic tone across. Whilst these still play,
Lido has opened the track to something more in tune for summer listening—be it a playful drive or bouncing party.
Sia Chandelier (Basecamp Remix) Chandelier gets the special treatment from Basecamp. Swinging melodies and snare rolls intensify the subtle hip-hop moments that Sia initially offered.
Sampha Happens (Lucian Remix) Rising British singer Sampha gets an electronic redo of his track Too Much Happens; a far cry from the live acoustics of the original, but way more enticing.
GoldLink Ay Ay (Nick Catchdubs Remix) Nick Catchdubs delicately balances hip-hop and dance music together on the remix to Ay Ay. Gritty electronic baselines meet GoldLink’s energetic verses, creating the smartest blend of the SoundCloud era. 25
If a great view isn’t enough for you, The View From The
Shard also hosts giant twister games from the top and is also the home for silent discos! 26
The View From The Shard is
The first lift takes you to level
tions including Tower Bridge
one of London’s most modern
33, which is a graffiti art filled
and Big Ben can all be seen.
and premium attractions. Be-
pathway, packed with ques-
ing the high rise viewing plat-
tions on the city’s rich history
form the City had been missing, to answer before you reach the the space offers a panoramic
second elevator. Acting as a
view of the buzzing capital that transfer zone to the next lift, will undoubtedly take your
level 33 is an exciting area to
breath.
learn about the whole of Lon-
Entering, you come to a contemporary and well polished hub filled with friendly and
the perfect spot to relax, see the bustling city beneath you and enjoy something sparkling in
course!).
see it for yourself.
and a few stairs, your taken to
questions. Shortly after going
level 69. The indoor viewing
through airport-esque security, gallery is blotted with your whisked into a high speed Tell:Scopes — interactive, high—tech telescopes that al-
through the vertical city, bright, low you to explore the city with aerial screens catch your atten- higher clarity and depth.
iconic to London.
has made London famous. It’s
ness of the capital before you
around, ready to answer any
capture the diversity that is
beauty and architecture that
your hand (for a price of
After another speedy journey
tion with striking videos that
which allows you to soak in the
don, and embrace the quirki-
helpful staff, that bubble
lift; and as you move fastly
It’s an enchanting experience,
The view, not surprisingly, is the star of this attraction. London’s most iconic attrac27
The outdoor viewing gallery brings the soundscape of the city into your experience; which adds a new dimension, enabling you to fully embrace the charm of the capital.
The View From The Shard is simply London’s most thrilling attraction. It’s a modern example of an attraction that is raising the bar on design , service and experience.
28
Hotly tipped to be one of 2014’s biggest acts, soul breakthrough Josh Record has been backed from an array of publications, be it The Sunday Times or the BBC. After doing a string of festivals in the UK, including Glastonbury, T In The Park and V Festival; Josh Record dropped his stunning debut album Pillars, to rave critical reviews. We talk to the naturally musically inclined singer/songwriter on everything, from his beginning's to his future.
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“ Hey Josh! So let's talk Glas-
tion. More recently I have been
Growing up, what inspired
tonbury, did you ever think
hanging out with a producer called
you to become involved with
you'd be playing at one of the
G R A D E S who is incredible so
music, and what inspired your
world’s biggest music festi-
hopefully we will do something
soulful sound?
vals?
when the time is right.
Well my family name is Record, so
Never! Everyday something new
as expected it's quite a music lov-
happens and I have to take a step
You initially started in the in-
back and remember how lucky I
dustry as a song-writer, which on the sounds of The Beach Boys
am to be doing what I love!
artist would you love to have
and Marvin Gaye, so they have
the chance to write for?
both had a huge influence on me.
What's your favourite aspect
That's a tough question! I would
Writing music has always been a
of live performances?
love to get in the studio with Adele, part of my life and always will be.
I love playing live as it helps me to
when she opens her mouth every-
keep connected with my songs and
thing sounds incredible!
the reasons why I wrote them. It's
ing family! My dad bought me up
Your debut album Pillars was released in July, how has the
amazing to hear people singing
You're quite a keen traveller,
process of creating an album
along and responding to them too!
does experience with a variety differed from creating an EP? of culture influence your writ- Creating the album was an amaz-
You recently collaborated
ing?
ing experience, I recorded it with
with Bondax, can we see any
Of course, travelling around to dif-
one of my favourite producers Da-
more experimentation with
ferent places and seeing the beauty vid Kosten who has worked with
electronic music from you?
of nature and landscape, or finding Bat For Lashes and everything
100 per cent. I love all sorts of mu-
solitude in those places is where I
sic and I'm always experimenting.
have written many songs, I wrote 3 selves away in the countryside and
Bondax are amazing and I was a
in Alaska in the middle of a forest
had a great experience recording it
big fan so was an easy collabora-
full of bears!
all!
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amongst others. We locked our-
Has it been a more rewarding
You're also involved with the
experience?
YouTube community signifi-
It's so nice to hear it coming to-
cantly more than other artists,
gether and listen to it back to back. do you think YouTube has the power to takeover television? Do you struggle with writers
Definitely, I've recently started do-
block?
ing some real personal blogs on my
I think if you struggle with writers
iPhone every week, uploading it to
block then you can't worry about it, YouTube, I think that what's great I will never write a song out of the
about social media is a lot of people
pressure of writing a song. I like to
now enjoy the journey, rather than
write songs out of real experiences, being presented the finished artiand feelings so if I'm not feeling
cle, so I'm excited to carry on!
what I'm doing, I stop go out and get some inspiration or experi-
After the album release, what
ence!
is next for Josh Record in 2014?
What tips would you give to a
Lots more gigs, tour in October,
budding musician?
and writing lots more too!
Never get caught up in the whole getting signed thing. Make sure
Where do you see yourself
you are genuine with what you are
standing in five years?
creating and that you love it, being
Making music. Somewhere. Any-
signed or making money from mu-
where. Everywhere!
sic doesn't make it easier, it makes it harder!
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Label Highlight: Hero & Cape Are the Innovators Of illustration
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33
How was Hero & Cape
You feature very bright and
regular pencil, finer liner and bi-
founded?
bold prints on your designs,
ros. When we have perfected on
I actually studied Automotive
how are these ideas initially
to paper, this is rendered digitally
Design at University so I always
conceived?
so that we can prepare it for
knew I wanted to do something
We wanted to see white t-shirts as screen printing. The process is
creative. After dipping my toes in
our canvas, and a way of transfer- the same for every single T-Shirt
the car industry, I realised I want- ring art on to them. In the begin-
design.
ed more freedom in my creativity. ning stages of our business, we In 2011, I took a risk, sold my be-
featured intricate illustrations on
Do you find it difficult to stay
loved car to raise capital for the
our T-Shirts (which are no longer head and shoulders above
business and the rest is history, as on the site) but slowly incorpo-
the rest of the competition –
they say!
rated the skills we've acquired to
especially during a time with
produce designs that are trendy
so many possible rivals?
Where did the name Hero &
and appealing to the mass mar-
Yeah, absolutely. But it's healthy
Cape come from?
ket. We now carry a range of illus- to have a bit of competition, it
We took a very, very long time, to tration and also simplistic, quirky keeps you on your toes. I look at brainstorm for names. We want-
prints. I think having that balance them in admiration as opposed to
ed a name that had a concept be-
makes the job more enjoyable.
being head-on with them, there
hind it so when Hero&Cape came It's a win-win situation.
are some seriously talented peo-
to mind, we loved it straight
ple out there. Some T-Shirt com-
away. Our brand tag line is Brit-
How do you know when a
panies have really stepped the
ish graphic T-Shirt label making
design is ready to be printed
game up for all of us and I've even
you the hero of the story with
and sold?
noticed the high street brands
hand-drawn illustrations & indi-
We put everything on to paper
have followed suite. The T-Shirt
vidually screen-printed T-Shirts!
first of all. We experiment with
game has moved on, it's no longer
media’s such as inks, charcoal,
about slogans.
Illustrated Bone Head T-Shirt // ÂŁ22 34
FRESH PRINCE WEST PHILADELPHIA T-SHIRT // £22
35
Illustrated pineapple print t-shirt // ÂŁ22 36
What tips would you give to
Your illustrations are hand
those interested in starting a drawn, how many illustraclothing company?
tions do you usually go
Research what's already out there through before one is perand think of a way to make your
fect?
business stand out from the rest.
If it's a difficult one like our Wolf
Having a t-shirt business or any
Tee - it can take a few hours until
fashion business allows you to be
we get it perfect. Drawing comes
as creative as you want, so take
naturally to me, so it isn't a part
advantage of that. The possibili-
of the process that I struggle with.
ties are endless. Don't be half-
It's coming up with the idea that
hearted with it either, be passion- works well on a fashion item that ate and confident about what
I've had to get my head around.
you're doing so that this reflects
Other factors to consider is that I
in your business too. There's no
also have to ensure that the illus-
point in making 3 designs, and
tration works as a screen print,
making a website for it, just to
and whether the design is trans-
"test the waters". Believe in your-
ferable as a wearable item of
self and your brand.
clothing.
Your latest collection fea-
Will AW14 include similar
tures some very 90's hints,
bright patterns?
will we be seeing more pop-
We have never been shy to use
culture references in the fu-
vibrant bright colours, especially
ture?
on a white t-shirt. We are enjoy-
Being a 90's kid myself, I like
ing printing the all-over patterns,
looking back on what I consider
and they seem very popular with
the good old days (and it really
our customers at the moment, so
was very good!). It has taken us a
yes - plenty of cheerful and fun
while to get here but we've found
patterns in AW14!
our style, I think. So yes, there will be plenty more cool stuff in
What’s in the cards for Hero
the next season that revolves
& Cape?
around the 90's.
We are working on our stockist list, and hopefully we'll have budget to go to exhibit at trade shows. We'd also love to collaborate with other artists and maybe even other brands!
37
The latest rapper to become an internet sensation; GoldLink has become known, uniquely for his tight flow and wild lyrics. However his most distinct feature is his experimentation with electronic sounds, working with KAYTRANDA, Lakim and Sango, GoldLink has created a thrilling genre blend, that only has growth in sight.
38
Now let's start with facts,
and unique sound that's just
down and said fuck it, I'm go-
you're hotly tipped to be a
undeniably appealing to me.
ing to give this an honest go
Why not work with what you
and study every aspect of po-
love?
etry and music - now voila!
massive rapper in 2015, do you feel pressured to live up to the hype created by music blogs?
Do you think the hip-hop No, not at all. A wise, success- You tagged The God Complex
ful man once told me that you should never ever read what's said about you because you'll
as Future Bounce on
market is becoming too satu-
SoundCloud, is that a hint as
rated with similar sounds?
to where you think music
Absolutely. Hip-hop became
should be heading?
too corporate and too main-
let it dictate who you become. It's just the type of music I felt stream and it started becomI'm very flattered with all the like I was making at that time. ing less about the culture and praise I've been receiving but, A very progressive and unor- more about the next big hit I don't feel any pressure to
thodox type of bouncing and
live up to the hype; I'm going
rhythmic sound that hadn't
to continue to do what I do,
been mastered before.
regardless. What made you want to col-
ther than going down current list of urban producers?
Because I'm actually a fan of
KAYTRANADA and Sango's music opposed to any other urban producer, period. They have a very distinct, tasteful,
Growing up, which artists were you heavy on?
What persuaded you into
Growing up, I was into a very
making music?
few things. Mainly Go-Go, like
laborate with alternative elec- Nothing really. I just started tronic producers such as playing around with music
KAYTRANADA and Sango ra-
and the quick checks.
Reaction Band, AAO, Backyard Band, ABM, and XIB.
and ended up realizing that I
Then I was into rock music,
was very good at putting
My Chemical Romance, Tak-
words and sounds together. I
ing Back Sunday, Green Day,
was still preoccupied with my Incubus, Red Hot Chili Pepother lifestyle so I never took
pers, Panic at the Disco, Bloc
music seriously until I was
Party and shit like that. I
like 19 going on 20. I buckled
jumped around a lot, ha.
39
Must Hear The God Complex // GoldLink Wassup // Sango X GoldLink Sober Thoughts // Kaytranda X GoldLink
40
You've stated before that
Is commercial success ever
you don't smoke, do drugs
something that will be top
or drink, is it tiring to hear priority for you? rap tracks constantly bang- Top priority? No. If I stay doing ing about this cliché trio?
what I do and it becomes a
Yes and no. When it becomes
commercial success by acci-
redundant and celebrated and
dent, then I’ll be happy to ac-
it just comes off super whack
cept it because I didn’t bend my
and corny, then yes it is VERY
beliefs to achieve it.
tiring. No, when there’s deeper
Is there an album in the
meaning in the music behind a
plans any time soon?
certain addiction or cliché par-
Say my name….Say my name
taking that almost makes you
- Destiny's Child
feel like it’s accepting because it’s quite a common human
After summer, what are
fuck-up.
the plans for GoldLink in 2014?
Who would you love to col- Get my real life in perspective laborate with in the future? and focus on everything that Nobody in particular.
comes here after.
41
42
Luke Sital—Singh Earlier this year, Luke Sital-Singh became a regular on the Ones To Watch for
2014 lists. From Amazon and Apple to the Guardian and BBC; there was no denying that the singer/songwriter was a force to be reckoned with. Now the
prince of acoustic music is dropping his debut album, a process which he describes as exciting and thrilling.
43
At the start of the year you
thing to it. But at the end of the
were hotly tipped by almost
day you just have to take that stuff
na, but that’s an oddity.
every publication to be a sing- with a pinch of salt and get on with Growing up, you didn't reer to watch, has this made the doing what you were doing.
ceive much praise for your
debut release even more pres-
singing, what do you think
surising?
What message would you say
gave you the perseverance to
I think it’s made it more exciting
carries the album across?
continue with it?
really. It’s helped to increase my
No overarching message really,
I had an awful voice when I first
fan base and there’s plenty of my
but there are themes of life and
started singing, but I was always
songs out there for people to listen death and a whole bunch of in-
supported in whatever I did. No
to in the meantime. The album
one ever told me I should stop,
between.
isn’t going to shock anyone who’s heard what I’ve been putting out
and even if they did I’m a pretty Do you write music from ex-
leading up to it. It’s a continuation perience or prefer to sing
stubborn guy and I think I would have just ignored them. The more
of my EPs. I’m just really excited
wild stories you have created? I sang, the stronger my voice be-
for people to finally get hold of it.
Most of my songs are based
came and so it made sense to take
around an emotional idea, and for
it seriously and go for it. I’m glad I
How did you feel when your
them to be believable they have to
did.
name made the masses of
be emotions I’ve experienced.
2014 lists?
Some lyrics are literally a recount-
Surprised and delighted. It was
ing of something that’s happened,
great to have some strong proof
some songs are based on my
that my music was connecting
thoughts on a subject, an observa-
with people and that also those ‘in
tion etc. I do have a love song writ-
the know’ thought there was some- ten about a killer whale called Lu-
44
Luke Sital-Singh // The Fire Inside
Out Now
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Damien Rice's album O had a
lence, the adrenaline, the ac-
Which artists and producers
big effect on you, would you
ceptance, the satisfaction, the ap-
would you love to collaborate
like to bring this effect to oth- plause. It’s such a rush. Such an
with?
ers?
amazing feeling to get up and sing
Neil Young, Ryan Adams, Bruce
Yeah that album was the fuel to
my songs to people who want to
Springsteen, Justin Vernon, Mark
my fire. It started my musical jour- hear them, and to hear folks sing-
Kozelek, Feist, Wilco, Sigur Ros to
ney, it’ll always mean a lot to me
name a few.
ing along is just nuts. Love it.
even though I haven’t actually listened to that record for years now. How has releasing an album
It seems like a whirlwind of
It remains a symbolic record for
differed from releasing a sin-
year that you've completed,
me. If mine has the same effect on
gle or EP?
but also a whirlwind ahead of
someone else’s journey that would I try to look it all in the same way.
you, are you excited?
be amazing. There’s a great poem
I’ve tried my best not to do any-
Yeah definitely. It’s only just be-
by my favourite poet Billy Collins
thing half-heartedly. Every EP was gun really. I’ve been writing and
called the The Trouble With Poet-
like a mini album to me. I’m sure
performing for some 10 years and
ry, in which he muses on the fact
others will disagree and say the
I hope I’ll still be doing so for at
that poetry encourages the writing album is a million times more im-
least another 10.
of more poetry and I think the
portant. But for me it’s all im-
same applies to songs. I hope my
portant and while I’m very excited
songs inspires the writing of more
for people to get the album in their singer/songwriters who are
songs.
hands I’m also busy planning
trying to break it onto the sce-
what’s next!
ne?
What tips would you give to
You've got a UK tour coming
Firstly I’d say don’t try breaking
up soon, what's your favour-
onto any scene. Just be yourself,
ite aspect of performing live?
do what you love, keep going, it’ll
I love the anticipation each night,
take longer than you think, but it’s
the hushed crowds, the heavy si-
worth it.
46
47
Albums You Must Own #2 ———————— Kendrick Lamar // Good Kid, m.A.A.d City
48
49
On good kid, m.A.A.d city,
also set out to show how
tracks, Kendrick became a
there was only one aim for
much he still cherishes his
saviour.
Kendrick Lamar. To offer a graphic, visual and some-
home city. Acting as a follow Brilliantly merging the gap up to his debut Section. 80 , between underground and
times disturbing account of
the album became an imme- mainstream radio rap, the
his Compton surroundings
diate hit. Within seconds,
album used a variety of elec-
that he grew in. Yet even
Lamar proved that hip-hop
tronic distortions, which,
though the story encoun-
was far from being dead, in a coupled with the live instrutime of sluggish Lil Wayne ments, lead to production
tered mild trauma, Lamar
50
that became reminiscent of
in return gave the most
the golden age rappers—only blunt, vigorous and energetic the 21st century equivalent.
performance the hip-hop
Even whilst spitting his most ciruit had been missing for a vulnerable lyrics, the rapper
long time.
remained confident and self- The album’s themes on ceassured. Heavy rampages on lebrity culture were also tracks such as Backstreet
compelling. No longer was
Freestyle and Swimming
luxury rap ruling, it became
Pools showed his talent.
the aggravated moaning
Chilled raps on Bitch, Don’t
about luxury rap that was
Kill My Vibe and Money
king.
Trees showcased his versatil- All in all, the album had such ity. However, where
an influential affect, and was
Kendrick really shone was in backed up with so much his story telling. From start
to finish, themes of his
truth and tiredness about hip -hop laziness that had been
harsh reality dominated as
on the rise; that it became
his autobiography grew in a
refreshing—and instantly de-
poetic way.
served stats of a classic.
Atmosphere built up, then
Lamar unleashed the most powerful song on the album. One of the biggest midalbum climaxes ever.
m.A.A.d city was the most emotionally stirring song on the whole album, Kendrick let no obstacle stop him, and
\\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\
Must Listen Tracks // Money Trees m.a.a.d City The Recipe 51
LOWKIEE is an upcoming lifestyle brand with an expanding t-shirt range recently released from the growing brand following the success of their labelled snap-backs. The brand also has a You-tube channel which aims to promote new, unsigned artists that deserve the recognition. Not only this LOWKIEE is currently planning to present some live nights, utilising the independent acts to their best. Website : http://www.lowkiee.com/ Twitter : @LowkieeLWK YouTube : lowkieeTV 52
Urbanlunch favourite: Boomf magical mallows Boomf Magical Mallows are the traeats, pay and have them sent The
marshmallows
themselves,
ingenious idea that allows you to through your letterbox! Delivery is are as tasty as they are beautiful to put your favourite Instagram shots free!
look at. Sweet and vanilla infused,
onto some fluffy marshmallows.
the sugary pillows are definitely made for scomping down on. Bouncy and light, they also allow for squishing faces of enemies; and being well packaged, there’s no better present for the Instagram era. The product itself is based on a clever concept that has been executed to perfection. No faults lie in the Boomf formula, and of course, expect the Magical Mallows to go through Mallowception, as you
Named after the sound that the The parcel is wrapped in shiny, stumble upon them on your Insta white delicacies would make after silver paper, crested with the feeds. dropping through your letterbox, Boomf logo. Once you unravel the
Boomf have found a way to merge paper, you’ll find the petite box the digital age with a food trend. The process is very easy, all you need to do is drag and drop your Instagram
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53
Use The Code Boomf-Me-happy
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produce
BLO
54
er we love:
ONDE
55
Blonde are one of most buzzing names on the electronic circuit right now. Made up of Adam Englefield and Jacob Manson, the duo are creating some of the biggest waves in 2014. Their love for electronic and house music is deeply rooted, with
Englefield drafting up Eton Messy— a music discovery channel on YouTube which overseas 250 000 subscribers. Now the guys are raring to hypnotise you with their vibrant and bouncy production.
56
How do you feel when your
You use a wide range of vocalists
tracks get millions of plays be-
on your tracks, where do you dis- their fans. Music (especially dance mu-
tween them on the internet, espe- cover most of them from? cially when most would consider YouTube and SoundCloud have both
formers to connect and interact with sic) is a very social phenomenon and social media alongside streaming sites like YouTube and SoundCloud are per-
you as fresh faces on the scene?
been really important platforms for us
It's pretty unreal! We're just making
in terms of giving our own music expo- fect places for people to share music
the music we love and it's incredible to
sure, but also they've played a vital part and start conversations about the mu-
see so many people connecting with it.
in finding the bulk of our feature vocal- sic they like. ists. We found Ryan Ashley after
When and why did the produc-
watching him sing a cover on YouTube
If someone told you last year that
tion band originate?
and first heard Charli Taft (who fea-
you would be performing a set at
Jacob was submitting tracks to Adam's tures on Higher Ground) singing on a Yousef record on Defected Records' YouTube channel Eton Messy and we got talking, quickly realised we got on
SoundCloud page.
Glastonbury in 2014, how would you have reacted? I think we certainly would have taken a
well and I had a crack at remixing one
lot of convincing! Everything has hap-
of his solo productions. It got a really
pened really fast for us which has been
good response so we decided to collab- When do you know that a singer is right for a particular track? orate on a tune which went on to be-
amazing but the focus is still the music and making that as good as we possibly
come Talk To You, our first Blonde
More often than not, it's the singer who can.
track....although we still hadn't met at
influences that decision. Quite often
that point.
we'll go into the studio with a few ideas How was Glastonbury? sketched out and then see which one
It certainly lived up to the hype! It had
Which other artists have inspired we're all feeling the vibe of the most. We'll then work on that together to your sound now?
a really different atmosphere to a lot of the other festivals we've played, every-
We take a lot of inspiration from clas-
make sure that the production really
one just seemed so happy and chilled
sic house and techno producers like
showcases the quality of the vocal.
out, despite the weather! Maybe it's because the tickets are so bloody hard
Kevin Saunderson and Larry Heard. Both of those guys are absolute mas-
Last year, Disclosure really
to get hold of, everyone feels kinda
ters of the more melodic side of house
opened up British production on
grateful to be there.
music which we're both really into.
a global scale, would you like to follow up their success?
Is there an album in the loops?
What is your favourite part of be- That would be the dream, yes!
Yes there is! We've written a ton of mu-
ing a producer? Is it the touring,
sic over the last twelve months, most of
meeting new artists or creating
You also founded popular
it nobody has heard yet and we think
experimental sounds?
YouTube channel Eton Messy -
an album is a great way to showcase it.
It's hard to narrow it down to just one
how important do you think the
Plus as lifelong music fans we've both
thing! Nothing beats that rush you get
internet is during the beginnings
always loved the idea of releasing an
when a track really starts coming to-
of an artist?
album!
gether, but then watching people sing
The internet has revolutionised the
along to your songs at shows is a real
way in which artists can showcase their
buzz too.
music, but it has also opened up whole new avenues for musicians and per-
57
Jay Prince // Polaroids Londoner Jay Prince brings a slick offering; showing that the UK rap scene isn’t completely dead. The artist, who remains unsigned keeps it chilled and relaxed; as he merges early hip-hop with modern techniques. Polaroids is a soulpacked cut that is instantly loveable; Prince’s soft tone carries a 90’s vibe—making him sound effortlessly cool in the process.
TroyeSivan // Happy Little Pill Famous for his YouTube work, Troye Sivan has had a reputation to live up to with his musical escapades. However, there’s nothing overly commercial here. Happy Little Pill is a dark, moody number with brutal lyrics and explosive production. A mix between Lorde and The Weeknd, Sivan presents a surprising diplay of maturity , whilst fully embodying the 2014 internet generation.
Kito & Reija Lee // Turn Into You Australian duo Kita & Reija Lee are electronically destructive on Turn Into You. Pumpy bass and hazardous synth come in overload on the powerful track. The girls are definitely self-assured and have the raw ability to turn it into confidence, not cockiness. While the electric scene is constantly buzzing with new textures, Kito & Reija Lee have found rare space for their own sound, and grasped it with all their strength. 58
Rustie // Attack (ft. Danny Brown) Rustie executes his hip-hop meets electronica production like a duck to water. The beat on Attack is a prime example of how rap and house should meat. Penetratingly harsh, and when met with Danny Brown’s raw verses and vocals, Attack becomes a blindly obvious signpost to the future of this emerging genre mix.
The Weeknd // Often Whether you’re a lover for some old school R&B, or prefer the more recent wave of house sounds; there’s no denying The Weeknd is leaps in front of his competition. His unique vibe that is now rapidly becoming a signature, is the only explanation as to why The Weeknd receives constant acclaim. Once again, the singer crafts a 21st century classic on Often.
Hudson Mohawke// Chimes As sharp as his namesake suggests, Hudson Mohawke drops Chimes. Originally drafted years ago, Chimes finally reaches the airwaves in 2014 after the producer knew he was ahead of the game in 2011—and he was correct to do so. Chimes is a nod to the gritty and dirty direction music that is popularising. From the bold leads and the solid drops, the track is only for the predictors of music’s next steps.. 59
Urbanlunch favourite:
Paperwhite Brooklyn brother and sister pair Paperwhite are crafting the most enchanting and dreamy sound around. Their aptly named hit Magic was an elecro-pop explosion that really caught attention, and gave us a glimpse of the future of the genre. Cool enough to be alternative, and whimsical enough to be hot pop, Paperwhite really have found the perfect formula.
60
61
This year your track Magic
You state your genre as
started as you do your thing, I’ll do
blew up on the net, are you
Dream Pop, what does this
mine, and let’s see what happens!
excited about this newfound
exactly mean?
Katie: It was a very natural pro-
exposure?
Ben: I’m not sure who deemed us
cess. There was never a moment
Katie: Absolutely. Being able to
as dream pop, but it just sort of
where we consciously decided we
put yourself out there is an incred- stuck. We definitely write pop mu- should start a band, we just found ible feeling in itself, but to actually sic, but it’s not necessarily top 40
ourselves there. Because we have
have such a positive response? It’s
been collaborating for years and
(stylistically). We always want our
amazing. We can’t wait to continue music to draw you away from real- years, it was the music that led to to see how our music unfolds and
ity, so dream pop just seems to
the band and not the other way
how the world responds.
describe it best.
around.
Has being in Brooklyn given
Is it hard to find the right
Where did you get the name
you access to a more broad
synths and textures for the
from?
range of music and sounds?
very open and almost magical Ben: It’s kind of a funny story. Pa-
Katie: There is no denying the
sound?
perwhites was the name of a song
amount of talented musicians and
Ben: There are definitely a lot of
we had worked on, and when we
amazing music that comes from
times when we’re working and we
sent it to a friend they thought that
Brooklyn. Whether it’s our friends
just spend hours looking for the
was our band name. That name
or musicians we look up to, we are right sound, but actually for the
always stuck with us, but once we
always learning and feeling in-
sound you’re referring to, it’s kind
realized ALL of the band names
spired by those around us. I think
of a go to for us. I really love using
are gone now thanks to the inter-
it’s a great time to be in Brooklyn.
bright FM synth sounds to con-
net, we knew that it was meant to
trast the darker/warmer analogue
be!
What's the best part of being
synths we use, and that sound in
a brother-sister duo?
particular is one that we use a lot.
Do both of you share the
Ben: Katie and I almost never ar-
We just try to effect and morph it
same music taste? Is it hard
gue about where a song should go, every time we re-use it.
to agree when a track you cre-
or what the feel should be. I think
ate is good or not?
because we literally share the same How was Paperwhite con-
Ben: I think we have similar, but
genes, we have similar intuitions,
ceived?
different tastes. However, we nev-
ideas, feeling and reactions to
Ben: Paperwhite came out of us
er really seem to disagree on what
things. It makes it very easy to
just experimenting together. Katie
we both like. Or what Paperwhite
work together!
is very influenced by great singer-
should sound like.
songwriters, and I’ve always been
Katie: We may not always be lis-
influenced by electronic music. It
tening to the same music but we
62
definitely appreciate the same styles. production style is something I’ve
Finally, where do you hope Pa-
Its always fun to hear something
always admired, so working on
perwhite will be next year?
that Ben thinks is awesome that I
something together would be really
Ben: A year from now, I would love
had no idea even existed. It helps for fun!
to have a bunch more music released
when we’re writing music. It keeps
Katie: One of my favourite bands of
and hopefully have a
things fresh!
2014 is St Lucia. I would love to col-
few more fans that we can play some
laborate with them. Their style of
good shows for.
Who would be a dream collabo- both songwriting and production are Katie: I agree with Ben! More music ration?
both top-notch and admirable.
and more shows. We’ll do whatever
Ben: I think it would be awesome to
we can to keep learning about our-
collaborate with Stuart Price. His
selves and make more music!
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