Canadian jazz-hop four-piece Badbadnotgood have been gearing up for the release of their new album IV, and they have surprised fans by making the full album available for streaming a week early.
To put it simply, the album is phenomenal. Every one of their albums is incredible, with each album building upon the last. While their last record, III, was their first to contain fully original tracks, IV marks their first to contain featured guests. it’s also their first which officially welcomed a fourth member to the group, long-time collaborator Leland Whitty. The album contains incredible guest features from the likes of Mick Jenkins on Hyssop of Love, Samuel Herring (of Future Islands) on Time Moves Slow, and Kaytranada on Lavender.
IV is streaming now exclusively via Apple Music – listen below. While you’re there, make sure to check out The Avalanches‘ new album Wildflower, also streaming a week ahead of its public release.
Badbadnotgood IV tracklist
01 And That, Too
02 Speaking Gently
03 Time Moves Slow (ft. Sam Herring
04 Confessions Pt. II (ft. Colin Stetson
05 Lavender (ft. Kaytranada)
06 Chompy’s Paradise
07 IV
08 Hyssop of Love (ft. Mick Jenkins)
09 Structure No. 3
10 In Your Eyes (ft. Charlotte Day Wilson)
11 Cashmere
Image: Badbadnotgood / Innovative Leisure
Fresh off the back of the jazzy Hyssop Love featuring Mick Jenkins, Canadian jazz-hop masters Badbadnotgood have returned with their new single Lavender.
Featuring Kaytranada, the song beautifully treads the line between dark techno beats and soulful grooves. An all-instrumental track, it’s not hard to imagine the tune being sampled in the near future by any number of hip-hop artists. The tune bops itself out of the room with 110% swagger.
Put simply, it picks up straight where the pair left off, after Badbadnotgood lent a hand to Weight Off on Kaytra’s recent 99.9% LP.
Listen below.
Speaking about the creation of the track, the group stated that, “Kay started the idea as a beat with our drum breaks and some synth melodies. Then we recut the drums and synth to formulate a song with more sections. Kay came back to Toronto and gave us that hot lead melody as well as percussion and we all finalized the arrangement. It’s an incredible honor to call Kay a close friend of ours; he is a talent like no other.”
The song is just the latest of a series of cuts that we have been hearing from Badbadnotgood ahead of their forthcoming album IV.
Back in April the group gave us the track Speaking Gently, before sharing Time Moves Slow (featuring Sam Herring of Future Islands) and Confessions Part II (Featuring Collin Stetson).
A glance at those names is all you need to know that this is going to be one of the albums of the year.
Image: RWD Mag
Toronto-based jazz maestros BadBadNotGood are well and truly back for 2016, having announced that their upcoming album IV is set for release on July 8. It’s their first solo album which is set to incorporate guest vocalists. It’s also the first to see an expanded group, with the original trio recently introducing fourth member Leland Whitty, on violin, sax, guitar and more. This marks an interesting shift forward from their previous three instrumental efforts, in terms of incorporating both new sounds and guest vocalists, no doubt influenced by their remixes, many collaborations in and around hip-hop, and of course last year’s full length collaboration with Ghostface Killah, Sour Soul.
Today sees the release of Hyssop of Love, the fourth taste of their new album – we’ve previously heard Speaking Gently, Confessions Pt II (ft. Colin Stetson) and Time Moves Slow (ft. Sam Herring of Future Islands). I’m particularly excited that the new single features Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins; I’ll admit that I slept on Jenkins for far too long, but after discovering him earlier this year I have subsequently become obsessed with his releases The Water[s] and Wave[s].
Hyssop of Love is certainly my favourite so far. The eerie, flute-laden instrumental layers evokes an understated groove, with atmospheric trills and softly intricate rhythms and percussion, each layer contributing to the delicate, woozy atmosphere. Jenkins’ deep flow and clever lyrics hazily slink from bar to bar up above, making for an incredible listen from top to bottom.
Each track so far has been wonderful and diverse, and it’s already clear that a really interesting musical landscape is being weaved together on what is sure to be a stellar release. Drummer Alex Sowinski spoke to Linda Marigliano when Triple J premiered the song, explaining that Jenkins “came to Toronto, in our home space to literally vibe with us and work on some songs and I believe this is the first thing we ever did with him. I remember when he came in, different people have a different presence and feel so we were like, ‘let’s get into it’ and this is what came about.”
He went on to talk about the album’s progression, saying that it “is a complete revelation for us in terms of production work, song writing and studio creation. We did all our songs with vocalists, producers or instrumentalists from our home state in Toronto… Being big, avid music fans and loving song writing and having chord progression and arrangements in our tracks, this was the time to seep more into those ideas and work on strings and horns and how you can produce someone’s vocals and make them sound cohesive over our ideas and chord progressions. This album is a reflective manner of where we are at- half a year ago when we recorded it. We are just happy to be recording and making music.”
Listen below via Spotify. The track can also be found on Apple Music.
Image: Supplied
With two absolutely massive singles under their belt from their next album IV, those crazy Canadian jazz-hop dudes BadBadNotGood are back once again with Confessions Pt II. This time partnering with legendary saxophonist Colin Stetson, who’s worked with the likes of Arcade Fire and Bon Iver – it’s a match made in heaven.
If you’re familiar with BadBadNotGood’s work, you’ll recognise that within most of their songs, there’s just a little touch of madness. Being the incredible jazz musicians they are, they’re able to go from incredibly precise and restrained to absolute insanity at the drop of a hi-hat. Confessions Pt II may well be one of the most insane tracks they’ve done to date. Kicking off with some really deep sax and simple drum patterns, Colin Stetson jumps straight in with a wild sounding sax solo. It’s something you can imagine getting played over the top of an old film-noir film, especially as the piano builds to break into a more usual sax lead. From there, we’re treated from movement to movement of different solos, bass lines and drums, often times intertwining with one another. The most impressive part though, is that it never sounds messy. It’s all so calculated and purposeful, with nothing ever being too much or too little to handle.
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With IV out in a little over a month on July 8, no doubt this is just a taste of what’s to come. BadBad have always done exactly what they want, and it’s worked brilliantly for them. Confessions Pt II is testament to that fact, and it’s so impressive to see. We can’t wait for the album.
Image: Innovative Leisure
Canadian jazz-hop trio BadBadNotGood are BACK! Sharing a brand new single on Zane Lowe‘s Beats 1 show this morning, the threesome have not only delivered one of the best songs of this month (maybe even year?), but they’ve also announced a new album is not far away as well. More like GoodGoodNotBad, am I right?!
Puns aside, the outstanding trio have teamed up with none other than Future Islands‘ frontman Sam Herring for Time Moves Slow – an introspective and reflective number that winds its way along like floating down a stream. With drums that will have you swaying, a bassline that could give you goosebumps and gently swelling keys, the three guys are the perfect match for Herring’s one of a kind voice, making this track the sensational number that it is.
Speaking of the collaboration, the band spoke on how it all came together saying that it initially started from Future Islands reaching out to BBNG to remix their smash hit, Seasons (Waiting On You). As a trade, the band asked if they could work together on something else, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Taken from their new album, titled IV, the trio revealed to Lowe that this isn’t the only collab we can look forward to. Mick Jenkins, Kaytranada, Charlotte Day Wilson and Colin Stetson all appear on the album, which will be out via Innovative Leisure on July 8. Let the countdown begin!
Image: Pigeons & Planes
Badbadnotgood have come out of the woods and dropped a brand new track, Speaking Gently. It’s the first we’ve heard from their forthcoming album IV, following on from their 2014 album III, and last year’s Sour Soul, a collaboration album between themselves and Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah.
Speaking Gently kicks off in a really spooky, spectral manner, as if you’re entering a tripped-out haunted house, soundtracked by retro-sounding organ keys and a chunky bass. From there, the track dwindles and spins up to a much faster pace, filled to the brim with drum licks and solos, wailing saxophone and flutes. Each instrument is performed so masterfully, which comes as no surprise considering how unbelievably talented the are, and how their sound continues to grow across each release. So groovy it hurts, with so much available to dazzle the senses.
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It’s not hard to imagine where BadBadNotGood will be going from here. With a number of albums behind them, collaborating with Ghostface, Little Simz and Toronto up-and-comer Daniel Caesar, no doubt the group will be seeing even more recognition from even more artists, and even more people when IV is released.
Check our review of Sour Soul here.
Image: thevaultkingston
Both trailblazers in their own right, it was only a matter of time before Little Simz and BADBADNOTGOOD teamed up for a track, and that day is finally here. Thanks to the all time legends at Red Bull, we now have a fresh new track titled Our Conversations to kick off the week in style.
Since Simz recorded her debut album A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons (read our review here) at the London Red Bull studios earlier this year, the young rapper has obviously been in cahoots with the tastemakers ever since. Now she’s joined forces with them again for their 20 before 16 series, and has jumped on the impeccably lush sounds from Canadian trio BADBADNOTGOOD, and thus Our Conversations was born.
Citing the collaboration as one “she has long dreamed of”, Little Simz’ spitfire flow sounds right at home over BBNG’s dreamy, jazzy soundscape. Her inspirational and very real lyrics, something we have come to expect from Simz, hit hard in the verses before the hazy hook comes in. It’s so chilled, so mellow and so damn good.
The 20 before 16 series is about “20 days, 20 artists, 20 exclusive tracks to take you into 2016,” and Our Conversations is the final instalment in the series. Mr Carmack, Elliphant, Touch Sensitive and more have all contributed tracks to the series, which are available for free download (if you’re one of the first 1000 to get on it). Head here to see the whole list of songs, and listen to Our Conversations below. You can also read our interview with Little Simz here.
Once again, we’ve got you covered and have sourced the best songs that have dropped over the past seven days. It’s a big mix of everything, but one thing you can be sure of is that we have only included tunes of the utmost quality. If you only hear ten songs this week, make it these!
Leisure Suite – Sweet Gin
Leisure Suite have marked their return this week with the announcement that a new EP is on the way as well as the first taste of what we can expect. Sweet Gin is a total dream, soft and down tempo with enough depth to make it that extra bit special. If this duo aren’t on your radar yet, Sweet Gin is the perfect introduction.
Papoose – Michael Jackson (Ft. Rema Ma & Ty Dolla $ign)
As far as jams go, they don’t get much better than this. A big ball of fun turned into a song, Michael Jackson is too good. Big bass, frenzied beats, grandiose lyrics and enough good vibes to warm up our Australian winter nights, this will definitely feature heavily in future party playlists of mine.
BUOY – Close/Open
BUOY is one of the most exciting acts in Australia right now. I cannot rave enough about her. Her songs are so unique, so refined and there is so much detail, each listen you discover another subtle intricacy that wasn’t there before. They bloom and swell as she adds more and more to the mix, complimented by her gliding vocals that float above the frenetically produced bed of beats she’s made. Her debut EP has recently dropped, and it falls into my “Everyone Must Listen To” category. BUOY is definitely one to watch.
B.Miles – Shaking Hands
B. Miles possesses one of the most commanding voices I’ve heard in some time. Reminiscent of singers from a bygone era, she pays homage to her inspirations whilst looking forward, and her latest single Shaking Hands is yet another example of this. Slow, sexy and smoky, it’s a slow jam that has an extra punch.
Dornik – Drive (BADBADNOTGOOD Remix)
Dornik + BADBADNOTGOOD = match made in heaven. Dornik’s Michael Jackson-esque vocals are perfectly suited to the downtempo jazz infusion the Canadian trio have laid down, and is shown off in a different light from his usual upbeat R&B jams. This remix comes just before Dornik’s debut album drops next month, and has us like Homer Simpson thinking about donuts when we think about that being in our ears.
DownBeat Keys – Final Round
If there is a song you have to hear on a Friday afternoon, it’s probably this one. The Brooklyn funk/R&B band have turned it up more than a few levels for this track, amping up the good vibes to a whole new level. Those vocals are to die for, and that hook will definitely be stuck in your head for days to come – lucky it’s so good though, so I’m not even complaining.
Szymon – Medusa
Szymon’s music is bittersweet. Although he lost his battle with depression at such a young age, his family decided to celebrate the bright light that he was, and have been busy releasing his collection of songs posthumously. Medusa is a beautiful, delicate narrative with fast paced guitars and summery vibes. It’s a gorgeous song, and a touching tribute to the raw talent that was Szymon.
Gill Bates – Didn’t Mind (Prod. Feki)
Brisbane’s Gill Bates has totally blown up lately, and for good reason. From the release of his debut single, She Knows, featuring Allday, he jumped on the Chubby Boy’s tour alongside Asta, and is now supporting fellow breakthrough star in the making, Baro. He’s got a voice that immediately makes you sit up and listen, sounding more like someone rubbing shoulders with Frank Ocean than someone from the Brisbane ‘burbs. Didn’t Mind is another feather in his cap, teaming up with Feki for production duties. The track holds Bates in good stead for what we can still expect from him. All I know is that Gill Bates is not one to sleep on.
Zola Blood – Play Out
Intimate, mysterious and rich, Hackney-four piece Zola Blood have returned with a fantastic tune in Play Out. It snowballs, slowly but surely, into a sprawling, intricate track with a multitude of influences on display. Play Out marks Zola Blood’s return since the release of their debut EP last year, which saw them reach #1 on Hype Machine. If this track is anything to go by, I dare say they’ll be heading that way again!
Homeshake – Give It To Me
Having just signed to label Strange Yonder, Homeshake have gone and dropped one of my favourite tracks of this year in Give It To Me. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I am including the clip as well in this playlist and it gets it’s own special mention. So chill, so cool, and so controlled, Give It To Me is the soundtrack dreams are made of, and have made Homeshake one of my favourite discoveries to date. They are tipped to have a new album out soon, and to say I’m excited is a huge understatement. All time!
It’s a bit of an eclectic mix this week, with heavy helping of dance music of course! From the modern take on 70’s disco of Kaytranada remixing Tuxedo, the intricate, unpredictable vibes of Hopium, the summery feels of Patrick James or some fresh, new techno from Stephane 1993 – you know we got you covered!
1. Tuxedo – The Right Time (Kaytranada remix ft. BADBADNOTGOOD)
These three are a total match made in heaven. Tuxedo’s 70’s/Studio 64 era tunes combined with the modern touch of Kaytranada and the live drums of BADBADNOTGOOD? Yes please! Somehow managing to throwback whilst still being futuristic, Kaytranada once again proves he is THE man!
2. Nocturnal Sunshine – Believe ft. Chelou
British/Japanese producer Nocturnal Sunshine (also known as Maya Jane Coles) has released her second single for this current alter ego. Immediately reminiscent of Seekae, the glitchy, swaggering track features the relaxed but emotive vocals of Chelou, and evokes a hell of a lot imagery with it’s powerful lyrics, and expertly pulled off production.
3. Angie – Out of Age
Garage rock will always have a special spot in my heart, and it’s songs like Out of Age that remind me why. Also playing in bands like Circle Pit and Straight Arrows, Angie (Angela Garrick) is up there as one of my favourite ladies in the Aus music scene. Her own description of the track is “a power pop tribute”, and whilst I’m not sure about that “pop” word hanging around in there, it certainly is powerful!
4. Hopium – Right Now
Melbourne duo Hopium have just dropped this new track, and it is one of the more intriguing tunes I’ve heard in quite a while. Combining R&B stylings in the vocals and lyrics, harmonies and echoes, as well as some very intricate, slick, unsuspecting production, the pair have made Right Now an artistic offering that separates them from the pack.
5. Patrick James – California Song
I’m not normally one for this kind of alt-folk/pop, but there is something so easy, breezy, and colourful about this track, I just couldn’t say no. The driving beat and fun, relaxed guitar combined with James’ undeniable vocals has lulled me into a summer haze, right when it’s getting cold and awful. Summer’s here for a little while longer with California Song!
6. Seven Davis Jr – Sunday Morning
Ninja Tune legend Seven Davis Jr is dropping a new album titled Universes on July 24. Sunday Morning is the first taste of this album – and what a taste it is! You’ve gotta be pretty good to have the likes of Four Tet or Mos Def raving about you, and that’s what this track proves. Making me wanting seize the time in question with the track title (instead of laying in bed until the morning has well and truly passed), this “intergalactic soul” number has elements of hip hop, house, soul and funk all thrown together with some future sounds chucked in for good measure. In other words, a total dream.
7. Cassian – Takeover
One of my absolute favourite Aussie acts right now, and has been for a really long time, is Cassian. Since signing to Sweat It Out! Music, it’s been all systems go for the house-pop maestro, and his latest song Takeover is simply another exercise in showing just how good he is. An immediately feel-good track, the crisp house beat and chopped vocal samples work wonders here, just before things really take off into a place I only seem to visit when listening to Cassian.
8. Elizabeth Rose – Another Earth (HWLS remix)
Elizabeth Rose’s Chrome Sparks collab is one of my favourite tracks of this year (we actually featured it in a previous playlist), so for it to be remixed by the likes of HWLS is a very good thing indeed. HWLS is, of course, a joint project by Ta-Ku and Kit Pop, so you can probably understand my excitement. The result is a chilled out trap number that is actually perfectly suited for Rose’s voice. Perhaps she should consider a trap venture…?
9. Mio – Back To You (ft. Lindestad)
If I told you that the person behind this track is the same person behind Tkay Maidza‘s Brontosaurus, you might have a hard time believing me. However, such is the beauty of alter egos and side projects, a single person can make a huge array of different sounds, all the while categorising them into different names. This is the story of Adelaide’s Mio, who has delivered a stunning and immersive tune with Back To You. Add to that mix the the vocals of Swede Erik Lindestad, and you’ve got yourself a beautiful little track indeed!
10. Stephane 1993 – Saffron Smoke
The perfect track to end our playlist and get your weekend well and truly started, this newcomer from Newcastle has just dropped this bad boy, and he dropped it through BoyNoize Records. If that wasn’t huge enough, he’s been played in Steve Aoki‘s live sets, and is won the Maitland Groovin’ The Moo Triple J Unearthed comp. Having just one listen to Saffron Smoke will explain all of the above accolades, with his hip hop and ghetto infused techno undoubtedly taking him places!
2015 is shaping up the be the year of the collaboration. From the likes of Kanye and Paul McCartney (and Rihanna) to Ta-Ku and Jaden Smith, everyone who’s anyone seems to be teaming up to work together. One of the most exciting of these is Wu-Tang Clan veteran Ghostface Killah and Canadian jazz wizards BADBADNOTGOOD (BBNG). The product is a full length album by the name of Sour Soul, and it has certainly got people talking!
Both acts released albums last year to critical acclaim (the latter releasing their first all original release), and are both incredibly respected and valued in their own right – obviously. Last year also saw Wu-Tang Clan reform to deliver A Better Tomorrow, so it’s safe to say Ghostface’s cup of creativity doth overfloweth at the moment. As for BBNG, they made a name for themselves collaborating with Odd Future members Frank Ocean, Tyler, The Creator and Earl Sweatshirt and have a very clear, defined relationship and love of hip hop, so the pairing makes sense.
Of course, no hip hop album would be complete without guest features, not matter how jazz it is. Danny Brown, DOOM and Elzhi (member of Slum Village) also appear on Sour Soul, adding extra fire to an already incredibly hot record. The juxtaposition of Ghostface’s gritty rap e.g. “Ima murder you son,” with the refined and elegant arrangements of BBNG make for a seriously enjoyable and accomplished album. From the angry grooves of Mind Playing Tricks, to Tone’s Rap where Ghostface talks about being a pimp (Fly nigga Cognac sipper/ Keep a blade at the tip of my cane for snakes that slither/ Cry me a river, bitch/ Just want my cut of the money), it’s really interesting and refreshing to hear just how much BBNG’s presence changes the mood of the song, and somehow lifts up Ghostface’s realness to a whole new place. Standout track Street Knowledge would make yung young Wu-Tang proud, with spitfire lyrics delivered from both Ghostface and Tree, over an almost impossible chilled composition from the Canadians.
Although this is a really great record, I have but one critique – this is definitely the Ghostface show, and definitely a hip hop album. Although BBNG’s presence is noted, I feel they aren’t really showing their full potential here, and have instead taken a step back. I wish they had some how worked in some showcasing of just how talented BBNG are, as this will have opened a lot of people’s ears to them for the first time. They could have done something seriously impressive here and used this opportunity to continue bringing jazz to the masses, instead of letting Ghostface take centre stage. Not that he doesn’t deserve centre stage, but it would have been much better had they been equally as highlighted. Don’t get me wrong, Sour Soul is great, and has been my life’s soundtrack since it was put up for streaming, but I just feel like there could have been more BBNG. Was this deliberate? I’m not sure. It would no doubt be pretty intimidating for three Canadian jazz musicians to be making music with a hip hop legend. Perhaps it was them being polite? Whatever it was, it’s just unfortunate they aren’t showing off what they can really do. Anyone that has seen them live can attest to this!