It’s that time of the week again where we your humble servants save you countless hours and compile only the best videos which have surfaced to the interwebs. Enjoy this week’s video roundup!
ScHoolboy Q – Dope Dealer ft. E-40
Matching the other seven next-level visuals from his Blank Face LP, this latest masterpiece is an incredible POV filmed clip which as you assume, follows the life of dope dealer, but with an interesting twist in perspective. From the plant’s growth, all the way to ScHoolboy’s studio, this video is perfectly tailored to the gritty soundtrack lying beneath. From the banging beat by Metro Boomin’, the nostalgic verse from Cali king E-40 and simply on point verses from Q, it’s hard to not pay attention to this tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OdDmC1-p4E
Mura Masa – Love$ick ft. A$AP Rocky
UK producer Mura Masa has been making waves lately with the remix of his 2015 instrumental, featuring none other than A$AP Rocky. Following the hugely successful Love$ick, the pair have now dropped the video, a harshly realistic portrayal of British teen life. Mura’s clips always have a brilliant aesthetic, and this is no different, following a group of friends as they hangout and party, it’s impossible not to get some good vibes from this video and track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJM4AQSbZDk
Lance Skiiiwalker – The Toaster ft. ScHoolboy Q
One of the more obscure tracks from his debut album now has an even stranger video. TDE’s latest signee has enlisted label-mate ScHoolboy Q for a smokers anthem, accompanied by an extremely strange and surreal animated video. The pair exchange slick and sultry croons over an addictive synth-heavy funk beat, all in all a catchy as hell combination. While we’ve certainly seen a lot of Lance recently, he definitely isn’t outstaying his welcome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx-dAGiQyUo
bLAck pARty – Best View
Emerging from Childish Gambino’s ROYALTY collective, the mysterious bLAck pARty has dropped this incredibly smooth track Best View, a glance into his debut EP. Showcasing entirely wondrous vocals gliding over a wavy, laid back instrumental, there’s no doubt this will be a name to watch in the coming years. Thanks Gambino!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXtSHrEpvdQ
Yeo – Frost
Melbourne’s ethereal singer and producer Yeo has dropped an amazing video for his tune Frost, turning down the conventional music video styles for a more creative and down to earth video. Featuring footage of his travels through Japan and Korea on his latest tour, the clip gives you an amazing perspective into the artist’s life. Combine this with a moving love inspired message, along with sultry hooks, funky riffs and jaw-dropping synths, it’s well worth the listen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh6vMMhKvcM&feature=youtu.be
Aanysa & Snakehips – Burn Break Crash
UK production duo Snakehips have quickly branded themselves as one of the most powerful electronic teams around, and setting out to propel this even further is their new collaboration with singer Aanysa. A perfect blend of pop with Snakehips’ trap and dance influenced sound, along with a captivating choreographed clip, the result is a banger that, although very different from what many may have expected, is nevertheless as much an earworm as any.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-AqEJzEXYQ
Billy Davis – No Longer Lovers
Branded as Australia’s answer to the incredible Anderson .Paak, the bar has already been set high for Melbourne group Billy Davis. The 11-piece are funking their way to greatness with their latest single No Longer Lovers, with boppy instrumentation, insatiable rhythms and even sharp rap verse which accompanies, it’s clear that these lads and lasses are on their way to greatness. As if the track couldn’t get any better, the clip fulfils one of our greatest dreams, to roller-skate through the supermarket, creating a work that is feel good and good vibes entirely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0p-QbuLdzI
Mary J. Blige – Thick Of It
This bold new single sees legendary New York singer Mary J. Blige returning with an even sharper new sound. With her sultry vocals soaring over a wonderfully soulful and fresh booming beat, Blige calls out her partner for wronging her over the years. With a flashy and bold clip to accompany, it’s exciting to see Mary J. Blige still dropping hits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KcdZZnBfRA
AJ Tracey – Buster Cannon
London’s finest newcomer, AJ Tracey is back at it again, this time invading Japanese shores with his bold, adrenaline packed sound. Bodying another new wave grime instrumental, AJ’s verses are sharper than ever, not to mention the catchy hook, which is sure to get the raves going wild. Visually he really excelled on this one too, traversing through the concrete jungle, the opening branded it a “motion picture”, and it really is nothing short. Next level cinematography, next level bars, what more could you ask for – oh, an EP? Well, he’s got that coming too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9-9GWFuS5w
Danny Brown – Really Doe ft. Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt
Following the release of his latest studio album, Danny’s back, and he’s better than ever. Now with the release of a lyric video for his cypher like single Really Doe, the chosen visuals are ironic to say the least. Sure while the concept of a lyric video is to, well, read lyrics, it seems like that was something that was quickly ignored in favour of aesthetics. Despite this it still comes in hard, reflecting Danny Brown’s psychedelic madness brilliantly with a mix of live footage and videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR_yo8wAgJ4
Clipping – Shooter
Experimental LA trio Clipping returned this year with the heavy Wriggle EP, but luckily for us we have yet another visual from the project. Clipping have always been praised for their unique music videos, and this certainly fits that category. Brilliantly simplistic, yet so entrancing to watch, Shooter is a wonderfully choreographed dance and rhythm-orientated video, which builds upon those themes of violence mentioned within the track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm65PCbUMZI
Kid Cudi – Surfin’ ft. Pharell Williams
One of his best collaborations in a minute, Kid Cudi’s Surfin, with the prestigious Pharrell William, is a seriously catchy dance-floor banger, with nods to African and Latin grooves throughout; it’s easy to see how Travi$ Scott looks up to Kid Cudi with this rather similar sound. The video, meanwhile, is just as entrancing, showcasing one big party. With A-class cameos from A$AP Rocky and Jaden Smith, it looks like one hell of a party.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5KgsubkMCA
Vic Mensa – 16 Shots
After the release of his incredible EP earlier this year, Vic Mensa has absolutely risen to become one of the strongest voices within the hip-hop community. Now, he’s reinforced this with a video for his powerful single 16 Shots. Vic’s visual accompaniment to the bold track includes some truly incredible cinematography and imagery, which sees him go one on one against the police. Ending with a shocking statement regarding police brutality, the clip closes with real world footage of Laquan McDonald, murdered in the streets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPWXOAYlgOc
Anderson .Paak – Come Down
It’s hard to talk about 2016’s music and not mention Paak, from his endless stream of collaborations, to releasing two albums, one solo and one group (NxWorries with producer Knxwledge), the man is definitely a workaholic. And as if he couldn’t stop there, the man himself has gone and laid down the visuals for one of Malibu’s standouts Come Down. Good vibes and grooves are definitely on offer, with the clip showcasing Paak performing in a smokey club coincidentally referencing Marvin Gaye’s classic I Want You album artwork.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OqrcUvrbRY
Gabriella Cohen – Downtown
After releasing her incredible debut album Full Closure No Details, the similarly marvellous Gabriella Cohen has returned with the visuals one of her standout tracks Downtown. A beautifully melancholic, tangy, guitar driven track, Cohen is one of the most talented Australian artists around right now. The music clip works as a great counterpart to Gabriella’s touching wails, providing a romantic yet sorrowful storyline for the track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR_SF2wiGMY
Desiigner – Zombie Walk ft. King Savage
Just in time for the Halloween celebrations, G.O.O.D. music signee Desiigner is keeping his name in circulation with the video release of his EP track Zombie Walk. It’s almost like a short film, where we follow the dabbing king into a zombie apocalypse like scenario. Shifting back and forth between real footage, and anime inspired animation, the track features King Savage, friend and fellow rapper who the track is actually dedicated too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLeMssD0R3Y
Polish Club – Beat Up
Self-directed and full of fuzzed out, low-fi after effects to match, the video for Sydney two-piece Polish Club’s Beat Up is the result of slapping around your mate in front of a green screen and then slapping some effects over the top. Highly textured, the clip embraces technical difficulties and terrible internet connections and is -much like the song- a lot of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHhysr6q1Qo&feature=youtu.be
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Magneto
An excerpt from Andrew Dominik’s (Chopper, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)’s One More Time With Feeling , the clip for Magneto is haunting and immersive. Shot entirely in stark black and white, the flickering lights project the 3D elements to new heights and create a mesmeric, enveloping sensation as the song unfolds across the five minute insight into the documentary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4aF-MDumFg&feature=youtu.be
Illy – Catch 22
The follow up to Illy’s hit single Papercut, Catch 22 is such an upbeat track that there was no doubt the video for it needed to be just as vibrant. Enter: a Los Angeles warehouse location, a bunch of old arcade games, some break dancing and a DeLorean. Anne-Marie features both on the track and in the clip as the pair battle it out with friends in the arcade before driving off – presumably into the Downtown L.A nightlife.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8laCbHBOrw&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmPdWiSpiJw&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueTUboa56V0&feature=youtu.be
Wishes – Settle
This week, Sydney indie-dance artist Wishes brings us the video for his sophomore single, the bright, colourful Settle. The video is Auslan inspired and combines quirky dance choreography with Australian Sign Language as dancers perform in various creative spaces. Conceptualised and filmed in Melbourne, the video much like the song, is a joy to behold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTOD4HNvv64&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do98dd12NKM&feature=youtu.be
Image: Polish Club / Supplied
Given name: William Rimington
Aliases: Billy Davis, Billy Davis and The Good Lords
Hometown: Melbourne
Label: Good Manners
Connect: Facebook, Soundcloud, Twitter
The Good Lords Members:
- Caleb Williams – Bass/ production wizard
- Blasko Taleski – Vocals
- Khiarra Villalobos – Vocals
- Jordan Dennis – Dedicated MC
- Cristian Barbieri – Guitar
- Josh Albert – Drums
- Nathaniel Sametz – Trombone
- Bede Ford-Gabbas – Trumpet
- Eric Tucceri – Flute
- Samuel Winter – Saxaphone
ABOUT BILLY DAVIS
Community radio is one of life’s most beautiful things – their dedicated hosts are the best at bringing you the greatest new local music. Last month, I was lucky enough to catch Billy Davis’ new single, No Longer Lovers, a funky, soulful, track combined with hip-hop elements. Check out the brand new visuals for the track below. This first single from Billy Davis’ upcoming album deserves more than one listen, and everyone agrees – No Longer Lovers made it into the top 10 of both the Australian and the American Viral 50 on Spotify and has also been played on BBC Radio in the UK. Billy Davis has also had the pleasure of jamming with The Internet and Anderson .Paak.
Billy Davis has recently signed to Good Manners, where Billy Davis and his band the Good Lords are busy working on their follow up to their first EP, Bad Ending. We got in touch with Billy Davis to get to know him and his music a little better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0p-QbuLdzI
Can you tell me a little about Billy Davis and the Good Lords?
I am a self-taught keyboardist, pianist, and composer. Blask Taleski and Khiarra Villalobos are my two male and female singers. Jordan Dennis is my dedicated Billy Davis MC. I have Caleb Williams who is my bass player and is a production wizard. Most of the times it’s me and him in the studio bringing to life the songs I’ve written. Cristian Barbieri is my guitarist and the theory for the band. I’m completely self taught so he translates a lot of what I’m doing and putting forward to the band. Major playa. Josh Albert is my homie on drums. Nathanial Sametz is my homie on trombone. Bede Ford-Gabbas on trumpet. Samuel Winter on saxophone. Erica Tucceri on flute.
As such a multidisciplinary musician can you tell me a little bit about your musical upbringing?
I’m completely self taught, I’ve been playing piano keyboards since year 5. I’ve got a big gospel background, I was playing in church from a young age, still do now and through that I’ve learnt so much. My interest in music only peaked from there so I started teaching myself other styles and went from there. Out of all genres I was always drawn to R&B, Neo-soul and hip-hop. Listen to a lot of Cory Henry, Nick Semrad, Robert Glasper, who really inspired me as a player. Song-wise, in the way I write songs I’ve been inspired by Anderson .Paak, The Internet, Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, The Doobie Brothers, The Beach Boys, Brian McKnight.
How did you link up with the band?
So originally I wanted to create an instrumental group called Hood Opera. I wanted to do it with myself and another keyboardist, then have a drummer, a bass player and a sax player. I knew Josh from a few years ago and loved his style, so I asked him to be my drummer for that project. He had worked with Caleb the bass player and recommended him. I literally threw up a status asking if anyone knew a sax player and someone tagged Samuel.
Anyway that project fell through because the other keyboardist bailed 5 minutes before the rehearsal. I ended up jamming with the other homies which was cool.
With that project not going anywhere I ended up staying in contact with Caleb the bass player. We started bouncing stuff off one another and I told him of my desire to start a project similar to Robert Glasper Experiment or Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles. I had been writing songs and arrangements for quite some time, melodies, lyrics, everything – I just didn’t have a team to translate it. Caleb was a mad producer and was totally down for it, so we started collaborating with some artists and then realised this project was actually going to be something special – like Batman did with the Justice League.
With such a big group how do you juggle everyone’s other commitments and other ventures?
Initially it was hectic and I almost went crazy so many different times, but these guys have become my family, so I’m supportive as much as I can be. Not everyone has different projects but those who do, I’m completely supportive of. We’re always transparent with one another, letting each other know how our schedules are going and all that stuff, we haven’t had any trouble yet.
How does the song writing process work? Do you compose a lot of each track? Or does everyone contribute their parts?
Yeah, me and Caleb always meet on a Monday. I’ll have a heap of songs I’ve written over the week with arrangements, lyrics and sounds etc. We’ll record it think about who’s voice we’re feeling for it out of Blasko and K and then go from there. From there Blasko or K will look at harmonies etc. and Jordan will look at how a rapping verse will fit in. Then one of the horns players will come in and see where they see them fitting in.
How does it feel to be signed to Good Manners? How did it come around?
Feels so good. Hugh McClure and Huw Nolan are amazing and so supportive. To see everything that’s been happening in the last few weeks alone since the single release have been amazing.
The Good Manners signing happened after we played a gig on a night they had organised. Huw loved our set and asked if he could hear some of our unreleased music. I showed him a few of our new tracks and he was blown away. Next thing we knew we were signed to Good manners.
What are you guys working on at the moment?
We’re currently working on finishing our new album that will be released through Good Manners. I’ve also been hit up by a few crazy people overseas I never thought I would work with. So yeah things are looking really up just writing, writing, writing.
You have just released your first single No Longer Lovers from you new project, how has the reception been so far?
To be honest it’s insane. It’s like it just gets crazier and crazier every time I wake up. To see the amount of love we are getting in the US and the UK on Spotify has been mindblowing. Even from the inception, showing some of my friends the demos at home, everyone always said this one was going to be a hit and I never really believed them. But now it’s just absolutely mindblowing.
No Longer Lovers seems like a continuation to your last album Bad Ending, is it about the same person?
Yeah it is. Bad Ending was a story of a relationship I had watched start and finish. But with an EP you can only say so much, so I feel some of that can be told. So No Longer Lovers was some further continuation from that definitely.
Is the new album going to be along the similar style or subject matter as Bad Ending?
There definitely will be some follow up of it in most of the songs. At the same time, there will be a few tracks that will be on a different subject matter but of some definite personal importance to the band.
Lots of websites are comparing you guys to P-Funk, Billy Preston, The Internet, Anderson .Paak and Kaytranada. How does that feel, especially since you’ve had the pleasure of jamming with a few of them?
That means so much. It’s so weird hearing that, because one of the things that sort of set me onto Billy Davis, was a bunch of musicians actually putting me down and saying, ‘bro you defs don’t have talent you’ll never be like those guys Internet, or Anderson .Paak or Hiatus [Kaiyote], you just ain’t good enough.’ So now being compared, and having had the pleasure of doing things with those homies, it’s so weird and humbling.
Do you have any side projects?
Billy Davis is everything at the moment. Quit my job to chase the dream. The only side projects I can really think of is just session work I get asked to do and artists I get asked to play for, s.ome exciting stuff happening in December, I got asked to play for Kimbra’s tour down here which is amazing.
Blasko is releasing his own EP sometime next year, and so is Caleb. Our flute player Erica also recently released her own EP also. Our guitar player Cristian is also working on his own musical releases too.
Do you have a tentative release date?
I’m feeling it’s going to be June or May next year which is exciting.
You can listen to Billy Davis’ Bad Ending below. If you want catch Billy Davis’ and the Good Lords live you can see them at Strawberry Fields from Nov 17-20, supporting FKJ at the Toff on Nov 24 and Let them Eat Cake on New Years Day.
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Images: Supplied / Good Manners