As I write this, it’s Saturday morning, the day of our country’s federal election. If you’ve already voted, good on you. If you’re still waking up and looking for a few new tunes to get you up, you’re in luck. Here’s two fantastic new electronic tracks and a bangin’ video to kick off the weekend.
Squarepusher, MIDI Sans Frontières
One of my favourite producers ever is the mighty Tom Jenkins, aka Squarepusher. There’s no boundary he can’t cross, no mind he can’t blow, both as producer and insanely talented bassist. Today he has returned with a new song, and accompanying essay, written about Brexit. Unlike Brexit, Jenkins has opened the track up to “internationalist collaboration,” offering not only the track as a free download, but the stems and sheet music for all to indulge. Any submitted remixes will then be posted to his website.
“The referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU has had appalling consequences,” he begins. “It has amplified many divisions in society and in particular has helped to re-establish xenophobia as legitimate and acceptable.
“This piece of music was written in the aftermath of the referendum and I present it as the basis of an internationalist collaboration with sound makers irrespective of what kind of music they make, where they live, their background, their age -all are invited to participate. It is not offered as a substitute for progressive political action but as a complement to it. I put it forward in defiance of the bigotry threatening the fragile connections that exist between us all. I hope it will be an opportunity to reaffirm some of those connections amidst a very disturbing situation.” Read more here.
Much like Jenkins and many other musicians, Australian artists have also commented on our own current politics. Click here for more.
The track of course, is brilliant, as is its clever title. it opens on a warbled bass melody, while ambient layers begin to grow and weave themselves into a beautiful, atmospheric soundscape. Impassioned and remarkably emotive, I’m looking forward to exploring its remixes in the coming days.
https://youtu.be/2DAa4PEKtYo
Tycho, Division
Apart from a series of remixes earlier this year, wondrous electro-wizard Tycho has been almost completely silent for nearly two years now, with his last full release being Awake in 2014. Today, I’m really excited to share with you his luscious new offering, titled Division.
7/8 isn’t exactly a common time signature for most, but Tycho isn’t your average producer. Opening up to a deep bass and shuffling cymbals, the guitar-laden track almost has a mid-career Radiohead feel at first, before traversing through a series of more ambient instrumental phrases, shifting through moments of glistening shine, Explosions in the Sky-esque guitar plucks, ultimately emitting an uplifting rush of purpose and hope. Welcome back, Tycho – let’s hope this is the first of many new songs in 2016.
For those interested in exploring his processes, the artist has also shared a short documentary detailing “the Awake years,” which you can watch here.
Jamie xx, Gosh
This isn’t a new song per se, but a new video from Jamie xx, who delivered one of 2015’s most glorious electronic albums. Gosh was featured on In Colour, and today finds itself the soundtrack to a phenomenal new video directed by Romain Gavras. An incredible feat of gargantuan proportions, it reportedly features more than 400 extras and absolutely no CGI or effects.
It begins in a dark room, mostly filled with people wearing VR headsets. We meet our protagonist, with a breathtaking scene of him alone on a balcony. The film pans out and we see hundreds of others on windows, and hundreds more marching.
The clip was filmed in China, in a town called Tianducheng, known for its 354 foot high replica model of the Eiffel Tower. Gavras uses the town to full effect, with absolutely stunning backdrops and angles. The story begins to unravel, with the protagonist as the leader of an apparent movement. Hundreds of Chinese followers dressed in identical attire surround him in some of the most incredible synchronised movements I’ve ever seen on film.
I didn’t want this to end.
Greek-born Gavras is responsible for many similarly beautiful videos, perhaps most famously for M.I.A‘s Born Free and Bad Girls an,d Kanye & Jay Z‘s Niggas in Paris, as well as other clips from Justice, The Last Shadow Puppets and Simian Mobile Disco among others.
Image: Jamie xx
New Year’s Eve is always a bit of a gamble, usually resulting in either a roaring success or an absolute flop. However, there is one route which is always guaranteed to be fun and that’s choosing to spend your last few days of the year at a music festival. The music festival of choice for me this time round? Lost Paradise.
Lost Paradise is a festival still in its infancy; it only began last year and was much smaller in numbers. This year, they chose to amp up the patronage as well as the scope. Once again set in the idyllic Glenworth Valley, the drive down the punishingly steep 5km road into the festival gave you the kind of views normally reserved for a fairytale.
Set just a stones throw away from Sydney at a brisk one hour car journey, Lost Paradise was certainly easy to get to. Festival are jammed packed events chock full of activity, so we’ll aim to give you a categorical breakdown of the attributes that went into making Lost Paradise as good as it was.
Location, location, location…
The Lost Paradise organisers could not have chosen a more idyllic location. Set in the gorgeous and edenic confines of a beautifully forested valley, swathes of lush eucalyptus trees blanketed the valley walls under the blue summer sky. A cool breeze swept through the valley, and through the geographic good fortune of being situated in a valley, managed to create a gentle wind tunnel which kept temperatures down to an enjoyable 28 degrees.
It is hard to understate the impact that one’s environment has on the experience you have, least of all at a music festival. The stresses of work fade away, the banality of everyday life dissolves and you can just be. You come away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on another year. And as clichéd as it sounds, a better appreciation for good ol’ Mother Nature. Never underestimate the impact of your environment. This is in part a reason for Lost Paradise’s impetus on the ‘Leave No Trace’ mantra, which aims to minimise the impact of the festival on the Glenworth Valley.
Amenities
One of the best things about Lost Paradise was the sheer amount of space. The smaller patron numbers can account for this, and unlike bigger events, our campsite never felt boxed in. We’d especially like to shout out the lovely river, snaking through the valley, perfect for a soothing late night swim.
However, one of the detriments of big open spaces is a lack of shade. It was hard to keep cool. Sure, you have your Bunnings tarp to keep you out of the sun, but the shade has a funny habit of shifting throughout the day, leaving you and your friends frying under the harsh summer rays. Similarly, portaloos aren’t exactly enjoyable in strong sunlight, effectively turning into giant ovens. The smell almost knocked us over backwards. I suppose this is an inevitable byproduct of summer, but it didn’t help that many of the toilets very quickly went out of commission, with those in need left waiting in massive queues.
The food, however, was sensational, offering a wide variety of cuisines like German, Vegetarian, Mexican, Yemeni and pizza, to name a few. Even better was the money system, or lack thereof, on hand. The ‘cashless’ wristband system in place meant that you had to go to a cashier and deposit credit of your choice, which would then be placed in an electronic account you could access by paying with a little microchip inside your wristband. This is an incredibly convenient, modern, shrewd system: you, as the patron, didn’t have to carry around cumbersome loose change and the vendor doesn’t have to fiddle around either; a seamless, quick transaction that benefits both parties. A friend, who worked at the festival in 2014, even mentioned that a benefit is preventing her co-workers from stealing from the till, which apparently happened a lot during the festival’s inaugural event.
Music
Of course, a music festival is nothing without the music, and Lost Paradise well and truly delivered. Offering up a hearty selection of electronic, acoustic and indie tunes, punters could chill out during the day in front of the main stage on the grass, catching the more down-tempo acts while saving their energy for the DJ sets playing at night.
City Calm Down and Angus and Julia Stone brought the chill factor, keeping crowds placated under the heady summer sun while they swung in tune to the mellow cadence of the music. At night, revellers would head towards the thumping beat of the teepee stage, a triangular stage housing all the DJs who came show off their skills on the turntable.
On the first night, it was Hayden James, revered homegrown DJ act, who energised the crowd after a successful first day of festivities. Permission to Love and Something About You were obviously pleasers, as well as the Odesza remix of Something About You.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfttyNSCI-g&w=560&h=315]
Touch Sensitive really needs to release some new material, because his set felt both tired and short. He didn’t seem to be into at all, looking like someone who was simply going through the motions, or a worker desperately praying for his shift to be over. However, his lack of energy was certainly made up for by his perpetual partner in crime George Maple, who strutted onto the stage shortly after, looking seriously lit in a fishnet body stocking. Absolutely destroying her most iconic hits like Talk Talk, Vacant Space and What So Not’s Gemini, the only question on my mind is, why isn’t this songstress bigger? She’s immensely talented and so charismatic, with huge vocals seldom possessed by any other Australian female singer at the moment.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6nt3Sw3Isk&w=560&h=315]
Of course, the main act everyone was hoping to catch on the second night was the wonderful Jamie XX. Appearing on the main stage at around 11pm, he completely enraptured the crowd with tracks from his recent solo album, In Colour. Loud Places was simply a treasure, swaying the crowd in gentle, rapturous glee as everyone danced to one of the best tracks of 2015. Playing most of the tracks of his critically acclaimed debut, In Colour, the crowd was lost to to hypnotic beats of his music.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP9luRtEqjc&w=560&h=315]
Lost Paradise was awesome. It was a great way to ring in the new year, surrounded by your best mates and the gorgeous Glenworth Valley. A real concluding highlight was how easy it was to leave; we just packed up, headed out and were on our merry way.
The festival is undoubtedly still young and developing, but its teething issues were no deterrent. It was one of the best New Years experiences I’ve ever had.
One of the hardest parts of planning your New Years celebrations is exactly where to go. If you’re picking a festival, you’re not exactly starved for choice. If there is one festival that is surely the place to be this New Year’s Eve, it would definitely have to be Lost Paradise.
Established almost exactly one year ago, Lost Paradise impressed audiences from the start. Set in the bucolic confines of the Glenworth Valley, just over an hour out of Sydney, the festival has succeeded in combining all the elements of an amazing music experience: a boss lineup, a beautiful location, fantastic amenities and plethora of daytime activities. Hell, you can even bring your kids!
For those of you who are still unsure where to spend your NYE – look no further. We’ve compiled a list of why Lost Paradise should be your number 1. destination.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E0Q7X8bOZQ&w=560&h=315]
You don’t have to rough it
For the faint-of-heart, there’s the option of ‘glamping’ in the very comfortable and palatial confines of a decorated teepee, which resembles a hotel room more than a run-of-the-mill tent. However, these oases of comfort have almost sold out, so get in quick.
If that weren’t luxuriant enough, you can enjoy a three course meal at the CornerHouse prepared by UK fine chef Simon Sutcliffe. You and your mates can enjoy a good feed to rejuvenate you after a long night of partying, consisting of spit roasts and food with a local tropic flare, all while listening to some ambient music in the background courtesy of a private band.
And it wouldn’t be a boutique festival without the availability of a spa, where you can cleanse your weary soul with an organic facial and massage.
Get around it , y’all
The music, duh
Activities aside, we’re all going for one reason: the music. And at Howl & Echoes, there’s nothing we love more than music and trust us, Lost Paradise delivers an awesome lineup. Must see acts include Four Tet and Jamie XX on DJ duties, who has had a massive 2015. He released his solo debut album In Colour to widespread critical acclaim and punters cannot get enough of his adorably dorky bedside manner and ambient brain melts.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP9luRtEqjc&w=560&h=315]
She’s the Aussie songstress with the vocal chops potent enough to blow you off your feet, so it’s safe to say George Maple will be one to watch at Lost Paradise.Collaborating with some of the biggest names in Australian music, such as What So Not on Gemini, Maple is also a regular partner in crime of Touch Sensitive, the creating an unmistakable blend of synth-tastic power ballads that sound fresh and symptomatic of the Australian golden age of music.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6nt3Sw3Isk&w=560&h=315]
Other acts you cannot miss are Angus and Julia Stone, Hayden James, Daniel Avery, Anna Lunoe, Saskswatch, City Calm Down, Grizzly and Sons of the East.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mVJJvx04_w&w=560&h=315]
So. Many. Activities
Normally punters are content just to get their tent pitched and head straight into the moshpit with of all of their mates. But if you’re feeling like you’d like to keep yourself entertained in other ways, then LP has got you covered. The Glenworth Valley has over 200 quality horses for you to pick from, allowing anyone from any skill level to see the world from the back of one of these majestic beasts.
However, if you’re feeling like you need to give your arms a bit of a workout, escape the heat with some kayaking in the peaceful upper reaches of Mangrove Creek. For the steeplejacks out there, test your hand at the abseiling or connect with your inner-kid and verse your mates in a game so lasertag. There’s even an ‘organised’ skinny dip you can partake in as well. I wasn’t lying when said there were MANY activities.
I wasn’t making the skinny dip bit up either
Get A Little Weird (in the best way possible)
Most festivals are a chance for you to shed your plebian outerwear for something a little more, well, festive. Lost Paradise goes a little further to suggest that you most definitely should get dressed in your finest and weirdest attire. New Year’s Eve is the night to shine and LP has its own costume shop Snog The Frog to help you out if you’re a little lost for ideas. There’s even a marketplace where you can flog your own wares at the festival.
And when the sun goes down, the carnies will come out to play. Delight in the extravaganza of the travelling circus performers, who will stimulate the senses every night between 9pm to 1am with trapeze and clown acts – you can even take a few classes and have a go with the circus equipment.
Get Jiggy with it
Find yourself
LP helps you rejuvenate your soul after a long year of working hard (or hardly working). Head to the Shambala Tent for a morning meditation sesh or lose it in one of the guided laughter yoga classes. Or show your salutations to the sun during a yoga class. Get your rig out and work those abdominals at the Belly Dancing workshop so learn some moves straight out of Bollywood.
Catch up with the Raw Sisterhood sisters Brenda and Vivian for ideas on how to eat healthily (and deliciously) without compromising the nutritional integrity of the food. Or visit one of the many healers, meditation experts or yogis to reset the dials on your body and your mind. The variety of experiences on offer in this tent are truly staggering.
Hopefully you’ll walk out with a body like this
So get around it and buy your Lost Paradise tickets here.
Lost Paradise 2015 Lineup
Hot Dub Time Machine
Daniel Avery
Hayden James
Sampa The Great
World Champion
A.D.K.O.B.
Angus & Julia Stone
Jon Hopkins Live
The Jungle Giants
Tkay Maidza
George Maple
Saskwatch
Seekae
Northeast Party House
Crazy P
Touch Sensitive
City Calm Down
The Babe Rainbow
Lime Cordiale
Little Bastard
Steve Smyth
The Lulu Raes
I Know Leopard
Hockey Dad
Bootleg Rascal
Sons Of The East
High-tails
Big White
Ocean Alley
The Sea Gypsies
Polish Club
Burn Antares
Deep South & Down
Tropical Zombie
+ more to be announced
DJ sets
Jamie xx
Four Tet
Motor City Drum Ensemble
Âme
Ben UFO
Finnebassen
Prosumer
Anna Lunoe
Young Franco
Grizzly
Will Saul
Bjorn Wilke
Goodwill
Pantheon
Color Castle
Phil Smart
Kate Elsworth
Mikail & Emel Rowe
Francis Xavier
Mo Funk
Motorik Vibe Council
Robbie Lowe
Cassette
Gabby
CO-OP
Sam Roberts
Foreigndub DJs
Mantra Collective
Kali
Valerie Yum
Tristan Case
Mark Craven
Phondupe
Danny La Ru
Jamie xx, one third of London trio The xx, has without question outshone his peers in 2015 with the massive success of debut album In Colour.
Despite the producer’s hectic schedule, including extensive touring, radio programs, composing ballet scores and more, he hasn’t been neglecting his duties with The xx.
Alongside fellow bandmates Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim, the trio have taken to Facebook to announce that they have been working on a third full length album, three years after 2012’s Coexist.
https://www.facebook.com/thexx/photos/a.128325876003.126288.10429446003/10153928949571004/?type=3&theater
It seems that the London natives are working up until Christmas to push towards finishing the album, which has reportedly been in production for well over a year.
For their forthcoming album the group has been working closely with high profile producer Rodaidh McDonald, also known for his work with King Krule, How to Dress Well, Adele, Savages, Daughter, The Horrors and Vampire Weekend.
The band is hoping to release the album in 2016 Jamie revealed to Gigwise in late November.
Jamie xx is visiting Australia later this month for a run of festivals and headline shows, including one special double bill with the legendary Four Tet.
Tour Dates
Wed, Dec 30: Lost Paradise Festival, Peats Ridge NSW
Tickets here
Sat, Jan 2: Belvoir Homestead Function Centre, Upper Swan WA
Tickets here
Sun, Jan 3: Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Tickets here
Thurs, Jan 7: Thebarton Theatre, Torrensville SA
Tickets here
Sat, Jan 9: Fomo Festival, Brisbane
Tickets here
Sun, January 10: The Forum, Melbourne
Tickets here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PElhV8z7I60
Read more: Track By Track: Jamie xx’s ‘In Color’
As the end of year lists start rolling in and bombarding our news feeds, the producer of the year accolades is one award that is often overlooked. Today, SPIN named Jamie xx as their pick, after he released his critically acclaimed and kick-ass record In Colour this year.
The album can lay claim to being one of the most beloved electronic albums of the year, and one of the best albums of the year generally – one that has been featuring near the top of every end of year list.
Jamie xx first tasted success as drummer and producer in The xx, but has really bloomed into his own as a solo artist. Since marking his own path, he has been gaining popularity and chart success left, right and centre, thanks to hisseamless synth creations, genre-bending productions which blend soaring vocals, hip-hop, a myriad instruments and synths into neat and compelling packages. Few can deny the explosiveness of the runaway track I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times) ft. Young Thug and Popcaan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjLBB-TMa84
Luckily for us, Jamie xx is headed our way for the Aussie summer, with a string of festivals and sideshows to wrap our ears around.
Jamie xx Tour Dates
29 Dec – 1 Jan: Beyond The Valley, Gippsland VIC – Tickets
29 Dec – 1 Jan: Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley NSW – Tickets
Fri 2 Jan: Enmore Theatre, Sydney – Tickets
Sat 3 Jan: Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth – With Four Tet – Tickets
Wed 6 Jan: Forum Theatre, Melbourne (sold out)
Thurs 7 Jan: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide – Tickets
Sat 9 Jan: FOMO, Brisbane QLD – Tickets
Sun 10 Jan: Forum Theatre, Melbourne (sold out)
Huzzah! Jamie xx has announced a headline show in Sydney, adding to his upcoming Australian tour. So far, he had only confirmed headline shows n Melbourne and Perth, alongside festival appearances at Beyond The Valley, Lost Paradise and FOMO, in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, respectively.
Taking to the beautiful Enmore Theatre stage on January 3, we were, admittedly, hanging on for an announce of a double bill with Four Tet, much like what Perth will be enjoying on January 2. Our wish didn’t come true, but we’re still more than happy with the sweet beats of Harvey Sutherland and Tornado Wallace, who have been announced as support DJs for both Sydney and Melbourne.
The producer, collaborator, composer and record store owner, released his glorious solo debut In Colour earlier this year (read our track by track review here).
Join the Handsome Tours mailing list today before 3 pm to access pre-sale tickets. General Admission tickets go on sale from 9 am on Thursday November 5 – details here.
No stranger to our shores, this is Jamie xx’s second Australian festival season in a row – last year, he performed at Falls, Southbound, Let Them Eat Cake and more.
Jamie xx Tour Dates
29 Dec – 1 Jan: Beyond The Valley, Gippsland VIC
29 Dec – 1 Jan: Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley NSW
Fri 2 Jan: Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Sat 3 Jan: Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth – With Four Tet
Wed 6 Jan: Forum Theatre, Melbourne (sold out)
Thurs 7 Jan: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Sat 9 Jan: FOMO, Brisbane QLD
Sun 10 Jan: Forum Theatre, Melbourne (sold out)
Perth usually have every right to complain about their location, and their lack of gigs. Hours and hours away from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast, the WA capital is often at a loss when big name artists and festivals tour the country. But every now and again, something comes along that changes that up a bit. And today, the mother of all excuses is here.
While on an Australian tour, which will see him performing at festivals including Lost Paradise, FOMO and Beyond the Valley, Jamie xx will be visiting Perth, with a VERY special guest on DJ duties: Four Tet. That’s right, the master of experimental electronic will be on DJ duties for the evening, while also in town to perform at NYD Festival Let Them Eat Cake and more. I’m sure we can expect a full Four Tet tour announcement soon too!
The pair will be performing at the open-air Belvoir Amphitheatre on January 2, 2016.
Tickets go on sale November 2 at 9am (local time), with a pre-sale on October 29 – more details about that right here.
Four Tet last visited Australia in late 2014 for Listen Out Festival. Jamie xx was here at the start of 2015 to perform at Falls/Southbound, and has since released his incredible solo debut In Colour (read our track by track review here), opened his very own record store, scored a ballet, announced news of a new The xx album and plenty more.
Here’s the full run of Jamie xx tour dates:
29 Dec – 1 Jan: Beyond The Valley, Gippsland VIC
29 Dec – 1 Jan: Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley NSW
Sat 3 Jan: Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth – With Four Tet
Wed 6 Jan: Forum Theatre, Melbourne (sold out)
Thurs 7 Jan: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Sat 9 Jan: FOMO, Brisbane QLD
Sun 10 Jan: Forum Theatre, Melbourne (sold out)
Talk about FOMO, right? I think it’s time we all picked up and moved to London.
Jamie xx has teamed up with his wonderful label Young Turks to open a pop-up record store in London. it’s called Good Times Store London, and for those across the pond, it’s situated at 73 Kingsland Road E13 9NX. It’s open 12-8 pm every day until October 22, and until 6 pm on Friday, October 23. This follows on from their successful run as a pop-up in New York back in August.
The store will sell well-curated records from Jamie xx’s fave Kristina, as well as many of the sounds sampled on his album In Colour (which has just been nominated for a Mercury Prize) and more.
There’ll also be a weeklong series of live radio broadcasts made from the store – full details below.
NTS Radio broadcasts:
Saturday 17th – 6-8pm – Mack + Friends
Sunday 18th – 6-8pm – Mica Levi
Monday 19th – 6-8pm – Melon Magic w/Powell
Tuesday 20th – 6-8pm – Sampha & Lil Silva
Wednesday 21st – 6-8pm – Oneman & Tic
Thursday 22nd – 4-6pm – Benji B & Tic
Friday 23rd – 6-8pm – Young Turks All Stars Shop
Jamie xx will be in town across the 2015-2016 New Years period to perform at FOMO, Beyond The Valley and more.
The undeniable song of the summer that is Jamie xx‘s stellar I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times) has finally received some official video treatment, and the results are about as packed full of the good vibes that you would expect. Filmed in both New York and Jamaica, the clip also features guest vocalists Young Thug and Popcaan, and – not that it needed it – will more than likely see a further boost in the track’s huge popularity.
Starting off with a huge yellow plane flying an enormous rainbow banner bearing the track title (which actually happened IRL), the clip sees Jamie doing his thing in the club and Popcaan chilling atop a building, but interestingly features a LOT of Young Thug. From sitting on a floral arrangement of the words “Good Times” (which he later sets fire to) to dancing in a dingy looking driveway, it’s definitely the Thug show in this clip. However, considering he delivers most of the liberating and feel-good lyrics, we don’t mind at all. It’s fun, bright and just what you would expect for one of the best songs of this year. Check the clip below, and read our track-by-track review of Jamie xx’s In Colour here. Jamie xx will be in Australia later this year for another festival run including Beyond The Valley and Fomo.
So many tracks, so little time! Last week was off the hook when it came to new music, so if you’re a little overwhelmed on where to start, why don’t you try on these for size?
Roseau – See You Soon
UK singer/producer Kerry Leatham, aka Roseau, is relatively a newcomer but something tells us she’ll be around for a while. Her voice alone stops you in your tracks, not to mention her sublime production. See You Soon is a dream you can’t help but get lost in, and it’s mellow vibes and sophisticated feel make for an extremely enjoyable listen every single time.
Homeshake – Faded
Homeshake is Peter Sagar, Mac DeMarco‘s former guitarist and chilled electronic music master. He’s prepping for the release of his sophomore album Midnight Snack which is out later this year, and this is the second single from that release. Faded is a slow, tinkering, dreamy track with a woozy but emotional side to it. It’s subtle but captivating, and is making us very excited for Midnight Snack!
Chance The Rapper & Noname Gypsy – Israel (Sparring)
Chance The Rapper is hardly one to sit still for very long and he’s not one to shy away from collaborations. Having just released a collab record, Free, with Lil B and Surf with Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment, he’s now teamed up with Noname Gypsy for Israel (Sparring). The Cam O’bi produced track is chilled and natural, and effortlessly shows off just how talented both artists are.
RaRa – Faries
Melbourne collective RaRa have only recently come onto my radar, but holy shit am I glad they have! The intergalactic jam that is their latest track Faries is a perfect introduction to their unique and fresh sounds, combining the best parts of hip hop, electronic, RnB and more. It’s incredibly promising and catchy as hell. Body rolling and grinding guaranteed!
Tirzah – Make It Up
Previously premiered about a month ago thanks to Four Tet dropping it in on his BBC Radio 1 show, Make It Up is one of those songs that has a groove you can get addicted to. It’s woozy, bouncy, a little dirty and the lyrics are tough and uncompromising. The house stylings of producer Micachu make it fun and upbeat, despite the slight air of desperation surrounding the track. I’ve got both eyes on Tirzah!
Deer – Cry For Help
Melbourne producer Deer is definitely worth a lot of your time, and you only need to hear just a few seconds of Cry For Help to know why. Unpredictable, huge and refined, Cry For Help is a huge step forward for Deer and marks his return to the scene in a big way. In a time where just about everyone is a producer, it takes something special to separate yourself. Whatever that is, Deer has got it.
Angel Haze – Babe Ruthless
Angel Haze is one of my favourite rappers at the moment, so any new music coming from her is a very good thing indeed. She reiterated that she was a force to be reckoned with last month with the release of her track Impossible, and now Babe Ruthless only further cements this. Not giving one fucking, Angel Haze goes to town in this track, and the results are astounding in a way that kind of gives you a feeling of whiplash. Hard hitting and fierce, Angel Haze is more than just another up and comer, she is THE one to watch.
Jamie xx ft Oliver Sim – Stranger In A Room (Pional’s Room Version)
Madrid producer Pional is the latest in a slew of producers to take on reworking a track from Jamie xx’s incredible album In Colour, but he is definitely one of the best too. This remix is subtle and refined, controlled and meticulous. Oliver Sim’s voice floats above a bed of groovy basslines and an impressive array of percussion. Sometimes less is more, and that rings true tenfold with this track!
Dornik – Stand In Your Line (Jungle Edit)
Dornik has quickly become one of my favourite artists lately; his effortless Michael Jackson-esque vocals and sublime knack for complimenting his vocals with some outstanding arrangements is not something I can pass up easily. Add a bit of Jungle on remix duties to this love, and it’s almost too much. That’s what we’re presented with in this edit by Jungle of Dornik’s Stand In Your Line. It’s a chaotic take but this spliced up version has more than enough groove to keep you going.
Neon Indian – Slumlord
Along with the announcement that a new album was on the way titled VEGA INTL, Neon Indian overjoyed fans this week with the accompanying release of new single Slumlord. It’s Neon Indian at his funky best; upbeat and exciting. Frontman Alan Palomo said in a statement about the track, “Most of what I’ve learned about human nature in my twenties has happened after dark. People are just kind of more honest then. More deliberate. I like to call the places I go to Night Schools.”