Chance meetings between two potential producers don’t get much more prodigious than that of Snakehips. Oliver Lee had already been creating some hefty beats under that moniker for a hot minute before he struck up a conversation with fellow Brit James Carter at a bar in Hong Kong. The two then, somewhat freakishly, found themselves on the same flight to LA and decidedly gave fate what it wanted; one of the most exciting production duos to mark the global scene.
It’s been about two years since they released their first EP Forever (Pt. II), which featured a slew of collaborations, including Syd of The Internet, and trademarked their smooth sound – that party after the party, glitchy electronica overlaying behind the beat hip hop. They dropped their All My Friends collab with Tinashe and Chance The Rapper a little later in 2015, which peaked at No. 5 in the UK, and they’ve been on the rise ever since; their latest projects pushing the likes of 1D’er Zayn Malik and Danish sensation MØ.
Last year they hit up Australia for Splendour in the Grass, while this year they returned for Groovin the Moo and a headline tour. We caught them in Sydney with Brisbane legend Feki on support duties.
Feki
Snakehips
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Good news for all you big city dwellers! UK production duo Snakehips have announced a few headline dates alongside their appearance a regional Groovin The Moo Festival.
Best known for their huge 2015 party anthem All My Friends, featuring Chance The Rapper and Tinashe, as well as collaborations with Anderson .Paak and Syd among others, their blended sound has branded them two of the most influential dance producers in recent years. Their latest tune Don’t Leave ft. MØ exemplifies their sound to a tee, with heartfelt lyrics and signature grooves dance elements. With their debut studio album still to be announced, Australian fans might find themselves treated to some sneak peaks as the pair traverse the nation.
On top of the regional dates, Snakehips will be performing in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Dates can be found below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQGcfudKBBs
Snakehips Australian Tour 2017:
Tuesday, 2nd May – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Thursday, 4th May – The Flying Cock, Brisbane
Thursday, 11th May – Metro Theatre, Sydney
In Addition To:
Groovin’ The Moo 2017:
Friday 28th April – Adelaide Showground, Wayville SA
Saturday 29th April – Maitland Showground, Maitland, NSW
Sunday 30th April – Murray Sports Complex – Townsville Cricket Grounds, Townsville QLD
Saturday 6th May – Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground, Bendigo VIC
Sunday 7th May – University of Canberra, Canberra ACT
Saturday 13th May – Hay Park, Bunbury WA
Get Tickets HERE
Image: Handsome Tours
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
London duo Snakehips are back in Australia for a run of headline sideshows, while also appearing on the jam-packed Splendour in the Grass bill in Byron Bay. Since first meeting and deciding to collaborate almost five years ago, the much hyped producers, James Carter and Oliver Lee, have gone from strength to strength as they have continued to gain new fans with their blend of bright pop melodies and dusty R&B beats. With their newly released single Cruel, featuring Zayn, currently climbing up the charts and receiving airplay all over the place, their rise is showing no signs of slowing down yet. Arriving at Villa Nightclub on a windy and rainy Thursday night in Perth, expectations were naturally high.
Young producer MXXWLL aka Maxwell Bidstrup kicked off the night with his trademark funk style setting the mood perfectly. With his long hair and beanie loosely perched on top of his head, the producer was a frantic ball of energy as he danced along with the crowd to each track that blared out from the speakers at either side of him. Citing artists such as D’Angelo, Kaytranada, and Prince as his influences, the Sydney-based producer first gained attention when he released his debut single 4U last year, which won praise from Snoop Dogg and, of course, Snakehips themselves. Describing his sound as “future funk” the rich, laid back grooves of 4U and HONNE remix Gone are the Days had the people who had arrived early enough to catch his set dancing along happily.
The crowd continued to steadily build throughout MXXWLL’s feelgood set and as it began to reach capacity, Snakehips hit the stage to a blacked-out venue and sporadic applause. Swirling synths, a deep bassline and rattling percussion that begged you to clap along to it then filled the room, and after the anticipation had been cranked up high enough, Forever released everyone into a wild frenzy. The funky guitar and warm bass line impressively sweeping up the entire room in an instant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5H9_kEs-Fs
The duo began their career remixing tracks by the likes of the Weeknd and Banks, and it was clear from the outset that despite their own personal success they still love to do so, and a brutal Meek Mill remix of Monster was a particular highlight towards the beginning of the show. While that was then bravely followed up soon after with the breezy Days With You which coasted by like a lazy summer afternoon.
The band’s name flickered across the stage in playful bright blue light while two screens hung high above them and flipped and reversed their name at a dizzying rate. The visuals were in keeping with the show’s early momentum as Lee and Oliver eventually introduced themselves half way through their set. There was the odd fist bump and raised arm from Lee afterwards, while Carter’s focus was kept mainly on what he was playing.
Glasses were then all raised up towards the ceiling when the chest bursting bass of Dimelo was introduced into the mix. The Tory Lanez featuring track had the crowd playing along later too when the hook demanded “Put your hands up if you deserve it.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE3a6E4Kg3c
The biggest cheer of the night though was reserved for when All My Friends was played towards the end. The distinctive opening of crooned hums and the old school R&B beat immediately piqued everyone’s interest in the room. It’s somewhat strange that a song which Lee described during an interview as being about having experienced “years of bad nights out” has come to soundtrack good night’s out for so many people over the last year. The Chance the Rapper and Tinashe featuring track has defied the odds and become a global hit even earning Snakehips an Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song and being certified platinum.
“We made the beat to the song last year and we really wanted Tinashe and Chance,” Lee recently told Official Charts. “We just sent them the song and they both said they liked it. We couldn’t believe that they’d even heard of us. I still can’t believe it all worked out actually. The whole thing is sort of ridiculous.”
Whether Lee or Carter can believe it all worked out or not, the song undoubtedly catapulted them into mainstream public attention. The results of which has seen them travel around playing world-renowned festivals such as Coachella and Glastonbury, while they’ve built their fan base. On the evidence of their set in Perth, it looks like this is only set to continue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3mrYxPLSH4
Image: The Fader
“Is there nothing Snakehips can’t do?” Is a question I often find myself asking, and their latest release has made me do it once again. Enlisting the help of none other than Tinashe and Chance The Rapper, the duo have released a new single titled All My Friends and it is about as infectious as they come.
Having released their Forever Pt II EP back in March, Snakehips fans have been keeping their eyes peeled for any new material, and now they have finally delivered. Providing a feel-good anthem just in time for the Australian summer, and a track that will surely warm up their native UK winter, the duo spin their token mainstream house stylings whilst Tinashe and Chance do their respective things.
Tinashe’s RnB vocals and Chance’s relaxed hip hop flow are perfectly suited for the soulful electronica being laid down by Snakehips. With crisp beats, a sea of echoing synth sounds and a euphoric, singalong chorus perfectly designed for arm in arm friendship times, Snakehips have really outdone themselves here. Chance, of course, provides some poignant rhymes like, “You reinvent the wheel just to fall asleep at it,” whilst Tinashe’s voice is warm as it glides along. If you were after a song for your summer, Snakehips have got you covered!
It’s that time again! Our weekly playlist getting you sorted for your new music fix! This week we have quite an electronic heavy playlist, with just a little bit of hip hop and rock. Sorry, not sorry, this was a good week for electronic music! We’ve got new tracks from Sid Pattni, Entheo, Spirals, one from my favourites Snakehips and an awesome track from Set Mo featuring Deutsch Duke. To break things up we’ve got an all out pop jam from Nouvel Age, an unreal hip hop track from Ali The Great, some Joey Bada$$, a nice raucous rock track from Mujeres and a Kindness flip of one of Kendrick‘s new songs to round things off. Enjoy!
1. Sid Pattni ft. Sophie Hopes – Love & Desire
This is the latest release from Pilerats records, so you already know it’s going to be pretty good. Sid has recruited the gorgeous vocals of Sophie Hopes for this dark disco track. Good luck getting this one out of your head!
2. Snakehips ft. Kaleem Taylor – Forever (Part II)
Snakehips slithered (lol) their way into my heart with On & On, and have stayed their ever since. With each release, it reaffirms their place as serious players in the game, turning every track into straight up fire. Also Kaleem Taylor’s vocals are sublime here. Definitely one for the dancefloors.
3. Entheo ft. Maia – Half Moon
This track is a dream. Sydney producer Entheo and Brisbane rising star Maia are a match made in heaven, with the former’s woozy dreamscapes and the latter’s unreal vocals. My one problem here is that it is no where near long enough – luckily there is a whole album on Entheo’s Soundcloud available for streaming!
4. Ali The Great ft. Puer MC – Uninvited
Ali The Great is one of the MC’s in one of my favourite Brisbane bands, Astro Travellers. This is the first track from his solo efforts, and it shows a hell of a lot of talent. His beats are sick, his flow is far superior to what I’ve heard recently, and I can’t wait to see what he does next!
5. Nouvel Age – What Have You Done For Me
This is a duo on HW&W Recordings (home to Ta-Ku and Kaytranada) and one of the members is POMO, who is also signed to HW&W and has been killing it in his own right. The combination of his production skills and the voice of Antony Carle makes Nouvel Age one of the best dance acts around, even though it has taken them a little while to get some new material out. Try not groove to this, it’s near impossible!
6. Joey Bada$$ x Kirk Knight – Perception vs Reality
We recently covered Joey Bada$$’ debut album, but I can’t stop listening to this track. For a more in depth look at what Joey is doing, read our review HERE.
7. Spirals ft. Lou Millar – Dead Ritual
Spirals are a fresh new duo, who make seriously good electronic music. They’ve teamed up with Lou Millar from Twin Caverns for this track – which will be on their forthcoming EP – to create a sweeping, swirling (spiralling, maybe?) dream, complete with fresh percussion and just enough bass to keep the groove.
8. Set Mo ft. Deutsch Duke – White Dress
Set Mo are quickly becoming one of the hottest acts in the country, and if they continue making tracks like this one, it’s only up from here! White Dress was apparently written after a week in Ibiza, which makes a lot of sense as it’s packed with summery feel good vibes! Teaming up with Deutsch Duke (who recently dropped his own single Battleground) who brings powerful vocal melodies into the shimmering mix as he paints a picture of fleeting love (with a girl in a white dress), this track is making this slightly too warm Autumn feel pretty damn good!
9. Mujeres – Lose Control
*sigh* Good old rock & roll! This new one from Mujeres is garage rock at it’s finest; full throttle, a little mismatched, impossibly energetic and totally badass. The Barcelona band are definitely going to making waves with tracks like this, and is also a great first release from new Sydney label, Digestation Records!
10. Kendrick Lamar – Institutionalized (Kindness flip)
I don’t even need to write why this is here. Kendrick dropped his third album this week, and consequently blew up the internet. Every dog and his man have been weighing in with their take on the record, but none have been quite to eloquently put as Kindness. He said on his Facebook page, “Sometimes you hear music and it triggers a musical response… To Pimp a Butterfly is such an inspired push in all the right directions. Maybe I should have kept this edit for myself, but I figured other people are freaking out about this record too, I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to share that feeling.” You’re not alone, Kindness, we’re freaking out too!