Gurnalism

Interesting take on Africa Hitech’s Out In The Streets

2011-07-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

Whilst I don’t condone violence or anarchists that like to piss and whinge by throwing petrol bombs at police and destroying riot vans for kicks, I like the idea of people power and standing up for what you believe in.

This video was sent to me by twenty%extra – a kind of socially responsible creative marketing agency. “Think of us as younger Tony Benns, with less grey hair and whiter trainers.” Steph, Ansel and Sam have put together this video in light of some of the marches that happened this year around the UK and further ashore. “Out in the streets, people are doing more than shopping for new clothes and furniture. History has shown that democracy in action isn’t always pretty. Many are now realising that their democratic rights can’t be fought from the comfort of the living room sofa.”

This video shows the power of juxtaposition: absolutely bad boy tune with disturbing images of kettling with police and protesters being injured. A lot of this footage was collected on mobile phones as accidental journalism but it really shows how technology puts the power back in the hands of the people.

About the tune:
Africa Hitech is Mark Pritchard a.k.a Reload, Harmonic 33, Troubleman or Use Of Weapons and Steve Spacek (RBMA, Spacek, Curvatia & Vintage Hi-Tech). This tune sounds like it’s going to hammer you into the ground with its’ yawning bass line and delightful rave chords. I could hazard a guess that the Ini Kamoze vocal has been mashed up and reused to make quite a few different sounds through out the tune. Out In The Street is taken from the 93 Million Miles album out now on Warp.

Watch the orginal video directed by Sydney animation house Sixty40.

Africa Hitech

twenty%extra

RAVE RADAR: Free Festivals

2011-06-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

This month I chatted to Emma Warren live on the Pick N Mix (NME Radio) about some of the countries best free festivals.

In a nut shell:
West End Festival,Glasgow
3rd – 26th June
West End Festival

St Pauls Carnival,Bristol
Saturday 2nd July
St Pauls Carnival

Pride, Brighton
Saturday 13th August
Brighton Pride

Notting Hill Carnival, West London
Sunday 28th – Monday 29th August
Notting Hill Carnival

Up Rise Festival, Clissold Park, London
September
Up Rise

At the end of my slot I played Space Lines by cosmic electronica producer Night Angles who performed at 93 Feet East, Brick Lane on Friday night.

Space Lines by Night Angles

Listen to the show whole show below:

Pick N Mix show live from Red Bull Studios London

Tell me about your party on Twitter @HayleyJoyes or leave a comment.

Modselektion Location Revealed

2011-04-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's party is hosted by slick future sounds collective Black Atlantic, who've given Modeselektor the reigns to programme the night at a warehouse location in east London. The Modeselektion nights are the brain child of Berlin duo Modeselektor who invite their favourite forward thinking DJs and performers to play. Recently they planned a stage for electronic Mecca Bloc Weekend and in 2010 booked artists for the Red Bull Music Academy stage at Melt! festival, Germany. The events are complimented by the Modeselektion compilations released on their Monkeytown imprint.

Playing tomorrow night: Modeselektor, Mala, Siriusmo, Benjamin Damage, Pfadfinderei and Patchwork Pirates.

Location:
Netil House,
1 Westgate Street,
E8 3RL

My favourite Modeselektor tune:

Black Atlantic

Modeselektor

Bon Voyage

2010-11-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

I'm off to Australia for a month to hang out with kangaroos and check out the night life in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and more!

INTRODUCING: SDUK AND CNTRST

2010-11-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

These guys are playing all the music I love from 'future garage', as it has now been coined, to'emo-step' comprising of midi to high bouncing sounds with bass weight.
Enjoy this mix they did for Time Out.

Cntrst&Sduk Mix For Time Out Live's Nite Sessions by Time Out Live on

My Birthday!

2010-10-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

This is where I will be spending the eve of my birthday, I can't wait! For one night only Cable (just off Tooley St) will be turning out the lights and encouraging all to dress as zombies and bring a torch. The line-up is dark-side with Martyn, The Bug and Daddy Freddy, Reso, Raffertie and DJ Derek and more!

Will you be there to help me blow out the candles at the strike of midnight?

More details here.

Red Bull Music Academy Presents: Culture Clash Part 2

2010-10-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Still want to know who won the mighty Culture Clash at the Camden Roundhouse, Camden?

Here is a wicked roots and culture mix from the Channel One sound system... reggae legends:

RBMA

REVIEW: GOLD PANDA, LUCKY SHINER FOR NOTION MAGAZINE

2010-10-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

I like all the tracks on this album and in the words of philosopher Larry David Lucky Shiner is 'pretty,pretty,pretty good!' Below is the video for Panda's single Snow and Taxis out on Ghostly.

New James Blake Vid

2010-10-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Every ones heard the CMYK tune and if you haven't then you have to check it - like now! James Blake is a Goldsmiths College music graduate and is trained in quite a few instruments. At times his tunes almost sound like 'minimal dubstep' or as some have christened it'shoe-gazey-future-garage'- what ever it is - it is fooking banging! Blake is right up there with some of my forward thinking brothers and sisters and the lovely people at Pitchfork are hosting the vid for his next release which is a cover of the Feist and Gonzales collabo' Limit To Your Love.

A beautiful video for a beautiful song.

This video is produced by Martin de Thurah and the single drops November 8 on ATLAS.

James Blake

FACT: GIRLS LOVE FOOOOOOD!

2010-10-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

So I've been following this chic for a while reading her blog and basically being a bit of an online vouyer, but I thought it was about time I shared some love with they gal they call Naomi Shimada.

This beauty started off her modeling career as a catwalk strutter, clocking in at an graceful 5'10 she was a slim-jim who refrained from foody treats which, in her words, made her 'miserable.'But one day she had an epiphany and said no to diets and the pressure of being skinny in an industry that demands you to draw for the salad and put down the scampi.... Breaking away from eternal hunger and eating soul food Naomi is now a hugely successful 'mothertruckin' plus size model.' Inspiring to gals with curves and a healthy appetite Na-Na is breaking the mold with a lovable confidence, cute colourful outfits and a new TV show called Bitchin In The Kitchen.

Below are the first two episodes of her show shot somewhere in east London:

EPISODE 1

You need to install Adobe Flash Player, or use an HTML5 browser that supports H.264 video.

EPISODE 2

You need to install Adobe Flash Player, or use an HTML5 browser that supports H.264 video.

Check out Naomi's food blog here: Nao-Yummy.com

INSPIRED: SASHA PERERA

2010-08-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Another totally self indulgent article, but fuck it, I think Jahcoozi are unique, slightly rebellious and musically on point. Front lady, Sasha Perera has a contagious personality, a hypnotic stage presence and reps hard for Berlin. POW!

Video, Barefoot Wanderer Dub:

MySpace/Jahcoozi
BPitch Control
Notion Magazine

SCUBA: HOT FLUSH RECORDINGS

2010-08-23T10:24:00.002-07:00

So, it's been a while.. I was lucky enough to interview one of my favourite producers, Mr Paul Rose a.k.a Scuba and talk about his awesome label Hot Flush Recordings.

Here is a wicked little nuggety mix he did for the lovely people at RBMA:

Hot Flush Recordings
Notion Magazine
RBMA

Major Lazer and RBMA do Carnival, AGAIN!!

2010-08-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

And for those of you who want some fresh moves for the rave.. the move of the day is 'dagger' say it with me now, 'Daaaaguuuuuuur...'

This is not for the faint-hearted:

For more info about the party click here

REVIEW:FLYING LOTUS, COSMOGRAMMA FOR NOTION MAGAZINE

2010-04-23T02:10:00.000-07:00

Out on May 3rd on Warp Records.

Notion Magazine

KITO MAKES HER UK DEBUT@THE LEGION THIS FRIDAY

2010-04-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

This Australian producer/song writer made it through the ash cloud and will be making her debut this Friday at the Legion Bar, Old Street. I was hypnotised by her beats back in August and ever since have been obsessed by her emo dub step bass line, gritty hip hop leads and jittery instrumentals.

I though I would share the first tune I heard with you, this is L.F.O feat Reija Lee

You can’t really pigeon hole this one, her melodies are deep and her bass lines are dubby and a little on the dark side. I can’t wait to hear what else she has in her record bag.

Catch Kito at the Deadly Rhythm party this Friday alongside Elijah and Skiliam at The Legion, Old Street, London.

MySpace.com/thisiskito

REVIEW:RUSKO, OMG FOR NOTION MAGAZINE

2010-04-15T02:21:00.000-07:00

OMG is out now on May 3rd on Mad Decent Records.

Notion Magazine

TONIGHT @ THE RHYTHM FACTORY

2010-03-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

RhythmFactory.co.uk

COCK BLOC'D

2010-03-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

I popped my BLOC weekender cherry at Butlins in sunny, sunny Minehead! With five main stages playing a variety of techno, funky, grime, garage, dubstep, live experimental and oh yeah, I.D.M (intelligent dance music...duh?!). Yep, with a term like I.D.M there were bound to be a few music geeks... the majority being boys…..well you are the company you keep, right?!

Personal highlights were the Autonomic DJs D Bridge and Instra:mental, especially when they dropped sleazy voyeuristic track Watching You. Also watching MC Dynamite giving vocal encouragement to the ravers was a great sight! Did any one else think her mic was a bit loud? Still, it was great to see her live and when Zinc dropped BOOO the crowd went mental! Luke Vibert hypnotized us with a wicked set, sending followers into an orgy of robotic dance moves and Reso went b2b with brothers grim, Vent.

Never scared of a bit of pounding techno, DJ Surgeon, a dude who is a bit of a legend on the Birmingham techno scene, spangled ravers by stepping up to the decs with a harem of yoga ladies! Another techno treasure was Derek May who sent BLOC out with a bang and had us all doing a ‘ho down’!

Even though there were a massive amount of great producers and DJ's, many playing live Ableton sets, there was still a real lack of live band performances with the Anti Pop Consortium and Salt N Pepa being the only two I managed to see. The NY divas bought an amazingly cheesy and energetic edge to Saturday night. The tunes were heart warming, nostalgic and part of their set included a sing-a-long to Motown tunes and 80's classics! The gals have still got it and are looking fine. They gave us warm and fuzzies with tunes like Shoop, Let's Talk About Sex and Push It, obvs, shouts out to Spinderella - what a great DJ!

Sadly I missed Kode9 b2b with Martyn, but I have a feeling they will be playing together in London soon! I am also an idiot for missing Fly Lo, Mix Master Mike, Roska, Raffertie and loads more, but what can you do when your pals want to hang in the arcades winning teddies, shooting Zombies and riding Ducati's?! We also hung out in the BLOC pub which had a family vibe, on the Sunday we caught a sick girl DJ crew and danced with men in wedding dresses!

A holiday park for electronica lovers who want to smell good and stay dry.. If you are a gal into electronica - get your butt to this festival and represent...'To many men, to many men!'

Bloc gets 4.5/5.

My Life in 60 Seconds

2010-03-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

WMF! Civil Music Take Over Berlin?

2010-03-04T14:38:00.001-08:00

Are you in Berlin? Are you looking for something to do this Saturday evening? Then here's your answer.... come and listen to the future sound with forward thinking UK underground label Civil Music who are bringing a plethora of international DJ's to perform in Berline. The event will be coming live and direct from Berlin's WMF club, 11pm onwards!

The Civil family will be representing... will you?

A likkle visit to to the Red Bull Music Academy

2010-02-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

Today I was lucky enough to sneak a peak inside inside the prestigious Red Bull Music Academy. Armed with a gaggle of aspiring journalists from Live Magazine, Brixton we made our way through the stylish London Bridge premises, soaking up the vibes and lush surroundings to chat with participants from the first term.

The young journalists were speaking to Academy participants and founders about their hopes, dreams and aspirations. We were lucky enough to check out the awesome facilities that included; a live recording studio with a mixing desk the size of a house! Of course this bunch of performers/journalists all wanted a few seconds on the mic, yes, we had a good old sing song!

We bumped into afro beat inspired house producer, DJ Klem who is killing it in Lagos producing for Nigerian star Mo’Cheddah. He was really friendly and let us in the studio to sit and listen to his pearls of wisdom and banging tunes. Snacking in the lunch area we broke bed with Butchrette, Teri Gender Bender, who sadly lost her voice but promised we could stay with her in Mexico, bo!

After harassing musicians we got our skank on to some pounding techno before dropping into the RBMA radio station with Karen P and Emma Warren. RBMA radio will boradcast live across the airwaves in conjunction with NME radio. The radio team asked the gals to record a jingle or a ‘sting’ as it is known in the biz. Listen out for their shouts and all the highlights from the academy over the next couple of weeks. Term two is just around the corner so keep up with all the events online and on the RBMA twitter.

Big ups to Samara, Shevan, Christina, Jaqueline, Hajra and Solyanna who did a sterling job!

Red Bull Music Academy

Zinc ft Ms Dynamite-he-he: Wile Out Vid'

2010-01-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

What a tune!

For those of you already familiar with Zinc's Crack House EP you may know this tune as Blunt Edge. The recent vocal addition of emcee Ms Dynamite takes this tune to the next level and is already killing it across raves and airwaves.

The tune is on on ITunes early Feb.

MySpace.com/MsDynamiteUK
DJ Zinc, Soundcloud

Building The Beat: Starkey, Reso & Aneeka

2010-01-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

Philly born dubstep producer Starkey made radio history when he stepped up to create a bespoke beat in less than two hours! The challenge was set on a cold winters night by dubstep's first lady, Mary Ann Hobbs and aired live on her Radio One show.

Starkey recruited tactically, bringing in robot bad boy Reso and angelic vocalist Aneeka. Mary Ann presented Starkey with a selection of dodgey samples from Radio One DJ's like Chris Moyles, Enid thingy-ma-bob and other waste biscuits! Stark set to it at 2am tweaking buttons, synths, percussion and creating a master piece, Moments of Mind.

The lovely people at the Beeb filmed the whole thing:

MySpace.com/corgrimey
MySpace.com/starkey
Mary Ann Hobbs

Review: Etienne Jaumet, Night Music

2009-12-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

For Notion Magazine

MySpace.com/EtienneJaumet

Raffertie for Chew The Fat

2009-11-01T03:22:00.000-08:00

Bognor born boy Raffertie steps up to have a chat about his favourite tunes, trumpets and bad boy beats. Playing everywhere from Ibiza to Bestival, catch him rolling through with a record bag full of jaunty filth that will make you drop to the floor and bust a lemon face. The man’s got scissors and he ain’t afraid to use them!

H: Raffertie, your names a bit posh init – where did it come from?

R: My friend was working in a local bank and the girl she worked with had two kids called Raffertie and Mcintyre. I thought they were the best two names ever, so I called myself Raffertie.

H: Your music has seen people physically loosing it on the dance floor. How did you arrive at this furiously crazy sound?

R: Well, I grew up listening to bands like Radiohead then I started going out clubbing when I was 18, listening to electro, minimal techno and house. I found bassline house in Birmingham and then discovered dubstep. I’ve never been one for soulful dubstep, I like the more noisy ‘new school’ stuff. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of artists like Reso, Starkey, STAGGA and Kanji Kinetic.

H: Raffertie seems like a friendly chap, are you really Antisocial or is this just a cunning guise?

R: Antisocial is about being mugged, it happened to me twice in one weekend! The first time was on a Friday night, I was walking home late in Birmingham, the second was at 3pm on Saturday when I was on my way to the shop to get a loaf of bread. I was counting the change in my hand, I looked up and these three kids pulled a knife saying ‘what have you got for me?’ I turned round to them and said ‘I got mugged on Friday I don’t have a wallet, you can have some change if you want!’ I went home that night and made the tune.

H: What’s your fascination with the ‘wobble’ ?

R: I think the wobble sound has a major impact, it’s like being punched in the ears. The tune ['Wobble Horror!'] itself is supposed to be a little bit ridiculous, i.e ‘Horribly Wobbily’ that’s what I called the project file in Logic, I’m just having fun playing a round with the L.F.Os (low frequency oscillators)!

H: This festival season we heard you remixing pop delights like Whitney, Britney and Fragma, what is it about these pop tunes that you find so inviting?

R: I think it helps create a party atmosphere, a lot of my music could be perceived as quite serious. You could play really eccentric tunes for an hour but it’s questionable to whether the whole crowd would enjoy it. So I try to make the DJ set as fun as possible whilst blending in those more abstract elements.

H: Is your logo any relation to Edward Scissor Hands?

R: I chose the scissors because it is kinda symbolic, my mates call my music ‘musical cut and paste’ which has a lot to do with the way I use samples and manipulate sound.

H: The remix you did for Foamo features Sheffieldian MC, Shiftee Moova, where did you pick him up?

R: I found him via Squire of Gothos, he’s a friend of theirs and he got in touch with me, the first track we did together was the ‘Backlash’ remix by Scarlet Harlots.

H: Is it true that you can play the trumpet?

R: Yes it is, I was 8 when I started playing, I had a good music teacher, if you have a bad music teacher it really ends up putting kids off – just think how much wasted talent there is in the world because of bad music teachers!

H: What’s next for Raffertie?

R: Who knows maybe a live thing next year?

Read the full interview at TheFatClub.com

Rusko Debut Show On 1xtra tonight!

2009-10-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Catch Rusko tonight on 1xtra kicking off his monthly slot as part of the In New DJ's We Trust series. 1xtra have asked DJ's Red Light ( DJ Clipz's alter ego), Twin B and Footloose to take over a late night slot every Sunday to show listeners how the futures going to sound. Tonight Rusk' will be showcasing some his favourite riddims, along with tales from the underground and an exclusive mix and interview with Morden's very own bad man of bass, Reso. With that extra daylight savings hour you can use it wisely and tune into fresh beats with the quirky northerner and friends.

Photo from 2007 courtesy of Cow.

Catch his show every last Sunday of the month.

'Hey YA!' RWD for Debruit!

2009-10-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Some call it skwee, some call it mash up, all we know is that Frenchman, Debruit is in a league of his own. If you haven't checked out Soles Sweat, Etcha, PointY and his whole back catalogue then you are missing out! His E.P Spatio Tempero is out 7th December you can buy it here: civilmusic.com... shhhhh.....track to check is Persian Funk with its humming melodies... nice!

With out further a do do here is the RWD article:

Statkey @ Glade

2009-08-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Movie courtesy of CivilMusic.com

Drums Of Death Video Shoot!

2009-08-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

One rainy Monday morning in Herbal on Kingsland Road, I donned some of the freakiest moment for Mr Colin Drums of Death for his tickly bass tune Got Your Thing!
As a child I find this make up scary, as an adult I'm absolutely petrified! I can't wait to see the video!

"Just dance and do a little turn"

If you want to know more about this mystical rave creature check out out previous posts, Drums of Death or hit up civil.com/drumsofdeath or check

"New music and old school knowledge in equal measure"

2009-08-05T02:40:00.000-07:00

Wandering Feet podcast touches down for it's August edition!

This August Emma Warren treats us to a zesty selection of fresh tunes and artists courtesy of Red Bull Music Academy Radio.

This month features choice cuts from south London funky child Cooley G, Stones Throw's Mayer Hawthorne, Dorian Concept, DJ Zinc and a great booty bass collab' by Om'mas Keith and Mark Pritchard. Detroit techno legend, Kevin Saunderson talks about vocals, the 80's and the birth of the scene.

The podcast is free to download every month through I Tunes or listen to it directly at R.B.M.A. Radio.com.

Image courtesy of R.B.M.A. Radio.com

Why I LOVE Festivals

2009-07-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Glasto, Glade or your local park, if it's outdoor and the sun is shining I rate it!

Just bringing you a snap shot from summer 2009!

Glastonbury 2009, Image by Aurora Dubuquoy-Fleming

Debruit- I'm Going With You!

2009-06-21T04:58:00.000-07:00

Debruit is the future of 'bump hop,' confused? Think wonky basslines, mixed up synths that will have you feeling like you are on a waltzer at the fun fare! Feel good vibes with electro hic ups!

This tune came about when Om'mas Keith (legendary producer) UK singer Jamie Woon and Debruit ended up in a studio in Barcelona last Seprtember and I'm Going With You was born!

This tune is forth coming on his Lets Post Funk EP available on Civil Records from June 28th.

MySpace.com/Debruit

Review: Black Canvas, Rise

2009-05-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

For Notion Magazine

Review: Rob Sparx, Trooper

2009-05-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

For Notion Magazine
MySpace.com/Rob Sparx

A Track and Rye Rye take on London this Friday

2009-05-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a line up are you wetting yourself as much as I am?! Rye Rye's arrival has been as eagerly anticipated as payday, she has touched down up north, hung out at YoYo and is currently journeying to the Arches, London Bridge!

If you haven't checked out Rye Rye yet, she is a lil rapper from Baltimore who is worked with the likes of M.I.A, Blaqstarr and Sinden.

The night is bought to you by Deadly, a creative bunch who put on great parties and` 'put out records they love!'
DeadlyPeople.co.uk

Baltimore Remix of Dave Chappelle's Rick James!

2009-05-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

So I know I am probably a bit late on this one, but what a find! Two of my favourite things; Dave Chappelle doing Ricky James and Baltimore! This comedic remix is made by Swedish producer Hets, who has put his bootleg stamp on the likes of M.I.A, Rico Tubbs, Missy and Lil' Mama-although these artists don't have amusing videos!

MySpace/Hets

Kate's bush.

2009-04-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

Many a beard scratcher has deliberated over the enigma that is Kate Bush!! Is it her performance - art imitating life, imitating a chipmunk on acid? Or a mere thespian that knows how to do a good mime and a floaty leg wobble?!

The name, Kate Bush can be found in many a comedy sketch, par example: The Lenny Henery Show, Gina Yashere did a great impression of Weathering Heights. Steve Coogan aired her out in true Alan style:

Not to mention the numerous reality show entrants that have howled like a cats having sex in a bid to reach those high octaves - dream on kids!

You have to see the original to appreciate Bush in her natural habitat, that can range from a mystical forest to a room full of colouful smoke. Her look is ballet pixie and her favourite moves are 'having an invisible tug of war 'and 'tapping on a mime window!'

Enjoy!

BBC recording of her Christmas special in 1979.

Art and Music become ONE!

2009-03-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Synthesise is the next tune from Simian Mobile Disco, this heavy rave tune is energetic, hypnotic and set to have your nan dropping mitsi's like she is in a tent at Glasto! The video was recorded underground rave haven Unit 10, Peckham. Directed by contemporary artist, Kate Moross and Night Slugs, Bok Bok (Alex Sushon). The duo freezed their arses off in the early hours of the morning with nothing but a strobe and melodic dots to keep them warm!

I LOVE this tune!

Aspiring film makers take note!

Do not watch if you are epileptic or about to go to bed!

p.s there is a making of below by media mogul Hazel Falck!

KateMoross.com

Wye-eye opener

2009-02-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

After a very hard going week at work I hopped on a train to Newcastle to visit my fella, who is having some creative ‘me time’ in a small town south of Newcastle. This is the second time I have ventured up Norff, and my gosh, I had a serious bout of Sourthern Fairy disease, this consists of squealing at every pathetic gust of wind, tinkle of rain or just being excessively timid in the face of balding middle aged, John Smith drinking, pasty eating Geordie’s - sorry babe! There are many phenomena about this area that are so culturally close and, paradoxically, so FAR away from what I am used to.

In this south-facing suburb there are a myriad of colourful pasty shops separated by the occasional butchers, paper shop and pound store. These hot pockets of love sell out quicker than a Junior Spesh style chicken deal. It seems that pasties (along with chips and sauce) seem to be a big part of the stable diet but, alas, there are hardly any fatties you would be hard pushed to find a chin fest resembling Harold Bishop having a tuba jam with Lou and Toady!! So boffins, what is about that pastry delight that keeps my northern brothers and sisters so slim?
According to McKeith and the poo police pasties are-like-really bad for you!
Here are the stats:

A typical Gregg's Steak Bake is 482 calories, 342 cals are pure fat and it provides 58% of your daily intake – wowzers! So please some one tell me why popular delicates like chips n sauce and the lovable pasty are top of the list for my friends in the north, does the Atkins diet really work or is in merely a case of moderation or hollow legs?!

The second phenomenon is cheep boooooze! Oh right, for every nightclub in town there is a tasty alcohol promotion to suit. Specialties include pints, shooters, alcopops, all £1.50 - nice touch, free entry and if it is a really classy the DJ will spin anything from Cascada to Scouse House! Dress code is ‘freeze your butt off’ that’s short mini skirts, low cut tops and stilettos to match! I am OVERLY conscious that some may take offence to the above comments, but the latter is true of every town** in the UK… right… answers on a post card about your worst nightclub/binge drink off with a tramp, mini skirt in arctic conditions or tell me about your general state of health from eating nothing but pasties….fuck that!! Help me find someone who only eats pasties, breakfast, lunch and dinner!

**Prices may vary from town to town.

Wondering Feet Podcast

2009-02-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

Emma Warren, is one of the UKs' top music journos' and the creator of Soul Jazz compilation Steppas' Delight . Emma invites us to indulge in little bit of musical wisdom from Tipper Irie, Tony Allen and a mysterious techno genius. Listen out for tunes by up and coming talent Jamie Woon and Subeena.

Fresh, exciting and spine tingling!

Enjoy!

Wondering Feet

Broadcasting presents: Tony Allen & The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

2009-01-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

Thursday was the first Broadcasting of 2009, and oh boy 'what a night!' Cargo, east London was rammed with ladies and gents who shook the dance floor and rattled the arches for afro beat legend Tony Allen and the handsome collective known as the The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

A raver and a lover of all things electronic, I am currently at the begining of my jazzamaction and was absolutely overwhelmed at what happened....

From DJ Shadow to Dilla it felt like Allen and the Ensemble were weaving in and out of my musical influences. With every hit of the stick, drum beats merged into songs past and present, episodic waves of washed over my soul. With every foot shuffle and bounce I was in a trance of musical nostalgia which didn't leave till they exited the stage.

If you have ever been healed by music then you NEED to check out this podcast, what ever your flavour listening to this will fill in the gaps!

If you missed this amazing perfomence then fear not for Folded Wing have captured all the best bits on this hour long radio show:Broadcasting@Cargo

To find out more or what Karen P does check out her website FoldedWing.com

Herve

2008-12-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

Known to his mum as 29 year old Joshua Harvey, this Essex boy has more aliases han a Russian spy. With names like Voodoo Chilli and Action Man, Mr Harvey is a music-making machine with multiple projects on the go. Some call it glitch house, some call it booty bass or ghetto bass - we just call it BANGING!

So Herve, can you tell us what you’ve been up to?

At the moment I am incapacitated! My weekend usually starts on a Thursday and it is usually quite unhealthy. Besides that I have just produced Toddla T’s new single its called ‘Shake It’.

Right we know you have a lot of names, can you give us a wee breakdown of how each one functions?
Starting with The Count….
The Count of Monte Christal is more ghetto based like garage and ghetto tec, as well as bassline. It evolved into The Count and Sinden with Graham. The count is more urban than Herve.

Are there elements of Kuduro in The Count’s tunes?
I kind of pulled away from baile funk and kuduro. Buraka just do it so well and baile funk has been over done.

Would you say The Count and Sinden make club bangers?
Well it is just the nature of the beast. They are dance records and I want to make the most effective records for the dance floor. I hate pretentiousness in dance music. I don’t like it so I try and avoid it. The music is all about dancing, meeting a few girls and having a good time. I don’t really get a rave when it is all dudes staring at other dudes, watching them and saying how great it is…

So lets get back to you’re a.k.a’s, Speaker Junk?
Was started by Trevor Loveys and I. Apparently people say the first record, “Scratch Up The Music and Run The Track” was quite influential, which is really cool. We had nothing else to do but sit around and make house music-hang on I hate that word- I mean, dance music. We were lucky bastards as our first ever remix was Basement Jaxx “Take me Back To Your House”

From the Jaxx to hot stuff tell us about Voodoo Chilli?
I suppose it is more disco based for girls, made for fun.

Nice, how about Action Man?
A.M is basically me making techno, but it has gone a bit wonky and weird as it goes through my brain. I’m still trying to make it sound different. What about the Dead Soul Brothers? It is my mate Sabre and I we play weird psychedelic house music.

Finally the more chilled Young Lovers?
It is me doing a listening album, it is head-tones and for holidays on the beach. I made the album over the last two and half years.

How old were you when you first started making music?
I got my first Atari when I was 14. When I was a kid, I had a new thing every week I played the piano, guitar and the drums. The only thing I have the patience for is a keyboard and a computer.

Favourite Herve remix?
As Herve the Kidda, Under The Sunremix. It was just really rewarding to make a remix, play it the same weekend at Fabric and watch people go mad to it! Then watch it get big all summer long with other DJs like Fat Boy Slim playing it!

Are you into any of the continental bass music like the Crookers?
Not at all, no… I just don’t like the music they make. I don’t know them as people and I don’t like their music, I don’t rate all that copycat stuff.

How do you make your tunes, what programme?

Just computer and keyboards I use Cubase. I hate Logic everyone else using Logic they sound the same and watching other people use it looks incredibly difficult.

You have collaborated with nu-skool hip hopper A-Track how did that come about?

A Track is a friend I bumped into, he crashed round here for a few days and we just chatted and did the track!

And of course Kissy Sell Out on the “Rikkalicious” tune?I know him from back in the day when we were releasing the first two records with Sinden. I heard him DJing and thought it is really fun and exciting! His style is very funky and rhythmic he is very good. We had a chat and he heard my remixes and we kept in touch.

Give us a few of your dance floor killers?
The Count of Monte Cristal, Full Moon and Jack Beats, K hole

Herve’s Ghetto Bass end of February you can check out his myspace here: MySpace/Hervespace

Interview for TheFat!Club.com

Matt Helders

2008-12-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Arctic Monkey's drummer tells us his Midnight Tales and party starters!

MySpace/MattHelders

Starkey

2008-11-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

Dubbed out grimey niceness by the Stark man!

** Typo Starkey's album is Ephemeral Exhibits NOT Ephemeral Music. Apologies P.J.

MySpace/Starkey

RES-OH!

2008-11-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

Genre defying musician who is destroying boundaries and dance floors across the country!

Red Bull Music Academy TERM TWO

2008-10-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Term two is well under way at the Red Bull Music Academy, for those of you unaware of what they do, we take time to reflect on the first term where our British participants killed it with guitars, beats and sheer determination.

With a name like Music Academy, one would assume that it’s a soft drink sponsored version of the X Factor, on the contrary. This event does not have the obligatory evictions or dog eat dog attitude associated with the music industry. At the end of each term there are no reality style evictions or saccharin coated performances. With tutors like, dnb legend Zinc, Detroit G Todd Osborn, Om’mas Keith (a legendary hip hop soul producer who has worked with everyone from Run DMC to Kanye) and super engineer - Erik ‘Kut-L’ Breuer, these guys are just a fraction of what tutorials were available for the participants. The academy is situated on the outskirts of Barcelona in a refurbished warehouse the vibes are low key and chillaxed.’

We followed UK participants Jamie Woon and Subeena who made it through the vigorous application process. Jamie has made a huge impact on the London club circuit performing at acoustic nights, supporting Amy Winehouse and Newton Faulkner as well as running one of the capitals most successful spoken word nights, One Taste. Jamie fuses guitar with his beautiful voice to create a textual feeling of soul and ambient folk jazz. In the studio he’s enigmatic performance and constant enthusiasm were an inspiration to fellow students and those visiting. To find out more check out Jamie’s MySpace

The other UK contender for term one was Subeena, a female producer who lives in London and whose tunes have been getting much love within the dubstep scene. The Milano born producer runs her progressive label, Immigrant Recordings and is a regular at premier dubstep night Platform 1. During this project she has been collaborating with participants from all over, but we aren’t allowed to say who-just yet!!

Artists that really caught our eye were Violet form Portugal who is well known in the Lisbon club scene and frequently collaborates with some of the capitals freshest producers. Not forgetting the funk musical madness of New Zealand genius Wild Bill Rickets and electro queen CoCo Solid who are equally awesome. Representing for the dubstep scene was a young man by the name of Desto from Helsinki, a capital that has produced some quality producers like Tes La Rok and Clouds.

Term one music lecturers included Skepta, Buraka Som Sistema, dubsteppah’ Appleblim, electronic man Move D and dnb legend Goldie. These unique workshops see these musical moguls giving master classes in Logic and music making programmes as well as playing exclusive tracks and spreading their personal philosophy. All lecturers bought something unique to the table that included heaps of advice and bought together such a diverse selection of musical styles that participants went full circle on the musical scale.

As well as seeing the student’s progress musically we also tuned into Red Bull Music Academy Radio that in the first term heard Emma Warren introducing students and letting them take over the show. The radio also streams out across the local airwaves in Barcelona.

The highlight of the first term had to be the live concert at the Arc De Triomf where Red Bull Music Academy hijacked a stage in this historic monument (that had previously been used for a free rock concert). The residents of Barcelona along with all the participants were treated to performances by Zinc, Goldie, Benga and Skream who launched a bass line offensive in this arch of beauty. Heavy dnb veteran Zinc twisted ‘em out, followed by Brummy pioneer Goldie up rolling out tunes like the lovers favourite True Romance by D Bridge. Of course the headliners tore it up mixing classic with new material and even dropping a Burial tune as a little surprise at the end!

Now the second term is well under way we are keeping an eye out on two of our favourite participants, Goldie Locks and Mushug (one half of Octa Push). The participants have already been treated to music lectures by DMZ’s Mala and have been hard at it! You can watch all the lectures online at RBMA.com

If you want to know who is going to be big in 2009 listen to the Red Bull Music Academy Radio here. You can catch all the previous shows and live streams as they happen at RedBulllMusicAcademy/radio

Keep it locked for information how you can be part of the Red Bull Music Academy experience

Diamond In The Rough

2008-10-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh the lovely Marina and her Diamonds, seriously cannot get enough of this fantastically REAL singer!!

A1: The Route To Bassline Bangers!

2008-10-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

A1 Bassline: He's A LOT!!

Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves

2008-10-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Introducing: GIRLCORE!!!!!

Icelandic Electro

2008-09-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

"Temptation is a bitch. Get on your knees and suck my d*ck girl!"Steed Lord 2008

Octa Push

2008-09-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Chromeo go Head to Head...

2008-09-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

'Now let me see your fancy footwork!' Queenie and I had a cuppa with Dave and Patrick at the swanky Hoxton Hotel to talk about pies, mash and carnival vibes!

Drop The Lime

2008-09-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

You put the Lime in the coco nut and mix it all together!

TV INTERVIEW WITH SEMTEX:

2008-09-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

We catch up with Sem in conjunction with Dad Space and RWD to chat about Dizzee, how to make it as a DJ, his cameo in the video Dance Wiv Me and grime hits!

www.rwdmag.com The key to the underground

ENOUGH ALREADY!!

2008-08-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Scathing article about ridiculous watches!

LITTLE BOOTS

2008-08-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

RWD MAGAZINE the key to the underground.

MySpace/LittleBoots

GENERATION BASS

2008-08-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

It was only two years ago that Dubstep Warz aired across the UK. A show that thrust dubstep into the limelight with Radio One’s Mary Anne Hobbs, who confidently handed over her Breezeblock session to a group of incorrigible rogues that were part of a progressive scene called dubstep. During the two-hour show an explosion of bass ridden riddims ripped through the studio and into the ears of the nation, through car stereo, sub woofer and wireless. Sgt Pokes, Skream, Mala, Vex’d, Distance, Kode 9 and Space Ape tore the roof clean off, leaving listeners up and down the country reaching for a clean pair of pants. For some listeners the event was life changing and the dubstep family grew ten fold embracing a genre unique and like no other before.

Since that mystical night in January 2006, Mary Anne and the DJ’s that appeared on the show have been asked to hand pick producers and DJ’s who represent the sound of dubstep 2008. They have christened the event Generation Bass, a fitting tribute, for the artists selected are a testament that dubstep has evolved.

DMZ’s Mala choose soulful boys Quest and Silkie who are absolutely killing it at the moment. Silkie’sI Sed] with it’s soulful synths and gentle chords make it perfect for lovemaking or a summers day. Not forgetting Quest’s Forever that has been on heavy rotation and a riddim that can be found in record bags from Japan to Jupiter.

MySpace/Conquest

MySpace/Silkie

Skream selected Milton Keynes prodigy Kulture, who’s dream like, Tonight is beautifully unobtrusive. A truly versatile producer with a repertoire that ranges from chest rattlers to easy going dubs. MySpace/Kulturer

Master of the Hyperdub label, Kode 9 recruited Joker from Bristol who presents 80s inspired synths and loops, tunes like Gully Brook Lane will have you bust your lemon face. MySpace/Joker

Vex’d asked American crunk master Starkey to tickle the decks. His tunes have all the bravado of Lil Wayne and bass lines dirtier than Pat Butcher’s knickers. Stark’s is also affiliated with the NY label Trouble and Bass. Check out tunes, Gutter Music and a banging remix of I Am Metal by Graphic.
MySpace/Starkey

Loefah chose garage kid Oneman who blends garage and dubstep effortlessly making him one of Streatham’s most wanted guys.
MySpace/Oneman

Finally Distance chose south man Cyrus, who is currently making his mark on the scene with crashing tunes like Violate Silence and Corruption Whispers. MySpace/Cyrus

There is no one that can really surpass the lyrical genius that is Sgt Pokes. His vocabulary has aged like a university lecturer with wit and intellect. Expect excited chatter and banter that could out talk your nan!

RWD were lucky enough to be at the recording and if you missed it first time round then we promise you will not be disappointed. The next generation are confident, ballsy and very talented. Listen to the show tomorrow night/Wednesday morning on Radio One, 2 till 4 am. The show will also be available on the BBC I player, for more information check the Radio 1 website.

THE CROOKERS

2008-08-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

RWD the key to the underground.

MySpace/Crookers

BURAKA SOM SISTEMA

2008-08-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

RWD the key to the underground.

MySpace/Buraka Som Sistema.

TOMB CREW

2008-08-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

THE RUDDY BLOODY BEETROOTS

2008-07-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

A pair of Italian vegetables that are part of LA label, Dim Mak. Bob Rifo and Tommy Tea are the hype machine rocking parties with jump electro bangers, in the words of Derek Zoolander they are "SO hot right now!"Italy biggest hype machine!

FULL INTERVIEW:
What is your favourite vegetable?
Bobby: Carrot.
Tommy:I suppose a carrot, aubergines are cool because you can make parmaseana.

Why do you guys wear crazy outfits when you perform?
Bobby: In reality we are not really that normal, ha ha. Our style is highly influenced by comics and art.

So who is your favourite Super Hero or comic?
Bobby: At the moment I am loving Sponge Bob Square Pants and of course Spider Man.
Tommy: Italian cartoons by Max Bunker (cartoon extraordinaire) Alan Ford part of TNT and arty super heroes.

We all know Italian’s are very fashion conscious would you say that is true with you guys?
Bobby: We dress how we want I suppose you could say we are a bit punk in our style.
Tommy: We wear masks for our privacy, because we like to separate the Bloody Beetroots from Tom and Bob. I feel the same as you when I go out and see lots of people looking perfect.

I know that is a bit of a sweeping generalisation.... It’s like saying English people like English breakfast, a pint of bear or a pork pie!
Bobby: And they get naked as soon as they see a ray of light!

What is your relationship with the Crookers?
Tommy: The time we share is spent mostly chatting about the music.

Let’s talk tunes, I’m loving Land Of The Giants?
Bobby: The final product is not finished yet, but, the internet knows more things than we do sometimes! It is taken from the title track of a show called Land Of The Giants. It was made with the intention to be scratched over.

The track seems highly influenced by Miami bass and crunk, is that what you are feeling?
Bobby: Yes that is definitely what we were feeling at the moment!

I love the Bloody Beetroots and C’est La Vie are all euphoric club bangers right?
Tommy: Yes, right now Bob is producing a track called I Hate The Bloody Beetroots
Bobby:The track was created with THAT intention it wasn’t a casual thing, we have pooled all the influences like Daft Punk, Classical Music and Bob Beetroot(laughs)!

How would you sum up your style?
Bobby:We use a lot of cultural music that is aimed at the dance floor our influences are always changing and we embrace change.
Tommy: The thing we love about the Bloody Beetroots is its unpredictability.

Who are your influences right now?
Bobby: Debussy, he is not very now but classical is like an ‘ever green’ do you want to hear our mix? (ubber happy Debussy influenced tune that is fused with Robyn’s massive tune Cobrastyle)

If you eat too much Beetroot it can kill you, how does that make you feel?
Tommy: Anything can kill you from to love to hate.

The Rombo EP is set to drop in January 2009.

The Bloody Beetroots also have a wicked line of T shirts check it out the
Dim Mak website
for more info.

The Bloody Beetroots MySpace.

MEN IN MASKS GO HEAD2HEAD

2008-07-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

They DJ together, but in their spare time, Jeff Leach aka Black Mamba presents teen chat show The Surgery, while Ronnie Joyce aka Salsa Verde is the lead singer in No Picasso. Hayley Joyes gets the very heterosexual Men In Masks together for a Head2Head… Image by Carnegie & Conway
Where did Men In Masks come from?
Jeff: I used to book DJs for club nights, but the DJs I booked always looked miserable, serious and a bit too cool for school. So I decided to DJ myself, the main drive was wearing an outfit that looked so ridiculous that people didn’t feel threatened. We started to give out party poppers and bowls of sweets, which made it a really fun.

Do your names affect your garms?
Jeff: My Mamba mask is black and has things on the side that look like a cobra. Although it is changing - keep that on the D.L. I don’t what my name will be when that comes out...
Ronnie: I wear a birthday suit...
Jeff: It is a suit that has ‘Birthday’ written across it.

You run a night called Fiesta, but what is your ultimate idea of a Fiesta?
Ronnie: R Kelly cos he did that song Fiesta. My ideal Fiesta would be Jeff and I having an argument about me trying to wee on him.
Jeff: I have created the ultimate one. It combines interesting, arty and musical elements to create a festival vibe, you can have grime kids, rock kids, goth kids all hanging out and no one fights and everyone is there to enjoy the sunshine. That is what the club night is about, with the pole dancers, cake stall and fancy dress.

Jeff you present The Surgery on BBC2; are you the next Kilroy?
Jeff: My haircut changes every week so I think I am a bit more of a Trisha.
Ronnie: Jeremy Kyle’s a bit of a ba*tard...
Jeff: No, his parents were married before they had him.
Ronnie: I would like to be Kyle. I heard once he was in this restaurant on the phone and he had a conversation that went, ‘You f*ck off, you c*nt,’ then hung up the phone.
Jeff: You can’t use language like that.
Ronnie: (sheepish) Sorry. Men in Masks don’t swear!

In The Surgery you talk about ‘tribes;’ what tribe were you as kids?
Jeff: I have gone through so many different styles, I have been a little drum and bass rude boy, a skater, a hip hopper, then I went to America and got into emo with a floppy hair cut and a lip ring. Now I am just a bit of everything.
Ronnie: I was really sporty as a kid. I used to play football all the time and I support Newcastle United.
Jeff: So you were a football thug...
Ronnie: No, I wasn’t a football ‘FUG’! Now I’m pigeonholed because I’m in an indie band. Actions speak louder than clothes.

You also talk about cheating; have either of you done the dirty on another half?
Jeff: I don’t cheat... really. If I don’t want to be with someone, I’ll break up with them or if I don’t want an exclusive relationship I’ll say from the beginning. There is no point.
Ronnie: I can’t juggle, mentally and physically.
Jeff: You want dirt Hayley, but there is no dirt!

If you were a character on Eastenders who would you be?
Ronnie: I’d be Wellard.’
Jeff: You are well ‘ard. I’d be Dot Cotton, she’s an institution; the actress is a rock and roller...

Jeff you won NME’s Best DJ of The Year, nice!
Jeff: I’m not too fussed about that.
Ronnie: Well, I won The Best Person In The World award.
Jeff: Awarded by his mum when he was seven.
Ronnie: Actually aged seven, eight and nine, then my sister won it.
Jeff: I won my five-meter badge.

Is there anything you’d like to ask each other?
Jeff: Honestly, how much more fulfiled is your life now I am in it?
Ronnie: Can I go to the toilet?!
Jeff: Lets cut to the case; was your life wrong before I entered it?
Ronnie: Yes. For my birthday, he bought me three pendants; one is a heart for our love, one is a pair of shoes because we kick about together and one is a dream catcher so we can follow our dreams.
Jeff: We are not currently in a relationship together, but if we were Ronnie would be my first choice! I’d be the butch one.

If you could go head to head with anyone in the world who would it be?
Jeff: I would go into the future and ask myself ‘Was it fun’?
Ronnie: What if he said no?
Jeff: Then I’d try a bit harder.
Ronnie: You can’t change the past. I’d like to meet someone like Alexander Bell or Thomas Edison, learn all his ideas, go back further and invent them and get all the credit for it.

Catch The Surgery on BBC2 Saturday Afternoon, SurgerywebsiteNo Picasso MySpace. - No Picasso play Proud Gallery, Camden on 2 July.

Men In Masks MySpace.

RWD magazine, the key to the underground.

BUBBLE GUM GRIME: THE CLIK CLIK

2008-07-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

RWD July 2008
Christened the new kids of ‘bubble gum grime, ’ Maya, Stef, Henry and Drew love nothing more than to thrash it out with electro blips and harmonies so sweet they give you toothache. The latest addition to the nonstop faze of beginning your name with a ‘The’, The Clik Clik’s are nothing like The Ting Tings, The Subways, The Editors, The Hoosiers or The Fratellis. Imagine indie/ pop remixed by, say, Scorcher, and you kind of get the picture.
Following in the footsteps of Kate Nash, Adele, Winehouse and Jamie Woon by attending the infamous BRIT school, the foursome have gone from a rag-tag band of mates to a proper band who have toured with, and remixed, grime/ indie collective, Hadouken. They have also been hanging out with Philly fun boys Plastic Little who redid My Dunks, an ironic tune about people who are addicted to fashion and keeping their sneaks clean on road. With lines like ‘I haven’t took them off for once/ I’ve been cleaning them for a month/ I’m in love with my white Nike dunks,’ Stef, guitarist and singer, points out that fans aplenty wrote in to their Myspace expressing agreement. " ‘Oh mate, that Dunks song is about my life,’ ” he laughs before adding, “I think they got the wrong end of the stick!” Clearly not shy of a giggle, bassist Henry jokes that they came up with their name whilst eating ‘Alphabetti spaghetti.’ It comes as no surprise that after their tongue-in-cheek single and energetic approach to music that the youthful C’Cs were asked to do a tour in association with Skins and MySpace, catapulting the four strong click all over the UK with likeminded bands like Alphabeat and The Ark.

The four pooled their wide variety of influences and upbringings to create ‘their’ sound. Stef’s parents are a country and western duo who still work the circuit, Henry’s dad plays guitar, Drew’s mum is a ballerina and Maya’s dad is a punk. They rate their influences as everything from psychedelic band MGMT, Motown, Elvis Costello and The Police. Meanwhile Drew’s love for artists like Klashnekoff and Sway add a little edge to their happy-go-lucky indie/pop bravado.

Still buzzing from making their first video with up-and-coming director Lilly Smith, vocalist and keyboard player Maya talks about the future of their sound. ”I like the bubble gum name, but I think we have moved on a little bit since our first single,” she decides. Their latest release Did You Wrong has less rapping and is a little more pop/indie/cry into your pillow style. As for being the girl among the boys, and it ain’t no thing but a chicken wing for Maya, although she does admit - excuse the pun, “We can seem a bit cliquey, but we love meeting new people.” Indeed, it’s their friendly and fun-loving attitude that really shines through, especially on tunes like Went To A Party where they come into their own as angelic harmonies wash over melodic chords. They’re not too slo-mo though – the uptempo electro tune Can’t Take You Anywhere has a demented Tetris sample that Stef says came about after a lot of looking and a little imagination. “We wanted a mental sound and a lot of our stuff has this 8-bit wash that links everything together,” he says getting all technical. “I made the sample on Reason.”

As they say, the group that parties together, stays together and luckily Clik Clik love nothing more than to cut the rug at some of London’s best electro rave. Although, Maya admits, they’re not always fun – swerving the bad ones is the key to a good night out. “I hate those raves that are like meat markets, it’s no fun.” Lucky then that they’re getting booked-out to do only the best – catch Clik Clik at Creamfields and at their residency over on the golden Isle for Ibiza Rocks and head to their MySpace to, er, join the Clik!

The single Did You Wrong is out now. The Clik Clik

RWD magazine, the key to the underground.

SHAKE AND POP-GREEN VELVET

2008-07-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

One of Chicago's legendary producers Curtis Jones a.k.a Preacher Man has enthralled crowds for over a decade with his crazy funked out electro, so why not appreciate the God fearing genius with a look at track that is being rinsed by remixers' everywhere! Taken from the album Love Peace Not War released back in 2007!

There is only one way to Shake and Pop and that is as God intended with Mr Jones....

INTRODUCING: DRUMS OF DEATH

2008-06-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

The villain of Hot Chip’s Greco Roman records, D.O.D catches up to chat about Mexican Day of the Dead and his killer sound! The character has only been going for a year but 29 year old Colin Bailey is intent of livening up every party from Dundee to Detroit!

Who is Drums Of Death?
DOD is a mixture of my love for bass music, rock and roll, it’s all the craziness Black Sabbath fused with my love of electronic music. The visual side, the laptop sets and vocals I want it to be more exciting. Some friends of mine: Drop the Lime, NY and Sparky have a lot of fun and that is what I do. This is my grime; I have taken all my different influences and made this sound in Scotland. I think it is more for my benefit but when people get it, they really get it!

What is the inspiration behind you costume?
I wanted to try something different I am not a performance art sort of guy so I didn’t want to be over the top. The face paint was originally a lot more sharper and jaggy, it is almost like black metal make up, I’m using imagery from sort voodoo rituals and Mexican day of the dead with the tuxedo and face paint. All those Latin countries have a lot of exciting fairy tales, the moral is always ‘behave or the spirits will get you.’

Your performances are electric and thrilling, how do you do it?
I make sweet love to mixers, in dark clubs they know my gentle touch!

Where did you love for rock and roll begin?
I grew up in a very religious area on the west coast of Scotland, aged 9 I wanted to be a priest! I was catholic, a friend of mine came out and he got quite a lot of shit. I just rebelled, kissing girls and listening to rock and roll and the devil took me away from Jesus. I joined my first hardcore metal band when I was 15. At the high school talent contest my band did a Sepultura cover. Me and my friend were obsessive about vinyl to the extent that we didn’t smoke or do drugs, we just drank and bought records (we weren’t even DJing).

How did you make the leap from metal to electronic music?
When I was 21 I went to a rave in the countryside. I was a total metal kid then someone took me to a jungle club and my eyes were open to all this electronic music, then I heard of (Kraftwork) all these electronic milestones came up. It was really wonderful, everything it could have been and it opened my eyes a lot. I made my first tune when I was 24.

Who are your influences?
I’m kinda influenced by acid house and I am bit of a techno kid as well. One of my earliest influences is the early Micronauts stuff, they are two guys from France 99/98 were making stuff like that, they made this record called Bleep to Bleep it sounds like a breathing organism. I’m trying to install that in my work, fuse it with some nasty chord changes and see what happens. I love this band from Washington DC, Fugazi they make amazingly harsh music. I rate grime I’m playing with Wiley I really like his stuff. The thing about Roll Deep is their amazing percussion it’s so crunchy and nasty it’s brutal! So vibrant and with massive distortion and loud gain it absolutely kills it. Some of my stuff is a bit like that.

So what is this we hear about a new night called Bad Apples?
I love electro. We are doing a hip hop inspired party. We are looking into picking up all our hip hop and electro legends and getting them to play. We are in talk with Professor X he is a childhood friend of Dr Dre and makes amazing electro. We are in talks with a few of the big boys!

You name short skirts as one of your interests?
Short skirts, accents, white Russians…its all fun.

Where do you see DOD in the future?
Modern classical…if I’m doing DOD in 10 years time the logical progression will be arriving on stage with one candle illuminating the stage and playing classical piano for an hour, it is doing something different. You have got to do what you is right for you as an artist. Music is the reason I get up in the morning.

Drums of Death MySpace
Image by Malia James.

Ida Maria

2008-06-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

RWD June 2008

She’s the rock chick on everyone’s lips. Hayley Joyes meets Ms. Ida Maria...

Norwegian rocker Ida Maria (pronounced Eee-da) has taken the bull by the horns by creating what can best be described as fun-loving, pop punk. Growing up in the tiny place of Nesna where the village is plunged into eternal darkness six months of the year, the daughter of a teacher and jack-of-all-trades father expresses a strange fondness for a lack of sun. “When it is winter you have a different psyche, people just go into hibernation,” muses Maria. “The summertime is always light, the sun is shining all the time. In a way I think my music reflects that a bit because I try to write things on the whole spectrum.” Encouraged by her parent’s to play the piano Ida secretly rejected that idea and, when no-one was looking, picked up her dad’s guitar. She quickly realised that to be a real rock star, you have to play strings.

After singing in a national choir aged 18, the budding rocker moved to Sweden to continue studying popular music and culture, yet quickly found playing gigs became a priority. Ida invited friends of friends to join her band, resulting in the collective scoring bookings from Stockholm to Los Angeles.

Allow us to summarise: Ida Maria’s music has the gusto of the Strokes and the heart of Bjork yet is fused with scratchy, sexy vocals that puts the Scandinavian in a league of her own. Ballads like Drive My Heart Away Tonight, for instance are set to be on the lips of everyone who sets ears on her.

Some may stereotype the Scandinavian’s as being fond of a drink (Sköl!) and Ida’s MySpace does show her enjoying some tomfoolery in the car park of a Norwegian supermarket. A tribute to the fun she has drinking and dancing is her latest single Queen of The World; an ode to booze-fuelled fun. “I don’t think being drunk is that sexy, but what is sexy is when you see someone really enjoying themselves,” she clarifies (she ain’t wrong either – staggering and self-sicking is not a great look folks). Indeed, the 23 year-old draws the line at performing on-stage half-cut luckily; her live performance has gained recognition from the likes of Jools Holland, who recently invited her to play on his incredibly influential BBC Two show. Her physical demeanour leaves audiences memorised - although one recent excursion at an NME Awards show saw an immersed Ms Marie left with a very bloody knee. "What I enjoy so much about playing live is that it is extremely exhilarating. I am really sensitive to music and I just follow my impulses. Sometimes it happens that you just stumble. We try to live music to the most we can every night and see where it takes us." And live it she does, recalling the story of her most rock & roll moment. It was a night of ‘free love’ at a festival where she was given the luxury hotel room with a Jacuzzi. Ida invited all the bands over to party including a troop of sexy burlesque dancers, who all got completely wasted. Ida explains, “We filled the Jacuzzi with bubble bath and all the girls, except me, got naked in the tub.” The photos are online - rock & roll!

Blame it on the Norwegian lack of daylight, blame it on a condition called synthasesia (the ability to use two senses at the same time), Ida uses both as keys to the garden of musical Eden where the fruits of music are hers for the taking. “It is very moving, the colours I see and feel represent the music,” Ida says of the condition she was blessed with. Before she goes, how would she describe herself? “Very colourful,” she grins. “But with a mix of friendly and really dirty colours!” Sounds like the best of all worlds to us!

Here is the video for her debut single I Like You So Much Better When You Are Naked

Ida's MySpace MySpace.

Written for RWD magazine, the key to the underground.

They are the Crookers, they're from Milano!!!!

2008-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Crookers, Day and Night

Crookers Myspace

Gatecrasher: A Jolly Wet Weekend!

2008-05-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

This was my first festival of the season and my gosh it was a muddy one!!

The festival crew set out like the famous five on a mission to conquer all ‘eleventy’ tents and stages at the Northampton festival. Tent assemblage and wellie couture were two of the scout badges we gained this weekend. As well as the art of peeing in chemical toilets, dancing in wet garms and not hurling when eating soggy imitation meat burgers!!After erecting our tent we set about drinking in our new abode, lets face it festival drinks are a bump. The going rate at Gatecrasher was: spirit and mixer £5, a plastic bottle of Carlsberg £4.30 and a bottle of mineral water was a shocking £3!

We rolled from the campsite suitably tiddled to catch the last part of the Prodigy set. The vampires-esque Jericho boomed out across the airfield followed by chart topper Firestarter. Two real crowd pleaser were the old skool piano chord tune Your Love and ultimate ravers anthem Out Of Space. Their performance climaxed with fire works that lit up the clear night sky. We hopped, skipped and jumped to the Dirty Disco tent to catch Ben Sim’s and Josh Wink tear it up minimal style!

The rave didn’t stop till 6 am so we happily skanked away our hours in the Electric Stew tent! This was arguably the best tent of the whole weekend! The Audio Bullys played a cracking set with a live band that saw them do a five minute rendition of the Nancy Sinatra inspired Shot You Down and new material off the album. They were followed by cranky spinner Kissy Sell Out who (annoyingly) wouldn’t let a tune drop for more than a millisecond unlike the CROOKERS who tore the a**e out of the system. In case you don’t know them they are the Italian pioneers of the electro/phatness/filth/crunk movement. Their remix of Kid Cudi’s Day and Night took the set to new levels, with tunes like Limonare and their hypnotic remix of Don Rimini’s Let Me Back Up(Warning this will make you bust a lemon face) its no wonder these kids are hot property. We also liked their fitted caps and the random Italian chick that jumped on stage hollering, ‘We are the Crookers, we from Milano,’which became the anthem for our weekend! The Italian mob were followed by the legendary mix master Switch who put us through our paces until we decided to check out the dnb tent where caught Roni Size and his live band. Size’s band amazed us especially when they played the legendary Brown Paper Bag with live double bass.

On Monday we woke up weary from the night before only to be confronted with a quagmire created by the torrential rain.

The festivities kicked off at four in the afternoon and we rolled down just in time to catch Benga and Skream play a techno inspired dubstep set. We then saw the Newham Generals and an energetic performance by Dizzee Rascal who jumped around the stage spitting tracks from Maths and English. The crowd got raucous to tunes like Old Skool and Sirens. We caught five minutes of Chicane then retired to the tent for a banana, vodka lemonade and face paint. Enter Justice who gave a phenomenal performance of rock and dark side electro. They opened with the dark and filthy Genesis which is taken from their biblical album, Cross. They ploughed through album hits like Phantom and light hearted ballads, We Are You’re Friends, D.A.N.C.E and The Party feat Uffie. After deserting the French men mid set we missioned it over to the dnb tent for High Contrast. Performing alongside MC Tali the strange haired beast rolled out liquid and jump up infused bangers like Chase and Status, Hurt You and his very own If We Ever. Shy FX followed and mashed up reggae classics like, Rita Marley and Gregory Isaacs making reggae inspired dnb. The rest of night was spent in the minimal tent where we bopped till the sun came up. The only let down was the weather and the lack of headliners Chemical Brothers and Hot Chip.

RWD Magazine

Aaron La-Who?Aaron La-What? Aaron LaCrate

2008-05-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

RWD May 2008

There’s a lot to love about Baltimore; M.I.A’s new chick Rye Rye, the best ever programme on TV™ The Wire and, of course, Mr. Aaron LaCrate, a man who has worked with everyone from Dizzee to Lily. Hayley Joyes catches up with the DJ, producer and remixer to get the Know How.

Firstly, we want to know about the video for your new track Know How Theme?
We felt like it was the perfect timing to reintroduce Arsenio Hall. Imagine if he gets popular from that or gets some sort of cult following? They will release all his classic work [Check the video below].

How’s Baltimore doing these days?
It’s a beautiful state, but a horrible city. It has the number one murder rate in America, it’s the number one for AIDS, number one for whatever else there is (laughs). It’s 90% black, so growing up there as a kid I was a minority. It’s a whole other story!

The music seems be getting increasingly popular…
It’s the future of dance music; it’s the perfect combination of dance music and hip hop. More housey, chopped up breaks with loud repetitive rhymes and vocals. Basically crashing and loud.

Can you give us a brief history?
Doo Doo Brown; Baltimore music used to be called >Doo Doo> music, because a lot of it grew out of Miami bass and 2 Live Crew. There was a famous song by Luke called > I Wanna Rock (Doo Doo Brown)> that had a big drum break. That ended up being chopped up and put into Baltimore club music. So it was fast but still very hip hop, almost like how your UK breaks used to be. Very hip hop but still kinda of fast.

How about your own work? You roll with Spank Rock, DJ for Dizzee and Lily Allen, remix Busta, Mark Ronson, E40 etc. How does you do it?
I have an amazing partner who goes by the name of Debonair Samir; we use heavy drums, chopped up vocals and some sort of melody in there somewhere. I was lucky enough to grow in a scene in Baltimore where it was still tiny and there were only about four or five people making records. I was a little kid around these older, super talented guys. I was soaking up all that. Guys like DJ Equaliser, who is the real creator of this genre; if you listened to a lot of his stuff from ’90, it predates the Chemical Brothers or Fatboy Slim. There are also guys like DJ Klass who sort of scooped me up when I was 12 and got me on the turntables.

Lets talk The Wire; which character do you most associate with?
Avon Barksdale, because he just stays focused on his thing regardless of his situation, whether he is in jail or out. He stays with street mentality, that is his business philosophy and he doesn’t falter. If he is given the opportunity to go legit to make more money and sell out on the street, it’s not for him. He is a very focused businessman.

How did you find working with Lilly Allen?
Yeah, I like her as a person, I think she is cool. I think she is a hip hop chick and you don’t really come across those anymore. She is proud to be who she is, and doesn’t apologise. Fortunately I’ve always been on her good side. She speaks her mind and I think there aren’t enough artists that do that. That is the reason art and music are such bullsh*t. Everyone’s like ‘Hey nice to meet you.’ I prefer someone who is like ‘F*ck you, I hate you!’ I like her music a lot; music is all about reinventing something old and no one had taken ska and put them in a pop way.

How about grime artists?
Well I am Dizzee’s American tour DJ and I was touring in America with the Newham Generals, Footsie, D Double E and Jammer. We bonded in Texas when we went to a gun range to shoot and eat meat together. I like artists that I cross paths with; I don’t really look at music too much as a fan. But we were listening to a lot of British music in Baltimore; Shut Up and Dance, Richard Russell and the Prodigy thing, the Chemical Brothers.

And you also rep Seb Chew and Leo Greenslade’s excellent yOyO in NYC, right?
Yeah, Mark Ronson and I imported it over here. He is a long time friend.

Having worked with the whole world, who’s left you’d like to link with?
Probably some one who is dead, like Biggie. A lot of the artists I respect I am fortunate enough to be connected with; I really respect Dizzee and I like Uffie and luckily we’re affiliated.

Timmy Mallet and Boy Better Know

2008-05-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

I have a real soft spot for Sir Mallet as a child I would wake up at the crack of dawn to watch his amazing Wacaday show! My brother and I would argue over who had the biggest collection of baseball hats. We used cushions instead of mallets and would repeatedly beat each other, until one of us would relentlessly back down!WACADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!

After this amazing piece of telly genius are the moves for the Rolex Sweep, the grime macarena! BO!

Primary 1: First Up

2008-04-29T04:18:00.000-07:00

RWD Magazine April 2008

He’s electro pop’s newest sensation and we think he’s far from second-rate. Hayley Joyes holds down Primary 1...

It may have been known formally as the domain of the French, but Daft Punk and J.U.S.T.I.C.E have already had to step aside for the electro-pop sounds of Calvin House. And it looks like they may to make a bit more room for the Brit’s in the shape of a man named Primary 1. His hot little single Hold Me Down is a funky melody of Prince-inspired bass, teamed with all the hallmarks of a classic Rick James groove and a splash of indie vocal. It’s an ace sing-a-long tune which Primz’ says make him feel like “He-Man doing the moonwalk. Beefy yet graceful..."
He may have a degree in Film Studies, yet Joe Flory is not only a scholar of the arts, he’s also a connoisseur of all things electro. Flory, or Primary 1 as the one-man band is also known, has a passion for music that started in his bedroom studio where he taught himself to play a myriad of instruments, including the drums, trumpet, keyboard and guitar (the multi-talented musician decides his favourite is the piano).

On rotation at home he has mostly been listening to skinny indie rocker Beck, whose eclectic style and persona have been the framework for many an aspiring artist, as well as dark dubstep producer Burial. But a, er, primary character in Joe’s life at the moment has to be Ariel Pink, whose performance art/music/craziness uses a combination of porn samples and a bassline that sounds like the devil cavorting with an American hooker. “He's got so many influences and he tries to use them all at the same time, which I can relate to," the Matt Damon lookilike points out. “With all my influences, it’s a case of imitating, failing, and ending up with something else.”

Now it looks like his own sounds are starting to get noticed. He talks about Hold Me Down getting Radio 1 play as being a pivotal moment in his career so far. “When Vernon Kay started rapping over the top of it, that was the best,” he laughs. It seems that things just keep getting better for the 21 year-old, who is about to tour with electro/rock band Metronomy. He’s also working alongside Paul Epworth on his forthcoming album, which is no mean feat; Epworth has crafted hits for everyone from Kano, U2 and Simian Mobile Disco. Watch out for that album this summer. Meanwhile Hold Me Down has just received a banging remix from super-cool French artist Yuksek.

All’s looking good for the one like One, if only he could drop that DJ habit of hiding his face. Yep, like many shy soundsters before him, Primary accessorises with a giant, expensive-looking lion mask. Er, why? “The Lion is symbolic of my musical prowess,” he points out. “At first it was something to hide behind, but not anymore,” he grins. “I'm not hiding anymore..." Good, so now no one has an excuse not to seek and find this man’s ace new music. Watch it hit a chart near you soon.

Primz' will be playing live at Durr, The End on May 27th!

CheckMySpace.com/primary1for tunes and future tour dates.

RWD Magazine

'Scorpion Woman!'- Sir Ron Burgundy

2008-04-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

It has been a while.... dissertation combined with a hunger for writing and general wear and tear have left me looking as fresh as Jackie Stalone-she's A LOT!! I am aiming to have all my RWD magazine features on here by May so whilst that is going on please enjoy these videos by two artists that are the antithesis of each other-but,hey,they are totally yanking my chain....so as Goodfella's say 'For-get-about-it' and enjoy the tunes!'

Introducing Grovesnor, he is currently signed to the Greco-Roman label owned by Hot Chip. You may have heard his heart warming electro pop tune, Nightmoves on the Hot Chip mix down DJ Kicks. This is his latest tune Drive Your Car:

Check out Grovesnor's MySpace if you want to know more!

The second video has been kicking around for a while. The Know How Theme by baltimore genii Aaron Lacrate and Debonair Samir. These dudes are tearing it up state side with a style of music that is taking the underground clubs by storm. A simple recipe for baltimore is 1 part breaks, 1 part 90s hip hop mc, 2 parts booty and attitude with a sprinkling of up front 90's house! Try this baltimore biscuit!

Can I just mention that at the weekend I watched Coming To America what a film! Arsenio Hall is so underrated!

Check out more Gutter Music here.

If it ain't your cup of tea then go dunk your bourbon elsewhere!

H

We Lykke: Lykke Li....

2008-04-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

RWD April 2008

Hayley Joyes meets Lykke Li, an exciting new artist all the way from Scandinavia that’s looking to put Sweden firmly on the music map...

Ikea, meatballs, cheating footy managers, sex-addicted presenters and ABBA aren’t the only exports from Sweden. Strong female artists like Robyn have paved the way for the cold little country, finally giving the Swede’s the opening they have been looking for to break the UK all those years after Dancing Queen. Scandinavian singer Lykke Li (pronounced Licky-Lee), whose unique style and energy are a credit to her music, her country and female acts alike, is paving the way for an indie takeover - Swedish style. For a girl who rates her influences as early Madonna and ‘70s electro/rock band Suicide, you should definitely expect something different. “I studied what made [Suicide singer] Vega great and interpreted his hypnotic posture into all my performances,” she says in her soft accent.

Though she’s from ABBA-land, the 22 year-old spent part of her life in Portugal and it’s clear that country influences her too. “I lived there for like four and a half years, that time was really good,” she remembers. “I just ran around naked and went swimming. I swam with Dolphins three times.” From the outset, it is clear to see that Li has a spiritual approach to both life and music. Tunes like Tonight have an element of beauty and surrealism that only someone like Lykke could pull off.

Signed to the same label who broke Kate Nash and Hot Chip, cooler-than-cool Moshi Moshi records are also responsible for Late of The Pier. Encouraged to find her own form, Lykke is intent on doing her thing, rather than becoming engulfed in the hype of two a penny female artists currently besieging the pop charts. “I mean it’s great they’re out there and I think it is good that so many female artists are coming out, until it turns into the trendy thing that is,” she says. “A lot of female acts are out, but I intend to go for it in my own way.’’

Like those other great artists before her, Lykke is looking to use her own quirks to impress. Take single Little Bit; the unique sound is based on using her body like a well-tuned instrument. “I try and keep it simple and open. I don’t want the music to take over the voice or what I am talking about.”

Music and art house films live symbiotically in Lykke’s world. The video she made with Mattias Montero for Little Bit was nominated for a Grammy while the track itself received recognition on Radio 1. “We did the video with no money in one day,” she laughs. Here is the video:

Now she’s looking to spend a few days and nights in London, following Robyn by breaking the UK. The last gig she played in London’s trendy Shoreditch at the Hoxton Bar and Grill was a hoot, she says. “I had a Tribe Called Quest moment and rapped a bit,” she says before admitting she doesn’t rate herself as rhymer. However, she had a great time in the capital “smelling the city” (lets put that down to some type of language barrier) and investigating all the underground clubs including “all those drag queen bars.” So look out ladies, men and transsexuals - Lykke’s coming to the city!

RWD Magazine

Little Bit is out now. Lykke's MySpace.

Snooooooooop's latest single is pimpalicious!

2008-04-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

This is one to play when your making out with your lady, man or pillow- just kiss it! The dirty version is Sexual Eruptionand for radio play Sexual Seduction. The title has been a hot topic of debate resulting in some serious hat eating and sexual favours! Directed by Kreestyle it is reminiscent of a strange piano guitar fantasy I had the other night!

At first glance you are lulled into thinking that it is a porn set, complete with faux Greek pillars, mysterious fog and garms that would make Peter Stringfellow envious. Props include a vocoder tube that could quite possibly be linked to a bottle of gin and juice off stage and sexed up instruments. The circular bed is like something you would see at one of those 'accidental' hotels you came across in Amsterdam, complete with Kim Wild look-a-likes sprawled over the golden sheets.

Judge for yourself...

Why have do the ladies have fabric winged thighs? "They are ideal for a quick get away when you clock Snoop's mullet!"

One more question, do you think D.O-double Geeeeeee rates himself as a feminist?

H

Exclusive Interview With Cope2, graffiti legend!

2008-03-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

The big apple is one of the leading cities for all things hip hop, so who better to ask about NY than graffiti artist Cope2. The legendary King of the 4 Line has recently collaborated with Adidas customising classic trainers and apparel bringing NY flava’ to the streets of the UK.

Do you still throw up graffiti pieces?
“Yeah definitely, I did two in Rome and one in Milan. I have always done it. Just because I am living of graffiti and making money off it doesn’t mean I don’t paint anymore, but I can’t afford the legal problems in NY so I try to keep it simple.”

So do you use stencils as part of your work?
“No, just straight up the real deal. I am not into stencils I’ll leave that for Banksy, he’s the king of stencils and I am the king of spray paint. I ‘m not gonna knock him and be like ‘oh it sucks.’ Y’know I learnt in life that you have to do what is best for you and do what makes you happy. It’s like a relationship if you ain’t happy in it then you need to get out and get another partner and do what makes you happy.

What about Obey?
“Obey is dope too he is one of my favourites, he’s a good guy he just sent me a copy of his book. He gave me props, he looks up to me and respects me and that is what it is all about.”

Indeed you are the king, so when did you begin your begin your quest as to become one of graffiti’s monarchy?
“Your talking 78/79 I was about eleven or twelve. My cousin influenced me he was a local artist who used to write Chico on the walls. We just started tagging in the neighbourhood and took it from there. I grew up in the south Bronx and that is where I made my mark. The Bronx is like the Mecca of hip hop-the motherland. I love rap, my favourite rappers are KRS 1, Big Daddy Kane, Guru, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Tu Pac there are so many its hard to say.”

You are King of the 4 Line subway line in NY, where does it run?
“It starts from Wilmore Road all the way down to Buodicca Avenue. It’s the first line I became king of because I lived in the neighbourhood.”

What are your Adidas trainers saying about NY?
“Well these ones ZX 700’s are the 4 yard, they have the barbed wire print and it has my throw up and the 4 yard tag on the side. The 4 yard is the train yard where we used to paint. They are awesome, I love them.”

Favourite paint?
“Molowtow from Germany I have my own colour, [i]Middle Calypso Cope2[/i]. They are my favourite because they have so many colours the paint is great for canvases and the streets.

Have you ever risked your life?
“ Yeah I actually got electrocuted on the third rail,(shows me the scar on his arm) I don’t know how I got off that. I was just on the lay up (painting a train) and I touched the side of the rail with my arm and-man-my whole body was in shock. It was amazing man. I couldn’t move and the doctor was like ‘you are lucky to be alive.’ It was the closest I have ever come to dieing.”

How long did it take you to get on back on it?
“ A couple of weeks later, but I was a little more careful with what I did.”

Did you pioneer the bubble writing?
“ No Capp gave it to me, he’s an old school writer from Style Wars, I owe him a lot.”

Do you have beef with other writers in NY?
“ I have always had beef and till today I still have beef. Writers in NY are always jealous and hating on me.”

What is considered disrespectful?
“They always f*@k your s*!t up! Like writing their name on it or putting a line through it. When I catch them I’ll beat them up, do what you gotta do. It’s all about respect and some of the kids don’t have any.”

In the UK we like to daub obscenities on toilet doors like ‘I wish my wife was this dirty!’, have you ever done that?
“ Oh yeah, they do that in NY all the time, I have read them all…. some crazy shit, sometimes I sneak inside the womens bathroom and write crazy shit!”

Do you think you will reach the Southbank and bless the walls?
“I may go down there with my friend Pulse he is an old school kid from London, he don't take no s*!t, he is my boy. He is a great guy, we will just chill out walk around and check out the British women.”

Cope2’s unique designs are out now exclusively to Foot Locker nation wide. Check out Cope’s website.

This is a video of all the crepes our favourites are the 4 Yards. You decide for yourself.

Words By Jailes for RWD.com.

Come On Girl, Delinquent Remix

2008-03-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

Cor, this remix has got me absolutely hooked! The teaming of Cruzes creamy vocals on the first verse has been getting me and my gal pals so hot! The Delinquent camp are responsible for some of the top bass line tunes including the catchiest song known to man J Holiday, Bed and My Destiny featuring Kat! Check out their MySpace to find out more. For now sit back and enjoy the Delinquent remix of Taio Cruz Come On Girl. This tune features one of my all time favourite electro shouters, Luciana (Bodyrox) gwaaan girl!!

This is purely for listening... the video is nonexistent... enjoy:

An Explosive Night With The B.O.M.B Squad!

2008-03-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

B.O.M.B stands for ‘Beatz Over Money Biatch!’ forget the door tax, these DJ’s are in it for the love!

A free night that saw an inlflux of ladies who pitched up to listen to Reso spin his heavenly minimal fused dub set. He tickled the needles with a mix of-in his own words- 'aggy bangers,' like Climbing The Walls and Onslaught. Followed by Martyn's All I Have Is Memories(BIG TUNE) and a steady groove into his Logical. A tune with a emotive and uplifting quality, a nice crossover from the 'darkside' tunes pumping out for the first 15 minutes.

Reso a.k.a Alex Melia

Res continued to please the crowd bringing in his TRG Horny remix followed by Martyn's serene mash up of Broken Hearted. On hearing the tunes the girls jumped to their feet in a bid skank out and get on a level with tunes that can only be described as... beautiful!

The girls and the boys were loving it!

Before Reso stepped up we saw the likes of North London's very own Elemental . His live Ableton set ignited the room with a fired up mix of bass lines teamed with metal rifts and energetic dubs. Before Ele' we saw the cheeky boys from Sub FM, Roko and Whistla. Whistla managed to interweave bass line/ 4x4 with dub to create a buzzing party vibe.

Ladies feeling the vibes!

The electric atmosphere spread throughout the venue with the bustling smoking area filled with excited chatter about the evenings events. All egos had been left well at home and dub heads happily sipped pints and shared fags with 1001 regulars. Seemigly unpretentious and chilled the lack of door tax was also a bonus-not to mention the opportunity to dance the night away with a some of the most creative producers and DJ's in the scene. I felt truly spoilt!

The next B.O.M.B's will be on the Thursday 27th March at Cafe 1001 Cafe1001

Dubstep Awards, Herbal

2008-01-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

Thursday 17th January, RWD

Dubstep nerds and bass riders showed their appreciation by packing out the venue situated on the ‘uber cool’ Kingsland Road. Herbal is one of those clubs with so much old skool appeal, it is a shell of a former shoe shop/warehouse that has lots of dark nooks and crannies-great for a little solo skank By eleven it was heaving like a sweaty cattle market. The celebrations were well under way with Whitsla, Dubway and Cotti and Cluekid dusting off the cobwebs in room two. The penultimate act was React FMs Henny G, followed by Mardi Gras bead clad Benga who’s tune Night has been named THE tune of 2007 by Giles Peterson. Sadly the sound system in the second room was inferior to the rib shattering speakers in the main room.

Kode 9 blessed the decs starting his set with an absolutely banging 4x4 tune. He upped the levels with his remix of the Massive Music tune Find My Way and moved onto to Martin’s euphoric remix of TRG’s Put You Down.

One tune that was blasted out on both floors was Mala’s Lean Forward. A riddim that did the rounds in 2007. Many a DJ has triumphantly blasted this award wining tune that scooped the Best 12”. Mala was also crowned Best Producer of 2007 and the DMZ club night awarded the Best Event.

N Type cleaned up for Best DJ, Best Radio Show and Best CD. For a man who mixed over 100 records in one album we wouldn’t expect anything less.

Rusko and Caspa went to back-to-back previewing tunes off their latest Fabric mix tape encouraging ravers to embrace that sucking-on-a-filthy-bitter-lemon face. Tunes like 2 NAQ and Cockney Thug reaffirmed why it is that Rusko was awarded Best News Comer. At this point the rave was turned into a tumultuous sweat pit leaving the lingering smell of B.O and bodily gases-something that is now synonymous with raving post smoking ban.

Members of the dubstep forum voted all the winners:

Best DJ: N Type
Best Label: Deep Medi Musik
Best EP/LP: My Demons, Distance
Best Radio Show: Sub Sundays, N Type
Best Radio Station: Subfm.com
Best MC: Sgt Pokes
Best Digital Mix: Sonar Mix, Kode 9
Best CD: Dubstep Allstars Volume 5, N Type
Best Artwork: Skull Disco, Zeke
Best Website: Barefiles.com
Best Record Store: Redeye
Best Event: DMZ (London)
Best Producer: Mala
Best Newcomer: Rusko
Best 12": Lean Forward, Mala

There were no tears before bedtime as the winners received recognition and a big cheer, the losers, well they were at a party that wasn’t just about the individuals but a celebration of a scene that is rich in creativity and diversity.

Walsh and Benga.

2008 looks like a very promising year indeed!

www.dubstepforum .com
www.dubstepawards.com

Boys on a movement

2007-12-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

Rusko and Caspa reveal what it is that has got us creaming our pants on the dance floor. Tunes like Cockney Thug and Custard Chucker combine a charismatic mix of comedy and cheeky basslines. With the Fabric mixtape out now is undeniable that they are taking dubstep to a new level with riddims that will have you squinting and reaching for the tissue 'brown sound' styleeeey'.

‘Wonky Bangers,’ ‘Wobbly Basslines’ how would you describe them?

Rusko: Definitely not serious, I have got one or two deeper ones (like Jahover). I make them quite dance floor orientated. I think I am just a bit bored with the standard dubstep because I hear it all the time when I go home I could easily knock out a standard dubstep tune, because I hear it all day. I want to do something a little bit extra. I have been trying to put more electro sounds in. People are trying to put a bit more in with off kill beats, kind of the same wonkieness as J dilla-with beats that fall over themselves.

So is it true that you have been compared with the likes of TC, High Contrast and Clipz?

Rusko: Jump up dnb is the one of the dirtiest thing you can say in dubstep.But that is the one genre of music I f*@king love! I have been consciously trying to emulate the energy and sound that G Dub, Taxman and all them boys do and put that into my dubstep and I am happy that people recognised that.

Why is that viewed as a bad thing?

Rusko:They don’t like it.
Caspa: DnB got to a point where we were all sick and tired of it and it all sounded the same. All people care about is the dull kick and the snare and people just do that for the dance floor, so they are scared, because dubstep has free and open boundaries, if someone said oh ‘I am listening to loads of digi-dub,’ no one would complain they would be like ‘digi-dub is cool-dnb? Oh no you can’t do that’
Rusko: I mean I talk to them boys Clipz and TC all the time, we are working a tune together at the moment, They play my tunes and I play their tunes, you know what I mean I try to bridge the gap in between.

Do you think the Fabric mix is going to take dubstep to a mainstream audience?

Caspa: If you do a dubstep cd on an independent label you may only sell 3000.but Fabric First has got 8000 members who instantly buy the cd, straight out their bank. For a lot of people it is going to be the first time they hear dubstep, then it is going to hit the world wide distributors, it is going to take dubstep to a whole new level.
Rusko:It’s going to wonders for dubstep, not just me and him.

With artist like Burial Skream and Benga with global appeal, how do you intend on following in their footsteps?

Capsa: I wouldn’t say following. Just doing what we are doing, obviously Skream is doing really well and he does what he does.
Rusko:They have all got their own sound, their own niche…as long as we keep doing what we are doing and don’t get distracted by commercial things . We are still pushing on. Cockney Thug has only been out a couple of months it has been doing ‘silly’ things, it is on the 1xtra playlist and MixMag top 100.

With Built for Boundaries we saw a real dark, almost industrial, side to dubstep compared with tunes like Rockbottom, what is your preferred style?

Caspa: I like doing the Quiet Storm stuff because that is what I started out on, but I sort of just move with the times. I love them both. But the only problem with the Quiet Storm stuff is that there is not enough quality stuff around, because certain producers aren’t making it.
Rusko: I am more into my wonky jump up. I am just getting a bit bored and I have to keep myself amused…
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Is it true you like Phil Collins?

Both:Yeah I like him
Rusko: Favourite song Easy Lover it’s just so uplifting!

What were influences on the Cockney Violins tune?

Caspa: Dunno I just heard the song, I just got the whole track, just listen to it….
Rusko: It’s kinda Chinese…
Caspa: I just listened to it once over without any beats and just makes you feel really-‘eeergh’-nice. So I just thought what it would be like with a big bass line over with some nice kicks and snares on it. I did it and it worked !They go really well together . It’s not like ball’eeee dance floor tune, but it goes off in the rave.

What do you call it garage, what do you cal it bassline?

Rusko: I fucking love it! He hates it-I love it!
Capsa:I don’t hate it…. I hate tunes that are so shit and so badly produced. It’s not bassline it’s garage remarketed because clubs don’t allow garage, but they allow ‘bassline house.’

It has quite an uplifting vibe would you incorporate that into any of your music?

Caspa: The well-produced stuff I don’t mind that at all. It’s the crap that is not well produced that is banged out because it is popular.

How is your sound challenging the more primitive sounds of dubstep, what are you bringing to the table that separates you?

Both: Comedy It is more sort of party style Jump up, danceefloor orientated. humour, the bass line, it’s not like super chilling or progressive it’s kinda in the middle…

On the back of that what is a Custard Chucker?

Caspa: Basically it was originally called blue man custard chucker…
Rusko: yeah it is rude… it is a term for man juice… dirty boys.

Images by Leila Nia
Check Rusko out here and if you ain't scared of ghosts check out Caspa here!
Also the boys do a show on RINSE FM on Wednesday evenings 11pm-1am.

I'll Tell You What I Want!

2007-12-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

December 14th 2007 RWD Online

As the reviews are totted up from their performance in Canada it seems that only 12 days and an ocean separate us from our fate as the Spice Girls tour reaches the unblemished borders of the UK.

Those of you riling and reaching for the vomit bucket should think twice and see what it is they have actually done for pop music and women alike. The swift enforcement of a peace sign twinned with a mouth curdling saying of ‘girl power.’ Saw the Spice Girls redoing what Madonna did for Material Girl’s back in the 80s. Some went as far to say that in the nineties the Spices provided a platform for aspiring young girls.

Pre-anorexia/hair extension/boob job days

Apparently four out of the five performed to the best capability, singing songs from their back catalogue with hits from their pre-anorexia/hair extension/boob job days. Gerri launched into It’s Raining Men and Mel C gave a shrill rendition of club tune I Turn To You, ears were bleeding and an excess of medical staff were flown in to deal with the clean up operation! They took the performance back to 97 with iconic costumes like Mel B’s leopard print cat suit and Gerri’s diamante union jack dress. Posh spice was uncharismatic and a little bit dry….

Why comeback now?

The girls are pushing 40 and still trying to do high kicks in mini skirts.There were no reports of Mel C doing a back flip or Baby sucking on a Chupa Chup trying to look delightfully cute. Perhaps the funds are running low and they needed to top up their egos, bank accounts and maintain a lifetime account at TESCO.

Comeback creates an enigma

Comeback tours are fast becoming a prominent part in pop artists careers. Jigga and Wiley who have notably ‘retired’ from the scene have identified the opportunity created by the comeback tour. The retirement teamed with the comeback creates an enigma that is far superior to an album launch or exclusive video. Duran Duran, The Police, Take That and The Verve are just a few have jumped on the bandwagon making the comeback a pivotal part of an artists career.

With all this talk of comeback don’t be surprised to see the likes of Bananarama, Toni!Tony!Tone! and MC Hammer launching a worldwide tour complete with zimmar frames to match the crepes!!

www.rwdmag.com

Exclusive Interview With The First Minister For Students.

2007-11-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Arts London News 7th November 2007
Former student radical Lord Triesman has been appointed the first ever Minister for Students by the PM.

During the reshuffle in June, Gordon Brown appointed Triesman as the Minister for Students in conjunction with the department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, covering areas that need desperate funding and attention.

We checked in with him to have a discussion on Iraq, top-up-fees and student campaigns.

The young activist

Triesman began as an avid member of the Labour party during the 60s but switched to the Communist party in 1970 before returning to Labour around 76/77.

He was the trade union representative for the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE) and has worked in numerous countries as a government representative.

Triesmen expressed that the position was 'overdue' and that the minister of students allows 'guaranteed access month by month, year by year' and will lead to a 'solid track of achievement.'

The radical spirit of 2007?

Whilst at university during the 60s, Triesman and students protested for improved facilities, teaching and a change in values towards sexism and freedom of speech.

We asked what he thought was lacking in terms of politics for students in 2007 and why, as a collective, we lack solidarity?

"It may be that nowadays there are so many ways of communicating a feeling that you're fed up. Whether it is through a blog or Facebook there are so many ways of doing it - that to get large numbers of people to come out and demonstrate probably needs something that's seen as a really big issue."

Perhaps it is the fact that in a society of immediacy and button clicking we have become slightly disillusioned by the effort of protesting feeling that a group on Facebook saves blowing a whistle and holding a placard.

Unlike Cameron, Triesman hasn't been over doing it with the blogs and for sure he hasn't been chasing the hoodies around for a cuddle, but he is in touch with the youth and London.

"Thirty galleries, 30 theatres, all the music venues, all the rest of the stuff that I think just comes with being in a great capital."

Oyster cards, Iraq and fascist regimess

A recent campaign launched on Facebook sees students from London taking matters into their own hands. A campaign has started for 30 per cent off daily travel for students with an Oyster card.

Triesman explained that there are many reasons that Oyster cost for students should be decreased but given the financial burdens on students living in London he hoped this would decrease anyway.

The Iraq war is an issue that students feel very strongly about and have taken to the streets in packs like the radical students of the past. However the former rebel whose controversial support for the war in Iraq was deeply rooted in his Jewish heritage and loathing of fascist regimes gave him reason to support the removal of dictator, Saddam Hussein.

In comparison, as a young student he protested passionately against the Vietnam war and biological weapons.

"I thought that the people who did it were wrong."

Everyone should have the chance to go to uni

Lord Triesman, aware of his heritage, would not let anything stop him reaching the top. He came from a council estate in Tottenham and revelled in the fact that tax-payers on his estate paid for his education.

When quizzed about top-up-fees he said that there was specialist funding for poorer students and explained that it is the tax-payer who contributes the most believing everyone has the chance to go to uni.

"I still think that there are a significant number of people whose kids aren't going to go to university. They new raise aspiration levels in the family and at schools."

Images by Leila Nia.

www.artslondonnews.co.uk

Guanabara and Cellar Door present Best of British in support of The Sickle Cell Society

2007-10-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Guanabara is venue full of charisma, atmosphere, sumptuous food, hot waitresses and cocktails to die for. With a spectacular line up it surpassed any show that I have been to this year. The night opened with a live capoeira group that were busting moves to the melodic percussion.

Singers Alex Mills and Ny tore the roof off. If you don’t know Mills-get to know she sang on the hook on Roll Deep’s Flying Away from In at the Deep End. With two backing singers she belted out soulful classics that left us all with jaws on the floor. On par with Miss Mills was North Weezy chick Ny who did a short and sweet acoustic set. The petite star did three songs from her latest mixtape Split Endz: Volume 2 that included Who is She? and debut single Willow.

Underground fans would not have to look too far to see the likes of Wiley and Target watching the performance from the safety of the bar. Not to mention DaVinChe who bopped around in a red Adidas three stripe tracksuit and took to the keys mid evening with Steelo.

Strictly UK Travis Blaque performed spitting bars that blew us away with lines like “I love my kid, my family- I don’t need no apology.” Bugz in the Attic kicked it off with a set that had a Latino feel with Daz-I-Kue playing his We R Family remix that plunged movers and shakers onto the dance floor. Daz switched it up with the absolutely banging refix of Amy Winehouse’s In My Bed.

Vibes were flowing as the capoeira crew created a dance circle grabbing and challenging any groover to strut their stuff mid circle. When Mercury Award Winner TY took to the stage, his flow was like liquid. Mid performance he called singer Duchess to the stage whose voice was amazing. It was fair to say that we were all left with a sweet taste in our mouths as she preached It’s not logical.

All the music goodness was thread alongside a serious undertone which addressed the seriousness of Sickle Cell and raised lots of money for the cause.

If you would like to know more about Sickle Cell please go to Sicklecellsociety.org.

Wham Bam it's Unklejam and Ava!!

2007-09-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

We challenge electro boys Unklejam and their future touring partner reggae goddess Ava to a world record-breaking battle. We talk religion, spray tans and Alice In Wonderland over a bowl of Smarties and a side of chop sticks. Words by Hayley Joyes

Black guys doing rock, white girls doing reggae - how have you broken the stereotypical sound mould?
Bobby: We battered the sh*t and smashed the f*ck out of it.
Tyson: We broke the mould by being the only black guys in the top 20! I didn’t even know I was black until I woke up this morning.
Ava: Yeah, I am kinda breaking the mould. If you were to see a picture and compare my music, people would be like ‘What the f*ck, that doesn’t make sense.’ I am just trying to do my thing, and reggae is something that I love.”

So you’re all about to hit the road together - do you guys ever bunk up on tour?
[Everyone shouts: Bunk up, Bunk up!]
Tyson: Yeah, like head to tail - no, no, I don’t like their feet. Do you know what, it’s not as glamourous as every one thinks.
Adonistar: We just roll.

Isn’t it a bit of a sausage fest?
Tyson: No, Ava is like a man; she looks like a woman, but she is like a man. She does number twos all the time, Bobby does number sixes. You don’t know what a number six is? Number six is something really rotten!
Ava: Is it like a babies arm?

Do you guys go electro-raving together after gigs?
Tyson: We used to, but now we are too busy, cos we are famous.
Ava: No, I think that’s more nu-rave, I’d say I am a nu-hippie raver. That’s what I like to call myself. That’s why I like raving outside, you know sitting around the fire, having a good time and watching the sunrise - it is absolutely beautiful.

Who are your influences?
Bobby: Jodie Marsh and David Bowie.
Tyson: She’s famous for getting her tits out. The problem in Britain is that people on reality TV shows are more famous than people who are famous for a reason. Jade Goody, who I think is a fat racist (I like fat birds), can be more famous than an artist like Terri Walker.
Bobby: If you are normal boy next door, then you get love or if you are trashed off your face, you get love. We do work hard with what we do; there is too much throw-away talent.
Ava: Mine is Alice in Wonderland. I think that story is the greatest ever, the amount of lessons in it are just incredible. It’s just like an acid trip from the beginning to the end. Musically- Lee Scratch Perry, Tom Waits - if you ever feel depressed, bottle of wine, cigarettes and Tom Waits that’s all you need. Pink Floyd is one of my most favourite bands apart from Unklejam and Al Green because I have never heard a guy tell a story so well.

Are you religious?
Adonistar: My father is a Preacher. When you grow up with Christ, you wake up in fear every night! Every time a car goes by, or you hear a horn, you think God is here. Every single thing you do, you think ‘I am going to hell for this.’ I have studied all religions and cultures and I don’t do religion, because life itself is a religion, the lessons we learn.
Tyson: Religion causes war.
Ava: I went to Catholic school, we went to church everyday. Secretly, I am a Rasta... I really enjoyed religion at school.

Did you get a tan this summer?
Adonistar: I look at white people and I don’t understand. I don’t mind you being white, should you go and get a spray tan?
Ava: A tan makes you look more sexy and feel healthy.

What are your favourite World Records?
Ava: Those guys with really long nails freak me out.
Tyson: Have you seen that guy who can hang weights off his piece?

What Record would you like to break?
Ava: Most spray tans in one day.
Do you think you could eat 170 Smarties in the space of 3 minutes using chopsticks?
Bobby: I’ll try it.
Adonistar: Me too.

[Despite a gallant try, they manage but 50 in three-ish minutes. Ava decides to pick up the entire saucer and back that down. We don’t think that counts].

Nice try, but, er, you failed. Anything you want to say?
Bobby: Yeah – buy the album out 24 September and check unklejam.com.
Ava: My new single is out in October and come and see us all on tour in September too – the dates are on their site and mine – MySpace.com/avaleigh

RWD Magazine

myspace.com/unklejam

Causing Mayhem!

2007-08-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

August 2007 RWD Magazine.

We meet Manchester trio Mayhem to find out how life is going after winning the EA Big In The Game Comp. Interview by Hayley Joyes.

How have you guys changed since winning the Electronic Arts Big in the Game Competition?
"We have definitely matured a lot. You realise that life can change with a click of a finger, so we take nothing for granted. It’s also been a big learning curve because we have seen and met people that we didn’t think that we would and we are grateful for every single opportunity that is coming our way."

Who are your influences and how do they inspire you?
"Ghetto because his flow is different and what he is saying is real, I can see a picture when he spits. Also Papoose because the stuff he says is not like anyone else, he knows a lot of stuff and isn’t frightened to release it, like exposing the government."

If you were a computer character which one would you be and why?
"Ash from Pokemon! He is a young man who goes on a life-changing journey and it starts in his room! The whole story of Pokemon is like our musical journey up until now. You have to build up a team and travel around and earn respect in each city – that’s what we are trying to do."

Mayhem, We Big Like.

Where are you from in Manchester?
"We grew up in Moss Side and Merseybank; you see a lot of things and are exposed to a lot of things in the areas. But people make places, places don’t make the people and we refused to get caught up, so we chose a music path instead."

What’s Manchester saying and how have you defined yourself in a scene dominated by London mentality?
"The scene is very strong, but confused at the moment. I don’t necessarily think that London is dominating lyrically as much as they were three years ago, but they do have the upper hand for loads of reasons. There are more professional people up there who know how to function and don’t waste time; we have a different flavour, and definitely a different accent. When Manchester’s time comes, people will start to take us seriously."

Are you still working with the kids at the community centre?
"Yes, we are always at the local youth clubs, sometimes we just chill with them and other times help them with their skills through workshops. Our music definitely helps some kids; we want to teach them how powerful they can be through music and show that it is worth their energy and dedication."

If there was a world record you could break what would it be and why?
"One that no one has even set before, like the World’s Biggest Music Following or the Most Live’s Changed through lyrics. I don’t know, but it would have to be about music."

RWD Magazine

Playgroup:Funk Glastonbury@ The Volks, Brighton

2007-08-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hidden under Brighton’s promenade, Volks is a little secret that can only be detected by the thudding base and excited queues snaking up to Burger King! All set with my baby grow and building blocks I jammed along to one of Brighton’s premier nights that promised a funk special. Playgroup plays host to a selection of some of the sea sides hottest DJ’s and bands. The music extravaganza encapsulate the open minded Brighton spirit that combines all tastes, in a bid to provide a good dose of wholesome foot stomping/pogo jumping/gun finger raving fun!

Previous Playgroup nights showcased the likes of: UK beatbox champion Beardyman, DMX champ JFB and the 40-piece samba dnb band, Carnival Collective. We were treated to a thrilling mix of Rick James and Earth, Wind And Fire upstairs mixed by DJ Axel Gash, that saw people taking to the floor busting ironic ‘embarrassing uncle’ dancing. Funk master on the ones and twos, Dermatologist rumbled the basement with a sumptuous mix of classic funk that induced an irruption of bootilicious bouncing and craziness! After the DJ interlude dirty funk band Mean Poppa Lean had us doing more than a ho down to their cracking mix of slap base and creamy vocals. DJs Unlikely and Ricin played the night out with a heavy mix of dubstep that moved on to a chaotic mix of jungle and Pendulum induced madness. On leaving the Volks seafront fires illuminated the sky. Up and down the beach people had gathered to host their own after parties. The night is unique, unpretentious and independent. Egos, Inhibitions, buckets and spades are left at the door leaving guests to enjoy this sterling seafront night.

Words by Jailes and Decie

PLAYGROUP
VOLKS Nightclub - 1 Madeira Drive
Next Night: 18th August
11 - 4am
£6/7

The silent war on journalism..

2007-08-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Dozing off in front on my TV this evening I managed to catch the tail end of Newsnight. It is not something I pride myself on, I find Paxman hard to relate to .. I am pleased I watched it because it gave me a moment of clarity. As a journalist and a believer in socialist values I have always opposed conglomeration, corruption and blatant propaganda that takes place in media companies! Further more I was shocked to find out that the topical debate was discussing Murdoch’s take over of the US daily The Wall Street Journal that reaches some America’s richest tycoons and entrepreneurs..... More Follows

You Were Dumb If You Missed it! 20th July

2007-07-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

Dirty Canvas is one of the capitals premier nights that is the moving force behind the grime scene. It has moved from the clinical cyclorama of the ICA to the dark back rooms of the Rhythm Factory in the East End. Friday night was no exception, hosting an array of colourful talent with Murkle Man in his infamous black, green and purple Batman-esque suit with goggles to match. It is fair to say that Jammer was the super hero of the night, which started off slow and lacked charisma.

The night kicked off with Logan Sama on the decks with a little help from Aftershock’s Badness. With a chorus of ‘oooooooooh kay, dem, dem, dem!’ winding through out the smokeless atmosphere a few heads bobbed. Ny jumped on stage and sang an acapella rendition of No One Ever Cared which was a nice surprise. The night hummed slowly and dub heads got excited to the sound of DMZs Coki who turned up with Chef - please no chocolate salty balls quips - they revived the dance floor with a rendition of tunes like Benga’s, Crunked Up and Digital Mystikz’s Burnin. Not forgetting Rusko’s, Cockney Thug that pushed the boat out making it unavoidable to pop a little skank. The sound system didn‘t do the tunes justice and at times the bass lines disappeared into thin air!

Talking of dancing… People were reluctant to let go and have a little bubble, which left the mood as stale as three day old cheese sandwich. But as soon as Jammer launched on stage the crowd suddenly woke up with chants of ‘neckle’ and ‘sekle’ jumping like gun finger crazed loons! Party on Garth! The full-on stage performance showcased some of the scenes key players like Bruza, Terror Danjah, Newham Generals (minus Monkstar of course) as well as Temps and Neckle Camp. On stage emm cee‘s elegantly sipped champagne in-between spitting lyrics. Murkle Man went into a hyper craze raving to tunes like Stageshow Riddim and bashment classics! Days later we heard that Sama can’t do his regular slot on Kiss because he has burnt the skin off his fingers due to the amount of rewinds he had to do throughout Jammer‘s set.

The Batman wannabe invited his groupies on stage, who at times suffocated the performing artists. The batty rider reigned supreme with girls shaking it to a selection of bashment and material from the new mixtape. A personal highlight was watching Temps who is one of the most captivating performers, although he only reached for the mic once or twice his delivery and flow cannot be knocked. Just looking at the expression on his face and his Kid n Play hairstyle make him a unique asset to the scene! Suited and booted Murkle Man moved through the venue with a blue pin stripped blazer, still buzzing from his performance and spudding those who gave it up and raved for the cause.

The second room hosted a selection of breaks and electro that remained pretty empty the whole night. Unfortunately Hot Chip did not turn up and do their old skool garage set, which was disappointing! A night that got progressively better, it’s a shame that some people didn’t leave their egos at the door!

Calvin Harris: 80s Baby

2007-07-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

We talk the three little letters with one of disco's dirtiest, Scottish producer and performer, Calvin Harris. Words by Hayley Joyes

So Kylie; is she as fit in real life?
(Laughs) Yeah, actually, she's fitter in real life. I never really fancied her beforehand, I was never in with the whole Kylie thing, but I met her and I saw why everyone gets so excited about her. She can sing really amazingly well too and I wasn't expecting that from any pop princess. She's an absolute star; not only does she sing, but she writes songs as well. It is phenomenal. The last time I saw her was two months ago, in a studio.

When did you last have sex?
Now, I can tell you this quite specifically (pauses). What day are we on now? Wednesday. So it was last Thursday with my girlfriend. I don't have sex with randoms.

Have you ever had a threesome?
No! Have you?

What turns you on?
Naked ladies! It doesn't take much.

Do you always please the laydeez?
I do my best, you know. I have quite a deep psychological need to please, I am a giver, so I try.

Is Calvin Harris a sex symbol?
Er. no...

Any embarrassing sexual moments you care to share with us?
Hmm, I'm not sure I want to share them with you.

So what's with doing the disco thing; are you an '80s baby?
Well, I was six when they ended, so I didn't do much in the '80s apart from p*ssing myself or something. I can't really remember Thundercats or Barbie or anything like that.

Is it true that Calvin Harris has reinvented disco?
No, I haven't. I'm just making tunes - that is, dance music with big tunes, which is revolutionary. It's weird, because people say 'I don't really like dance music, but I like your stuff.' That's probably because you see dance music as being like Fedde Le Grand, but it wasn't always like that, there used to be tunes.

How do you feel about your Kylie tune being labelled a gay anthem?
Oh God, how do you know that? Well, yeah, it should be. It's got all the classic hallmarks of a gay anthem. For me, making a classic gay anthem starts with a very sweet vocal. It's what the Kylie song is, a sweet pop hook, but the music has to be f*cking dirty, just disgusting and filth. That's what I had in mind - absolute filth.

Where do you see your career going?
I hope to get my second album done quite quickly. I don't like that whole, do the first album and tour for three years thing, like Hard Fi did. It's a form of loyalty to my fans who bought the first album, you know they want more, but you're just touring the sh*t out of one album and making money. But as long as I've got ideas, I'll still be making tunes.

RWD Magazine

Fat Freddys Drop, 27th June London Astoria

2007-07-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

A sea of crusty dreadlocks and hazy mystique littered the tiers and main floor in anticipation of one of New Zealand’s finest exports. Supporting act, Eclectic Mixers got the audience bubbling. Sampling the likes of Mos Def, Dilated Peoples and Jackson Five over kinky dub inspired rifts. Not to mention the visuals that smoothed over any doubt we had, that these guys were incapable of engaging a crowd of dub lovers.

When the dub crew arrived on stage the audience advanced crushing the diehard fans that pitched up early, hoping to make eye contact with creamy vocalist Joe Dukie. Triumphantly they appeared on stage, the shiny trumpet, trombone and saxophone reflected of the dim gels, making the whole performance intimate and unobtrusive. They broke out with Wondering Eye, the plucky guitar and reverb eased over the euphoric crowd, raucously singing along in a bid to show their love to one of the worlds best dub/soul groups. As the tune switched up-tempo, trumpet induced madness took over the band. Dukie joined his backing singers for a jig and the brass section were on form busting out old school moves mid blow! Everyone was catching vibes.

They showcased new material that was experimental and at times left the fans hypnotised. Each tune slowly eased into the next, time seemed nonexistent. As Midnight Marauders oozed everyone was captivated by Duke’s performance. They left the stage and the floor vibrated like a heard of hippie wildebeest in protest of their absence. The encore showcased a 15 minute rendition of For the Love Of Music that found everyone grabbing a partner and sweating it up! The night felt like a sensual love session with arms and legs tingling from the indescribable feeling this collective give you live on stage. Phenomenal live with a unique and organic sound!

One Week To Live

Ram Records at The End May 4th-One Week To Live Magazine

2007-05-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

The End is a great place to host a launch of this calibre it has a certain intimacy. The night hosted a sterling line up that included the likes of Moving Fusion, Sub Focus, Marcus Intalex, Chase and Status and Andy C. Intalex smashed it with a remix of the Dizzee Rascal tune Sirens that got pulled up three times, and surpassed himself with a mix of futuristic DnB that got the crowd hype for the night ahead.

Andy C is on of DnB’s most prolific DJs and his four-hour set confirmed that he is a soldier! Sweating it out behind the decks he dropped banger after banger. It was rave heaven, mixing old skool with new sending the crowd hand in hand to cloud nine. He dropped Jungle is Massive and blended with John B club anthem Hold Me tight. Euphoric highlights were the Logistics tune Together and the track Reality by Moving Fusion. Phatties included Clipze’s massive tune Hand Grenade that saw an excess of flapping hands and pursed lips.

Playing in the lounge room were High Contrast with an early morning House set, Nicky Black Market blending old skool mixes, Jay Cunning and Neil Mitchell. This room was chilled with air conditioners and sofas full of chatty ravers. The tunes were Housie with a mix of funky and commercial including the Groove Armarda smash Get Down and tunes worthy of a Dutty Wine! An absolute banger of an evening!

Sunday Night Schenanigans

2007-05-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

For the majority of us it means watching a crappy film on channel five or channel four, recovering from roast dinner and trying not to think about getting on the Monday morning tube! Well for those dossers who are lucky enough to be:(a) a student, (b) a musician or (c) on the doll then you will know how golden Sunday sessions are.

Ok-I know we are post bank holiday Monday, but this one was a real gem. I have been out many a Sunday and had a good time! This Sunday I trotted down to The Rhythm Factory in Whitechapel I was chauffeured to the venue by a smelly tramp with a can of Super T and one guy clutching on to his blue carrier bag full of Chad-yes I rode the 25 bus! The night had a Danish feel and was called O'Hoi. I went for the Dub Step but to my surprise those Danes had pulled out all the stops with a plethora of DnB, as well as a live band!! The music flipped between hardcore computerised beats, to the speed of light drummer, no wonder his arms looked out of proportion! What a treat.

The Dub Step room hosted a night that ranged from quirky two-step to the dark depths of a nightmare. Nice one Caspa and Paz for keeping the spirit alive, it was fun! Especially when the tramp with a crutch wrestled the mic of that big burley boxer who is known through out the counties as The Cow! After a few Stella's I had that malty taste in my mouth mixed with rollies it ain't hot. I stayed in the DnB room and some blokes from Bristol got on the decks, but we wanted the Danes.... oh well... ducked out and got a chicken tikka roll with a can of mango rubicon-you can not eat those things whilst swaying home it will obliterate any garment or burn like corrosive acid on your face-how lady like!

A few clubs that have banging nightlife: Hoxton Bar and Grill, Boom Box-Unless your wearing neon leggings and a pair of skiddy pants on your head then you ain't getting in, and believe me that Tranny on the door is raw and has a tongue like a spiteful snake!
Herbal is a favourite as the night is hosted by Grooverider and has a mix of liquid and bashy DnB! Yeah and it's free woooooo!
SuperFreq is a fun electro night at The End, dresses up have a boogie get the last train or bang it out till 2am and deal with the consequences. The End always has a really good crowd that are friendly and attractive.

Please feel free to add to the Sunday night Shenanigans list...

Maybe we can hook up and eat a tikka roll Lady and the Tramp style?

Plastic Little at Queens of Noize Freerange Party. Ebony Online

2007-05-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

To describe these boys you really have to take the humour of Blood Hound Gang, mix it with electro-charged beats and there you have it Plastic Little! Their influences include the likes of O.D.B and 36 Mafia, but straight up Hip Hop, they ain’t! Plastic Little are unique and self confessed ‘Broke Pop’.

They describe their music as ‘Banging! Have sex to it!’ They performed as a trio with Jayson Musson a.k.a Pack Of Rats and Kurt a.k.a NBC (No Bodies Child) and DJ Si Young who for the duration of the night kept his sunglasses on in the dark basement club. It is fair to say that these guys are absolute jokers and would be great on a blind date. Amusingly confident and comedic they opened with a song dedicated to Jayson’s dead cat ‘Mrs Wiskerbottom?’ his voice was sweet and in tune, it won over the ladies in crowd and put them in good stead for the rest of the performance. The bass hummed as they rocked the tune Drizhollering the beat has all the dirtiness of a Dipset tune infused with electro samples, the lyrics are sheer filth, but all in jest with dance moves to match. Jayson dropped a few ‘Yo momma’ jokes and Kirk replied ‘She’s only 17-yeah-it’s getting bad we found weed in her room!’

Originally from Spring Valley, New York Jayson and Kirk have been friends since day and moved to Philadelphia to go to college and make music. They claim that Phili Soul legend Jill Scott ‘got grinded on at one our concerts.’ READ FULL ARTICLE: http://ebonyonline.net/article.php?id=736

Ny Split Endz Volume 2 Ebony Online

2007-05-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

North West London singer Nyomi Gray has been using her pipes since she was 15, now 20 the release of her second album sees a growth in her music and mindset. Eagerly anticipated the album dropped at the beginning of April amongst critics in the underground scene the feedback has been immense. The title Split Endz has ambiguity, and from a female artist would suggest that she is talking about her hair. What Ny is trying to get at is the separation of communities ‘endz’ in London. This album is an example of coming together with MC’s and producers from the Capital and on a national level with the likes of northerner Rukus.

Only a handful of the songs feature Ny without a collaboration-which is not a major concern as her style is fitting for both MC and solo tracks. The track Fire, made it on MTV Base and features West London rapper Purple. Catchy RnB tune Better Than That features a striking piano sample that falls into place with the Ny’s sweet sound and Jai Box’s creamy vocals. The most striking aspect of the album is the variety of styles and producers that give a well rounded feel. Songs like Gave You, Real or Fake feature former warring parties JME and Ghetto who spit on the same track, both tracks have been produced by Wily......
READ THE FULL REVIEW: http://www.ebonyonline.net/article.php?id=733

Carroll Thompson Lovers Rock Legend

2007-04-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Lovers Rock in it's hey day was the ultimate place to go with your mates or your girl, pure vibes, the music is easy going with dubby rhythm and angelic vocals like in the song Crazy For You by Carroll. There are a core following that still hold Lover Rock as their Dessert Island Disk.Carroll explains: “I am not sure if the current generation will revive or whether they will merge it with another genre of music.”

Carroll lived with her Grandmother who was a minister, she was encouraged musically and started playing the piano at the age of eight. She then went on at the age of 12 to win the National Youth Convention for self composed song I Know He Is With Me. An entrepreneur, whilst studying she set up her own record label and production company which gave her the basis to make her first number one hit I'm So Sorry. Her solo album Hopelessly In Love sold over 250,000 world wide and crowned her Queen of Lovers Rock. On reflection Carroll says that: “Young girls like me were given the chance to express themselves.” After chart success Carroll worked with Courtney Pine, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Blakey of the Jazz Messengers and hot fingered Jamaican keyboard player Jackie Mitto. When asked to name her most memorable collaboration she expressed with great joy that 'Courtney Pine, so talented and a friend, so much energy even though he is at least 70!"

Read the full article http://www.ebonyonline.net/article.php?id=712

Dazed and Confused-Roll Deep Album Launch Friday 23rd March

2007-04-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

The Dirty Canvas crew took over The Rhythm Factory in Whitechapel last Friday to host the launch of Roll Deep's new album Rules and Regulations.

It is fair to say with the likes of Wiley the 'Grime God Father', that Roll Deep are the first grime group to make it big. MC Flowdan of the Roll Deep crew explains that the grime business has the potential to be a 'multimillion pound industry'.

Their mainstream success has not made them arrogant; on the contrary these guys are pleasant and articulate. Flowdan explains how the mainstream success has affected the group 'it has solidified a certain status within the industry but as a whole we are an underground family, and that is what has made us who we are today.'

The songs on the new album are dark they bring skeleton shattering bass lines, infused with cheeky accordion-esque samples. The chemistry between production and MC give the tunes the edge that makes them unmistakably grimy - tunes like Stampers, Respect Us, Bad Luck and Bring UR Crew embody the raw sound of grime.

When Roll Deep hit the stage, they performed a selection of tunes including When I'm 'Ere and new tunes like Celebrate and Floating Thru Da Sky. Producer Target explains 'we aimed to make this CD for street people who have been behind us from the beginning.' Read full article http://www.dazeddigital.com/incoming/item.aspx?a=400

10,000 for what??!

2007-03-29T04:49:00.000-07:00

"The £10,000 limit for the new allowance was set by the Members Estimate Committee after MPs agreed there should be money "to assist in the work of communication with the public on parliamentary business"." BBC 28.03.07 website
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6502331.stm

Why do these idiots need money to set up a website, half of me thinks they are hiring some cheep labour to lick their envelopes and make their phone calls. Why can't they just set up a blogg or pay £20 for a domain or something?

I think it is really unnecessary for taxpayers money to be spent on politicians padding their ego's! 95% of politicians voted for the addition and it works out that each MP will receive 10,000 a year disguised as a 'communications allowance.' The total sum will range from 4-6 mil of public money! This money could be redistributed to the children living below the poverty line in some of the most affluent areas of London, nah mate lets have websites that elevate the status of the MP’s, these websites are a lot more desirable than skinny children!!

“Last year, House of Commons figures showed that MPs claimed almost £86.8m in expenses and allowances - an increase of nearly £6m on the previous year.”

If you are as angry as me read the story and comment on the BBC website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6502331.stm

Top Album-Mitchell and Dewbury Band, Beyond the Rains

2007-03-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Summer time is not quite here yet, turn the heating up, invest in a spray tan and wait patiently for global warming. Whilst making the preparations I suggest you listen to this fantastic summer time album by The Mitchell and Dewbury Band. Beyond the Rains is a mix of Brazilian Jazz that oozes summer sunshine. Tracks like Darker Than a Shadow feature an excellent vocal contribution from folk legend Terry Callier. Kaleidoscope (within a wheel) features Lizzie Rendall who has a sweet voice mixed with jazzy unpredictability. It is easy to see the influence Afro-beat has on the album, and separates their sound from mainstream competition. Rounded off with a delightful drum and base remix of Beyond the Rains. Sharp production and uplifting vocals make this album a perfect antidote for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Released on Mr. Bongo records, out early April.

Briantax-New Vid!!

2007-03-22T05:18:00.001-07:00

Album Review Tamia, Nu Day. EbonyOnline.net

2007-03-22T05:03:00.000-07:00

Tamia's voice is sweet and not to over indulgent in raucous arpeggios. This album is easy listening and features lyrics about love,sex, family and her daughter. There is a mixture of lengthy ballads and a few up beat tracks. Tamia's style is similar to Vanessa Williams. Her first album came out 10 years ago and she has worked with a few big names producers and artists like Quincy Jones, Jermain Dupree, Missy Elliot and Dark Child. Her most recent and well known release Into You featured the rapper Fabolous .

Click here for full article http://www.ebonyonline.net/article.php?id=675

Preview article for EbonyOnline.net

2007-03-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

Tanya Stephens
Dance Hall Queen comes to Camden

With her self respect, and a potent book of sexually charged lyrics, politically motivated verses and rhyme, the Queen of dance hall is changing the representation of women within a scene riddled with negative feminine imagery.

Born Vivienne Stephenson in July 1973 Tanya emerged in late nineties with the song Yuh Nuh Ready fi Dis Yet, which became an anthem for ladies in Jamaica. The album Too Hype was released in 1997 since then she went on to experiment with a variety of styles that include rock and blues. Her debut album Rebelution features moving tracks like Do You Care and The Streets that retell vividly the perils of Jamaican gangster life.

Read full article here http://www.ebonyonline.net/article.php?id=690