Music
The rise of Afrobeats
Many in the UK are only now getting acquainted with charismatic Nigerian musician D’Banj, through the heavy rotation of his quirky dance floor anthem ‘Oliver Twist’. His first major label release, the song has etched its place on the consciousness of British popular music fans thanks to its inclusion on some of the nation’s biggest playlists, including the A-List at Radio 1, a feat which has come to signify guaranteed chart success in this country.
By Anna Nathanson | Arts, Music | Tuesday, 8 May 2012 at 11:54 am
“It’s not all about drugs”: A chat with Venezuelan duo Fur Coat
Earlier this year video of DJ duo Art Department playing a track with the chorus ‘You and I, we are like…cocaine and ketamine’ spread like wildfire on the net. The infectious, and blatant drug-related lyrics striking a chord with many partygoers around the world. As with many exclusive, unreleased tracks, nobody knew who it was by and so the hunt began.
By Marcus Barnes | Arts, Music | Monday, 7 May 2012 at 4:00 am
Immerse yourself in Brighton Fringe
It is on Twitter that I often find myself throughout the day ‘hearing’ the most up-to-date reviews, previews and general musings about Brighton Fringe events.
By Rosie Blackwell-Sutton | Arts, Music | Monday, 7 May 2012 at 12:00 am
In the Sahara, you have a lot of time to live the music
The image of a desert rebel who is as comfortable with an instrument as with a weapon could not be epitomised any more vividly than it is by Tinariwen. In a rare interview, Eyadou Ag Leche, speaks on behalf of the Nomadic band ahead of their London show this Thursday.
By Emma Gritt | Arts, Music | Thursday, 3 May 2012 at 4:00 am
Nic Fanciulli: Finding Balance through friends and family
Nic Fanciulli is proof, if ever it were needed, that hard work and dedication – along with some balance – can really help an individual to succeed. His love affair with music has been incessant since his early teens and, now in his early thirties, he has his own record label (Saved), tours the globe regularly and isn’t a bad DJ either. On top of that he has a reputation for being one of the nicest guys in the business.
By Marcus Barnes | Arts, Music | Wednesday, 2 May 2012 at 4:01 am
Slugabed: I want it to recreate the thoughts and feelings I experienced
Next week sees the 23-year-old producer, real name Greg Feldwick, release his debut album. The 12-track record is a culmination of the producer’s formative years making music.
Fritz Kalkbrenner: When music becomes more than just a hobby
Fritz Kalkbrenner is successful producer from Berlin, that ever-trusty hub of creativity. Although he’s been making music since he was in his teens, Fritz initially pursued a career in music journalism, before he found the success of himself and his older brother, Paul, meant that he could ditch the journalism to become a full-time musician. He’s a famous face in Germany and recently put his talents to work on an excellent mix CD for the Suol label. A retrospective mix that represents his various influences, it includes everything from Boo Williams through to Pete Rock and CL Smooth.
By Marcus Barnes | Arts, Music | Monday, 30 April 2012 at 1:03 pm
Labrinth: I’m always called a rapper because I’m a black artist
As Simon Cowell’s first non-talent show signing to label Syco in six years, Labrinth (Timothy McKenzie) caused a stir back in 2010. Having shot to the number one spot with Tinie Tempah on the Ivor Novello award-winning song ‘Pass Out’, and number two with ‘Frisky’, their third collaboration at the end of last year ‘Earthquake’ heightened anticipation for his debut album Electronic Earth. Originally tipped as a producer, the Hackney-born singer supported headliner Dizzee Rascal earlier this month, and in preparation for his set, shared why he’s getting into the festival spirit, and how he’s witnessed the effects of fame.
By Laura Davis | Arts, Music | Wednesday, 25 April 2012 at 6:45 am
Tony Smart: On the up after Falling From Grace
A little while back I received an EP from No.19 Records, their Spring Sampler – a collection of tracks from a various different musicians. I wasn’t overly impressed to begin with (although I love it now) but there was one track that really stood out for me. It was called Falling From Grace, by Tony Smart and Terence Kissner, and it completely blew me away. Deep, sullen and rolling – I had it on repeat for ages. I recently to get in touch with one of the guys who made it, Tony, and we had a really interesting chat about his on/off relationship with music, his dad’s influence and his connection with a famous UK DJ… and he recorded a brilliant exclusive mix for me too.
By Marcus Barnes | Arts, Music | Monday, 23 April 2012 at 12:07 pm
Record store day: Have music shops really come to their demise?
Over the past few years it has been declared that the time has come for music in its physical format. It is said that nowadays nobody is prepared to pay for music when they can acquire the track they’re after for free in a matter of seconds. Is this really the case?
By Jay Platt | Arts, Music, Opinion | Friday, 20 April 2012 at 12:53 pm
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