My plans for tonight. That’s baby talc powder and Benadryl before anyone gets any ideas. And no, I won’t be ingesting either. The booze might really happen though. You know what, say what you will about the sadness of tonight’s news, but her talent will outlive it and be ever lasting. RIP Amy.
My biggest musical idol of all time, Amy Winehouse, was found dead today at the age of 27. I am so, indescribably upset right now- absolutely shocking news. I always thought she would work her way out of the drugs and bad lifestyle. Why do the good ones always go first? Such a shame. Unbelievable.
I still remember the first time I saw her live, and I remember the countless other times I would see her live, audiences growing bigger with each performance, and that voice growing stronger, before it all started to get too much for her.
But thank you Amy for your music, and for giving this little Arab the strength to pull through with your amazing talent. Rave it up in Heaven. Tonight I’ll drink for you babe. Here’s my dedication to ya.
A bass-heavy, soul sound with punchy attitude. If you like some of Prince’s newer material, you will love Nik West. Check out here.
Remember Mary Mary? They were kinda big in the 90’s with their semi-Jesus hit, ‘Shackles’. I stumbled across this on YouTube and it made me feel good. Get up!
I grew a special attachment to Oslo when I went there last year- I didn’t expect a city to be so beautiful, friendly and calm. The news today broke my heart. Stay strong Norway.
This video is like Unfinished Sympathy 2011 but it works so good! Can’t wait to see and hear more from this girl. Such an awesome talent.
I’ll be very surprised if this track doesn’t become an internet hit. Hackney bred duo Black Cherry release their double A-side single ‘One Another’ and ‘Lost In The System’ on 29th August. A very catchy dance fusion of rock and electro.
Grab this free Clock Opera remix of ‘The Bay’ by the Mercury Prize nominated Metronomy.
How can you not love this… It’s just awesome!
RizLab gives visionary artists a platform to freely experiment and embrace their creative passions. Launched to develop unique and innovative music experiences, RizLab has partnered with pioneering DJ and producer Jamie xx for it’s first project on August 11th in London.
Jamie xx has chosen to work with world-renowned visual artist Quayola. On the night, Jamie xx will be playing an extended four-hour set that will premiere new material from his forthcoming EP. At the same time, Quayola will be performing live in real-time alongside him to create a visual feast on two 17 metre wide screens in full HD.
Quayola, who, amongst others, has exhibited at the V & A, Venice Bienalle and the Royal Albert Hall, is famed for using photography, geometry, time-based digital sculptures and AV installations in his immersive multi-media performances. For this performance, Quayola will be using the custom-built software Partitura alongside long-time friends and collaborators Abstract Birds. Apply for tickets on Rizlab’s website here and enter our own competition to win a pair of tickets right here!
The second RizLab project will be curated by Friendly Fires at Bestival on Friday 9th Sept and will explore a defining musical genre with special guest appearances.
Amidst the 100’s of tracks I hear every week, something little just stands out and makes you think ‘yea!’. Sameblod did this to me this week. They’re an electropop duo from Stockholm who make friendly sounds that kinda wanna hug you and dance with you at the same time. Their remix of Lykke Li’s ‘Dance Dance Dance’ is fun. Check out here.
There’s something about listening to Airship that reminds me of my uni days in Manchester: this four-piece from the city give out a big, anthemic sound that commands your attention. Their debut album is produced by some of the team behind the Doves, Cherry Ghost the Editors. Check out here.
Wow, wow and WOW! This amazing, stunning piece of dubstep plays on Amy Winehouse‘s ‘No Good‘ and does it so well. My heart skips a beat when I hear stuff like this. This is just the most faultless piece of music I’ve heard in a long time. Stunning! Check out here.
“Disco I love you but cannot forgive you”. Addictive camp electropop from Israel. And diva on the chorus is Fierce. These disco re-workings are often a hot mess but this one really works. Check out here or download D.I.S.C.O (try typing that- it’s really hard…) for free right here!
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I think this will be love or hate, but it’s definitely a grower if you give it a chance- the video is really bizarre but I guess it compliments Norwegian Eric Ness’ ragged, jazzy, big-band vibe with a bit of pop on the side. Check out here.
In the week this video of a mashup by 17-year old French kid Madeon has been up it’s almost gathered a million views on YouTube. French do it best ;-)
A big rock-pop voice from 15 year old Kaile Goh. I really like ‘Gold’, I can see a lot of kids going for the sound. She’s already been signed up with Universal so you know to expect a lot of good stuff coming from this little lady! Check out here.
As predicted, no Jamie Woon, but good to see Adele, Everything Everything, James Blake and Katy B on there. Lots of people here who were featured on Alfitude before.
Adele – 21
Anna Calvi – Anna Calvi
Elbow – Build A Rocket Boys!
Everything Everything – Man Alive
Ghostpoet – Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam
Gwilym Simcock – Good Days At Schloss Elmau
James Blake – James Blake
Katy B – On A Mission
King Creosote & Jon Hopkins – Diamond Mine
Metronomy – The English Riviera
PJ Harvey – Let England Shake
Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy
Danish music has been making a massive push since last year, and this band in particular have made a bit of a splash in the States. They make rock that’s catchy as hell. To the point where I just have to blog it… Check New Politics out here!
I saw this guy live a while back at Gold Dust in Hoxton and really liked his stuff. Well crafted, raw, dark pop with big attitude that really comes out live. Check out here.
