Tag: London

New Track: They Don’t Know – Big Narstie (ft. Xaviour)

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Making a significant entrance to 2017, BIG NARSTIE releases the first single from his forthcoming album in the shape of ‘They Don’t Know’ featuring Xaviour. Delving into a side of BIG NARSTIE that is often overlooked due to his fun-loving and comical character, the record illustrates the story behind the Brixton emcee and demonstrates his lyrical prowess as a talented wordsmith.

2016 proved to be an impressive year for BIG NARSTIE, which saw him top the charts alongside Craig David on the Top 10 record ‘When The Bassline Drops’ and later went on to be certified gold. The scene veteran also performed at a number of the world’s most famed festivals including Ibiza Rocks, Wireless, Reading & Leeds and even made an appearance on the Jonathan Ross show. He went on to release his own Bass Invaders app and single ‘BDL Skank’ and now prepares to release the fruits of his studio labours with some exciting and unexpected collaborations.

Giving us a reflective and intimate understanding of his journey and battles faced as he grew up, ‘They Don’t Know’ shines a spotlight on BIG NARSTIE allowing a very honest and bold figure to be displayed; one which seems almost opposite to the infectious laughs, hysterical sketches and the animated bars that we’ve seen of late. As he raps over the melancholy beat, Narstie’s lyrical aptitude is evident and proves why he is not only one of the most loved, but also one of the most respected and key figures in the scene.

Taking 2017 to new heights, BIG NARSTIE has just announced a six date UK tour kicking off in XOYO in London 3rd May.

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Music Video: Platinum & Gold – Basheba

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It’s evident from previous music videos that the North London dark soul singer/songwriter  BASHEBA  has a flair for creating engaging and moving visuals.

‘Platinum & Gold’ is no exception as the beautifully shot video (directed by Vasilisa Forbes with art direction from Luke Nugent) is the perfect foil for her haunting vocal delivery and sparse production courtesy of XVR BLK. Previous video ‘Don’t Go’ accumulated over 100K views on YouTube in its first two months and followed other fan favourites ‘High And Dry’ and ‘Dirty Love (Your Love)’.

Known for combining breakbeat and jungle rhythms in previous work, ‘Platinum & Gold’ continues to show a progression in sound for the young Londoner. Her ‘from the heart’ lyrics and dark soulful vocal delivery always stands out in her music, and it’s this which she has been able translate effortlessly to other areas like trip-hop, bass and R&B. It is the lead track taken from her latest EP ‘Axiom Pt. 2’ which is out now on iTunes and Spotify (via her own label Y.O.B Records) and is the second instalment of the ‘Axiom’ EP, released in April 2016.

Check out the video for this outstanding track.

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Song of the Day: Return of the Mack (Seeb Remix) – Mark Morrison

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On its 21st anniversary, MARK MORRISON‘s ‘Return of the Mack’ gets remix treatment from Norwegian dance duo Seeb.

Seeb had a sensational 2016, their remix of Mike Posner’s ‘I Took A Pill In Ibiza’ became a Grammy nominated monster hit, and was globally the third most streamed song of the year, with over one billion streams.

MARK MORRISON‘s debut album in ’96, ‘Return of the Mack’, was a multi-platinum success, selling three million copies worldwide. The single reached number one in the UK, and spent a remarkable 41 weeks on the US Billboard singles chart, peaking at number two.

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EP Review: 07946 – Nick Blackos

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ONV Records recruit NICK BLACKOS has dropped a seven-track project, entitled ‘07946’ released last month.

Your speakers will sure get a good workout through the introductory track, boasting a dub-style bass which seamlessly reverberates and rips through the grittiest fusion of grime and hip-hop. ‘07946’ will also take you by complete surprise by taking a detour into the contrasting arrangements of bar-lounging, Slum Village-esque hip-hop.

The old speakers will (as Jane Fonda would say) ‘feel the burn’ one more time as East London spitter’s latest set concludes with the return of that hefty drive.

This one’s a cheeky number – why not check it out!

Must Listens: Our Family (Blue Hills), Moon Rock, The Pain

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New Track: I Can’t Wait – Blaise Pascal

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London-based future-soul artist BLAISE PASCAL unveiled single ‘I Can’t Wait’ last Friday, taken from his debut EP, set for release later in the year. The track samples the melodic hook from Billy Cobham’s ‘Heather’, famously used in hip-hop classic 93 ’til Infinity’ by Souls of Mischief.

Speaking of his latest release, Blaise says: “It’s about a long distance relationship I was in and the feelings of excitement I had knowing I would see her after much time apart. We are no longer together but still very close and she’ll always be a special person in my life”

Born in Pembury and raised in London, Blaise’s career began with a scholarship to Sylvia Young. He began to focus on singing and dancing and his talent was recognised and rewarded by yet another full scholarship to the esteemed Rambert School of Contemporary Dance & Ballet. This led to a career as a professional dancer, taking him around the world and giving him the opportunity of working with some of the UK’s best known establishments including The Royal Opera House and The English National Opera.

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At the age of 17, his uncle Martin Rex (engineer & producer of artists such as Alison Moyet, Neneh Cherry and The Shamen), saw potential and gave him a guitar, igniting a passion for playing and writing that would soon surpass all else.

The result of this was Blaise’s debut album ‘Wild Life’ released through his own label SJH Music. He then spent the next few years gigging around the country and building a reputation working as an accomplished musician and has recently taken time out from this to begin writing his second album. As well as following his pursuits to be an accomplished songwriter and musician, Blaise has a strong sense and belief in the spirit of community and in particular amongst fellow musicians. With that in mind he founded the company Acoustic Roots, a ‘featured artist/open mic’ nights offering a platform for up and coming artists.

‘I Can’t Wait’ is now available for purchase via iTunes. For now, have a sample of the single.

 

 

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