Song of the Day: Always – Toddla T Meets Andrea Martin (ft Silkki Wonda)

Toddla T meets Andrea Martin Always

For die-hard ravers who’s still reminiscing about the good times at Notting Hill Carnival, well here’s something for you from TODDLA T.

Sweet reggae vibes and the off-beats of the drums bring the Jamaican sunshine, whilst the power and soul coming from the vocals of Andrea Martin and the patois from Silkki Wonda, make this four-minute treat the perfect remedy for even the darkest of summers day.

The Sheffield native has had a year of big productions that have seen his records hit a multitude of radio, Spotify and TV playlists, however this is his first self-named TODDLA T release via his new label Steeze.

Ever the visionary, TODDLA T’s music has always been heavily influenced by music and culture from around the world, particularly the genres that represent a voice or culture. From the essence and soul of R&B, the energy of grime, the vibes of reggae and dancehall to the excitement of electronic beats, TODDLA T productions stand out on a limb for their daring and courageous sounds.

Having hosted a stage for both days of the iconic Notting Hill Carnival with his sound system on Sunday 28th and Monday 29th August for the first time ever, Always is stark reminder that he brings the vibes to the speakers as well as the party, and is a perfect taster to a new period in this artist’s career.

Song of the Day: Hop In the Place – Sticky Blood (ft. LDizz)

sticky blood hop in the place

Following on from their Rhythm & Grime single Garn Again featuring Snowy and Yxngz, the production duo STICKY BLOOD keep smashing out the tracks and another one Hop In The Place. This track takes on Grime x Trap vibes, with its deep bass and beats, and the hard-edged lyrics.

Their work-rate is second to none, with a string of releases such as their debut EP I-D in 2015 and follow-up EP Blood Is Stickier Than Water gaining support from Red Bull, Complex, Radio 1Xtra, Clash, Wonderland, NME, Toddla T, Mistajam and Monki.

The two are now joined by another Steel City representative L Dizz who is from the new generation of Grime, and has gained attention from 1Xtra DJMistajam. He distinguishes himself between a melodic, anthemic chorus to rapping with a demanding, unyielding flow with a strong and powerful delivery that commands your attention. It’s backed by STICKY BLOOD’s alarming synths, snappy snares, militant hi hats all backed with a bass big enough to shake the grimiest of raves up.

They are already unsettling other producers across the UK with their unique and explorative sounds and wave of releases, and will continue to do so throughout the year. The anticipation is growing and growing for the new duo in town.

 

New Music Video: Valium – Sticky Blood (ft. Gaby Henshaw)


STICKY BLOOD
 return after an array of quality music in 2015 that turned the heads of the major music tastemakers. The Blood is Stickier Than Water E.P, written and recorded at the Red Bull Studios, featured One Bar In ft. MC’s Coco & Snowy and Balance, which put the production duo on the map garnering support from Monki, Toddla T, Mistajam, Jamz Supernova, Complex, Clash and excitement through the indie music scene.

Following hot on its heels and showing exactly why they’re in such high demand with artists waiting to work with them, Sticky Blood dropped the infectious Valium featuring singer Gaby Henshaw.

The title Valium is used by the production duo as a metaphor to show the desire to be asleep where you can experience something away from reality and where things are unassuming. Like the description, the production follows its movement; it develops and builds as the tracks deepens with punchy club style drums mixed with anthemic style synths in the build-ups, and contemporary sounds in the drop and switch. It’s confident in its sound, and in the second part we see saturated bass and stuttered patterns. The twists and turns in their production style constantly surprise and highlight their diversity and intricacy.

The cinematic visuals match the portrayal from the lyrics and the beat with Gaby Henshaw depicting a girl up in the hills away from everything, but searching for something. It’s very much open to interpretation as to where, why and how, but shows desperation, and leaves the viewer considering and asking all types of questions.

Andy Nicholson and Jamie Shield have created a striking and unique sound that can move people emotionally working with established singers such as Terri Walker and Tom Prior, but also create Grime tracks at a 155bpm with up and coming MCs. They are fresh and innovative and continue to bring an exciting, rule-breaking sound to 2016.