Influences: Kyla - Daydreaming (Lil Silva Mix)

I was about to head out driving and as a last minute decision I decided to take a mix CD that my brother had bought back with him from South Africa. It was a mix CD that he had bought out there when he was there to see the World Cup in 2010. It consisted of a mix of Kwaito, South African House and UK Funky tracks. It is interesting to note that with the preponderance of Euro-infused House that dominates the charts UK FUnky never really made it to the mainstream. If anything the chances of that happening now are better than ever, considering Afrobeats has managed to make a breakthrough in the UK in 2012, and it shares many similar elements to UK Funky. I first remember hearing it on a drive down to Brighton, where my mate would regularly play tunes that I hadn't heard. I remember thinking that this blend is amazing! There are so many elements, particularly in the drum patterns that share a common thread with Afrobeats and this Lil Silva mix of Daydreaming by Kyla is a great example of that. The 4x4 kick, combined with the Afro-percussive rhythms. I love Kyla's gentle, dreamy vocal that floats along the beat which stays really funky throughout. Lets hope 2013 brings funkier tunes such as this one along! Lightning out.

Disclosure - Please Don't Turn Me On

It looks like 2013 is going to be a big year for Disclosure. The release of their first album will be an interesting moment in dance music. And I think that is the case because they are bringing back the sound of 2step/garage. They are also from near where I live, literally 20 minutes away. They are barely into their 20's, but garage is such a Croydon sound I know they would have heard this sound all around them as they were young. I know I did! (Weirdly enough I ran into a mate of theirs when I was DJ'ing at a wedding over the summer in Surrey. Small world) So they have updated a classic by Artful Dodger, which in my opinion highlights who they are and what they do. I remember when Re-Rewind dropped and you would hear it everywhere. "Please Don't Turn Me On" wasn't such a big-hit, but it was more gentle. I always got the feeling from the lyrics that it wasn't going to matter anyway; they were still going to end up together, despite his pleadings. I love the classic four-to-the floor sound, combined with the synths that beautifully dive in and out. If Disclosure have success, then that could set the template for pop music for the next couple of years. Kind of like how David Guetta's success a few years ago is still being felt today. Hope 2013 is a successful year for Disclosure!

Diplo - Set It Off/Katy B - Light As A Feather

It is always interesting when you hear something different being done with an original tune, so that it could become a pop hit. Something Diplo is familiar with, when Major Lazer's "Pon De Floor" morphed into Beyonce's "Run The World". This is a prime example as a tune from Diplo's "Express Yourself EP" turns into a sultry effort from Katy B. I have always thought that she was great. It is interesting to think it would have been quite easy for her to go the Skrillex/Calvin Harris route, but instead she returns on this EP with something slightly different. It feels like a summer tune with the dreamy nature of the synths and the relaxed beat, but it still feels awesome as the UK is weighed down by rain and wind!

BBC Sound of 2013 - Laura Mvula

With the new year fast approaching it is always with great anticipation that a music fan awaits the announcement of the annual Sound of poll as released by the BBC. Looking at the Sound of 2012 poll it is interesting to note the impact made by the winner, Michael Kiwanuka, the runner-up, Frank Ocean and number 4 Skrillex. I would not doubt that Azealia Banks has made an impact too, but the influence of Niki and the Dove hasn't really penetrated past the internet world. Skrillex (who came fourth) has had a significant influence with his records and his sound too. In fact at a Prodigy gig on Dec 18th that was all the warm-up DJ's seemed to be playing! The question that is always asked is that is this poll a reflection of all we are about to see in the forthcoming year, or a list of successful acts that become successful primarily because they will be listed on this prestigious poll?

In my opinion it is a bit of both. Because there are acts that will be launched in the fallow months of January and February that will be successful, but then there are acts that can be listed that will not ever release anything (Joe Lean and The Jing Jang Jong and Sadie Ama are the two names on the list that spring to my mind from previous polls). For me the most intriguing act in this year's list is Laura Mvula. Her songs sound like an orchestra of voices, with aspects of The Beach Boys in her sound. Check out her uniqueness...

Submotion Orchestra - All Falls Down

Submotion Orchestra are an amazing outfit live. I saw them live about a week ago. It's the collection of amazing musicians playing jazzy dubstep that is pretty unique. Though their records sound great it is really as a live act where their excellence comes through.

Bat For Lashes - All Your Gold

Amazing song as always!

Metrik feat. Reija Lee - Freefall

This track feels like a late autumn type of D&B track. Maybe it's in the title? The freefalling of leaves as we approach the onset of winter, yet it is still warm out and it doesn't get dark until 7pm, so you still feel optimistic. Well that's how I feel anyway. Especially when listening to this track.

SBTRKT - Trials of the Past

I am really looking forward to this Friday when I am going to see SBTRKT in London. I love Sampha's voice and I love the post-dubstep sound that SBTRKT has created. There's a soulful gentleness to it, but also a funky backbone behind it. I always find it interesting to see how producers of electronic type music replicate the sound live. Samplers, keyboards and Ableton is the accepted way and it is always interesting to see how the acts manipulate the tools at their disposal. Here's a quick taster with "Trials of the Past", from a TV performance about 18 months ago.

Danny Byrd feat. General Levy - Blaze the Fire (Rah!)

Classic jungle sound with General Levy MC'ing updated for the 2012 era. More jungle please!

Villem - Shimmer EP

This is the latest release from the Med School branch of Hospitality Records, Med School. Liquid D&B is always something I have enjoyed. With this EP what I particularly enjoy is the synth/SFX combination. It feels beautifully soothing, particularly as I hear this on a Sunday afternoon. From the EP my favourite track is Poly. I love the understated, insistent, yet funky bass-line. Hospitality will be hosting their fifth event at Brixton this Friday 28th September. Hopefully I will be going. Love Brixton Academy!

Sub Focus (ft Alpines) - Tidal Wave (Kill Sonik remix)

The new album from Sub Focus is due to be released soon. Hopefully this will propel him up another level, to Chase & Status type of success. I am enjoying the radio version of Tidal Wave and the Kill Sonik drumstep remix. What I like particularly about the remix is that it has maintained the dreamy nature of the original, and keeps a beat that suits the high floating vocals of Alpines.

Colin Munroe ft. K Flay - Your Eyes(Datsik remix)

Love the blend of piano house, drumstep, dubstep and Colin Munroe's vocal performance in this song. He is a vocalist from Canada who has released a few independent albums. I like Datsik's production too. In my opinion he is Skrillex with a bit more subtlety! And K.Flay's rap is hot too.

KT Tunstall - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree

The latest series of Jools Holland is just about to start. It is still one of the most pivotal music programs in the history of this country. I think it is because you have the right mix of established bands and new acts. Though Jools Holland can be a bit stilted with his delivery at times his presenting is an essential part of the show. For me the most exciting moments are when a new act gains their first taste of national prominence, even though you aren't quite aware of them. It was definitely the case when KT Tunstall first appeared with her loop pedal and performed "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree". As a last minute replacement for Nas she turned in a wonderful performance and proceeded to sell lots of copies of her debut album. Here's hoping that there will be many new acts to excite the public in the forthcoming series!

Rustie - After Light

TNGHT - Higher Ground

What do I hear when I hear "trap music"? I hear an offshoot of dubstep. It has that same type of energy, and the emphasis on the 3rd beat that is found in dubstep. In TNGHT's track "Higher Ground" you can hear the Miami Bass influence in the low frequency 808 kick, the hip-hop influence in the brass sample, which really reminds me of "Simon Says" by Pharoahe Monch and the rave influence in the repeated vocal "Reaching for higher ground". Music is always going to be an amalgamation of a wide range of disparate influences and it sounds like TNGHT are going to do that. I wonder what this genre is going to sound like when it comes back full circle and we have vocalists and rappers over the instrumentals? I guess at the moment it's an irrelevance, but let's wait and see shall we?

Rascals - Ape

I love the beat on this track! I first heard it on Zane Lowe's show. In the UK it feels like we have a hierachy on the progression to Tinie Tempah like mainstream acceptance. 1. Mixtapes/online 2. 1XTRA/YouTube/Channel AKA. 3. Zane Lowe. 4. Daytime.

So Rascals are on stage 3 now. Will they reach stage 4. The great thing about UK rap now is that the possibilities of them crossing over is a lot higher now. Even with a track that sounds quite underground. There is a bounce to this track that is really addictive and all 4 MC's have that youthful swagger and arrogance to their flow and delivery. It's going to be interesting to see if they will be the next UK rappers to cross over into the mainstream...

Wot Do U Call It? - Wiley

It's great that Wiley has achieved his first UK number 1 with "Heatwave". There's no illusion to the formula behind it. Wiley felt like he needed a hit. He got a hit. He has done it a few times in his career, with tracks such as "Wearing My Rolex" and "Never Be Your Woman", but for me I will always love "Wot Do U Call It" the most. It has a catchy hook, but it asks a question which I feel has been a critical one in Wiley's career; Wot Do U Call It?

He has never quite had Dizzee's mainstream acceptance, but you know the name. There have been many articles describing him as an enigma, and maybe he is but I have always believed he knows exactly what he's doing. He's still here and will still make hits... just when he feels like he needs to have a hit!

M-Beat feat. General Levy - Incredible

DJ Wizbit - Capacitor (Bustin and Skampy remix)

Drum and Bass was the first genre of music I truly fell in love with. I loved the Jungle Mania series of tapes. Love the mix of rave type piano combined with manic breakbeats. It's got that summer sound. It's gonna be a great London summer.

NType - September Sun

http://soundcloud.com/n-type/n-type-surge-september-sun?utm_campaign=share&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fn-type%2Fn-type-surge-september-sun&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=soundcloud

Bloc Party - Album Trailer

It is great news that Bloc Party have announced details of their forthcoming album and released an album video trailer to accompany the announcement. They are a group who have never been afraid to experiment with their sound and have always maintained a loyal following, whenever these musical experiments have taken place. Roll on August 20th, when "Four" will be released.

http://www.nme.com/news/bloc-party/64100

Roni Size - Jools Holland

Franz Ferdinand Take Me Out - Jools Holland

Franz Ferdinand are an important group, because they bought back a dance-type edge to rock music. They were the first of many groups who you first heard the phrase "influenced by Gang Of Four". I love the stomping feeling that Take Me Out has. One of the catchiest songs in the past decade...

Evil 9 - Stay Up

Ray Keith - Chopper (Shy FX Remix)

This was one of the tunes that made me fall in love with D'n'B. It's the bassline. Drop it today and the place will still go off!

I Luv U - Dizzee Rascal

Why was this song so exciting? It's because it's a moment. It's a mixture of weird sounds that sound as if they should clash, but which amalgamate to make a thrilling pulsating melody. It's the sound of someone articulating a relationship, rather than claiming they are some sort of super-shagger. It's the jealousy and insecurity in Dizzee's words, and the frustration in the female hook. Some say Dizzee has gone pop. Not in my book. He is still a reflection of his situation. It's just he is a superstar now...

Basement Jaxx - Romeo

Basement Jaxx. The act I have seen the most times live in my life. Last year I was even lucky enough to have a conversation with Felix Buxton for 5 minutes at the conclusion of Basement Jaxx vs Metropole Orkest, which was probably the most amazing experience of my life!

Romeo is my favourite track (closely followed by Good Luck). The Jaxx have always featured predominantly female vocalists. A quote from Felix in an interview given to www.skiddle.com explains.
"We write from the male perspective and switch it round by giving it a female vocal, changing the gender gives it a different meaning from a different psyche, it flips the meaning."


I always love the 1st single from second albums. It is the one that answers so many questions about whether this band is a Klaxons flash-in-the-pan or an act that will have longevity such as The Jaxx. When I first heard "Romeo" I loved it instantly. I love the yearning and heartfelt confusion in Kele Le Roc's sultry vocal and the pounding, but soulful house beat. And what an amazing video! The song has an eastern edge to it and when the video was revealed it captured this feeling perfectly.


The best thing about Basement Jaxx is their live act. It is a mixture of a rave, concert, topped off with a revolving cast of amazing female singers. They may not be selling as many records these days, but live is where they live and I can't wait to catch them live again!

Night-Time

This is a new song I made. It's an electro house track called Night-Time, made on Logic. I love Logic. In my head I was trying to create something to convey feelings of night-time in SE London as you walk down a darkened street and there is music coming from a far-off location.

So many amazing EDM tunes have been inspired by London nights. I don't know what it is, but I am glad I moved to the city. It is a feeling/a mentality and I guess I am fully London now!

Benga - I Will Never Change

Professor Green feat. Ruth Anne - Remedy (iLS Remix)

It's such a good thing that these days UK rappers can create something uniquely British, and rhyme in a British accent, with British remixers like iLS and still attain mainstream success. I remember when I was a kid and you had Mark B & Blade, who had Signs, moaning about the stigma of UK rap. I think that stigma has been safely removed now! There have been many points along the way which I consider pivotal because they have opened eyes and inspired people such as;

1. The success of Arctic Monkeys. 
Alex Turner's vocal delivery on the first 2 Monkeys albums has frequently been referred to as almost like rapping. Their massive success writing about British themes was definitely crucial.
2. The success of The Streets.
Mike Skinner's success was great as he was rapping in a recognisable Cockney-British accent, mainly utilising garage, which was a quintessentially British sound. The fact he was white too was great. He was the UK answer to Eminem in a way, yet he did not have to revert to some of the misogyny that has pervaded a lot of rap music.
3. Dizzee Rascal winning the Mercury. 
Boy In Da Corner is such an amazing album. I wouldn't want Dizzee to do the same thing anymore. And I know people could be critical and consider that he has gone mainstream, but as always Dizzee has been unique and reflected his current situation. He's loaded and loving it. But I will always love Boy In Da Corner the most.
4. Pass Out by Tinie Tempah hitting no.1
Though some artists like Kano, Tinchy Stryder and Chipmunk had achieved a certain amount of success (with Tinie Tempah talking about being worried that his grime peers were moving ahead of him) Pass Out was a record that took it to another place. Tinchy and Chipmunk had attained a good degree of pop success by diluting their sound somewhat with R&B hooks and love songs (nothing wrong with that though) Pass Out had that bass and that drum and bass bit at the end. It did not sound like a record aimed for the charts, yet it reached no.1 and introduced us to Labrinth, who feels like the first UK superstar producer on a level of Timbaland and N.E.R.D.

So now Professor Green who has been around a while is enjoying success. It's all good and long may the success of UK hip-hop continue!

What is this guys name?

Awesome Live Busking!

Johnni Lightning EP

http://www.ninjahlab.net/

A 5 track D'n'B EP by myself. I got new stuff which I can't wait to unleash! Check for Johnni Lightning.

No Rules

I am definitely in the vogue of creating new tracks for other people. It's not something I have really paid much attention to. I guess I always have the vision of me bouncing on the stage as the driving force. But I want to create something different. Collaborations are the beauty of music. So I am going to get 10 tracks fully produced and up within the next 2 weeks. I am setting that as a challenge for myself. And the only rule is No Rules.

Plan B - Ill Manors/Stooshe

I love the new Plan B song "Ill Manors". Some view it as a return to his roots. I guess it kind-of is. He has always been an excellent rapper, with a strong penchant for storytelling and character creation and this song does not disappoint in that regard. I love the opening line "Let's all go on an urban safari". It sets the tone of what is about to come and as a listener we are then dragged into the mentality and frustrations of a disassociated youth, which peaks with the chorus refrain "My manor's ill". There is so much of line that is relevant to today's society. Why is gang violence often decided over postcode location? In this simple chorus I envision a proud youth of an inner-city location being proud (for unknown reasons) to represent an area closely associated with violence, for no particular reason.

Obviously the beat is on point. The strings cascading through the song like a dramatic wave that is bought under control by Plan B's flow and storytelling. The quintessential story of this track to me is it is an artist who has a vision and isn't compromising, despite any pressures either he or the record label felt to match the sales of Strickland Banks. But if you really study it this is an album that still has commercial appeal as no doubt the Kidulthood/Adulthood generation may be drawn to the movie, spurred on by the extreme violence that apparently accompanies it.

I contrast that with Stooshe, who turned "Fuck Me" into "Love Me" and feature one of the worst features in all of music; the phoned in guest-rap by an American star (see Another Level and Jay-Z at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofQkBj5ZsP8 ). You know Travie McCoy has no idea who these girls are. You know they are probably a bit reluctant too. But the thing I hate is when a group pretends to be bolshie and original, when for all I can see they are just TLC, with more annoying ad-libs. They even got a wanna-be T-Boz, with a girl with a deep voice!

Everything has been done, but don't claim to be an original girl-group who are uncompromising when I have seen you before. They are kind-of interesting, but there is so much annoying stuff about them. 2 albums, then they will fade away is my prediction. I remember the last girl group I became aware of called Ultragirls. They came to my school and while they were good singers, very professional and amazingly beautiful there was nothing new about them. They were even promoting girl-power, which I swear has been done before! Of course there is something beautifully alluring about feminine independence, but what chance did the now disbanded Ultragirls have when their debut video/song was this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOqdbqdPQX4
Girls will be girls, but why do they so often follow the same formula? And where is the new Missy Elliott? Or even better, where is Missy Elliott