PUT ME ON IT

We're Moving!

2011-09-12T16:52:00.001+01:00

It's been fun but we're leaving the blogspot behind, to slowly fade away. Please come and visit us in our new home (and update your RSS and blog links) - putmeonit.com

Why We Didn't Just Book A DJ

2011-09-02T12:31:00.000+01:00

Kev Brown at Lookout! Circa Nov 2007

I was surfing Myspace one night (it was October 2007), and one of my favorite rapper/ producers Kev Brown sent out an update saying that he was in London. It turned out his show had been cancelled and he and half the Low Budget crew were sleeping on Tranqill's floor. Virtually hyperventilating I called some friends with a live night called Lookout! and demanded they change the line up at the last minute. Two days later and Low Budget were rapping and making beats live on stage at Favela Chic.

The guys asked me to stay on and help programme, and through Myspace we managed to book Muhsinah, Ty, Blu and Ta'Raach, Stacey Epps, Eric Lau and Rahel, Fatima and lots of other artists with Alexander Nut and Cavalry as our resident DJs. There was a lot of sleeping on sofas, last minute line ups and minor emergencies, and we ended up giving the artists every penny we made on the door, but it was more than worth it. We were one of many similar live promoters at the time - Deviation which I also ended up working on, Doctors Orders at Herbal, Cargo and the Jazz Cafe were all putting on great live line ups of independent and emerging talent.

Fast forward to 2011, and things look pretty different. London has become one of the major cities in Europe international artists find it hardest to book a show in. Georgia Anne Muldrow, Taylor McFerrin, Blu and Exile, Cody Chesnutt, Mia Doi Todd, and many other great performers have all been on tour in Europe in the past year with no London date (not to mention the live talent based here). Generally venues and promoters are booking safe-bet big name artists slightly past their prime for lower fees, crowd pulling electronic producer-DJs who can just show up with a laptop (no backline, band members or tour manager required), or in the case of Cargo music so bad people have to get drunk to numb the pain.

I wasn't going to do another live night. It's hard and scary - you lie awake worrying about the sound system, ticket sales, flight prices and last minute cancellations. I convinced myself everyone must be happy enough with DJ sets and old school rappers. Then I saw Quadron perform at the Queens Head in May. The band were truly incredible - I will never forget that show as long as I live, but because it was a bit random and last minute there was only a tiny fraction of the familiar faces I knew would have felt the same way in the audience. I refuse to believe that the hundreds of Londoners downloading, blogging, tweeting and ranting on about amazing new music don't want to see it live. So I resolved to call my dear friend Eric Lau and ask for his help, and later this afternoon I'm going to go and hand in a deposit I can't afford to the venue for our first event.

It would be so easy to sit here and just blog, but this blog started in the first place because of the live events I was involved in, because I wanted to do something active to support the musicians whose work I love so much. I didn't know anything about anything, I was just passionate; so if you can offer an artist you love and want to see perform in London a spare room, a cheap flight hook up, a rehearsal space, or you just buy your tickets in advance, we would really appreciate your help.

PUT ME ON IT Live: Dego (+Live Band), Tanya Auclair & Eric Lau - 15th Sept

2011-08-17T20:12:00.003+01:00

I'm so excited to announce that we are launching a regular monthly live event in the basement at the C.A.M.P. in Shoreditch starting on Thursday 15th September 2011. If you came to Lookout!, Pause, Deviation, Bitches Brew or Tomorroww over the past few years you'll know we like to party - bring your inhaler and a towel.

We're starting with a very rare and special full live show from our musical hero and friend Dego (4Hero/ 2000 Black) performing his recently released album "A Wha' Him Deh Pon?" with a full live band, featuring London's finest musical talent. Supporting will be PMOI crew favourite, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tanya Auclair performing her original brand of experimental pop much lauded by the likes of Gilles Peterson. As if that weren't enough our resident DJ Eric Lau will be holding it down with an original selection of goodness until 1am.

To top it all off the inspirational Sri McKinnon will be launching her new exhibition "Mindscapes" (upstairs), Mrs Mck's Pudding Club from Relay Tea Room will be selling the most delicious selection of cakes and treats you've ever seen, and United 80 will have a musical pop up shop!

Advance tickets are on sale now [Click]

PUT ME ON IT LIVE AT THE CAMP

Thursday 15th September (9pm-1am)

Dego "A Wha' Him Deh Pon?" Live

Tanya Auclair

Eric Lau

The C.A.M.P., 70-74 City Road, EC1Y 2BJ (Old St Tube)

£5 advance/ before 10pm (£7 after)

Click attending on Facebook for updates

Watching The Riots

2011-08-14T23:44:00.000+01:00

"Black culture in this country has had a huge contribution, on our music and, a whole range of cultural ways…" My heart sank as I watched Owen Jones attempt to take to task an apoplectic and ill-informed David Starkey doing a fantastic impression of a racist on Newsnight this week as they discussed the London riots. Grateful as I was for the gesture, Jones's inability to think quickly of an effective and undeniably long list of positive contributions black culture has made in Britain was almost as sad as Starkey's shrieks of "Rap? You glorify rap?!"

In September 2007 I was working on the opening performance of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre - a desperately needed arts center in the heart of Tottenham dedicated to diversity, built by architect David Adjaye to commemorate the late Tottenham MP and community leader Bernie Grant. My daring boss tried to push the name of the devised piece of musical theatre created by a cast of 35 young people with London's finest directors, rappers, vocalists and songwriters past the board. We promptly had to do damage limitation on thousands of flyers and "RIOT" became "GRIOT". Her hopes to transform the negative connotations of the history of that word in that area associated with that MP from violence to joy and creativity were quickly dashed. The performance was a success as were many of our creative projects dedicated to diversity and cross-artform collaboration, but less than a year later most of us were made redundant. The official line to the press was that we lost our funding. The real story was much more heartbreaking, as issues of governance, ulterior motives and financial mismanagement reduced the dreams we worked ourselves to the bone for to virtually nothing in under a year. Three years later and Tottenham was once again on fire.

I watched last week's events unfold to a soundtrack of Watch The Throne, Jay Z and Kanye West's new collaborative album released in the same time frame as the riots. My initital reaction was utter revulsion, as on first listen I picked up on talk of watches, cars and shoes - themes of materialism, a word hurled at the looters of London like mud. Several listens later and I stand on the opposite side of that fence, but also with a greater understanding for the politicians, historians and anyone else whose limited perception of hip hop is that of a superficial, dark and frightening caricature. Subtlety can be hard to pick out on a first listen, even with open ears.

Starkey's issues with the language of urban youth culture provided a sharp reminder that in Britain, a country with shockingly low social mobility, class is still a huge issue. In the US things are different, and money talks much louder than "the right" pronunciation, lineage and schooling - it generally brings with it a level of acceptance harder to obtain on these shores. I am privately educated (as with David Lammy when I speak you might not know my origin with your eyes closed), but that made little difference in my time as an arts fundraiser as I was probed by the well-to-do for information about my presumed absent black father or possible adoption, neither of which was the case.

Watch The Throne certainly has the familiar and almost obligatory sprinkling of club tracks and boastful lux-life references which help guarantee its success on US radio, but a more careful listen reveals a tale of the American dream. Jay Z is still talking about how he has escaped a poor upbringing, absentee father and dealing crack, whilst Kanye is still talking about the difficult effects his hard won superstar life has had on him (in particular his current pre-occupation with being disliked and labeled a racist), but that he's still fighting for it. Hiding or layering the depth of meaning is an intentional device rappers often apply, but many of this album's underlying themes are overtly aspirational -

"The streets raised me, pardon my bad manners

I got my liberty chopping grams up

Street justice, I pray God understands us

I pledge allegiance to all the scramblers

This is the star spangled banner" - Jay-Z (Made in America)

At the end of 2009 Matthew Herbert remarked to Paul Morley in the Guardian that it would be difficult to tell what was happening in the world through listening to pop music over the past decade. That might be true of pop music but that's not exactly the case with much of hip hop and grime. They both come littered with references to popular culture placing them explicitly in time, and they are also often the autobiographical experiences of the writer. This is the political voice of many young people, positive or negative, it is a view of the world through their eyes and mouths. The tired argument so often made that hip hop is causing violence is quite frankly arse about face, since songwriting generally involves finding inspiration in what you know - the music is the product of experience not the other way round. Apparently because it's not written up in a shiny report (Standard English of course) it cost a shady quango thousands to produce it's not worth listening to seriously.

Whilst I take issue with the way the riots and associated issues are being dealt with by our government and much of the media, it has made one thing abundantly clear to me. We are in dire need of a "British Dream". The inspirational American ethos, the very benchmark of their culture, that "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement regardless of social class or circumstances of birth" sounds pretty good. Ours might need to be a bit more cynical with clauses regarding crippling humility and the weather, but surely anything's better than "The Big Society" - not even David Cameron's old pal Rhymefest could write a song about that.

Video: "Go" Tirzah & Micachu

2011-08-03T15:51:00.000+01:00

I don't know how you would describe this so just watch it and try not to snap your neck in half I suppose.

Download + Video: Eric Lau "This Is For You"

2011-07-24T15:41:00.002+01:00

It's not you it's him. That is if you don't fully understand or are vaguely impressed by something Eric proclaims to be simple, he's just a really humble person. He also hates interviews so it's nice to seem him so relaxed on camera.This might be the last of this kind of sound you hear from Eric for a little while, he's been working on a raft of new stuff lately - collaborations, pseudonyms and experiments I can't wait to hear more about. Eric and PMOI also have a little announcement coming soon I'm getting very excited about, keep 'em peeled...

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ericlaumusic.bandcamp.com/track/this-is-for-you"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;This Is For You by Eric Lau&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Goodbye Amy.

2011-07-24T14:49:00.003+01:00

"I'm not surprised" was the resounding conclusion on Twitter. I was.

Without going in to specifics I've spent most of my life around addiction, and it's a long time since I was amazed by the toxic volumes people can put in to their bodies and survive, the terrifyingly dangerous situations they can stumble through unscathed, and the heartfelt promises to stop they can't keep. The point at which most of us would have found shocking or surprising was probably a road bump long since passed. By the time someone actually does go too far, they've usually gone further than we can possibly imagine.

Like a lot of Londoners, I met Amy Winehouse once. It was years ago with my sister in Kentish town, she started pointing and saying to her boyfriend "look, those two are so pre-eeyy" as if we were puppies she'd like to take home. Not quite sure what to say we just told her we were fans of her album at the time "Frank" and ducked out of the way. I remember thinking how strange it was that she was Amy Winehouse, yet she seemed insecure. The stories about her hadn't reached our ears at that point, we were just impressed by her brave, honest (and funny) songwriting, not to mention that voice.

Fast forward to last night as I watched people blame Amy, the people around her for not intervening, the media for their callousness - the list was endless and totally understandable, but wrong all the same. Addiction is a disease, and it often ends up killing its victims. It's hard to sympathise with because the outward appearance is that the addict doesn't care and it's their fault for not trying hard enough. Apart from the mental side of it, the physical experience can be a similar urge to needing to eat when you're starving or drink when you're parched - for those who blame Amy I hope they ask themselves if they would be strong enough to suppress an urge that severe every single day. For those who feel her family should have intervened further, short of tying someone up and never letting them out again there's nothing you can really do to stop them. You just have to watch the person you love kill themselves slowly in front of you, and it's every bit as painful for you as it is for them. As for the media, it is our responsibility to hold them accountable for their behaviour before someone dies, not just blame them afterwards.

I keep seeing talk of how Amy Winehouse will forever be as defined by her addiction as she is by her music. I beg to differ. I think that is up to us. I choose to remember Amy for her inspirational yet down to earth songwriting, how her music got me through sad times or made me laugh out loud, her incredibly special voice, and how she opened the door for talented female artists who don't fit the mould, and don't hold back.

Review: Baloji & Fatoumata Diawara at Rich Mix 18.07.11

2011-07-21T00:14:00.001+01:00

I say "review" but technically "gushing outpouring of unbridled adoration" is probably far more accurate so I'll try to keep it brief.

I'd heard very little about Fatoumata Diawara which is strange considering what an incredible specimen of the human race she is. An electric guitar playing, mind altering beauty, 'human firework' dancing, limbs like a moving sculpture specimen to be more precise. Her style of singing was something I hadn't come across before, a beautiful tone and range but so expressive - one minute full of dry laughter and the next heavy with sincerity. At one point Fatoumata proffered an inviting description of how to get to her village and proceeded to take us there with her casually masterful band, which just intensified my longing to visit Mali - if ever there were a successful advert...

I admit, I whispered "I would NOT want to have to follow that!" before Baloji and his Orchestre De Katuba took to the stage. How wrong I was. I think the brilliance of some of Baloji's videos (Karibu Ya Bintou, Tout Ceci Ne Vous Rendra Pas Le Congo) left me imagining he couldn't possibly be as exciting in person. As Orchestre De Katuba filed on stage looking every bit as slick as the Indépendance cha-cha video my hopes were raised, and when Baloji appeared in a shiny red tuxedo jacket with an aura of confidence so evident it was neon, I realised the videos were just the appetizer as they launched in to a set fueled by African funk that could have launched a jet.

Perhaps what struck me most (and there was a lot of striking, the band were incredible), was Baloji's mastery on stage. Every movement and moment seemed calculated and choreographed without losing any of the excitement - the attitude on stage was one of gleeful anticipation, *we know what's coming next and trust us you're going to like it*. The mood switched from playful to serious to steamy to jubilant but the barriers really came down when Baloji announced "they call this 'world music', but this is our music". From that moment on we all danced like the palm wine was flowing at an African wedding.

I'm not sure Baloji falls in to the traditional heartthrob category but the women to my right started squirming and screaming "tomber la chemise" as the jacket came off and the sleeves were rolled up with unmistakably suggestive intent. There's definitely something iconic about the man - I had that same feeling of intense absorption and awe you get when you watch one of the greats, as your soul pledges to return at every chance just to experience it all again.

Marques Toliver "Butterflies Are Not Free" EP

2011-07-20T22:44:00.002+01:00

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Mar&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
Marques Toliver "Deep in My Heart"

This EP came out back in April and went on a long list of things to check out I never did - face palm. JB III comparisons aside (Toliver could almost be a less vocally oversexed and overstyled cousin), there's something really magical and original about this guy. At the very least you must listen to this song past 2:46. The rest of the EP is equally juicy, I keep uncovering interesting new nuggets with every listen.

Buy: Marques Toliver "Butterflies Are Not Free" EP [iTunes link]

Download: Kae Sun "Outside The Barcode" EP

2011-07-20T20:49:00.001+01:00

I've just come across this lovely artist of Ghanaian extraction based in Canada, Kae Sun. I really like the stripped down sound of his "Outside The Barcode" EP, which he released for free at the end of June. The video above was shot at the farm where the EP was recorded, he reminds me in places of both Nneka and Paul Simon, there's something warm and endearing about this music.

Download: Kae Sun "Outside The Barcode" EP

Video: José James & Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble Gil Scott Heron Tribute

2011-07-20T20:08:00.000+01:00

It's almost strange how similar José James sounds to Gil Scott Heron, particularly on the chorus of "Winter in America". Mr James will be performing a not very secret show at Jazz Re:freshed in London this Thursday.

Video: Cornelia "Aquarius Dreams"

2011-07-13T21:10:00.000+01:00

I'm so cynical. My first thought when I heard this track was how incredibly sync friendly it sounds. Get money. Ahem. Luckily this painstakingly gorgeous video by the talented Mr Thomas of stitchthat.tv has forced me back in to fan mode alongside Cornelia's ultra-femme dangerous pixie vocal (seriously I've met her, she looks like she might lure you in to the woods to play then steal half your Haribo if you doze off - watch your back).

You can buy Aquarius Dreams through Cornelia's very own record label Camp Mozart now.

Video: Nneka "Soul Is Heavy"

2011-07-13T15:53:00.002+01:00

New Nigerian national anthem? It's certainly more scathing than "Arise O Compatriots, Nigeria's call obey..." As someone who left in August 1995 before they hanged Ken Saro-Wiwa three months later, I appreciate those brave enough to keep talking about the fact Nigeria has a long way to go. It's exceptionally difficult to tread the line between politics and art without compromising either but Nneka seems to have been put here to do so.

Video: Tawiah "Break Away" [Live Acoustic]

2011-07-07T11:41:00.001+01:00

"So we have a new incredible artist called Tawiah that I reckon you’re going to like" says the PR email. How sweet. I'm pretty sure at least 90% of people I know are still playing Tawiah's incredible EP In Jodis Bedroom [iTunes link] from 2008 regularly. Looks like the major label push has begun however, let's hope they get it right because everyone with properly working ears will be supporting Tawiah, one of the most talented artists this country contains.

Video: Lianne La Havas "Don't Wake Me Up" (Live at The Slaughtered Lamb)

2011-07-06T19:12:00.000+01:00

I do realise I have become Lianne La Havas's weird blogger stalker, because I can't stop posting everything she does, but can you blame me? I think not.

Video: Om Unit Vs Kromestar "Solar Cycle/ Merkabah"

2011-07-06T19:08:00.001+01:00

Teaser really is the only appropriate term for this - you barely have time to fully screw your face before it's over. Om Unit sent me the MP3s so I guess you can come round to my house if you need to, or just wait for it to come out on 12" & digital via Om Unit's new label Cosmic Bridge.

Video: The Park "Twice The Zombie" + "The Process"

2011-07-06T18:17:00.000+01:00

One take. I admit it's perhaps not the most captivating piece of footage [I screen hopped] but the music is brilliant - a juicy Little Dragon resmack to coin the Rustie-ism. Annoyingly it doesn't seem to be on their [equally brilliant] new album The Process. I will thus of course be paying them a visit at Lovebox to demand recompense.

<a href="http://thepark.bandcamp.com/album/the-process">The Process... by The Park</a>

Video: Mountain Man - Come All Yee [Live at The Wiltern]

2011-07-06T18:02:00.000+01:00

I first came across Mountain Man supporting Jonsi from Sigur Ros in Brighton last year and fell in love with their voices, sucker that I am for Appalachia. It could have been quite a risk for Jonsi to pick mountain folk as opposed to fellow magical woodland folk as a support act but it worked. Apparently this is an audio + video release, I can't find it in iTunes UK but am crossing fingers it's on the way.

Video: Diana Ross Live at Central Park 1983

2011-06-30T19:21:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow morning Beyonce will be performing a televised free concert at Central Park in New York, almost exactly 28 years after Diana Ross performed a concert there for 800,000 people (the first day in the beautifully choreographed video above was rained off part way through so she actually performed the full show the next day, Friday 22nd July 1983).

After watching Beyonce's undeniably amazing (say something, what?) and historical headline set at Glastonbury this week I'm too exhausted to watch her again anytime soon. However I have just found a link to Diana Ross's slightly more sedate but equally glamorous affair, complete with (just slightly) gushing heartfelt proclamations, an impossible number of hit songs, and miraculously - even bigger hair.

Watch Diana Ross Live in Central Park 1983 here/ buy it on Amazon.
*Disclaimer - the video seems to take at least 5 minutes to load but it does work so be patient!

PMOI Presents: Tanya Auclair "Origami" Live [Dir. Will Hanke]

2011-06-28T17:31:00.003+01:00

Photo by Oddisee

It's hard to choose a favourite from an EP which only has three songs on it. They're all beautifully crafted, but the title track Origami might be my favourite to listen to live because it's paired down to just Tanya's voice and her trusty Microkorg.

If you haven't yet heard "Origami" you can listen & download here and I would highly recommend catching Tanya live at Love Box festival or one of the other gigs she has coming up this summer.

Listen + Download: Tanya Auclair "Origami" EP here

Biophilia Begins...

2011-06-28T15:56:00.001+01:00

I know I'm supposed to be really excited about this new Biophilia album/ project thingy from Bjork, presently debuting at Manchester International Festival. I am, I promise, I nearly attacked a producer who has been working on this album for details (not allowed to name him/ her, apologies). Crystalline (above) sounds like the closest thing to the Vespertine album since it came along and changed everything in my tiny mind, yet with it's own very distinctive textures and direction which seems to end up in experimental drum and bass wonderland - yes yes all very exciting. Now can we talk about this remix please??

Video: Bon Iver - I Can't Make You Love Me & Nick of Time [Live]

2011-06-28T15:10:00.000+01:00

*Tries to think of something cool and interesting to say, fails*. Justin Vernon how I love your squeaky depths. Do you have the new Bon Iver album [iTunes link]? It sounds like this but even longer. Yeah.

Drink Fuelled Documentaries: Cee Lo "Distilled" & Araabmuzik's "Burn"

2011-06-28T15:05:00.001+01:00

It seems that if you would like to get your documentary commissioned this year, look no further than the nearest drinks company! Honestly though, who cares as long as they're interesting and not massively compromised? I'm not sure you can "distill" Cee Lo but if you could his bravery seems like a good place to start. In the niche musical world many of us occupy it's easier to pursue diverse tastes and take brave steps, in fact it's expected, but Cee Lo is one of the last who are able to couple genuine artistic integrity with major pop success - and right now that really is brave.

Apparently director Alec Sutherland finished this piece on Araabmuzik months ago but Burn Energy drink (pause) wanted him to hold off releasing it until later on this year. He nobly declined claiming this way it could be seen as something other than an advert (perhaps the reason we don't see Araab glugging energy drinks the way Cee Lo caressed his vodka above). Well, that and because Araabmuzik's album "Electronic Dreams" came out on June 14th [iTunes link] - I'm not feeling the whole thing but a few tunes are tough.

Video: Metronomy "The Look" (Acoustic)

2011-06-20T18:03:00.001+01:00

Some music just makes your heart shout "yayyyyy". Metronomy falls firmly in to this very official genre. Possibly one of the most endearing things about them is the gap between the real them (see above for slightly shy embarrassed west country blokes going slightly out of tune and giggly), and their commitment to making proper English sexy synthesized pop (see below for over the top glam par excellence).

Via PUBlication & Zeit

Now Playing: New Albums From Ebo Taylor, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo and Seun Kuti

2011-06-20T17:38:00.000+01:00

I seem to have acquired three brilliant new albums from West Africa this spring, all on the funk inflected flex but not all strictly afrobeat.

The most recent is The 1st Album by Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou of Benin released on June 7th through Analog Africa. Apparently Samy Ben Redjab came across a test pressing of a session by the band from 1973 which was rejected by their record label at the time because of background noise. The band had to record a second session which became their rare as hen's teeth official album, and The 1st Album features two tracks from each. OPR actually put out another album earlier this year on Strut featuring their first new recordings for 20 years entitled "Cotonou Club".
Download:
The 1st Album 07.06.2011, Analog Africa [iTunes link]
Cotonou Club 29.03.2011, Strut [iTunes link]

The second is also a set of re-releases but from Ghana's Ebo Taylor, hot on the heels of his album Love and Death last October. My lovely friends over at The Revivalist have a great interview and feature on the man as part of their Transatlantic Issue. You can download a track from the album for free from Nora Ritchie's Soundcloud player below.

Ebo Taylor - Atwer Abroba by noraritchie
Download:
Life Stories 12.04.2011, Strut [iTunes link]
Love and Death 22.10.2011, Strut [iTunes link]

Finally, Seun Kuti's From Africa With Fury: Rise. The interview with Wax Poetics above is great, but I can't help but wonder what Africans who are based outside of Nigeria or Africa will be feeling in reaction to this kind of music.
Download:
From Africa With Fury: Rise 1.4.2011, Knitting Factory Records [iTunes link]

Stream/ Download: Gil Scott-Heron - Live At The Bottom Line '77

2011-06-20T15:24:00.000+01:00

"We have a feeling that everybody in the whole world speaks drum..."

I've been digging through some of Gil Scott Heron's work I was previously unfamiliar with since his passing, and this is one of my favourite finds so far. I love the way as he speaks to the audience he jumps between hilarity, fascinating stories and the searing truth. At times it's tough listening to such a beautiful soul knowing he's gone, but comforting that recordings like this ensure the most important parts are still here.

It's easy to forget with so much information at our fingertips that Gil Scott Heron was aeons ahead of his time in terms of his knowledge of world politics and culture, I'm reminded here that he really was one of the griots he spoke of. The music itself has also lost nothing over the 30 years since this recording, which came just before the release of the album Bridges. Even classic songs like It's Your World feel brand new again with the addition of the beautiful introductions and live instrumentation.

Download: Gil Scott-Heron "Live At The Bottom Line '77" [click here]

Gil Scott-Heron - live at the Bottom Line 77 by Ninjamixdump on Mixcloud

Download + Interview: Tanya Auclair "Origami" EP

2011-06-14T13:01:00.000+01:00

I'm so happy to be sharing this EP, Tanya Auclair is such an exciting singer songwriter and her work continues to exert a strong gravitational pull on my heart strings towards her live shows and recorded projects. I asked her a couple of questions about the new EP "Origami", the first 1000 copies of which are available for free download through her Bandcamp page so be quick.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://tanyaauclair.bandcamp.com/album/origami"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;ORIGAMI by Tanya Auclair&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
I've searched high and low but can't find a single "ooh baby I love you/ you broke my heart etc etc", is it safe to assume the inspiration behind this EP was not your love life?

Haha! Yes, zero tolerance on the smoochy time policy on this EP. I kind of set myself these little 'rules' before setting out on the record. 1) no love songs 2) write everything live before even sniffing a computer...The rules were really just tools to push my songwriting skills. Its easy to write about love, I wanted to get better at telling stories.

What exactly is a Sverige?

Sverige started out as an epic poem I wrote for my mates after we did a road trip round Sweden. Travel and movement have always been good catalysts for me when it comes to writing, whether its the rhythm of your stride or the random stuff you get up to or the newness of it all. That trip set me off, soon as I got back I wrote the EP Thrum. The lyrics ‘Hear that whistle blow’ is the call you hear when something needs to be done.

Your last EP Thrum was a solo effort but for Origami you've worked with other people, what prompted the change and how did the process differ?

With the first EP it was me locked in my room with a Zoom recorder, Fruityloops and some instruments. This time I just wanted to try the opposite. I wanted to write and record as much of it ‘live’ as possible, rather than it kind of living on the computer. This last year I’ve been working with the brilliant drummer Joe Allen, and more recently double-bassist Arista Hawkes – and its really been a time of exploring making music of minimal means, whether by myself, in duo or trio. They’re such sick players that I had to have them and their personalities on the record. Then Jack Allett got on board to record/co-produce and he was also really into the idea of keeping the elements minimal. We managed to blag 6 hours of downtime in a studio to record the core parts, then all the rest was done in friends kitchens and flats. This time I’ve also been lucky enough to collaborate with some great filmmakers - Will Hanke on the ‘Gabriel’ video and Eleni Savvidou on the trailer for ‘Origami’.

Whilst we're on the subject, your solo show involves an almost annoyingly impressive number of instruments, how many do you play (please list) and will the list continue to expand exponentially?

At the moment I’m playing Microkorg, ukulele, guitar, melodihorn, sticks, shaker and sampling my voice. I’m still having fun messing about with this set up, but definitely up for new elements, as long as it can fit in my granny trolley (what I cart all my equipment in)

Your cover of "Gabriel" by Roy Davis Jr ft Peven Everett was rather beautiful, but if you could collaborate with anyone who would top the list?

Ingoma Nshya – the hottest drum troupe I’ve ever seen. They’re a company of female drummers from Rwanda – the first of its kind - traditionally women weren’t allowed to drum, but they broke the mould. Imagine being backed by 10 or 12 women dancing like cranes and drumming like thunder?! Powpow!

Download: 14KT "14KillaTape"

2011-06-13T17:22:00.000+01:00

Anyone who can flip Jon B without it sounding utterly ridiculous is a hero in my book. 14KT is such a talented producer and I'm grateful he's dropped something new so I'm not just playing his Nowalataz LP from 2009.

Download: 14Killa Tape here [Mediafire Link]

Video: Tanya Auclair - Origami EP Trailer

2011-06-07T17:24:00.001+01:00

As you may have heard Tanya Auclair's new EP "Origami" will be released on Monday 13th June, (I'm so excited for you to hear it). We dropped her beautiful cover of Roy Davis Jr ft Peven Everett's "Gabriel" a couple of weeks ago, and today an appropriately interesting and intricate trailer by video and performance artist Eleni Savvidou.

The featured song "Fluke" will be on the EP, it has actually been floating around for a while in Tanya's head, the random parts it's made up of took their time to come together but did finally a couple of weeks ago. The launch party for Origami is this Thursday 9th June at Servant's Jazz Quarters in Dalston, capacity is limited so I suggest you get there as early as possible.

"A week after I finished 'Fluke', I found Eleni's work by chance via twitter, as soon as I saw her films a light went on in my head. And then in both our heads! She experimented with different versions but this is the first take she did and she nailed it. Her film and my song are like 2 peas in a pod, or maybe more like 2 electrons jostling in the same atom. "

Video: Thunder Soul Trailer

2011-06-06T16:40:00.000+01:00

I never thought I would get excited by something following the words "Jamie Foxx Presents" but I'm happy to be wrong about that in this case. Having missed it at SXSW last year I'm still very curious to see Thunder Soul, and although it now has distribution in the US not much news has come through about international screenings - fingers crossed.

Video: Chairman Kato x Chris Stoneman "Underbelly" Dir. by Rob McDougall

2011-06-06T16:25:00.000+01:00

I interviewed the lovely Chairman Kato about his intriguing audio-visual installation "Underbelly" back in April, and now they've released a film directed by Rob McDougall which captures the experience for those who didn't get to see it this Spring.

PMOI Presents: d e g o "What Ever" feat LuvBugz [MP3 + Stream]

2011-06-06T16:05:00.001+01:00

Photo by Lars Beaulieu

If this is what's not on the album I'm so excited to hear what is! Mr Good Good aka Dego has a new album coming out on 20th June via 2000Black and on CD, and in the meantime has blessed us with a little exclusive to ease the wait. Apparently you can only grab this one here at PMOI and rappersiknow.com but I think it needs to be shared...

d e g o "What Ever" feat LuvBugz by ameliaideh

Download: d e g o "What Ever" feat LuvBugz [Click here]

London Event Listings: Summer 2011

2011-06-05T22:02:00.001+01:00

Video: Sosa Recording "Exit Wounds"

2011-05-28T23:15:00.001+01:00

BRIDGE KIDS EXIT WOUNDS from Creative Control on Vimeo.

I cannot get this song out of my head. It's on We Love Vol. 28, and whilst I may have just dropped 60 glorious free tracks in a week on the blog I keep finding myself singing along (badly) to Exit Wounds on repeat. I couldn't find much online on SOSA aka Solana Rowe other than this video from Creative Control on the making of the track, which will apparently be on a forthcoming project called See Sos Run.

Farewell, Gil Scott Heron

2011-05-28T23:00:00.000+01:00

I spent much of today reading articles and tributes, and listening to documentaries (all of them fascinating) about Gil Scott Heron, after hearing the sad news about his passing. It was on everyone's mind and as I spoke to a friend from Washington DC about it, it reminded me of the video above from his younger days. That stretch of river bank is covered in rich yuppies stretching out on their boats today. The thing that seemed to stick with both of us was the fact the man could be so eloquent in describing the problems that beset his people, the causes and the solutions, and yet be a prime example of the effects. The logic goes that if you understand a problem you can fix it, but it seems not everything is that simple.

I feel deeply grateful to Gil Scott Heron, it's not easy being that honest, and he was so unswervingly throughout his life. There were probably so many moments he could have thought - sod this I'm going to do it the easy way - but he didn't, and he created something that defied genre and categorization, art that changed so much that came after it and will remain forever.

Video: Krystle Warren - The Love Songs Sessions

2011-05-27T23:51:00.001+01:00

This is probably one of the most inspirational videos I've posted since I started blogging. The bravery and determination it must take to hold out in order to do everything on your own terms without compromising, then trusting yourself when the dream scenario comes together and you have 20+ other people involved in bringing it to life makes me feel overwhelmed just watching. I have a sneaking suspicion that this album, whenever it comes to light, will be a modern masterpiece.

Video: Erykah Badu "Out My Mind Just In Time"

2011-05-27T23:28:00.001+01:00

OUT MY MIND JUST IN TIME from Creative Control on Vimeo.

I find it hard to imagine this was in no way influenced by the recent Pina Bausch resurgence - it's basically a solo version of Café Müller without the chairs (please go and see Wim Wenders spectacular 3D film Pina, out now). Not that I'm knocking it, quite the opposite - whatever inspired it this is gorgeous and 99% of the contemporary dancers I studied with would kill for an ounce of the charisma and presence Erykah Badu brings to this piece, and her sense of physicality and vocabulary is really impressive for someone without formal training. Where movement is concerned the emotional is far more important than the physical.

We Love... Vol.28

2011-05-27T19:06:00.001+01:00

Yes you saw that right, Notorious B.I.G. - Busta has recycled a verse but the track (thankfully) doesn't sound like recent Busta Rhymes. Apparently his new album features a significant amount of production from Kev Brown (fingers and toes crossed). Disclaimer: in case the inclusion of some of these tracks is confusing I was a serious RnB chick with braids 10 years ago, there are definitely traces of that in here but I tried not to go overboard and the mixture of genres is still there. Enjoy.

We Love Vol. 28 download [Mediafire Link]

AAries - Baby, This Love I Have
Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra - African Kings
Bon Iver - Calgary
Boom Clap Bachelors - Løb Stop Stå
Busta Rhymes ft Notorious B.I.G. - I Knock You Out
Darryl Moore - Where I'm At
Débruit - débruit's Pony
Dynasty - Magnificent
Hodgy Beats - Mystery
Homeboy Sandman - Fully Equipped
John Legend - Rolling in the Deep (Adele cover)
Mayer Hawthorne - Don't Turn The Lights On
MED - Where I'm From feat. Kurupt & Aloe Blacc
MF DOOM - Vomit (3:33 Remix)
Noisses - Vampire Riddem
Oddisee - I'm From PG
SOSA - Exit Wounds
Susana Baca - Molino Molero (LIve @ KEXP)
Toki Monsta - Bright Shadows
Uncle Murda - Warning

*WE LOVE... is a big one click download of carefully selected individual tracks sourced from reputable blogs & artists we love. Please email us (info@putmeonit.com) if we've uploaded a non-promo track in error or to send us something you love.

Video: Lianne La Havas Black Cab Session

2011-05-27T16:46:00.000+01:00

Lianne La Havas from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

I'll say it again, this girl is going to do BIG things...

Video: What Song are you Listening to?

2011-05-27T14:54:00.000+01:00

This is awesome. I wish people would ask each other more often (but then I am a music blogger). Saying that I seem to get asked quite regularly and it's easy to get caught out - last time I was listening to Bun B when I bumped in to a very religious friend who asked. It's amazing the way you see the world completely changes depending on what comes on in your headphones - sometimes you're trying not to look crazy dancing at the bus stop because of J Dilla, others you might be ready to (mentally) shank the next man who "hey girl's" you because of Wu Tang, or trying desperately to hold it together and not cry until you get in the house because of Arvo Part. That may just be me but I doubt it.

Video: Tommy Tempa "Light Medium" Dir. L P Balmer

2011-05-27T14:42:00.000+01:00

This video is surprisingly similar to what I imagine the inside of Tommy Tempa's brain to look like. Another gorgeous song from his recently released "The Quixotic" EP [iTunes link] which I can't recommend highly enough. If you haven't yet you can check out our interview with Tommy and see if there are any free downloads left of "Fragments" here.

Interview: Aly Gillani on First Word Records 7th Birthday

2011-05-27T13:52:00.000+01:00

One of the UKs finest independent record labels First Word (home to Kidkanevil, Homecut, Laura J Martin, Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra and lots of others) turned seven years old this week so I asked label boss Aly Gillani AKA DJ Gilla about the journey. If you're quick you can grab this great free compilation they've released to celebrate, it's up for another day.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://shop.firstwordrecords.com/album/first-word-is-7"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;First Word is 7 by First Word Records&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

I've read the bio but still don't know where the name "First Word" came from, is it a dark secret? If so please will you tell us anyway?

Well, originally we were called 'Sounds Like' - as in charades - 'sounds like music' - we started getting logos with an ear being tugged as you would if you were playing the game. Then we found out there already was a 'Sounds Like' so we continued the charades theme and came up with 'First Word' - it seemed only natural that our first compilation should be called Two Syllables. I have no idea where this charades fixation came from - I don't even like the game that much....

We're sure there have only been highs, but please will you humour us and tell us about the biggest highs and lows over the last 7 years?

It's funny, but when you start out everything is a high. I remember rushing down to the newsagent to buy magazines and newspapers which had our reviews in, recording Radio One off the 'listen again' feature into my minidisc recorder when we had our first airplay, our first big shows at Jazz Cafe, Koko etc, were all hugely exciting. Particularly as the label has always had a real family vibe to it, you really feel part of something. As you get more experienced you get a bit more blase about it, because it becomes normal. The event at Vibe Bar this week was great, because it was the biggest line-up of artists on the label we've had since we started - I'm really lucky to work with a genuinely great group of people, and to have them all meet each other, socialise together and collaborate on fantastic music is really gratifying.

Plenty of lows too though! Going way back, our second single was by a band called Today's Mathematics - a really beautiful hip hop soul record. To this day it's still one of the best reviewed releases we've had - Radio 1 airplay, loads of press, great DJ reactions - we had high hopes..... it sold 30 copies on vinyl - heartbreaking! We've also been ripped off a couple of times, it's the nature of the business that distributors go under, and that's just how it goes. However, one guy literally pocketed a very significant amount of our money, for entirely selfish reasons - he just never paid us (and lots of other people too). It was pretty early on for us and it nearly sent us under. What's even more frustrating is that the guy is still working in the industry today! The only other real low point is when we have to destroy unsold stock - in the last year I've taken two full carloads to the skip and it's pretty soul-destroying - all those hopes and dreams you have end up in the crusher. It's generally all old releases, we definitely have more hits than misses these days, but it's still hard to take.

Is there anything you've found yourself wishing you knew about before you started running an independent record label? Like people don't buy that much music anymore...

There's so much I wish I knew, and so much I still don't know. I think when we started it was at a really interesting time in the independent scene. We were taking our cues from people like Ninja Tune, BBE, Tru Thoughts - labels that had started when people still bought a lot of records - they'd locked down how to run things in that climate and we tried to replicate that. That taught us our biggest lesson - everything changes so quickly - the nature of the business changes constantly. When we started in 2004 iTunes was in it's infancy, and not really a big consideration. If you didn't release something on vinyl DJs couldn't play it - which now is almost unimaginable. Technology has completely transformed the way we work, and the lessons from today don't necessarily help you tomorrow.

Has it made much of a difference moving your base from Leeds to London (apart from the lack of friendly conversations with strangers on public transport)?

Ha ha! Yeah, the number 78 bus from Peckham isn't a place to start a conversation really! I'm glad that we started the label in Leeds - it gave us our identity and the support from people there and in Sheffield was massively important to us. I still feel that we are rooted in that Leeds musical scene which has produced such amazing talent. As well as The Haggis Horns, kidkanevil, Homecut, Mike-L and Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra on our label, there's Corinne Bailey Rae, Andreya Triana, Shlomo, Eliphino, Kato, Laura J Martin, Submotion Orchestra, Ramadanman and tons more - it's a really inspiring place.

The move has been great from a business point of view even though my reasons for moving were personal ones. There is a much greater scope for things here - Leeds is a relatively small city - which makes it all the more remarkable that it produces so much great music, but London opens up so many more possibilities. We're still proud of our Yorkshire roots though!

What's next? Any plans to sign a group of potty mouthed middle-class teenagers from the West Country and take over the world?

What, the cast of Skins or something? Actually, a record made by them would probably outsell everything we've ever done! We've got loads of great stuff coming up though - we're about to release a couple of reggae records in the shape of a new album from Lotek and East Park Reggae Collective (another product of the Leeds music scene). There's also the debut Souleance LP which is gonna feature Shawn Lee and Raashan Ahmad (that track is sounding crazy!) and we've recently signed RBMA graduate Amenta who I'm really excited about working with. There's an ethio-jazz album from Brighton duo Ye Mighty and we've just signed (today in fact) a 7" from Tall Black Guy out of Detroit. Plenty to keep us busy!

We Love... Vol.27

2011-05-26T18:50:00.000+01:00

This one probably won't be to everyone's taste and the fact I assemble these compilations in alphabetical order leads to some strange coupling (Vado, Jada and Luda before Vieux Farka Toure is just bizarre). I just hope you find something you like on here...

We Love Vol.27 Download [Mediafire link]

Amanda Diva - Manchild
Bonobo - The Keeper (Live @ KEXP)
BOSCO - What, when, where....
Dub Sonata - Puffin' on a Fat Blunt
Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean
Free The Robots - With The Drum
Grey Reverend - Walk The Same
J.Cole - The Good Son, Part I
Kidkanevil - Stomp ft Justin Percival
Lianne La Havas - Final Form (Everything Everything cover)
Mobb Deep - Must Go Hard
Nostalgia 77 - Cherry
Oddisee - You Don't Close Your Eyes
Sbtrkt ft Yukimi Nagano - Wildfire ft (Drake rmx)
Shystie ft Lioness, Lady Leshurr - Warning
Tommy Tempa - Fragments
Tone Trezure - Love me
Toro Y Moi - I Will Talk To You
Vado, Jadakiss, Ludacris - Check Um Out
Vieux Farka Toure - Inne (Live @ KEXP)

*WE LOVE... is a big one click download of carefully selected individual tracks sourced from reputable blogs & artists we love. Please email us (info@putmeonit.com) if we've uploaded a non-promo track in error or to send us something you love.

PMOI Presents: Tanya Auclair "Gabriel" Dir. by Will Hanke

2011-05-26T15:29:00.003+01:00

Tanya Auclair - Gabriel (Live) from Tanya Auclair on Vimeo.

When Tanya first performed this song at the Tabernacle in West London a few weeks ago, after only working it out the night before, by the time she sang "he had good news" half of the audience had erupted. Not one for introductions, it was a moment for those who were there on the right dancefloor in 1997, and Tanya had managed to capture and distill the beautiful essence of a two step classic. The reaction has been the same everywhere since, so when director Will Hanke dropped over to her house at the last minute and filmed the lady of many instruments performing a couple of songs from her forthcoming EP "Origami" this had to be included.

My mate Ed makes me the best compilations, a couple weeks ago I was throwing shapes hard in the kitchen to a mix he'd made me ages ago and I rediscovered this Peven Everett/Roy Davis Jr beauty called 'Gabriel'. I spent the next couple days mouth-trumpeting that chorus hook with a spring in my step. For all you old-skool UK garage heads, here's my refix - without mouth trumpet. Directed by brilliant filmmaker Will Hanke.

"Origami" the new EP from Tanya Auclair will be released on June 13th. The launch party is on Thursday June 9th at Servants Jazz Quarters (click for info).

Video: Dele Sosimi Cooking Sweet

2011-05-26T14:04:00.000+01:00

Dele Sosimi - Short Film / EPK from Chris Walsh (Dreadnought Media) on Vimeo.

"I'm not sure whether I like it or I need it"...

Good genetics could fool you in to thinking Dele Sosimi has to be a second generation Afrobeat artist, but he is as much a living piece of history as Tony Allen, having played keys in Fela's band Egypt 80 from 1979-1986. It's beautiful to see a musician who has been playing for so long still as excited and passionate as they were at the start. For some reason I've never been to one of his nights, the last Saturday of the month in Hackney, but after watching this I might just have to go.

PUT ME ON IT x BBC 6 MUSIC

2011-05-26T13:16:00.000+01:00

Lianne La Havas

We were invited to play a few tracks we're listening to at the moment for Tom Robinson's BBC Radio 6 Music Show "Now Playing", there's one day left to listen to the whole show, but they sent over our 5 mins so I've uploaded it below in case you'd like to hear it. We played an exclusive called Clara Barton from Oddisee's forthcoming instrumental album Rock Creek Park, Løb Stop Stå by Boom Clap Bachelors, and Final Form by Lianne La Havas.

FYI they also cut down the list of artists I said I was listening to! I actually said - Valentina, Oddisee, Michael Kiwanuka, Stac, Debruit, Eska, Tanya Auclair, Olivier Daysoul, Quadron, Dam Funk, Micachu, Tune Yards, Bilal, Brittany Bosco, Tranqill (no wonder they cut it down).

PUT ME ON IT ON 6 MUSIC by ameliaideh

I also wrote an article for their blog -

"In Search of Buried Treasure"
A lot of music bloggers lay claim to the title "curator", but I can't remember the last time I went to a gallery where the curator was shoving last weeks exhibition out of the back door before I had a chance to see it, whilst bustling past me to usher in ten random new paintings, half of them rubbish, still dripping wet and unframed...

Read the rest over @ BBC6

We Love... Vol.26

2011-05-25T21:08:00.001+01:00

It's been a while - I was thinking of stopping these (they take days) but realised I would miss them too much let alone the lovely people who threaten me when I leave it too long. So this is the first "We Love" compilation of 2011, Vol 27 will arrive tomorrow and Vol 28 on Friday. That's 60 tracks of the usual mixture which stretches from the insanely beautiful to inexplicably ignorant (sorry). Grab the first 20 individual tracks all wrapped up in a pretty zip folder below...

We Love Vol.26 Download [Mediafire]

Aloe Blacc - 99 Problems (Jay-Z Cover)
Alpha Yaya Diallo - Sogue (Live @ KEXP)
Asher Roth & Nottz - Run It Back
Baris Manco - Kucuk Bir Gece Muzigi (Mozart)
Blu Ft. Pac Div, U-N-I, J*Davey, TiRon & Ayomari - Doin' Something
Cam'ron & Vado - Hey Muma (Cookin Soul Remix)
Drake - Dreams Money Can Buy
Georgia & Dudley - Popstopper
J*DaVeY - Quicksand
Jhene Aiko - Club Stranger (Nguzunguzu Remix)
José James - COLTRANE (DEAR ALICE)
Karl Hector - Clavi Groove
Mansions on The Moon - Walk on the Moon
Muhsinah - How Great
The Park - Belleville
Sir Michael Rocks - Bring It Back
Sleepy Brown- You're My Lady
Szjerdene - Think it Through
Thundercat - For Love I Come
Wildbirds & Peacedrums - Doubt/Hope (Live at WFMU)

*WE LOVE... is a big one click download of carefully selected individual tracks sourced from reputable blogs & artists we love. Please email us (info@putmeonit.com) if we've uploaded a non-promo track in error or to send us something you love.

Video: Wanlov The Kubulor "For The River"

2011-05-20T17:26:00.000+01:00

The Prince of Pidgin returns with new stories to tell...

i wan go boff
for the river
i wan hold ma head up
for the river
but e no dey anymore
coz da river
e full of borla
e turn to gutta
i dey kai da way den we dey swim
4 da rivers plus wanna friends
afta den we dey fetch water
take go cook
den we dey chop better
but somtin happen
plastic come
rivers turn into drastic dump
sewage n electronic waste
sweet river
kai
toxic taste
river pra
emu aye fii
river odo
ewo muji
river volta
emeh podi
river densu
very nasty
ooh wanna rivers
i dey wonder how we go survive

Via the lovely Afripop

Video + MP3: Tanya Auclair "Closer" on Spine TV x Yult Remix

2011-05-18T22:51:00.002+01:00

You need to install Adobe Flash Player, or use an HTML5 browser that supports H.264 video.

It's always great to see team PMOI crew getting love in other places and this lovely video by Spine TV of Tanya Auclair and her new band kicks off what is about to be a very exciting couple of months for that lady in the lead up to her new EP "Origami" (set for release June 13th, launch party Thursday 9th June). Keep your eyes peeled over here for more news on that soon but in the meantime check out this juicy remix of "Closer" by Yult.

Closer (Yult Remix) by Tanya Auclair

If you are a numpty and you haven't done so yet go and download Tanya's last EP "Thrum" which we premiered here last summer.

PMOI Presents: Tommy Tempa "Fragments" [Download + Interview]

2011-05-16T14:51:00.000+01:00

I first came across Tommy Tempa at the end of 2009 when his Micachu remix of Turn Me Well blew me away and appeared on We Love Vol 6. I was becoming slightly jaded about electronica overload and Tommy's music had something distinctly juicy about it which got me excited again. After some prodding he sent over his new EP "The Quixotic" and I fell in love - for those who are fans of Kidkanevil, Debruit and Daedelus Tommy's name might be one to add to your list. I'm very excited to be offering a PMOI exclusive download of "Fragments", my favourite track on The Quixotic EP [iTunes link] which came out today on Somethink Sounds - be quick only the first 1000 are free.

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://somethinksounds.bandcamp.com/track/fragments-free-download"&amp;amp;gt;Fragments (Free Download) by somethinksounds&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

I also asked Tommy a few "getting to know you" questions below...

How did you get the name Tommy Tempa? You seem so nice, do you loose your rag often? Hehe, well yeah people have wondered that before, and I must say I wouldn't consider myself an angry kind of guy! Its actually tricky to remember when it stuck, but it definitely came from my teen years when I was big into break-dancing - and if you want to be a proper B-boy you've got to have your name right? Somehow ended up with Tempa - think perhaps it was my battle style? Hehe its just like a second name to me now.

Can you describe your creative process? Judging by the music I always imagine you begin by going for a quick jaunt through the rainforest with a tape recorder and spear. If I lived in Brazil then you're pretty much spot on! I actually definitely do like to start with recording sounds I can find. Outdoors and indoors - kitchen utensils is always a favorite. I've got a tape recorder and a dictaphone which add nice character to field recordings, street recordings etc... plus I like to multi-sample instruments. The thumb piano on 'Fragments' for instance, that way I can play it on the keys and twist it up with effects or pitch it etc quite easily. I've got things like a beautiful hissy recording of a grand piano, and a spinet from a museum all mapped out on a sampler which is great to use. Sampling from records I don't really do so much in a direct sense. I usually just start with any small noise and manipulate it beyond recognition and work from there.

Are you a particularly quixotic person or is it just the EP?
Well as far as I understand the meaning of the word I would say when I was making the EP it definitely came from that quite idealistic, romantic train of thought - when you can just be lost in your own little musical world and not care about who or what scene is gonna like it and how to sell it etc. So yeah its a quixotic EP! And perhaps it sums up my general attitude towards the music industry and my part in it..

Whilst we're on the subject of idealism, what is the optimum situation for this EP to be listened to in? If I had my way I'd go for a swimming pool in Plastic People.
I love it! This is gonna have to happen for the release party. It wouldn't be too hard to sort right? (Actually we are having one but not sure of details yet - will keep you posted). Well I would say ideally not skipped through on laptop speakers hehe, and all in order - the tracks are intended to lead on to each other. But however people are comfortable I guess... Just with open ears.

You have a habit of remixing that which should never be touched (Micachu, Caribou etc) and somehow pulling it off with great success - any collaborations in the pipeline? [If not who would you like to work with?]
Ha! Thanks! Yeah you mentioned two of my wishes right there... Well I actually live with some very musical people; Raisa from Micachu and The Shapes, and Olly from another band The Laurel Collective, plus a girl who's a classical double bassist. Theres definite passing of ideas going on - watch this space! Got one or two other people there's ideas forming with as well... Animal Collective would definitely be another on the wishlist, I love the kind of free-wheeling nature of their music. Maybe one day!

Review: Quadron Live at the Queens Head (London)

2011-05-16T14:20:00.001+01:00

I really thought I was a fan of Quadron. I thought they were a really good band with a quirky approach to songwriting and a lead singer (Coco) who had a lovely tone. I had no idea. Turns out Quadron are one of the most talented bands I've been blessed enough to stumble across in the last 10 years.

After an advance call to the venue we arrived at 9pm ready to see the band - who didn't go on stage until almost two hours (and two support acts who might have been dragged kicking and screaming from the nearest secondary school) later. It's always great to watch an act who have no need of nervy introductions, and Coco hopped on stage to join the boys, grabbed the mic and proceeded to deliver one of the most impressive live sets I've seen this year. You could sense from the start that the crowds expectations were being thoroughly trounced by a band whose music made so much more sense and became so exciting live, especially the rousing chorus of Jeans.

The thing about Coco is she is a huge star in waiting, with a very attractive mixture of firm confidence and genuine humility. Nothing on the record really suggests her vocal ability is as impressive as it is - her beautiful cover of Michael Jackson's Baby Be Mine is infinitely more beautiful live, and she began Pressure with an acappella similar to the incredible moment right at the end of this version with Rebekah Raff. Dru from Plug Research warned me that she would give me goosebumps but I found myself trying to physically keep my brain and heart inside my body. The band seemed surprised that the audience refused to stop applauding for minutes after every song, but I can't imagine anything else - we were being converted from fans to devotees. For our part we all refused to leave until they came back for an encore, providing the venue manager with the choice of potentially losing his job or dealing with a riot. Quadron obliged us with a quiet version of Herfra Hvor Vi Står, but I think a lot of us were secretly hoping when they said they would sing in Danish for this from the recent Boom Clap Bachelors EP [iTunes link]...

Boom Clap Bachelors - Løb Stop Stå from Plug Research on Vimeo.

*Update 18th May* Boom Clap Bachelors have just released an adorable new video so I thought I'd update here.....

Boom Clap Bachelors - Falder Ind Og Falder Ud from Plug Research on Vimeo.

Video: Oddisee feat. Tranqill "CI'IY LIFE"

2011-05-11T00:42:00.000+01:00

Oddisee feat. Tranqill "CI'IY LIFE" from Mello Music Group on Vimeo.

Bringing new meaning to the phrase "hood video". Or not. This beauty has been in the works for a long time, created by the very talented Mark Phillips, and I love the way it feels like you're traveling on several different people's (bleak) journeys to some kind of work, set against Tranqill's dark storytelling. The track fit so perfectly on Oddisee's Odd Winter EP which as with the whole Odd Seasons series we premiered here, and now it's being released physically on CD & Vinyl.

Video: Michael Kiwanuka Black Cab Session

2011-05-09T11:52:00.000+01:00

Michael Kiwanuka from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

The man hasn't released anything yet and he's supporting Adele on tour, The Guardian and Gilles Peterson are all over him, and now he's done a Black Cab Session! Impressive work. Lovely as this session is, unless he could have stuffed a full horn and string section in the cab with a drummer it just can't compare to the original, the production on which is just disgustingly stunning. Michael Kiwanukas' Tell Me a Tale EP is set for release on 13th June on Communion, a label stuffed full of other beardy fellows, but you can the single plus three other songs on iTunes now.

Download & Video: The Park "Belleville"

2011-05-08T01:03:00.002+01:00

The Park - Belleville from anthony valadez on Vimeo.

I didn't think I could love The Park any more. Then they released this. I should have known, the band who made everyone they supported look so much better at SXSW '09 have sprinkled their magic dust on to one of the most amazing film soundtracks ever (and one of the most stunning animated films), Belleville Rendez-vous. Download below!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thepark.bandcamp.com/track/belleville"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Belleville by The Park&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Video: Débruit - Mezdé

2011-05-08T00:51:00.000+01:00

Plastic Horse, Rainbow Monkey - Débruit always has the most fantastically named collaborators. In this instance Plastic Horse made this awesome video, and whilst I did ask D about the inspiration behind it I got the feeling from his slightly abstract but very interesting response you could analyze it all day but the best thing to do is come up with your own ideas. I did love the interpretation of the "surreal synth pitch sounds" Débruit creates with his voice as dolphins playing the trumpet though.

Débruit's Şiş Sürpriz EP is out now [iTunes link]

Video: Michael Rapaport on A Tribe Called Quest Documentary

2011-05-08T00:31:00.000+01:00

Inspiring the Film - Michael Rapaport from Will Leather Goods on Vimeo.

A few months ago a trailer entitled "Beats, Rhymes and Fights" dropped and got us all very excited (in my case dubious because of the title), and extremely anxious to see the Tribe Called Quest documentary now thankfully titled "Beats, Rhymes and Life" Michael Rapaport has made. I can't reveal my sources on pain of death, but I saw the film a couple of weeks ago and it is awesome.

It would be stating the blindingly obvious to say that the documenting of culture is really important, but in this instance it moved me deeply and honestly has changed my perspective. I was slightly too young to follow ATCQ and the whole Native Tongues movement at the time, (the first CDs I bought with Tribe members on them were Amplified and Lucy Pearl - long since corrected I promise). So to see the journey, the beautiful optimism, the incredible music right from the early days, and how as a group Tribe (and their musical peers) grew was an amazing experience.

Part of me felt afterwards that despite being a big fan I have never really felt hip hop culture deeply enough before watching this film - it physically picks you up and transports you to a more idealistic time when the stakes were infinitely higher than money and success, and suddenly your sense of possibility is ignited. In a way the progression through to the present illustrates the stark contrast of culture vs industry (which hip hop has of course now become foremost for many), as the band argued their way reluctantly through the Rock The Bells Tour '08 to pay for Phife's medical bills, rather than a heartfelt reunion. I'm not one to yearn for the golden age of anything but it's hard not to compare such artistic integrity with some of the emerging "artists" that get major investment today and wonder why we allowed the bar to be lowered so far.

This is a film that desperately needs to be seen - I've heard rumblings that a few venues are interested but worried about whether it will find an audience. After showing the first Suite for Ma Dukes screening in London last summer I know for a fact the only problem would be not enough seats.

PMOI Presents: Stac "Turn That Light Out" Kidkanevil & Blue Daisy Remixes [Download]

2011-05-03T16:11:00.001+01:00

Before you even begin reading this, hit download on the two beautiful remixes by Kidkanevil and Blue Daisy below quickly because the freebies are limited to the first 1000. They come from the second volume of remixes of Stac's debut album Turn That Light Out, which arrived on Wah Wah 45s recently. It features a really diverse range of production talent including Yult, Scrimshire, Alex Patchwork, Herma Puma, Ashley Beedle, Kidkanevil, Blue Daisy and Co. Since it struck me as a rather unusual thing for an artist to be this comfortable with putting out so many remixes I asked Stac a few questions about it...

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://stac.bandcamp.com/track/all-or-nothing-kidkanevil-remix"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;All Or Nothing (Kidkanevil Remix) by Stac&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://stac.bandcamp.com/track/head-on-me-blue-daisy-remix"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Head On Me (Blue Daisy Remix) by Stac&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Most songwriters seem to hate remixes, how do you feel about this EP?
I love remixes! When I first started writing songs I just wrote acappellas and gave them to people to do their thing with, so actually I am really used to it. I get really excited when I get remixes back because its so interesting to hear somebody else's take on your song. It breathes new life into your song and if the person remixing it is amazing then why would the remix be anything else? Having said that I have asked for a few tweaks here and there but only tiny ones that wouldn't mean anything to anyone other than me!

Is it strange giving someone a song you've made as a collection of (potentially quite personal) "parts" to put back together in a different way?
It is strange but its also really exciting. Its like getting photos developed, you have an idea of what you think they are going to be like but there are often lots of surprises, so far so good!

Do you have any favourites or is that like asking you to pick a favourite child?
Haha! I am going to be boring and deliver the standard answer in saying that I couldn't pick a favourite. It's bloody impossible because they are all so different and all give me oodles amounts of joy!

If you could choose any of your own songs to be reworked by any artist (or combination of artists) dead or alive what would you go for?
Blimey! Well. I would give my left arm (I need my right) to have Quincy Jones do 'Head on Me'. I reckon that would be pretty sick and also, I was drunk the other night and I thought it would be a good idea to write Timberland an email asking him to save the pop world from all the RnB auto-tune euro trash awfulness that's in the charts at the moment. I didn't send it but I think it would be interesting to have him do 'Glory' or a really wonky Balls Bounce, maybe? Im gonna think about this question some more cause it's a good one!

Stac & Blue Daisy will be supporting Little Dragon @ Heaven on 11th May and performing the remixes! Tickets here

Nikki Jean "Pennies in a Jar" LP Release Date & Tracklist

2011-05-02T16:56:00.001+01:00

If, like me, you have been following the drama as it unfolded for the last three years you too will be very excited to know that S-Curve Records (a Universal affiliate), will be releasing Nikki Jeans debut album Pennies In A Jar on June 7th.

Aside from her ridiculous talent and beauty, the woman is a marketing beast and has been video blogging her life for three years, alongside all kinds of other devotion-inspiring activities including going on tours of her fans houses, sending them hand written Christmas cards, answering all of their questions on Tumblr, baking cookies, knitting, the list goes on... The documentation process however allowed her fans an insight in to the pain and frustration of being caught in a deal with Columbia who didn't want to put her record out.

"The entertainment industry is a commodities game, just like corn or gold. The chemical composition of gold NEVER changes. Peoples perception of its value changes, and markets change. . but gold doesn’t change. That’s what we are as artists. . Of course we grow and change every day, but . . our value? our intrinsic qualities do not change. "

Then this happened...

This has to be one of the most exciting tracklist announcements I've seen in years.

1. How to Unring a Bell (Written by Thom Bell & Nikki Jean)
2. Steel and Feathers (Don’t Ever) (Written by Bob Dylan & Nikki Jean)
3. La Di Da Di Da (Written by Luigi Creatore & Nikki Jean)
4. My Love (Written by Lamont Dozier & Nikki Jean)
5. Pennies in a Jar (Written by Burt Bacharach & Nikki Jean)
6. What’s a Girl Supposed to Do (Written by Jeff Barry & Nikki Jean)
7. Rockaway (Written by Carole King & Nikki Jean)
8. Million Star Motel feat. Lupe Fiasco & Black Thought (Written by Bobby Braddock & Nikki Jean)
9. Patty Crash (Written by Paul Williams & Nikki Jean)
10. China (Written by Jimmy Webb & Nikki Jean)
11. Mercy of Love (Written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil & Nikki Jean)
12. Sex, Lies and Sunshine (Written by Carly Simon & Nikki Jean)

Review: Mara Carlyle Live at The Forge [Camden Crawl]

2011-05-01T23:59:00.003+01:00

I've long loved Mara's album The Lovely (which admittedly I may not have heard if I didn't work with the label it came out on - you can listen in full below), so perhaps this afternoon's performance shouldn't have come as such a shock to me, and yet somehow it did. I had wrongly assumed that the vocal perfection on that recording was impossible to recreate live, and that no singer would dare. I was incorrect.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://accidentalrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-lovely"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Lovely by Accidental Records&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

As you can hear above, Mara's music is exceptionally classy, so her humble charm
and joking familiarity in between tracks feels a bit like being snapped suddenly out of a dream you don't want to end by your practical sibling. The moment she picks up her saw (she plays the saw and guitars of varying sizes) and begins to sing everything in the room changes. From a technical standpoint the woman is a marvel and her vocal range is extraordinary, but that's not really the point. We traveled with her through the most incredible range of emotions, from agonizing lament to soaring afternoon delight (Baby Bloodheart is about an orgasm), to a stunning Vietnamese folk song Mara somehow seamlessly mixed with... Amerie "One Thing".

At various points I found myself slack-jawed, misting up, and I think my heartbeat became worryingly irregular when she performed a single verse of Pianni. Some of Mara's band also seemed equally amazed by her (including the gorgeous double bass player Arista of the Guillemots, who when off-stage made faces of varying incredulity). It seemed odd until Mara explained the band had only met each other 20 minutes before the show, a fact I am still trying to get my head around. They really brought the album to life with such stunning vibrancy and layered depths.

Possibly the most exciting part of the show was the announcement that Mara's second album Nuzzle, which has been completed for at least three years and suspended in major label purgatory, is finally coming out this July. We await with baited breath.

Bandcamp vs Topspin

2011-04-25T02:45:00.002+01:00

*Independent artist or label? Set aside an hour to watch this

I admit I was on the fence. Bandcamp was an amazingly simple tool which (at first) let anyone sell or give away their music for free in return for fairly valuable data (email addresses and post/ zip codes). Topspin was a paid service that only approved artists could use and they focused more on their marketing advice as a benefit.

In the last couple of months, Topspin has become available to anyone, and (I'm so sorry Bandcamp, you tried!) it just wins hands down. Having had to train artists up on how to actually make use of the data they were collecting from Bandcamp, set them up with mailing list provider services to send emails, and generally try to turn artist friends in to digital marketers the above Topspin demo is like an answered prayer. They have literally thought of everything at the click of a button, and because its an all in one solution it works out cheaper. If you're an artist or a record label and you haven't checked it out yet, make a cup of tea, set aside an hour and watch the video above - it is a game changer.

Stream: Valentina "Heart Of Glass"

2011-04-25T02:17:00.000+01:00

I think this might be the one. I think Valentina's Weights EP is my favourite project of the year so far (and it has been quite a year for music already), primarily because of this song. Two things - if you attempt listen to this on your laptop speakers I will physically come through your screen and harm you. Second thing, if you cannot see how insanely beautiful this piece of music is please keep listening until you get there. I mean, just look at the waveform when it gets to 2:42! Funnily enough this version sounds slightly less polished than the version you can buy. Which you really must.

Valentina - Heart Of Glass by facultydigital

Valentina "Weights" EP - [iTunes]

Mix: oki-ni presents TRUTH by DâM-FunK

2011-04-25T01:58:00.001+01:00

oki-ni presents TRUTH by DaM-FunK by oki-ni

Some people could be accused of sounding a bit precious (see quote below), but not Dâm, because he's one of the most authentic creatures on the planet.

This mix is what I simply listen 2 on any given day, while living life. It's a pleasure to share these tracks with my new oki-ni friends. I own all of these records. No fake shit or fads; just the truth.

It's always such a blessing to come across something Dâm has put his heart in to.

Via Oki-ni

Documentary: Mobb Deep "Start of Ur Ending" Pt1.

2011-04-25T01:48:00.002+01:00

MOBB DEEP "Start of Ur Ending" from Q-Butta on Vimeo.

Three suggestions for best viewing results -

1. Allow video to buffer, skip to 1:40 [thus avoiding waste of life watching pointless close ups of Mobb Deeps fish etc].
2. Watch fascinating Prodigy monologue, [remind self not to drive around with a gun in your car in order to avoid three years of incarceration].
3. Ensure you switch video off before 12:30 if you have epilepsy. Or functioning eyes.

Unofficial Video: Nicolas Jaar "Keep Me There" [Dir. Lucas Duchemin]

2011-04-24T23:06:00.004+01:00

Nicolas Jaar - Keep Me There (The Unofficial Music Video) from Lucas Duchemin on Vimeo.

Nicolas Jaar is such a lucky man, the production values on this unofficial video for Keep Me There are ridiculously impressive. More importantly it's funny. Jaar's album Space Is Only Noise [iTunes link] has been a real slow burner in my house this year, I would highly recommend listening to it on the night bus home at 3am.

Thanks to MVMVMV

New Girl - Lianne La Havas

2011-04-15T20:53:00.001+01:00

You need to install Adobe Flash Player, or use an HTML5 browser that supports H.264 video.

Everything Everything - Final Form - Lianne La Havas Cover

I know, I love her too.

Micachu: Recent Offerings

2011-04-15T20:39:00.001+01:00

The woman most of my nerdy female music fan friends would take a bullet for, Mica -CanDoNoWrong- Levi has been quietly dropping treats over the past month. First there was the Micachu vs Kwake Bass Meat Batch mix for BTS Radio.

Next Micachu and The Shapes revived their collaboration with the London Sinfonietta Chopped and Screwed as part of the Southbank's Ether Festival and released it as an album which you can listen to on Spotify or grab on iTunes.

Following that Micachu dropped this 15 minutes of dub mix for Banana Klan. Talent without boundaries.

Micachu's 15mins of DUB UP!! Mixed by Micachu by Banana Klan Soundsystem

Video: Bon Iver, One Minute Man.

2011-04-15T19:50:00.001+01:00

Yes 45,000 people and counting have gotten inappropriately excited about a one minute preview from the new Bon Iver album in the past 9 days. I would argue however that it is not our fault. Humans are drawn to paintings of optimal living conditions (lush green landscapes, river nearby etc). Bon Iver clearly knows this and has found a way to create music along the same lines - ethereal harmonies delivered through a hefty beard are probably also optimal for human living conditions in some way. It's not our fault.

Video: 2000 Black Share Their Current Inspiration

2011-04-15T19:08:00.000+01:00

"To inspire myself, I turn to myself". I imagine at the end of this video you too may also become one of the legendary originators of two musical genres and numerous amazing albums - Dego shouldn't have shared his secret.

Via 2000Black

2011 Trend: The Obstructed Windpipe

2011-04-15T18:54:00.002+01:00

&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;[Eska Live at Bookslam]&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;
Eska "Rock of Ages" at Bookslam

Marques Toliver for Bounty from BOUNTY TV on Vimeo.

Yes darling, you're nobody if you can't sing whilst accompanying yourself on the violin and partially obstructing your windpipe. Nobody.

Interview: Chairman Kato on "Underbelly"

2011-04-08T18:08:00.002+01:00

This week I headed to the basement of Teasmith in Spitalfields Market, East London to check out an intriguing audio-visual installation called Underbelly, created by electronic producer Chairman Kato and spacial animator Christ Stoneman. It's on until the end of the month, you can find more details here.

How would you describe "Underbelly" in under 140 characters to someone on the other side of the world from East London?
Hmmm...shit losing characters already....It's an immersive audio visual experience. The dark heart of an oriental teahouse. The witching hour. Damn you, Twitter.

It's quite an unusual project for an electronic producer, how did you and Stoneman first come up with the idea to work on an installation together?

I guess so, but I always go out and see art and installations, so it didn't feel like a step too far for me. I did have Chris to help me through the initial stages of conceptualising things, which was new for me. And in the end he told me to stop wibbling and just get on with it anyway like I normally would. The idea originally came from the fact that I was offered the space in the first place. To be offered a space in such a ridiculously prime location...it was something I just knew I couldn't turn down. Other projects had to take second place for a while. Chris was someone I'd been exchanging ideas with a while and had him earmarked in my mind. So when the opportunity came up I knew straight away who to discuss it with.

There are some really interesting harmonies and layers to the work, is there a singular inspiration behind the piece or did you approach it from different angles and find ways to collaborate?

I started by making a sample of music from which the rest of the piece was to evolve, and I think because the aesthetics of science fiction and its immersive qualities were on my mind people like John Carpenter influenced the initial synth work on that starting point. After that though I just let it flow really, but you can hear ambient influences, hip hop and (in my opinion) Detroit house in the final section. To be honest at first I wasn't really getting anywhere, and realised it was because I was overthinking. Once I realised that I just went back to the usual organic process and it fell into place. I ploughed so, so much energy and emotion into that piece of music.

The environment you've created is far from a traditional gallery setting, can you describe some of the creative and practical process behind realising the piece?

Very true and that's something that I am really enjoying. The fact that it contrasts so starkly with the refined atmosphere of the teahouse upstairs is something I'm pleased with, and that idea formed the initial creative brainstorming; I wanted to create an environment that confronts you, something that you don't expect and takes you by surprise. Hopefully when you've disarmed people's expectations they can go along with it a bit more. Chris was totally into that too. We wanted to create somewhere that looked like it could have been a crime scene, or an alien quarantine or something, although ultimately it's down to the individual to take what they want from it.
The practical process was probably the biggest learning curve. Trudging back and forth to B&Q in Leyton in search of industrial polythene! I looked like a total weirdo carrying plastic sheeting on the bus. And neither Chris or I are exactly handy with a hammer....or even a stapler for that matter....there was a lot of trial and error building this. But it was a lot of fun.

What is a "false shadow"??

Haha Chris should probably be answering this....Chris' area of interest is animation, bringing things alive, making something an experience. We have a very simple object suspended from the ceiling that casts a shadow onto the far wall of the structure. Chris has done some clever stuff with that shadow to make it come alive. I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't seen it but he transforms that shadow using mapping techniques that I don't really understand and the end result is, in my opinion, beautiful.

Launch party @ Teasmith

Seeing as it was your first audio-visual installation, did you come up against any challenges or unexpected moments during the creation of "Underbelly"?
Oh yes. There was a lot of pain. Worse than childbirth.... Building the environment with the industrial polythene was a massive challenge and it's a good job that it's low lit because our handywork was seriously shoddy. I think we convinced ourselves that we had somehow made a virtue of it. I tied myself in knots a little bit during the initial conceptualisation stages until I had some good advice and stopped over analysing things. I wasn't expecting so many people to turn up to the opening, that was definitely a surprise. The most unexpected thing for me is probably just how rewarding the experience has been after all the hard work and obstacles we came up against. Amazing.

Do you have any other projects up your sleeve that take your music out of peoples stereos and in to new spaces?

Definitely. I want more. I've got an idea for the next project. Started to pitch it to people this week, getting some positive noises. This experience has opened my mind to more projects, and I'd even be open to doing something that I don't have to do music for.

All photos by Bruno Costarelli

Film: Bosco + Phil The God

2011-04-05T20:59:00.001+01:00

Bosco. from philthegod. on Vimeo.

Miss Bosco likes to keep us waiting. This is a film she has created with Phil The God, of which the lady says "I want it to evoke an emotion from people" - I found it hard not to jump in to the screen and offer to lend an arm. The music and film are entwined and not to be sold separately.

Preview: Jamie Woon "Mirrorwriting"

2011-04-03T17:43:00.001+01:00

A dear friend with laser beam eyes and ears asked me what I thought of Jamie Woon's new album "Mirrorwriting" yesterday, so I write this knowing if I hold back because I'm in public I won't get away with it.

I began by telling aforementioned friend that I really like it, but that Jamie could sing almost anything (probably even Rebecca Black's Friday) and I would really enjoy it. The gift of a voice like that could easily make an artist a really lazy songwriter, much like a man with an oversized appendage or a beautiful girl in the sack (or so I'm told). Luckily for us Jamie remains deeply introspective, hardworking and humble - he asked permission to send it to me so I really don't think he quite understands what's happening yet.

It takes a long time to erase the original version of a song you've loved, and after years as an official Onetaste Collective stalker (the mythical birthplace of Jamie, Portico Quartet, Tawiah, Polarbear, Tanya Auclair, Jono McCleery, Stac, Inua Ellams and so many others) it's hard to let go. The stripped down looper and guitar versions of songs like Night Air and Shoulda made me fall for Jamie back then, and I was sad to find Robots didn't make it on there, but that doesn't detract from what is a lovely album you want to listen to all the way through. If a couple of perfect lilys sprinkled near the start must be gilded with some club-friendly synths and keys, he has certainly succeeded in keeping hold of his beautiful harmonies and subtlety.

A couple of tracks in and Jamie does what he does best - pouring his heart out and tearing yours up simultaneously on Shoulda. I couldn't even begin to pick a favourite, though Gravity has reduced me to tears a few times, and the added layers of production noticeably heighten the intensity and atmosphere both here and on Spiral. Spirits gets an awesome choir effect worthy of early 90s pop-soul (Kenny Thomas would be so jealous, in a good way), TMRW and Middle are more up-tempo classics, and you could imagine a Jamie Woon/ Bill Withers duet on Waterfront (the highest honour I can accord a human).

It's strange critiquing something you've yearned for years to have, it feels ungrateful, because my most overriding feeling about this album is honour and privilege to listen to such a beautiful voice and spirit whenever I like.

Mirrorwriting by Jamie Woon is out on iTunes now

Nihon Kizuna

2011-04-03T16:22:00.000+01:00

I decided to hold back to help ensure this great project got a second wind (nothing more annoying than a charity project consigned to the depths by hyperactive blogging). In the past two weeks the people behind it (Broken Haze, Laurent Fintoni, XLII & Audace) have managed to raise just under $18,500 at the last count, and I hope it will reach the $20,000 target shortly.

There will also be a launch party fundraiser presented by Kidkanevil at the Vibe Bar in London on 20th April with Slugabed, Om Unit, Blue Daisy, Throwing Snow, Danny Drive Thru & Kid K - click attending here.

<a href="http://nihonkizuna.bandcamp.com/album/nihon-kizuna">Nihon Kizuna by Nihon Kizuna</a>

The tracklist is extremely impressive, as it features Kode 9, Kuedo, Rudi Zygadlo, Broken Haze, Circulations Records, All City Records, Daisuke Tanabe, Yosi Horikawa, XLII, Memory 9, Ninja Tune, Kid Kanevil, Om Unit, Paul White, One Handed Music, BD1982, Illum Sphere, Fink, Emika, Mux Mool, Ernest Gonzales, Paper Tiger, Sesped, Jay Scarlett, Elliott Yorke (Royalty), Kan Sano, Onra & more. Possibly the most exciting thing about it however is the ability for a project like this to be conceived and executed in such a short space of time, involve so many people and raise such a substantial sum of money - it's a beautiful testament to the power of art and artists.

For more info about Nihon Kizuna, or ‘bond of friendship with Japan’ see nihonkizuna.com

The Amazing Kutiman

2011-04-03T15:35:00.000+01:00

Forgive the rather trite title but as far as I'm concerned, this is what the internet was created for. You can (and should) watch every video Kutiman has ever made here.

The Easy Way To Write Your Bio

2011-03-31T20:56:00.000+01:00

~~"I started making music in 2002..."~~
~~"I grew up in South London..."~~
~~"I'm best known for working with so and so..."~~

It's really hard to write your artist bio, and sometimes it's even harder to find someone who can write it for you. Sitting there staring at a blank screen can even make you question whether you've actually done anything worth writing about, which doesn't exactly inspire you to start.

Last week I came across a really simple way of attacking the bio problem when helping a friend, and that was to stop thinking about it as a biography.

At the top of the page, start with "Once Upon A Time", and begin with how your parents met. Imagine you're writing the story of your family, with you as the lead character. It should be easy to read for almost anyone over the age of 12, and it should make sense without boring them. Try to write quickly and in a continuous flow (I turn off the internet and write in all caps, then change to the correct case at the end). Read it back to yourself aloud, though you may want to pick another voice - I made up a cheesy African American 70s award show host called Bill.

Once you have finished your story, go back and edit. Get rid of "Once Upon A Time" of course, and then delete anything that is irrelevant or boring - you should be able to get the whole thing down to three or four paragraphs. A good bio should make people feel they almost know you and want to ask you questions - if you give every single detail what is there to ask? The hardest thing is knowing what to leave out, so keep imagining someone reading it who has never heard of you and comes from another country (that should also help you remove overly presumptuous statements - "in 2004 she worked with all of Kiddlington's greats - The Badlights, Emma Hope & co..." Huh?)

Try to avoid the usual pitfalls; don't start every paragraph with your name, keep lists of people you've worked with or places you've been as short as possible, don't fixate on boring technical details, and don't write in the first person "then I did this, then I did that". Most importantly, don't tell yourself you can't do it before you start.

Video & Download: Ana Tijoux "Elefant"

2011-03-24T22:54:00.000Z

Ana Tijoux - Elefant from Jon Casey on Vimeo.

Aside from her immaculate taste in beats (Rock Co.Kane Flow by Jake Uno if you can't quite remember), Ana Tijoux in her own right is pretty heavy. Chile's first ever Grammy nominated artist, this is a slightly random chunk of a busy day in the very hectic sounding life chopped together by Caseytography to make a music video.

Though it's hard for a plebeian such as myself who can only speak one and a bit languagues to fully get behind anyone who's not rapping in English (who knows, she could be rapping about socks and yoghurt), I'm really enjoying her recent mixtape "Elefant" featuring beats by M-Phazes, Waajeed, Kev Brown, Oddisee & more, grab it here.

Thanks to The Fader

Video: MED "Classic" ft Talib Kweli

2011-03-24T22:07:00.000Z

MED - "CLASSIC" feat Talib Kweli produced by Karriem Riggins for Stones Throw Records from Theo Jemison on Vimeo.

You don't always have to reinvent the wheel...

Directed by The Qualities of Light, cinematography by Rich Hama, Theo Jemison, August Thurmer, & Grace Oh

Video: James Blake Live @ SXSW

2011-03-24T22:03:00.000Z

I know some people get a little precious when something that sounds like it fits neatly in to a subculture suddenly hits the mainstream, but the rise of James Blake just seems both timely and natural.

Mix: Gilles Peterson Worldwide Vol.4 No.6 - DJ Nuts from Brasil

2011-03-24T17:49:00.000Z

This is just incredible. Part of me wishes it was one continuous mix like some of these, but the way Gilles interviews can feel like you're eavesdropping on the kind of conversation you would so rarely get the chance to hear - a chat between ultimate nerd friends who after all these years only fall more deeply in love with what they're doing.

Grab/listen to the mix here

Preview: Valentina "Weights" EP

2011-03-24T17:31:00.000Z

I readily admit I'm a sucker for a woman who can get epic behind a piano. And guitar. So far from what I can see there are two Valentinas, there's the almost angelically pure and understated recorded version and then there's the powerfully commanding live version. I'm still trying to work out which I like best when both are pretty exciting. Really looking forward to her EP "Weights", set for release on 18th April and available for pre-order on Rough Trade now.

Thanks to Coby for the link.

Video: Jamie Woon "Lady Luck" Video

2011-03-17T11:57:00.000Z

Love Woony. Not sure about the tash, might have been more fitting in Cambodia. Also loving the Hudmo resmack below.

Video: dÉbruit's Live Band

2011-03-16T21:42:00.002Z

I think dÉbruit may be psychic. This afternoon my friend emailed to enquire whether we'd be going to see d Ébruit's live band at XOYO or to see Taste of Sonar at the Roundhouse this Saturday. We ummed and ahhhed and came to the conclusion - dunno. An hour later D sent over this video of his live band. Decision made.

Catch: Wagon Christ, dÉbruit (live), Ceephax (live), Infesticons live) & Young Montana @ XOYO Sat 19th March

Video: Oddisee ft. Toine of DTMD - Different Now

2011-03-15T11:24:00.001Z

I don't normally hop on something I know will be on every other blog in the planet in the next 10 minutes for the sake of it, but I've been waiting for it to come out for ages. This is actually Oddisee's first ever proper video, shot by the lovely and talented young Zack Schamberg, and I love the fact that it captures what it really is like to hang out with Amir and Antoine - there's definitely an brotherly vibe, and they're both great guys. A refreshing change from seeing MCs often considered "underground" hanging about by a car with little of import to say for themselves.

Free MP3: Oddisee feat Toine "Different Now"
Buy the Album: MMG "Helpless Dreamer" (iTunes)

Stop Rehearsing In A Vacuum.

2011-03-15T00:52:00.004Z

When talking to a friend the other day he was embarrassed that his clothes smelled of the rehearsal room he'd been in all afternoon because it was a "closed space", and it struck me how solitary and insular music rehearsals can be. Of course this makes sense sonically, but none of the other performing arts are rehearsed in this way and it got me thinking.

Before you reach a certain level, some things are almost inevitable. The soundsystem at the venue itself might (will) be crap. The sound guy probably won't care about your carefully constructed set. You might not even get a soundcheck and have to beg just for a line check. Your set may be cut short. You won't be the only act on the bill and the rest might be terrible. Most people in the crowd won't know your songs or be able to hear your lyrics. The crowd might talk (yell) all the way through your heartfelt acappella. It sounds quite bleak, but in reality, sometimes it can be - I unofficially manage a number of artists who are paying dues, and sometimes they get off stage and feel like crying.

The problem is, to the audience not much of that stuff really matters. Most people cannot tell if the mix or sound system is terrible. They're not expecting to be able to hear all of your lyrics - the only thing they may fully understand is what you say between songs. They just want to be entertained. Something I often feel at gigs is that musicians forget the obvious difference between being in the studio and being on stage - we can see you. It sounds glib, almost patronizing, but I say it because I come from the opposite end of the performance spectrum as a former dancer, where rehearsal is always either carried out in front of a mirror or an audience, we crave constant feedback and the soundsystem is probably the last thing on our minds. The idea of stepping on stage without that public preparation would terrify me.

Don't wait until after your gig to ask people for feedback, no one wants you to feel bad about something that has already happened and can't be changed. Ask some trusted and honest friends to come to your rehearsals, (not the day before your show, weeks before and regularly) so that they can give you some honest feedback about how your performance makes them feel. If possible, get their children to come along, that way you'll really know if you can hold people's attention! Ask yourself honestly if your show (not set, show) will make people leave raving about you to their friends no matter how crap the venue and circumstances, because that's what makes it worthwhile, not the rubbish fee. Think about what you will do in worst case (but probably not that uncommon) scenarios. Once you step on that stage your every movement is a performance and we want you to commit to it and deliver it to us with very ounce of emotion you had when you wrote it and more, (but this time also on a visual level that has to scale), no matter what happens.

I still talk about how they cut the power on Angie Stone at a festival ten years ago after just one song, but we all stayed in the tent in the dark with lighters, singing with her and clapping our way through her set. Or when Slum Village backflipped off the speakers. Or how Lissie's drummer can sing and play guitar all at the same time. When Matthew Herbert and Eska made the whole Barbican sob. James Brown holding his dancer over his head and being able to do the splits in his 60s. I could go on and on. I imagine you all have amazing gig stories too, but I doubt many of them started "the sound in this venue was amazing..."

Download: Daedelus ft Bilal "Overwhelmed"

2011-03-14T23:40:00.000Z

If you haven't already you may want to kiss goodbye the smooth and sensual Bilal of yesteryear with his balladeering and flamboyant harmonizing. He has been firmly replaced by proggy, experimental and at times even slightly abrasive yet still wondrous Bilal for now (who I suspect was there all along but was banished to the "inaccessible" broom cupboard).

Video: Lykke Li - I Know Places (Live on the Moon)

2011-03-14T23:29:00.000Z

Lykke Li is the kind of singer I feel myself willing to get through the song - it doesn't sound easy and natural, sometimes it's almost reluctant, but I love that it's so intense and sincere. Her album Wounded Rhymes is out on iTunes now and it's rather good.

Stream: Owiny Sigoma Band Album Preview

2011-03-14T23:11:00.002Z

Owiny Sigoma Band // Album Teaser by Brownswood

I could be really snotty about all of the African inspired projects which seem to be growing in popularity at the moment - sometimes the language used describing Africa as "untapped" musically can sting in ears sensitive to the post-colonial exploitation of the continents' resources. The beauty of music of course is that it's not a resource that can be mined or drilled until it runs out, and the respectful and earnest admiration for this particular fuel make Owiny Sigoma Band an exemplary exporter. Not to mention badass musicians in their own right.

In 2009 a close-knit London-based collective of musicians travelled to Kenya to collaborate with local musicians in Nairobi. There they met Joseph Nyamungu – a phenomenal nyatiti player/teacher whose scope of knowledge of traditional Luo music is unparalleled – and Charles Owoko, a drummer specialising in traditional Luo rhythms. A series of inspiring jam sessions concluded with time in a downtown Nairobi studio where the sound developed into something unique, fresh and full of verve.

The album comes out on 18th April 2011 on Brownswood Recordings.

Video: Helado Negro at the Knitting Factory

2011-03-09T20:17:00.001Z

Helado Negro- Live at The Knitting Factory 2009 - Venceremos from Asthmatic Kitty on Vimeo.

I'm such a fan of Helado Negro, and on my stalky travels I came across this lovely live video, sadly it sounds like they couldn't get a live feed but I love the edit by William "Zoe" FitzGerald AKA Fatblood. It was filmed at the Knitting Factory on New York in 2009 but it has such a timeless quality to it.

Stream: We Are King "The Story" EP

2011-03-09T20:11:00.001Z

KING-The Story EP by weareKINGworldwide

I really wasn't too sure about this group at first. There was something a little bit saccharine about it, whilst the lyrics and production felt a little underdeveloped in places (getting a bit sick of space references). After several listens though I'm really enjoying the overall sound - the harmonies and understated vocal performances are really growing on me.

For more info & to buy the EP head to www.weareking.com

DJ TKO Interview/ Preview: KarlMarx Project - Mists

2011-03-09T20:08:00.000Z

Isaac Aesili is a beautiful human being. My first impression of the man was his glowing and infectious smile, a shiny and immaculate afro, and the energy to dance all night which he certainly maintained as he sweated it out on the dance floor of the Ponsonby Social Club. Speaking to him, he is soft spoken and incredibly humble for one so gifted.
The trumpet player and percussionist of OpenSouls and the Recloose band has just finished a new instrumental project with his brother Mark under the moniker of the Karlmarx project. While Isaac is based in Auckland, producing, sessioning and playing live, his brother is a musician and a sound engineer based in their hometown of Christchurch (my thoughts go out to the victims of the earthquake...). The collection of tracks called the Mists EP are to be released by Melting Pot Music; good news as most New Zealand music doesn't see release outside of the country.
They call it "a soundtrack for a science fiction movie that was never made," and it's no surprise then that Isaac cites Vangelis, Animal Collective, Enya, Dam Funk, Aphex Twin, Depeche Mode as the project's influences. Emotional and mystical, yet danceable, many of the tracks maintain a strong melody although being instrumental.

Isaac shared some thoughts with PMOI about his new project:

What was the motivation behind The Mists EP?
The Mists EP is a reflection of my interest in instrumental hip hop, electronic funk and techno music in contrast to the more vocal based soul and r&b sound of my solo album Eye See. They are cousins but Eye See has more organic textures whereas The Mists EP is relatively minimal and electronic in its timbre.

How was the working dynamic with your brother?
It was so easy to work with my brother, we knew so much intuitively about each others background and character, we respect and are intrigued by our differences and it was surprising to know how much music we both have appreciation of. Being in different cities meant it was mostly an internet production with us working separately on tracks as well as collaborating on each others ideas.

Auckland is a unique intimate music scene, revolving round Opensouls so it seems, where everyone is guesting on each other's projects. How do you see your music in relation to that?
For the last 7 years Opensouls has been pivotal to Auckland's soulful hip hop and funk scene but we have just broken up. Being a member of Opensouls has blessed me with great friendships and fellow collaborators such as Julien Dyne. As a musician able to work in multiple roles from session musician to composer and producer i have been lucky enough to be exposed to the amazing work of these local artists and this has definitely inspired me and helped me to find the direction of my own music.

I hear you might be touring Europe soon?
Yes I'll be in Europe for at least 3 months based in Hamburg from June to september touring to promote Karlmarx and my solo album.

So more music will be coming your way soon in the form of a full album and hopefully a session in Europe over the Summer.
Check out their tracks here.

My personal favourite is "Osc" which you can hear below.

Video: Jack White's The Third Man Rolling Record Store

2011-03-09T20:06:00.000Z

The most exciting truck I came across at SXSW last year held red velvet cupcakes. Damn it.

Via Pitchfork

Video: Taylor McFerrin & Austin Peralta Live [by Theo Jemison & Grace Oh]

2011-03-09T19:56:00.000Z

Taylor McFerrin and Austin Peralta Live 03.03.11 from Theo Jemison on Vimeo.

Taylor McFerrin Live Solo Preformance 03.03.11 from Theo Jemison on Vimeo.

I believe I may have mentioned that Theo Jemison is a serious dude. Brainfeeder seem to be in overdrive at the moment, you can check out Taylor McFerrin's newish single Place in My Heart ft Ryat here, but check out the rest of the site for news on Beeple, MatthewDavid, Strangeloop & co.

Video: LaTonya Givens [The Making Of Act II]

2011-03-09T19:07:00.001Z

Dear Mr Electronica,

If you can help to make proper singers who can actually sing popular again we will love you forever.

Thanks,
PMOI

If you are now an addict of that voice, check out LaTonya Givens' earlier work as Tone Trezure, produced by Mr Porter.

This week...

2011-03-06T15:50:00.003Z

It was good to see Lupe Fiasco talking about an artistic project he's actually excited about over at The Revivalist, instead of his new album Lasers which was met with horrible reviews and which this week in the Guardian he likened it to "painting poodles".

Love Arctic Monkeys long time, and whilst at that level you can't really stick up a Youtube video with a static image to get a recently written song out there, you can do something not far off a Just Ain't Gonna Work Out.

I wasn't that much of a fan of this track on We're New Here, tis a little bit 90s rave, but this video, directed by Jamie James Medina and AG Rojas somehow gives it an entirely different feel.

I've been listening to 11 rather lush new minutes from Gang Gang Dance. They're playing on 9th April at Village Underground in east London.

I've also been listening to this for a while now but it's still on repeat - gorgeous cover of the beautiful instrumental by Savath y Savalas - Folk Song For Cello, from the stupidly talented Szjerdene.

Caribou - Jamelia from Video Marsh on Vimeo.

Much as it pains me to post anything with the word "Jamelia" in it, I cannot find a trace of cheap weave or tuneless warbling in this video so I think it's safe.

Pinnacles by Four Tet

New Fourtet. Plastic People. 25th March. Followed by...

That was my week, how was yours?

Video: The Glitch Mob "Between Two Points" by Motiphe

2011-02-26T20:42:00.000Z

Portishead have a lot to answer for. Nevertheless, this is rather epic. Apparently the video is “a tale about the weight of dependency”, which is ambiguous enough to be read in so many ways, yet the heaviness drips from the screen.

Video: Quadron & Rebekah Raff "Pressure" (Live) by Theo Jemison & Grace Oh

2011-02-26T19:10:00.000Z

Photo by Grace Oh

I've been meaning to write something about the stunning video below for some time. It was filmed and directed by Theo Jemison and Grace Oh, two photographer/ film makers whose work you've probably seen many times without realising since they've worked with most of the great and the good in LA. I asked Theo to tell me about the process because it's just so beautiful, his response is below.

Basically the process for making the video was, Grace and I were originally approached by Andrew Lojero from Plug Reseach to do something like this for Quadron. We were going to have access to anywhere on UCLA campus so we set our sights high and asked to shoot in the Royce Hall.

There was a lot of red tape and fees to shoot in the Hall so we started looking around for a big beautiful open spaces that was conducive for vocals and visually striking. The idea of the Eagle Rock Center For The Arts came to my mind as I have enjoyed many musical events there and thought it to be a beautiful space to shoot in.

Our good friend, Brian Akio Martinez (amazing bass player for Blank Blue, album coming soon to Brainfeeder) works at the center and got us in there on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We came in with a really small crew, KenBts engineered the audio recording and later worked with Robin from Quadron to finalize the mix.

We set up Rebekah Raff with her harp, Coco with her mic, did a few rehearsals with them and for Grace and I to frame up our shots and away we went shooting and recording the real takes. It was very simply done to keep the integrity of the voice and harp the center of attention.

The editing process was Grace & I working with amazing editor Greg "The Dude" Ponstingl on syncing up the mixed audio and refining the edit. It was a really great learning experience even on a video as simple as this one. I have shot a lot of videos with directors but this was great to see a project through from concept to shooting and sitting through the editing process.

It is all shaping light whether still photos or moving images, originally being a still photographer for 11+ years I have really been inspired working in the moving pictures the past 5-6 years. It feels like a really natural extension of all the years of still photography.

Photo by Grace Oh

Video: Nina Simone Documentary by Peter Rodis, 1969

2011-02-26T18:53:00.000Z

I'm not quite sure where I came across this documentary, I imagine from a tribute posted to honour Nina Simone's birthday last week, but I had to share it. Her fierce integrity and intensity are so striking when asked a question, as if she believed that surely everyone should know what she knew.

I once watched an interview with Nina Simone not long before she died, and when asked what she thought of modern music (late 90s), she replied loftily that she didn't like any of it, which to my youthful ears was almost blasphemous. Little did I know just how high the stakes were for her as an artist - longing to become the first black concert pianist but being rejected from the college of her choice because of her skin colour, singing the music of her time for money when she'd rather be elsewhere playing Bach, supporting so many financially, fighting for freedom both as an artist and for her race. It is hard to imagine her trying to connect with artists born in to such a different world.

One of my favourite parts of the film above, is when Simone says somewhat sadly that she would like to study English, in order to really discover the power of words, when she was already one of the greatest songwriters the world will ever know.

Get Rid Of Your Myspace Page. Now.

2011-02-21T20:54:00.000Z

If you haven't already of course. I have spent a large portion of my afternoon trying to remember my old password in order to get rid of my Myspace page because the email address I registered with is no longer active, as I suspect is the case for lots of people. This is probably the reason I didn't realise that Myspace changed to a (rubbish of course) new layout where all of the customizations made long ago no longer work and look like a car crash, and there was a giant ad for some rubbish band I don't like on the front.

"Why not just leave it there? I can't be bothered to work out how to change or delete it and no one ever checks it anymore surely?". For most regular folks that is true, but for musicians Myspace was the industry standard for a very long time. That means it usually still comes up top in the search engine rankings for your name even if it looks awful, people are clicking on it - get your shiny up to date website up there instead.

"What about my 10,000 friends??" If you're not logging in what's the point of them? Concentrate on growing your e-mail list and actually emailing it - Twitter does a better job of letting your fans speak to you directly and hear your news than Myspace ever did anyway.

Another reason you should get rid is that the long, humiliating, protracted death of Myspace courtesy of Rupert Murdoch means that your profile is being used to advertise things you have no control over unless you buy a premium account, similar to a bot which harvests and parks adverts on the urls of people's names who may one day become famous (and want to buy them back for an extortionate sum).

What next??
Once you've hit 'cancel account' 20 times and gone through the rigmarole which just confirms how rubbish and desperate Myspace is, what next? (Either do that or spend hours updating your page, but don't leave it). There are lots of ways to build a decent web presence, but by far the best option I've seen for artists recently is Flavors. Flavors is a website builder which makes simple but beautiful design really easy, and collects everything else you've got scattered about the web (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Last FM gigs, Soundcloud, Bandcamp etc - all of which are great but don't give the full picture) in to one nice looking place. I've been recommending it to my friends so a good recent example of it in action is ericlaumusic.com.

A Few Tips (for non-web nerds)
1.//Whatever the top search engine result for you is, make sure it's up to date. If you don't want to delete your Myspace page, update it then push it down the search engine rankings with a good website, Bandcamp, Soundcloud and your social network profiles.

2.//Whether you are about to build a website or not, register your domain name (url) before the afore mentioned bot harvests it. I use GoDaddy.com for putmeonit.com because they send reminders if your credit card is expiring (instead of just auctioning off your URL as a third party once did to me!).

3.// If you're signing up for Flavors, the pro version at $20 a year is pretty cheap and it's on 2 for 1 at the moment so if you arrange to sign up with a friend you can split the cost and get it for $10 each. Bargain.

4.// Whatever your website looks like, add a newsletter sign up form and USE IT. I've downloaded countless free Bandcamp projects in exchange for my email address and I rarely hear from the people who've put them out. Your mailing list are the people who are going to buy your projects when they're for sale, come to your gigs, blog about you etc - stay in touch. I use Your Mailing List Provider because it's the cheapest I've found, and pretty easy to use. Apparently if you use the code: 02NA2J you get a discount. If you're emailing more than a couple of hundred people at a time use a mailing list provider or your email account might get suspended for spam!

5.// There are lots of website builders aimed at artists out there at the moment but for the most part the services they provide seem to be a bit of a rip off - all you really need is a blog (Tumblr is a winning combination of easy to use and very attractive without customization), a bio page, and links to your music, videos, gigs, press shots and social networks.

Whatever you do, don't leave your Myspace looking like a car crash from 1996.

PMOI Presents: Yult ft Tanya Auclair "The Animal Inside" EP [Free Download]

2011-02-21T15:36:00.001Z

The long wait is over - but be quick, only the first 1000 downloads of this EP by Yult featuring Tanya Auclair are available for free! I've been talking about this EP since the August, with lots of you nagging for a release date, so I hope you'll spread the word to anyone who's been waiting so they can grab a copy before it goes on sale.

Video: Andreya Triana, Fink & Bonobo Live in Paris @ Ninja Tune XX

2011-02-19T11:27:00.000Z

This one has apparently been up for a while but Grandcrew just sent it over, I love the way this lady commits to every song as if it were her first time performing it. For all of my American friends who complain that have never managed to see Andreya live yet (I can't imagine any UK friends have never seen her live before?!), enjoy. Drey will also be playing a very special solo gig at the Jazz Cafe on April 28th.