My Favourite EP's of 2015

It has been a while since my last post on summer festivals and as the hideously un-PC lyrics of Bob Geldoff start to pollute our airwaves once more, here are my personal favourite EP's of the year. Winter has come John Snow, winter has come.

TALA - Malika

This is my favourite of the tracks from the Electro Pop, bass heavy Londoner. Who's music draws on influences from her Iranian roots, making for some really interesting production and the brilliance of her voice makes her stand out as one to really watch out for going into the new year!




Jack Garratt - Synesthesiac

Although the song below is not on this specific EP everyone in the UK seems to be discovering Jack Garratt at a phenomenal rate. With his amazing Ed Sheeran esq vocal and James Blake/ Jamie Woon bassy production he has the ability to appeal to huge demographic. Certainly one to look out for in 2016, his debut album is out on the 19th of February.




Kiko Bun - Come Again

This Reggae Dub aficionado in his early 20s has been the soundtrack to my 2015. After witnessing him smash his set at Secret Garden Party I have kept a close eye on all his latest offerings and his newest EP certainly doesn't fail to disappoint. Bring on 2016 and an album please!




Temple Gardens - SandPaper Lies

They are back with their debut EP! Still only been together for less than a year, these Brighton based charming chaps have released their very slick looking debut EP. 2016 has huge promise as a second EP looms and even the possibility of an album by this time next year. Keep up the good work lads and I will be along to a gig as soon as I can!



A.F.R.O (All Flows Reach Out) - Tales From The Basement

This is the future of Hip-Hop. Finally a 'rapper' that isn't sitting on the hood of a Lambogini, sipping crystaaal, and throwing fake dollars in the air. His 90's flow has got heads turning from Preemo to Eminem, if he isn't big in 2016 there is something wrong with people. Oh and he's 18....



Daisy Vaughan - Light On Our Limbs

Now for a real change of mood. This is a wonderful EP from another young buck with a rather endearing story. After being introduced to her by her 'label boss' Cally, who, as well as discovering her, let her make home in a caravan at the end of his garden and in return she made copious amounts of soup. I know, I thought it was brilliantly strange when I first heard it, however her music really does speak for itself and can't wait to hear more.



Ady Suleiman - So Lost

A singer-songwriter who is leading the pack of the plethora that seem to all be trying to get heard in the UK at the moment. Having already teamed up with Joey Badass he's another very exciting one to watch for 2016. With 2 Eps out already I smell an album not too far round the corner.






The Beach  - Maybe

As mentioned in previous blogs, really one to look out for. I said that before the release of their debut EP and it really didn't fail to disappoint. They have released another EP this week, so much like previous artists in this blog we can expect an album early next year. If you get the chance go and see them live, or if you have tickets to Of Monsters Of Men or Kodaline they are supporting so make sure to get there nice and early!





Elder Island - Elder Island

Another band I have mentioned in previous posts but when writing about EP's of 2015 these guys have to get the nod. A beautiful EP that I believe needs more recognition than it has possibly received.

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!!

My Personal Favourites of This Years Festival Season

We are now nearing the end of another brilliant 2015 British festival season and I have only been able to clock up an annoyingly mere 3 Festivals. So this list is rather biased in their favour, however as a result of the BBC's brilliance I was able to watch the majority of Glastonbury from the comfort of my armchair. With the odd trip to stand in the shower fully clothed and refusing to refrigerate any of my beverages so they're perfectly lukewarm, I did, for a small moment, believe I was front and centre at the pyramid stage.

1. Afriquoi - Secret Garden Party

This amazing band beautifully blend African influences from Gambia and Congo with contemporary UK beats, which culminates in a wholeheartedly infectious and endearing sound. So if you stumble across this name whilst flicking through your next festival guide make sure not to miss them!



2. Elder Island - Brain Child

This wonderfully pitched trio from Bristol have been tearing up the festival scene this summer with their EP released exclusively to Rough Trade last year they are starting to turn some heads. They're so good that i couldn't choose just one track, so here's two.







3. The Cat Empire - Secret Garden Party

After seeing their mind blowing performance at the Albert Hall I was swiftly in pursuit of a Secret Garden Party ticket, which was the next stop on their tour of the UK this summer. Although they have been around for over a decade the majority of people I tell about them have no idea what i'm talking about. This being said in the 24 years of my life and numerous artists I have seen, from Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Blur, Nas to Bruce Springsteen or anyone else, no one has been better than The Cat Empire. I am fully aware that is a rather bold statement to make, but i strongly urge anyone who disagrees to go and see them wherever and whenever they can. These Aussie boys really get it right.











4. Rudimental, Will Heard & George Clinton - Glastonbury

This was a personal highlight of watching Glastonbury, as you could see the admiration for this Funk legend from everyone in the euphoric Rudimental crew. Will Heard especially, who is only just starting out his career, so to be playing on the world renowned Pyramid Stage next to George Clinton makes for quite a memorable performance.

5. Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate - Secret Garden Party

This brilliantly unorthodox fusion band have been a favourite of mine since I first laid ears on them, so to see them live was a real treat. With Joe Driscoll's background being Hip-hop/ Folk and born in New York to Sekou Kouyate's traditional West African Kora sound. A Kora is a 21 stringed african instrument that makes the guitar look like a child bashing on a multicoloured xylophone. This fusion works seamlessly in my opinion and creates a really interesting sound, so again if you get a chance I urge you to see them live.

6. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - Citadel

Nathaniel Rateliff has a voice that i defy anyone's ears not to prick up at, bridging the gap between country and soul he can get any crowd whooping, clapping and stomping like they were born and bread in the mid west. Although the debut album touches on country, soul and even blues it is well worth a listen.






7. Kiko Bun - Secret Garden Party

Lastly and by no means least is a Dub/ Reggae vocalist from London who's classic roots voice and infectious feel good beats have provided the soundtrack to my summer. The fact that the rain was lashing down outside the tent he was playing in seemed to fade into insignificance the moment he took to thee stage.

Hopefully I'll be able to clock up a greater number of festivals in 2016!

Artists That Are Arising

Here are my favourite 9 artists and bands that I believe are heading for big things in the not so distant future. 

1. The Beach

Born from a chance meeting of old friends in the street, one of whom is a talented singer songwriter and the other an aspiring producer. They agreed to record a track in a bedroom studio and the results were phenomenal. Singer songwriter, George Morgan has played acoustically since he was about 8, even then he was winning competitions at his local Turnham Green Fair. However the addition of producer, Max Honsinger gave his lyrics even more depth and complexity, creating one of the best debut singles i've ever heard. This song has gone from strength to strength since its release and been heralded by the likes of Annie Mac and Dermot O'leary amongst other BBC heavyweight DJs, so i'm sure it's only a matter of time before they are a house hold name.

2. Temple Gardens

I had the pleasure of stumbling across this brilliantly beautiful Brighton based band whilst reading a poster for a group I will mention in greater detail later in this post. After hearing just 2 of their songs I am eager to hear more. From the soulful trumpet intro to the gravely vocals of lead singer, this is a masterfully constructed and produced piece of music. If they have the capability of writing a full album of this quality I'd be wholeheartedly disappointed if they don't get the credit and success they deserve.






3. Pheonix Da Ice Fire

Paul J Nelson aka Pheonix Da Ice Fire is a phenomenally talented man in many more ways than one. Not only is he a great MC but he is also a very talented illustrator and even runs his own clothes label, as well as having a day job. He has already released both an album and EP's, working with the likes of Chemo and Klashnekoff, however he just needs a break and the right publicity in order to be in the position for the right people to hear and enjoy his music.




4. Leif Erikson

This young London based band are in the early stages of writing and rehearsals, however the songs they have released are meticulous and polished as if they have been playing together for years. This is probably because they have! Leif Erickson are the reformed and renamed Flashguns, who toured with Bombay Bicycle Club in 2009. So if you wanna catch their new sound live they are planning some gigs in London in September so watch this space! In the meantime enjoy this wonderful tune.




5. Boy Scout

Born out of Leeds University, Boy Scout are at the moment unknown, using the mysteriously faceless promotion technique. This being said, their music really does speak for itself. With their impressive first release Get Me By pricking ears up in the right places, they have now been commissioned by the producers of Made In Chelsea. So I'm sure they will be popular just as soon as they have soundtracked Spencer Matthews' latest futile conundrum. However, as the mystery of whom they are continues we hope the wonderful music accompanies it.






6. Grand Wa Zoo

This young Hip-Hop trio from North London are really starting to stir up the scene and turn heads, with their slick videos, 2 MC's with great flow and a beautifully soulful vocalist. Currently working hard to get heard at the right places and grafting out gigs, all of which they are heralded as the best act of the night. This summer sees their time dedicated to the studio and if there current releases are anything to go by, they should be releasing a masterfully polished album very soon.

7. Clay

Leeds based Clay have currently only released 2 songs publicly, both of which are driven by wholeheartedly infectious choruses. Executed perfectly by the lead singers seemingly effortless voice, with a underlying twang of Yorkshire brilliance. Think Arctic Monkeys meets Jungle. I expect really big things for these chaps.





8. Miles Glyphers

Back to Hip-Hop and rarely a young Australian, who is, unlike a certain young lady from that part of the world, making good music. His flow is similar to that of B.O.B, however his bassey production and lyrics are closer to Drake. He is starting to receive critical acclaim from the worlds media, from Vice to Complex, so it shouldn't be long before everyone takes notice.





9. Lion Bark

Last and most certainly not least is a young band from Brighton, who's melodic harmonies have had me hooked since their first release 2 years ago. They have recently released their new EP on tape, which is slightly annoying for anyone who wants to actually listen to it and didn't chuck away their tape deck at the turn of the century. That being said it is brilliant, which is an opinion shared by both BBC Introducing as well as Burberry Acoustic whom they performed excellent acoustic sessions for. The more they play gigs in both Brighton and London the more the buzz grows. So a potential EP launch UK tour could be the best way to get people rummaging through their 90s clobber in order to rediscover their wonderful Walkmans.

Top New Songs This Month So Far

This June we have already heard a plethora of fantastic releases and we are only 12 days in! Here are a few of my favourites.

Jamie XX - In Colour

1. Firstly, the eagerly awaited debut album from producer and DJ, Jamie XX. He has kept his fans intrigued for weeks by slowly drip feeding them several tracks, (Gosh, Loud Places, Girl, Sleep Sound). In the past this method of promotion has formed an anticlimactic fizzle of a release, as the PR team and artist have pre-released the albums best tracks. Much like watching a film trailer that include all the most important and pivotal moments, it ruins it. This however, is not the case with this debut album 'In Colour', which has been recorded as a dedication to british underground club culture. With Young Turks first releasing 'Girl' back in april 2014 it has certainly been a long time coming. Although it is a truly difficult decision, as the album really is that good, my favourite track is Obvs.

2. The second song is by London based pair, Whilk & Misky. They are a beautifully proportioned duo, of electronic production from Whilk and talented guitar and gravelly vocals from Misky. They are currently recording a debut album and launch it next month at Birthday in Dalston. So if you are free get down there!





3. The third song i have chosen  is from a young London based trio, Haelos. Who noticeably draw on influences from Portishead and Massive Attack. Creating a deep and basey XX esq melody, whilst the vocals from both Arthur Delaney & Lotti Benardout create a wonderfully rounded sound that really doesn't fail to disappoint.





4. The fourth and final song is from another trio, who are somewhat different from Haelos. Algiers are surprisingly not from the Algerian capital but from the USA. With 2 members of the band (guitarist and bassist) from the underground rock scenes of Atlanta teaming up with the sensational vocalist and all round musician Franklin James Fisher. His deep south, bluesy voice is something you wouldn't stereotypically partner with rock, however this debut album offers an eclectic mix of politically driven cross-genre songs, that in my opinion works seamlessly.

The Rise of Mumford & Sons to 'Wilder Mind'

As a young group of lads from South West London, who 7 years ago were arranging their own gigs for petrol money, the 'gentlemen of the road' have certainly travelled a long way. Now on their third album, two of which rocketed to number one, both here and over the pond (I think I am as surprised as anyone to hear their debut and arguably best album didn't reach the top spot!). 4 Billboard Awards, 2 Grammys, 2 Brits, starred in their own film, set up their own festival as well as headlining the biggest festival in Europe, some may argue the world!

I first had the pleasure of seeing Mumford & Sons at Glastonbury in 2008, where they still seemed humbled to be playing on The Park Stage at 2pm to an audience of about 20 at the most. Made up largely of people sitting down or sunbathing, with the exception of the stereotypical, meandering, dreadlocked 'free spirits', who most probably have never left the festival grounds. Despite the lack of audience they played with exactly the same enthusiasm and gusto as they did when they headlined 5 years later. It was there that I found myself, not only on my feet but spinning round, arms linked with the confused vegan wastafarians (wannabe Rastafarians) I had earlier been rather quick to judge. I think that is the endearment of Mumford & Sons, that they really have no target audience. This was made apparent 5 years later when they reached the peak of what was a sensationally fast assent up the Glastonbury line-up roster. This time, I was stood in knee deep mud with the quintessentially British sideways rain slapping me in the face, whilst my friend berated me for missing his favourite grime syndicate, 'Boy Better Know'. It was at that moment that Mumford & Sons took to the stage and the mud and rain seemed to fade into insignificance. I looked to my left and my complaining companion was leaping up and down like a frantic child's first trampolining experience. So why with their latest album, 'Wilder Mind', have they ditched the crowd bouncing country for leather jackets and electric guitars?

I think this album has been misconstrued by a lot of fans for commercialising their original and boisterous sound, however it takes maturity to have the confidence to try something new. This new look, sound and most importantly producer, gives the band another string to their bow. When they could have most probably churned out another very similar foot stomping, banjo bashing country album, they chose instead to diversify and improve themselves as musicians. In an interview a few weeks after their latest release the band explained how their band name was originally a joke that stuck, however I think the name couldn't be more apt. The band may have changed their style and instruments but the thing that defines them as Mumford & Sons is Marcus Mumford's phenomenal vocals. He has a timelessness to his voice that is both husky and masculine in a strangely delicate way, which makes him and his rambling posse all the more endearing.

From a leafy country lane to a concrete industrial estate

The true test of 'commercialisation' will be when they embark on their festival filled summer tour and the ratio to new album to old within their set lists. I strongly believe it won't be a showcase for their new sound and if anything their live performances of their new album will bring a bit of contrast to the performance and make romping around a field to 'Little Lion Man' all the more enjoyable.

I strongly believe comparing modern artists to those of the 60s serves no purpose, however if you are going to compare The Beatles to anyone please never liken them to Simon Cowell's Frankenstein monster. Look to Mumford & Sons, who never set out to be super stars, but strive to make good music for the fans they love.

A Connoisseur's Guide to London's Best Jazz Spots

London has a huge jazz heritage and the most iconic names of the genre have been lighting up the scene in the big smoke since the early days. Most of London’s jazz venues pay tribute to the only true American art form almost every day.

1. The most famous one of them all is the swanky Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street in London.  Created by music-lovers for music-lovers, it has played host to almost half a century of the biggest names in jazz. A place for young and old, Ronnie’s place in Soho is going strong since 1959.

2. Tucked away behind the antique shops and auction rooms in Chelsea is the 606 Club on the Lots Road. For a true authentic jazz experience and a totally unpretentious vibe this is the place.

3. Another favourite in Soho is Pizza Express on Dean Street by Soho Square. Construction on the Cross Rail has obscured the venue from view but is still bopping with delicious jazz every night of the week.

4. The Bull’s Head, or the Bull as it is known to the inner circle, is situated beautifully on the river Thames in Barnes and is regarded as one of London’s best loved jazz venues and has been visited by the likes of Ben Webster and Maynard Ferguson.

5. The Boisdale is the upmarket cigar smoking, whiskey drinking and tartan wearing restaurant and bar in Belgravia. More a gentlemen’s club than a jazz hangout, it has occasionally some little gems playing.

6. A real secret is The Haggerston on the Kingsland Road in Dalston. From Sunday’s 11pm onwards it is “jazz time” and jazz is served in many formidable shapes and forms. 

So get out there, grab yourself a whiskey and a cigar and soak up the capitals best blue note spots.