To Lose is taken from Oceaan's hugely anticipated self-titled debut EP out March 31st via Chess Club Records. Dancing along similar territories to the likes of SOHN & James Blake, no surprises if this guy becomes one of the most celebrated artists of 2014.
Choirboys is the new one from Irish producer Monto. Kind of reminiscent of early James Blake, the track swells from good old percussive hand claps and vocal loops, to form a cocophony of staggering chords, and all sense of calm vanishes into well-organised chaos. It's fantastic. Grab a free download below:
The UK's very own Mercury Music Prize is taking place tonight. For those outside the UK who may not be too familiar with the concept, we here in Britain have this thing every year where some panel pick what they believe to be the best album by a British artist that has been released in that year. It's often a really good platform for new artists and has a hell of a lot of credibility attached to it by pretty much the entire music industry, as well as audiences.
This year, I fear that due to the immense popularity that some of the nominees have gained this past 12 months, it could be pretty one sided. I'd personally like to see either James Blake or King Creosote to win. But artists such as those, contending against the likes of pop-turned-super star Adele, and UK sensation Katy B they may well be overshadowed. Both having a considerably more commercial success than a number of the other nominees. I'll be tuning in this evening to the live ceremony, in order to find out who'll be declared as the winner this year; immediately reporting back of course. Admittedly I'd say most are deserving of the prize, but finger's crossed for the underdog. Here's a little collective playlist of this years nominees (excluding Gwilym Simcock as it's extremely hard to find any mp3 links for him whatsoever):
Apart from the fact that I've been reunited with some very close friends of mine who've returned from their travels today, this collab has been the only thing on my mind since it was tweeted by both artists last week. The pair met at SXSW just this March, both inspired by one another's music they've gone ahead with this; 'Fall Creek Boys Choir'.
It's become viral today, and is set to be released on the 29th. Initially I was a little apprehensive about listening to this. The idea of two of my favourite artists collaborating sounded too good to be true. But the result is far from disappointing. In fact, it's exactly what I was hoping for; a dream song.
The beat is so characteristic of Blake, and Justin's (Bon Iver's) vocals are of a really similar style to those in 'Woods'. There is even a hint of the subtle soft-rock elements featured in Bon Iver's new album. Yet despite my comparisons, it's so fresh and different. With most collaborations, it's clear that one artist has more influence than the other, yet these two manage to make this song so characteristic of their own music, but some how marry their sounds together beautifully, complimenting each beat with each word. A truly magnificent achievement.
I'd like an entire album to follow in due course. Take a listen here:
