‘Fun is important’ insist Dutch weird rockers De Staat
Dutch five-piece De Staat have something of a twinkle in their eye. Fronted by the hyper-talented Torre Florim, who sings, plays guitar, writes and produces for the band; the rock group embrace influences from R&B to art rock. Their latest and fifth studio album Bubble Gum dropped last month, dealing with serious issues such as …
KOAN Sound: ‘It’s definitely our most ambitious music yet’
Bristol producer duo KOAN Sound are celebrating the release of their long, long-awaited debut album, more than a decade on from their first release. Having entered the ring at just 16 with dubstep hit Clowny / Blessed, the evolution of KOAN Sound is unparalleled – somehow retaining their original and unique style, while continually expanding …
INTERVIEW // Ghetts adds a new chapter to his grime legacy
We took the opportunity to speak to grime royalty Ghetts at the release of his new Swindle collaboration, Drill Work – his first outing since dropping his long-awaited Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament in September. The genre-blending, skiddish 140ish tune couldn’t be better suited to one of grime’s most enduring, innovating and outright best MCs. …
Interview – Holy Goof unleashes major 30+ artist project: Globes
A key figure in the bass house movement of the past few years, Holy Goof brings his brand new Globes tour to Motion this month in partnership with The Blast, where Holy Goof will be playing alongside a lineup of friends and special guests. The tour is in support of Holy Goof’s recently announced compilation …
10 questions with DLR
Bristol drum and bass heavyweight DLR is taking over Trinity for the night with his label Sofa Sound. With releases on some of the biggest labels on the scene including Symmetry and Metalheadz, DLR launched his own imprint in 2017 with his Quadrant collab, Ghostfish. Sofa Sound focusses on the warmer side of drum and …
Poisonous Birds demolish the wall between electronic and rock music
Having surprised us last year with a new, refined sound in their Big Water and Dirty Water EPs, experimental electronic rock duo Poisonous Birds are ready to bring us their first major headline show, coming to The Louisiana this January via their own Be Softly imprint. Although their writing process has shifted further into electronic …
Rider Shafique: ‘I don’t think I have the choice not to be political’
Gloucester-based MC Rider Shafique has been influencing the local music scene for over a decade, getting his first taste of the road with Sony Music-signed electronic act Pressure Drop, after being introduced to the group by his cousin – who also had ties with S’Express and Galliano – and another close friend from Gloucester, Martin …
Behind the scenes with Blazey Bodynod
Jordan Davies AKA Blazey Bodynod has been behind the decks pioneering the local grime scene for almost two decades. He was one of the very first in the city to fly the flag for grime and garage sounds, both as a DJ and promoter, and it’s easy to trace the influence he’s had on today’s …
10 Questions with Anchorsong
Japanese-born London-based producer Masaaki Yoshida AKA Anchorsong is headed for Bristol this December for a live show and signing, following the release of his latest album Cohesion. Anchorsong creates multi-layered tapestries of explorative, rhythmic music; gaining support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Huw Stephens, Lauren Laverne and Elton John. His latest release draws heavy inspiration …
How you gonna sleep tonight? Nadine Shah on her most political record to date
Having flown the nest at 17 to pursue a career as a jazz singer in London, Nadine Shah is well known for her formidably individual tone and fearless approach to songwriting, as she holds nothing back with her politically infused lyrics. Influenced by artists such as Nina Simone, The Beach Boys, Dolly Parton, Frida Kahlo …