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 …
Chikaya on ‘cosmic trap’ and her stunning Descend EP
Bristol-based vocalist Chiyaka dropped her stunning Descend EP this summer. The six-track EP creates a unique depth of space with floating ballads that Chikaya calls ‘cosmic trap’. It’s been receiving love from Bristol and beyond, with instagram support from Tricky and getting the top spot on Jamz Supernova’s Top 5 EPs on Radio 1Xtra. Working …
10 questions with J.Sparrow
Leeds-based producer Ryan Wild AKA J.Sparrow (formerly Jack Sparrow) creates deeply atmospheric dubstep with intelligent forays across the spectrum of sound system music, from techno to reggae. He’s also one half of jazz-inflected dubstep project Author, with Submotion’s Orchestra’s Dom Howard AKA Ruckspin. J.Sparrow’s excellent debut album Circadian, released on Pinch’s Tectonic in 2010, gave …
A Long Game: The Story of Slamboree
If there was a prize for the most sense-assaulting live act, Slamboree would win hands down every time. Surrounded by circus performers, vibrant costumes and orchestrated mayhem from Lizzie West, Mike Freear’s production and Kathika Rabbit’s harmonious vocals are a feast for the eyes and ears in all of their live shows. This year, the …
INTERVIEW // Enter the unsettling universe of Kojey Radical
‘You don’t want the truth, then why you ask me?’ rasps 360-degree artist Kojey Radical’s If Only, the first single release since his incredible 2017 album In God’s Body. With an astonishing gift for music, poetry, visual arts and fashion, the unsigned, MOBO-nominated artist is one of the most exciting talents to enter the British …
INTERVIEW // GoGo Penguin: ‘We’ve never thought of ourselves as a jazz band’
Manchester-based trio GoGo Penguin have been plotting an uncharted course through new musical territory since the release of their debut album Fanfares via Gondwana Records in 2013. Toying with people’s musical expectations ever since, the band have been making waves in the contemporary British jazz scene as they continue to effortlessly transcend the boundaries of …
10 questions with Snazzback
One of the best things about Bristol’s music scene is its beautifully collaborative spirit. 2018 has delivered us yet another synergetic project from some familiar faces across Bristol’s jazz, soul, hip hop and funk scenes: Snazzback. Featuring the mesmerising vocals of China Bowls, eight-piece band Snazzback meld together their talents and influences with free improv …
INTERVIEW // Psychedelic two-piece The Lovely Eggs invite us into Eggland
When Iggy Pop growls, sage-like on national radio, that your fully DIY, two-fingers-up-at-the-music-industry-punk-band-just-doing-it-for-the-fucking-love-of-it is “really amazing”, face it: you’re onto something. The Lovely Eggs – psychedelic Lancaster-based rip-roarers and BBC 6 Music beloveds, with a cult following of Eggheads built over five records – are finally learning to bottle up these moments. Lately there’s been …
INTERVIEW // Barney Artist: “Vulnerability is important in hip hop”
The hip hop-jazz scene that’s been sweeping the nation since Tom Misch started amassing SoundCloud plays back in 2011 now has it’s very own truth teller; he goes by the name of Barney Artist. East London rapper Barney Artist has been working with names now synonymous with the scene – Mische, Alfa Mist and Jordan …