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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 // Danny Byrd ups his game again with Atomic Funk
Signing to Hospital Records at the turn of the millennium, South West producer Danny Byrd is one of the most recognised names in drum and bass. Releasing his debut album Supersized in 2008, he’s just dropped his fourth LP on the festishised label, Atomic Funk. Interestingly, the funkiest song on the album isn’t the …
10 questions with The Allergies
Hot on the tails of their 2017 breakthrough album Push On – which shot straight to number three in the iTunes hip hop chart (where it stayed nestled beneath Skepta and Drake for a full week) – Bristol hip hop duo The Allergies are back with new album Steal the Show, due for release on …
10 questions with Split Prophets’ Res One
Res One is one of Bristol’s hardest working hip hop MCs. Part of the Split Prophets Collective, they have been pushing the underground UK hip hop scene since the release of their Scribbled Thoughts EP in 2011. They’ve supported the likes of Wu Tang, KRS One, MF Doom and are one of the biggest and …