Paper Dragon: Redefining Modern Artistry
Masterfully combining creative songwriting with hypnotic performance visuals is a skill few can so effortly achieve as Paper Dragon. Born from Bristol’s electronic current, the project, fronted by vocalist and composer Ruth Royall, seeks to put a progressive stamp on the concept of band artistry, whilst writing songs that reminisce drum and bass, house, soul …
‘I can’t expect people to tell my story’: Drinks with Sampa the Great
Born in Zambia and raised in Botswana, rapper, songwriter and poet Sampa Tembo released her debut music project The Great Mixtape in 2015 while studying sound engineering in Sydney, Australia. People were quick to catch on, and following a series of singles including Estelle-collaboration HERoes Act 2, Sampa’s next mixtape Birds and The BEE9 won …
INTERVIEW // Pet Shimmers on the pursuit of imperfection
Surfacing in 2019 with Goat Girl collaboration Feels Hz, Pet Shimmers seemed at first to be a live band extension of Bristol musician Oliver Wilde; though it soon became clear something much bigger was afoot. This is a band so self aware of their self awareness, that they’re completely serious and taking the piss at …
Raise a glass of G&T to raise funds for Australian wildlife charity with Filthy XIII
It has been a terrible time recently for the people of Australia in the wake of the recent spate of fires that ravaged their country, so it’s always heartening to see people giving what they can to support causes dedicated to alleviating the suffering of those affected. For these noble reasons, the team at Filthy …
REVIEW // Aurora: The Heralding of a New Dawn
Aurora is the latin word for dawn. She is the Roman goddess, renewing herself each morning, flying across the sky announcing the arrival of the sun. Aurora, the Norwegian singer and producer, suits her name – her iconic look and unique brand of dreamy folk pop music feels like the heralding of a new dawn. …
INTERVIEW // UK jazz luminary Joe Armon-Jones on bridging worlds
Autumn saw the release of the highly anticipated, second solo studio album Turn to Clear View, from London keyboardist, producer and Ezra Collective member, Joe Armon-Jones. Featuring a whole host of musicians, including UK jazz artists Moses Boyd and Nubya Garcia, UK hip hop talent Jehst and US MC and singer Georgia Muldrow, Joe’s new …
‘It’s so important to stick to your guns’: Sub Focus on 15 years of uncompromising DnB
Discovered by the godfather Andy C in 2003 and emerging on Ram Records two years later, Sub Focus’ uncompromising sound has gone on to achieve unprecedented underground and commercial success. Drawing influences from jungle, dubstep, house and everything EDM, his euphoric take on drum and bass and his devotion to creating a spectacular audio-visual show …
Win 4 x tickets to Ritual Union with Marika Hackman, Dream Wife, Squid & lots more
Following three successful years of solid lineups in Oxford, Ritual Union is heading west for its inaugural festival in Bristol on 28 March, offering an undeniably tempting selection of some of the most hotly-tipped names of the moment. Creating a circuit between Rough Trade, SWX and The Lanes, the day-long festival is set to see …
5 new favourites to discover at Shindig 2020: Warmduscher, T>I & more
Shindig Festival returns this year starting their new legacy at Dillington Estate. This year is sure to bring a few more historical moments, with a wicked lineup including legends such as Roy Ayers and Goldie – plus the return of some familiar faces. If the festival was a body, Will Lardner would be its brain. …
Balter unveils a huge lineup for 2020 with Four Owls, Slamboree & more
Returning in characteristically kooky style, Balter Festival have announced a huge line up for their seventh instalment this summer, from 29 May to 1 June at Chepstow Racecourse. Born out of Bristol’s thriving party scene and annually uniting ravers, party-goers and artists alike, Balter’s communal ethos blooms from a genuine love and appreciation of unique …