Spotify has teamed up with Tinder

Yes, you read that correctly! Popular “dating” app tinder has worked with music streaming giants Spotify to incorporate new music related features. Users can now add their own personal ‘anthem’ to their profile as well as choose to display their all time favourite artists or current crazes. Users can also combine their Tinder and Spotify profiles to search for potential matches based on music tastes. You don’t need to have read High Fidelity to know that music can make or break a relationship and the new features show that Tinder clearly have their priorities in order.

Top Tracks: Dyslexic Postcards – The Shakes That You Make

Let’s be honest with ourselves here, Dyslexic Postcards was never going to be the name of a sensible band. This Miami based alternative rock band inject a sweet hint of madness into everyday life. ‘The Shakes That You Make’, from their debut EP Spare The Altar, starts off fairly unassuming before launching into quirky psychedelica. The atmospheric opening wouldn’t sound amiss coming from The War On Drugs but soon descends into what sounds an unlikely collaboration between The White Stripes and The Flaming Lips. Vibrant and addictive, the band know how to make a great melody but are committed to doing so with tongue firmly in cheek. Dyslexic Postcards clearly love what they do and I’m certain that you will too.

Skepta wins 2016 Mercury Prize

mercury prize 2016In a shock result London grime MC Skepta has won this year’s Mercury Music Prize for his album Konnichiwa. The rapper has unfortunately beaten bookies (and public) favourite Blackstar by the late David Bowie. The final shortlist also included deserving finalists: Laura Mvula’s The Dreaming Room, Michael Kiwanuka’s Love & Hate and A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead, who are still yet to win despite being the most nominated act in the prize’s history. Despite thoroughly disagreeing with the final result we can take solace in the fact that this year’s shortlist contained a varied and plentiful wealth of British talent… and y’know, at least it didn’t go to The 1975!

Top Tracks: Marga Lane – Thinking About You

Multi-instrumental singer/songwriter Marga Lane creates divine soul with such grace and finesse that it almost seems effortless. A former graduate of the world renowned Berklee College of Music, she has worked hard to create her upcoming Motown inspired EP Undressed, due for release December 2nd. The striking simplicity of ‘Thinking About You’ highlights her immense talent and keen ear for a great melody. Consisting of a simple guitar line and Marga’s sublime vocals it is a refreshing breath of fresh air to the often overproduced world of modern R&B. This track looks back at the roots of great soul music and sees the irresistible appeal of an incredible voice and a hopeful message of love. Sometimes less is more, and with such heavenly vocals Marga Lane is undoubtedly someone that the world needs more of.

Top Tracks: Joshua Luke Smith – Becoming Human

We have all suffered our fair share of slings and arrows in our lifetimes, whether inflicted by others, by the cruel hands of fate, or by our own making. In your day to day life you will pass countless people enduring unspoken struggles seemingly without respite. Joshua Luke Smith, one of the most profound and inspirational young wordsmiths of his generation, has released a powerful new track in partnership with Samaritans to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day. His moving spoken word track ‘Being Human’ focuses on what we all have in common, rather than our petty differences. It spreads a message of strength through togetherness, of holding each other up and standing together come what may rather than dragging each other down. It teaches to love unrestrained and feel connected to those we make take for granted. Joshua’s passion, empathy and understanding make this the perfect track for such an important cause.

Interview: Hannah Grace

hannah grace

Welsh wonder Hannah Grace has rapidly been gathering fans all across the UK and beyond. Her incredible vocals are the perfect match for gutsy blues, passionate soul, gossamer folk and everything in between. Her latest EP Mustang, released via Gabrielle Aplin’s Never Fade Records, sees her kick things up a notch and prove she’s a household name in the making. I was lucky enough to chat to her ahead of her headline UK tour. Continue reading