In 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!
Album Review: Bastille – Wild World
Bastille – Wild WorldTop 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.
Album Review: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Skeleton TreeInterview: 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
Album Review: James Vincent McMorrow – We Move
James Vincent McMorrow – We MoveMust Own Albums: Indie Rock
The Strokes – Is This It
The debut from one of New York’s most famous musical exports is what kicked off the indie scene and started the biggest musical movement of the century thus far, one that we are still in the grip of. Though the album displayed a simple, bare-bones approach it provided a blank canvas for the vast multitude of bands which followed.
T
he Libertines – The Libertines
The most notorious British band of the 21st century. Though they received plenty of critical acclaim and commercial success during their brief heyday, they were more famous for the drug fuelled exploits of Pete Doherty. Despite the fact that Doherty was completely out of it, spent time in prison and avoided bandmate Carl Barat like the plague, the band produced a classic British album.
The Killers – Hot Fuss
Arguably the most commercially successful indie band around. Though they have produced their fair share of hits across their career, they could never match Hot Fuss as far as albums are concerned. Inspired by new wave and post punk it features the massive hits ‘Somebody Told Me’, ‘Smile Like You Mean It’, ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’ and of course their signature song ‘Mr Brightside’.
Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City
Having already established themselves as one of indie rock’s biggest success stories with their first two albums, Vampire Weekend then delivered a stone cold modern classic. All together more sophisticated, both musically and lyrically, it plays like a coming of age story of the band. Rather than focus on privileged youth the lyrics are more world weary with a more experimental musical backdrop.
Top Tracks: Ren – The Coast
We are all gripped to some degree by a desire for something more, to expand our horizons. Few artists capture this wanderlust as well as singer/songwriter Conor Owen under his moniker Ren. Having already found success with his ode to the Emerald Isle ‘My Heart Belongs to Ireland’, his new upcoming single ‘The Coast’ continues with the theme of yearning to travel. Inspired by a life changing trip across Europe, ‘The Coast’ boasts the kind of bright, airy folk that is impossible not to love. With it’s achingly beautiful melody and Ren’s endearingly wistful vocals it sets a stunning and poignant atmosphere. It appeals to the sense of adventure in all of us and even if we can’t all have some life affirming whirlwind voyage, ‘The Coast’ takes you away on it’s own unique and memorable journey.
Live Review: Alex Hedley, The Troubadour London, 30th Aug 2016
Thanks to a gracious invitation from Cyber Nomad Records I found myself at the historic Troubadour in Earl’s Court, which over the years has hosted sets from everyone from Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix, to see the up-and-coming singer/songwriter Alex Hedley. Emerging from acclaimed indie folk four piece Saturday Sun, Alex has now embarked on a solo adventure and has recently released his debut EP Shadow Lake. With a dark, complex and ambitious folk style similar to Eaves, one of Belwood’s most celebrated artists, expectations were high for his intimate performance at this iconic venue. Continue reading
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