MAG: BROODS DEBUT EP

Heard these guys on the radio at the start of the week for the first time, and I am hooked. A young sibling duo from New Zealand, Broods play contemporary pop, leaning towards a mellow, electronic sound and I love it. Straight into the playlist it goes, their self-titled EP containing six tracks, including the lead track "Bridges", was released today and it's dreamy throughout.

MAG: HALF MOON RUN LIVE LOUNGE CHVRCHES COVER

I tuned into Radio 1 this lunchtime for Half Moon Run's Live Lounge session, as they performed "Full Circle" off their debut album and, to my absolute delight, "The Mother We Share" by the one and only CHVRCHES. I've been mesmerised by the Canadian band's talent since watching their extensive session with Huw Stephens last year, each member so musically gifted, and the four-piece have completely taken the electronic pop number into their rhythmic, organic, acoustic style. It's a brilliant cover, and as a fan of both artists I couldn't be happier.

DIARY: BOWERS AND WILKINS P5 PURCHASE

After the downfalls of my Bose and AIAIAI gear in quick succession, I have finally selected and acquired the replacement. Behold, my new pair of P5 on-ear headphones from Bowers & Wilkins. They've always been in the back of my mind and their quality and comfort are very good indeed. The swaying factors for me were probably most to do with the leather cups and the relatively cute size compared to DJ equipment, say. Their look is understated but fitting for the luxurious audio provision, which by the way sounds excellent so far – no gimmicks, not unnecessarily heavy in bass or treble, clean and modest sound throughout. B&W push the P5 model as the ultimate 24/7 headphones and that's something I'm going to rely on for the considerable future. They shall be used daily and I'm very pleased to have them in my possession. It's been almost a month without headphones; I should get a medal for that (to quote Ross Geller). Oh, and a shout out to Hifi Gear and Interlink Express for delivering so seamlessly.

MAG: FKA TWIGS HIDE YOUNG TURKS x DAZED VISIONARIES #3

The third instalment of a week-long features series called "Visionaries", by Young Turks for Dazed & Confused, is a video directed by Yours Truly for this intimate performance by FKA twigs in the middle of some Mayan ruins in Mexico. Performing "Hide", she brings a raw musical showcase that oozes style and intricacy; it's quite special.

MAG: FLIGHT RUCKSACK BY ALBAM

From: Albam Clothing

This is just a lovely piece of craft by Albam, the Flight Rucksack. They've only made 6 and priced at £169, I imagine they'll be gone by tomorrow! Of course with travel in mind, it has a rigid and spacious body, using a water repellent technical canvas in the main and a waterproof lining, sized at 44 x 44 x 16cm. It's not dissimilar to my recent Muji acquisition of their Cyclist Backpack, but the quality of build, materials and features appear second to none here. The fold-over mechanism is tidy, there's padding in the right spots for comfort, zips and pockets for added convenience and even a separate vegetable-tanned bridle leather is applied to finish the base of the bag. Both solid and beautiful, this is such a winner. You could be too, if you just click away and bag your own.

MAG: BANKS NEW SINGLE BRAIN

Unveiled first on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show earlier tonight, BANKS has released her new single "Brain" ahead of a busy, almost-definitely-successful year. No doubt it's dark, sultry and sexy as always, as she seems to have moulded her identity and aesthetic, but there's a power in her vocals that I'd not heard before as the song drops towards the latter stages. The buildup of sound, produced by Shlohmo, hits really strong and creates a raging climax that's just amazing to hear. She talked about performing it live on the show as one she's looking forward to do, and it's easy to tell why. It seems like a track of real release. And I too can't wait to witness it live when I see the young artist in London for myself come March. Superb single.

MAG: SOHN TEMPEST UNPLUGGED

In the last few minutes, SOHN has shared with us this Unplugged video recorded live in Vienna, where the producer bases himself. Performing a track called "Tempest", he beautifully showcases his talent in abundance as an self-sufficient artist. With noise-worthy production collaborations aplenty and gradually more personal material via EPs, he's a man who is set to flourish this year. Confirmed for Field Day in July too, he'll definitely be one to attend.

MAG: MØ DON'T WANNA DANCE OFFICIAL VIDEO

After a weekend of teasing, MØ has dropped her latest video for the current single "Don't Wanna Dance". Dope, fresh, cray or any other vocab to that effect are all suitable. Another video that epitomises her character, not that any of them don't, it's certainly up there in terms of ballsy energy and totally apt for the number. And her outfits are perfect, from the basic Nike socks to the draw string bag, matched with wild high fashion pieces and those clean white kicks ruined instantly in the mud. Well played.

DIARY: JAPANESE MAGAZINE PURCHASES AGAIN

Another handful of publications from Japan, including the latest February issues of Popeye and Casa Brutus, plus the special Brutus issue in collaboration with Muji from July 2012, which I luckily found in one of their larger stores. They have it on display at London's Oxford Street shop and I've wanted to get my hands on it ever since. Entitled "Muji & Me", it focusses specifically on the unbranded brand as it would in any other magazine issue, speaking to the people behind the work, presenting the projects and products via insightful essays and lush photography with, of course, the beautiful Japanese fluidity in publication design. Come round and I'll show you some time. Finally on the list of purchases is a quarterly interiors title Sumu, which is new to me, but currently on its 48th issue, it looks wonderful on the face of it. I look forward to flicking through them all; I'm buzzing.

DIARY: MUJI JAPAN PURCHASES

Just a couple of small purchases from Muji in Japan, with hundreds of products we're not so fortunate to have access to here in the UK. A nice enamel mug for personal use and a stainless steel pen tray, just because. I actually spent a bit more money in their clothing department, adding to my basket a denim jacket and some exclusive magazine titles. Again, just because.

MAG: ELLIE GOULDING HALCYON DAYS UK TOUR VIDEO

Directed by Conor McDonnell and soundtracked to "Under Control", Ellie Goulding releases some tour footage from the back of last year's round trip of the UK (the one with the London date I couldn't attend because it was on a Wednesday (my work day)). Well, Ellie, I'm coming for you in March, ready to smash the London O2.

BLOG: WARPAINT NEW ALBUM

The self-titled second album by Warpaint hit record stores this week and it's the first notable release I'd been looking forward to this year. Like a downbeat version of Haim or a rock-infused sound of James Blake or Poliça, the four-piece band from LA have described this to be an experimental follow-up to their glorious debut full-length "The Fool". Hypnotic, psychedelic, sensual and sexy are all adjectives that spring to mind, with rhythmic instrumentals, electronic flings and dark energy each playing their part in creating this interesting Warpaint atmosphere. I'm aware of the unenthusiastic critic reviews and the album is like a 50 minute jam, but I'm definitely down with it. Highly expressive and intricately so, I'm enjoying the record very much.

They've been confirmed to perform at Field Day in London later this summer, in a lineup that already includes the likes of SOHN, Sky Ferreira and SBTRKT to name a few, and I'm definitely going having loved the occasion last year. And below is a snippet from Chris Cunningham's documentary film on the band, featuring the brilliant lead single "Love Is To Die".

MAG: MØ NEW SINGLE DON'T WANNA DANCE

While I was away, Zane Lowe selected MØ's brand new single "Don't Wanna Dance" as his Hottest Record on BBC Radio 1. A proper, old-school groove track, it's classic MØ character with delicious hooks and attitude throughout this straightforward party number. The Danish artist officially kicks off her debut album year with this terrific teaser single and I'm counting down the days to March 10.

DIARY: SHORT TRIP AWAY

I just returned from an unexpected trip to Beijing and Tokyo for a terribly sad family affair. I know we all have them and that we'll move on in time, but it was really miserable. Deaths of loved ones are always hard. He had a lovely send-off though and I'm glad I feel that way. Good or bad, I can now return to a normal schedule and keep myself (very) busy over the coming few days and weeks. And I thought I'd start here.

DIARY: OFFSCREEN XMAS WISHLIST JOLI ORIGINALS

Offscreen magazine run a Xmas Wishlist competition each year, rewarding one lucky entrant each day in December with one of the goods offered by their kind friends and affiliates. I was fortunately selected to win a neat iPhone pouch by Dutch studio, Joli Originals. Made out of a smooth grey, full-grain waxed leather with black inside lining, it's a jolly solution for my still bare replacement iPhone 4. They even threw in a matching card wallet for me, so thank you for that. Nice, huh?

DIARY: SIGMA 60MM F2.8 DN LENS

I was presented with this new Sigma lens by my good mate this Christmas, another bit of gear to play with and get used to. I'm still pretty high on entering the camera game with my Lumix DMC-G6 and this is a jolly addition to the 20mm f1.7 pancake lens I've been working with so far. Still no clue what have the shit means yet, but I'll get there!

MAG: CHVRCHES LIVE AT BILLBOARD WOMEN IN MUSIC 2013

So apparently this happened before Christmas, when CHVRCHES were invited to perform at the Billboard Women In Music event. It's quite a unique bit of material to be able to see the band in a non-gig, non-television kind of atmosphere and they smash two songs with their 'portable' version of gear, playing the acoustic rendition of "The Mother We Share" and covering Janelle Monáe's "Tightrope". Aren't they just brilliant.

DIARY: JANUARY MAGAZINES FROM JAPAN

Thanks to my mum for bringing these back from Japan, the January issues of design mag Casa Brutus and the popular, highly-acclaimed title for 'city boys', Popeye. I've had a brief flick through already and they are stunning pieces of print work. Can't wait to sit down and immerse myself.

MAG: COACHELLA 2014 LINEUP

From: Coachella

Need anything be said? This is the news that's been circulating the web all morning, as the countdown begins to 2014's festival season. Coachella is arguably the largest in the world (certainly America) and the host of talent confirmed for the inaugural double weekend in April is immense. My favourites Ellie Goulding, Haim, Chvrches, Banks, and Lana Del Rey all involved. Just read through the lineup, there are gems everywhere and frankly nobody missing. How very, very exciting.

MAG: F37 GINGER BY FACE37 LTD

 

From: Face37

A new sans-serif has been brought to us today by Face37, or London-based designer Rick Banks, who's produced some of my personal favourite works such as the Bella typeface, Type Trumps and Football Type. Available exclusively at Hype For Type, it's called Ginger, taking a modernist Swiss style but with a contemporary geometrical twist. I love its cute, clean, round aesthetic and the alternative lowercase Gs are a delight.

DIARY: BROKEN HEADPHONES AGAIN

So I wrote only a couple weeks ago that my Bose headphones broke. Well, since then I've been using my back-up, lightweight option, the AIAIAI Tracks. It's a very good product for its price range, made by one of Denmark's leading brands in audio design. But that too has now broken. And again, it's physical damage whereby it has lost all function. The cable has just detached at the junction. What the fuck. Before, with my Bose On-Ears, I felt emotions of sadness and mourning, but now I'm just pissed off.

MAG: BANKS CHANGE FOR SBTV A64

Set for a massive year, BANKS has been busy being picked up by the likes of the BBC's Sound Of... and MTV Brand New. Today though, SBTV have released an exclusive acoustic session with the LA star-to-be and it's gorgeous. Performing "Change" she shows so much control with a voice that has this addictive, creamy opacity if I can put it that way. I've been intoxicated by her talent since hearing "Fall Over" last year and she'll no doubt be up there in terms of blog entry count as 2014 continues.

MAG: NEW BALANCE 420 SPRING/SUMMER 2014

From: Hypebeast

For the coming spring season, New Balance have readied two new colourways for their low profile 420 model. In tan beige and royal blue options, the athletic sneakers have a nice, rugged quality to them, helped by a grey suede heel, off-white details and black outsole. It's the kind of shoe that works well with a mixture of tone and texture, a liking that culminating in the purchase of my own pair of 410s in December. An inexpensive shoe as well.

BLOG: HITRECORD ON TV THE NUMBER ONE

HitRECord is an open collaborative production company that's been making records of every kind under the leadership of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and participation of thousands of artists from around the world (myself included). And for the past few months, it's all been leading up to the debut of its own TV show, which is just remarkable. With high aspirations and incredible creative talent, the movement has grown so fast with film festival screenings, book publishings and DVD releases along the way, and today its culmination to "HitRECord on TV" was unveiled as Episode 1 took to the air. Just a wonderful array of artistic charm and sheer goodness, it's 20 minutes that inspires and warms throughout. I have got to get recording again because I cannot bear my inactivity.

MAG: SBTRKT RUNAWAY FT. JESSIE WARE, TIC, SAMPHA

A new year's treat from SBTRKT, a short track called "Runaway" with Jessie Ware, Tic and Sampha, apparently an unreleased bit of material from two years ago. Old or new, it's brilliant and I can't wait to see what he's got in store for us in 2014. We're promised big things...

BLOG: LONDON NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS 2014

London is fast becoming the city to beat with its new years celebrations, certainly up there in terms of soft power in my humble, albeit biased, opinion. And last night was no different as we Londoners were treated to another magnificent display (apparently with flavoured mist and confetti in the air too for the taste buds). I watched from the comfort of my sofa at home with good company, pleasantly surprised, overjoyed even, to find the soundtrack for the 11 minute show included huge parts for my dear Ellie Goulding and artist of 2013, CHVRCHES. Thoroughly deserved acknowledgement for both, who have seen their respective careers blossom in the past 12 months. 2014 will see me attend Ellie's first arena tour at The O2 and also a double attendance for CHVRCHES' two London Forum shows in Kentish Town come March. Happy new year y'all.