28 Feb 2014

MAG: MØ WALK THIS WAY LIVE FROM VEGA



This is the fourth video she's put out onto YouTube from a series of footage from a Copenhagen date last year. Live from Vega, MØ performs an as-yet unreleased track "Walk This Way" as the release of her debut album looms ever closer, just ten days away now. I can barely contain my excitement. And, next week, I'll (hopefully) be seeing her in the flesh twice as she makes a special appearance at Broods' gig on Wednesday, followed by her biggest UK venue so far the next day as she headlines at Heaven. See you there?

MAG: SOAK BLUD CHVRCHES REMIX



To be included in SOAK's debut record is the single's remix by none other than her label directors, CHVRCHES. Injecting the ballad with some synth energy and classic CHVRCHES punch, it's a great interpretation of young SOAK's beautiful track. You feel CHVRCHES know exactly what they're doing in the music industry, and that SOAK will go on to grow into something special herself. More to come for sure.

27 Feb 2014

MAG: M83 I NEED YOU DIVERGENT SOUNDTRACK



More from the Divergent soundtrack, this is M83's contribution in "I Need You". The layers, the atmosphere and the general grandness that Anthony Gonzalez is able to create is so special, fully suited for a movie picture. And that trumpet solo, fuck me.

MAG: ADIDAS SAMBA PRIMEKNIT LIMITED EDITION


From: designboom

The first pictures of the Samba Primeknit football boot by adidas were unveiled this morning, and I'm going to say I love it. Somehow adidas have managed to maintain the support and comfort of a regular football boot, whilst creating the upper wholly out of knitted yarn, which means there is zero material wastage in production making it the most sustainable boot on the market. It's even water-resistant (as it would need to be) as each yarn has received a 'high precision coating'. It also brings all the qualities of the Primeknit in its lightness and moulded fit. Aesthetically, I think the mixed vibrancy of yarn is perfect for the context and the clean white branding is just a hell of a touch. Big thumbs up, I want a pair.

26 Feb 2014

MAG: FKA TWIGS x INC. NEW SINGLE



A staunching new track by FKA twigs and inc., the two artists collaborating on this single out via iTunes and 7 inch. There's very little information about this release, with not even a song title beyond "FKA x inc." but that's all secondary to the music and its accompanying video directed by Nick Walker and FKA twigs. It's a beautiful, beautiful song.

DIARY: ALBAM LONG SLEEVE TOP PURCHASE




I was just browsing when I saw this on Albam's sale section, a long sleeve jersey in charcoal with an overlaid nylon hem. It was a bargain £15, frankly I couldn't not buy it. It's a nice soft, mid-weight cotton and the nylon split is tasteful.

25 Feb 2014

MAG: HAIM LIVE LOUNGE BEYONCE COVER XO



The HAIM sisters visited Fearne Cotton in the Live Lounge this lunchtime and performed this banging cover of Beyoncé. Danielle switched to drums as Este sang out the emotion-full tribute, and I say with little to no surprise that this is a very good cover.

MAG: HAIM IF I COULD CHANGE YOUR MIND OFFICIAL VIDEO



The new video for "If I Could Change Your Mind" by the sister act that's been sweeping the globe off its feet for the past year or two, it's somewhat refreshing to see them choreographed and in unison, as they're usually so far from choreographed. There's an edge and hotness to this ability for discipline alone that I'm very much digging, as well as the actual edge and hotness of the video itself, with hits of royal red and old-school dance moves. The song itself needs no introduction, just another masterpiece from their incredible debut record "Days Are Gone". They'll be taking their energy on tour again this summer, and if you haven't seem them live yet, you haven't lived. I can only imagine what it was like on the video set.

MAG: ELLIE GOULDING BEATING HEART DIVERGENT SOUNDTRACK



Dropped last night for the first time is this new track by Ellie Goulding, penned for the upcoming movie "Divergent". I know very little about the film and the footage in this lyric video doesn't exactly help my understanding, but it does look like another of those with a star-studded soundtrack. It includes the likes of M83 (who's done it before for "Oblivion" quite recently), Banks, Skrillex and Woodkid – but Ellie Goulding has the biggest role with 4 contributions, with the director having spoken about her songs almost being the inner voice of the main character. Point is, I look forward to watching and hearing it all, and this track "Beating Heart" is a beautiful start. Ellie's on the radio with Zane Lowe tonight again to discuss more, just FYI.

22 Feb 2014

DIARY: BAILEY NELSON PARKER PURCHASE


I bought these way back in December, and long story short, I finally collected them yesterday. It's called the Parker model by Bailey Nelson in a thin, burnt orange acetate. I just stumbled upon the shop in Seven Dials one evening, presumably relatively new on the block, and they ensure to design their own frames and make the lenses here in England. What's probably most striking is the price, with all ranges selling at just £98 for the lot. Plus I got mine on a discount night so it was something stupid in the 70s. For sure I'm going to pop in every now and then to see what they have – they could just be the ticket to casual specs shopping. I think a prescription pair of sunglasses is next on my radar...

20 Feb 2014

BLOG: PHARRELL WILLIAMS BRITS 2014 BACKSTAGE WITH ZANE LOWE





In case you were ever in doubt as to how an interview should be.

This is Zane Lowe backstage for the Brit Awards last night, speaking with Pharrell Williams ahead of his new solo record "G  I  R  L". Its release is imminent and he discusses the project in appreciable detail, as far as I can see, in a most genuine and humble manner. As for Zane, he mentioned on his radio show last night that his now notorious series of conversations with some of the industry's biggest players (JAY Z, Kanye, Eminem so far) would be continued for a fourth episode in about two months' time – I have a feeling it could be Pharrell. Huge respect for both of them.

19 Feb 2014

MAG: LONDON GRAMMAR HEY NOW OFFICIAL VIDEO



One of the best tracks off their album, "Hey Now" gets itself a brand new video – quite frankly a mastery of light design and animation. Such a beautiful piece of storytelling directed by Chris Ullens, worth a watch or two.

17 Feb 2014

MAG: CHVRCHES RECOVER TRAVELOGUE VIDEO



I love a good tour video. This is a compilation of CHVRCHES' many many outings over the past 18 months or so, as they travelled across the globe to please fans just about everywhere. I was of course one of them on multiple occasions, and my first CHVRCHES gig at Village Underground is amongst the footage for this 'travelogue' and you can catch a glimpse of me rocking out at the front of the crowd! Two more dates fixed for next month as they visit London again, I'm excited as ever.

MAG: ELLIE GOULDING GOODNIGHT VALENTINE MIX FOR AMP



While I don't expect you to sit on a blog for 40 minutes plus, I do encourage you to play this stunning mix if you get the chance. It's Ellie Goulding's latest DJ mix of 13 brilliant tracks, exclusively for Annie Mac Presents' Free Music Monday. Mellow electronica is most prominent in this bedtime beat, featuring remixed versions for the likes of FKA twigs, James Blake, Vicktor Taiwo and The Weeknd, as well as subtle hits of Ellie Goulding herself, including her cameos on songs by Big Sean, Drake and Skrillex.

For the latter's new one "Because", found at the end of this mix, he neatly features samples from Ellie's "Figure 8" and "Hanging On" – just the way I like for my downtime music. He achieved something similar with a song called "Ride Home" for the Spring Breakers soundtrack, which again uses Ellie's vocals from "Mirror" (which itself, incidentally, was featured on the recent Hungers Games soundtrack).

A rather impromptu yet somewhat informative Ellie Goulding 101 there... Trust me, I'm all over this lady. Ask me anything.

16 Feb 2014

MAG: BEYONCE DRUNK IN LOVE REMIXES





Two Beyoncé remixes in quick succession on my Soundcloud feed today, one from Diplo and the other by The Weeknd. I've not heard the original so I may not be in the best place to comment, but The Weeknd's version is so tasty. That drop midway and then the progression towards the end, all the while sexed up throughout by his smooth vocals and signature dark production. I'm game.

15 Feb 2014

MAG: CHVRCHES DO I WANNA KNOW ARCTIC MONKEYS COVER



Live in studio for triple j's Like A Version, CHVRCHES continued their string of synth-laden melody-grabbing covers, this time transforming the British rock sound of Arctic Monkeys. Another successful addition to their list. Love it.

DIARY: AIAIAI TRACKS ROUND THREE


I've busted my first two pairs, both from an identical accident cutting the cord as a result of it getting caught on my bent down knee and tugged upon standing – know what I mean? Anyway, I just offered my feedback to AIAIAI and they've very kindly replaced it for me. They didn't have to, so I'm grateful for a third chance. It remains to be seen whether it's still vulnerable to another similar casualty, but it's definitely nice to have the lighter, alternative option to my recently purchased B&W on-ears. It's a lovely bit of kit.

13 Feb 2014

MAG: WARPAINT LOVE IS TO DIE YOURS TRULY SESSION



In session for Yours Truly, Warpaint performed a held back version of their new album's lead track "Love Is To Die". Shot in what seems to be an unused space in an old building, the video has a nice serenity and intimacy for the rustic sound of the band, very rough around the edges and raw in its aesthetic. Very handsome.

12 Feb 2014

MAG: SOHN NEW SINGLE ARTIFICE OFFICIAL VIDEO



Big news in from Vienna-based UK producer, SOHN, who today revealed a brand new single and information of his debut album. It's been a long time coming but it's all there. First up is this single "Artifice" which was premiered earlier tonight on Zane Lowe's show as his Hottest Record, and the video above accompanies its unveiling. More fast paced than what we've heard so far, it's a cracker of a song, epitomising his production and songwriting, whilst expectedly treading on the territories of multiple genres. It's a good 'un. And it will form part of the LP called "Tremors", set for release on April 7. Tremendous news, I can't wait for it to land.

MAG: SUMMERTIME SADNESS CEDRIC GERVAIS REMIX OFFICIAL VIDEO



Any excuse for more Lana visuals is good for me, and she has today released this video for Cedric Gervais' chart-topping remix of "Summertime Sadness". Lana's signature, classic raw footage is given a rhythmic technicolour makeover and she looks as hot and sultry as ever. I love the new snippets showing her playful side too. With the news of a forthcoming album "Ultraviolence" ramping up, I'm hoping to see more from Lana Del Rey again – it's been too quiet for my liking.

BLOG: SOAK DEBUT SINGLE BLUD OFFICIAL VIDEO



This is a brand new video for brand new artist, SOAK. She's a 17 year old kid from Northern Ireland, if I remember what I read correctly, and she is quite fantastic. You're right to be sceptical of another young 'un on the scene, but immediately apparent from this single, she is a very able songwriter and vocalist at that. With a voice of innocence and ability to captivate that perhaps goes against her hard superficial profile, she showcases incredible intelligence and heart in what is pure poetry – even if she wasn't only 17.

SOAK already has the backing of last year's stunning success story, CHVRCHES, whose newly formed label, Goodbye Records, has made her its first signing. "Blud" is the title track for her debut EP under Goodbye Records and that's set to be out on March 17. It would appear things are only just beginning but I imagine it will pick up pretty quickly. I for one am very excited about this.

11 Feb 2014

BLOG: @TLEEORIGINAL ON PINTEREST


I noticed my Pinterest hit 1000 followers today, so I thought I'd point you in the direction of my Boards, each a (not that) careful collection of stuff I'm interested in. From home stuff, design stuff and clothes stuff, it's all there and I think it's all pretty cool. And hey, there are a thousand people out there who don't disagree, so head on over and check me out.

MAG: MØ DON'T WANNA DANCE DAVIDIAN REMIX



This is an awesome remix. It was a superb tune as it was, but this reworking by the UK house producer Davidian accentuates the anthem to an all-out feel-good body-mover.

10 Feb 2014

MAG: CASHMERE CAT WEDDING BELLS



Brand new by CASHMERE CAT, the title track from his new EP (out today or tomorrow depending on where you are) "Wedding Bells" was premiered this evening. The producer from Norway has been making a name for himself across the world, both on land and online, with huge collaborations and remixes on his roster and this new material follows on the hype and success of his 2012 debut EP "Mirror Maru" on LuckyMe. Worth a follow, for sure.

BLOG: UNCONFUSING PRINT






Now, that project I was talking about. This is it. A 120-page-plus magazine-style document that includes essays, photography, an interview and a presentation of all things print. It's an area of huge fascination for me, the state of the industry is one of confusion (not decline). As an exploration of the much-discussed subject, a careful overview of the goodness that is out there, and of course practical indulgence in layout and general put-together-ing, it's been highly enjoyable and fruitful for me (and I hope my tutors agree). I received the final copies from the printers and subsequently handed in on Friday last week, and I am delighted with its finish and actually very proud. It's the first 'real' piece of work of my own that I've invested so much effort in and it feels very good indeed to hold it in my hands. These are the feelings I wanted to record on this Blog when I started out, so here it is. Happiness, today.

MAG: FOUR TET ELLIE GOULDING BURN REMIX



The stream's title is as brilliant as anything, Four Tet has remixed Ellie Goulding's No. 1 hit "Burn". Check it.

DIARY: OLD NEW YORKERS


Someone left a pile of magazines in my uni's department lobby, including these lovely specimens of The New Yorker. There are some mighty fine covers on these issues, random ones between 2010 and 2012. So thanks to the mystery giver, a sweet addition to my shelf.

6 Feb 2014

BLOG: SPOTIFY CURRENT PLAYLIST



I recently put this Spotify playlist together – select tracks from my 40 artists biggest on playtime. Not sure what the aim here is, I'm not even a regular user of Spotify, but if you do have a moment and you're interested, take a look, a listen and perhaps send over some suggestions too.

5 Feb 2014

MAG: SAMPHA INDECISION YOUNG TURKS x DAZED VISIONARIES #4



I put up the FKA twigs video from this very series last week; this is Sampha's. Taken in his brother's house, where he used to live and began putting music together, here he performs "Indecision" off his EP and it's expectedly exquisite. Must watch.

DIARY: OVERDUE BREATHER

I am so tired. Tomorrow is my first day off in 2014 and I am so fucking grateful. Yesterday I got to submit my big final year's work to the printers, which has been a massive relief. It's a big portion of my degree and I must say I feel good with it. Still nervous to see how it's executed tomorrow or Friday, but I can do no more. And on top of that, there's been a week running around abroad plus other application shit that has just dragged on. My room is a mess, my sleeping pattern is non-existant, my social life is equally scarce and I probably look terrible too. Finally though I can breathe, focus on other things and enjoy the day-to-day again; I want to go to galleries, watch films, have beers, see friends, read my magazines, work on more exciting and less pressing things. Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

3 Feb 2014

MAG: ELLIE GOULDING FT. ANGEL HAZE JAMES BLAKE COVER



Shit fuck bollocks. This is mad. Ellie Goulding is the queen of covers. And just all music really.