MAG: SOHN BLOODFLOWS 4AD SESSION

As promised, the third track from SOHN's 4AD Session.

BLOG: NIKE ENGLAND WORLD CUP 2014 KITS

From: Nike Inc.

Newly unveiled today are the home and away kits that England will sport in Brazil this summer, the second release under new sponsors Nike. As clean and simple in aesthetic as anything, they paint a pretty silhouette of white and red respectively, designed with subtle features and finishes that we can appreciate. The details draw inspiration from knights' armoury from the pin stripes to the segmented panelling at the shoulders, made with a silver satin in the home kit that shines in the light, as does the Three Lions crest. The gallery image I was most drawn to is the new typography they will carry, designed by Neville Brody — a pioneer of the magazine industry with The Face in the 1980s and now programme leader of Visual Communication at the RCA (where I would love to study one day). On the footballing front, a feast of young English footballers have been in glittering form in the Premier League of late, from the likes of Sturridge and Barkley to the Southampton starlets Rodriguez, Lambert and Adam Lallana. It brings great hope to the future of the national team and they have my full support to go out in Brazil to showcase their talents and perhaps surprise a few viewers.

DIARY: CD SALE PURCHASES

Finally had a chance to pop into some record stores this week and I was delighted to tick off five albums off my list. Fopp had some reduced prices on Beach House and Metric, as well as "Trilogy" by The Weeknd at last down from £12 to £8 — reasonable for a triple disc collection that frankly includes some of the best music this decade. And on the same day, Sister Ray had put up some flamboyant red 'sale' signage that admittedly pulled me in, only to find Jessie Ware and Still Corners at just a couple pounds each. Bargain.

MAG: BANKS BRAIN TA-KU REMIX

Well this is just bigger than big isn't it. Before even hitting play, you knew this would be good — and it is, it so fucking is. Ta-ku remixes "Brain" by the incredible BANKS, injecting some brightness and twisting the intensity of the original, raw and sultry track in a two-chaptered transformation that shows the Perth-based producer's knack for flair and instrumental creativity to its max. I'll be listening to this one long into the summer for sure. It follows Fei-Fei's remix released earlier this week.

MAG: ELLIE GOULDING BEATING HEART OFFICIAL VIDEO

Ellie Goulding's been on the road pretty much non-stop since 2009, albeit to a global scale in more recent years, and she has said this week that come the end of the year she will be taking a break to rest and start work on a third record. That's a hugely exciting prospect given what she has blessed us with in her material up to now. So it seems this is one of the last projects we will see for the foreseeable future, as her involvement in the film "Divergent" reaches its climax with its UK premiere occurring this weekend.

Not only have four of her tracks been included, but her vocals were specially recorded with the orchestra across the score, weaved in throughout the film almost as the main character's inner voice. "Beating Heart" is her new song exclusive to the movie and its official video was released today, in which she looks beautiful, cut together with scenes from the film. It's a powerful number and I'm excited to experience at the cinema how exactly her sound has been implemented. Something tells me it won't be unsuccessful.

BLOG: LUMIX DMC-G6 PHOTOSET 03.14

To those (very few) of you who have (so kindly) been following this Blog, you will know that I used to round up miscellaneous photographs from the month, and I quite enjoyed doing that as a means of reminding myself of nice moments — as photographs should. There's been a bit of a gap since the last time as I've been adjusting to the presence of my Lumix camera and thus been fading out the iPhone 4. But I think it's been enough time now and I shall continue with more regular posts of random photographs collected from the month (or whatever time span feels right at the time).

This is for March. And no, I don't think I'll ramble on like this every time I put some photographs up. Just this once, I promise. Thanks.

BLOG: OCEAAN DEBUT EP

Streaming in full for the very first time is this debut self-titled EP by Oceaán. A young artist from Manchester, Oceaán is signed to Chess Club alongside a host of promising talents, including the likes of MØ and Jungle. Already so apparent in this collection of five tracks, his ability of producing these deep, devouring sounds is really amazing — not dissimilar perhaps to James Blake or SOHN — but with such a fresh sense of sophistication that stirs you inside. I've been consumed by it all day and it will no doubt continue for a few more. Love it.

MAG: SOHN THE WHEEL 4AD SESSION

The second track unveiled from SOHN's 4AD Session, following on from "Artifice" last week, this time for his (as far as I'm aware) first ever released material in "The Wheel". Incredibly, the EP for this was from 2012, which for me sounds like an eternity ago. (Chelsea's Champions League triumph, the London Olympics and all that...) Anyway the video is another stunning showcase of SOHN's talents live at work and we've been promised a new clip again next week, as the album reaches us in just two weeks.

MAG: IYES NEW SINGLE BREATHE

Co-produced by MNEK, this is IYES' brand new track "Breathe". The hook is melodically so attractive and the production notes of warm synths and rhythmic waves on point, this is easily one of my favourite songs to have appeared on my Soundcloud feed recently.

DIARY: PRINTED PAGES SPRING 2014 PURCHASE

Released earlier this month is the Spring 2014 issue of Printed Pages. It's a significant update on its previous issues, now in its second year, with improved paper stock and page count. I didn't realise until I held a copy for the first time yesterday, but the material is really special – far more than just heavier weight. The texture (which I hoped I've captured some of in the photographs) is supreme and the makers are clearly very proud of the new spine. Rob Alderson writes in the foreword that this issue feels more confident, and that's precisely how it translates.

MAG: BANKS RADIO 1 LIVE LOUNGE LATE

From last night's appearance in the Live Lounge Late with Phil and Alice, BANKS performed her latest single "Brain" and then an Aaliyah cover in what was her first ever live radio session anywhere in the world — and I have to say it was incredible. As you can hear for yourself, which I sincerely beg that you do, she has a quality that transcends all expectation, otherworldly. She just seems so close to the mic, almost a sign of how much of herself she reveals when singing her songs, and it's a raw exposure of emotion that had my skin tingling throughout, compounded with every lick and vibrato of her seductive, fragile vocals. I've said it before that I really love her Shlohmo-produced track but this acoustic version is something else.

MAG: HALF MOON RUN JUDGEMENT OFFICIAL VIDEO

I missed the chance to see these guys, at Shepherds Bush I think, when they were last on tour in London but I did see them at Reading and they're a class act. The band have compiled a series of live footage for this latest video for "Judgement" off their debut album "Dark Eyes". Musically so talented and image-wise so cool, Half Moon Run are bloody good.

DIARY: CHELSEA v GALATASARAY LIVE AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

I've been fortunate enough to attend some of our most significant games this season: the likes of welcoming José Mourinho back versus Hull City and the league victory over Manchester City, but yesterday we got to embrace a true Blue legend in the form of Didier Drogba. A great victory first of all though and a solid performance by the team, the back four particularly stunning. Frank Lampard too probably played his best game of the season, doing all the right things from the heart of midfield. I should add that the Galatasary fans were absolutely incredible, insane even. Their vocal togetherness and volume, not to mention the creativity of their songs and chants, was so impressive — they have my admiration for sure.

I also learnt that we call Azpilicueta 'Dave' because apparently César is just too difficult. I feel sympathy for the Spaniard, but I also felt some affection towards the guys next to me who used it so nonchalantly like "well played Dave" and "great tackle Dave" as genuine comment. Anyway. As the final whistle went, all eyes turned to Didier (you can just make him out toward the left of the halfway line going in for a hug with Frank). It was an honour to watch him play at the Bridge again and the respect from the fans was wonderful to see, wonderful to be a part of as we applauded him off the field, justly the last man to do so. Even plying his trade elsewhere, he still saw that Chelsea progress through in the competition that he so graciously won us two years ago.

MAG: THE WEEKND WANDERLUST CLEAN BANDIT REMIX

Stripped back, tempo raised, darkness lightened, Clean Bandit (who themselves came out of near nowhere to claim 4 weeks at number one in the UK charts) have remixed The Weeknd's album track "Wanderlust" into a body-moving pop number. It's a sound you wouldn't necessarily associate Abel Tesfaye with but it's one I wouldn't mind hearing more of. His smooth vocals paired with the electronic staccato beats works well, no?

MAG: SOHN ARTIFICE 4AD SESSION

So this is amazing. Musically, visually, artistically it's stunning. SOHN performs his latest single "Artifice" for a classic 4AD Session (which I'm hoping we get access to real soon). The video is directed by Andreas Waldschuetz, who also did similar work for a "Tempest" recording at the start of the year. It's all the more mesmerising when you realise just how diversely, yet no less deeply, talented this guy is from the sophisticated instrumental productions to his fresh, honest vocals. This video encapsulates all of that magic, and then some.

DIARY: CHVRCHES LIVE AT THE FORUM AGAIN

So I saw CHVRCHES again, again at The Forum, again with young SOAK — again, awesome. I went along with another friend who seemed to concur, so obviously I'm not crazy.

MAG: ANNA MCLUCKIE GET LUCKY DAFT PUNK COVER

Unfortunately eliminated from Season 3 of The Voice UK in last night's 'Knockout Round', Anna McLuckie has uploaded the studio version of her Daft Punk cover that turned the chairs of Ricky Wilson and will.i.am in the Blinds. That video on YouTube has since racked up over 4 million views, impressive but wholly justified, as she transforms the ultimate summer groove into a delicate, melancholy version with her light, lasting vocals and intricate harp. She's now recorded it at Universal Studios for us to enjoy further.

MAG: SOAK 24 WINDOWED HOUSE

On the day of her debut EP's release via Goodbye Records, new-to-the-scene singer-songwriter SOAK has uploaded this new track "24 Windowed House", listed on said EP entitled "BLUD". Supporting CHVRCHES in London at the end of last week, she introduced this number as 'a song about a house with twenty-four windows'. It is a beautiful track and her voice is just so pure, not possible to dislike. Check and support would be the message here.

BLOG: MONOCLE ISSUE 72 APRIL 2014

Issue number 72 of Monocle arrived in the post this week, bringing with it the Spring Style Directory and another feature on retail. Must say it's a pretty dense one again. And also attached is a special commemorative issue, The Monocle Chronicle, to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the brand as they look back on their story since March 2007 — during which time they have produced 71 issues and there's a lovely spread inside that showcases each of those covers. Just thought I'd share that.

DIARY: CHVRCHES LIVE AT THE FORUM

CHVRCHES outing number six, live at the Kentish Town HMV Forum last night. It's been about five months since I last saw them so it felt good to once again be on the receiving end of their colourful hook-happy synths. The set covered pretty much every track on the album, and "Tether" in particular stood out for me as the venue became a full-scale backing chorus, collectively building up to the lines of declaration by Lauren, "I'm feeling capable of seeing the end / I'm feeling capable of saying it's over". I even caught Martin unable to resist a smile as we echoed the song back to them. Yeah, it felt good to be at a gig of theirs again. New to the setlist was the record's closing track "You Caught The Light", a perfect slow number for the encore with Martin at the mic with a second electric guitar in hand. I'm buzzing for more of the same tonight... yes, I'm going again tonight. Wasn't quite on the front row yesterday so I think I'll set off a little earlier this time.

MAG: BANKS BRAIN OFFICIAL VIDEO

This was supposed to be out yesterday, but a typical mishap with YouTube's sound syncing meant we had to wait another day. But that's quickly forgotten because it is so worth the wait. If ever there was a way to visualise BANKS' sound, this is it. Dark, sultry, slow, climactic and sexy as fuck, I can't imagine any improvement to this music video, and to a perfect song too — one of my favourites, if not the favourite, of the tracks she has released thus far. It just has such power and impact, whilst emotionally so delicate and direct. She headlines her first UK tour at the end of this month and I'll be there at the KOKO date, impatiently awaiting this number in particular.

MAG: MØ TOUR VIDEO

Take me with you.

MAG: SKY FERREIRA YOU'RE NOT THE ONE CID RIM REMIX

I really like this, a Cid Rim remix of Sky Ferreira's lead single off her album. He was also behind CHVRCHES' "Recover" remix and I saw his set for Boiler Room last year, the man knows what he's doing. Tastefully trippy, upbeat and rhythmic, it's an attractive mix of "You're Not The One".

MAG: MØ NO MYTHOLOGIES TO FOLLOW ALBUM VISUAL

I only just found this, it's too dope not to share. An album teaser released via TIME magazine, it's a short video backed by album opener "Fire Rides" that encapsulates everything that MØ stands for. And you can be 100% assured that it's all her, all real.

“When you are in the most intense time of your teenage/self-exploration years, you do stuff and experience things that can be destructive to yourself or others. You put yourself center of attention and compromise other people’s emotions. Simply because you’re insecure. You put everything on the edge — blow every little thing up to be the end of the world. You tend to act like a careless, ravaging maniac who just wants to tear the world apart because of the tornado inside of you. At least that’s how I felt. This video visualizes how I felt when I was a teenager — with a twist of irony.”

MAG: CHVRCHES LIVE LOUNGE TEAM LORDE COVER

Their last scheduled cover for the time being was performed live on Radio 1 this lunchtime, as CHVRCHES covered "Team" by Lorde in the Live Lounge. After killing the likes of Whitney Houston, Arctic Monkeys, Janelle Monáe, HAIM, Bauhaus and even E17, they've garnered somewhat of a reputation for stunning covers and, would you know it, here's another one.

MAG: SBTRKT TRANSITIONS EP

The man's been leading up to this release for months and months, today "Transitions" has dropped by SBTRKT, a new EP of experimental, instrumental productions – transitional works from his uber-successful debut album to his next. It coincides with a series of festival slots announced recently, not least at Field Day and Reading, both that I hope to attend. The EP is a trilogy of two-sided singles: Part I is out on May 5, featuring the two tracks we've already heard, "Gamalena" and "Hold The Line". And Part II and III, set for release on May 19 and June 2 respectively, both sound expectedly impressive, coming at us in that distinctive SBTRKT beat with such aesthetic flavour. "Resolute" is an early favourite, but it's six very attractive tunes that will no doubt be lighting up festivals all summer long.

"This is music written over the last year, whilst recording for my second album. Much of the music I released before my debut album was instrumental and I want to continue to share this side of the music I make. This series of tracks is titled TRANSITIONS. "

MAG: READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL 2014 LINEUP

BLOG: MØ ALBUM NO MYTHOLOGIES TO FOLLOW

Needless to say, this is amazing. An incredible, incredible record by an incredible, credible, badass artist in the form of Karen Marie Ørsted, better known as MØ. I've said plenty about this lady before and I don't think there's much more to add, other than that this album doesn't disappoint one bit, or rather even exceeds the hype towards this maiden full-length release. It's basically her life's work and it has paid off superbly. Here's my most recent MØ entry, as well as all the rest of it here. Congratulations.

DIARY: ELLIE GOULDING LIVE AT THE O2 PART TWO

Click to enlarge and read part one too.

DIARY: ELLIE GOULDING LIVE AT THE O2 PART ONE

Ellie Goulding, live at the O2, it was already one of the best nights of my life before she had even stepped out onto the stage, but when she did, well, she stepped onto the stage. Clearly an emotional affair for Ellie herself too, frankly she headlined the shit out of London's largest arena in front of a sell-out crowd.

I'm all too familiar with her live sets and musical ability, but my amazement and delight felt so fresh as she stood before us, executing a full-scale, spine-bending, vocally flawless gig. Her honest charm alone was enough to light up the venue, but her voice is just something else – heavenly, soulful, entrancing. As soft and raspy her unique vocals are, every note is delivered so fully with expression and reason, so easy to be captivated and lost in.

Her setlist last night covered everything that makes her so stunning, that makes her such a valuable asset to the industry, that of course rewarded her with a Brit award earlier this year. From smashing her hit pop singles to proving her technical gift with a guitar in hand for "Guns & Horses", and even to my absolute glee managing to squeeze in her oh-so-dope covers of alt-J and James Blake, it was just the perfect experience.

I'm still in a bit of a daze almost 24 hours later, a Goulding hangover if you like, and I don't want it to fade. She put out all her heart into the milestone performance and, I have to say, I love her with all of mine. iPhone photographs in part two.

BLOG: PRINTED PAGES SPRING 2014

Out today is the fifth instalment of It's Nice That's physical quarterly, Printed Pages. I've been collecting the past issues as one of my favourite 'indie' publications around, neatly presented with engaging, creative content. This latest issue for Spring 2014, however, shows significant progression in its object. The page count has gone up from 76 to 128, the paper stock is heavier at 120gsm (including some coated) which all add up to give it a solid spine for the first time. All rather exciting and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Visually, they've got the production so on point and I think it's one of the most pleasant and satisfying around. Give it a read if you're yet to indulge in the world of Printed Pages, it's only a fiver.

DIARY: MØ LIVE AT HEAVEN

It feels like only yesterday that I wrote about seeing MØ live – it was – but I was at London's Heaven nightclub to watch MØ headline her biggest show at England's capital yet, also the fourth sold out show here in a row I hear. She was a special guest at Broods' show in Notting Hill on Wednesday, but last night was all about her. In fact, it's probably the fullest set I've seen out of the five, what with the debut album "No Mythologies To Follow" released once the weekend closes (which is the most exciting thing all year).

I've said it before and I'll say it again, MØ knows how to perform. It's mind-blowing, hot and frankly ridiculous what she does, a non-stop mover who you sense is just as gassed by her own music, if not more, than her fans who have eagerly gathered to witness it. An animal, a child, call it what you like but her raw, innocent energy and not-a-single-fuck-ever-given personality would explode the stiffest of crowds – that I am sure – it's a stunning quality of leadership and inspiration that I don't think I've seen from anyone else before. I'm convinced she could start a side-project of workout dance DVDs, packed with thighs out wide, hips grooving, shoulders swinging and ponytail bangs aplenty. She had the entire venue rocking last night throughout the hour plus she was on stage, performing all of the singles we already adore her for, as well as revealing a handful of new tracks presumably off the upcoming record, and I cannot make my enthusiasm for this release any clearer. The critical reviews have already been streaming across the internet and the feeling of awe seems to be shared by all ears the album has touched. Monday is only three days away, and my ears have been ready for months. So bring it on, Karen, take me into your world.

DIARY: BROODS AND MØ LIVE AT NOTTING HILL ARTS CLUB

My first gig of 2014, one of six this month alone, I was at Notting Hill Arts Club last night to see Broods and MØ perform for the New Shapes event. As it was a Wednesday, I wasn't able to go until about 9pm after work, at which point Broods were already finishing up their set, although I managed to catch a couple of songs, including a flawless, dreamy rendition of their single "Bridges". But not long afterwards, it was the turn of the Danish pop star to turn up the volume and turn on the swag. It may have been my fourth time witnessing her live set, but I was no less amazed than the first three outings. Her showmanship (or is it showwomanship...) is extraordinary and her desire to engage the crowd and orchestrate this communal sense of carefree, living-in-the-moment, all-guns blazing joy is utterly impressive.

Her set spanned about half an hour, so five or six songs, including that Spice Girls cover for the very first time apparently, as well as the recent single "Don't Wanna Dance" to close an explosive night out. And she's set to do it all over again tonight with a headline gig at London's Heaven, where of course I shall be in the audience for once more. With the album release only 4 days away, I can't help but anticipate the reaching of some sort of climax tonight, having watched her for the first time exactly twelve months ago. Clearly, I'm with her all the way and with strong reason too.

MAG: BROODS NEVER GONNA CHANGE OFFICIAL VIDEO

With precisely the kind of visual image I think of for Broods' icy-warm sound (yes, I made up that describing word) the New Zealand pair have released a video for "Never Gonna Change". A crisp, shiver-arousing outdoors, the persistent drenching of freezing water and a somewhat cold human embrace tells a beautiful tale of anguish.

...just IMO init lol. The duo play at Notting Hill Arts Club tonight, with a special appearance from MØ, and I will definitely be making my way down.

MAG: FOXES LIVE LOUNGE HAPPY PHARRELL WILLIAMS COVER

In for her Live Lounge debut this morning was Foxes, performing her new single "Let Go For Tonight" and this beautiful, creative cover of Pharrell's "Happy". She's probably the UK's next budding pop starlet, with a debut record on its way in May, but it's her creamy vocal qualities I'm drawn to most, as a sucker for ladies that can sing. Transforming the undeniably 'happy' tune into a melancholy, almost fragile sound, merged with a subtle inclusion of Massive Attack's "Teardrop", it's a lovely rendition and one I think that shows off her sumptuous talents to good exposure.

BLOG: BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014

BLOG: BIRD LIVE AT BBC 6 MUSIC FESTIVAL

Showcased by BBC Introducing in Merseyside, Liverpool-based trio BIRD performed at the 6 Music Festival last night, and above are the live clips for songs called "Sea Of Trees" and "I Am The Mountain".

It's the first time I've checked them out but I was instantly won over. Maybe it's just the kind of phase I'm digging right now – dark sounds, electric guitar lines, female vocalists et al – but they bring a really raw, misty air of expression that I can't seem to get enough of. Moody atmospheres, weird melodies, gradual rises, echoing cries of despair; I love it all. They seem to have three EPs out since 2012 and a new single "The Rain Song" was released on Baltic last month. Another band to watch out for, and another band with great potential to make it.