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.