For his new album “City” (forthcoming on Naim Label) Stuart McCallum steps even further into the world of electronica, whilst still maintaining that magical combination of both acoustic and electronic instruments that gives his music such a distinctive sound.
The guitarist/composer from Manchester made the decision to bring in London-based drummer/producer, Richard Spaven, who he met during his time playing with Cinematic Orchestra. All tracks are co-written by Stuart McCallum and Richard Spaven apart from the title track City, which we so proudly premiere on Soundcloud today.
Spaven’s production style lies somewhere between the realms jazz and electronica and subtly bridges the gap between these two worlds using grooves that blend contemporary jazz and bass-heavy downtempo electronics. The melodies and layered harmonies from Stuart McCallum’s guitar, as well as synth pads and bass, are all driven by Spaven’s hypnotic grooves and provide the perfect foil for McCallum’s often delicate and captivating sound.
The new album features a handful of seasoned musicians including McCallum on guitars, Robin Mullarkey (ESKA, Roisin Murphy) on bass, Sean Foran (Trichotomy) on Rhodes and Richard Spaven (Flying Lotus, José James) on drums, synths and electronics. Violinist Emma Sweeney guests on one track, Trio Seven. The album also features guest vocalists on four tracks by JP Cooper (Island Records), Sharlene Hector (Basement Jaxx), Fridolijn Van Poll and Sophie Barker (Zero 7).
Stuart McCallum’s music has always thrived in that beautiful space where genres blur. With a wide range of influences from Machinedrum, Lau and Martin Simpson to Debussy, Taylor McFerrin and Burial, it’s not difficult to see how this has come about. August 28th marks City’s official release date and pre-orders are available via the Naim Label website.
The Red Bull Music Academy alumna Kadhja Bonet visited Tokyo last year and is working on her solo project. Together with Grammy nominated engineer/producer Itai Shapira, she began working on seeds that would eventually blossom into a duo project titled GENESEA. The duo is based in Los Angeles and are about to release several singles over the Summer.
Their debut single, “Her : Part 1” is officially out now and was co-produced by Nesby Phips. It sounds like heaven poured into a small portion-sized cup greeting you upon awakening. Kadhja’s angelic voice penetrates with a ruthless force, yet feels like the most gentle touch to the soul. Been a fan since the moment I came across this young lady. If she keeps making music as heartwarming as this, I will have to join the official fanclub.
GENESEA seems to be the perfect marriage. Kadhja’s mesmerizing vocal and string arrangements, are an intriguing compliment to Itai’s drums, synth layers and textures. Lets pray this musical matrimony will last forever and bares us lots of musical seeds. For now savor the flavor and purchase the first single on Bandcamp plus press replay!
It almost feels like an eternity, but finally we have some new music for you by Kirkis. Like we promised a while ago the “Liverbleach” EP has finally been released on Eglo Records.
With mesmerizing songs such as “Mirror” and “Hypno” Kirkis has managed to win over our hearts and ears. The Australian bassist, slash producer, slash writer, slash painter Matthew Kirkis delivers four tracks that drop like electronic acid. The most amazing track for us is the super soulful, yet spaced out “Helium”. Such uncanny vibes! Both “Kirkis Runs The Woods” and “Vovo” mind-boggling too, but make sure you get into your spaceship before putting these two on.
The digital version of the EP is now available on iTunes or you could always visit the Eglo Records Bandcamp page too.
British Soul singer Nao made quite the thunderous noise last year with the song “So Good” together with A.K. Paul (yes Jai Paul’s sibling). Seems like brother A.K. has produced for Jesse Ware and Sam Smith as well in the past.
At the beginning of the month her sophomore “February 15” EP was released on Little Tokyo Recordings. It was recorded over the past few months in the Stoke Newington studio and demonstrates Nao’s development as an artist.
Check for Nao’s new EP on iTunes or a check out the special limited vinyl release that’s coming out on Dummy Records July 6th. Pre-orders are available here.
Last month we were sent a few early cuts from X&G (Xian & Gaszia) with the news that Trapdoor Records was going to release their EP.
Today Thump officially premiered the second track, “Home” featuring Kida, released of their forthcoming “4am” project. It’s a collection of five tracks of which a few were released on Soundcloud last year. Still pretty exciting music for those that haven’t heard their material yet. The American duo seems to blend various styles into one cohesive hot mess that forms their own distinct style.
The full X&G EP will be available April 13th on iTunes, so peep it.
It’s hard to ignore a force of nature like Flako. For many years the German Chilean, who now resides in London, has amazed us with genre transcending stuff. On his latest “Natureboy” album, which released earlier today, he stuns us once more.
Such intriguing sounds, mesmorizing harmonies and collaborational partners such as Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and his alter ego Dirg Gerner. With each music project it seems Flako grows and develops himself so much, maturing into an inhuman being perhaps. He no longer makes music, he has become a storyteller of magical tales from the the beyond.
On our last radio show we played “The Odd Beautiful”, but there are so many gems on Natureboy really. Honorable mentions go to “Spice Melange”, “Twelve O’Clock Shadow”, “Lyrebird” and “With Me Now”. You’d be a fool not to get this album, but just for those in doubt…get this on iTunes now!
Meet Workers, a duo from France, consisting of Be Dar (Paris) & Sear Cabe (Nantes). This weekend they unleashed their debut “Knowledges” EP onto the world and it’s dat crack.
The first and main song entitled “Something Else” features Abraham Blue from Antwerp and is on sum next level niceness. Straight vibin’ to this all the way to the bank and back. I guess we should feel lucky this weekend, since Workers are giving away this EP as a free download. You bet this just made our weekend fellas!
Keep your eyes on on Workers and watch out for Abraham Blue, because I’ve heard he is getting ready to drop something hot & heavy on a pretty big label.
We would like to introduce you to Prince IsaAc. This young Parisian producer likes to chill and take late night rides through the city.
He started messing around in FL Studio in 2014 and the music he makes has been influenced by many different styles of music. Prince IsaAc released his “Blues On The Corner” mini EP as a free project on LaRuche Records last month. The second release from the producer, who wishes to remain unknown for the time being, is self released and contains an incredible track called “Callie”. Hurry up to snatch a free download, because it will be available for a limited amount of days only. Come Monday you will have to purchase the EP, but don’t worry it will be worth it and affordable.
Callie seems to be a very special girl for whom the prince has a very special place reserved. She might be the one that got away so to speak. Cover art was designed by Hidenori Koga.
Woodwire from Lyon, Paris is about to release a brand new project called “Oddyssea” on Cosmonostro.
The journey might be described best as a mix between traveling and odd things. After his previous more trip-hop oriented project, some cinematic ideas developed in the process. These ideas where concretized with the first song “Ignite” and resulted from a single night of work after Woodwire returned from hours of listening to vinyl at a friend house.
The song “L’Etage” was created during the weekend behind a desk from a more producer perspective, compared to the four others songs. The 24-year-old fellow Lyonnaise producer Oxidia did a very nice rework of this song adding a little umph to the original. When we were asked if we wanted to premiere this bonus track, it only took us a few seconds to say yes.
If you like you can pre-order Oddyssea on the Cosmonostro Bandcamp page.
I remember Sir OJ being one of the most promising Dutch producers in the game. Together with guys like FS Green and Full Crate they had the Internet goin’ nutz.
Now many years and many new music trends later, we find Joris on that Electronic music tip. His previous single wasn’t really our thing to be honest, but on his latest endeavor “Directions“, he calls in the help of Cody Chestnut. More importantly Jarreau Vandal is on the remix duty and let me tell you it sounds outlandishly good and really reeks of originality. The kid has been blowing our minds lately and here’s one Soulection member who is not standing still, but moving forward, sideways and upwards all at the same time.
Tonight we’ll be checking out Jarreau at the Soulection night at Voyage Amsterdam at the Melkweg. Esta, Sam Gellaitry, Evil Needle and the Whooligan will be showing their skills, so come all.
Follow Sir OJ on Soundcloud
Follow Jarreau Vandal on Soundcloud
