Track of the Week

Trying to keep within the current cultural themes, and seeing as the Germans are doing such a splendid job hosting the World Cup, this weeks’ track is from a German hip-hop producer… Comfort Fit.

Comfort Fit - The Hunt
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 7th July.

This track is a chilled, yet funky, instrumental hop-hop track.  It reminded me a bit of Madlib and perhaps The Herbaliser.  Really nice use of strings and wood - plus you can’t forget about those funky drums.  Good summer track, jazzy and relaxed, but still kickin’ it.

Comfort Fit is a producer of the music known as hip-hop and he is from Germany.  He is currently signed to Tokyo Dawn Records, a netlabel established in 97 to help promote opensource music.  As such, and ordinarlily, you’d be able to download the complete album that The Hunt is from, Forget and Remember LP, for free - but the Tokyo Dawn Records site is currently down.  The site should be back up soon enough, but until then you can just enjoy the track I uploaded.

Useful links:

• Download - Comfort Fit - The Hunt
• Tokyo Dawn Records

Interview with Raze

As many of you will by now know, I do like to help spread the word of lesser-known artists. I mean after all, talent is talent, regardless of its incarnation. So today I bring you an interview with Raze, a hip-hop producer from England’s Midlands. We discussed his roots, the journey music has taken him on so far, and also the new release from the duo he is half of; Raze N Lava Flo. Here’s what was said…

Gav: Thanks for sparing the time to speak with me. Do you want to first of all explain who you are and what you do?

Raze: I’m Raze Brooks, one half of the Birmingham/Tamworth based duo Raze N Lava Flo, primarily a hip-hop producer, but was known for emceeing - back in the day.

G: Ah back-in-the-day! So, how have your exploits as an emcee brought you to where you are today? What’s different now to back then?

R: Back in the day hip-hop was something special, that if you we’re into, you felt like you owned a part of it. There wasn’t that much exposure of hip-hop in the media, so you had to go and dig for the latest tunes, you we’re reliant on only a few sources of information on which artists had albums/singles dropping you had to read Hip Hop Connection, stay up and catch the Big Beat/ National Fresh. Plus there wasn’t many people doing it back then, now everybody’s an emcee.

G: So did there come a point when you thought “actually, I wanna give producing a go”?

R: I started spittin’ in 89, just rhyming over instrumentals, I could play the keyboard anyway, and that was something that my parents insisted on, that I learn how to play a musical instrument. Back in those days there was; myself, M’add Archer, Wordsworth, Craig D & Dynamic Ammo, rhyming in Tamworth and nobody was producing. In 91 I copped a keyboard and started making dreadful sounding beats that everybody laughed at (think early West Coast but a hundred times worse).

However I carried on, copped an old Akai sampler and things started moving from there. I did a few things with the late Edwin Starr, met some guys at college who were into digging and formed a trio with them, then broke out solo.

G: That’s fair enough. So how did Raze N Lava Flo come about?

R: I was friends with DJ Cro and he introduced me to Lava in Massive Records in Birmingham. Cro said “you’re a producer, she’s a singer, lets do something.” Initially it was meant to be a trio, but he was busy with his radio show, “Deadline and Sonny Jim”, so it was left to the two of us.

G: Explain your sound, and perhaps what you are trying to achieve stylistically, with Raze N Lava Flo.

R: Well from a purely instrumental point of view I make hip-hop tunes. My main inspiration comes from hip-hop producers like; Pete Rock, Large Professor, Diamond D, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, etc…

But I’m also into a lot of other styles like DnB, old soul like; Al Green, Brothers Johnson, Stevie Wonder, and some house and disco. But I was also a big fan of the old school British hip-hop like; Gunshot, Blade, Killa Instinct, Hijack, Two Tone Committee, Katch 22.

G: What about Lava Flo? Not to want to make you speak on her behalf, but what are her tastes and influences, and how does that transcribe into the Raze N Lava Flo sound?

R: She’s into all the same stuff as I am, but also a big fan of more left-field stuff like; Boards of Canada, Kate Bush, Mo Wax, Ninja Tune, Warp, Jill Scot, Dwele, Amp Fiddler, Trojan. She’s a lot more spiritual than I am. I’m very pragmatic as a matter of fact.

G: I see. So when it comes to creating the music, do you just create the beats and then say “put some vocals on that”? Or is the whole process more of a team effort?

R: With this album that’s how 80% of it was done, however the Coffeehouse was something that Lava started, then bought it round to my gaff to put some drums on it and mix it. Plus the remix of Wherever You Go was done by myself and keyboard player Paul Osborne, to fit around her vocals.

However, I sometimes make changes in the arrangement to gel the song together after the vocals are finished.

G: As a producer, and one half of a duo, in the Midlands, what are your biggest frustrations with the industry and trying to break through?

R: I think the biggest problem any new artist has got is just getting people to take time to listen, I’ve found once they do, well with this album the feedback has been positive.

G: Exposure, I’m sure that’s a major obstacle indeed. You’ve mentioned an album, I understand that it has recently been completed. Tell me about the album and when it will be available.

R: The album is called “It’s Not Just About Roses” by Raze N Lava Flo, it’s available now via the paypal account on our MySpace page, plus in record stores across the UK. We’ve also got distribution sorted in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.

Sonically I would say it’s hip-hop soul.

G: Naturally your own sound is your own, but if you had to say that the album sounded at all in parts like any other well known artists, which names might you mention?

R: I would say personally somewhere between Pete Rock & Massive Attack. Unfinished Sympathy being my favourite tune ever, and Pete Rock being my favourite producer.

G: It’s funny you should mention those names, as listening to the tracks on your MySpace page, those were the names that popped into my head! So, what’s in the future for Raze N Lava Flo?

R: We’ve got a band together; we got a bassist, tabla player, beatboxer, two backing vocalists, and a keyboard player. We’re doing gigs to promote it, we’ve had a few spins on Galaxy.

G: That sounds promising, good luck with that and also good luck with the latest album. I really do appreciate you taking the time out to speak to me. Are there any shout-outs you want to make or messages to give the readers?

R: First I gotta give a big shout to Lava Flo, who has made such a big commitment to the group and the label. Then; Semantix, Lokjaw, Canedrive, MC Serch, Blade, Akua Naru, Keaton, Sonny Jim, DJ Cro, Frantic Motionz, Deadline, and all the other people who I’m working with on new material.

And people like; yourself, Madrox, Tricksta, HHb radio, Lunatix, Andy at HHC, Eastern Eye, all the journos who have put their reps on the line pushing our stuff, oh yeah can’t forget Wigs, Debb & Vee.

G: Cool. Thanks again for your time.

Raze was also kind enough to send me over a track from the Raze N Lava Flo album, the title track of the same name; It’s Not Just About Roses…

Raze N Lava Flo - It’s Not Just About Roses
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 6th July.

I’m certain we’ll be hearing more from Raze N Lava Flo in the future, but don’t forget to check out their MySpace page, add yourself to their friends list, and let them know what you think of their tracks.

Useful links:

• Raze N Lava Flo MySpace page
• Download - Raze N Lava Flo - It’s Not Just About Roses

What The Fook Happened to…

…White Town?!

Your Woman was the one-hit-wonder in 1997 for pop outfit White Town. I remember hearing the track on the radio and thinking “I like this!”, but alas, it was one of those situations where I continually failed to grab the name of the artist and the track’s name. But eventually I did get those precious nuggets of info, and 13-year-old me strolled into the record shop to buy the CD single. The track went to number one in the UK charts on 7th January and received seriously heavy doses of radio airplay. But, whatever happened to White Town? Who were they?

White Town was (and still is!) Jyoti Mishra, Born in India, but raised in the UK since he was just three years old. White Town was an electro-pop act playing out of Derby since the late 80s, but a chance discovery by then Radio One DJ Mark Radcliffe, suddenly turned low-key to over-night fame. One thing led to another and then White Town signed to EMI/Chrysalis in late 96 and the track was released at the beginning of 97.

The track Your Woman seemed to have the right components for the charts, at the right time. Read Jyoti’s interesting FAQ with regards to the track here. Perhaps it was chance, or perhaps it was a stroke of genius, but the mixture of electro samples and catchy vocals really paid dividends. Check out the track for yourself here…

White Town - Your Woman
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 5th July.

You can also view the video here on youtube.

Thinking back I can see where perhaps history has repeated itself. Remember that Levi’s jeans advert on the moon about a spaceman? That went on to be a serious one hit wonder for Babylon Zoo. The track Spaceman was ALSO an electro pop affair. Sadly for Babylon Zoo, the ultra catchy high pitched chorus (as heard on the advert) was the only catchy thing to come from them. And, as we all know, a key element to succesful pop music is creating catchy tunes.

But, as stated on his blog, Jyoti isn’t bitter about the way things went. Seemingly not too long after his album release it all turned a bit sour and EMI were eager to part company with him, but even that short lived success then enabled Jyoti to create his own ‘proper’ studio and continue working where he left off before his stint with fame. A classic quote from Jyoti, which really relates to how often the pop industry can be fooled; This song is also a minute too long for radio (according to major label A&R rules), not well-produced (according to Warners) and “too clever” for “average pop buyers.” - The full written article about White Town’s falling out with the pop industry (from 97) can be found here.

Anyway, as for the present and future, a new White Town album has been completed, although none of the finer details are available yet. You can catch Jyoti on last.fm as well as the White Town blog and his own personal blog.

So, anyone remember this track?!

Useful links:

• White Town website
• Jyoti Mishra’s blog
• last.fm
• Download - White Town - Your Woman
• youtube Your Woman video

Attack of The Bits & Pieces

It’s nearly July already - where does the time go?! Anyway, some news snippets and cynical comments from yours truly today, I guess. I’ll mix it up a bit by chucking in a few recommendations too…

Grandaddy’s Jason Lytle is going on a solo tour, performing tracks from the bands’ farewell album Just Like The Fambly Cat. It will be an acoustic tour spanning 13 dates across America. The dates run from 18th July to the 12th August.

Claydes ‘Charles’ Smith, the co-founder of soul group Kool & The Gang has sadly passed away aged 57 in New Jersey. His long suffering illness had forced him to stop touring in January of this year, although the details of his death are currently not clear. RIP.

JJ72 are to split. The group cite record company issues as the reasoning. So, 11 years they were together - they went from unknowns to cult indie-rock underground legends. They were definitely a love them or hate them kind of band, but now are no more. Apparently singer Mark Greaney is working on a new project, but no news from the other two members.

Smile the new track from Lily Allen is available to purchase on iTunes UK as of today. So, if you like it, you want it, go get it.

Uh oh, here comes the cynical bit, and once more it is aimed Gnarls “gimme all your money” Barkley. What the fook is up with buying music videos off iTunes?! Do people really do this? I guess if you have more money than sense and one of those fancy iPods that does the videos, then good for you. But seriously, how long is it gonna be before I get a MySpace bulletin from Gnarls Barkley telling me I can now buy Gnarls Barkley underpants? These guys don’t miss a trick.

Like Boards Of Canada? Maybe you’ll like The Tilted Head Of Compassion, an electronica group from sunny Greenland. Check them out here… http://www.myspace.com/thetiltedheadofcompassion

Don’t forget that the Cadence album Creative Commerce is out now on Domination Recordings. I posted up a review the other day, you can read it here - quality chilled hip-hop, the way it’s meant to be.  If you liked the Raw Produce album The Feeling of Now, you’ll love this.  It’s generally gonna be loved by anyone who likes the more chilled, soulful, laid-back, hip-hop.  Don’t miss it!

I’ll finish up by sharing a trip-hop track by a chap I know by the name of Daniel Pate. The track is called Remember Me and got A LOT of plays on my laptop last year. Check out the track here and Dan’s MySpace page here.

Useful links:

• Lily Allen MySpace
• The Tilted Head Of Compassion MySpace
• Cadence MySpace
• Daniel Pate MySpace
• Download - Daniel Pate - Remember Me

Nitin Sawhney

Today I want to tell you about Nitin Sawhney, and it's such a colourful story to tell. Nitin Sawhney; born and raised in Rochester, Kent. Studied law at Liverpool University. Created popular sitcom Goodness Gracious Me. Then joined the James Taylor Quartet and later worked with Talvin Singh, before finally launching himself as a solo artist. All of this by 1993. So there's Nitin's roots for you in an extremely condensed fashion! Now about his music…

Nitin Sawhney is a pioneer of the Asian Underground sound, but asides from his cultural backgrounds his sound is both diverse and eclectic. He's a producer, a DJ, and even a composer. To date he has scored over 25 films, not to mention music for adverts and television programmes. He is both a flamenco guitarist and a classical/jazz pianist, and to date has released eight albums…

• Philtre (2005)
• All Mixed Up (2004)
• Human (2003)
• Prophesy (2001)
• Beyond Skin (1999)
• Displacing The Priest (1996)
• Migration (1995)
• Spirit Dance (1994)

Words cannot really describe the sounds of Nitin Sawhney. To hear his music is to experience it. Nitin merges sounds from many cultures in both classical and cinematic terms. One minute you can be listening to a drum 'n' bass breakdown, and the next a classical piece. His songs tell stories and are usually bearing a very political emphasis. Nitin has been very outspoken with his views towards culture, community, and in particular immigration and awareness - all of this shows through his musical work. One would expect that Nitin's music wouldn't seem half as powerful if it was not driven by his passions and morals.

I can return to each of the aforementioned albums time and again, they are all beautiful, but I do have some favourite tracks, such as; Falling Angels, Nadia, Immigrant, Serpents, and Say Hello. Give Falling Angels (taken from Human) a taster here..

Nitin Sawhney - Falling Angels
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 3rd July.

I don't think there will ever be a time when the track Falling Angels doesn't make the hair on my arms and the back of my neck stand on end. It truly is a beautiful track. The classical strings, the acoustic guitar, the chilling vocals, and the steady drums. Just listen to it.

The thing with an artist like Nitin Sawhney is that in a world obsessed with pigeon-holing people, he just cant be pigeon-holed that easily. But, that doesn't mean people haven't tried, and he has gone on record as saying he really does not appreciate the tag world-music. And I agree - it seems like a cop-out, it's almost a form of prejudice. To suggest that an artist not making familiar music, but using eastern samples and creative arrangements, would deem it world-music, is either ignorant or desperate - but to be fair, probably a mixture of the two. Brings us back to the discussion of the relative need for genres and tags. Of course it is very helpful to know my hip-hop from my rock by sections and files, but sometimes, in certain cases, I think a bit more effort is needed to 'label' music. So, what would I say it was? Progressive orchestral electronica? Maybe sometimes. The conundrum remains.

Nitin has had his work remixed by many very highly acclaimed artists over the years, some of which are; 4hero, MJ Cole, and Talvin Singh. But, as a producer and DJ, he has also remixed or produced other peoples' work, like; Jeff Beck, Lamb, Robert Miles, and Sinead O'Connor. The 2004 album All Mixed Up was actually a compilation of Nitin Sawhney tracks that were remixed by other artists.

For me the ultimate attraction to Nitin's music is the cinematic element and the raw passion felt through his music. It truly does feel like a journey, an experience. Everyone, regardless of tastes, should listen to at least one Nitin Sawhney album all the way through. Check out the fantastic track Homelands (from Beyond Skin)…

Nitin Sawhney - Homelands
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 3rd July.

Like I said before, it's difficult to pigeon-hole an artist such as Nitin Sawhney, but as far as comparisons go, I guess you could find hints of the following in his music; The Cinematic Orchestra, Massive Attack, Nightmares On Wax, and 4hero - but just think along quite an orchestral line, although Nitin's sound does tend to vary from track to track, so you'll be bound to hear lots of different influences for yourself.

Useful links:

• Website
• Wikipedia
• last.fm
• Download - Nitin Sawhney - Falling Angels
• Download - Nitin Sawhney - Homelands