Tone Trezure – My Destiny

Please allow me introduce you to Latonya “Tone Trezure” Givens! If you can’t recall the name, but the soulful vocals and slick production work sound familiar, and if your musical tastes are anything like mine, that may be because you have become familiar with her work through her writing and production on Bilal‘s Love for Sale project. Or, perhaps you have heard her features with Strange Fruit Project and on S1‘s fantastic Music Box album? No? Maybe you recognise her voice from Victory Is In My Clutches by Jay Electronica? After establishing credentials in the music game and accumulating a resume which boasts household names such as Quincy Jones, Dr. Dre and Erykah Badu, the phenomenally talented singer/songwriter/producer from Flint, Michigan prepares to step into the limelight with the release of her own 5-track EP entitled My Destiny.

My Destiny is one of the most impressive and inspiring efforts I have heard in a very long time and has basically owned my speakers for the last week! The entire project is written and produced by Tone Trezure herself, with the exception of some additional production work on the title-track courtesy of Josef Leimburgh, and Detroit legend Mr. Porter on Come With Me. All of the beats are bang on-point and complimented perfectly by Tone’s beautiful vocals, somewhat reminiscent of Georgia Anne Muldrow, fluctuating between asservations of gospel inspired spirituality, the smoothness and sexiness of classic RnB, and the independent street-consciousness of hip-hop revealing both the strengths and vulnerabilities of this incredibly dynamic singer-songwriter.

The EP possesses a cohesive classic post-90s US Soul feel throughout and manages to be artistic and inventive, whilst maintaining an honest and traditional musical approach in an age too often characterised by incoherent eclecticality and recherché experimentalism. I urge all fans of great music to support this fantastic project, which is available to buy for only $5 (just over £3) from Tone Trezure’s Bandcamp page!

mp3: Tone Trezure – You Mean

REVIEW: The Blessings – Galaxy High EP

The Blessings are part of the LuckyMe family in Glasgow, Scotland. Their debut EP, Galaxy High, is due to drop imminently on the Nod Navigators imprint of Dutch label Kindred Spirits. And guess what… it’s really rather good. With elements of Hudson Mohawke, Dimlite and Machine Drum to their sound, The Blessings – comprised of Dominic Flannigan and Martyn Flyn – offer up their own unique angle on the electronic beats scene.

Galaxy High is a delightful six-track EP that manages to stay away from the generic beats format and instead offer up something more in the way of ethereal soundscapes and fresh electronic ditties with a pinch of boom-bap.

Tracklisting:

01. Arisseee Henson
02. Faberge
03. Moranis Riding Ants
04. Keith Sweats
05. Ibaseta
06. Hot Song

The EP kicks off with Arisseee Henson, a track that initially gives the impression of being a delicate keys-led song. But, don’t be fooled or taken in by this trickery, it’s a heavy, heavy track with a nasty attitude! The bass-heavy steady beat, with the piano melody and slick synths over the top, makes for a bizarre, yet brilliant track. Ethereal, but hard hitting, the combination is wicked. Faberge is a progressive track that straddles the line between 80s electro/synths and tripped out electronic chaos, ala Daedelus. Once again though, the balance is just right. Whilst some of their influences might seem immediately apparent, what is genuinely satisfying is how relevant and well constructed the tracks are.

KSNN10 The Blessings Galaxy High by LuckyMe Music.Art.Parties

Moranis Riding Ants is slightly more laid back, but gently builds layer upon layer until we’re left with something resembling what the Avalanches could have sounded like today. A short interlude in the form of Keith Sweats provides, well, what is basically a humid breakdown of hypnotic electronic stabs and beats. Ibaseta, is the biggest hint yet on the EP that The Blessings have a lot of hip-hop in their style, just bubbling away under the surface. It starts steady enough, with that boom-bap style, then gradually moves up the gears until it lands in more upbeat head-nod territory. The last track on the EP is Hot Song, and it really has that vibe of being an outro track. Outlandish, yet almost reserved synths build steadily alongside vocal samples before a broken beat kicks in like a call to arms, yet it remains steady and reserved. Teasing bass hits rumble, whilst the synths continue – the track refrains from just letting rip, and at this stage that decision feels rather appropriate and the EP comes to a close.

This is a very good EP and definitely serves to put The Blessings well and truly on the musical radar. I’m still digesting the music, even now. I’m more than aware that it’s very good on many levels; production qualities are very high, the construction of the tracks is excellent, but there’s just something about the way they’ve amalgamated all these sounds and influences that still leaves me rather intrigued. It would be too easy to just say they sound like Hudson Mohawke, or a plethora of other artists of a similar ilk, but the reality is that they genuinely have carved their own space into this arena. It might take half a dozen listens to truly appreciate the brilliance of the Galaxy High EP, but the penny will most definitely drop sooner or later. Conundrums aside, it’s a wicked listen from the first time you hit play – but, you might also find it turns out to intrigue you as much as it does me!

INTERVIEW: Milly from Airs N Graces

I’m always curious about what inspires people to be creative, whether they’re a painter, a musician, a writer, whatever really. I’m even more curious when, from the outside looking in, I get the impression that the person is on a somewhat similar wavelength to myself. It’s with that in mind that I decided to grab a few words with London-based arts and culture blogger Milly from the site Airs N Graces. We talk about where it all started and why, as well as getting down to the nitty gritty of the hype debate and what drives Milly to write about the things she does.

Jus Like Music: Can you just introduce yourself to our readers, briefly explain who you are, where you’re from and what you do?

Milly: My name’s Milly (aka: Mildilla/Millytant/MillyOnAir, depending on the mood), I’m a born and bred Camdenite with a passion for music, film, people and trying to put it all into words. I’m what you’d refer to as a ‘jack-of-all-trades’, I enjoy switching between challenges. I’ve dabbled in several different things from baking cookies to working on films to doing PR for a well-known toilet tissue brand. I lost my job as the credit crunch hit last March and out of my jobless misery and struggling to find my direction again, I started writing for a local Camden blog and it all snowballed from there. I finally summoned up the bottle to start my own, at airsngraces.com, last July. I still contribute to others, but at the moment I’m really focused on building mine.

JLM: So your experiences, and the occurrences, in your life have in a sense led you to where you find yourself with your own blog now?

M: Yes, completely. Without sounding wanky, I feel like the blog is a manifestation of all my past experiences there on a page. Although the blog is primarily about music, art, events and the like and I’m not there writing about my personal experiences in a ‘Dear Diary’ fashion, my past definitely shapes my approach and the angle of the content. It was a case of realising that out of all the crap, literally and metaphorically, good stuff can take shape.

JLM: What drives you to do what you do?

M: I’m passionate about separating the over-hyped from the genuine. I can’t stand the mentality that it’s all about who you know and what people deem as ‘cool’. I looked around me and clocked that there’s several popular blogs doing their thing, but a lot jump on whatever is the ‘next hype’, and it shows. I’m a firm believer in good manners, raw talent, people who strive to challenge what has gone before, hard graft and never resting on your laurels. I don’t care what success you’ve had in the past, I want to know what you’re you doing now. I don’t run around believing my own hype, whatever you see on Airs N Graces is there because I think it has genuine qualities to it, be it music, film, photography or fashion. You’ll get the occasional post about kicks I love, which could be deemed self indulgent, but other than that I’m not about chucking up content because it’s the next big thing or ranting for the sake of it. I’ve lived in London and been around the music scene too long to care about bullshit or appearances, what’s hot and what’s not. If something’s good and it is, or should be, the next big thing, then we’re talking! If you’re coming to me with something you want support with, whatever that may be, I want you to be passionate and excited about it and not have some stinking blaze attitude. People seem to forget good manners and respect go a long way, you maybe big today but when you hit hard times, as you inevitably will on this rollercoaster, folks will always remember first impressions and how you treated them in the past! Hence the simple manifesto; ‘No Hype Without Substance’.

The reality is, it’s just a blog. If people read, enjoy, have a giggle and relate to it, maybe even discover something new from it, then I’ve done what I set out to do.  The minute I stop being excited by the content I post, then I’ll stop the blog.

JLM: It’s refreshing to hear such frank and honest thoughts. How do you feel about blogs that simply reproduce press releases and do you think it’s more of a question of finding a balance between facts and opinions?

M: There are no hard-and-fast rules to this blogging game, although if there were it would quickly sort the men from the boys. The beauty of the internet is there’s a lot of space for opinions without censorship. I’m not going to sit here on my soapbox saying one type of blog has more or less merit or validity than another – it comes down to freedom of choice. However, I would say, again in my opinion, having worked in PR and media for over seven years, the ones weighed towards regurgitating press releases stick out like a sore thumb. People are fickle and the blog world is saturated, so it is hard to win over and keep readers coming back. It completely depends on your blog’s angle, but I think you should have an element of yourself somewhat in your content, it shouldn’t necessarily be stamped all over it but people like opinions and balls. I have a lot of respect for people who can lay themselves bare on the page for the world to judge, I could never do that, but that’s just me. I choose to read blogs that give me a sense of both opinions and facts, I want a feel for the writer’s opinion and a sense that they’re passionate about the topics they’re covering, or what’s the point? It’s all about striking that balance and it’s by no means an easy feat.

JLM: What’s new in your world, Milly?

M: This week, after nine months in a pretty understated format, airsngraces.com underwent a non-surgical facelift. I decided it should probably look like the well nourished and nurtured beast it is. It’s still all about the content rather than appearances but it’s just a bit sexier now! We also now have an official Facebook page for all those who want to be kept in the loop.

JLM: Sounds like you’ve put in a lot of groundwork with Airs N Graces. Do you have any sort of long-term plans with regards to what you want to achieve with the blog?

M: Ha! This is something I think about on a daily basis. As I said, as long as I keep growing with it and feel inspired to create content then I will keep at it. I’m working on some interesting projects that will be linked to Airs N Graces, so at the moment it’s a case of pushing things forward, making opportunities happen and realising this is a blank canvas to create whatever I want from. I’m not gonna be clichéd and say, “watch this space”, because I don’t believe in speaking too soon, but finger’s crossed there’s some exciting projects on the horizon!

JLM: Sounds like exciting times! Lets turn to something that both Airs N Graces and Jus Like Music are passionate about; music. What types of music are you into and are there any hot tips you could pass over to the Jus Like Music readers?

M: I’m into a broad spectrum of music. I was brought up on a mix of blues, jazz, soul, RnB, reggae and pop. Both my parents were deeply into their music. My granddad on my dad’s side had one of the first jazz magazines in the UK and my mum’s dad played jazz trumpet. My dad has played jazz and blues guitar and piano since a teen (he still gigs now) and my brother plays funked out Hendrix influenced guitar. So, there’s no escaping the fact it runs deep in my veins. As a teenager I guess my rebellion was to seek out new ground and I discovered hip-hop which has been my first love, with exception of a few lover’s tiffs, ever since. I was deeply into my UK hip-hop back in the good ol’ days and I used to go to a record spot called Disque (then renamed MSM) in Camden and my mate Chris, who co-ran it, always said of me I’d be the only person coming in demanding they play ‘Klashnekoff – Murda’ at 11am on a Sunday morning whilst I dug through the new releases! These days I’m far less ‘Millytant’ about my music and I’ve learnt to keep an open mind. One day I’ll be all about the 90s east coast hip-hop and the next I’m all about Bob Dylan or Pink Floyd. I’ve learnt to never judge something before Ive given it a good listen, looks can be deceiving, so be open minded to new things. Sorry, but you did ask!

JLM: Ha ha, no need to apologise, I did indeed ask! Now, I always find it really hard to answer questions like this myself, but now the tables are turned! Top five tracks you are currently feeling?! They don’t have to be new, just five tracks you’re really into at the moment.

M: In no particular order my top five on rotation at the moment; Laura Marling – The Captain and The Hourglass, Dessa – Matches to Paper Dolls, Mos Def – Travellin Man, The Police – Walking on the Moon, Gang Starr – Mass Appeal (R.I.P. Guru).

mp3: Gang Starr – Mass Appeal

JLM: Finally, and to wrap things up, do you have any parting words of wisdom for people who are considering starting a blog that is beyond just being a personal diary of sorts?

M: Cliched as it is, don’t worry about the “if, buts, or maybes”, just dip your toe in and you may just surprise yourself! There’s so many platforms about for bloggers that cost nothing to use and yes it’s tough out there and pretty saturated but pick your angle, start slow, work hard, treat others as you want to be treated and there’s nothing to say you couldn’t establish yourself up there with the best. Regret is far worse than trying and finding out something wasn’t for you! I’m a big believer in failing your way to success, trust me I’ve flopped at a fair few things in my life to date – and I’m sure they’ll be more – but I’ve never regretted trying something.

Many thanks to Milly! Don’t forget to check out her fantastic blog over at Airs N Graces, and also get following on both Facebook and Twitter – you know it makes sense.

MIX: Johnny’s Apple Sauce

New music blog, Dirty Apples, have burst onto the scene with this incredible mix they’ve uploaded to Mixcloud. It’s the most beautiful selection of downtempo tracks I have heard for absolutely ages. Including artists such as Nina Simone, Lamb, Erykah Badu, Dntel and Medeski, Martin & Wood, it spans just shy of an hour long and dances seamlessly from track to track. They’ve set the bar very high with their first mix and I cant wait to hear more from them!

Tracklisting:

01. Nina Simone – Baltimore
02. Dr Dog – Say Something
03. Bon Iver – Brackett, W9
04. Marco Benevento – Record Book
05. Da Lata – Cores
06. Erykah Badu – Incense (Ft. Kirsten Agnesta)
07. Lamb – I Cry
08. Patrick Watson – Tracy’s Waters
09. Dntel – To A Fault (Ft. Grizzly Bear)
10. Bon Iver – Lump Sum
11. Medeski, Martin & Wood – Broken Mirror
12. Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Loving You

mp3: Lamb – I Cry

FREE: Tobrock & Fella Vaughn – ROCKAFELLA

Tobrock & Fella Vaughn have combined to create ROCKAFELLA, a 25-track mash-up masterpiece which is FREE to download via Bandcamp. Combining elements of jigged-out hip-hop, funk, electro, boogie and other instrumental treats and edits, Tobrock and Fella Vaughn present a head-nodding killer of a mixtape. I defy anyone who isn’t feeling this release on one level or another.

Also, the good news is that there will actually be some ROCKAFELLA vinyl in the not too distant future via UpMyAlley, so keep your ear to the ground on that one. Anyone based in Berlin should also be aware that ROCKAFELLA will be performing at the next Hi-Hat Club on 2nd April, so don’t miss that if you’re in town.

Essentially… you need this.

PREVIEW: Invisible Inc – The Exit Strategy

Considered by many to be up there with the cream of UK hip-hop, Ghost, Verb T and Kashmere are back as Invisible Inc! Their digital album, The Exit Strategy, is coming out on 26th April via Bandcamp. Check out the above preview to get a feel of what this new album is all about. But, in their own words…

“This album was recorded whilst under the influence of LSD and lemsip max strength, the names have been changed to protect the innocent, this is a true story…”

The good news, as you’ll hear for yourselves, is that they’re sounding fresh as ever. That trademark heavy drum-break production from Ghost, coupled with the sharp, yet smooth flowing cyphers from Verb T and Kashmere, shows that the UK can still bring its hip-hop A-game when required. Naturally we’re a little way off the end of April release from Invisible Inc, but nearer the time we’ll have a proper detailed review of The Exit Strategy and some more sneaky previews – so, stay tuned!