SoulSide Funk

Songs of the Week: Travis, Phreeda Sharp, J-Live

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Rob

Travis – Where You Stand

I still remember the first time I ever heard Travis, its a crystal clear memory. It was July 2nd 2005, a glorious summer day. Given the weather I decided to take the scenic route back from my sister’s place up in Huddersfield. It there, whilst twisting and turning through the narrow Peak District roads that we turned on the radio. July 2nd 2005, was Live8, and we happened to turn on the radio just as Travis, a band I had never heard before took the stage. It was magical and upon hearing the performance I was hooked.

I remember heading home, ordering The Man Who because I recognised the album artwork and then not looking back.
Their latest single, Where You Stand, their first in what feels like forever, is a great record and captures everything I originally loved about the band.

Performances can really define your life and what should have been a mundane drive through the countryside on a summer’s afternoon will be forever etched in my memory purely for having been blessed to hear a short performance from a band I had never heard of.

Phreeda Sharp – Gold Car

This record is fierce.

The beat is venomously gritty, and pounds your speakers in to submission. Phreeda’s flow is fitting with enough fluidity to float over such a brazen beat. Not sure exactly what happens in the video mind you, all turns at bit sinister at the end…

SOTW - J Live

J-Live – The Fun Razor

Good lyricism is hard to find these days so it is always refreshing to hear J-Live release new music. With his exceptionally gifted lyrical skills this is hip-hop in its purest form. One to restore a little faith in to what is slowly becoming a lost art.

Filed under: Song of the Week, Songs | Tagged: J Live, New Music, Phreeda Sharp, songs of the week, Travis | Leave a Comment »

Ny and Pledging to make music

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Rob

Last week I stumbled across Ny’s Pledge Music page and it made me think a lot about music and funding. For those who haven’t heard of Pledge Music here is a quick synopsis. Pledge Music is a website which helps musicians self-fund projects (very similar to Kickstarter or Indiegogo). Musicians launch projects and people pledge different amounts to help reach the target in return for rewards. It is a way for artists to get money direct from their fans when other sources have evaporated or the project is a little experimental. Ny is using the platform to fund a live show.

ny2

It always staggers me to think how long Ny has been on the scene. Split Ends Vols 1 & 2 were the mixtapes of choice during summers when we actually had some sun and yet to many she is still a “new artist”. Her latest album, which flew under many radars (mine included), Who Is She, was released to little fanfare yet was a solid offering.

I particularly like her Pledge Music project because it is going towards paying for a gig as opposed to the usual album or EP release. Although, on the page she says the gig in the 9th May, however there are still 40+ days left to Pledge… you do the maths! Then again Elektrowerks may be a secret Tardis that will transport us all back in time – can’t wait.

Time travel aside I also love Ny’s project because the pledges on offer seem very personal. She’s really putting herself out there for her fans with loads of opportunities to meet and get to know her. In the mix you can pledge to have coffee with her (£25), or go on a dog walk (£30). There was even a pamper day (although these are now all gone).

I like the creativity in the Pledges on offer as well. The opportunity is to choose two songs on the set list (£15) is pure gold. I cannot tell you how many times I have been at gigs willing them to play that B-side single and left a little disappointed when they predictability didn’t.

My favourite has to be £30 to get Ny to sing a cover for you. The mischievous temptation to ask her to sing Nessun Dorma was too much so I just settled for a signed CD.

Joking aside Ny’s project is great, and she is a really deserving musician. Life as an indie artist is tough because the funding and recognition sometimes just isn’t there, no matter how good you are or how hard you work. However, it does give you opportunities to do something like this and really get to know the people buying and supporting your music. Ny should be applauded for the variety and value of pledges on offer also!

I do hope she hits her target because even after all these years I still have not seen her perform live.

You can support Ny in her quest to sing in North London over at Pledge Music - http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/nyofficial

Rob

Filed under: Gig Alerts, Gig News, My Thoughts | Tagged: Gig, music funding, Ny, Pledge Music | Leave a Comment »

Photography: Shooting shoes

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Rob

Don’t know why, but some people really do seem to love a nice pair of shoes. They can also say so much about us as I discovered recently.

On my quest to learn how to take pictures, I have been running around trying to take portraits of my friends recently. A good friend of mine is completely camera shy; she just hates having a lens in front of her. In trying to take her portrait we stumbled upon the idea of making one through her shoes.

After playing with a few pairs we found a purple on which was just right and I think they say more about her than anything else I could have taken.

FWD a few weeks and I had some spare time, so bribed another mate with the promise of sweets and KFC to let me take photos of her shoe collection. Thought I’d share some of the shots.

Now I am thinking about starting a little project photographing shoes. So actually, if anyone lives in London, has some great shoes and wouldn’t mind letting me photograph them please get in touch via my contact page or via Twitter . I’m sure I can bribe you with Percy Pigs or other confectionery delights!

Should be fun and do get in touch
Rob

Filed under: My Thoughts, Photography | Tagged: fashion, high heels, Photography, shoes, stilettos | 2 Comments »

Songs of the Week: 7Bit Hero, Wynter Gordon, Mano’s Daughter

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Rob

7bit

7Bit Hero – Come on. Stand Out.

I funky bit of indie pop from 7Bit Hero. This is one of those numbers which makes just want to dance around like a grown-up kids splashing in giant puddles with pink wellies one! It just has an infectious feel good vibe about it which I love. Great record (and great EP too – available over on Bandcamp).

Wynter

Wynter Gordon – Lucky Ones

I little bit dance, a little bit R&B, a little bit pop. Wynter Gordon has fused a great cocktail of styles to create this boucny little number off her EP from earlier in the year, Human Condition Pt. 2: Sanguine. Wynter Gordon has been bubbling under for a few years now and I very much am looking forward to her blowing-up because she has been creating great records for more than a minute now.

MAnoDaughter

Mano’s Daughter – Tailored

From two happy and joyful tunes to something quite mysterious, spooky and very atmospheric. This is a gem of a record because it does make for a pleasingly dark and macabre listen. There is often a temptation to go too far on these kinds of songs, however Mano’s Daughter tease with soft melodies and restraint at times to make the listen even more engrosing. Love it and look forward to discovering more.

Filed under: Song of the Week, Songs | Tagged: 7Bit Hero, Mano's Daughter, New Music, songs of the week, Wynter Gordon | Leave a Comment »

Gig review and pictures: MMX at Hoxton Square Bar, London

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Rob

While I have a bit of time just wanted to right a quick post about new indie outfit MMX. I saw them play a few weeks ago and must say I was very impressed. There was a sense of drama to the music and the Oxford four piece giving it their all even in front of a half empty Hoxton Square Bar.

Definitely ones to look for in the future.

Rob

Filed under: Gig Photos, Gig Reviews | Tagged: Concert, Gig, Indie, London, MMX, music photography | Leave a Comment »

Gig News: VV Brown prepping a comeback with two shows in London

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Rob

I’m starting to think VV Brown and the British weather are inextricably linked. Ever since she announced a few gigs this summer the weather has picked up immeasurably in London. The last times I saw her play were both in 2009, the last semi-decent summer London has witnessed weather wise.

It’ll be very interesting to see what music Ms. Brown brings back with her to the UK. There has been little to go on following her pretty raucous début Crying Blood beyond the single she released last year, “Children” which was a bullish and playful piece of pop music with a heavy dose of youthful shouty chanting (see below).

The two shoes announced so far are as follows;

Wednesday 26th June @ Hoxton Square Bar, London
Tuesday 16th July @ Madame JoJos, London

I have a sneaky feeling these shows will sell out pretty quick once she releases (if she releases) a new single or announces another album.

Tickets are available here (for Hoxton Square Bar) and here (for Madame JoJos). Tickets for both shows are only £6 (+ fees) so pretty much a bargain in my eyes. She is a very good live performer so seeing her playing small venues in London Town again should be a real treat.

Rob

Filed under: Gig Alerts, Gig News | Tagged: Concert, Gig, Hoxton Square Bar, London, Madame JoJos, VV Brown | Leave a Comment »

Songs of the Week: Lion Babe, Elle Winston, Natalia Kills, Ciara

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Rob

Lion Babe

Lion Babe – Treat Me Like Fire

This track is piece of lo-fi soul gold. Not much more needs to be said. The crackle of the sample just burns through you speakers while the bass and vocal combination hypnotises in a sumptuous way. This is the only track I can find from Lion Babe, its a shame because I am really in need of more. A lot more. Great great record!

Elle Winston – Waiting On

Staying with the soul, however this time a lot more acoustic. A lovely track which builds as Elle Winston just seems to get lost in the track. Another fine discovery.

Natalia Kills Problem

Natalia Kills – Problem

I’m a big fan of Natalia Kills and this record, Problem, continues along with her hard hitting, bass heavy music which oozes a sense of nonchalant brashness. Very much looking forward to more new music from Natalia Kills (and for her to gig in the UK!).

ciarabike

Ciara - Body Party

Never really been a big fan of Ciara, however I have to give credit where it is due. Slow jams rarely get released in the mainstream these days and this one is darn sexy little number reminiscent of the early noughties jams which used enter DJ sets at the end of the night. Love the subtle use of the Ghost Town DJs sample too. If this one gets a lot of radio play I will not be complaining.

Filed under: Song of the Week, Songs | Tagged: Ciara, Elle Winston, Lion Babe, Natalia Kills, New Music, songs of the week | Leave a Comment »