Live Review: Lawrence Preston makes waves during his trip across the pond

I can’t remember whether the age-old industry tip is ‘play like it’s your last show ever’ or ‘play like you don’t know who is watching’ but either way, Lawrence Preston does both. Admittedly, it’s partly out of necessity that he plays like this- the musician’s trip across the pond clashes with England’s opening World Cup match, meaning he draws a criminally small crowd- but Preston’s showmanship is indisputable. From the moment he steps out into the Library at Cambridge’s CB2 with his accompanying guitarist, he works the room like it’s the o2 arena.

The San Francisco musician’s confidence alone is destined for much bigger venues, not to mention his virtuoso bass chops and surprisingly powerful soul vocal, which slides up to show-stopping notes with ease. Every detail of the set is tailored for an unforgettable show. Where other artists explain the origins of their songs with a detached ‘this is about a break-up’, Lawrence delivers each well-crafted anecdote with the same regard for the audience as he would when playing a song.

After a handful of roof-raising soul numbers, when the crowd’s attention would naturally start to waver, he brings on backing duo The Celestial Stars who add yet more pizzazz to the show with their harmonious croons and ear-to-ear smiles. The set draws to a close with his calling card single ‘Something For You’ prompting cheers from an audience now on their feet. And despite the meager turn-out, he’s ensured every punter walks away feeling like they’ve witnessed a real show. Lawrence leaves us with no doubt that his next trip across the pond will see him make even bigger waves.

Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@law_preston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.preston.37

Hope Lovina stakes her claim as bashment’s next star

At just sixteen-years-old, Hope Lovina is bidding to be bashment’s next star. Born and raised in Manchester, the teen discovered her singing and songwriting abilities at just six years old. During the last ten years, she’s honed her songwriting craft and fine-tuned her voice, while culminating a clutch of tracks from numerous recording sessions. It wasn’t long until Hope inked a deal with teen initiative label Indie Muscle, who have released her first offering ‘Wifey’.

Taking notes from the aforementioned bashment artists, and borrowing from R&B divas such as the late Aliyah, Hope Lovina has emerged with a sound that’s familiar yet fresh. The song arrives with a video, directed by J Benjamin, and shot in Camden Market. The clip shows Hope flanked by dancers, demonstrating her ease in front of the camera, as well as in the vocal booth.

Discrete swaps the beach for the streets in ‘C.G.C.’

Having gained momentum with seven mix tapes and two full-lengths, Discrete shows no signs of slowing down. The California rapper is continuing his streak with new single ‘C.G.C.’ lifted from January’s ‘Let Me Remind You’. This effort sees him team up with Director WhoisGFX again, after enlisting him for previous single ‘Move Yo Body’. Only this time around, the pair swap the beach for the streets. The summer vibes and breezy attitude heard in ‘Move Yo Body’ feel like a distant memory compared to the harsh, no-nonsense rap in ‘C.G.C.’ but it’s a welcome reminder that Discrete has many different tricks up his sleeve.

Follow Discrete:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/alwaysdiscrete/tracks

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/embed/qFrxd_VzDLo

Twitter: @alwaysdiscrete  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/always_discrete/

Website: https://sosharpproductions.com/artists

The Upsetters: Return of Django/Eastwood Rides Again

Like a blue tit pecking milk bottle tops to satiate his own perverse urges with scant regard for those he was impacting upon, Lee Perry arrived at the end of the 60s emboldened by a decade spent sipping from the cream of artists both at home and abroad to concoct a greatest hits of patched together sound. With the establishment of his Upsetter Record label in 1968 and a hit big enough to warrant extraordinary self-indulgence (“People Funny Boy”), his rotating house band, The Upsetters, essentially any group of artists he decided to use, embarked on an instrumental recording which became a production milestone.

With its drunken saxophone lurch and lolloping gait, “Return of Django” went top 5 in the UK, the perfect release at one of the points in musical history where truly anything was up for grabs in terms of capturing the listening publics’ imaginations. To demonstrate the point, alongside The Upsetters in the top ten in that October week of 1969 were Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, The Hollies, and at the top of the tree, “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies. With no lyrics to ponder upon, the eminently catchy tune found favour amongst the growing skinhead movement, black immigrants who had been waiting patiently for a Caribbean act to breakthrough and the floating voters who hadn’t quite decided if glam, crooning or novelty cartoon acts were going to be the next big thing in 1970.

Adding to the exoticism of the release was the Spaghetti Western imagery, though this was scrambled slightly by the fact that Django would have meant little to British audiences, having being denied a certificate or even the opportunity to trim the film for an X certificate. Indeed, even in America, it played in only four cinemas. The track itself was a failed attempt at covering Fats Domino favourite, “Sick and Tired”, with Val Bennett’s saxophone playing salvaged and the rhythms constructed around it.  It would take a Cadbury’s TV advert to use it for it to seep fully into the British consciousness.

The success was such that an album was constructed around the track, similarly bobbing instrumentals which explored funk without conforming to any template and experimentation without becoming studiously prog or krautrock. The Spaghetti Western imagery was not spread across all the tracks – “The Man From M.I.5” (a notion which out-trumps even Elvis’ spy-offering services) was huge in the dancehalls and clubs, whilst the almost Hammond and Wurlitzer trills on Medical Operation and Cold Sweat with its ominous Perry intro are excellent examples of the sound of a London which wasn’t swinging but swung, looking for a new beat to construct new beginnings upon.

The follow-up, Eastwood Rides Again, certainly demonstrates Perry’s obsession with the film genre, and feels slighter in some ways – the cowbell clop of the title track mirroring the fun Perry was happy with the freedom he now found in the studio environment, ever-eager to experiment with keyboards rhythms and, not forgetting, guitars, to create glimpses into whatever was in his mind’s eye, before stumbling onwards, always before outstaying his welcome. Interestingly, neither album rips off the Morricones and Bacalovs of this world, the themes for Perry’s Westerns being entirely of his own imagining. It is largely the guitar which sets this album aside from its predecessor, the steely twang on “Popcorn” mirroring the emerging US funk sound, whilst the beats are more scattershot machine gun than the more downbeat blunderbuss of before. “Capsol’s” cuckoo refrain perhaps suggests Perry’s drug intake at the time, though already he was looking forward, ready to leave his ghost town drifter personae behind, never one to conform to expectations. Both albums are a fascinating exploration of one of music’s great explorers, extraordinary to think these are now nearly 50 years old, yet still sound incredibly bold and left field.      

Words: Daz Lawrence

Buy here! https://amzn.to/2JfQEf1

Hip Hop, Funk & Soul Machine Jonny Dee delivers his ambitious take on The Human Experience

Album opener ‘Rhythm of my Life‘ sees Dee throw his interpretation of Corona’s house classic ‘Rhythm of the Night’ for the hook. Immediately infectious, you can’t help but become engulfed in Jonny’s wonderland of groove and melody.

Dee preaches positivity on this release, stating: “The whole idea of ‘The Human Experience’ is essentially understanding and loving yourself more and more, to the point that when you look back out at the rest of the world, a lot of the struggles that people have just don’t make sense”. 

Whilst diverse in sound, the concept of escapism runs throughout the album. Fantasy is clear through titles ‘Ticketless Trip‘ and ‘A Ways Away‘ as you take Jonny’s hand and travel across the vistas, one hip hop house party at a time.

The diversity of this album is refreshing throughout as Dee shifts smoothly from 90’s west coast hip hop on ‘Luna’s Lullaby‘ where Dee’s laid-back cadence is delivered in a sonic amalgamation of Ice Cube meets Kid Cudi.

Deeper in the album we are treated to a lo-fi guitar instrumental with ‘Cosmic Poem‘ where Dee really gets to showcase his multi instrumentation.  We then wrap up the album with funk jam ‘The Man Who Fell from the Sky’.  As the track serves a decent homage to funk legends such as Chic or Earth, Wind & Fire, Dee launches into a high-tempo flow showing of his lyrical acrobatics before the album abruptly ends.

Even with an album so dense in eclectic sounds, you can’t help but want more.  Dee provides his unique take on The Human Experience, portrayed as a sonic, alternative reality that perhaps might give you a new perspective to your day; an experience indeed.

Words: Lewis Budden | @lewisbudden

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/iamjonnydee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnotjonnydee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjonnydee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjonnydee/

Website: http://artistecard.com/iamjonnydee

Shaka Shams offers fresh take on rap with Elements: Crystal Clear EP

Residing in Belgium and hailing from South African descent, it’s no wonder diaspora is rife in Shaka Shams music.

The 18-year-old rapper takes influence from old school and modern hip-hop, as well as trap, boom-bap and ambient, resulting in a refreshingly unique sound.

While his music may prove impossible to pigeonhole, his lyrics are easier to pin down. Crystal Clear is the first in a series of releases under the Elements umbrella which will see Shaka exploring different themes – with this EP it’s the sometimes murky world of late night club life.

Taking his name from his Zulu roots, Shaka channels the mighty warrior ability of the Zulu into creativity, turning himself from the shy youth of his early teens into a musical force. Having picked up the hip-hop bug from his cousin at the age of 11, recording his own track at their house. Though it would have been easy to keep music as just a hobby, Shaka was determined to get to the next level and to get his music heard by as many people as possible.

 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Kw0fUQEISOSWhdGKvie61#_=_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuljcs8wen1SvN2VxaCm2wA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shaka-Shams -1842007332735575

Twitter: twitter.com/shaka_shams 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shaka_shams

Meet the trailblazer who is pushing the boundaries of rap

Erike Sparks is determined to avoid the rap landfill. With each step, the East Londoner has strayed from the well-worn rap route. Take his video for ‘Infrared Beam‘- you won’t find a single trademark of a rap video. Instead of the typical backdrop of tower blocks and a hype-crew, Sparks can be seen wielding a torch around the incredible panoramic of Scotland. It’s a high-quality production but there’s no flashy commodities taking the viewer’s attention away from the music and the rapper himself.  The whole concept speaks volumes about Erike and his ambition to push the boundaries of his genre.

Of course, this sentiment is echoed loudest in Sparks’ music. His sound is entirely self-produced, utilising unique beats and sounds from different cultures around the world and taking influence from everyone from Giggs to Tupac. Determined to be a rap artist from an early age, what sets Erike apart is his constant search for new sounds to incorporate into his work and to be an innovator, not a follower. From what we’ve seen and heard so far, it couldn’t be more obvious Erike Sparks is the trailblazer rap has needed for a while now.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/erikesparks

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nuB8NMRJ3KczAd01HlF3m

Youtube: https://youtu.be/w9tyNcdlZpw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erike-Sparks-music-147467039231414/

Twitter: @sparkserike

Instagram: @erikesparks

EXCLUSIVE: Jonny Dee reveals track-by-track for forthcoming album ‘The Human Experience’

San Diego rap prodigy Jonny Dee has given Urban Radar an exclusive track-by-track, ahead of his forthcoming album ‘The Human Experience’. The album, which is due out tomorrow (May 12), is about a human’s journey of self-discovery and finding happiness. Sonically, the record brings together a diverse range of influences, from Kid Cudi and De La Soul to The Beatles and Bowie. Below, he breaks down the album track-by-track, providing a deeper understanding of ‘The Human Experience’.

Tracklist Breakdown:

Track 01: Rhythm of my Life

This song is guide to finding freedom from everyday stresses, through self-love. Everything is in Rhythm.

Track 02: ​Ticketless Trip

The story about “waking up” in a new world​ where everything’s brighter, happier, and more free.

Track 03: ​In the Sound

This is a “good times” song. It’s about going out, trying to have a good time, and getting lost in a moment.

Track 04: A Blue Submarine

After the party scene from “In the Sound”, we dive deep into a vibe far away from society, government, and control. A safe place, where we don’t have to worry or hurt anymore.

Track 05: ​Feedback

A composition about diving into something you love, to the point that the rest of the world turns into “white noise” or “Feedback”. ​

Track 06: Luna’s Lullaby

A conversation between me and the moon, Luna. This song questions the everyday decisions we make as a human race. The way we treat each other, lead each other, hide behind fake personas, etc.

Track 07: Summer’s Song

A song about a love lost for a larger cause. I discusses the troubles of letting someone go, along with the reasons for why it ‘has’ to happen sometimes.

Track 08: Live Thursday Night Groove

Then we close the door on the lost love, and step into a scene that has a whole new groove. This is a song about letting of anything you’ve been holding back, feeling free, being you, and enjoying every second of it. Groovin’.

Track 09: A Ways Away

We then take the groove to a new spacey scene, far away from any type of control. A place of true freedom. It’s a unique brand of psychedelic hip-hop.

Track 10: Cosmic Poem

An electric guitar composition about finding love while completely alone. Dreaming of “the one”, before meeting them, and knowing that that love is out there.

Track 11: You

A love song. A story about the love described in Cosmic Poem. Looking for this love, where ever she may be, while at the same time describing her and few ladies that could have potentially been “her”.

Track 12: ​The Man Who Fell from the Sky

A ‘man’ fell out of the sky, because he was intrigued by the troubles of the people on earth. His plan was to attempt to help and understand them. He tells the people earth “You’ve got the stuff, the key to everything you want, and feel you need, is in you”. He creates a guideline accompanied by funky, jazzy, & spacey grooves. He titled it “The Human Experience”

 Jonny Dee’s ‘The Human Experience’ is out tomorrow (May 12).

Follow Jonny Dee:

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/iamjonnydee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnotjonnydee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjonnydee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjonnydee/

Website: http://artistecard.com/iamjonnydee

Quadri drops ominous new track ‘White Denim’

While some rappers opt for tongue-twisting acrobatics, cramming in words a mile-a-minute, Quadri, takes a different approach. The South London rapper takes notes from the Giggs school of rap, choosing his words wisely and leaving spaces in between phrases for dramatic effect. Between his prowling delivery and the low electronics, the track has an ominous feeling, like Quadri is a predator circling his prey. Make no mistake, it’s just a matter of time before he pounces.

Listen to ‘White Denim’ on the Urban Radar spotify playlist.

Follow Quadri:

Website: www.qhmusic.co.uk

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/quadri_artist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Quadri.Artist/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/quadri_artist/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quadri.artist/

 

Jonny Dee channels Kid Cudi in new cosmic-rap track ‘Feedback’

With each single Jonny Dee has been paving the way to mainstream consciousness. His brand of cosmic rap has garnered attention from the likes of BBC Radio 1xtra and sent his Soundcloud plays skyward. Continuing to stake his claim as a rap prodigy, the San Diego hustler has just dropped new single ‘Feedback‘, lifted from his forthcoming EP ‘The Human Experience’.

While his typical quick-witted, tongue-twisting rhymes still run rings around the listener on ‘Feedback’, the chorus offers the kind of lazy, hypnotic drawl that’s usually associated with Kid Cudi. Cudi references aside though, Dee seems to surpass the tropes of rap by injecting a fusion of genres into his music. Elements of funk, jazz, psychedelia, soul, video game music are woven throughout ‘The Human Experience’

When we spoke to Dee about the forthcoming release he said:

“The whole idea of ‘The Human Experience’ is essentially understanding and loving yourself more and more, to the point that when you look back out at the rest of the world, a lot of the struggles that people have just don’t make sense.

“It’s all about a person getting more in touch with themselves, finding happiness that way, and wanting to help others to do the same. The music is a guideline I guess to find some freedom and peace from the “everyday struggles”. ‘The Human Experience’ is the act of going out and trying to understand humans, why they do the things they do, treat each other the way they do, and trying to help them.”

‘The Human Experience’ is available from May 12.

 

Follow Jonny Dee:

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/iamjonnydee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnotjonnydee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjonnydee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjonnydee/

Website: http://artistecard.com/iamjonnydee