Friday 8 June 2007

Kano New Album Exclusives

Also dropped a collaboration with Damon Albarn and one that sounded something like Craig David at the 1Xtra radio theatre gig this week...

Thursday 7 June 2007

London Paper 27



It is nothing less than absolute frustration when you turn up to a club and face the ultimate humiliation of being turned away because you don’t look the part. During the boxing boot fad, I begged and pleaded with bouncers at Ministry to let me in because I’m in that small minority that refuses to go dancing in heels. I can’t think of anything worse; blisters, bunions, dirty feet and a far greater chance of falling head over arse when trying a Michael Jackson move. Being the nice sort they were, I got in. Generally, though, where dress code is concerned, girls have got one up on the guys. Not only is it easier for us to blag, but we’re far less likely to be affected by the more common dress code no-nos: trainers and caps. Occasionally, or typically when urban music events are concerned, you may even be refused entry if you are wearing Prada shoes. Although­ I’m yet to see it specified on a flyer, ladies need not fear; it’s the men they’re out to get once again. Given that Pradas cost far more than a pair – make that three pairs – of Clarks, one can only assume Prada is now suffering a fate similar to Burberry. While clubs put it down to Prada shoes looking too much like trainers, the brand has also been assumed as the footwear of trendy troublemakers. Having suffered a similar fate is the hooded jumper. Even David Cameron’s “hug a hoodie” appeal and a growing number of designer options haven’t changed its status in the clubs. While you shouldn’t be throwing away your collared shirt or shoes just yet, one promoter has decided to show love to hoodies of all ages (yes, even under 18s are welcome). Hoodratz will take place on Sunday at The Dome in Tufnell Park and, if you wear your hooded jumper, you get £1 off the £9 admission charge. Heavy on the grime and dance music, JME, Tiger Force, Tinchy Stryder, Bolt Action 5, GoldieLocks, Electric Spoon and Outlaw all play live. On the DJ front, expect sets from Logan Sama, Baseball Furies, Tapedeck, Example, Mac 3000, Adhdjs and Snaggle Brothers. If you can’t wait until Sunday, then go to Scala in King’s Cross on Saturday. Promoter Lee Rider (Chalk) has teamed up with Tom Baker (Eat Your Own Ears) for a new night, Neon. The 9 June event stars Talk Taxis, Ratty Rat Rat, Blondelle, Bloody Awful Poetry (hosting room 2), STR8 Necklin Crew and Eyoe DJs. What to wear? The promoter says: “If you look respectable, you won’t get in.” Phew.

A VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE LONDON PAPER TODAY.

New LIVE Magazine out now!


This issue the focus is youth perspective on gun crime. As well as looking at how it's affected teenagers living in south London, there's an account from a teenager who as a child lived within the conflict zone of Congo where dodging bullets was a daily nightmare. Jaja Soze from PDC also offers an alternative spin on life in the fast lane.
Firearms aside, there's laughing gas, interviews with Hadouken, N Dubz, Mr Wong, David Blunkett (who choses grime over hip hop but can't decide between Tim Westwood and David Cameron), the low-down on street style, local crews, how to get a job in the film industry and problems get answered by LIVE's newest columnist, Laura 'Hyperfrank' Brosnan. Pick one up from a youth club, clinic, or street near you!

Back Cover

London Paper 26

Long before social networking websites like myspace, facepic or faceparty were the last minute fixes for networking your way to a good night out, online forums and virtual one-stop clubbing shops were in widespread use. Thankfully these websites like 4clubbers, nuthinsorted and dontstayin haven’t lost their cool, popularity or edge.

My pick of the bunch has to be dontstayin.com which is technophobe friendly and easy to navigate around. As I type another 435 people are chatting live about where to go this weekend. Providing up to the minute recommendations from fellow clubbers, comprehensive listings, a most viewed venue guide, there’s also the latest guest list offers, reviews, interviews and picture galleries. You can also stumble across some random events – day trip to the custard pie throwing galley at a primary school in Middlesex anyone?

Thankfully it’s no longer embarrassing to admit you’ve made an online friend. Good job then because I’ve got loads. With London often proving a lonely place if you haven’t got friends who share your musical preference, trust me when I say online forums, with a bit of practice and sense, can pave the way for some great nights out with like minded people. One of my old haunts of choice, ukmusic.com, saw me strike up a solid friendship with a 14 year old girl called Lady Sovereign. Who’d have thought that five years later I’d be joining her on tour in New York?

If you’re still not swayed by the thought of planning your life using the internet, you could just keep reading this. It’s hard to stay away from Plan B in Brixton at the moment. Soul II Soul legend, Jazzie B, will be playing alongside DJs from the Bristol based Bloom Festival who in turn will be showing punters what to expect from their festival in August. Expect funk, soul, hip hop, leftfield and crowd rockers.
If you’d like an excuse to ditch your trainers and really hit the town, Dirty Dublin presents One Night In Bangkok at the Key, Kings Cross, which could be considered an appropriate location for the sordid frolics they promise. On the Go Go Floor get your fix of dirty electro from DJs such as Sleazy-G, Rory McCart and Franky Van while the Oriental Chandelir Room will be pumping the jackin house with Smokingroove, Bumps & Bonez, Shane O’Hagen and many more. If you’re interested, they’ve also got a profile on dontstayin.com.

Another of the weekends highlights falls on a Sunday night but it’s an early one running 6pm-midnight. Redken’s Experiment Party at Koko, Camden features live music from The Young Knives, The Mules, Palladium and The Whip. A DJ set will come from Queens Of Noize. Winners of Notion Magazines talent search for the future starts of music, film and design will also be showcasing their work. With tickets only £10, you can afford to get your rock on and your rocks off.

A VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE LONDON PAPER