I was fortunate enough to meet Bruno Aleph Wizard a number of years ago as he got in contact through hearing about my club nights.
Bruno is pretty much indescribable. He is a true rare breed of momentous energy, lulling wisdom and eternal passion. Meeting him in person is a privileged experience. He probably does not know this, but his passion and support for what I do has driven and helped me beyond belief. It is difficult sometimes to keep your faith and confidence in your creative pursuits and Bruno's unconditional devotion to my work has made me feel very blessed.
I am ecstatic that we are supporting him at Bardens tonight. What an honour.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Saturday, 13 February 2010
It Might Get Loud
I felt extremely lucky to be sitting on a 12 hour flight and saw that this was on the in-flight programme. This documentary tracks Jimmy Page, Jack White and erm, The Edge individually and collectively as unique ground-breaking guitarists.
Jimmy Page - unquestionably deserves to be there, Jack White is amazing and I'm quite shocked but very happy that he's being regarded as a universal icon already and The Edge - well, early U2 is pretty good but his guitar playing has never really made much of an impact on me. Anyway, this film charts the rise and further rise of these 3 guitarists - sharing their early guitar and gig memories as well as their favourite songs and techniques. Overall, it's exciting to watch and very inspiring.
Out of the 3, the most honest, original and passionate to me is Jack White. He is the embodiment of an extraordinarily talented multi-instrumentalist and comes across humble and respected for it and deservedly so. For some reason in English quarters and on the current music scene, people think you are trying to show off if you play more than one instrument. This attitude needs to be killed off and in fact people should be encouraged to pick up more instruments and attempt to master them. That's what makes music exciting and not predictable and easy. As Jack White says in the documentary, there is no point to creativity unless you are constantly challenging yourself.
Watch the documentary, reach for your guitar and feel free to reach for more music beyond that too....
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
U-TURN
This really deserves a mention:
Very important request: east london based organisation u-turn (http://uturnproject.co.uk/) are asking for female volunteers please email daniellehud@yahoo.co.uk if at all interested.
Come on girls, let's get involved!!
Very important request: east london based organisation u-turn (http://uturnproject.co.uk/) are asking for female volunteers please email daniellehud@yahoo.co.uk if at all interested.
Come on girls, let's get involved!!
GOD-LIKE GENIUS AWARD
I think she was actually collecting best album however she deserves every accolade going. I was devastated that she wasn't nominated for any Grammys...What is wrong with the world?!! The world can't spot a musical Messiah even when it wears a red veil, has a melting face and sighs down the mic at them. I still feel that we, as a society, aren't ready for change and that sucks.
It is NOT Lady Gaga who is pushing musical boundaries, art performance and performer aesthetic. IT IS FEVER RAY.
GOD BLESS FEVER RAY!
Monday, 1 February 2010
Hero of the Day: Pumaparded
Discovered merely because he is following this blog, http://pumaparded.blogspot.com/ is an absolutely beautiful photography blog charting most of London's current bands. I was surprised to find some cool photos of The Birds on here too.
It is these unsung heroes who play as much a part in the music scene as the bands themselves. Nothing is remembered if it is not documented and things become iconic if they are documented well. Whoever you are dude, you are extremely talented and it's such a pleasure to look through your photos. Keep up the great work!!
Remix Time!!
I'm doing some remixes for a couple of bands. Firstly, I'm doing a remix of the track Neon for VAHN. VAHN is a dear friend of mine who did a fabulous remix of Blue On Blue's Summer Daze.
http://www.myspace.com/vahnmusic
http://www.myspace.com/vahnmusic
I'm also doing a remix for one of my favourite bands in London, Kurtz.
http://www.myspace.com/wearekurtz
Stay tuned!!
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Favourite Live videos
1. THE KNIFE, THE CAPTAIN
I'll always remember 2005/2006 as the year I officially went head first into music. I started my fanzine Soma Soma Scene, met some great musicians who became good friends and saw some of the best live gigs ever that year; The Raveonettes Pretty In Black Tour, Jonny Greenwood's solo show at Royal Festival Hall and I got to see The Knife twice that year - at Oya Festival, Norway and at The Forum, London.
I remember running to the stage for The Knife and I was definitely excited but had no idea that what I was about to see and feel would change my life forever. Their live show at a festival was full of weird, magical projections and visuals, heart-wrenching songs and for the first time, I fell in love with a purely electronic band. No guitars in sight. This really opened my eyes to a whole genre of music I'd never explored before as I was an alternative music fan through and through and guitars and drums were staple in pretty much everything I listened to.
The Knife are a truly ground-breaking band whose use of art, film and music is astounding. I hope they are remembered in years to come and deserve the highest recognition for what they've done.
This is exactly how you see things from the audience:
2.THE CURE, PICTURES OF YOU
Definitely this live version of Pictures of You. Unfortunately I'm yet to see The Cure live but dream that one day I will. It is 7 mins 34 seconds of complete beauty and perfection. They do such a poignant song such justice live and prove what a world class band they are. I watch this whenever I'm down or whenever I'm happy and need to be inspired; perfect song, perfect delivery and perfect ambience. It transcends absolutely everything for me. I want to spend the rest of my life trying to create such beautiful songs...
3. BJORK, HYPERBALLAD
From 2005 for almost the next 5 years I attended Roskilde Festival every year. I have a lot of friends in Scandinavia and it truly is the best festival I have been to with the most diverse line ups ranging from Guns N Roses, Scissor Sisters, Kayne West and Femi Kuti all on the same bill in one year. It is the home of the real music fan.
Anyway, Roskilde 2007 was the best and worst year for Roskilde. I got to see my idol Bjork however the festival was a total mudfest and I remember standing in mud and shit upto my thighs and all of it had gone right into my wellies during this. I was in tears from the cold and grossness of it all and then Bjork arrived on stage and made me forget my wet sorrows for an hour.
This is actual footage of the gig and Hyperballad is one of my most favourite songs of hers. I smiled so much when she played it live.
I'll always remember 2005/2006 as the year I officially went head first into music. I started my fanzine Soma Soma Scene, met some great musicians who became good friends and saw some of the best live gigs ever that year; The Raveonettes Pretty In Black Tour, Jonny Greenwood's solo show at Royal Festival Hall and I got to see The Knife twice that year - at Oya Festival, Norway and at The Forum, London.
I remember running to the stage for The Knife and I was definitely excited but had no idea that what I was about to see and feel would change my life forever. Their live show at a festival was full of weird, magical projections and visuals, heart-wrenching songs and for the first time, I fell in love with a purely electronic band. No guitars in sight. This really opened my eyes to a whole genre of music I'd never explored before as I was an alternative music fan through and through and guitars and drums were staple in pretty much everything I listened to.
The Knife are a truly ground-breaking band whose use of art, film and music is astounding. I hope they are remembered in years to come and deserve the highest recognition for what they've done.
This is exactly how you see things from the audience:
2.THE CURE, PICTURES OF YOU
Definitely this live version of Pictures of You. Unfortunately I'm yet to see The Cure live but dream that one day I will. It is 7 mins 34 seconds of complete beauty and perfection. They do such a poignant song such justice live and prove what a world class band they are. I watch this whenever I'm down or whenever I'm happy and need to be inspired; perfect song, perfect delivery and perfect ambience. It transcends absolutely everything for me. I want to spend the rest of my life trying to create such beautiful songs...
3. BJORK, HYPERBALLAD
From 2005 for almost the next 5 years I attended Roskilde Festival every year. I have a lot of friends in Scandinavia and it truly is the best festival I have been to with the most diverse line ups ranging from Guns N Roses, Scissor Sisters, Kayne West and Femi Kuti all on the same bill in one year. It is the home of the real music fan.
Anyway, Roskilde 2007 was the best and worst year for Roskilde. I got to see my idol Bjork however the festival was a total mudfest and I remember standing in mud and shit upto my thighs and all of it had gone right into my wellies during this. I was in tears from the cold and grossness of it all and then Bjork arrived on stage and made me forget my wet sorrows for an hour.
This is actual footage of the gig and Hyperballad is one of my most favourite songs of hers. I smiled so much when she played it live.
Girls who can PLAY - Nisennenmondai
Probably my most common gripe is girls in band who can't and also say they can't play. It is stupidly annoying and really has to stop. Tell me the last male band you heard saying that?? Exactly, so keep quiet and get practising.
So one girl band that no one can ever accuse of being lumped into the silly little girl category is the amazing Nisennenmondai from Japan. Female prog rockers who tear up the stage and whose drummer I'm developing a mild obsession with. Watch the vid below and all will become clear...I know London seems to be set alight by Bo Ningen at the moment. I saw them play at Offset and it was cool however these understated girls show you don't need wild showmanship to get noticed just pure musical genius and personally as a fairly subdued performer myself, I find that really really inspiring.
Saturday, 30 January 2010
An Interview with The Raveonettes - published in P.I.X Zine Dec 09
The Raveonettes returned in 2009 with a triumphant 4th new studio album, 'In And Out Of Control' and epic live shows to boot. Their unique brand of dark girl group inspired soundscapes fires them into a unique stratosphere as leaders of new retro pop. Having just finished a massive US tour the band are soon to head over for an equally mammoth European tour. I caught up with frontman Sune Rose Wagner for a rather eclectic conversation.
DS: When was the last time you were out of control?
SRW: Recently in LA, phew, let's not get into details.
DS: When was the last time you were out of control?
SRW: Recently in LA, phew, let's not get into details.
DS: How has the music industry changed since you first started the band - are you happy with the way it's going or would you change anything about it?
SRW: I like the way it's going but I'm very pleased that we got the see the "old" industry as well. The idea of communicating with fans on a personal level and keeping them happy with free stuff and the like is very appealing to me.
DS: What is the most satisfying part of being in a band?
SRW: The creative part I think. I got into music because I had an urge to write and that urge is still there and I feel blessed.
DS: You're always constantly touring! What are your tips for dealing with late nights and early flights?
SRW: You'll be surprised how fast you adjust. The problem is not really touring but getting home after a tour. It can be extremely tough to adjust to every day life when your normal every day life revolves around meeting people, traveling, performing, partying......crazy shit.
DS: Christmas is almost upon us! You've released Xmas singles/EPs in the past keeping with the great spirit of people like Phil Spector and now John Waters releases an Xmas album this year! Will you be serving up more festive treats for your fans?
SRW: I wish but we've been too busy touring. I'm going to see A John Waters Xmas on December 22nd in NYC, so I'm excited for that.
DS: Where will you be spending Xmas?
SRW: Upstate NY in a small time called Nyack with my friend, producer and mentor Richard Gottehrer and his lovely wife.
DS: Congratulations on opening your own studio in NYC! How's it going?
SRW: It's gonna be perfect but it needs a little work still. Looking forward to finishing it after the European tour.
DS: What has been your favourite album of the year so far?
SRW: Glasvegas
DS: On Pretty in Black, you collaborated with many iconic artists. Who would you want to collaborate with in the future?
SRW: Noel Gallagher and Etienne Daho
.
DS: There are many talented musicians from your area of origin - Scandinavia. Having toured the world extensively, have you come across any parts of the world where you have been blown away by their music/arts?
SRW: Everywhere, seriously...it's a pretty cool planet.
DS: There are many talented musicians from your area of origin - Scandinavia. Having toured the world extensively, have you come across any parts of the world where you have been blown away by their music/arts?
SRW: Everywhere, seriously...it's a pretty cool planet.
DS: If you had to create an art collective composed of 1 musician, 1 artist, 1 photographer and 1 filmmaker who would you choose for these roles and what project would you like them to do?
SRW: Angelo Badalamenti, Andy Warhol, Robert Frank and David Lynch to do a 3rd season of Twin Peaks.
DS: Has motherhood changed the dynamic/ethos of the band?
SRW: Nope. Still raving on...
DS: In light of the world's fascination with music reality TV, if you were a judge on a music reality show and had to judge all current musicians, who would you choose to give a piece of advice to?
SRW: Taylor Swift, I would tell her stop being so damn cute all the time, the world likes a bit of attitude every once in a while, c'mon!
DS: New Years Eve - underrated or overrated?
SRW: Totally overrated, not a fan.
DS: What do you hope 2010 will hold for The Raveonettes?
SRW: Touring and creating sinister music for the lucky few.
Chemical Brothers
The effectiveness of unusual collaborations is something I find very interesting. I first came across Beth Orton through Alive Alone, her collaboration with Chemical Brothers in the mid 1990s which is on the Exit Planet Dust album. I've been listening to Chemical Brothers quite a lot in recent months. Their collaborations with Hope Sandoval (Asleep From Day), Tim Burgess (Life Is Sweet and The Boxer) and even Noel Gallagher (Let Forever Be and Setting Sun) are all pretty amazing and lately, I have been playing at least one Chemical Brothers song in all my DJ sets.
Here are some favourites. Good friend Tim B in action:
and the amazing Hope Sandoval:
Very cool video with The Verve's Richard Ashcroft:
Here are some favourites. Good friend Tim B in action:
and the amazing Hope Sandoval:
Very cool video with The Verve's Richard Ashcroft:
Joensuu 1685
LIVE REVIEW: THE SOCIAL 18/01/10
The weekly Fitzrovian Phonographic night at The Social guarantees cheap drinks, great food and great music. The night is run by Danny, Adam and Carl who run their own labels as well as working for Heavenly Records and they all have amazing music taste. I knew a band called Joensuu 1685 were playing but besides their name, I knew nothing about them or their sound. From overhearing them speak, I guessed they were from Scandinavia but I was quietly excited to hear what they would sound like. I've had a fascination for Scandinavian music since a young age. My parents always played Abba and one of the first alternative bands I ever got into was Raveonettes Sune's first band Psyched Up Janis. Since then I have always followed the Scandinavian music scene.
The tiny stage was mostly filled by a Farfisa in between which 3 band members stood - the singer hunched over the Farfisa, while the bassist and drummer both looked like they were in some kind of trance. Heavy drums, goading basslines and church organ music slowly and incessantly filled the room. The 3 Somnambulists began to cast their spells over us. When singer Mikko Joensuu lifts his head towards the mic, a fragile, ethereal voice floats somewhere in between the restrained but enticing musical pulses emanating from the band. His voice is incredibly haunting and instantly makes me feel that this is possibly the type of music the legendary Jeff Buckley could be creating if he was still alive. All the fragility, fear, love and confusion of Mikko's voice make you feel like you've had a kind of spiritual stroke and when you walk away, you will never look at modern music or bands in the same light again for what this band is doing is untouchable and truly unique. They are 3 genuine, extremely talented yet humble musicians whose inspirations seem to range from the likes of The Velvet Underground and Suicide to folk tales and gospel music. Songs like Crystal Light are more fast paced and experimental but coupled with slower songs like Perfect Grace, the truly haunting Electric Ocean Sailor and the incredible cover of Springsteen's I'm On Fire, there is a strong sense of spiritual rock coming through and it is so genuine, raw and pure that it makes watching and hearing the band a truly physical as well as mental experience.
Bassist Risto plays with intense purpose and restrain. Sometimes playing the same few notes for about 10 minutes. You can tell he is a fantastically gifted bassist however his intentional restrain makes more impact than if he was ripping out a million bass lines. It drives the band as much as it controls them. It grounds the band from being too experimental and maintains the slightly unnerving pace of their set which leaves you in complete awe.
Drummer Markus Joensuu (brother of singer Mikko) has something of the Dave Grohl school of drumming about him. Head down, pounding hard and almost looking like a rag doll at some points, his heavy beats seal the deal on making this 3 piece one of the most exciting new bands I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. They are currently the music industry's best kept secret and as much as I would love them to remain my guilty pleasure, I feel the world deserves to hear and see them. Nothing new and exciting has come out in music world in the last few years except fellow Nordic act, Fever Ray. Watching Joensuu 1685 and listening to their eponymous album, has given me a faith in modern music that I was hoping would come along.
Joensuu 1685's debut album is released Feb 2010 in the UK and the band will be touring the UK in May. Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/joensuu1685
The weekly Fitzrovian Phonographic night at The Social guarantees cheap drinks, great food and great music. The night is run by Danny, Adam and Carl who run their own labels as well as working for Heavenly Records and they all have amazing music taste. I knew a band called Joensuu 1685 were playing but besides their name, I knew nothing about them or their sound. From overhearing them speak, I guessed they were from Scandinavia but I was quietly excited to hear what they would sound like. I've had a fascination for Scandinavian music since a young age. My parents always played Abba and one of the first alternative bands I ever got into was Raveonettes Sune's first band Psyched Up Janis. Since then I have always followed the Scandinavian music scene.
The tiny stage was mostly filled by a Farfisa in between which 3 band members stood - the singer hunched over the Farfisa, while the bassist and drummer both looked like they were in some kind of trance. Heavy drums, goading basslines and church organ music slowly and incessantly filled the room. The 3 Somnambulists began to cast their spells over us. When singer Mikko Joensuu lifts his head towards the mic, a fragile, ethereal voice floats somewhere in between the restrained but enticing musical pulses emanating from the band. His voice is incredibly haunting and instantly makes me feel that this is possibly the type of music the legendary Jeff Buckley could be creating if he was still alive. All the fragility, fear, love and confusion of Mikko's voice make you feel like you've had a kind of spiritual stroke and when you walk away, you will never look at modern music or bands in the same light again for what this band is doing is untouchable and truly unique. They are 3 genuine, extremely talented yet humble musicians whose inspirations seem to range from the likes of The Velvet Underground and Suicide to folk tales and gospel music. Songs like Crystal Light are more fast paced and experimental but coupled with slower songs like Perfect Grace, the truly haunting Electric Ocean Sailor and the incredible cover of Springsteen's I'm On Fire, there is a strong sense of spiritual rock coming through and it is so genuine, raw and pure that it makes watching and hearing the band a truly physical as well as mental experience.
Bassist Risto plays with intense purpose and restrain. Sometimes playing the same few notes for about 10 minutes. You can tell he is a fantastically gifted bassist however his intentional restrain makes more impact than if he was ripping out a million bass lines. It drives the band as much as it controls them. It grounds the band from being too experimental and maintains the slightly unnerving pace of their set which leaves you in complete awe.
Drummer Markus Joensuu (brother of singer Mikko) has something of the Dave Grohl school of drumming about him. Head down, pounding hard and almost looking like a rag doll at some points, his heavy beats seal the deal on making this 3 piece one of the most exciting new bands I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. They are currently the music industry's best kept secret and as much as I would love them to remain my guilty pleasure, I feel the world deserves to hear and see them. Nothing new and exciting has come out in music world in the last few years except fellow Nordic act, Fever Ray. Watching Joensuu 1685 and listening to their eponymous album, has given me a faith in modern music that I was hoping would come along.
Joensuu 1685's debut album is released Feb 2010 in the UK and the band will be touring the UK in May. Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/joensuu1685
Sada Sounds
This blog is completely 100% about music and nothing else. Wish I started this ages ago but at least now I have a constant forum in which to discuss bands old and new, producers, DJs and whatever else seems good.
Most blogs are niche or specialist however as I listen to such diverse music I can't really write about just one category. This blog is dedicated to everything that I love.
Most blogs are niche or specialist however as I listen to such diverse music I can't really write about just one category. This blog is dedicated to everything that I love.
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