Gilles Peterson is the Pied Piper for cutting edge music from all over the globe. He’s a DJ on BBC Radio 6, a record producer and collector, and owns several record labels including Acid Jazz, Talkin Loud and Brownswood. If there’s any noteworthy sound with a touch of funk, soul, jazz or synths, Gilles is … Continue reading
It’s hard to believe that women make up approximately 20% of the professional jazz world. From composers, instrumentalists and singers, this music genre has an unhappy imbalance in the male-to-female ratio. It’s stats like that which prompted the good folk at Birds Eye Film to raise the profile of some of the ridiculously talented women striving … Continue reading
On New Year’s Day I woke up with a tongue you could file your nails on and a head that felt like a salt-rimmed axe was wedged between my ears. The fact that I was wearing only my eyeliner, one sock and a woolly hat meant it was a good night, but I was in … Continue reading
As someone who grew up going to the likes of Glasto for my musical and hedonistic kicks, London festivals take some persuasion. Call me a snob, but I prefer the sight of the rolling hills of Somerset over the view of John Lewis. However, the draw of Jay-Z and Kendrick Lemar was enough to lure … Continue reading
This year’s Bestival was pretty fantastic. DJ Rob Da Bank’s brainchild has managed to maintain its unique, organic appeal without feeling like it’s ‘sold out’ or become infested with idiots. But how has it bucked the trend that so many festivals have fallen foul to? Here’s some of the X factors… The crowd Festivals often … Continue reading
As Glastonbury festival takes a well-earned break (every four years it puts its feet up dontchyaknow) festival fiends like myself have been wondering how and where to get an adequate festie fix. I went to my first Glastonbury before I could spell my own name and I’m yet to find anything to rival the luxurious … Continue reading
There’s something both joyous and tragic about RnB singer and hip-hop associate Frank Ocean’s decision to come out as bisexual. In 2012, this shouldn’t be as ‘heroic’ or ‘brave’ as people are making out. Personally I’m thrilled, as Frank Ocean’s rising chart stature in a music genre that’s still so closeted about its gay and … Continue reading
Not over the Hill… It’s unfortunate, yet expected, that Lauryn Hill’s quiet return in spring 2012 was met with speculation over jubilation. Will she be preaching religion, does she let white people listen to her music now and has she stopped crying yet? With many highly successful artists, she was famously known for falling victim … Continue reading
