-
Mar 06 2020 Seasonal Sounds | Spring ’20 Edition
Seasonal Sounds | International Women’s Day
Finally, the days are getting longer (it might be freezing still, but at least it’s light)! We’re dedicating the Spring Edition of Seasonal Sounds to International Women’s Day, so here are five fabulous, female musicians hand-picked from across the UK.
Listen to them, watch their music videos, get to know them, and SHARE. Did you know that for one song play on Spotify, the artist only receives £0.0026…?
If you’re enjoying the music you listen to on streaming platforms, we really encourage you to support musicians by being an active fan. Buy tickets to their shows, purchase records/CDs/digital releases, buy merch, and spread the word about them with your friends – whether that’s by word of mouth or on social media!
By Sophie Ogunyemi & Renée Jackson
1 | ARLO PARKS
We first saw Arlo perform when she was supporting Jordan Rakei on his Origin Tour, and wow, did she smash it!! Her debut song ‘Cola’ “fizzes with original confessional lyrics mixed with a smooth funky groove and a dash of jazz for good measure.” We were hooked from then on out!
2 | LAURA MISCH
Saxophonist, singer, producer, and writer; Laura is a woman of many talents. We last saw her perform whilst she was supporting Alfa Mist’s last tour in 2019, and she filled the stage with dazzling energy. The video below is part three of a film trilogy called ‘Lonely City’, which encompasses improvised live performances, including instrumentation recorded on a rooftop!
3 | JUBA
Juba is a British-Nigerian DJ and radio host, as well as co-founder of London’s Boko! Boko! collective. 2019 created quite a buzz for Juba, and her Boiler Room debut was a perfect blend of afrobeats, Gqom, kuduro, afro house and highlife music. Now based in Berlin, Juba is going to be gracing London’s Jazz Cafe this Friday, 6th March, so do what you can to be there and get dancing!!
The video below is a documentary about obstacles faced by female DJs in Nigeria and beyond, and their defiant navigation around these issues. Featuring Sensei Lo, Dj Yin and DJ Ayizan. Check out her music on SoundCloud.
4 | ISATA KANNEH-MASON
Isata is an incredibly talented pianist and, at only 23, has already had a No. 1 album in the UK classical charts – oh, and it just happens to be her debut album! She’s still studying as a postgraduate at the Royal Academy of Music, but is currently on tour – check out her 2020 tour dates around the UK and get ready for those goosebump moments!
She makes it look so effortless…
5 | EGO ELLA MAY
Ego (pronounced ‘eh-go’) is a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist from London with the richest, soulful, calming voice that you can just sink into. Check out our interview with Ego where we chatted about music inspiration, manoeuvring the music industry as a woman, and the importance of investing in a decent instrument.
Her beautiful video for ‘Girls don’t always sing about boys’ below. We can’t wait for her upcoming album ‘Honey for Wounds’ and to catch her performing live in May – get your tickets here.
Can’t get enough of these five artists? Neither can we!
Listen to our Seasonal Sounds | Spring ’20 Edition playlist on Spotify now.
Tell us what you think: @Takeitaway
-
Nov 28 2019 Seasonal Sounds | Winter Edition
The temperature has dropped and people keep talking about 2020, so we thought it was about time we presented you with the 2019 Winter Edition of Seasonal Sounds! This quarter’s handpicked musicians range from DJs to an indie-folk trio. Some you may already know, others you may not, but we’re sure their music will keep you going over the winter months, especially when you need a break from the endless loop of Christmas music!
By Renée Jackson & Sophie Ogunyemi
1 | KOKOROKO
Every time we see Kokoroko perform, we leave on a high. Whether playing an intimate show or one of their headliners, the jazz-influenced Afrobeat Collective never fail to bring the good vibes accompanied by soulful sounds and vibrant voyages. Their self-titled EP plays the beautiful underlying sounds of West African roots and draws from personal experiences. Outside the collective, the majority of the group embark on numerous individual musical adventures. They are definitely a MUST-SEE!
2 | DAP The Contract
DAP is one of those frustratingly talented people; he raps, produces, sings, has his ABRSM piano Diploma, and on top of that he is studying law… yeah, we know. Born in Lagos Nigeria, DAP has lived in London and is now based in New York so has had a wealth of inspiration. You can clearly hear influences from hip-hop and R&B to jazz and classical in his music. He recently opened for Skepta and Burna Boy at the first annual Nativeland Festival. DAP has just released some new music so get listening quick! CT III is now out on Spotify.
Follow him on Spotify, SoundCloud, Instagram and Twitter.
3 | DJ Tash LC
Whenever you hear that Tash LC on a line-up, be prepared to DANCE! We’re not talking about a two-step, we’re talking serious moves. The 24-year-old is behind Club Yeke, a label and club night, and also one of the three faces of Boko! Boko!. When she’s not bringing the fire on Worldwide FM or BBC 1Xtra, you can catch her throwing down future sounds from all over in a Boiler Room set. The urge to dance will definitely keep you warm this winter.
4 | MANSUR BROWN
There are quite a few phenomenal videos surfing the web of this young guitar prodigy. You may recognise him from trio Yussef Kamaal but now on a solo journey, Brown is most certainly a force to be reckoned with. He has lit up the music scene with his undeniable talent, and since releasing an amazing first solo project ‘Shiroi‘ last year and his effortless, sold out performance at Corsica Studios in October, there is no doubt as to why he is one of our ones to watch for 2020.
5 | CAFÉ SPICE
Café Spice is a trio who create heavenly warming winter harmonies reminiscent of Mamas & Papas, whilst also sitting with the effortlessly sublime indie-folk of contemporaries such as HAIM or The Staves. The trio come from different corners: England, Ireland and Scotland, but are now based in Manchester together. 2019 has been a good year for the trio. Fresh off the back of their first two singles, they’ve been travelling up and down the country in Niamh’s tiny car, playing gigs in a myriad of venues and places. Be sure to follow them and catch them at their next gig!
Here’s a Christmassy winter warmer: Café Spice – Silent Night (Unplugged) you’re welcome ❄
Follow them on Spotify, SoundCloud, Instagram and Twitter.
Can’t get enough of these five artists? Neither can we!
Listen to our Seasonal Sounds | Winter 19 Edition playlist on Spotify now.
Tell us what you think: @Takeitaway
-
Sep 03 2019 Seasonal Sounds | Autumn Edition
With Autumn fast approaching, we’ve handpicked 5 musicians for you to get to know and listen to over the next few months. These diverse artists all bring something slightly different to the line-up and range from well established to on the verge of break-through. We are truly spoilt for choice with the new music that’s set to emerge by the end of the year. If you don’t know them already, you will do by the time you’ve finished reading!
By Renée Jackson
1 | STEAMDOWN
The Steamdown artist collective will definitely have you up on the dancefloor. The talented group create a vibrant, jazzy, Afrofuturistic sound and have hit the ground running within the music scene. Join them at their weekly event – SD Weekly at Matchstick Piehouse playing the wickedest tunes. This group is on an upward spiral to success!
That sax solo at 3’35 ????
2 | SUDAN ARCHIVES
Inspired and intrigued by African culture, Sudan Archives, a self-taught musician, brings a rich and uplifting sound; an experience one can’t help but enjoy. Each song brings a new feel with the amazing use of musical instruments you’ve probably not heard before. She produces, plays and writes all of her music.
We really love how she uses her violin in such different ways! Have a listen out for it in her song ‘Nont For Sale’ from her latest project ‘Sink’.
3 | ALFA MIST
The London jazz scene is not to be underestimated! Alfa Mist’s latest project Structuralism proves this, easing you on a journey into nostalgia. The pianist/rapper/producer started his musical journey as a hip hop producer but has not limited himself by any means. If you ever get the chance to see him live, we guarantee you won’t regret it.
Check out our latest interview with Alfa here: Take it away presents… Alfa Mist
4 | LEMZI
Lemzi is an artist who inspires others through the power of music. As well as giving us an amazing project ‘Leki’, The East London Hip-Hop lyricist also hosts two other events: IN-FACTS and Hidden Gems Live. Both are fantastic platforms for artists to showcase their talents. We previously spoke to Lemzi about his experience of delivering rap workshops in schools, and he continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. We can’t wait to hear his next project!
5 | RASiDA
After seeing RASiDA perform at the Music For Youth Proms 2018 we were in awe. Although young, she seems to have the soul of some of our greatest jazz legends living through her. The singer-songwriter and pianist has undeniable talent which shouldn’t be slept on, and luckily she’s just released her debut single! Listen to ‘Sorry for wasting your time’ on YouTube or Spotify. It’s only a matter of time before she’ll be selling out arenas.
Check out her live session at East London Arts and Music sixth-form.
Can’t get enough of these five musicians? Neither can we!
Listen to our Seasonal Sounds | Autumn Edition playlist on Spotify now.
Tell us what you think: @Takeitaway