So this is the first Cool Stuff What I Found written by me, Joanna Ranson. Every month I hope to show the readers of Example Magazine interesting stuff that I come across in the fields of art, music and fashion. I don’t want you all to think I’m grammatically challenged, the title is in fact a homage to A Play What I Wrote by Hamish McColl, Sean Foley and Eddie Braben; a musical celebrating the lives of comic duo, Morecambe and Wise.
I’m sure as a freelance writer and an English Literature graduate, I could have come up with something more articulate but allow it, it does exactly what it says on the tin.
The Future of DJing?
I came across this last Summer and I’m still amazed at the technology and how little coverage it has actually had. We’re all aware at how inventors and engineers are continuously making things smaller and sleeker, tape walkmans to mp3 players would be a perfect example of this. The Token Multitouch Pedestal is the handiwork of a guy called Rodrigo from Chile and is pretty much a clear sheet of glass with projection like technology, allowing you to mix literally at your finger tips.
It’s visually pleasing too, with all the flashing lights, but I could be saying that as I get easily distracted. If this is the future of DJing then chances are we’re going to end up living in a world that mildly resembles Tron. Pure skills and madness.
Whilst doing a little bit more research into touch screen DJing, I also came across this video. Remember when you used to watch David Copperfield on TV and get spun out at how he did those tricks? I get the same sort of feeling when watching these videos. It’s all very Tom Cruise in Minority Report but actually worth watching.
Art for Little People
Slinkachu is a British artist and photographer who created a collection of art called Little People in 2006 which consequently saw him exhibit his works in London, Manchester and Norway. Little People consisted of modified railway figures installed in locations around the streets of London and were often in common and every day scenarios. The ideas work really well, such as a figure going to throw a Lego brick off a motorway bridge or a hooded character sitting on a skittle next to his push bike. Innovative and creative, his work aims to reflect loneliness in the world and in urban cities. Photography is such a beautiful art and Slinkachu’s work encapsulates urban identities in miniature and entertaining form. He painted the shells of several snails also, you can see more of his work on his web site.
QC – That’s the Word
This is the latest offering from MCs Mekar and Rafta, both talented lyricists in their own right representing South East London and Doncaster respectively. Beginning to tear up raves across the UK and abroad, they’re heavyweights in the Drum and Bass scene with impeccable control of the mic and sharp, focussed lyrical flows. Demonstrating their versatility with this Hip Hop track, the Lucky 13 Part 2, is set to drop in April and features Mekar’s production skills also.
They’re madder, madder, madder, madder then dem! Madman Army, the DnB collective started by Thunda Banton, MC Foxy, Bandit Ranx and Grem PM have over 30 years of experience between them. Working with the heavier side of Drum and Bass and providing filthy beats and fast moving lyrics, Madman Army is ever growing and adding new members to their crew.
Firmly established in SE London, Madman Army includes Boxer Banton (Biological Beats), Lady V Dubz (QC, Biological Beats, Feminine Takeover) and this download comes courtesy of new additions Macky Gee and DJ Addict and offers lyrical flows by Foxy, Thunda B and Styleone. It’s big in the game and definitely shows why they’re madder than dem!
Undergound Undersound
I’m going to leave you with this track by Cardiff musician and producer Undersound. He’s a classically trained musician who turns his hand, on occasion to Drum and Bass production with amazing results. She’s Alright is a jazzy little offering, with that emotive enveloping bass that can often be found in his tracks and remixes.
As much as Cardiff has an incredibly dense population of producers who are only now starting to get the odd few releases on digital labels, this bad boy producer has over 60 releases under his belt and support from some of the most prolific artist and radio stations in the industry such as Miss Represent, Judge Jules, High Contrast, John B, BBC 1xtra, KISS FM and London’s infamous award winning Kool to name but a few. Definitely one to watch out for, and dare I say it, the best thing to come out of Wales since my Mam. Released on Hustle Audio, She’s Alright is available to buy now.
Joanna Ranson
Eastern Electrics 29th May 
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