Our homies over at Utopia Music have been having a great year so far with releases from Andyskopes and Mute and Mako. Now they've got badman of the moment Mikal fresh back from his outing on Difisgured Dubz Headbanger and The Chant are pretty weighty numbers.  A bit different more weighty than the last release on Utopia this one goesin pretty hard.  

Check it out below and cop it on vinyl on the 7th of May. 

'Fuck genres'; a throwaway comment from myself in a small facebook discussion with a friend, came back to me following my meeting with the eclectic Troumaca (tru-muh-cuh), these days nobody really cares what pigeonhole things fall into - as they said in Detroit Rock City, 'good tunes is good tunes'. I was first introduced to Troumaca when I downloaded their 'Elements' mixtape from their Soundcloud. The 50 minute mix (below) features a wide variety of electronic tunes, from Rustie to Little Dragon, and is well worth a download. It also demonstrated the wide influences crammed into the escapist sound which the Birmingham-based 5 piece have crafted. When I ask them how they would describe their sound they are carefully aprehensive in their answer. 'Bassy...' is the first definite answer I get from guitarist Geoffrey before he returns to thought. Vocalist Sam opens up, 'The world's gone to shit and we just want to escape from it really'. Geoffrey comes back, 'I want to make music people can fuck to' he states more firmly. Now we're getting somewhere.

 

 

I encounter the band on a cold Manchester evening as they embark on a 9 date support stint with indie/dance act The Sunshine Underground, quite a coup for an unsigned band with just one EP ('Gems') under their belts- they are clearly turning the right heads (including the NME) and have more material in the offing. 'We've got a new single, Altar, coming out soon as a digital release. We're talking with people about signing at the moment but there's nothing definite yet' explains Sam, clearly aware of the benefits an established label could bring them, even though they have the capacity, like most new artists now, to self publish a release.

 

Their live show is a great testament to their music, retaining all the complexity and injecting energy into every tune. After a few initial laptop-based technicals, they start their show to an audience of approximately five but by the end the venue is nearly full and Troumaca have many heads nodding in their direction. Their songs are wonderfully intricate combinations of energetic breaks and syncopated percussion, layered with a rich tapestry of reverb washed guitars and choral vocals which give them an ethereal quality. Sam later describes them as 'sun-drenched beach music' and watching them I imagine they would sound even better in a tropical setting. Whilst they don't induce the near euphoria tonight's headline act elicit from fans, they do a sterling (and arguably tougher) job of warming one the most fickle of crowds - indie mancs.

 

  

So what's most important to them? 'Try to be different. A lot of people say it but to us its very important' explains Geoffrey. 'We mess up so much in trying different things but then you find something and it's worth it.' From what I've witnessed this evening their efforts have been well worth it; a well crafted sound and energetic live show surely means the only way for these boys is upwards.

http://troumaca.co.uk/

http://soundcloud.com/troumaca

 

 

'Stay away from sharp objects and pills' was my friend's advice when I was giving Emeli Sande's debut, 'Our Version of Events', a first listen. To an extent she was right, her haunting voice and heavy use of some beautiful strings could definitely push someone over the edge, but the album also featured some great uplifting tracks so I'm glad I managed to catch the Manchester date of her current tour.

 

              

As I walk into the cavernous Ritz, it's clear Emeli Sande's music now reaches far beyond the Unity FM and Deaf Institute audiences she was playing to last year. In just over 12 months she has blown up to Radio 1 proportions, doubtlessly helped by a critic's choice award at the 2011 Brit awards which alerted much of the media to her existence. Unlike some artists however, I'd call this meteoric rise more than justified. A talent such as this is a rare one indeed and in this style-over-substance world of popular music she definitely has both in abundance. The sold out Ritz crowd is quite a diverse one, seemingly ranging from the singer's younger fans to people who will have picked up her album on a trip around Tesco, but they are filling up the Ritz and seem mostly excited at what is to come.

The star takes to the stage with a 'Mad Men'-esque outfit and a 'FInal Fantasy'-esque hairdo and jumps straight into one of her singles 'Daddy' which gets the crowd's attention nicely. We are then treated to a number of cuts from her debut album including 'Suitcase' and 'Breaking the Law' all performed to perfection. Being a singer with a great voice who can play the piano, Sande has inevitably drawn comparisons to Alicia Keys and I'd be happy to do the same - Scotland has produced more than a match for the American mega star here. Indeed we are told during the gig, that Emeli penned the song 'Hope' with Miss Keys (as part of an extensive songwriting catalogue featuring many big artists) which was performed alongside the equally beautiful 'River'. It is the constant dialogue with the crowd which really captures the audience here, it is clear every single person's attendance is greatly appreciated by the songstress and we are rewarded with short tales of the origins of songs and the singer's past life as a student of medicine (multi-talented or what!).

The show comes to a climax with her first hit single 'Heaven'. As great a song as this is (with even better remixes) it's actually one that doesn't really do her amazing voice justice and sits apart from the others in her setlist in a style all of it's own, still this has no bearing on the ensuing full singalong from the crowd which lifts the roof off the Ritz. There's only time for one more song in the encore and that space is reserved for her biggest single to date 'Next to Me' which gets the biggest cheer of the night and gives us one last chance to bask in her resplendent voice. Perfect.

Ashes 57, or Delphine if you're being nosey, is an amazing artist and photographer.  I first saw her work when she uploaded her photos of Outlook Festival in 2009 to her Facebook and I've been hooked on her photos ever since.  Her artwork has popped up in a number of places, but where I saw it first was on the sleeves of Kryptic Minds releases on Swamp81.  She's also worked with Obey mastermind Shephard Fairey.  I wanted to catch up with her and aske her a few questions. . .

 

Example : What was the first ever camera you owned? And what do you use to take photos now?

Ashes : the first camera I bought was a Nikon N64 analogue. I got it with my first paid check that I made whilst I was working as a videographer in a snowboard camp in the Oregon. I use a Canon 5D markii now .

Example : Does creativity run in your family?

Ashes : I guess it does. My grand-father was a painter in his spare time. I picked up the habit of painting pictures of whatever image was going through my head from him. Also when I grew up my parents took me too lots of art exhitibitions and in some way did my formal art education.

Example : What do you find inspiring or where do you draw inspiration on a day to day basis?

Ashes : Music is the main source of my inspiration. Going the rave, dancing, or grasping the energy of a crowd boost my creativity. When I need to think, I like walking down the streets and absorb the surrounding. My ideas merge to one thought and become more clear. I also find my inspiration in commercial work. Working for various clients helps me to develop various sides of my creativity. and often ideas for totally different project pops in my head.

Example : You've lived and worked in the UK, Canada and the USA. How were they different in terms of everyday life and also in terms of your creative life and output? Do you have a favourite?

Ashes : I am not going to lie I love the New York day to day life. Although, it is a very fast pace life that is hard to follow if you're not up for hard work. I just love it. I feel alive in New York and all my senses are activated. The London life is different, but in London I have the time to go deep in my ideas and develop them. Canada is perfect. I love Montreal so much , and not because they speak French although I love the Quebec accent but I love Montreal for the quality of the town, the technology, creatives and the lofts. I would love to have my film studio there. I think I could settle down for a good life. But for now I am after pushing my ideas to see where I could go creatively. I haven't explored it all yet.

Example : How did you end up working with Shepard Fairey?

Ashes : In 2004, I was living in Montreal but I was on holiday in Paris, also looking for a creative job and thinking about who I would love to work for and who I wanted to become and I looked up on the wall and saw an Obey poster and I said : I wanna work for Shepard. I was convinced that was the perfect job. Two weeks later, I have received an email from his studio saying that I could come and do in internship at Studio Number One which is Shepard Fairey's graphic design firm. I flu to LA as sonn as I could. I worked for his for few months then moved to New York.
        

        
Example : You cofounded the Lava Collective. How did that come about and whats the idea behind it?

Ashes : The idea was the create a platform where I could show all the brilliant creatives that I met over the years and to exhibit art in different locations.
        
       

Example : What was the first and last piece of music you bought and why?

Ashes : first time was Public Enemy tape and the last one was at Idle Hands and it was
PEVERELIST 'SALT WATER' (LIVITY SOUND)


Example : Do you have an artistic or musical hero?

Ashes : My artistic hero are Shepard Fairey, Chris Cunningham, David Lynch, Loefah and Dust. They all showed me the way.

Example : Name three artists working in any medium who you think are doing sick things at the moment.

Ashes : I love Dj Rashad, and Spinn, the Teklife crew.

Example : Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that we won't know?

Ashes : I back roll.

Example : If you were in a riot what would you loot first?

Ashes : If i was in the middle of a Riot, I would probably be too busy taking photos of the looters.

Example : What have you got planned for 2012 that we can look out for?

Ashes : This year I have a lot of shows planned abroad like in Greece, Ireland and Belgium. But next September, I got asked towork on some art installation for Outlook festival and Dimension. I am looking forward to work with the collaboration of Ziggy Grudzinskas on this art project that would take place during both festivals.

 

Thanks a lot Ashes. :) 

 

You can find more of Ashes 57's work on her website here ...

Diffrent Records are back on the 7th May next month with a brand new single from their exclusive signing Jekyll or Thomas the Bass Engine as the Diffrent crew call him. Blabbermouth and Drainpipe has already been getting support all over the gaff from the likes of  Marcus Intalex, Dub Phizix and loads of people, which play records simultaneously in dark rooms.  

 

Diffrent have been building up a strong following over their last 012 releases and their tenth release in the form of a pink vinyl from Frederic Robinson was Tree - mendous.  They celebrated their birthday last month as well at Kmag's Cafe 1001, which is a cafe named after a large number.   We reccomend you check ou the release below and if you like it you should buy it.  

 

It's April, it's spring and it's nearly festival time. Which means it's time for us to dust off our Example Festival Friday section and revitalise it ready for you to start planning your summer. Each week we're going to be bringing you a rundown of all the festival releases from our inbox. 

 

Bestival - 6th to 9th September - Isle of Wight 

The brainchild of Rob da Bank, Bestival is welcoming none other than Stevie Wonder, New Order, the XX, Roots Manuva, and many many more obviously.  As well as a whole host of interactivity and performances.  A bit of a drive from Manchester for this one, but from what we've heard it's definitely worth travelling the distance. 

 

Boomtown Fair - 9th to 12th August 2012 - Winchester 

With over 70% of the tickets for boomtown already gone you'll have to be quick to get onto this extravaganza of festivalness.  Skittles was there last year and he had a whale of a time.  There's a hench lineup on this year and friend of Example's Dub Phizix will be heading down there. 

 

Camp Bestival - 26th - 29th July - Dorset 

Situated in Dorset, Camp Bestival, is Bestival's family friendly cousin. This year headed up by the Happy Mondays, Kool and the Gang, Hot Chip and more plus a whole host of activities such as the 'silly sportsday'. You can check out the full lineup and look into buying a ticket at the Camp Bestival site. 

Dimensions Festival - 6th to 9th September - Croatia

This year the crew behind Outlook, one of the best bass festivals on the calender, have added another festival just one week after Outlook. Dimensions has a hench lineup too long to include here. Head over to their website to check out the full lineup and tickets.  If it's anything like Outlook you are not going to be dissapointed. 

 

Hideout Festival - 29th June to 1st July 2012

Warehouse Project's croatian offering comes in the form of Hideout Festival at the end of June.  Just in time for everyone's post uni celebration. A bit more Warehousy than Outlook you can expect the likes of Chase and Status, Skream and Scuba. You can check out the full lineup on the Hideout site. Although the tickets have sold out so if you've not got your ticket already then I suppose your fucked.

 

Kendal Calling - 27th - 29th July 2012 - Lake District 

Example has been down to Kendal Calling twice now and it's safe to say there is a lot of fun to be had.  I went myself in 2010 and Skittles went down last year.  This year they're still announcing acts but they've already got Dizzee Rascal, Benga, Toddla T and about 5 hundred more acts.  

Play Festival - 1st to 3rd June - Norfolk 

Shortlisted for best new festival last year, Play Festival in Norfolk spreads the love over 6 stages. There's a load of bands going like the Pigeon Detectives, in terms of electronic bizznizz you can expect to see Shy FX, Toddla T and Dj Zinc.  You've not got long left for this one, but you can still grab tickets over at the Play Festival website. 

 

May sees the return of FutureEverything to Manchester. The festival itself is a combination of music, art and lectures from some of the most forward thinking minds around. There’s so much to see and do at the festival it really is a must see for anyone interested in digital media and arts, where as the musical events are a must see for everyone – it’s that simple really.

 

For a flavour of what to expect you can check out our review of last year’s festival or our gallery of pictures.

 

The big highlight for Example at this year’s festival has to be Amon Tobin. The Ninja Tune pioneer is bringing his ISAM A/V show to Manchester Academy in what promises to be an awesome spectacle. This show is also followed by a FutureEverything closing party curated by Selective Hearing and Idiosync and featuring Marcel Dettman, Faulty DL and more. This is also in the Academy so be sure to grab tickets for both whilst they’re still available.

 

Tickets are available on the FutureEverything website and you can get a pass which gets you into all the music events so check it out!

 

 

Full Press Release:

2012 FutureEverything festival attracts international artists, musicians and technology pioneers to push the creative possibilities of digital connectivity

Manchester’s pioneering FutureEverything festival will take place city-wide from 16-19 May, bringing together an explosive music programme, premieres of contemporary visual art and trailblazing speakers from around the world, in an entertaining exploration of the artistic and political possibilities of new participatory technologies.

FutureEverything 2012 features a line-up of ground-breaking artists and thought-leaders, including acclaimed electronic music producer and Ninja Tune artist Amon Tobin, performance art group Blast Theory and talks by a host of seminal thinkers including Icelandic MP Birgitta Jónsdóttir, a past spokesperson for Wikileaks who instigated a massive change in the Icelandic political system through social media. The festival occupies the city across a diverse mix of venues including the Museum of Science and Industry and the historic Victoria Baths.

In its 17th year, FutureEverything 2012 takes inspiration from two significant milestones; the 75th anniversary of the Mass Observation Movement and the UN International Year of Co-operatives. The common theme for both movements is the changing nature of collective action which is examined by the art, music and conference strands of the Festival which, this year, is named ‘FutureEverybody’.

Drew Hemment, festival founder and director: “Technology has profoundly changed the ways people connect, work and play. Nowadays, we can collaborate with tens or thousands of strangers across networks to create original, sometimes beautiful media objects and new kinds of participatory experiences, this is no longer just the domain for geeks and tech-heads; everyone is affected by digital technology in the consumption and sharing of information.

“The art and conference programme explore these themes and the conference takes it one step further, examining the new forms of participation made possible by digital technology and considering the debate surrounding related trends from crowdsourcing to the Arab Spring, Wikileaks and Occupy London.”

Music Programme Highlights

Headlining the festival is Amon Tobin ISAM (Live), the spectacular A/V show from the Ninja Tune artist. FutureEverything brings the show to the North of England for the first time. With the only other 2012 shows taking place in Brixton and at Coachella festival, this offers a real opportunity for Northern audiences to experience the dizzying onslaught of projection mapping onto an enormous stage set – an A/V show that is truly dependant on both sound and visuals to create a masterful, 3D assault on the senses.

Where Amon Tobin heralds the pinnacle of A/V, Matthew Herbert’s One Pig marries production techniques with the absurdly theatrical to underline a political point. Tim Hecker performs his organ compositions in-situ within the wonderful St. Philip’s Church, a space also utilised by Forest Swords. Alt-J and No Ceremony headline a specially curated North-West showcase at Quay House, whilst artists such as Deadbeat, Andy Stott and Szare refine their craft by going back to basics at the FutureEverything Opening Party with MUTEK.

Art Programme Highlights

Located in the 1830 Warehouse, a Grade 1* listed building which forms part of the Museum of Science and Industry’s site in Castlefield, highlights include the premiere of ‘I’d Hide You’, a ‘game of stealth, cunning and adventure’ to be experienced by participants using smartphones, the internet and smart television, staged by internationally renowned artists group, Blast Theory. And ‘Human Resources’ by Lawrence Epps is a new interpretation of a piece, which in 2011 saw 6,000 “additional commuters” taking to the streets of London and Stoke-on-Trent in the form of miniature ceramic figures for the British Ceramics Biennial.

Aaron Koblin and Takashi Kawashima’s trailblazing ‘Ten Thousand Cents’ is presented in Manchester for the first time as a print and video installation and a magical ‘Ant Ballet’ by Ollie Palmer is the world’s first ballet to exclusively feature ants. ‘Theatre Jukebox presents Mass Observation’ is a new work by artists Theatre Jukebox, presented on a new digital canvas taking material and inspiration from the Mass Observation Archive. Artists Joern Roeder & Jonathan Pirnay explore issues around accessibility and internet privacy with ‘fbFaces’ a fascinating installation using the public profiles of Facebook users and their friends, newly created specific to Manchester following its German premiere in 2011.

Manchester’s historic Victoria Baths is the venue for ‘Handmade’, an interactive craft fair from artists working in craft and digital technology, designed to encourage visitors to create their own DIY artworks. Alongside ‘Handmade’ is a ‘Zine Symposium’ displaying Manchester zines, with workshops where audiences can contribute to the making of a collective Victoria Baths Fanzine.

Conference highlights

On 17 & 18 May 2012 at the Museum of Science and Industry, the FutureEverything Conference examines a new participatory culture that is changing our world. Bringing together the latest debate and visionary ideas from the people who are at the forefront of change, and the future-thinkers who enable us to see the possibilities of such connectivity including keynote speakers Carlo Ratti, Rohan Gunatillake and Cesar A. Hidalgo (featured in Wired Magazine’s The Smart List 2012: 50 People Who Will Change The World). Additional keynotes, speakers and panellists include Bilal Randeree (Al Jazeera) and Birgitta Jónsdóttir.

Drew Hemment:

“FutureEverything has always inhabited the territory between creativity and technology and it excites me that increasingly this is a playground that has shifted into the mainstream. This is the only festival that attracts musicians, artists and provocateurs, each at the forefront of their field, and it is a chance for everyone to come together, have a good time and get some really exciting insights into what the future holds for digital technologies, and in our everyday lives.”

FutureEverything 2012 takes place at the Museum of Science and Industry, Islington Mill, St Phillips Church, Royal Northern College of Music, Instituto Cervantes, Spinningfields, Manchester Academy and Victoria Baths.

For more information about the programme, venues and to buy tickets: www.futureeverything.org/ Tel: 0161 834 1300 / Email: info@futureeverything.org

Early next month sees a pretty special night rolling into Sankeys so we thought we’d give it a little highlight to you all.

 

Here at Example we’re for music of all types and we are all now part of a generation which has dumped the word ‘genre’ in a wheelie bin somewhere. Nowadays, a good night is a good night and nobody cares if it involves house, dubstep, drum and bass, dancehall, garage, hip hop, techno etc. or a combination of all of the above, which is a truly excellent situation to be in.

 

So reggae dubplates and house music? Why the fuck not.

 

On Friday May 5^th Metropolis and Tribal Sessions have come together to bring Carl Cox and David Rodigan MBE to town. That’s quite a combination I’m sure you’ll agree. One of the true pioneers of house music playing alongside the king of the reggae soundclash. Expect a true musical odyssey and education in both styles. As if that wasn’t reason enough they’ve also popped dubstep don Breakage and party-starter Toddla T on to the bill. Nice!

 

Check the Facebook event page for ticket details & ting: http://www.facebook.com/events/369497443066410/

Talking about his regular home fixture, Ghosts of Garage, Manchester-based UKG pioneer and dubstep godfather Zed Bias says: "It’s not so much an old-school garage  night. It's purpose is to show the lineage from the two-step I used to make to the music that’s currently out there that I represent."

In Bias' own case, that's a lot of kinds of music. A prolific workrate and multifaceted nature mean that it's hard to keep tabs on his output so the fixture is a good opportunity to check out what he's been up to release-wise.

It would be criminal not to talk about his recent "Reminisce About The Phuture" EP on Swamp81. A vinyl-only helping of intelligent, classy grooves, the double-pack makes a perfect counterpoint to some of the froth of the current house revival. It's deep, jacking, stuff that's suggestive of New York's Sound Factory in the early 1990s with Frankie Knuckles or Junior Vasquez at the controls. 

Bias, aka the genial Dave Jones, says that the original idea for jazz-tinged, laid-back tracks like "Music Deep Inside" came from a conversation with Loefah on the way back from playing Australia a couple of years ago.

"We discussed it over a beer in Harry’s Bar in Singapore Airport," he says. "Basically, where dubstep was going, what kind of music Loefah liked, what kind of music I liked and we decided that we were both like massive fans of house music. And we’re not talking about Vengaboys, we’re talking about proper house music."

 

 

Jones describes 1992 as where he started his own house music journey citing Cajmere, Blaze and particularly Master at Work and their Nuyorican Soul project. 

 

He says: "Masters at Work they were my favourite, probably, and 'Music Deep Inside' was definitely me doffing my cap to Kenny Dope [Gonzalez] and the vocal samples that I’ve used and mashed up, they’re all kind of evocative of that period as well."

 

Meanwhile, remarkable percussive bubbler "Badungdeng", appears to have been chosen as the first single from his forthcoming Sleeping Giants LP (on Tru Thoughts). Made with veteran UK rappers Rodney P and Fallacy (with Jenna G, Strategy and Fox dropping by for ancillary duties), the eponymous album has a filmic feel; an interlinked set of sub-genre-jumping urban narratives. Small wonder, then, that Jones talks of plans for cinematic teaser vids for LP track "And The 'Ting went Blaow", itself a vignette of nightlife noir with a twist in its tale.  

Jones has also been ridiculously busy on the remix tip. His Funky hoover-bleep restyle of  DJ Fresh's recent hit "Hot Right Now", an anarchic techno twist on fellow uber-producer Joey Negros' current "No Sugar" (on Italian label DRB) and a shimmering summertime liquid funk version of 72 year-old American soulster Leon Ware's "Orchid For the Sun" are just some highlights. 

 

Closer to home, of course, Zed Bias has either worked with or remixed just about everyone of note on Manchester's burgeoning bass music scene. "The whole Manchester vibe is at critical mass right now," he says, noting that Dub Phizix, Skeptical and Strategy's "Marka" is massive as far away as Russia and Georgia where he's DJed in recent weeks. 

 

To add to this heady brew, Bias recently wrapped up the LP "Original Dan" with legendary local lyricist Trigga. Having been treated to a preview, it would seem that the duo have created what can only be described as a killer dollop of Northern dancehall with help from locals Killa Benz, vocalist Yasmin and long-time Bias collaborator Specialist Moss. 

 

Jones says: "The vibe is somewhere between garage, grime and bashment. There’s a hard edge to it but the hard edge is probably more through the production rather than overly-slack lyrics or anything like that. There’s a lot of hooks, there’s a lot of larger-than-life sort of raggadocious vibes."

 

Indeed, "Jeans and Creps" is Moss Side's answer to Vybz Kartel, Popcaan & Gaza Slim's "Clarkes". "Jump Inna Mi Whip" has a comedic rap swagger worthy of Ludacris and "Roll Dem Own" is an infectious skanking tribute to the collie-in-the-morning lifestyle that'll have you laughing all the way to your local White Castle. 

 

I was pleasantly surprised last week to hear that Spectrasoul's next single features Manchester vocalist Fox. Mainly surprised that I didn't know about it at all even though he comes round my house to shout at me on a regular basis. Not because he's angry, thats just his way.  Spectrasoul have been locked in the studio for a while now working on their album, due for release on Friction's Brighton based label Shogun Audio. If this single is anything to go by we're in for a treat when the album drops.  

You can listen to previews of both tunes on the single online below. I recommend you keep an ear out for the rest of the album. The other side is well worth a listen, that string sample kills it.

 

I have already addressed how impressed I have been in recent times with the amount of hip hop shows in Manchester, the same can't be said of the ticket price of shows however. Live music and gig attendance has seen an astronomical proliferation in recent years, and as it's gotten cooler to go to shows, ticket prices have seen a similar rise where punters will rarely see change from £20 to see small to medium size artists - and thats no disrespect to Talib Kweli who's brought a new tour to the UK, I'm sure he doesn't set his own prices- but as I enter a half full HMV Ritz in Manchester, my thoughts turn to the fact that if you halve the price and double the audience you make the same amount of money (indeed the venue sell even more drinks) and get a much better atmosphere at your show.

 

As a slight aside here, I want to big up smaller hip hop promoters like Taste the Diff'rence and Will Not Be Televised, both of whom have managed to bring us names like GZA, Del The Funky Homosapien and Mighty Souls of Mischief for less than a tenner, in brilliant intimate surroundings- nice one boys, keep it up!

But lets get back to the cavernous Ritz (I promise I'll get my moaning out of the way quickly!) as a venue it supposedly had a multi-million pound refit last year but I'm struggling to see how that money was spent as a new lick of paint, some new lights, a small downstairs room and some new carpet shouldn't amount to that. I would've taken that old squidgy carpet back if they had invested a bit more cash in the sound system. Anywhere but right at the front the bass sounds muddy, guitar bands may get away with that but the increasing amount of urban and dance acts which are gigging there are being let down by the sound. Oh, and its £4 a pint, in a plastic glass < Fuck off!

Ok back to the actual performance and this is where I can start being very happy again! Support from MC Lowkey is top notch. This UK artist deserves a hell of a lot of praise and recognition; he displays a great amount of lyricism, with speed, content and delivery all on point - go check! Talib Kweli arrives to a great reception and he show no restraint, launching straight into 'Listen' and following that with 'Palookas'- my favourite from last year's 'Gutter Rainbows' album. Its amazing to think he has been around for nearly 15 years now- whilst his album quality may have diminished slightly, unavoidable given the quality of his early material, as a live MC he is still at the top of the game, with perfect delivery and cohesion with his DJ more than apparent. Talib also shows he's still politically motivated, taking a moment to display solidarity to the worldwide 'Occupy' movement, before playing the track 'Distraction' which was written for the cause

 

The setlist sees a sprinkling of both old and new material but its clear this crowd are here for the underground classics which made Kweli what he is today. Fortunately  the wish is granted with tracks like Definition/RE:Definition, Move Something and I Try, all obvious choices but also complimented by rarer pieces like the Beatles sampling 'Lonely People' and Kanye West collaboration 'Get Em High' (from back when Kanye was safe). The best was saved til last as well as the gig climaxed with the anthem 'Get By' which still remains one of the best intelligent, conscious hip hop tunes ever created. Every hand in the venue reached for the ceiling without hesitation- a site worth finishing off any night.

 

Well it seems our beautiful city gets bigger and busier with every passing month. There’s far too many events going on for one person to enjoy, so just take your pick from the crop we’ve gathered below.

 

Week ending April 8^th

 

Thursday 5^th

Orbital at Manchester Academy

Hit & Run vs Bad Man Ting at Moho Live

(http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/315456201842222/)

Ballin’ on a Budget at Mint Lounge

(http://www.facebook.com/events/356009037777217/)

S.O.S. Bank Holiday Bank Job at Alter Ego

(http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/243585705733789/)

 

Friday 6^th

Warehouse Project

Will Not Be Televised at Antwerp Mansion

(http://www.facebook.com/events/402247383122298/)

Total Garage at Joshua Brooks

(http://www.facebook.com/events/177978112319683/)

Zutekh: Hideout Launch at Sound Control

(http://www.facebook.com/events/180744058702540/)

 

 

Saturday 7^th

Selective Hearing at Joshua Brooks

(http://www.facebook.com/events/363170960383552/)

 

Sunday 8^th

Warehouse Project

Now Then Imploding Inevitable Easter Sunday All Dayer at Dulcimer

(http://www.facebook.com/events/156355937820416/)

 

PICK OF THE WEEK: SELECTIVE HEARING

Definitely one of my favourite nights in Manchester, consistently booking some of the best new and established artists from the techno-dubstep car crash that occurred a while ago. This event sees them giving Blawan and Pariah 3 hours to make their own, a tantalising prospect!

 

Week Ending April 15^th

 

Monday 9^th

Hit & Run with Goth Trad

(http://www.facebook.com/events/380617545291800/)

IconAclass at Islington Mill

(http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/180992352016755/)

 

Thursday 12^th

Emile Sande at HMV Ritz

Now Then This City Is Ours & Broken Bubble Present: Vieka + support at Dulcimer

(http://www.facebook.com/events/203737266401735/)

Idiosync Label Launch at Joshua Brooks

(http://www.facebook.com/events/109713992492936/)

 

Friday 13^th

Hit & Run hits Glossop with 808 State

(http://www.facebook.com/events/337437599624929/)

Works Unit at The Attic

(http://www.facebook.com/events/272340196182224/)

 

 

Saturday 14^th

Project 13 at Joshua Brooks

(http://www.facebook.com/events/252782611479565/)

 

Sunday 15^th

FYC Fundraiser with Wallin’ Photography Exhibition at Antwerp Mansion

 

PICK OF THE WEEK: PROJECT13

Following on from a sell-out party in January, Project13 returns bringing the excellent Sully with them amongst many other talented DJs. Check out Sully’s album Carrier from last year for an idea of what flavours to expect.

 

Week Ending April 22^nd

 

Monday 16^th

Delilah at Manchester Academy 3

Hit & Run Outlook Launch Party with Author, Phaelah & Remarc

(http://www.facebook.com/events/239803636115171/)

 

Wednesday 18^th

Major Lazer at HMV Ritz

 

Friday 20^th

4/20 - International Cannabis Appreciation Day - Happening all over the world

Just Skank at Moho Live

(http://www.facebook.com/events/252299631520225/)

Riot Jazz: Soundwave Launch Party at Antwerp Mansion

(http://www.facebook.com/events/158642874254891/)

THTC proudly presents RELAPSE007

(http://www.facebook.com/events/204723866296376/)

 

 

Saturday 21^st

Eastern Bloc Records - Record Store Day Event

(http://www.facebook.com/events/366595990030332/)

 

Sunday 22^nd

Now Then Baptists & Bootleggers: Dark Star re-soundtracked

(http://www.facebook.com/events/350348288335126/)

 

PICK OF THE WEEK: HIT & RUN OUTLOOK LAUNCH PARTY

Whether or not you are going to Outlook (and please question yourself if you aren’t) this party is a must. Iration Steppas are one of the biggest names in dub. Author released one of the best dubstep albums of last year and Manchester has been eagerly awaiting an appearance. Phaelah, who never fails to impress. And Remarc, bringing only the Jungliest beats for your ears. An eclectic selection of incredible talent

 

 

Week Ending April 29^th

 

Monday 23^rd

Hit & Run with Fred V & Grafix

 

Wednesday 25^th

Murkage Presents Dot Rotten, Logan Sama, Swindle, Ifan Dafydd at HMV Ritz

(http://www.facebook.com/events/181452958639101/)

 

Thursday 26^th

Heavy Rain with T. Williams at Joshua Brooks

(http://www.facebook.com/events/231269160303348/)

Now Then This Mansion Is Ours

(http://www.facebook.com/events/233680100063196/)

 

Friday 27^th

Soul:ution with Doc Scott & Calibre

(http://bandonthewall.org/events/3554/)

Ghosts of Garage at Moho Live

 

Saturday 28^th

Dub and Bass at Contact Theatre

(http://www.facebook.com/events/360372787334689/)

 

PICK OF THE WEEK: SOUL:UTION

Every month Sou:ution brings the best in Drum & Bass to one of the best venues in town with the best vibes around. There’s very little you can ever fault this night for. This month Doc Scott will be damaging the dancefloor, Calibre will be soothing it and as usual Marcus Intalex and DRS will be holding the whole thing together like some funky-ass glue.

There aren't many bands who can evoke such feelings of bliss amongst their fans as Submotion Orchestra. The Leeds based group have such a soothing and uplifting sound that its a struggle not to be uplifted and transported into a lucid dream-like state, and they are on yet another nationwide tour giving you all a chance to feel this.

I saw the septet in Manchester on the opening date and, as good as their music is to have on some headphones whilst kicking back, they are truly something else live. Last year's debut album 'Finest Hour' was a combination of dubstep, jazz and trip-hop which reminded us that dubstep could evoke as much musicality as any form of electronica, despite recent attempts to distort the life out of every note. When they step on stage every band member produces a piece of a beautiful whole. Bassist Chris uses a mountain of effects pedals to add waves and wobbles to his subby undertones, the rhythm section of drummer and percussionist form one mind with two bodies, keeping a shuffle and groove throughout proceedings add to that multiple keyboards a trumpet and producer Ruckspin manning the mixing desk and they're a sonic force to be reckoned with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then there's the Ruby-coloured cherry on the top. I don't think any of the band members would argue that their frontwoman's charm and haunting voice is key to their hypnotic live shows. From the moment she steps on stage she has the crowd's undivided attention, with declarations of love commonplace in between tracks. It's a love which seems to be reflected back as she performs with a smile throughout and appears almost overwhelmed when the audience sing 'All Yours' right back to the band. Beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As well as performing most of the biggest tracks from last year's album, this tour sees the band premiering new material from a forthcoming record, and by the sounds of it they're going from strength to strength. The new tracks we heard seem to have a bit more energy than older ones, with jazz-fuelled keyboard solos and speedier beats perhaps best likened to 'Always' from the debut album. Whether this is reflected throughout the record remains to be seen but regardless of that there's so much creativity bubbling within this group that it can't fail to impress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following a great show the band leave the stage to a huge reception, concerns about a particular tune they missed are quickly addressed by a prompt encore where the band launch into Finest Hour, the title track from their debut LP and an elaborate, incandescent, downtempo symphony. To simply describe Submotion Orchestra as a dubstep band would be an insult to their complexity and wide range of sound. Theirs is music too difficult to describe in words be sure to check out their material and, if you get chance, live show. I guarantee you won't regret it!