Music Mashup
Hello scenesters. Summer seemed so short did it not? But at least I'm here to give you good cheer and tell you what's been happening on the music scene - in and around London town.
Story Highlights
- Soul of the 70s at The Phoenix
- Iluvlive
- Brick Lane Music Festival
- What I'm Listening To
- The Very Best of Ethiopiques
Soul of the 70s at The Phoenix
My cousin called me one day at work and asked if I wanted to come to a 60s soul night. I thought what the hell. After filling up curry I proceeded to dance the night away to every Motown, Funk and Soul song around, before chasing them down with a whole load of Sambuca. I did get the impression that this was a bit of a cool kids party but retro is cool right? Needless to say if you fancy a laid back night out at a venue where you're guaranteed to know every song – then head down to the The Phoenix on Cavendish Square, on October the 17 and November 21, 2008.
Iluvlive
I can honestly say that this night was the best outing I've had in a long time. In a nutshell Iluvlive is a monthly showcase of the best Urban music. I got there early enough to sample cocktails and gaze admiringly at DJ Kayper who played a heavy selection throughout the night. If you like Old Skool Hip Hop then be sure to check her out online at 1xtra.
The evening moved on and the winner from the last Open Mic session came on to performed his track, followed by Kerry Leatham - who has a single on the Adulthood soundtrack. Her Emo look flows into her sound which is poignant and soulful. This was followed by a mediocre performance by Danielle Senior and a surprise appearance from London's best underground RnB crooner - Tinie Tempah .Donaeo then hit the stage with a six piece band and entertained us with tracks like African Warrior, the funky house anthem - Devil in a Blue Dress and the very positive track - I.
The highlight of the evening was the vibrant performance of Mpho Skeek, (I don't know how to pronounce it either). She played several songs - including the memorable Screw Face Gyal. I can't remember the others because I was too busy dancing! If you like MIA and Santogold then you may like this outspoken Londoner who sings across a variety of genres. Check out her MySpace for the next performance.
Of course the real purpose of this night was to showcase Roll Deep's latest album - Return of the Big Money Sound. Scratchy, Flowdan and new member J2K were on stage and tried their best, but this was a lacklustre performance. Electronic music often doesn't sound as good as the recordings when you involve a live band. I was disappointed.
Brick Lane Music Festival
We were graced with a sunny but chilly day for this and there's no better way to keep warm than bar hopping along Brick lane - especially when the Vibe Bar, 93 Feet East and the Big Chill bar are filled to the brim with DJs, bands, singers, street art, martial arts demonstrations and cabaret! Norman Jay played a great set at the Big Chill - perfect Sunday clubbing!
What I'm Listening To
The latest mix CDs on the circuit is North Weezy's DJ Phobia Grime venture which throws in some Garage for good measure. This features some of the most popular underground tracks from the last ten years and North London's DJ - 2four7, who recently tore up the Purple E3 with his funky House and Garage set. If you want to hear what's fresh on the underground you should get your paws on one of these.
The Very Best of Ethiopiques
I recently bought this CD as a gift but realised that I actually quite liked it myself. Don't you just hate it when that happens? Sung in French and Ethiopian this collection is full of Soul and big bands from 1970s Ethiopia. It's also perfect for a evening of sophisticated dining or for staging that final move of seduction at the end of a date. Or so I hear.
- DJ Michelle
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