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You are here: Live Your Life E-zine > Hostel Newsletters - 2010 > January E-Zine > Music Mashup

Music Mashup

OneTaste - February 2009

It is rare for me to declare that I have discovered an artist or group that has restored my faith in new music ‐ but I have to say that at music showcase OneTaste, this is what happened. I heard the heartfelt croonings of Jamie Woon, the madness and rhyming capabilities of David J and the fun and flamboyant lyrics of Brighton band The Hat. However the jewel in the crown was a band called The Sound of Rum and their vocalist ‐ the poetess, Excentral Tempest. I was so impressed with this artist I went and bought their album straight away ‐ that very night! Excentral Tempest’s lyrical style is pithy, full of classical allusions and her passion for music and words makes for a performance that is simply electrifying to watch. This young looking, 22‐year‐old is the future of UK Hip Hop and it’s definitely worth checking her out her MySpace page: myspace.com/excentraltempest , where you can listen to her unique analysis of young London. You simply can’t fail to be impressed.

Jack Penate - May 2009

I’ve been waiting a while to see Jack play and I wasn’t disappointed. He was on form throughout and he has garnered a loyal following who bellowed out the lyrics to Second, Minute, Hour and Have I Been a Fool, among others. There was an unsure reaction to some of the new songs which unfortunately, he didn’t identify by name. School boy error. New song ‐ Tonight’s Today isn’t a favourite of mine but I love Jack’s style so I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of the new album.

The Proms Holst and The Planets - August 2009

I was recently treated to a loggia (box) for one night at the Proms ‐ at the Royal Albert Hall, by a very kind friend. The Proms and classical music have had no fascination for me, despite loving music and having a soft spot for Tchaikovsky (the music of my childhood favourite ‐ The Nutcracker). Personally I like my music with a base line and beat I can dance to. However it was an interesting experience seeing music being created before my very eyes and to witness the skill of the musicians playing and the organisation of the orchestra into first and second violins, violas and cellos ‐ all to create the ethereal sound that we often associate with classical music, with the double bass and brass for depth, and volume.

The Planets was an easy piece to follow if you could remember the order of the planets and the attributes given to the Roman Mythological gods and goddesses. Luckily I love astrology and could remember the old school acronym for the order of the planets. Also part of Jupiter has been used by the Rugby Union … listen and see! So I was reminded that to enjoy music, we need to understand the meaning and context behind it and I fear that classical music suffers from being elitist and this is something that must be challenged. I would recommend the Proms to anyone that loves music and wishes to have a totally new experience.

This Month's Top Download - November 2009

If you download one song this month let it be this ‐ La Ritournelle by Sebastien Tellier. Every now and again you hear a snippet of a tune that sounds really good and then when you finally hear it in its entirety, you are blown away. Well this is that song. La Ritournelle is a beautiful love song brought to your beautiful ears by Parisian ‐ Sebastien Tellier. It also features Tony Allen of Fel A Kuti fame. I leave you with a taster: “Forever journeys on golden avenues, I drift in your eyes since I love you.” Content sigh.

- DJ Michelle