In a brazen news media “frenzy” announcement plastered across social media, Red Hot Chilli Peppers have declared their return to the industry with a mass European and American tour in 2022 – with new music undoubtedly on the way, too.
With John Frusciante returning to the guitarists’ helm, the question is – will you make the effort to go see them live?
Happy Sunday folks. Ethereal, cathartic and simply beautiful, The Cinematic Orchestra is the perfect soundtrack to your lush hot chocolates, snug blankets and warm fireplaces as we venture into the season of Autumn.
Enjoy their eclectic collection below. The classic 2007 album of Ma Fleur is the perfect place to start.
I had the privilege of visiting one of the many great independent purveyors of great music today – Rough Trade.
Located across four stretches of UK life in Bristol, London, Nottingham – and even a managing to branch itself across the pond in NYC – Rough Trade has been an integral staple in the discovery of modern music mania here on our doorstep in the UK and in the US.
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A somewhat fanciful term for such a warehouse-etiquette but, their ‘headquarters’ are situated in the west of London. They first opened in 1976, right on the doorstep of punk. Now, in their 45th year of trading, they have become a global constituency in the world of music and its industry. Still to this day – as they did in the 70s strife with the punk mania that came before it – they’re celebrating the most exciting new music.
Situated in the most stylistic and cultural pockets of stark cities, their chosen locations were by no means accidental. Diving off main roads into kernels of art graffiti, tapestry and masterful architecture to independent bistro bars, awash with international food stalls and eventually into the crowds who are ready to spring into the new groove of life. Often situated in the most vibrant, culturally contrasting communities in the UK – as well as in the US – they are flagships to the strength of the accompanying cities’ music scenes.
From Portobello Road, Old Truman Brewery to Rockefeller Center itself, it really paints a story.
“As far as we’re concerned, our stores are where the magic happens.
Sure, we sell great music, but the bigger picture is bringing together artists and audiences within a celebratory, inspiring environment, one that welcomes all ages and taste under one roof.”
It’s important to note that they are not merely just record stores, oh no no no. They have also become some of the most celebrated music venues, playing host to some iconic acts in past years that put on simply fantastic, immersive and illusory performances surrounded by an arching wave of artist vinyls and band merchandise.
For me today, I was able to notch off another on the list of all four venues as I visited Nottingham’s store in the area of Hockley. With only one UK venue to go in Bristol, (as well as the obvious one in NYC) I’m holding out hope that I can provide myself an opportunity to visit this one too.
With these being such iconic stores within our music retail, purchasing and general perusers of music, I just had to buy something.
With its fitting home of a tote bag to take home in, I managed to pick up The Cinematic Orchestra’s beautiful story of Ma Fleur, pressed on a clear vinyl with a rarity of exclusive art work present – it was certainly one of the more fitting vinyls to purchase.
Fantastic day.
Cultivated by a fusion of dancehall, Afro-beat reggae, Burna Boy has since become one of Nigeria’s fast rising-stars.
Inspired by the affluence of Afro-beat bops from his native country and the dancehall beats from the shores of Sandy America, a genre would converge that would soon become his signature sound. Simply sultry and effortless, Burna Boy has acclimatised to global stardom since the early 2010s.
After catching his performance in New York’s Central Park live on television a few weeks back, we instantly fell for his funky Afro-beats, enjoyable stage presence and have been enjoying his music since.
Whether it’s your particular style or not, I would recommend to give his music a try. Maybe if it’s just the one time.
After having a little time to myself after work, I decided to do a little insatiable digging and scouring into the past works and creations of what we saw in terms of music in the 2010s.
After an unwilling acceptance of enjoying chart music a little too much when I was younger, I thoroughly enjoyed the pump-it-loud electronica r’n’b music of Black Eyed Peas, bleary-eyed MIKA and eventually my evolution of indie music with Foster The People’s Pumped Up Kicks.
I always love venturing down a music wormhole of past pleasantries and gander into what my music tastes used to be like during my childhood.
And by God, how much has it changed. Now, I have no idea who enters the charts at one point during the week. It’s a world of unknown and now, a minimal disdain for all things popular music. Bleurgh.
What are your favourites of the 2010s?
Man v Music