To modify anything is to simply make changes. It would then make sense for well-respected musicians Adam Scrimshire and Dave Koor to come together to alter the current state of music, powered by sophisticated instrumentation and the idea of futurism. This concept of pushing sound forward also comes from firmly planted roots steeped deep in jazz, soul, funk, afrobeat, rock, electronica and more. These are genres that both Scrimshire and Koor know well with keen expertise. This is also why their ‘Modifications Set 1’ album under the guise of Modified Man will undoubtedly go down as one of the most entertaining and important releases of the year.
Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Richard Staw, Alex Lambrechts and courtesy of Bloom Twins…
It's almost unfair when you think about the blessed attributes that some people have. When referencing Cocovan, certain qualities and characteristics are blatantly evident - insanely talented as a music artist (which includes production and vocals), a natural flair for fashion and a striking beauty that can instantly grab the attention of everyone in a room. Her sound is described as glam pop, which is accurately fitting. In a sense, it is a soundtrack to all things beautiful.
Shakka is the guy right now. The The MOBO Award-winning singer, emcee, songwriter, producer and performer is a classic example of what one would describe as a renaissance man. His live shows are second to none, with the cheeky artist possessing the ability to capture a crowd with bare wit if he chose. Aside from storming the UK Charts with Wretch 32 for the 2013 hit single 'Blackout', his single 'Say Nada' featuring JME was an instant radio smash with Shakka supported by BBC Radio 1xtra. Multi-faceted in every sense of the word, he is a part of that specific heritage of well-rounded artists who only come around so many years in music.
Cheney may be new to the music industry but she is getting ready to make a splash harder than a tropical tsunami. The London bombshell creates a dark and uber-sexy helping of electronica and future r&b that radiates with a strong confidence of attitude and a security in her evident sexiness. First emerging on the scene with her track with Toronto producer OBESØN titled 'Say My Name' in 2015, Cheney went on to record the song 'Sex' with Spain's Choclock, not to mention her sultry cuts 'Dirty Secrets' and 'All About You'.
Punk will never die...the authentic punk that is, especially when bands like London's Dream Nails exist. The group's music is like an awakening alarm of urgency speaking out against the ills of society with a sonic rage as the palette. Appropriately titling their debut EP 'DIY', that spirit runs deep in the four members as they even released a zine to coincide with the record. Their sound is loud, fast and hits with a punch like an uppercut to the face. Singing messages of empowerment, the self-proclaimed 'feminist punk witches from hell' are as core as they come, raw and uncut, and you can best believe they are utterly proud of it.
Iceland is truly one of the world's gifts of the world. Its magical landscape has not only made for one of the most visually pleasing sights of all time but in terms of the country's musical contribution, Iceland has birthed some of the most influential artists of all time i.e Björk, Sigur Rós and the list continues. Whilst Reykjavík duo East Of My Youth have much to be proud of regarding their city and country, they are the next Icelandic wonders to add on to this firm legacy.
A good pop song coming out of Sweden is to be expected. However, a great jazz-pop piece may fly a little under the radar. That may soon change as Gothenburg band JUDITHS have emerged to shed a vibrant light on some of the most gorgeous sounds coming out of the Nordic region. Formed by lead singer Amanda Elsa Larsson and comprised of Ida Kjellberg, Anton Alvin, Erik Björksten, Anna Henriksson and David Darling Lingdell, JUDITHS’ music elegantly flows with a classic grace yet maintain a modern appeal that doesn’t alienate those new to the genre. Opting to sing in Swedish, Larsson’s rich and alluring vocals gently reel in listeners regardless of nationality or language. Intriguing melodies swarm around finely tuned instrumentation as tracks like ‘Sången som aldrig blev av’ stand like sheer works of art. With their debut EP ‘Jag vill inte sova med dig något mer’ or ‘I don’t want to sleep with you any more’, JUDITHS are ready to spread the glory of masterful jazz-pop beyond the boundaries of Scandinavia.
If Nwando Ebizie appears to be unlike any other artist out here today, it’s because she’s not. The musician, producer, dancer, DJ and performance artist is more like a renaissance woman whose experimental presentations have dazzled audiences not only in theatres but have also captured the ears of tastemakers like Gilles Peterson. Working under the moniker of Lady Vendredi, her work is a clashing of culture and sound topped with a dressing of afro-futurism.
Whilst many modern electronic producers concentrate their efforts only on moving the dance floor, producer, composer and author George D. Stănciulescu delves deeper, understanding the power of music and it's effects on the senses. Recording under the project LeVant, his music is an artistic and cinematic listening experiencing, bridging together experimental electronica, techno, ambient and neo-classical, creating a sound like no other today.
Based in Bucharest, George D. Stănciulescu began releasing music under Ad Ombra back in 2005. Dropping the 2008 LP 'Rites of Genesis' followed by 2009's 'Magna Charta Illusorum' and 2011's 'Almost Eternity (Handmade Beliefs for the Nostalgic Lambs)', the recordings were like epic movie scores packed with a haunting beauty.
