Georgia Mason is unique in more ways than a few. The obvious one lies in her vocals. Organically warm, her falsetto voice is similar to an instrument in itself, played like a lofty jazz musician who well understands his or her tool. Mason's next form of uniqueness is situated in her journey. Instead of trying to become the next internet sensation, she made treks over to Paris to learn and play with musicians and artists on the street. Mind you, this is after going through formal training. Perhaps this is why her music is like an art piece, something has lasting value...something that is certainly intriguing and ravishing.
Sexy, sassy, stylish and more importantly, talented are truly only a few words to describe London-based singer Liza Owen. Born to a Cambodian mother and a British father, Owen’s fierceness is practically embedded in her music and undoubtedly in her fashion. It becomes evident why thousands and thousands of people follow the bombshell on Instagram. However, within her world of glamour is also a bursting pride about her Khmer heritage that she holds near and dear. In fact, Owen is a shining model for the Cambodian community in the UK and abroad. Yet while she effortlessly walks the line between both cultures, Liza Owen’s status should honestly be marked as ‘global’. And one thing is certain, she knows that the world is soon to be in the palm of her hands.
Hailing from Wrocław, Marcin Cichy and Igor Pudlo formed Skalpel in 1998 through a mutual love of musical tastes and an admiration of one another’s production style. In 2000 Igor Pudlo interviewed DJ Vadim for Klan (a Hip-Hop publication based out of Poland), which ultimately led to the Ninja Tune artist inviting Skalpel to tour with him and the Russian Percussion band throughout Poland. After releasing their CD-R “Polish Jazz”, Cichy and Pudlo signed with Ninja Tune to release their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2004. Riding high, the duo unleashed their second LP “Konfusion” in 2005, which was welcomed with praises by publications such as JazzTimes for their detailed production.
With a mission to enhance the way listeners experience music, in 2010 Colleen Murphy created Classic Album Sundays, a communal LP listening event in North London where albums are played from start to finish on premium high fidelity audio gear. Coverage of CAS by the BBC as well as numerous publications internationally, helped the event’s popularity to spread globally with Classic Album Sundays now happening in various cities around the world.
Raw, uncut and unfettered is the music of Bucharest-based producer Liar. The unsparing boldness embedded within each track smacks you in the face like a playground bully. And no matter the direction of genre that he chooses to travel, the level of quality always remains undeniable. Perhaps this is why his songs have garnished support by the likes of Mary Ann Hobbs down to Jamie xx. Whether manipulating vocals in a haunting manner over rumbling bass or remaking tracks like Katy B's "5 A.M." into dark dance floor scorchers, Liar's production seems to steamroll over even the thought of cookie cutter electronica in today's market.
Good music should also be fun music - and nothing spells fun like the French-bred, London-based trio We Were Evergreen. Comprised of Fabienne Débarre, Michael Liot and William Serfas, their sound incorporates pop, indie, folk, electro and things in between, but not limited to any of those titles. It’s just well…brilliant music. In fact, their charming quirk adds to the band’s appeal, allowing them to weave through an array of musical styles, making full use of their talent as multi-instrumentalists. Their chemistry and energy projected as a band instantly pulls you into a sort of wonderland of joy.
Charlie Baldwin, better known as the producer Kasket, was destined to create music. After all, it's in his genes...literally. The son of legendary jazz guitarist Ray Russell, Kasket's production aesthetics flow in the same vein as jazz, yet also include inspiration from branches of electronic music such as drum and bass, dubstep and house music, as well as Hip-Hop, ultimately morphed into his distinct sound.
To listen to Zara McFarlane sing is like being blessed by the first feeling of warmth of the morning sun. This is more than just an appreciation - this is beauty in all of its glory. It also begins to become vividly clear why McFarlane is not only looked upon in the same light as past jazz greats, but is considered to be one of the leading artists of the current generation of UK jazz vocalists. Her confidence is evident while her glowing smile creates a comforting welcome into her world. Unafraid to push the depths of her voice, Zara McFarlane is the singer’s singer who understands the true power that music has to offer as well as her ability and importance to deliver it in its purest form.
The word demented means “to act or behave irrationally due to anger or stress”. However there is something provocative at the way London-based vocalist and musician Sonia Stein sings about the topic, especially when it relates to relationships. There is a striking boldness within the tone of her milky voice that resonates without having to be overly brash. Her vivid lyrics, written like that of storytelling folk singer, reels you into her quiet storm of thoughts, making you "get it" and almost instantly side with her emotions. The grey area between Stein's reality and illusion of feelings in her music is only the crosswalk to a beautiful place, no matter the direction.
Austrian producer Simon/off isn’t concerned about being pigeon-holed into one particular genre, but rather having the flexibility to navigate between sounds to produce a great outcome. The results are forward thinking electronic music that could indeed glide through various styles, whether garage, grime, broken beat, bass or jungle – all which are boundless and prodigious.
