Shuanise is a singer, nay human being, that makes us joe averages sit up and take notice. Blessed upon blessings with her voice, charisma and beauty she shines out completely peerless in an increasingly dull music market.
Born in Dallas and raised in North London she is an unusual hybrid, mixing her native Nigerian roots with glitch hop influenced beats. "Kingdom" is just one of her majestical musical offerings... I became entranced by her melodies, harmonies and spoken word riffs. Another release Voice Of Reason EP on Up My Alley is intimate, sensual and introduces us to her innate ability for killer vocal arrangements.
She has collaborated with many of the great and the good including TOKiMONSTA- (Solitary Joy) and Duktus (On the Brownswood Bubblers track "Wide Eyes").
"Wide Eyes" is certainly one of my most treasured tracks of the last few years...
"to find true self..one must live within... and as I took off my mask and opened up my eyes.. gold dust hit the floor... WIDE EYES"
I am now extremely lucky to call Shuanise a truly close friend. She is a person that radiates light and has often mused that "Music has been my biggest healer throughout my life". How lucky for us (the listening public) that we gain such joy from her musical meanderings. We are now working together as a deliciously dulcet trinity with the similarly vocally blessed Zayna Daze.
As Shuanise implores us "tune your ears" and lets make it in a shuanise now now time signature.
So. (DRUM ROLL). For your delectation and delight listeners comes the first video from Requiem et Belle . We had absolute PUUUUUUUURE jokes making this video! Requiem and me met at a Rodney P gig when I first moved to London about 6 years ago from the grimy north in search of streets paved with record deals and cheesy chips. We hit it off musically... loving Ninja Tunes, Dub and Uk hip-hop and all sorts of musical genres inbetween and he has since become one of my best mates.
"Crazy Little Thing" has it's genesis in us wanting to do something less floaty and more up tempo and I think it shows off Requiem's rather sublime production techniques. Lyrically this song charters the journey of sexual deprivation and yearning I was going through in a rather protracted long distance relationship...hence its more natty live title of the "sex song".
I am happy to say that there has already been such a wicked reception to our tune...which is GRRRRRRRReat! So keep sharing this beauty and commenting. It has already been featured in a number of blogs including Pinboard Blog and Tru Spinna Personally my favourite quote comes from the gorgeous Eva Lazarus "..you minx i wish i could lick your voice! its so tasty!" If that doesn't incur your interest... then god damn it...I dont know what will. Your support is always muchos appreciated people..please keep it coming.
There are so many talented people to thank for this video and in a weepy Oscars stylee ( but without the A-list laxatives and cocaine) I would like to extend massive big ups in the area to Director/Producer: Dave Goodall Assistant Directors (&Additional Animation): Justin Lowings and Kooch Chung Artwork/Art Direction: Jess Wilson and the wonderfully talented Kristine Moen on Hair and Make-Up.
So Steady and Efeks (AKA UK Hip Hop dons), have released their first long player for your listening pleasure! It has been a long time coming...but it was worth the wait I believe. "Force of Habit" blends Steady's compulsive crate digging and love of boombap hip hop with Efeks carefully crafted lyrics and passionate delivery.
I first met these two whippersnappers at a cypha in the crack den that was Dragon bar where I would warble and they would respectively rap and and fiddle with mpc's. It was the start of something dead spesh (An Industry term). Indeed this very open mic spawned some prodigious talent including Sabira Jade and Om Unit. Anywho, I do indeed have a little ditty meself on the release called "My Baby". My favourite tracks are "The Basics" (feat.haiku & crusada), "Departed" and "Run for the Hills" -feat.ed strong & king kaiow of the i.r.s.
Teebs is a talented producer and visual artist, first picked up by Flying Lotus (Brainfeeder) as his protege, alongside talents like Kutmah, Strangeloop, Daedelus, Samiyam and Tokimonsta.
I am a huge fan of his work and was completely blown away by his his rather scintillating set at the last Brainfeeder night in London. I have been humming away to "Why Like This" from the Ardour album and thought I would do a refix in my room! My lyrics may be sparse, but I hope are a reflection of music's unbelievable universality and it's unending ability to touch souls and minds across borders and seas. Please share/comment/let me know what you sailors think....
Now then campers, As some of you who been lucky enough to come close to my fabulous personage...you will know of my feminist leanings. I had some of my heckles raised to within an inch of boiling point upon reading a recent article by our beloved posh teddy bear that is Stephen Fry. Now I love our national saviour of Twitter as much as the next non homophobe homosapien...however, I am slightly concerned and bemused that he seems to be able to pigeon hole my hetereo sex drive with such deft accuracy. No Stephen, I dont have sex to keep my man happy...to keep him in a relationship, to make sure I get my puke making cath kidston kitchen set. I do it ( unsuprisingly), because I like to (in the words of Primal Scream) get my ROCKS OFF...GET MY ROCKS OFF HUNNNNNY.
I really dislike being schooled on my sexuality, let alone by someone who has no experience of my particular sexual persuasion. Perhaps many straight women's reticence to form similar camp cottaging clubs stems from them wanting to have a shag that lasts more than 3 minutes flat? Can women decide on their own how they feel about sex for once, rather than their adherence to some kind of arbitrarily chosen sexual code from the 1950's. Perhaps this is the price that you pay for having been educated at the well known free swinging University of Cambridge. Ah I thought not. I would prefer it if, after eons and ice ages of misogynistic misanthropes deciding where I have sex and with whom that, for once I get a choice in deciding how my sex life runs.
There is a lady I know that seems to have boundless creativity, whether it be blogging, singing, filming...pretty much anything she turns her dainty hands to turns to gold. I met Zayna Daze whilst performing on the same bill at a Spredluv event, I was immediately struck by her sweet vocals and command of her trusty loop box. I love chilling, writing and collabing with this woman.
Check her video below recorded on an impromptu brainstorming sesh at the Vortex Jazz bar in Dalston. We are currently working on a lil Ep together with the mega talented Shuanise... so watch out for the takeover...
I have been working with the delectable Drum and Bass producer Wayz on several projects. Wayz has been featured on Drum and bass Arena’s podcast which caught the attention of Breakbeat Kaos’s DJ Fresh, in turn leading to the subsequent signing of ‘Beyond’ to the high profile Dogs on Acid label. His tracks have also been featured on; Knowledge Magazine, Radio1, 1xtra, BBC Asian network and now has play support from some of the scene’s top DJ’s. Following a handful of successful releases WAYZ has decided to launch his own imprint, Steam Recordings, with good friend Sidius.
Our most recent collaboration is a remix of my track with Dj 2tall's - "Delicious Delicacies" which has been getting some good loving on YouTube recently.
Our previous collaboration was on Wayz's scintillating remix of "What you Want".
Drum and Bass has always been a big inspiration to me from my raving days and I am looking forward to working with Wayz on future projects.
This is my interview with the rather magnificent Milly from Airs and Graces Blog....who spun my incomprehensible ramblings into a fully blown profesh interview...have a gander!
Très Belle
Belle Moore-Benham is a singer hailing from t’norf, as she puts it, who’s music and fine self I was recently introduced to via the wonders of the web. I went to see her perform a couple of weeks back and was mesmorised by her spine tingling sound. It’s hard to narrow down her style as she’s worked with a lot of different people on a bredth of different tracks but one thing’s for sure, she’s incredibly sultry and soulful with a presence all of her own. Currently residing in the north side of London I met up with her to have a pint and get to know more about this incredibly talented lady.
When did you first discover you could sing?
I was 13 humming in the drama studio at school and my drama teacher said that I should do it more and forced me into singing in the school play!
You’re from up t’norf originally, how did a lovely lass like you end up in London town?
I’m from Huddersfield and ended up at uni in Leeds and wanted a change from t’norf so I moved myself down to London at 21. Lured by streets paved with gold and flowing crystal rivers, I thought I would give it a try! I then started a night called “Numbers” (we had Eric Lau/DjRags/Prose/Matman/2ndclass Citizen/2tall), started gigging and writing with Requiem, DJ 2tall and a producer called Guy Woods.
How would you describe your sound?
I think it is evolving from something more trip hop to a bigger, more soulful sound. I grew up singing northern soul and 70’s Motown classics, listening to Grunge and being steeped in the Hip-Hop scene so, I think they have infused my music with their own influences.
Who inspires you musically?
Phew! Where do I start…Stones Throw records, Nirvana, Radiohead, Uk Hip-Hop (Jehst, Foreign Beggars, Klashnekoff, Roots Manuva), Massive Attack, Cocteau Twins, Aretha Franklin, Gil Scott Heron, Billie Holiday, Spanky Wilson, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Fourtet, Max and Harvey, Heidi Vogel, Mos Def, Burial, Dubstep (Mala etc), Saul Williams, Dub (King Tubby), Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Polar Bear, Meshell N’Deogeocello, Manu Chao, Toumani Diabete….God I could go on and on!
Is it true that a well-known major label approached you, decided you were the ‘Northern Joss Stone’ and then offered you the big time if they could change everything about you?
Yes. It was a really disheartening and depressing experience as I had just started out. I was frustrated at the superficial attitude and the lack of vision and creativity. Being told I would not be able to write my own stuff, that I would have to make physical changes to supposedly “succeed” left me feeling like I should just give up. Fortunately I didn’t but it certainly made me take some time off and re-evaluate.
I can see where they got that big idea from but I take it you politely declined the offer?
Absolutely! To lose being able to write, which is something that is a vital part of myself as an artist and also as a human being was not an option. I think it has made the journey slower but has made me grow in confidence, have experiences that I would have never have had.
We all know it’s tougher than ever out there at the moment. How are you finding carving out a space for yourself in the London music scene?
It is hard, as the ability of artists to earn a living out of the creative industries has only been truncated by the major label’s historical greed, the change in consumption of music and also in Internet music consumerism changing how we perceive the ‘album’. Consumer power is now immense and creating an album that has a concept is more difficult because people just want singles. On a live level every promoter wants something for nuttin!
What are you working on at the moment?
I am working on a few new projects. I am getting my first EP together, trying to promote the ‘Cold Busted Compilation’ that I’m on, which is on the American label of the same name, I’m working on an all female project and my monthly night at Vibe Bar with the ‘Music is Life’ collective. I am also working on a Music project with young people from Newham and the Roundhouse.
Busy lady! A lot on the go for you in 2010 huh?
Yes! Oh I also have a gig Sunday 25th April in Camden at the Elixir Bar so come down and see for yourself…
This is one immensely talented and yet incredibly humble lady. When she’s not singing for her supper, Belle works on arts and community projects with young homeless people in Newham, East London. We’ve got a lot of time for Belle and very much look forward to hearing big things from her this year. Check out more of her music here
April 8th 2010 @ vibe bar
£5 on the door 7:00 - 11:00pm
On April 8th 2010, The Spotlight Sessions returns to London, taking over Vibe Live, upstairs from the mighty Vibe Bar on Brick Lane, holding a night to raise awareness and funds for The WAYout Project.
WAYout is working in Sierra Leone providing educational and production facilities and resources, such as music studios, training in arts and media, and film facilities, providing opportunities to young people which will lead to their progression into music, film and other educational and employment opportunities.
Their current projects include Street to Street, supporting street youth to make video diaries of their lives to communicate with kids in the UK; the WAYout scholarships allowing disadvantaged children to gain scholarships to the country's only music academy; and the WAYout creative hubs - a series of creative hubs with WAYout Macs set up to support young people to create music and film.
Their new fundraising appeal is ‘A Quid for the Kids’. They are asking for a minimum of £1 per fortnight (so actually 50p per week) – its small, but if all their readers donated this amount then they should be able to open their first centre by the end of this 2010!!
For information on how to set up a direct debit, email them here info@wayoutarts.org. or you can donate at the WAYout website
PERFORMING ON THE NIGHT
Benin City
Belle
Shean Williams
Kelli-Leigh
Shuanise
The event is hosted by DJ Su-Prize with music supplied by Nemo (Uniq Beat DJs)
Sunday, February 7, 2010 5:00pm - 11:00pm Lockside Lounge 75-89 Upperwalkway West Yard, Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF Camden Town, United Kingdom Spredluv Presents Spredluv in HIPHOP vol. II "Radimo´s leaving party"
@ Lockside Lounge/ 75-89 Upperwalkway West Yard, Camden Lock Place, Camden, London NW1 8AF. UK www.locksidelounge.com (0)2072840007
He's going back home to Prague in the Czech Republic for good. This is gonna to be his last party with all musicians, singers, MCs, stand up comedians, DJs, friends and family. Featuring Radimo, Artcha, Umanyano, Kensaye, Cage, Innocent, Sharika, Rob Broderick, Hey!Zeus, Belle, Himal, Madame Pepper, Fae Simon, Dumo, Jam J, Kal Vaughan, Van Cartier, Beatnik, J Blakke, Dex, Professor Szczubkowski, Cousin Benson and many more..
We will miss him and we know that that there are so many others who will too. Pass through and celebrate.
"My last two and something years have been the most exciting time in my life and that was thanks to you guys, so let me say THANK YOU and SEE YO ALL SOON!!! Come over for the last drink I might have with you, it will be pleasure to have you there. Shows will be special and I´m not going to list everyone who will be performing, it’s a long list, so don’t be late otherwise you might miss something goooood. I am looking forward to see yo! Keep Groovin’" - Radimo
Another highly crafted mix from Kähn featuring exclusive tracks from the man himself! Kähn is playing along side Mary Ann Hobbs, Virus Syndicate, EL-B and Terror Danjah Friday night (05.02.10) at the Thekla in Bristol. Be sure to come down for this stomping night if your in the area!
“Derrick Daisey, founder of "Cold Busted" picked up on Delicious Delicacies through a chance listen on Uniq Beat’s Soundcloud. Belle is now part of an eclectic line up on the latest "Cold Busted" Compilation expressly chosen by Derrick himself for her "gorgeous vocals".
Stone Cold Busted 1 is an eclectic compilation of tracks featuring current and new artists signed to Cold Busted and includes a 63 minute bonus DJ mix done by Vitamin D. With over 20 different artists and a variety of styles and sounds, the compilation and DJ mix are ear perking treats. Artists that have released on Cold Busted such as JK Soul, Gramatik, and Green Street showcase fresh tracks along with new comers such as The Soul Pilot, Native, Paul Schulleri and more. The mix starts out smooth with Trip Hop and soulful, funky beats like ‘New Generation’ by Gramatik and Brale with clean and subtle cuts and scratches throughout the mix. The feel good vibe continues with a notable mix into Belle’s gorgeous vocals and beats with the track ‘Delicious Delicacies’. More mellifluous tunes are presented such as ‘Radio Trauma’ by Sixfingerz as well as playful and grooving tunes like Electric Booty Call’s ‘Mystic Bang’ mixed flawlessly into the hilarious and funky ‘Organic Caterpillars’ by Dogfight. The second half of the mix explores more minimal and experimental beats, IDM, Downtempo and Jazzy flavors with crunchy beats and live instruments such as ‘Still Alive’ by the Great Red Shark, ‘A Moment’ by Extraordinary and ‘Green Glass Jazz’ by CHD Vs. Vexx & Lavine featuring the warm vocals of Katherine King. In all, Stone Cold Busted 1 is a superb compilation and mix featuring a new series of exciting tracks and artists on Cold Busted, don’t miss out!
Shuanise is a singer, nay human being, that makes us joe averages sit up and take notice. Blessed upon blessings with her voice, charisma and beauty she shines out completely peerless in an increasingly dull music market.
