8.30.2009

Forget Aleksandr Orlov this is 'simples'.



Has anyone else been wondering what's happened to the simple things in life? Like getting a 99 ice cream cone for actually 99p, ringing someone rather than tweeting them or going out to your favourite bar to dance and not have to feel like you're a dog guarding it's teritory. Okay so I can't imagine weeing on a dancefloor either but I can and will admit that I do on the grassy dancefloor of festivals (n.b. I don't pee where everyone is dancing, that's gross and once my friend had a soggy and steaming leg after a guy did it to her) - sorry Ali.


So I know that festival season is nearly officially over, Reading and Leeds mark the end pretty much... however there is one simple and straightforward fest on it's way next weekend which I am pretty hyped about! It's called Offset Festival and it's a wee baby at only one year and 359 days old. It had the NME saying that it had "the best line-up of the summer" last year, what a great christening pressie! The reason I say it's simple is because of it's simply amazing line-up of just pure class bringing old and new together not to mention it's simple ethos of saying no to over-priced festivals.


Set in the beautiful surrounding of Hainault Forest Country Park, just 30 minutes from Central London it's definitely picture perfect. Previous bands have included the Maccabees, Young Knives and Johnny Foreigner. This years line-up is nothing to sniff at either, personal highlights on the list include Metronomy, The XX, The Horrors, The Slits, Bombay Bicycle Club and The Ghost of a Thousand it really is going to make other festivals this year look totally inadequate.


The 200 bands will play over two days (5th-6th September) on 8 stages, tickets are still available and on sale here. £55 for a ticket. SIMPLES.


8.11.2009

Always look on the Wob side of life...


If you haven't heard his immense remix of Ellie Goulding's 'Starry Eyed' then where the heck have you been?? Most likely you've been stranded on a desert island for a matter of months with nothing but a basketball named Wilson for company. If that isn't the case then shame on you!


I saw one of Jakwob (James Jacob)'s first headline slots back in his hometown of Lincoln in April, he hails from the land of Moda and BBC R1 In New DJ's We Trust Jaymo and Andy George.... not a bad look in the slightest. Infact he played Moda, supporting Shinichi Osawa a few weeks after I was first introduced to his slick 'Starry Eyed' rework. He was probably shocked at myself and my mate Aisha going crazy for Starry Eyed, reciting every word and pretty much dancing like maniacs. When he plays he is accompanied by his MC mate who definitely adds something unique to the show.


At only the beginning of his twenties he's already played on the Relentless Stage at Wakestock (or should that be Wobstock??) and by looking at his up-coming events he's set to hit stateside very soon! He's being backed by the likes of Huw Stephen's and The Street's Mike Skinner - can't be bad ay! He really is a sound guy and happy to chat to anyone at his gigs, not like so many arrogant dj's that precede him and he's pretty attractive too. I like how he keeps the original track intact but offers a new look, easy to listen to especially if you're new to the dub way of life.


(Moda May '09 Lincoln)


Mr Huw Stephens is hosting a night for Jakwob at The Social (Little Portland St, W1, London) tonight! Head down at 9pm to support dubstep's next big thing! I'll see you all there, yes? You never know Mr Skinner himself might show his face.

8.05.2009

Muchos love for Muchuu.




As a addict of cute, kitsch music I was in my element when I came across the twee sounds of Muchuu. The band comprises of a couple of pretty youngster with comparatively pretty names; Milky and George (not to be confused with Zippy and George)!

You'd like them if you are a fan Lykke Li, Metric & Those Dancing Days.

A particular track that stands out for me is 'Somebody Tell Me' where the beauty of Milky's vocal is met with some lovely fiddly notes which altogether make up for a soothing track with an air of mystery (think Pink Panther meets the Magic Roundabout plus a little Kumbiar moment). I love it.

With just over 500 friends on Myspace they are still just taking off so I wanted to take the opportunity to spread the Muchuu love.

The twosome are currently busy recording their first release and have explained that gigs will be more like parties with cupcakes in castles and cathedrals. TASTY!!

You can check them out in session with Huw Stephens on Radio1 - listen again online here.



8.04.2009

New clothing company from Eio.


Described as the rebellious wild child on their website, this uber cool brand is the new sister company of Eio Clothing (eioclothing.com).

"Rakes and Strays represents a sympathy with the past; of tailored garments, distressed materials and hand-drawn and painted works of art."

Picture a smooth maverick walking down a dusty track with a gui
tar thrown over his shoulder with a damsel in his view. A gem of sweat slowly trickles down his glistening sculpted chest... okay maybe I'm enjoying that image a little too much.

But seriously there's something for all, whether you're a fan of simple concise designs or fierce logos it's time to get rebellious and get some R&S in your wardrobe.

Want some original and unique designs in your grubby mitts? Get involved with their latest competition and you could be the proud owner of £100 worth of the new Rakes & Strays collection.

After having a look at the collection on the website I want to get my crayons out and get a doodlin'!

Favourite guy's tee - Watercolour Girl £29.95 // Favourite girl's tee - Dandelions £29.95