Si Green aka Bonobo performs The North Borders and classic material from his back-catalogue with very special guests.

The story of Bonobo is one that’s become uncommon in contemporary music. There was no sudden, viral internet sensation, no one-off big hit, no abrupt, accidental alignment with the zeitgeist. Instead, over the course of four albums, myriad tours, singles, remixes and production work for other artists, he quietly but very definitely became one of the most important artists in electronic music. The hard work paid off, and culminated in 2010′s ‘Black Sands;’ a masterful album that married Green’s inimitable melodic genius and musicianship to bleeding edge electronics, bass and infectious drums.

After a year plus of touring the hypnotic, extended live versions of Black Sands, he finally found time last year to embed himself in his New York studio and write his fifth studio album. Now, in 2013, he stands ready to take things up yet another notch. ‘The North Borders’ is a long stride forward – both a natural evolution and a continuation of the electronic palette of Black Sands. Thematic, resonant, addictive and perfectly formed, it’s a thrillingly coherent statement piece.

Line-up:

• Bonobo – Live
• plus special guests

Alice Russell is all pure natural talent, a musical force to be reckoned with. Whether on a big stage charming a crowd of 4000 into staying out dancing in the rain (as she did at Montreal Jazz Festival) or rocking out an intimate club set she’s a singer who demands attention.

As much as she loves being in the studio there’s something special about Alice let loose on an audience. From performing with a full band and horn section, to pared down and more intimate sets, Alice Russell takes no prisoners!

Line-up:

• Alice Russell 
• plus special guests

Line-up:

• Submotion Orchestra (live – on stage 8pm)
• plus special guests

Portico Quartet sound like nothing you ever heard before. The Mercury nominated East London based outfit’s unique music has expanded to embrace new sonic territories. Drawing on the inspiration of electronica, ambient, classical and dance music as they take their strange, beautiful, cinematic, future music to exciting new vistas where the inspiration of Burial, Mount Kimbie and Flying Lotus rubs shoulders with the textures of Arve Henriksen and Bon Iver and echoes of Steve Reich and Max Richter. But all underpinned by a shared joy in collective music making as the band push their inimitable music into the future.

Portico Quartet release their new double album Live / Remix in March 2013 on Real World Records. It is the sound of a band that refuses to stand still as they add new electronic inspiration to their trademark sound. But there are no shortcuts here, the music is played live, not pre-recorded, and the hard won collective empathy that is at the heart of their sound remains their primary touchstone. Full of mystery and drama Portico Quartet still take the listener on an unparalleled journey and live they pack a heavy punch as the band looks defiantly into the future.

This is a rare London appearance from an award-winning band whose live experience is never the same twice: we wait with anticipation to see where they will take us tonight!

Line-up:

• Portico Quartet ft. Cornelia (on stage 9pm)
• plus special guests

Early Birds available via the PayPal button. Seating available via Ticketweb only. 

After selling the Village Underground well in advance Ghostpoet returns for a full live show at the suitably decadent Hackney Empire. Don’t sleep!

Obaro Ejimiwe, aka Ghostpoet, laughs when he remembers how Gilles Peterson “took a risk on a random maverick” back in 2010 by signing him to the Radio 1 DJ’s Brownswood imprint. Within a year, that risk paid off: Ghostpoet’s debut album, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, marked him out as one of the most distinct, uncategorisable and forward-thinking voices to emerge in British music this decade, and it was rewarded with a surprise Mercury Prize nomination in 2011. It was a sudden rise for a man who for whom news of a record deal came in the same week that he was made redundant from his office job in insurance.

Two years on, having moved on from Brownswood to [PIAS], Ghostpoet’s creativity has blossomed even more. On his second album, Some Say I So I Say Light, he pushes even further in all directions than on Peanut Butter Blues, mixing the abstract and the concrete with uncanny skill. With his live shows causing a stir wherever they go we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us at the stunning Hackney Empire in October. Don’t sleep on the tickets!

Line-up:

• Ghostpoet – live
• plus special guests

“Check out Harleighblu. One time for your mind, one time for your M*****F****** mind!!!” DJ Premier (Gang Starr)

Nottingham resident Harleighblu has been involved in music from a very young age; possessed of a truly irresistible classic soul voice with a distinctive edge, she has now signed to indie label Tru Thoughts – a match made in musical heaven – and is poised for great things.

Still only 17 and with a new found determination Harleighblu set out to find the right producer that could give her the sound she truly wanted.

On meeting her now producer Joe Buhdha, Harleighblu says, “We seemed to knock out song after song at a crazy work rate and I finally felt I was creating songs I wanted to create”. With a new direction and a shed load of new material she stepped out into the gigging circuit once again, this time taking in local venues, numerous festivals and supporting roles for Liam Bailey and Natalie Duncan. Thanks to these performances and early support from Rodney P, MistaJam (1Xtra) and Don Letts (BBC 6 Music), as well as BBC Introducing, the buzz around Harleighblu has already started.

Harleighblu signed to Tru Thoughts in late 2012, and announced the deal with a knockout performance at the label party at London’s Koko, lighting up the hallowed venue in style alongside her 10-piece band including the Renegade Horns and UK rap legend Rodney P. An upfront track that came out on a limited edition Record Store Day 12” – “Enough Now” – then grabbed the attention of the public and tastemakers alike, with heavy radio support including MistaJam’s ‘Jam Hot’ record of the week. Her debut album ‘Forget Me Not’ is due in September 2013 preceded by the “Play Me” single.

Line-up:

• Harleighblu ft special guest Rodney P (Live)
• Nostalgia 77 (DJ Set)
• Joe Buhdha (DJ Set)
• Rob Luis (DJ Set)

The story of Bonobo is one that’s become uncommon in contemporary music. There was no sudden, viral internet sensation, no one-off big hit, no abrupt, accidental alignment with the zeitgeist. Instead, over the course of four albums, myriad tours, singles, remixes and production work for other artists, he quietly but very definitely became one of the most important artists in electronic music. The hard work paid off, and culminated in 2010′s ‘Black Sands;’ a masterful album that married Green’s inimitable melodic genius and musicianship to bleeding edge electronics, bass and infectious drums.

After a year plus of touring the hypnotic, extended live versions of Black Sands, he finally found time last year to embed himself in his New York studio and write his fifth studio album. Now, in 2013, he stands ready to take things up yet another notch. ‘The North Borders’ is a long stride forward – both a natural evolution and a continuation of the electronic palette of Black Sands. Thematic, resonant, addictive and perfectly formed, it’s a thrillingly coherent statement piece.

Line-up:

• Bonobo – Live
• plus special guests

The story of Bonobo is one that’s become uncommon in contemporary music. There was no sudden, viral internet sensation, no one-off big hit, no abrupt, accidental alignment with the zeitgeist. Instead, over the course of four albums, myriad tours, singles, remixes and production work for other artists, he quietly but very definitely became one of the most important artists in electronic music. The hard work paid off, and culminated in 2010′s ‘Black Sands;’ a masterful album that married Green’s inimitable melodic genius and musicianship to bleeding edge electronics, bass and infectious drums.

After a year plus of touring the hypnotic, extended live versions of Black Sands, he finally found time last year to embed himself in his New York studio and write his fifth studio album. Now, in 2013, he stands ready to take things up yet another notch. ‘The North Borders’ is a long stride forward – both a natural evolution and a continuation of the electronic palette of Black Sands. Thematic, resonant, addictive and perfectly formed, it’s a thrillingly coherent statement piece.

Line-up:

• Bonobo – Live
• plus special guests

Soothsayers are a Brixton-based outfit revolving around trumpeter Robin Hopcraft and Saxophonist Idris Rahman who mix up roots-reggae and dub with afrobeat to delirious effect. Their last album “Human Nature” (Oct 2012) generated widespread critical acclaim, making Gilles Peterson’s Best of 2012 list and was described by Uncut as “One of the finest slices of a Anglo-Caribbean fusion since The Specials in their prime” (!). Now on the verge of releasing a collaborative album with the legendary Cornell Campbell you can expect to hear a lot more from one of the UK’s most impressive live bands in future. Make sure you check them out!

“Thrilling harmonies…seriously infectious dance floor grooves…goose bump-inducing vocals.” The Guardian.

Brighton-based nine piece dub reggae group Resonators are causing quite a stir on the UK reggae scene and beyond. Their reputation for being one of the best live shows around, complemented by equally accomplished physical releases has earned the band high acclaim, dubbed by reggae critic John Masouri as “the UK reggae act to watch”. Inspired by the meditative quality and universal appeal of Jamaican roots music, Resonators embrace diverse influences, sculpting an original, distinct sound. When you hear Resonators play you know you’re hearing Resonators play.

“In these days of homogenised, digital recordings lacking in any individual sound or identity it is most encouraging to hear something so truly original… most refreshing”. David Rodigan

Channel One with Jah T and Mikey Dread is one of the world’s top sound systems playing Roots & Culture music. 30 years ago Channel One Soundsystem started the Era of the house parties in London, and went on to play at venues that would become legendary including The Leyton Youth Club, The Four Aces or the Brixton Recreation. From 1983 Channel One was the first Sound System to take Roots/ Dub music internationally, to colleges, polytechnics and Universities across the world. Their first international dance was in Italy in 1990, and since then they have played many infamous sessions across Europe, Israel, Turkey, New Zealand and Australia and have recently won back to back soundclashes against the likes of Skream & Benga, Goldie’s Metalheadz or Major Lazer by popular vote. Serious business.

Keeping things ticking over will be the highly respected selector and Roots Manuva collaborator DJ Wrongtom and Mark Solution of Solution Soundsystem fame. A safe pair of hands and serious reggae connoisseurs ready to make sure the vibes never drop!

Line-up:

• Soothsayers
• Resonators
• Channel One Soundsystem
• Wrongtom
• Mark Solution

Early Bird tickets available via the PayPal option whilst stocks last!

Line-up:

• Jon Hopkins – A/V Set
• plus more to be announced

Early Bird tickets available via the PayPal option whilst stocks last. 

Ras G, a proud South Central LA resident, has been a fixture on the underground hiphop scene in Los Angeles since the early 90s. And along with Black Monk and Ron Stivers are the founders of the Poo-Bah Label, and it is a rare occasion to see him descend upon London for a live set so don’t sleep.

Line-up:

• Ras G – live
• Kutmah
• Ital Tek

Ras G, a proud South Central LA resident, has been a fixture on the underground hiphop scene in Los Angeles since the early 90s. And along with Black Monk and Ron Stivers are the founders of the Poo-Bah Label, and it is a rare occasion to see him descend upon London for a live set so don’t sleep.

Crucial in the development of the underground beats scene in LA is now London resident Justin McNulty, aka Kutmah. The Dj’s Dj and Soundcrash favourite returns for another quickfire lesson in low end theory.

Line-up:

• Ras G – live
• Kutmah
• plus special guests

early birds available via the PayPal option whilst stocks last

Line-up:

• Scrimshire (Live)
• Matthew Halsall (DJ Set)
• Natural Self (DJ Set)
• Tom Central (DJ Set)
• Soundcrash DJs

Luke Harney, aka Typesun, has been exerting himself in the Bristol underground for quite some time as part of the FallingUp collective. His sound strongly reflects the Bristol fertile scene’s atmosphere as well as showing a healthy disregard for the strictly delineated genre boundaries that are being embraced by the UK scene at large. His latest album has been drawing praise from everyone from Gilles Peterson to Andrew Ashong and his recent series of support sets on Ghostpoet‘s tour was incredibly well received. Typesun’s live show featuring a full band and Romaine Smith on vocals has been making heads turn since their explosion on the scene with their single The PL, a strong contender for soundtrack to the Summer. We can’t wait for this one.

Mancunian producer Pále makes smooth, atmospheric jams that border the broken realms of hip-hop, house and garage, but when he takes to the turntables he takes this up a notch and delivers a blistering floor-filling club set as wide ranging as his own productions. He has so far released on Four40 Records and Chew The Fat with some infectious tunes that have so far fulfilled the high expectations that are beginning to surround him proving that Pále definitely knows what a good tune sounds like. The Birthdays basement is sure to feel the heat.

Debian Blak holds his own as one of the emerging artists to watch. His first critically-acclaimed debut EP, ‘A Hint of Menace’ catapulted him to the forefront of the underground electronic scene and since he has been championed by likes of Mary Anne Hobbs (BBC Radio 1), Lauren Laverne (BBC 6 MUSIC), Daedelus and Nicolas Jaar as one of the most exciting new producers of recent years. After successfully opening for AlunaGeorge and having his first sold out London show, Debian Blak’s performance at Birthday’s will be a definite must see!

Joining the dots we are delighted to have DJ duo Howson’s Groove on board to make sure the night flows as it should, playing everything from Hip Hop to main room bass monsters!

The event will take place at Birthdays in Dalston; a new and very welcome addition to the London club scene with its state of the art sound system and intimate feel, the perfect venue to get down and let loose on a Saturday night. Join us!

Line-up:

• Typesun (live – on stage 10pm)
• Debian Blak (live)
• Pále (DJ set)
• Howson’s Groove (DJ Set)
• Soundcrash DJS

Combo Ticket Offer: buy a ticket for this event plus The Heliocentrics – Live  at XOYO  (9 July ) and save £5! Book HERE

Group Ticket Offer: Buy 4 Tickets and get a 5th ticket absolutely free. Available via the PayPal option only. 

Soundcrash is proud to present the first London takeover from the legendary LA club night Low End Theory featuring the resident crew in full plus resident in spirit Kutmah. A unique chance to experience one of the most influential club nights in the world without having to pay for a transatlantic flight!

A legendary left-field Los Angeles club night that draws hundreds of fans every Wednesday night to the Airliner in Lincoln Heights, Low End Theory is known across the globe for supporting visionary artists, promoting breakthrough sounds and nourishing a vibrant artistic community. Blending futuristic hip-hop with experimental electronic sounds, Low End Theory is a hub of the beat community and a place where creative minds congregate on a weekly basis in Los Angeles, monthly in San Francisco and quarterly in Japan. With an eclectic palette of five world-touring residents and a diverse audience of music lovers, Low End Theory is a fresh sonic showcase whose reverberations can be heard around the world.

Line-up:

• The Gaslamp Killer
• Daddy Kev
• DJ Nobody
• D-Styles
• Nocando
• plus special guest Kutmah

Early Bird tickets available via the PayPal option whilst stocks last

Andreya began singing at the tender age of 7, taking influence from the sights and sounds of inner city London. With an individual and experimental approach to making music, her love for improvisation would warp and change over the years, hugely influencing her ‘Freeflo Sessions’. Her 2010 ‘Lost Where I Belong’ album on Ninja Tune gained international fame and recognition as one of Britain’s most unique vocalists.

Capacity at these shows is limited so tickets will sell out fast. Don’t sleep!

Line-up:

Andreya Triana – Live Semi-Acoustic Show
plus guests

The mighty Trojan Sound System need no introduction. Trojan records are synonymous with quality original Reggae the world over, so you know what’s coming to you. And you know you’re gonna love it. Legendary selectors Earl Gateshead and Daddy Ad are joined by original reggae singers to form the Trojan Sound System, an unstoppable machine spreading love, good vibes and authentic Reggae party tunes wherever they go.

Earl Gateshead began deejaying in Brixton in 1979 and has received worldwide recognition for his 20 year residencies at The Dive Bar, Blue Note and Plastic People. Gateshead worked as a selector and MC with Cutty Ranks, Big Youth, Dr. Alimantado or Dennis Alcapone. The Sound System’s vocalists Superfour and Chucky Banton have twenty years of experience as members of the great south London sound systems: Taurus, Sir Coxsone and Saxon. Legendary recording artists including Lee Perry, Tippa Irie, Dillinger, Horace Andy and Gregory Isaacs have all worked with the Trojan Sound System, making them on of the most revered crews in the UK.

Daddy Ad hails from the Roots and Reality Soundsystem and has worked with legends including; Eek-A-Mouse and Tappa Zukie amongst many others and has always, like Earl, pushed for new sounds and acts to break on though. His experience as a drummer and audiophile has led Ad in a direction to be responsible for the crews FXs, mixing and trademark sound.

Capacity is limited on this swanky little boat so book early for guaranteed entry! We bring the Sound System and you bring the sun…

Line-up:

• Trojan Sound System (live)
• Wrongtom
• Tom Central

Line-up:

• Poppy Ackroyd (Hidden Orchestra)
• Polaroid 85 (Live)
• DJ Cheeba
• Tom Central & Cosmo Lopez
• Boba Fatt

Full Line-up:

BONOBO – LIVE // DOOM // DJ SHADOW // ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT // QUANTIC  WITH ONDATROPICA // ALICE RUSSELL // GHOSTPOET // SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA // RIOT JAZZ // CRAIG CHARLES // ANDREYA TRIANA // DJ YODA // CHANNEL ONE SOUND SYSTEM // HOMEBOY SANDMAN // KUTMAH // MR THING + YUNGUN // ILLUM SPHERE // OM UNIT // LETHERETTE // ELIPHINO // KELPE // ANCHORSONG // FLAKO // SHIGETO // MEMORY9 // KIDKANEVIL // ANDREW ASHONG // JON K  // SCRIMSHIRE // TALL BLACK GUY // CHEEBA // JONNY DUB // COM TRUISE // DOM SERVINI // GILLA // TAMARA SAUL // CATCHING FLIES // NEW YORK BRASS BAND // CAPITOL 1212 // NUBIYAN TWIST // PHRIXUS PHRIXUS // SO FLUTE // RENEGADE BRASS BAND // SOLKO // PHORIA // BEDMO DISCO // BOBA FATT // GENERAL ROOTS

Please note: this show was originally scheduled for York Hall on July 13th. Tickets remain valid for the new date and no further action is required on your part. 

Soundcrash is proud to present LA bass virtuoso Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat, at this very special one-off London show to celebrate the release of his Flying Lotus produced LP ‘Apocalypse’, released  FlyLo’s own Brainfeeder Records.

An energetic, imaginative performer LA bass virtuoso Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat, has toured the world working with an impressive list of artists, from members of LA’s vibrant underground beat scene such as Flying Lotus through to global stars such as soul legend Leon Ware, Erykah Badu and Snoop Dogg.

Whilst his debut album, ‘The Golden Age of Apocalypse’, marked him out as one of the music scene’s most innovative players, his new album, the Flying Lotus produced ‘Apocalypse’, (just released on FlyLo’s own Brainfeeder Records) has firmly established himself as a global star earning universal praise everywhere from Pitchfork to The Independent.

Joining Thundercat will be UK producer, and former Astrophysics student, Throwing Snow who since his debut on Alexander Nut’s Ho-Tep label has remixed acts like Gold Panda, Sinden and Eskmo, delivered acclaimed releases on his own Snowfall label and put together one of the best live shows around making him a favourite of the likes of Gilles Peterson, Benji B, Mary Anne Hobbs and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke.

With other additions to the lineup due to be announced and ever more glowing reviews of ‘Apocalypse’ appearing in the press, tickets are sure to move fast for this much awaited live show by one of music’s most singular talents.

Line-up:

• Thundercat (live LP launch )
• Throwing Snow (live)
• plus very special guests

Please note: this event was originally scheduled to take place at XOYO on the same date. Tickets remain perfectly valid for the new show. 

Group Ticket Offer: Buy 4 Tickets and get a 5th ticket absolutely free. Available via the PayPal option only. 

Soundcrash presents The Heliocentrics live at Cargo introducing material from their excellent 13 Degrees of Reality LP out now on Now-Again Records. After a hugely successful run of shows with Ethio-Jazz legend Mulatu Astatke The Heliocentrics return to the live stage to deliver their unique brand of astral funk and psychedelic hip-hop.  Prepare to have your mind blown to bits.

The Heliocentrics have been playing together for over a decade and their collective drive is to find an individual voice. The Heliocentrics search for it in an alternate galaxy where the orbits of funk, jazz, psychedelic, electronic, avant-garde and “ethnic” music all revolve around “The One.” Back at Now-Again with 13 Degrees of Reality, the Heliocentrics have returned to develop this epic vision of psychedelic funk, while exploring the possibilities created by their myriad influences – Latin, African, and more.

No surprise, then, that the Heliocentrics have earned lifetime fans in the likes of questing spirits like Madlib (with whom Catto has collaborated on numerous Yesterdays New Quintet projects), DJ Shadow (both as a touring ensemble and in the studio), Quantic and Ethiopian jazz giant Mulatu Astatke, with whom the Heliocentrics recorded and released Inspiration Information 3, the fourth classic Mulatu album – released nearly forty years after his other three.

Praised as someone who “embodies all that is good about a new generation of producers” (Dazed & Confused), Paul White has won over fans of left-leaning sounds and interesting hip-hop, including Diplo, Mary Anne Hobbs, Benji B and Gilles Peterson. Following the release of his 2010 album Paul White and The Purple Brain in conjunction with Now-Again Records, Paul White’s hip-hop career is now flourishing: he’s produced the bulk of rising US rap star Danny Brown’s forthcoming album, and has an EP with Homeboy Sandman forthcoming on Stones Throw. His live trio brings together his love for hip-hop, jazz, psychedelia, new wave and more.

Plus if all this wasn’t enough New Analog will be producing an exclusive limited gig poster to be sold at the event.

An unmissable show from a uniquely talented band of musicians. Don’t miss out!

Line-up:

• The Heliocentrics – Live
• Paul White – Live ft. Mo Kolours

Line-up:

• Plaid (DJ Set)
• Anchorsong (Live)
• Rival Consoles (Live)
• Substance B (Live)
• Howson’s Groove (DJ Set)
• Soundcrash DJs

Ten tracks long, featuring all of the extended Congo Natty family (plus, in the form of Skip McDonald and Adrian Sherwood, a healthy link to On-U Sound as well), “Jungle Revolution” clearly lays out the way in which Rebel sees Jungle as a re-boot of roots reggae for a new century. Full of blood and fire, the sternum-buzz of sub-bass, rapid fire drum breaks, sweet hooks, righteous anger and professions of love, it’s the kind of passionate, committed, raw and spiritual, beautiful record that doesn’t come along that often.

This will be a very intimate party for friends and family with only a few tickets put on general sale so don’t delay a second to book yourself one and see a legend up close and personal.

Line-up:

• Congo Natty (live)
• plus special guests

Early bird tickets available via the PayPal option whilst stocks last. 

Group Ticket Offer: Buy 4 Tickets and get a 5th ticket absolutely free. Available via the PayPal option only. 

Soundcrash presents a night sure to shift the Eurasian tectonic plate a couple of meters in every direction with a massive line-up of heads dedicated to sub-bass warfare – with a touch of class. Our last d’n’b do at The Forum was one of the best nights we’ve had in ages so we just had to do it again without delay!

The mighty LTJ Bukem will be rocking the enhanced sound system at The Forum in the way only he can with SP:MC making sure the energy levels never drop! A legend ready to give the speakers a good workout. Plus Soundcrash resident Tom Central will be banging out a set dedicated to two legendary stables: Full Cycle records and Hospital Records. Let us see them shapes!

After the success of their performance of their recently composed soundtrack to 70s Senegalese film “Touki Bouki@ at QEH Red Snapper join forces with old friends Soundcrash to show their versatility and give fans, old and new, the chance to sweat and party to a classic Snapper club set. Rick Thair, Ali Friend, David Ayers and Tom Challenger will be road testing brand new tracks from the film soundtrack (to be released later this year), tunes from 2011 album “Key” and plenty of classics from “Prince Blimey” and “Making Bones”.

But before Hidden Orchestra will once again regale us with their spellbinding live show. The quartet (strings, electronics, x2 drummers) will be performing their mesmerising compositions on an enhanced Forum sound system to ensure a truly immersive experience and set the bar high as fuck for the rest of the line-up. No excuses! If you’re not yet familiar with this incredible band check this out for a taste of what makes them, and us, tick. Make sure you come early for this!

Don’t miss out!

Line-up:

• LTJ Bukem
• SP:MC
• Red Snapper (live on stage 10pm)
• Hidden Orchestra (live on stage 9pm)
• Tom Central

Group Ticket Offer: Buy 4 Tickets and get a 5th ticket absolutely free. Available via the PayPal option only. 

Red Snapper are proud to announce that they will be performing their new live set at the London Forum on Saturday June 29th!

After the success of their performance of their recently composed soundtrack to 70s Senegalese film “Touki Bouki@ at QEH the band join forces with old friends Soundcrash to show their versatility and give fans, old and new, the chance to sweat and party to a classic Snapper club set. Rick Thair, Ali Friend, David Ayers and Tom Challenger will be road testing brand new tracks from the film soundtrack (to be released later this year), tunes from 2011 album “Key” and plenty of classics from “Prince Blimey” and “Making Bones”.

But before Hidden Orchestra will once again regale us with their spellbinding live show. The quartet (strings, electronics, x2 drummers) will be performing their mesmerising compositions on an enhanced Forum sound system to ensure a truly immersive experience and set the bar high as fuck for the rest of the line-up. No excuses! If you’re not yet familiar with this incredoble band check this out for a taste of what makes them, and us, tick. Make sure you come early for this!

The bands’ performances will be followed by a massive d’n'b line-up sure to shake London up as LTJ Bukem and Tom Central take to the 1s and 2s for a HUGE drum’n'bass session.

Don’t miss out!

Line-up:

• Red Snapper (live – on stage 10pm)
• Hidden Orchestra (live – on stage 9pm)

followed by a d’n'b club night with…

• LTJ Bukem
• SP:MC
• Tom Central

Andreya began singing at the tender age of 7, taking influence from the sights and sounds of inner city London. With an individual and experimental approach to making music, her love for improvisation would warp and change over the years, hugely influencing her ‘Freeflo Sessions’. Her 2010 ‘Lost Where I Belong’ album on Ninja Tune gained international fame and recognition as one of Britain’s most unique vocalists.

Capacity at these shows is limited so tickets will sell out fast. Don’t sleep!

Line-up:

• Andreya Triana – Live
• plus guests

Also on sale:  August 14 at St Pancras Old Church

So that’s what we’ll do then

Come with us to Angel Islington to keep the party grooves going strong until night time with the trusty Soundcrash residents! And to make things easier for you, if you’re partying as part of a group we have group tickets available!

Line-up:

• Soundcrash DJs playing Funk & Soul

* this word is made up

Group Ticket Special Offer: Buy 4 tickets and get a 5th completely free, available via the PayPal option. 

Sail down the Thames to the perfect party soundtrack as Soundcrash takes you on a 4 hour journey aboard London’s largest party boat, the Mississippi style paddle steamer the Dixie Queen! With BBC 6Music’s Craig Charles on captain duties you know this will be a blast.

Poet, actor, television presenter, stand up comedian and BBC radio host Craig Charles has been performing since the age of 12 when he won The Guardian Poetry Award. He began appearing in television programmes after starting his career as an urban performance poet, presenting on children’s television shows such as What’s that Noise. He acquired cult status as Dave Lister on BBC 2′s hugely popular Red Dwarf and has appeared in a myriad of other shows as an actor or presenter, including cult classics Takeshi’s Castle and Robot Wars. He presents the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show for BBC 6Music where he explores the past present and future of the genres. His DJ sets are infectious!

Line-up:

• CRAIG CHARLES (BBC 6MUSIC)
• DJ Cheeba (Solid Steel)
• Jon Kennedy

Limited Group Ticket Offer: Buy 4 tickets and get a 5th completely free whilst stocks last here.

Ring the alarm! This June Soundcrash return to Koko for what could be the heaviest night of the year. A soundclash of such Biblical proportions that Camden council are insisting Koko’s foundations be reinforced to better stand the battering they’ll take as the likes of The Bug, dBridge, Mala and the Mad Professor take to the stage.

Few artists in the world can match Kevin ‘The Bug’ Martin for both sonic intensity and ability to get the most from any given soundsystem. With releases on labels like Ninja Tune and Rephlex that range from militant dancehall to industrial dub and acid ragga, Kevin is one of the UK’s most respected producers and fearsome live acts and will be joined for a special performance by MCs Flowdan and Daddy Freddy.

As both a member of Bad Company in the 90s and as a solo producer dBridge has been at the forefront of the drum and bass scene for nearly two decades now. In recent years his collaborations with the likes of Instra:mental and Skream and his acclaimed Fabric Mix have shown off his versatility as both a producer and a DJ, breaking new ground at whichever genre of music he tries his hand at.

From Croydon to the streets of Havana it’s been a long strange journey for dubstep pioneer Mala, but one that has proven him to be one of the UK’s most exciting and forward thinking producers. Responsible for both the seminal DMZ night and label, pivotal in the evolution of British music the past ten years, Mala continues to push things forward never resting on his laurels.

Finally completing the evening’s heavyweight line-up is dub legend the Mad Professor. From working with some of Jamaica’s biggest names like Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Sly & Robbie to collaborating with some of the UK’s most respected names, such as The Orb and Massive Attack, few people have as deep an understanding of the science of bass music, the dark arts of the soundsystem and how to properly start up the dance.

Responsible for bringing groundbreaking events such as Amon Tobin’s ‘ISAM’ and Squarepusher’s ‘Ufabulum Live’ shows to London, Soundcrash are the capital’s leading promoters of leftfield, electronic music hosting events across the city from the Royal Albert Hall to basements in East London.

Line-up:

• The Bug ft. Flowdan & Daddy Freddy (on stage 11pm)
• dBridge
• Mala
• Mad Professor

Super Early Birds and Early Birds on sale via PayPal and SEETickets options only.

Group Ticket Offer: Buy 4 Tickets and get a 5th ticket absolutely free. Available via the PayPal option only. 

Combining the precision of electronic music with the spontaneity of live drumming can make for some outstanding musical moments if done well; so on June 14th we’re in for a real treat as two of the most exciting dudes out there who combine their own electronic productions with live drumming play a double headliner in the main room at Electrowerkz! An unmissable night for lovers of the finest beat music.

We’re very excited to welcome back to the Soundcrash stage Michigan resident and all-round genius Shigeto. Beat-driven but given to richly textured sound design, rhythmically fractured but melodically sumptuous, Shigeto’s music is a bridge between the past and present, bringing the artist face to face with a creative legacy that spans decades. Just as fellow Ghostly label-mates Gold Panda, Dabrye or Com Truise, Shigeto’s musical universe defies and confounds genre definitions. Tonight he will be performing his infamous live set with drums. You don’t want to miss this!

London based electronic stalwart Kel McKeown – aka Kelpe – celebrates ten years of sonic boundary pushing with new LP ‘Fourth: The Golden Eagle’, out June 3rd on his brand new label DRUT, with the ‘Answered’ EP/MAXI single out April 15th. Setting to work with a selection of analogue synths – Moog, Korg Polysix, Korg MS10 and Doepfer Dark Energy – the Ableton aficionado and purveyor of warped, cut ‘n’ spliced cliq-hop beats has delivered a handcrafted, 10-track masterpiece on an album which draws upon the strengths of his previous three. It’s softer, warmer and more graceful than 2009′s ‘Cambio Wechsel’, with a strong melodic element, and one which will secure his prized position in the canon of post-IDM greats.

Line-up:

• Shigeto (live)
• Kelpe (live LP launch)
• plus special guesst Mamiko Motto (NTS Radio)

This event is Sold Out. New Jon Hopkins date added HERE.

Jon Hopkins launches his new LP “Immunity” (released June 3rd on Domino Records) with an audiovisual show at East London’s Village Underground.

A powerful, multi-faceted beast, packed with the most aggressively dancefloor-focussed music Hopkins has ever made, Immunity is about achieving euphoric states through music. Inspired by the arc of an epic night out, the album peaks with Collider, a huge, apocalyptic, techno monster and dissolves with the quiet, heartbreakingly beautiful closer, Immunity, a track featuring vocals from King Creosote which could sit comfortably alongside the gems of their Mercury-nominated collaboration, Diamond Mine.

Immunity is a confident, dramatic record defined by an acute sense of physicality and place. It feels like the hypnotic accompaniment to a journey of creativity, a trip inside Hopkins’ mind, using analog synthesis alongside manipulations of physical, real-world sounds to make dance music that feels as natural and unforced as possible.

Line-up:

• Jon Hopkins – Live AV Show
• The Field – Live Solo Show
• Nathan Fake (DJ Set)

Stage times:

• The Field: 7:30-8:10
• Nathan Fake: 8:20 – 9:20
• Jon Hopkins: 9:35-10:35
  

“In an exciting era for British electronic music creativity, Debian Blak holds his own as one of the emerging artists to watch. His diverse portfolio of work to date influences his current output and results in a fresh sound. ” – RESIDENT ADVISOR

Rising electronic producer and AUDIO DOUGHNUTS’ latest signing Debian Blak readies for his much anticipated debut headline London show on the 8th June at The Shacklewell Arms.

His first critically-acclaimed debut EP, ‘A Hint of Menace’ catapulted him to the forefront of the underground electronic scene and since he has been championed by likes of MARY ANNE HOBBS (BBC Radio 1), Lauren Laverne (BBC 6 MUSIC), DAEDELUS and NICOLAS JAAR as one of the most exciting new producers of recent years.

Debian will be giving a special live performance as he orchestrates an energetic night of partying to celebrate the release of his long awaited ‘Six Months From Mars EP’—A four track sensation that features vocal collaborations from NEO JOSHUA and MT. WOLF’S lead vocalist KATE WOLF.

He aslo leads a mouthwatering line up of fellow electronic friends Tuesday Born, Real and TÂCHES who represent some of the most promising acts to recently emerge from contemporary electronic and dance music who are destined to keep things on a vibe until the early hours.

“Brilliant, emotional, technically skilled.” – KNOWLEDGE MAGAZINE

“Debian Blak has a post-dubstep agenda with a sting in its tail, to the point of letting rattlesnakes

hang out with him in the studio.” – DATA TRANSMISSION

“One of the most promising new producers of today’s generation and a big name for 2013” – BEATNIK

Line-up:

• Debian Blak (live)
• Tuesday Born
• Real
• TÂCHES

Ninja Tune artist Jono McCleery, made his first album Darkest Light independently in 2008, funded by fans. His following release: ‘There Is’ was described as “Miles Davis, Massive Attack, John Martyn, Fink, and Radiohead wrapped up in one exquisitely produced album.” Currently collaborating with Royce Wood Junior on a new album, with their single ‘Fire in my Hands’ having already received world-wide recognition.

Milly Blue’s music is written on ukulele, featuring tuneful tales of museum curators, horrifying monsters and travelling heroes and painted pictures of love and loss. Rooms fall silent as she sings and tiny pins have been heard to drop from the sudden-still hands of those entranced by the soulful timbre of her sound. From guesting for Basement Jaxx to touring with Motown legends her collaborations have never been dull and her solo material will not disappoint. Commended for having a “Dreamy Romanticism” to her voice, her lyrical tales will bring a smile whilst (maybe) provoking a tear….

Milly Blue: A big voice accompanied by a small instrument…

Line-up:

• Jono McCleery – live
• Milly Blue – live

Can you kick it? I think you can!

Line-up:

• The Drop (Live)
• The Highlys (Live)
• General Roots (Live)
• Wrongtom (DJ Set)
• Plus Soundcrash DJ’s

One of the most talked about bands of 2012 and CLASH magazine’s ‘One’s To Watch 2013’, the London-based four piece shot to critical acclaim after the release of their debut EP Life Size Ghosts last October.

With vocalist Kate Sproule’s harmonies sitting delicately over a layered tapestry of orchestration and sound scape in what the band call ‘dream folk’, Mt Wolf’s sound is cinematic, ethereal and thoroughly modern.

Support on the evening comes from the critically acclaimed duo Peter & Kerry, and gifted singer songwriter James Spankie.

Line-up:

• Mt Wolf – Live
• Peter & Kerry – Live
• James Spankie

Early Birds avaiable via the PayPal option.

Two years on, having moved on from Brownswood to [PIAS], Ghostpoet’s creativity has blossomed even more. On his second album, Some Say I So I Say Light, he pushes even further in all directions than on Peanut Butter Blues, mixing the abstract and the concrete with uncanny skill. A treat awaits all who attend The Haunt on June 7th for what is sure to be another unforgettable showcase of Obaro’s talent as he performs material from his amazing new album.

Support on the night comes from R&S Records’ Cloud Boat live and Meytronomy’s Olugbenga on the selections. Big!

Line-up:

• Ghostpoet (live)
• Olugbenga( live)
• Cloud Boat (live)

Sporting a five piece band for a delivery of live looping, frantic afrobeat or electronic driven beats combined with moments of downbeat heaviness this is one show you do not want to miss. Scrimshire finds himself as much at home on stage as he does in the studio. The fruits of his studio work has come to fruition this year with the release of “Bight” on Wah Wah 45s records, and has gained him a legion of fans including Gilles Peterson and Huey Morgan.

Mark your diaries.

Line-up:

• Scrimshire (Live)
• plus special guests

Andreya began singing at the tender age of 7, taking influence from the sights and sounds of inner city London. With an individual and experimental approach to making music, her love for improvisation would warp and change over the years, hugely influencing her ‘Freeflo Sessions’. Her 2010 ‘Lost Where I Belong’ album on Ninja Tune gained international fame and recognition as one of Britain’s most unique vocalists.

Capacity at these shows is limited so tickets will sell out fast.

• June 26 at the Queen of Hoxton
• July 10 at the Shacklewell Arms
• August 14 at St Pancras Old Church

Extra tickets released due to phenomenal demand!

Soundcrash and CME are very proud to present the much awaited return to the stage from the incredible self-taught singer/songwriter Andreya Triana taking over the stunning Union Chapel to launch her brand new EP out on Ninja Tune early 2013. Andreya began singing at the tender age of 7, taking influence from the sights and sounds of inner city London. With an individual and experimental approach to making music, her love for improvisation would warp and change over the years, hugely influencing her ‘Freeflo Sessions’. Her 2010 ‘Lost Where I Belong’ album on Ninja Tune gained international fame and recognition as one of Britain’s most unique vocalists.

Support on the night comes courtesy of Grey Reverend making a rare UK appearance.

The latest artist to be championed by Jason Swinscoe’s Motion Audio imprint will be familiar to fans of The Cinematic Orchestra. Brooklyn-based L.D. Brown and AKA Grey Reverend met Swinscoe shortly after the Cinematics main-man relocated to NYC and started going to the coffee shop run by Brown’s sister for his hot caffeinated beverages. When Swinscoe heard some of Brown’s material he was impressed by it and they met up. Eventually, he asked the Reverend to supply a cover version of “To Build A Home.” Swinscoe liked the resulting track so much that Grey Reverend began to tour with TCO, singing with them and performing his own material in support.

The lucky few who attend this very special show will be able to get a first taste of her brand new material up close and personal. Don’t miss out!

Line-up:

• Andreya Triana (Live)
• Grey Reverend (Live)

The Soundcrash Podcast returns with new guest, Mi Ki Mak. An LA takeover, dedicated to beat music with monumental tracks + brand new mixes featuring previous guests of legendary LA club night LowEndTheory.

This week, drops new sounds from The Gaslamp Killer, Nosaj Thing, Thundercat, Kelpe plus a rare Soundcrash ticket + album giveaway. Closing the show, Bonobo managed to squeeze in few minutes for a friendly catch up. Tune in for the Soundwave festival low down.

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This show is now completely SOLD OUT. New Ghostpoet show added here. 

Obaro Ejimiwe, aka Ghostpoet, laughs when he remembers how Gilles Peterson “took a risk on a random maverick” back in 2010 by signing him to the Radio 1 DJ’s Brownswood imprint. Within a year, that risk paid off: Ghostpoet’s debut album, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, marked him out as one of the most distinct, uncategorisable and forward-thinking voices to emerge in British music this decade, and it was rewarded with a surprise Mercury Prize nomination in 2011. It was a sudden rise for a man who for whom news of a record deal came in the same week that he was made redundant from his office job in insurance.

Two years on, having moved on from Brownswood to [PIAS], Ghostpoet’s creativity has blossomed even more. On his second album, Some Say I So I Say Light, he pushes even further in all directions than on Peanut Butter Blues, mixing the abstract and the concrete with uncanny skill. A treat awaits all who attend Village Underground on May 30th for what is sure to be another unforgettable showcase of Obaro’s talent as he performs material from his amazing new album.

Line-up:

• Ghostpoet (live)
• Typesun (live)
• plus special guests

Formed in 2001 and hailing from Kidal, Mali, Terakaft are a genuine Tuareg desert rock band sculpted by the rolling sands of the Sahara: weathered, dusty, relentless, endless. Through droning guitars, pulsating rhythms, and powerful, mournful vocals, Terakaft – ‘Caravan’ in their mother tongue – tell tales of a nomadic people, of families displaced, of violence, loss, sadness and defiance. And they do so in a way that creates a united sound which carries within it the spirit of victory, even while singing of defeat.

Wild riffs, searing and searching eastern-tinged melodies, three voices singing in harmony, and the ever present soul of the blues. This is the Terakaft sound, and we cannot wait to hear it live in all its ferocity.

Line-up:

• Terakaft – live

Group Ticket Offer: Buy 4 Tickets and get a 5th ticket absolutely free. Available via the PayPal option only. 

—

***ANYONE WHO BUYS A TICKET TO THE LONDON LAUNCH WILL GIVE THEMSELVES A CHANCE TO WIN 1 OF 5 PAIRS OF TICKETS TO SOUNDWAVE CROATIA*** 

NINJA TUNE / SOUNDCRASH / TEMPO CLASH / HYPONIK / FIRST WORD / WAH WAH 45S / KEEP UP!

Presents…

The Soundwave Croatia All Day London Launch Party. After 15+ launch parties across Europe the flagship launch party event finally arrives in London with its own mini festival! This willl be the last date of the tour and the likes of Ninja Tune, Soundcrash, Tempo Clash, Hyponik, First Word, Wah Wah 45s and Keep Up! have come together to put on one hell of a line-up, featuring a feast of live bands and party-starting DJs for this all day celebration. Plus we will give away 1 pair of tickets to Soundwave every hour for the first 5 hours of the event, PLUS there is an extremely special secret guest headlining the night which cannot be announced! DJs, bands, visuals, live art, food, summer beverages all rolled into one as the sun sets on the bank holiday weekend. Early bird tickets start at just £5 so there is no excuse… everyone is welcome!

Soundcrash Presents: Soundwave – London Launch Mixtape by Soundcrash on Mixcloud

Line-Up:

DJ’s

• KUTMAH
• Mr Thing B2B Kidkanevil
• Kelpe
• Tom Central & Cosmo Lopez (AV Set)
• Dom Servini
• DJ Gilla
• Real Roots

LIVE

• Anchorsong
• General Roots
• Lea Lea
• Phoria
• Solko
• The Gene Dudley Group

With two full length albums and numerous EPs under his belt, iTal tEK has carved his own niche in the broad spectrum of music referencing classic Electronica, Hip Hop and Techno blended masterfully to create his own style of hard hitting and melodic bass music. With the likes of Surgeon and BBC6 mainstay Mary Anne Hobbs both flying the flag for iTal tEK it is safe to say the Birthdays soundsystem is due a workout of May 26th.

My Panda Shall Fly should be a name that rings a few bells. It’s the creative alias of South Londoner Suren Seneviratne, a Sri Lankan-born visual artist, producer and creator of peculiar and exciting future electronics. A firm fixture on the London electronics scene, his unique musical excursions on Growing Records and Five Easy Pieces have found him being welcomed to The Boiler Room, Off Modern and BBC Introducing just in the last few weeks.

Next up is Eagles For Hands, a new electronic artist whose colourful production and musicality create a sound that he can genuinely call his own. His productions are a mix of head-nodding beats, mesmerising textures and rhythmical synth hooks combined with a collage of vocal samples.

With a string of remixes due out for acts such as Laura Mvula, Ultraista, The Good Natured, Sivu and Cave Painting, plus his own E.P. dropping next month, 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year for this bright, young producer.

Expect the high quality of music from the Soundcrash DJs as you have become accustomed to in the past. A cracking night all around!

Line-up:

• iTAL tEK 
• My Panda Shall Fly – DJ Set
• Eagles For Hands – Live
• plus Soundcrash DJs

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Tracklist:

1. Mala – Changuito

2. Interview – Leanne Ratcliffe of Lea Lea

3. Lea Lea – Black or White (Goth Trad Remix)

4. Ital tek – Pixel Haze

5. Interview – Tom Miller of Keep Up! Records

6. Keita Sano – Outer Space – SOUNDCRASH EXCLUSIVE FIRST PLAY

7. Tall Black Guy – From Home, To Work and Back  (Chosen by SOLKO)

8. Interview with DJ Gilla – First Word Records

9. Frameworks – Old Friend

10. Terakaft – Al3alem

11. Andreya Triana – Song for a Friend  SOUNDCRASH EXCLUSIVE FIRST PLAY

In the back: Kelpe – Answered

This mix features a track from every artist and label featured on the night – a journey through hip-hop backbeats, bassy WHOMPS and skankin’ ska riddims.

Download now:
http://www.soundcrashmusic.com/mixes/Soundcrash-Mix-20130514.mp3 (Right-click and hit ‘Save As’)

Mixcloud: 
http://www.mixcloud.com/Soundcrash/soundcrash-presents-soundwave-london-launch-mixtape/

Tracklist:
The Fawcett Negotiation – The Gene Dudley Group
Shipwreck glue – Kelpe
The Balcksmith – Anchorsong
Good Morning, What’s New? – Kid Kanevil
Mon Amis de’troit – First World Records
Jungle Days – Ave Blaste & P Lopez (Tom Central Remix)
Open Your Eyes – Yungun (aka Essa) (Mr Thing Remix)
AK47 – Lealea
Bones – Phoria
Done Made My Vow – Solko
Joker Smoker – General Roots
Augustus Pablo Meets Busta – Real Roots
East L.A – Kutmah

This mix doesn’t even include our very special guest… tickets are still available at bargainous prices from right here: http://www.soundcrashmusic.com/soundwave-croatia-launch-party-london/.

See you down the front.

ANCHORSONG

Masaaki Yoshida, aka Anchorsong, plays a very special live set. Globally recognised for his unique live performances, which many people have described as “like watching a painter drawing on a white canvas”, as he creates electronic music completely live using a sampler (MPC2500) and a keyboard, right in front of the audience. While he mainly performs solo, he frequently augments this setup with a string quartet, for a truly spellbinding show.

SCRIMSHIRE

Sporting a five piece band for a delivery of live looping, frantic afrobeat or electronic driven beats combined with moments of downbeat heaviness this is one show you do not want to miss. Scrimshire finds himself as much at home on stage as he does in the studio. The fruits of his studio work came to fruition last year with his album “The Hollow” which gained him a legion of fans including Gilles Peterson who in May named it as his album of the week on BBC 6 Music.

GHOST MUTT B2B GRINEL

Donky Pitch began in Brighton in the summer of 2009, artists such as Slugabed, Arp 101 and Lockah have all released on the label. We’re excited to welcome two of the labels most prominent figures Ghost Mutt and Grinel, who are set to go B2B on the evening. Expect the finest selection of beats and party bangers.

PHORIA

Phoria combine beguiling melodies, elegant arrangements and ethereal vocals to produce beautiful and eclectic music, with influences ranging from Sigur Rós to James Blake. They have already shared the stage with Little Dragon, Dodgy, and Ultraista, project of legendary Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. With their new EP set to be released on the 29th of April expect a host of exciting exclusive material.

Line-up:

• Anchorsong (live)
• Scrimshire (live)
• Ghost Mutt b2b Grinel
• Phoria (live)

Group Ticket Special Offer: Buy 4 tickets and get a 5th completely free, available via the PayPal option. 

Bass Weekend Combo Offer: buy a ticket for this event plus LTJ Bukem, Roni Size and DJ Kentaro at The Forum (04 May) and save £7! Book HERE.

May the 5th just got a whole load more interesting with a heavy-duty line-up of serious turntable talent  gathering at KOKO for the May bank holiday Sunday! Flying in from the states for an exclusive set will be A Tribe Called Quest’s DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Beat Junkie J Rocc for two rare DJ sets.  joining forces with the UK’s own DJ Yoda playing a classic Hip Hop AV set, the hardest working man in the music biz DJ Vadim and UK DMC Champ and guaranteed party starter Mr Thing. To top it off The Last Skeptik will take to the stage to get things started in the best possible way. Now this is a party.

Flying in exclusively for this show is A Tribe Called Quest DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad. An integral part of ATCQ’s iconic productions, Ali joined J-Dilla and Q-Tip in the collective The Ummah after ATCQ’s breakup and then later formed Lucy Pearl with Raphael Saadiq. Imagine how good of a DJ you must be to have a resume like that!

One of the original turntablists, J. Rocc founded the Beat Junkies in 1992 which became a seminal force in the rise of instrumental hip-hop. In addition to numerous mixtapes and his own production for Stones Throw releases, J. Rocc has been the DJ for Madlib’s live shows since the early 2000′s, was the 3rd member of Jaylib (Madlib & J Dilla) during the group’s live events. Selectors don’t get much more respected than this.

One of ‘The 10 DJs you must see before you die’ (Q magazine); ‘One of the Top Three DJs in the World’ (HHC); the world’s principal AV artist; part dance-floor destroying selector, part turntablist supreme DJ Yoda has been amazing audiences world-wide with his Audiovisual sets. Tonight he plays a classic Hip Hop set reminiscent of the first mixtapes that first brought him to the attention of the public. Exclusive!

Joining us for the evening is a Soundcrash favourite, USSR born producer DJ Vadim. Vadim has been busy touring the US and making rooms full of people jump about like there’s no tomorrow. Catch him hyping the crowd with his eclectic mix of reggae, soul, electronica, grime, hip hop and of course his own legendary productions to top off this mega night!

Former Scratch Perverts member and DMC Scratch Champion MR THING  will be doing his er, thing on the night, playing all your favourite hip hop, old school beats and breaks. Finally our boy, Corin aka The Last Skeptik has come a long way from building his first beats whilst skipping classes at school. From releasing his first 12” single in 2004 featuring Sway, he has been steadily gaining fans with his production wizardry. All this on an easter sunday… We treat you right!

Line-up:

• Ali Shaheed Muhammad 
• J.Rocc
• DJ Yoda - Classic Hip-Hop AV Show
• DJ Vadim
• Mr Thing
• The Last Skeptic
• Ewan Hoozami

Group Ticket Special Offer: Buy 4 tickets and get a 5th completely free, available via the PayPal option. 

Bass Weekend Combo Offer: buy a ticket for this event plus Ali Shaheed Muhammad, J.Rocc, DJ Yoda and more at KOKO (05 May) and save £7! Book HERE.

Soundcrash presents a heavy-duty line-up with two out and out legendary drum’n’bass producers and Tokyo’s finest turntablist and his breakbeat heavy new live show going head to head on an enhanced Forum sound system. Bass for days!

Emerging out of the late 80’s as a DJ, LTJ Bukem discovered his passion for drum and bass when exploring the realms of jazz fusion. So it’s natural that when Bukem’s career as a DJ progressed in the early 90‘s and he found himself delving in to the studio, it was these frantic breakbeats in tandem with the melodic, yet almost awry basslines of jazz instrumentation that informed Bukem’s creations, developing a progressive and textured sound equal parts anthemic and tranquil. The album was titled ‘Logical Progression’ and marked Bukem as an innovator, a tag that has stuck through his work on his own esteemed Good Looking Records imprint, and still bears strong today as Bukem continues to DJ extensively across the globe under his ‘Progression Session’ banner.

Bristol native Roni Size is one of the U.K. jungle scene’s most respected names, with production credits spanning dozens of labels, projects, and releases. Although not as quick to rise to acclaim (either critical or popular) as peers such as Goldie or LTJ Bukem, Size’s influence as a producer, label owner, and committed underground magnate figured him as one of the emerging sound’s true pioneers. The breakout success of his debut album New Forms (including Britain’s prestigious Mercury Award) finally confirmed his stature and vaulted him to a greater degree of popularity than any other drum’n'bass producer.

Known the world over as both a turntablist and as a sound creator, Japan’s DJ Kentaro first entered the consciousness of the global music community by scoring a landslide victory at the world’s biggest DJ battle, the DMC 2002, to become the first ever Asian Champion of the World. Since then he has performed shows across the globe, played Fuji Rock and other large scale festivals outside his home country and continued to tour HARD. While increasingly playing sessions with singers and instrumentalists, he also started to move his focus onto track producing and started releasing remixes, both of Japanese and international artists, with a clear drum’n’bass bent but never quite straying from his Hip Hop roots. His latest album, “Contrast”, was one of the heaviest releases in 2012 and the live show that accompanies it is sure to do some serious damage at The Forum.

Line-up:

• LTJ Bukem
• Roni Size
• DJ Kentaro (Tokyo/Ninja Tune)

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Track list

A Tribe Called Quest – Electric Relaxation
Paper Tiger – The Sting feat: Homeboy Sandman
Harleighblu – Enough now
Scrimshire Interview. Music underneath: Scrimshire – Convergent
Lapalux – Flower
The Heliocentrics – Wrecking Ball
Anchorsong – Dark Rum (Throwing Snow Remix)
Anchorsong Interview. Music underneath: Anchorsong – Plum Rain
The Knife – A tooth for an eye
Roni Size Reprazent – New forms feat: Bahamadia

Live from the York Soundwave party we bring you the finest in hip hop with DJ Vadim & Kidkanevil doing a B2B set and Manchesters finest Jonny Dub making the treck to Gods own county.

Line-up:

• DJ Vadim B2B Kidkanevil
• Jonny Dub
• Disko Stew

ON SALE SOON

The young duo from Wolverhampton have won hearts, minds and feet with four EPs, stunning remixes for Machinedrum and Bibio, and exuberant live shows. It’s easy to see why they inspire such enthusiasm; they understand the cutting edge without feeling afraid to let themselves go, and their music is all the better for it. ‘Letherette’ explores mood confidently, taking in introspective, melancholic moments as well as upbeat drive, and lending their debut extraordinary depth.

Very special support comes from Illum Sphere and Alexander Nut. An amazing line-up for what will be a truly memorable launch party. Tickets for this are very limited so don’t delay and grab yours now.

Line-up:

• Letherette – live
• Illum Sphere
• Alexander Nut

Early Bird tickets available via the PayPal option whilst stocks last

Hidden Orchestra’s mesmerising live show has seen them gain a rapidly expanding fan base across the UK, mainland Europe and further afield. With their sold out September London show alongside DJ Kentaro at Village Underground being a highlight in the Soundcrash calendar last year, we can not wait to welcome them to our stage.

This live show will be followed by a Soundcrash club night featuring Clark, Daedelus and more!

Line-up:

• Hidden Orchestra (live – On Stage 10pm)
• Kelpe (live)
• plus club sets from Clark, Daedelus and special guests

On April 20th Soundcrash presents a jaw dropping line-up featuring la creme de la creme of live electronica. Taking over Camden’s incredible former theatre KOKO – packing one of the best bone-rattling sound systems in London – Soundcrash serves up another essential night of electronic music. Bon apetit!

Saddling the headline slot and no stranger to Soundcrash or the boards of KOKO, we welcome Warp Records mainstay Clark. From his debut album ‘Clarence Park’ through to the recent ‘Fantasm Planes’ EP, Clark has always strove to experiment within the regions of electronica and his live analogue show is rated as one of the most captivating and infectious. Electronic music doesn’t get much better than this.

Or does it. Returning to London for his first live show since April 2012, the Victorian garmented futurist Daedelus is back… and he brings his mad audiovisual invention Archimedes back to the KOKO stage! Imagined by Daedelus, created with the expertise of Emmanuel Biard and David Leonard, Archimedes is an impressive bespoke mechanised wall of moving mirrors that moves in time with Daedelus’ deft sound manipulations to compliment and add to his legendary Monome sets.

Hitting the stage at 10pm will be Soundcrash favorites Hidden Orchestra, whose mesmerising live show has seen them gain a rapidly expanding fan base across Europe and further afield. With their sold out September London show alongside DJ Kentaro at Village Underground being a highlight in the Soundcrash calendar last year, we can not wait to welcome them to KOKO.

Kelpe is a name that should require little introduction. With barnstorming releases on the likes of DC Recordings, Black Acre and Svetlana Industries, plus a live show that has found him sharing stages with Aphex Twin, Squarepusher and once again this evening Daedelus.

Line-up:

• Clark (live)
• Daedelus (live Archimedes show)
• Anchorsong (live on stage 10pm)
• Kelpe (live)
• plus special guests

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Track list:
Daedelus – Pursed Lips Reply
J Rocc – Second Hand Sureshots Beat
Tall Black Guy – Mon Amie Detroit
London Posse – Money Madd (Wrongtom remix)
DJ Yoda Interview
Music underneath: Harmonic 33 – Where have they gone?
Pomrad – Pomslap
El Ten Eleven – Thanks Bill (Com Truise remix)
Bonobo ft: Erykah Badu – Heaven for the Sinner
SwamiMillion – Sherbert
Kelpe – Answered (Jon Phonics remix)
Letherette – D&T

Runtime 40mins

Check the tracklist below… Its crazy!!

Listen here on Mixcloud 

Tracklisting:

Essa & Mr Thing – Sunshine

Kidkanevil – Nahmsayin

Memory9 – One Of These Days (Bobby Tank Remix)

Eliphino – Nicki vs Rashad (Eliphino Mash)

Om Unit – Vibrations (Machinedrum Remix)

Om Unit & Sam Binga – Gamma

Barrington Levy – The Vibes Is Right (Om Unit Edit)

Lapalux – Straight Over My Head

Com Truise – Brokendate

Renegade Brass Band – Junktion

DJ Z Trip – Oh Lord! (Janis Joplin / DJ Shadow Blend)

DJ Shadow ft Mos Def – Six Days (Remix)

DJ Shadow ft Little Dragon – Scale It Back

DJ Shadow – I’ve Been Trying

Essa & Mr Thing – Battles

Beyond There ft Essa – Slumber

Yungun aka Essa – Liquid Love

Lapalux – Guuurl

Kutmah – One 4 The Dee

Madvillain (DOOM & Madlib) – All Caps

Madvillain (DOOM & Madlib) – Figaro

Tall Black Guy vs Al Green – Talk Together

Tall Black Guy – Sweet Europe

DJ Yoda ft PUTS – Quid Control

Shigeto – Huron River Drive

Hiatus Kaiyote – Nakamarra

Robert Glasper ft Lupe Fiasco & Bilal – Always Shine

Catching Flies – Let Your Hair Down (intro)

Jill Scott – Golden (Catching Flies Remix)

Kidkanevil – One For Tokyo

Letherette – In July Focus Rite

Scrimshire ft Stac – Alignment (Anchorsong Remix)

Homeboy Sandman – Couple Bars (Honey, Sugar, Darling, Sweetie, Baby, Boo)

MF Doom vs Jose Gonzalez – My Favourite Ladies Remain (Dert Remix)

MF Doom – Hoecakes

Robert Glasper ft Erykah Badu – Afro Blue

Alice Russell – For A While

Andrew Ashong – Flowers

Foreign Beggars & Kidkanevil – Palm Of My Hand

DJ Shadow – Organ Donor (Extended Overhaul)

Kelpe – Quick Broken Harp

Lapalux – Forgetting And Learning Again

Capitol 1212 ft Mike G from Jungle Brothers – Good Feelin’

Quantic Soul Orchestra – Super 8 (Pt 1)

Robert Glasper ft Mos Def – Black Radio

Stevie Wonder – Golden Lady (Scrimshire Edit)

Shigeto – So So Lovely

Bonobo ft Grey Reverend – First Fires

Bonobo – We Could Forever

Bonobo – Cirrus

Scrimshire ft Inga Lill Aker – Warm Sound

Scrimshire – Everything You Say (Dub Mix)

Eliphino – More Than Me

MF Doom & Daedelus – Impending Doom

Dirg Gerner ft Fatima – Rubies & Diamonds (fLako Remix)

Ghostpoet – Us Against Whatever Ever

Ghostpoet – Meltdown

Quantic ft Alice Russell & The Combo Barbaro – Look Around The Corner

Quantic – Tell It Like You Mean It

Homeboy Sandman – The Carpenter

fLako – Eclosure

Illum Sphere – Promise A Secret

Letherette – Surface

Submotion Orchestra – All Yours

Submotion Orchestra – It’s Not Me It’s You

Submotion Orchestra – Always

Submotion Orchestra – Sunshine

Ondatropica – Gaita Tropica

BobaFatt – Swingin’ Doctor (Blend)

Mt Wolf – Hypolight

DJ Shadow – What Does Your Soul Look Like Pt. 4

Bonobo – Black Sands Prelude

Special Offer: limited combo tickets are available for Portico Quartet on April 17th and Clark/Daedelus/Hidden Orchestra on April 20th at KOKO. Available whilst stocks last here. 

Portico Quartet still sound like nothing you ever heard before. The Mercury nominated East London based outfit’s unique music has expanded to embrace new sonic territories. Drawing on the inspiration of electronica, ambient, classical and dance music as they take their strange, beautiful, cinematic, future music to exciting new vistas where the inspiration of Burial, Mount Kimbie and Flying Lotus rubs shoulders with the textures of Arve Henriksen and Bon Iver and echoes of Steve Reich and Max Richter. But all underpinned by a shared joy in collective music making as the band push their inimitable music into the future.

Portico Quartet release their new double album Live / Remix in March 2013 on Real World Records. It is the sound of a band that refuses to stand still as they add new electronic inspiration to their trademark sound. But there are no shortcuts here, the music is played live, not pre-recorded, and the hard won collective empathy that is at the heart of their sound remains their primary touchstone. Full of mystery and drama Portico Quartet still take the listener on an unparalleled journey and live they pack a heavy punch as the band looks defiantly into the future.

Opening proceedings will be a man who has turned mpc looping into a live artform. Tru Thoughts signee Masaaki Yoshida, aka Anchorsong, has become globally recognised for his unique live shows, which many people have described as “like watching a painter drawing on a blank canvas”, as he creates electronic music completely live using a sampler (MPC2500) and a keyboard, right in front of the audience.

On DJ duties we’re very pleased to count with Southbank Center Artist in Residence, BBC Radiophonic Workshop member and self-taught luthier Mica Levi, aka Micachu, who has quickly set out her stall as one of the most original, challenging and unique artists in the country. Alongside the universally acclaimed debut ‘Jewellery’ (Rough Trade), Micachu has received commissions from the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Sinfonietta, remixed The XX and Roots Manuva and toured with Deerhunter and Arcade Fire. A DJ of note, Micachu has released a number of essential mixtapes, and we cannot think of a better person to set the tone for tonight’s proceedings.

Line-up:

• Portico Quartet – Live
• Anchorsong – Live
• Micachu – DJ Set

Alice Russell live at Scala is SOLD OUT. If you missed out on tickets a new show on Nov 21 has just been announced. Early Bird tickets now on sale from HERE, or consider tickets for Portico Quartet at KOKO tonight!

Soundcrash are proud to present the wonderful Alice Russell Live at Scala in support of her new album “To Dust”.

Alice Russell is all pure natural talent, a musical force to be reckoned with. Whether on a big stage charming a crowd of 4000 into staying out dancing in the rain (as she did at Montreal Jazz Festival) or rocking out an intimate club set she’s a singer who demands attention.

Back again with longtime production partner TM Juke, there is a brand new album entitled ‘To Dust’ in the can and ready for release on 25th February. First single from the forthcoming album is entitled ‘Heartbreaker’ and sees Alice Russell back to her soulful best. To Dust sees Alice exploring every letter of the soul lexicon. From the Prince-esque strut of Hard And Strong to the epic intensity of the title track. Heartstring tugging I Loved You ; the sonically smooth yet emotionally raw Twin Peaks to the pulse-quickening build of Let Go (Breakdown) & psychedelic social consciousness of Citizens Alice is never less than scintillating as she displays emotions so real you feel you could reach out & touch them. The idiosyncratic structure of the LP, peppered with interludes & reprises, makes for a unique & satisfyingly whole album experience.

As much as she loves being in the studio there’s something special about Alice let loose on an audience. From performing with a full band and horn section, to pared down and more intimate sets, Alice Russell takes no prisoners!

Line-up:

• Alice Russell – Live
• plus more tba

Having collaborated with the likes of Flying Lotus, Bonobo and Mr Scruff, 2013 will see Andreya return to the fold with a new EP, precursor to a new LP that’s been in the works for over a year now. The lucky few who attend this very special show will be able to get a first taste of her brand new material up close and personal. Don’t miss out!

Line-up:

• Andreya Triana – Live
• special guests

South London’s My Panda Shall Fly (AKA Suren Seneviratne) is the Sri Lankan-born visual artist, producer and creator of peculiar and exciting future electronics. His unique sound, well-conceived solo & collaborative work that has led him to play across the globe and at other high profile places such as the Tate Modern, Boiler Room, London Fashion Week, BBC’s Hackney Weekend Festival & more within the last year or so and the future looks promising with the release of his new 7″ single along with one of the most interesting and original music videos of late that was premiered on VICE’s Noisey website.

Memory9 a.k.a. Gadi Sassoon is a Milan-based producer who combines a virtuosic control of live electronics with organic musicianship to create truly intriguing music, influenced by the sounds of Modeselektor, Aphex Twin and Squarepusher as well as jazz and footwork. His live Monome sets are something else. Don’t miss out one of the most electrifying live electronic sets out there!

Line-up:

• Luke Vibert
• My Panda Shall Fly – live
• Memory9 – live
• plus special guests

Soundcrash Afterparty tickets can be bought in conjunction with Roundhouse tickets via the PayPal button. Otherwise Soundcrash Afterparty tickets can be bought separately here.

Following the critically acclaimed release of ‘Ufabulum’ on Warp Records last year Squarepusher’s new live show, an audiovisual assault featuring a synapse shorting LED display designed and programmed by himself, has wowed crowds around the world. From Sonar to LA’s Hardfest to a sold-out show at London’s Hackney Empire, it has been hailed as an “visual and audio feast that gave pretty much every other so-called AV show of recent times a thorough kicking” by Clash Magazine and “his most eye-popping set to date” by Metro.

For this very special show Squarepusher will be joined by two of the most interesting and intense acts working in electronic music today. Anyone with an interest in the more extreme ends of music will already be well acquainted with The Bug, Kevin Martin’s long running project fusing dub, dancehall, dubstep and electronica. The Bug’s music is the soundtrack to an apocalyptic soundclash and with the addition of legendary MCs Flowdan and Daddy Freddy the perfect entrée to the evening’s entertainment.

New DFA signings Factory Floor’s fusion of propulsive techno beats and Industrial synths has seen them hailed by everyone from The Quietus to DJ Mag. Here they treat us to a rare DJ set, a chance to peer inside the record collection of one of 2013’s most exciting acts ahead of their own debut album’s release.

One of the most forward thinking artists around Tom Jenkinson continues to break new boundaries with both his live and studio work. ‘Ufabulum Live’ sees Tom at the top of his powers in full control of every aspect of the night’s performance. In the incredible setting of Camden’s historic Roundhouse, witness to some of the most intense sound and light shows of the past 50 years, ‘Ufabulum Live’ should prove to be one of 2013’s must see shows.

“Another delightful victory for Tom Jenkinson, then, in a visual and audio feast that gave pretty much every other so-called AV show of recent times a thorough kicking” – Clash

“His most eye-popping set to date” – Metro

“It’s hard to imagine how LEDs can create such a spectacle, but when you’ve got thousands of them as a backdrop, lining the stage, on the front of your setup… The result (is) an engulfing visual journey into something not too dissimilar to the ‘Tron’ universe, sound tracked by Jenkinson’s suitably otherworldly, schizophrenic electronic brilliance” – Clash

“He continues to mine the rich musical borderlands between conceptual art and confrontational theatre” - The Quietus

“One of the best visual shows that dance music has ever witnessed” – AAA Music

Line-up

• Squarepusher (Live ‘Ufabulum’ Show)
• The Bug Live  - ft. FlowDan and Daddy Freddy
• Factory Floor (DJ Set)

Warning: This show contains strobe lighting.

Unintentionally off-the-grid and committed to his personal sound evolution, fLako is more of a Soul-documentarian than a typical beat maker. With roots in Chile, raised in Germany, and currently living in London via Berlin – the man himself is a melange of flavor. His particular sonic palette is a mercurial blend of warm analogue colors and cutting-edge design. His writing is marked by manifest emotion.

As co-head of acclaimed London label Eglo, and long-running host of balmy Saturday afternoon sessions on Rinse FM, Alexander Nut has become famed for his wide ranging approach to selection. The sounds covered both by his label and his show are defiantly unhindered by genre, searching instead for a common atmosphere to bind the music together. “I’m a vibes person,” he agrees. “I don’t really plan things too much, I always just go off the vibe of what’s going on.”

The event will take place at Birthdays in Dalston; a new and very welcome addition to the London club scene with its state of the art sound system and intimate feel, the perfect venue to get down and let loose on this bank holiday Friday. Join us!

Line Up:

• fLako
• Alexander Nut
• Boba Fatt
• + Special LA/Stokey Guest!

DJ Woody drops by to show us all what he’s all about. The 2x world turntable champion is a genuine kind of a guy, needing nothing more than two turntables, a mixer and an audience to know he’s alive… Described by the Scratch Perverts as “One of the most creative forces in djing the UK scene has ever produced!!” he even helped Vestax design the World’s first ever musical turntable. Woody certainly lives up to his world champion title not only by beat juggling and scratching, but designing and producing – fully submerging himself, all for the love of music. His latest venture is the influential new AV/DJ show ‘Turntables In Technicolor’,a way of expanding his ever growing skill set and pushing the medium to new heights!

Soundcrash resident DJ Boba Fatt, is one hell of a selector. With music knowledge that puts him above the rest, you can call him the hip hop ‘Melomane’. His love of music finds him crate digging most of the time, finding the rarest grooves and beats that we’ve never heard of and will probably never hear again! Working in original vinyl stores, he’s well ahead and exceptionally knowledgeable in music than most DJs in the scene, you’ll find yourself taking notes…BobaFatt rolls with the big boys, previously warming up for DJ Jazzy Jeff, KRS One, EPMD, MOP, The Pharcyde, Dead Prez, Lord Finesse and Chali 2na to name a few…

Line-up:

• Jon Kennedy (LP Launch)
• DJ Woody
• Boba Fatt

DJ Woody drops by to show us all what he’s all about. The 2x world turntable champion is a genuine kind of a guy, needing nothing more than two turntables, a mixer and an audience to know he’s alive… Described by the Scratch Perverts as “One of the most creative forces in djing the UK scene has ever produced!!” he even helped Vestax design the World’s first ever musical turntable. Woody certainly lives up to his world champion title not only by beat juggling and scratching, but designing and producing – fully submerging himself, all for the love of music. His latest venture is the influential new AV/DJ show ‘Turntables In Technicolor’,a way of expanding his ever growing skill set and pushing the medium to new heights!

Drummer, producer and DJ extraordinare, Jon Kennedy is a Stockport legend signing firstly to Tru Thoughts and then Manchester soul label Grand Central Records. Never one to rest on his laurels, his own musical productions has seen him work with the likes of Vans and Channel 4 while more recently JK has been finishing up his fifth LP “Corporeal” released this April on his own Jon Kennedy Federation imprint. Jon’s flavour is pure dancefloor heat, and the man will be representing the very best in UK based Funk Soul & Hip Hop beats for your listening pleasure tonight…

Soundcrash resident DJ Boba Fatt, is one hell of a selector. With music knowledge that puts him above the rest, you can call him the hip hop ‘Melomane’. His love of music finds him crate digging most of the time, finding the rarest grooves and beats that we’ve never heard of and will probably never hear again! Working in original vinyl stores, he’s well ahead and exceptionally knowledgeable in music than most DJs in the scene, you’ll find yourself taking notes…BobaFatt rolls with the big boys, previously warming up for DJ Jazzy Jeff, KRS One, EPMD, MOP, The Pharcyde, Dead Prez, Lord Finesse and Chali 2na to name a few…

All of this for £5? That’s your Friday night sorted then. Come show us your moves!

Line-up:

• DJ Woody 
• Jon Kennedy
• DJ Boba Fatt

Having made fans out of Diplo and SBTRKT, remixed everyone from Lianne La Havas via Crystal Fighters to Bonobo, Tawiah, AlunaGeorge and Speech Debelle, as well as supporting FlyLo and playing the main stage at Sonar and in Japan with Clark, it’s prime time for Lapalux’s debut full length. Happily, it was well worth the wait.

Also Joining us to celebrate the release is Baths latest and greatest exponent Slugabed. Signed to Ninja Tune who then subsequently released his debut album to critical acclaim, his single ‘Sex’ plagued offices everywhere with its infectious bassline and vibed out 80’s chords and left people whistling it to themselves for weeks after. Live he is a force to be reckoned with and is a dab hand at knowing how to get a crowd moving, we know you’ll want to be down early for this guy.

On DJ duties will be the ever reliable Moxie. Invited by NTS radio to host since their inception, Moxie has since had her own fortnightly show where she showcases her love of music, ranging from the latest dancefloor cuts to forgotten disco-edits. Her tastes do not end there but extend into the myriad of modern electronic music meaning that you’re never quite sure what’s going to be brought to the party, but you do know it will be good!

Line Up:

• LAPALUX (Live)
• SLUGABED (Live)
• MOXIE

Group Ticket Special Offer: Buy 4 tickets and get a 5th completely free, available via the PayPal option. 

That’s right in support of his new Big Dada release in late January ‘Banana Skank EP’ the one and only Mr Smith returns with the full Banana Klan crew in support. Almost a year from the celebrated and sold out Roundhouse show, where Rodney prooved he is in the form of his life, you can guarantee that this is going to be one very special night at Koko.WITNESS one the finest hip hop talents the UK has ever produced!

Line-up:

• Roots Manuva
• Ricky Ranking
• Seanie Tee
• Tuggy
• Chris P Cuts
• Big Daddy Kope
• Wrongtom

Sporting a five piece band for a delivery of live looping, frantic afrobeat or electronic driven beats combined with moments of downbeat heaviness this is one show you do not want to miss. Scrimshire finds himself as much at home on stage as he does in the studio. The fruits of his studio work came to fruition last year with his album “The Hollow” which gained him a legion of fans including Gilles Peterson who in May named it as his album of the week on BBC 6 Music.

With Scrimshire’s third album “Bight” set for release later this year, the March 14th live show will no doubt offer an ear opener into this dynamic producer’s next moves. Mark your diaries.

Line-up:

• Scrimshire – Live
• Pedestrian

Please note: ISAM Live always sells out in advance. ISAM 2.0 contains strobe lighting and very loud music.

Line-up:

• Amon Tobin – Live ISAM 2.0
• Actress – Live

Stage times:

• 7pm – Doors
• 7.30pm – Actress
• 8.30pm – Amon Tobin (ISAM 2.0)

www.katemolins.com

Homeboy’s reputation the hip-hop world as a rapper with a penchant for weaving witticism into even his most serious messages. In fact, Rolling Stone, who recently branded him an “artist to watch,” praised him as being an MC with a “skill for wordplay that keeps you hooked.” He’s built a super solid reputation without conforming to the music industry’s rules of engagement. He’ll release songs with no hooks, deliver three verses in the short attention span era, rhyme about societal ills without pause, paying no mind to a radio format. In a sense, he’s an Original’s original. Homeboy’s musical journey began after dropping out of Law School after three years to pursue a career in rap, so you can see why his perspective might be a little different from your typical rapper…

Now with support from Paper Tiger! Paper Tiger began life many years ago as a teenage bedroom experiment in suburban Wolverhampton: electronically-produced music incorporating live instruments and musicians. Since then the project has gone from strength to strength, with their early demos gaining support from Radio 1, 1xtra and 6Music. Their free releases, and remixes of DELS (Big Dada), Stac and Scrimshire (Wah Wah 45s), Sneaky (Big Chill) and Dark Sky (Black Acre/Ninja Tune) have been met with universal acclaim. Their new single HS will be out on Wah Wah 45s next year. Watch out for that one!

‘Sandman evokes that nostalgia while remaining rooted in the present’ – MTVHive
His long awaited album recently dropped in September, ‘ First Of A Living Breed ‘ which was praised with wondrous reviews. The album showcased unforgettable rhymes, each one delivered in his own quirky way. March 2013, showcases his first ever London show in style, with fresh material and his trademark melodical flows.

‘The First Of A New Breed- Out Now’

Line-up:

• Homeboy Sandman – Live (on stage 10pm)
• Paper Tiger – Live
• plus special guests

http://www.stevenhowardphotogrpahy.co.uk/

Watch out for more exclusive Soundcrash Sessions coming soon…

This show is now completely Sold Out. New Andreya Triana show announced at Union Chapel on May 31st. Click HERE for tickets. 

Soundcrash and CME are very proud to present the much awaited return to the stage from the incredible self-taught singer/songwriter Andreya Triana taking over the intimate soho basement club Madame Jojo’s. Andreya began singing at the tender age of 7, taking influence from the sights and sounds of inner city London. With an individual and experimental approach to making music, her love for improvisation would warp and change over the years, hugely influencing her ‘Freeflo Sessions’. Her 2010 ‘Lost Where I Belong’ album on Ninja Tune gained international fame and recognition as one of Britain’s most unique vocalists.

Having collaborated with the likes of Flying Lotus, Bonobo and Mr Scruff, 2013 will see Andreya return to the fold with a new EP, precursor to a new LP that’s been in the works for over a year now. The lucky few who attend this very special show will be able to get a first taste of her brand new material up close and personal. Don’t miss out!

Line-up:

• Andreya Triana – Live
• Andrew Ashong

With a deserved reputation as the home for the most cutting edge musicians, XOYO is the perfect location for the folk/electronic band to showcase their new music as they look to become the band to watch out for in 2013.

They will also be joined by very special guest who shares Mt. Wolf’s appreciation of minimalistic, cinematic electronica.

Line-up:

• Mt. Wolf (live)
• Face + Heel (live)
• Pále
• Cat Lovers
• Will Power

Group Ticket Special Offer: Buy 4 tickets and get a 5th completely free, available via the PayPal option. 

After the huge sell-out success of the Tru Thoughts showcase in 2011, Soundcrash celebrates once again this iconic independent UK label with a monster club night featuring the biggest names from the past, present and future of the celebrated imprint. With a quality selection of crossover live bands and DJs, expect the best in soul, funk, electronic and tropical rhythms with a healthy dose of hip hop thrown in. Expect eclectic, electric and utterly compelling music from our favourite Brighton label.

The backbone of the label for many years is here with QUANTIC coming across from Colombia for one of his famous globe-spanning DJ sets; BELLERUCHE performing tunes from their hugely successful four albums of unique indie-soul for the label; and one of the UK’s most exciting underground producers, HINT, on the decks with a characteristic bass heavy party set.

Add to this the more recent signings and up-and-coming acts: LONDON POSSE legend (and one third of Sleepin’ Giantz) RODNEY P takes to the mic; Japanese live genius ANCHORSONG brings his multifaceted electronica; mesmerising, beat-laden sonic landscapes from HIDDEN ORCHESTRA; the dub infused dancehall storytelling of WRONGTOM and his wingman DEEMAS J; and of course the man who has brought the label collaborations and remixes from the likes of SKREAM, TODDLA T, MR SCRUFF, ATJAZZ, TAIWAH, SIMBAD and MJ COLE, ZED BIAS (and his other Tru Thoughts alter-ego MADDSLINKY).

Label boss Robert Luis says…

“As an independent label trying to push new and creative music it is great to get all the artists together in a nice big venue and showcase the different sounds that we support. These Koko events bring the acts to a diverse and passionate audience who love a good party and appreciate artists that push their own unique musical agenda. I was blown away by the atmosphere and the response to 2011’s event, and the roster has developed even further since then, so I can’t wait.”

Line Up

• QUANTIC (DJ set)
• HIDDEN ORCHESTRA (live)
• ANCHORSONG (live)
• ZED BIAS aka MADDSLINKY
• BELLERUCHE (live)
• RODNEY P (live)
• WRONGTOM MEETS DEEMAS J (live)
• HARLEIGHBLU (live)
• plus DJ sets from HINT & ROBERT LUIS

http://www.stevenhowardphotogrpahy.co.uk/

Group Ticket Special Offer: Buy 4 tickets and get a 5th completely free, available via the PayPal option. 

Soundcrash presents a night of serious fun with Kid Koala’s hilarious 12 Bit Blues Vaudeville Show followed by a heavily dancefloor orientated line-up featuring some of the finest turntablists in the country. Spearheaded by former Ninja DJ Vadim and Scratch Pervert Mr Thing these guys will be spinning Hip Hop, Soul, Funk, and the latest party grooves whilst showing off some crazy skills on the decks.

Going from 9pm to 6am you get both quantity and quality in spades. F&*k posers, let’s dance!If you haven’t heard already, 2012 saw Kid Koala release his latest album, the SP1200 opus ’12 bit Blues.’ Not only is it one of the finest musical statements in his illustrious, ever-evolving career, but he’s also been playing an incredible live show.

In fact, ‘live show’ barely does it justice. If Kid Koala has long threatened to break the shackles of performance and truly transcend, with The Vinyl Vaudeville Tour, he finally has. Dementedly enjoyable, sweetly infectious and maniacally deranged, it’s as if he’s cracked open his own mind and let the carnival inside spew out into the world.There are puppets, dancing robots & dancing girls, singalongs, limbo contests, paper airplanes, radio-controlled helicopters and gigantic cardboard turntables.

Very special guests Adira Amram and the Experience (from NYC) will also make a cameo, doing a hilarious high energy 20 minute musical comedy workout to warm things up. Just take a moment to imagine all those things happening, because we ain’t kidding. This show has been making the most jaded of big-city music-boys laugh, love and limbo across the world. There is no other show like it; it’s entertainment of the truest, most classic kind.

So come for the fun and silliness, or come for the music, or come for both, but come. It may look like Kid Koala is messing around, but this is a serious musician.

Aslo introducing Kid Koala’s very special guests:

ADIRA AMRAM AND THE EXPERIENCE (NYC) and her incredible Burger Kazoo (seriously).

Line-up:

• Kid Koala (Live on stage 10:30pm)
• Adira Amram and the Experience (Live)

plus After Party ft. DJs tba until 6am featuring:

• DJ Vadim
• Mr Thing
• DJ Cheeba
• DJ Irk (Solid Steel)
• plus many more to be annouced!

http://www.stevenhowardphotogrpahy.co.uk/

This discovery of a new world compelled him to abandon his
work as a trained visual artist, teacher of wilderness survival and moonlighting as a burlesque dancer and embark on a journey into the old songs of The British Isles. Sam is fast becoming accepted as a new
pioneer, defining the sound, sight and texture of contemporary folksong.

He was given the 2011 Arts Foundation Award, which for the first time, honored folk music amongst the art forms. Likewise his live
band, Sam Lee and Friends, carve a new acoustic with their homemade and mongrelised instrumentation using unconventional and contemporary arrangements that challenging preconceptions of what ʻtraditional folkʼ should sound like.

“One of Britain’s finest singers and the most cogent force of his generation in British folk music” – The Observer

“…never less than intriguing. It all hangs together quite beautifully too, investing these dark, mystically tales of false lovers and more with a dreamlike quality that’s as rare as it’s compelling.”- Q Magazine

“An album of unusual dignity and immense beauty.” – MOJO

Sam Lee & Friends – South London Show at Bedford Arms :  Feb 13 2013 (tickets)

Sam Lee & Friends – East London Show at Cafe Oto :  Feb 14 2013 (tickets)

Sam Lee & Friends – North London Show at Cecil Sharp House :  Feb 15 2013 (tickets)

Sam Lee & Friends – West London Show at Tabernacle :  Feb 16 2013 (tickets)

If you can’t wait until then, Kid Koala himself has swung by Soundcrash Towers to bestow upon us his choice of ten tracks to Banish the Blues… ten to keep you sane until the days start to get longer and the snow starts to melt. Kid K himself explains his choices below.

Stay tuned at the end of the playlist for a sneak-peak at the Vinyl Vaudeville show! Get your tickets now by clicking here.

Watch in YouTube

Listen In Mixcloud

Kid Koala’s Blues Banishing Winter Playlist by Soundcrash on Mixcloud

1) ‘I Am Blue’ by Grover from ‘Grover Sings The Blues’ This is Grover from Sesame Street crooning over a little piano ditty. Frank Oz who voiced Grover also voiced Yoda from Star Wars. It’s fun to listen to this song thinking that Yoda is hanging out in a bar singing to himself. That’ll chase your blues away quick! because no matter how bad it gets, at least you’re not 800 years old and still hanging out in bars.

2) ‘Chase Your Blues Away’ by Funkhouse Express. I know, kind of an obvious one for this list’s theme, but I couldn’t resist. Play this on your headphones at the grocery store, walk through the aisles and throw everything you see in the cart. Then leave the cart at the door. That’ll cheer you up every time.

3) ‘Blue Room’ by Ella Fitzgerald. This was Corinne and my first dance at our wedding. It’s got perfect lyrics for newlyweds. Actually it was a medley of this song into ‘Rockit’ by Herbie Hancock. The deal was if she was going to make us dance “all sophisticated like” on this jazz number we would have to end up dancing ‘the robot’ as a finale. True story.

4) ‘Blue Monday’ by New Order. I grew up listening to New Order. I just bought the 8-bit Emulator II keyboard which I’ve been told they used to make some of the tracks from that era. It runs on floppy diskettes. The first diskette I booted up had the beat from this tune on it with the double time kick drum. It was crazy. Incidentally, this is also the same sampler Ferris Bueller used in the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. He loaded it with cough and sneeze samples to help him sound ill over the phone in order to get out of school. I am looking for that disk with the coughs and sneezes on it. If any of you have any leads let me know.

5) ‘Blue Sunday’ by The Doors. This song was released before ‘Blue Monday’

6) ‘Eclipse/Blue’ by Nosaj Thing feat. Kazu Makino. from the album ‘Home’ which was just released a couple weeks ago. Go get it!

7) ‘Blueberry Hill’ by Fats Domino. This is instant smile making music right here. Try to get the 78rpm version for all you gramophone owners out there. Nothing like it.

8) ’6 bit Blues’ by Kid Koala. I was encouraged to work this song into the Vinyl Vaudeville show by the people at the label as this was one of their favourites off of ’12 bit Blues’. Seeing as it’s waaaay too slow to dance to this number has been turned into a bit of a puppet opera on stage complete with singing robots, choir girls, sound engineers, and foam synthesizers and microphones.

9) ‘She found now’ by My Bloody Valentine. This song doesn’t have the word ‘blue’ in the title but the album cover is blue so there you go. Gorgeous tune.

10) ’2 bit Blues’ by Kid Koala. Now the soundtrack to the infamous kazoo battle at the Vinyl Vaudeville show. Vinyl Vaudeville version 2.0 promises bigger puppets and more silliness. Guaranteed! As I write this list the prop/set/puppet makers are currently building a 80 foot robot dragon. It’s gonna be crazy! see you at the show. We will also have turntable trampolines. Also true story. The End.

Stay tuned at the end of the playlist for a sneak-peak at the Vinyl Vaudeville show!

Group Ticket Special Offer: Buy 4 tickets and get a 5th completely free, available via the PayPal option. 

Soundcrash proudly presents one of the world’s most legendary producers. A man without whose influence many of the biggest electronic artists taking the world by storm these days would simply not exist. DJ Krush returns to London for an all-too-rare showcase of his unique brand of dark, multi-textured beats. An unmissable show from a true legend in the game.

Described by Flying Lotus as his main early influence, DJ KRUSH’s brand of instrumental Hip Hop took the genre to a whole different level, an influence that is still felt today in the vast swathe of West Coast Hip Hop championed by the Stones Throw and Brainfeeder crews as well as new acts of the caliber of Shabazz Palaces or Ratking. Moving away from the I-Can-Scratch-Faster-Than-Thou contests turntablism had become in the States, DJ Krush focused on the musicality the medium offered and laid the foundation for a new generation of sounds that would later be known as Trip-Hop and the myriad micro-scenes that came out of that era. Today, as relevant as he ever was, DJ Krush tours the world sparingly, but when he does he delivers what can only be described as a masterclass in layering, beat manipulation and generally ripping places to pieces in the best possible way. Come pay your respects to the Sensei, you won’t regret it.

Joining the legend from the far East will be a legend from closer to home. DJ FOOD’s current incarnation is headed by Ninja Tune stalwart Strictly Kev, designer, producer vj and dj extraoirdinaire who encapsulates the Ninja Tune ethos to perfection in his eclecticism, vast musical knowledge, well honed skills and forward thinking ways, always keeping an eye on the dancefloor to make sure no one is left unsatisfied. A real treat to the senses every time.

Live support comes from Tokyo born Masaaki Yoshida, better known to you and I as ANCHORSONG, who equipped with his mpc, and keyboards creates musical landscapes right in front of your eyes. A true technician Anchorsong’s sets are in constant evolution, and with a new album in the horizon you can expect a load of new material on the night.

Line-up:

• DJ Krush
• DJ Food
• Anchorsong (live)
• Boba Fatt
• Soundcrash DJs

Ahead of Anchorsong – and his accompanying string quartet – unleashing his brand new set upon us (which features plenty of material from the darker, more intense new album Undercurrents), he’s bestowed a playlist on us to wake us up from the January blues and ready us for the party tonight.

Tickets for the show are available here - see you down the front.

Not many acts can match Squarepusher in terms of sheer bone-rattling physicality, but that’s not a problem for either The Bug or Factory Floor both of whom have been consistently laying waste to the sturdiest sound systems around the world.

Part dub, part dancehall, and part holy-shit-that’s-heavy, The Bug’s music is the soundtrack to an apocalyptic dancehall soundclash. Deep, dystopian, relentlessly innovative and irresistibly danceable The Bug’s thundering beats will be ridden by legendary MCs Flowdan and Daddy Freddie.  There’ll be no messing about here, this will be devastating.

DFA singed Factory Floor’s meticulous live shows take you on a heady post-industrial journey where thumping techno and menacing synth-lines conspire to form an intoxicating wall of sound that’ll floor you on a whim. Tonight we’ll be treated to a very rare DJ set from the band which will go some way to elucidate where the hell their insane sound comes from. This should be good.

BobaFatt will be appearing on Feb 1st along with Anchorsong and DJ Food… until then feast your ears on this. Thanks to Boba for this one!

A brilliant coming together of icons that can not be missed – and if you’re quick you can bag yourself a ticket for just a fiver and see you down the front!

Line-up:

• LTJ Bukem ft. Dynamite MC
• Trojan Sound System (On Stage 10pm)
• Channel One Sound System
• Tom Central

Line-Up So far:

• DJ Yoda (DJ Set)
• Trojan Sound System DJs
• Mr Thing (DJ Set)
• Scrimshire (Live)
• DJ Cheeba (Special X-Mas AV Set)
• Riot Jazz (Live)
• DJ Irk
• Detour City (Live)
• Plus Special Guests

Last time around the party sold out with weeks to go so make sure you grab yours pronto… and make room in the evening for our Xmas Party at Scala on the same day. It’s time to be smegging merry!

The Scala show will run 730pm-6am and will feature Soundcrash residents + healdiners to be announced playing the best party music around! Tickets for the Boat Party & The After-Party are on sale here. 

Line-up:

• Craig Charles (2 Hour DJ Set)
• Riot Jazz (Live Brass Band)
• Jon Kennedy
• Plus Surprise Guests!

“Talking Book” is one of my top five favorite albums of all time, and Stevie is my favorite. Released October 28, 1972, 2012 marks the album’s 40th birthday.  This is my own personal birthday gift to Stevie Wonder, for all that I learned from him and for his miraculous songs that change my life every time I hear them.  This is not a tribute album or concert, it’s a love letter and a big thank you card on record and on stage. - Macy Gray

Line-Up

• Macy Gray (Live)
• Andreya Triana

This year The Haçienda celebrates 30 stunning years, and to mark the release of a special 30th anniversary compilation album. Coming to KOKO on Saturday December 15th this party is set to have London dancing like it hasn’t since 1992, when The Haçienda last came to town.

Haçienda 30 at KOKO will be unforgettable, celebrating a leading light in the history of dance music – and one of the most notorious clubs the scene has ever known – as it turns 30 years old. Enlisting the talent of DJs who were there when it all began, back when people gave up their jobs to party with the DJs they loved and to the music that set them free, Haçienda 30 takes us back to the beginning.

Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Todd Terry has been cultivating the underground and breaking boundaries since the late 1980s. As one of the world’s most celebrated names in dance music, Todd Terry brings infectious blend of big house, old school synths, disco, thumping drum beats and bassline loops to KOKO for one night only.

Widely regarded as one of the leading innovators of Chicago house music, Marshall Jefferson takes to the turntables for this truly momentous occasion. Best known for inventing that squelchy acid house sound, he also conquered deep house, releasing the first track to ever use piano. He comes to KOKO ready to take revellers on a journey through the last 30 years of dance music.

The Haçienda’s former booker, renowned DJ and industry insider Mike Pickering was there at the start. His name and sound represented part of The Haçienda’s identity. Experience the charisma they witnessed from the DJ booth, as Mike Pickering selects a very special – and rare – set worthy of this 30th anniversary. Another Haçienda legend, Bobby Langley played a key part in the club’s history. He was in the thick of the glory days when the club’s popularity saw it full to the brim week on week. Bobby Langley will have KOKO under the thumb and moving to every change, pulse and rhythm in his set.

Having opened in Manchester in 1982, The Haçienda quickly became one the most famous and respected clubs in the world – hosting many huge names, and helping to launch the careers of countless others. Considered a super-club even before the dawn of club culture, and way ahead of its time, The Haçienda was a place for people to really escape, let go and have a good time, and became a musical hub – an institution in its own right. It gave the budding scene an identity, a soul and a home of its own and few. As the dance scene spread outwards to other clubs, warehouse parties and raves throughout the UK and Europe, The Haçienda’s influence was undeniable. It became the epicentre of a dynamic music scene, and, despite its closure in 1997 that energy still lives on.

The Haçienda’s history is celebrated this year, with the release of ‘Haçienda 30’ – a three-CD compilation mixed by club residents Graeme Park and Mike Pickering, plus owner and former New Order and Joy Division man Peter Hook – and the announcement of three unmissable dates around the UK. The Haçienda returns to the capital after a 20-year absence for a huge show at KOKO, as well as hitting Leeds and Manchester on…

Haçienda 30 re-visits those formative and expressive years of club culture, embracing the legacy of the club
and bringing it bang up to date for today’s ravers. Haçienda 30 comes to KOKO on December 15th, kicking it with The Haçienda’s inimitable brand of musical hedonism and adventure.

GROUP TICKET SPECIAL OFFER

Buy five tickets for the price of four with this link here!

Line Up

• Todd Terry
• Marshall Jefferson
• Mike Pickering
• Bobby Langley

This month, we’ve compiled a show based on a bunch of our favourite tracks released in 2012, including selections from some of our Soundwave resident DJs, as well as choice cuts chosen by the Soundcrash team. Also, we reveal a special headliner for Soundwave Festival Croatia 2013, and launch a competition for tickets to Squarepusher’s biggest ever show in March 2013…

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Soundcrash Podcast Dec 2012 Tracklist

Cid Rim – Draw (Dorian Concept Remix)
Homeboy Sandman – Unforgettable
Essa – Panache (DJ Gilla Track Choice)
MT. Wolf – Life Size Ghosts (Frameworks Track Choice)
Genthleman’s Dub Club – High Grade
Ondatropica – Bomba Tropica (Renegade Brass Band Track Choice)
Riot Jazz Interview
Submotion Orchestra (Riot Jazz Track Choice)
Bonobo – Prelude (Lapalux’s Finger on the Tape Remix)
Clark – The Pining pt1
Flako – Mating Dance
BadBadNotGood – Flashing Lights
Flying Lotus speaks on DJ Krush (Taken from Gilles Peterson BBC6Music)
DJ Krush – Shinjiro (Feat Mos Def)
Flying Lotus – Getting There (Feat Niki Randa)
Austin Peralta – Algiers

As is often the case in the Kid Koala universe, the Vinyl Vaudeville tour will involve madness and mayhem up to and including (but not limited to):

Dancing Robots!

 Dancing girls!

Cardboard Synths

And much more!

Line-up:

• Kid Koala (Live on stage 10:30pm)
• Adira Amram and the Experience (Live)

• DJ Irk (Solid Steel)
• plus many more to be annouced!

Tickets: £15 Advance, £19.50 Late Birds

You Can buy tickets here

At ease with technology, their compositions often form around the recording of a hypnotic groove, then inviting someone to play over it. This is then chopped up, sampled and replayed through the turntable. A rhythmic pulse of the double bass. A train-trackdrum pattern and an emotional sweep of piano keys. Then along come the gloriously plaintive Afro horns, distorted and scratched.

Already making radio waves from Gilles Peterson on Radio 1 to Radio 3’s Late Junction, Lund Quartet are taking their sound to a wider world of jazz, hip hop and electronica.

Line-Up:

• Lund Quartet (Live)

This month, we’ve compiled a show based on a bunch of our favourite tracks released in 2012, including selections from some of our Soundwave resident DJs, as well as choice cuts chosen by the Soundcrash team. Also, we reveal a special headliner for Soundwave Festival Croatia 2013, and launch a competition for tickets to Squarepusher’s biggest ever show in March 2013…

Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes

Subscribe via RSS

Or listen directly here:

Soundcrash Podcast Dec 2012 Tracklist

Cid Rim – Draw (Dorian Concept Remix)
Homeboy Sandman – Unforgettable
Essa – Panache (DJ Gilla Track Choice)
MT. Wolf – Life Size Ghosts (Frameworks Track Choice)
Genthleman’s Dub Club – High Grade
Ondatropica – Bomba Tropica (Renegade Brass Band Track Choice)
Riot Jazz Interview
Submotion Orchestra (Riot Jazz Track Choice)
Bonobo – Prelude (Lapalux’s Finger on the Tape Remix)
Clark – The Pining pt1
Flako – Mating Dance
BadBadNotGood – Flashing Lights
Flying Lotus speaks on DJ Krush (Taken from Gilles Peterson BBC6Music)
DJ Krush – Shinjiro (Feat Mos Def)
Flying Lotus – Getting There (Feat Niki Randa)
Austin Peralta – Algiers

You’ve got to be doing something right when you can count amongst your fans the likes of Thom Yorke, Brian Eno, Carlos Santana or TV On The Radio. Formed in rebel training camps in Libya, these exiled nomads-turned-rock-stars of the Sahara have become the soundtrack for Touareg independence and reconciliation, combining traditional Touareg melodies with Malian, Western, Berber and Arabic influences to create spare, evolving, hypnotic songs. As if Keith Richards, Santana, John Lee Hooker, various members of Primal Scream, Mogwai and the Grateful Dead had got lost in the Sahara for a decade and then returned as a fully-fledged desert band.

Having embarked on a journey into the old songs of the British Isles, Sam Lee is fast becoming accepted as a new pioneer, defining the sound, sight and texture of contemporary folksong. He was given the 2011 Arts Foundation Award, which for the first time, honoured folk music amongst the art forms. Likewise his live band, Sam Lee and Friends, has carved a new acoustic style with their homemade and mongrelised instrumentation using unconventional and contemporary arrangements that challenge preconceptions of what ʻtraditional folkʼ should sound like.

We can’t recommend this show enough.

Line-up:

• Tinariwen (live acoustic set)
• Sam Lee & Friends (live)

Drawing on Bangalter-inflected house but giving it a rumble and wing, Letherette make infectious, beat-driven music which is as fun and un-self-conscious as it is clever and technically cutting edge. From the exuberant cut-up boogie of ‘Warstones’, through moments of ethereal beauty on the four-to-the-floor stomper ‘Ettewards’, on into delicate, poised ‘Surface’ (featuring vocals from Jed + Lucia) and finally the spaced hip hop of ‘Wecko’, the childhood friends use the ‘Featurette’ EP to show their range and diversity as well as their technical nous.

After two releases on the excellent Ho Tep Records, an appearance on ‘Brownswood Electric’, a couple of stunning remixes (for Machinedrum and Bibio) and a fantastic DJ mix for BTS Radio, plus support from the likes of Benji B, Gilles Peterson and Brackles, gigs and festival appearances across Europe this summer, and now a trio of fantastic EPs – Letherette are ready to make the musical leap to the big time.

WIth a debut album scheduled for 2013 on Ninja Tune we best keep a close watch on this shadowy Wolverhampton duo, and what better way than to catch than at this intimate venue. Don’t miss out!

Line-up:

• Letherette (live)
• plus special guests

2011 saw the Touareg desert rock band eschew their electric guitars in favour of a more acoustic sound. The resulting LP “Tassili” won them a much coveted Grammy Award for best World Music album amongst a myriad other accolades. Now, fresh from supporting the Red Hot Chili Peppers the band are ready to showcase their more intimate and profound live show to date in the magnificent setting that is Union Chapel. An unmissable opportunity to witness one of the most fascinating live bands in the world in an extraordinary setting.

You’ve got to be doing something right when you can count amongst your fans the likes of Thom Yorke, Brian Eno, Carlos Santana or TV On The Radio. Formed in rebel training camps in Libya, these exiled nomads-turned-rock-stars of the Sahara have become the soundtrack for Touareg independence and reconciliation, combining traditional Touareg melodies with Malian, Western, Berber and Arabic influences to create spare, evolving, hypnotic songs. As if Keith Richards, Santana, John Lee Hooker, various members of Primal Scream, Mogwai and the Grateful Dead had got lost in the Sahara for a decade and then returned as a fully-fledged desert band.

25 years on and Lo’Jo remain one of France’s most non-uniform and exceptional groups. Like a Tom Waits or their friend Robert Wyatt (who guests on the new album), the 6-piece Lo’Jo inhabit their own world, with their own sound, their ‘acoustic souk’. Their sound is full of melancholy, nostalgia, and empathy with the displaced, marginalised and lonely. The pride and strength of culture of some of these soulmates – the Touareg, Creole and Berber to name three – add further layers to Lo’Jo’s musical palette and instrumental line-up. Poet-in-chief Denis péan takes us on journeys, across the ocean, to inhospitable new places, sits with us on a café terrace, regards the displaced, engages with all those who speculate on what it means to be a human being in the 21st century, the limitations of choice and quest for liberty.

“The hypnotic pull of finely detailed yet, paradoxically, boldly sparse arrangements, seems to stop time. Exquisite.” The independent

We can’t recommend this show enough.

Line-up:

• Tinariwen – Live Acoustic Show
• Lo’Jo – Live

Entering professional acting, singing and modelling at a young age; Hollie soon rejected her performance arts schooling for a musical path truer to her influences. Family friend and Slits singer Ari Up persuaded Hollie to sing backing vocals for a new EP ‘Revenge of the Killer Slits’, which she followed by ditching school to join the band on a six week tour. Hollie was now an official Slit – Ari referred to Hollie as the ‘Second Singer’ – so when it came to record a new Slits album in LA, Hollie’s vocals, keyboards and even her song ‘Cry’ all featured. More collaborations followed: a duet with Jamie T on his ‘Chaka Demus’ EP, with Ian Brown on ‘The World Is Yours’, and most significantly as featured vocalist on Mike Pellanconi/Prince Fatty’s underground reggae hit ‘Milk and Honey’. The single received airplay across BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, XFM, Kiss and even ended up on Grey’s Anatomy.

Hollie jumped at the chance to get in the studio with Mike as she was smitten by the tracks she had heard. Hollie’s passion for reggae singers Janet Kay and Phyllis Dillon combined with classic 60s girl groups formed the basis for her new solo work of self coined ‘tropical pop’.

Her self-titled debut album was released on Mr Bongo Records back in June 2011, to great critical acclaim, with the likes of The Independent, Daily Mail, Observer, Metro and NME Magazine all picking up on it. She subsequently appeared on Jools Holland, and supporting The Stone Roses at Heaton Park this Summer.

Line Up

• Hollie Cook (Live)
• Disorda

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