SENSIBLE DANCEHALL

Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend

Wed, 30 May 2012 02:34:00 -0400

Today is the last day to enter our David Rodigan competition to win a pair of tickets to see him alongside his handpicked ‘Ramjam’ line up in Bristol on Friday. We’ve given you three opportunities to enter thus far, so make sure your name’s in the hat. We will announce the winner via Twitter this afternoon.

In Oxford this Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend there’s a massive line up of events, starting on Thursday and going through to Monday morning. With us now off until next week, you’ll find all the details for Oxford biggest Caribbean inspired parties after the jump…

Thursday: Red, Gold & Green (The Cellar)

Kicking off at 9pm it’s £4 entry before 11 and £5 thereafter, the Makepeace Promotion team return for their second show in as many months. Jamatone (above) bring their roots, dub and reggae live show playing tracks from their upcoming album, before Destanation smash through the system till 3am. Strictly the best roots and culture night courtesy of Hugo and Makepeace Promotions. For more details, get on the Facebook page.

Friday: Skylarkin Soundsystem (The Cellar)

Back in the Dolly the following night is the monthly residential night courtesy of Count Skylarkin’. Old favourites The Sidewalk Doctors return to play songs from their latest record Music Is Medicine (stream) alongside MC Kwasi (above) previously seen touching mic with The Nextmen and Mungos Hi-Fi among others. Of course, the Count will be behind the decks before pouring free rum down your necks. Check the Facebook for more details, with doors at 9pm till 3am it’s just £5 on the door.

Saturday: Natty Hi-Fi (Chester Arms)

Oxford’s leading and most consistent soundsystem crew return after nicing up both The Blackbird and the Cricketers Arms last weekend. With the shocking news that local boozer Chester Arms is due to close down, this will be Natty’s last all-dayer at the east-Oxford establishment. It’s free and family-friendly, with food and tunes from 2pm till 11pm. Check out pics from their August session in the sun, and for more details hit the Facebook event page.

Saturday: King Tubby’s Soundsystem (The Bully)

London’s soundsystem heroes return to Oxford courtesy of the Pull Up team having been in the game for forty years. Check out last week’s preview for more information.

Sunday: DJ Shepdog & Curtis Lynch (Carbon)

Two of the biggest names in UK reggae and dancehall link to play the reggae room of a d’n’b/dubstep night. Check out last week’s preview for more information.

Competition: Pair of David Rodigan tickets

Tue, 29 May 2012 03:54:24 -0400

This weekend is bank holiday weekend. Whist there’s loads of stuff going on in Oxford (more details on that later in the week) bank holiday’s are all about going away and making the most of your long weekend. Having launched the competition two weeks ago, we’re celebrating thirty years of David Rodigan on the radio by heading down to the very special show at Bristol’s In:Motion, and giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets. Simply answer the following question:

How many years is it since David Rodigan MBE first started on the radio?

Submit your answer through Twitter, Facebook or e-mail, and the lucky winner will be drawn at random tomorrow. For clues and more details, check out our previous feature. Good luck! For more details on the show, and links to buy tickets, ‘like’ The Blast’s Facebook page. Below Rodigan drops one of his famous dubplates in Nottingham earlier this month:

Round-up

Fri, 25 May 2012 03:35:00 -0400

Today we return to Cowley Road for Lord ‘av Mercy! with only the best music from (and inspire by) the Caribbean. Expect a hefty dose of reggae from 8pm before we smash through with a hearty portion of dancehall and soca till midnight. It’s free all and vibes are guaranteed; don’t miss out. After the jump we’ve got a round up of local happenings, including a verdict in the Hi-Lo owner case and some new shows from Count Skylarkin.

In other Cowley Road related news, Jamaican stalwart Hugh ‘Andy’ Anderson has been convicted of attacking a man with a hacksaw. After reviewing the eatery as part of our local Food Review series, you may remember we brought you the news of his trial as it happened. Andy was convicted last month for “unlawfuly wounding” the customer, but sentencing was adjourned earlier this month. It is believed that Mr Anderson will be appealing the decision. This week a spokesperson for David Cameron, the British Prime Minister and former bessie mates with the Anderson’s, released a statement distancing the PM from the convicted criminal. For more on the story visit the Oxford Student website.

Count Skylarkin, who himself held down a monthly residency at the famous Hi-Lo Eating House, announced this week that he will be joining the likes of Rihanna and Jay Z at next month Hackney Weekender. Help him celebrate the fantastic news by partying to The Sideways Doctors and MC Kwasi at Skylarkin Soundsystem a week today (Friday 1st June).

Bank holiday weekend is shaping up very nicely indeed (click the links for our previews). Our competition to win a pair of David Rodigan tickets in Bristol is still running, simply answer one question. On the Saturday, King Tubby’s Soundsystem nice up the Bullingdon Arms courtesy of the Pull Up! team, before vibes move to Carbon club on Sunday, where DopeAmmo are hosting Curtis Lynch, DJ Shepdog and Benny Page. The Thursday prior to the Queen’s ~~excuse for time-off work~~ (sorry, Jubilee) the Red, Gold & Green team have invited Jamatone alongside Destanation to the Cellar for a true Jamaican party; check out Desta’s live set featuring Teddy Dan on OX105FM.

Don’t forget that this weekend, once you’ve recovered from LORD ‘AV MERCY, get yourself down to the O2 Academy for the Skatalites show with support from Oxford live reggae troupe Dubwiser. Check out our previews with details of reduced ticket prices. On 15 August another legendary Jamaican band take to the O2 Academy stage, with Toots & The Maytals (seen above in Hi-Lo) returning to Oxford; look out for more details in coming weeks. Stay blessed, and enjoy the sun this weekend.

David Rodigan Competition

Thu, 24 May 2012 02:59:38 -0400

Having recently re-launched his show on BBC Radio 2, David Rodigan returns to Bristol to celebrate thirty years of playing reggae on the radio. Last week we launched our competition to give away a pair tickets to one lucky reader. Simply answer the following question:

How many years is it since David Rodigan MBE first started on the radio?

Submit your answer through Twitter, Facebook or e-mail, and the lucky winner will be drawn at random next Wednesday. With Bristol only an hour away, Sensible Dancehall has quite a connection with the city, having previously ran pieces on the In:Motion raves with Tokyo Dub and Major Lazer. We also now seasoned veterans of the fantastic St. Paul’s Carnival, where Rodigan himself played last year:

Also on the bill (alongside The Heatwave and Iration Steppas among others) is The Blast’s resident DJ and man behind the Bristol Hot Wuk shows, Fireman Sam. He’s produced a dancehall-heavy mix in anticipation of the show. Check it out below, and clock back in next week for a full run-down of the massive line-up.

King Tubby's in Oxford

Wed, 23 May 2012 04:50:00 -0400

The Jubilee bank holiday weekend is shaping up very smartly in and around the OX postcode. Yesterday we supplied you with the details of the Curtis Lynch and DJ Shepdog dance on the Sunday, and our ticket competition for David Rodigan in Bristol is still running. On the Saturday night, the promoters that brought Rodigan and Frankie Paul to Oxford in the last year return to the Bullingdon Arms with a very special show from King Tubby’s Soundsystem.

A regular fixture at Notting Hill Carnival, King Tubby’s Soundsystem should need no introduction. Having established in 1970, the soundsystem has toured the UK in an array of formats (joined by various MCs) for over forty years. Expect classic reggae, dub, dancehall and everything in between. Here’s a clip of last year’s NHC, blazing Mavado’s Mockingbird:

It’s just eight quid before 11pm and support comes from local legend (and Skylarkin’ Soundsystem’s don) Count Skylarkin’ and residents Set It Off Sound, running tunes till 3am. Get on the Facebook page for all the information and look out for a further preview next week.

Ammunition Oxford

Tue, 22 May 2012 04:17:33 -0400

In two week’s time the majority of people across the country have an additional two days off work. Yep, thanks to her Maj still having her clogs in working order, the nation is treated to an excuse to go out on a night where you’d usually be kipped out after 40 laps of the F1 having polished off a hearty joint (or pork/beef, of course).

Firstly, on Friday 1st June, knowing you’ve got four days to recover, we’re strongly recommending (so much in fact, we’re giving tickets away) you head down to Bristol for the massive David Rodigan show at In:Motion. Make sure you enter the competition this week to win a pair of tickets, and we’ll have more previews this week and next. On the Saturday night, having returned safely home from your west country jaunt, the team that brought David Rodigan and Frankie Paul to Oxford in recent months, return for another massive show with the legendary King Tubby’s Soundsystem. We’ll have previews next week, but in the meantime get on the Facebook for more info.

Then on Sunday 3rd you’ve got no excuse but to head out to Oxford’s Carbon club, where promo teams Dope Ammo and High Culture have linked for a bass heavy night. With rooms one and two hosting a selection of drum’n’bass and dubstep respectively, our attention is drawn to room three which has some of the biggest names from the UK reggae/dancehall scene larging up the club. For the full preview, simply click read more below.

Headlining the room is a man who’s been pushing the boundarys of UK dancehall and reggae music for year. Curtis Lynch is the head honcho at Necessary Mayhem, arguably the leading reggae label in the country, having worked with the biggest artists across the globe; you should be familiar with him by now. The latest release, featuring Mr Williamz is threatening to take festivals by storm this summer:

Adding to the record-label-boss-come-international-DJ roster is Shepdog. Having played at the Cellar last year, his Nice Up! brand are not only responsible for the best reggae-related t-shirts in the land but have also released and remixed some fantastic tunes. We also featured him in our updated radio section, which is well worth a look if you’re ever at a loose end. Here’s his latest reworking of Cover Drive’s Lick Ya Down:

With almost 8,000 followers on Facebook, High Culture owner and DJ/producer Benny Page will be playing a strictly reggae set. Having previously released material through Lynch’s label, his new single featuring Mr Williamz is a d’n’b banger (co-signed below on Toddla T’s radio show):

So that’s three massive names from the UK bass music scene in one room, and for just seven quid (in advance) you can’t go wrong. If you like your dubstep or drum’n’bass, there’s even more on offer; take your pickings via the Facebook page.

This Weekend: Skatalites

Mon, 21 May 2012 05:43:00 -0400

Four years ago The Skatalites were one of the last acts to perform on the old Zodiac stage. This weekend they return to the revamped venue to celebrate over fifty years of existence. The UK tour, which takes in Leeds, Manchester, Brighton and London, as well as Oxford’s show on Saturday 26th May, holds a higher significance following the death of one of the founding members Lloyd Brevett earlier this month. Six weeks ago we ran our first preview, giving you an opportunity to kop tickets for £10 thanks to our friends in Dubwisr, who are lending support on the evening. Don’t sleep on it, check the links and buy your friends tickets here.

Ticket Giveaway: David Rodigan

Tue, 15 May 2012 02:58:48 -0400

Fresh from arguably the biggest show of the year so far, Bristol’s number #1 promoter team, The Blast are back in two weeks time (teaming up with Urban Nerds) with an equally heavy roster of reggae, dub and dancehall. To make it even sweeter, we’re giving away two tickets to one lucky reader!

There aren’t many DJs who have done such a service to music that they get an MBE after their name. Fewer still have managed 30 years on the radio and are still headlining shows alongside the biggest names in dub, reggae and electronic music. David Rodigan, undeniably one of the most influential reggae DJs of all time, is just that man. Having niced up UK dances for decades, in a fortnight’s time he’ll be hitting Bristol’s Motion (Friday 1st June) for a very special ‘Ram Jam’ show curated by himself, with support coming from Ms Dynamite, Mala (DMZ), Iration Steppas, General Levy and our favourite Rinse FM dancehall dons The Heatwave…

Having grown up in Kidlington, Rodigan has a strong connection to OX, and with Bristol just a short car/train ride away, this is the perfect opportunity to attend one of the best reggae shows in the country. Furthermore, we’re now giving you the chance see it all for free! We have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky winner. Simply answer the following question through Twitter, Facebook or e-mail:

How many years is it since David Rodigan MBE first started on the radio?

So simply hit us up by Wednesday 30th May with the correct answer (there’s a couple of clues above!) and the winner will be selected at random. Over the next couple of weeks we’ll have further previews to the show, so don’t miss this opportunity to win! In the meantime, sign up to the Facebook page for updates.

OXDOX 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 03:05:00 -0400

Last week we brought you the news that Cowley Road’s independent cinema, the Ultimate Picture Palace, will be celebrating the release of the documentary Marley as part of their annual Oxdox film festival. The festival has been running for a couple of weeks and comes to a close in 8 days time. To get tickets for the Marley screening follow the link to last week’s article, and after the jump (simply click ‘read more’ below) we’ll be highlighting some of the remaining documentaries featured in the city’s leading film festival.

Focusing on the local music scene in the city, Anyone Can Play Guitar highlights some of the best indie/guitar acts from the last thirty years in Oxford. The screening is on Tuesday at 7pm, with an exclusive aftershow party at the Truck Store afterwards.

Blank City looks at the DIY New York film and music scene from the late 1970s/early 80s. Featuring interviews with members of Sonic Youth, Steve Buscemi and Debbie Harry amongst others, the soundtrack features an array of classic NYC independent icons. Catch the film at the UPP on Friday at 6.45pm.

Prior to the Marley screening, the UPP are showing the Record Store Day 2012 official film Vinylmania. Spanning the world, the documentary looks at the ever-present love of listening to music on record. The film starts at 4.15pm.

Stornoway headline arguably the pinnacle of this year’s Oxdox festival with proceedings moving to the Hollywell Music Rooms. The night begins at 7.30pm on Tuesday 22nd May, with a discussion panel including representatives from Sony, NME and the 4AD record label respectively, before local twee country types Stornoway play live in one of the city’s most intimate venues. Grab your tickets here.

Marley at UPP

Fri, 11 May 2012 03:20:00 -0400

If, like myself, you’ve not yet seen the everyone’s-talking-about-it ‘documentary of the year’ Marley (or if you have and you want to see it again) what better excuse to head down to the Ultimate Picture Palace off Cowley Road on Sunday 20th May. As part of the Oxdox season, everyone’s favourite local independent cinema will be showing the movie that’s had everyone from reggae fanatics to casual observers singing it’s praises (in a circle passing the chalice, naturally). On Monday we’ll bring you a further preview, highlighting some of the other treats at this fantastic local film festival, but in the meantime for more info and to book your seats for Marley, hit the Oxdox website.

LORD 'AV MERCY // BIRTHDAY BASHMENT!

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:45:44 -0400

Brand new video for the biggest tune in the world right now, the undeniably catchy hit from Konshens, Stop Sign. It must be fate that this video (featuring footage from a seriously vibesy Caribbean party) dropped on the same day we announced our next Lord ‘av Mercy! session. After a very special session in April, we return on Friday 25th May, playing nothing but the best music from (and inspired by) the Caribbean, come and vibe from 8pm, before we push the tables back and get dancing all the way till midnight.

This month we are celebrating Robin’s (one half of Lord ‘av Mercy) twenty-sixth birthday, so expect a massive party in true Lord ‘av Mercy style! If you’ve not been before, it’s free all night and pretty much the most fun you can have with your clothes on; positive vibes, booze flowing, loads of dancing, lots of fun! The last session was packed from 9.30pm, so make sure you get down early. We have the party in the basement, but the tunes are blazed out across the boozer. Come see for yourself.

Mad Professor Artwork

Wed, 02 May 2012 02:11:00 -0400

All this week we are focusing on the Mad Professor in anticipation for his headline Roots of Dubstep show at the Cellar this Friday. On Monday we hosted the introduction featuring a brief interview with the Prof from his home from home, the Ariwa studio. On Tuesday we opened the floor to show promoter and all-round local hero Count Skylarkin’ to select his top five Mad Professor produced tracks. Today, we are expanding the musical pleasure from your ears, to the truly fantastic visual delights that Mad Professor has given us over the years. Whilst Lee Scratch Perry dressed to impress, the Prof lets his artwork take the visual plaudits. After the jump we’ve got our ten maddest Mad Professor record covers alongside a selection of big tunes, simply click read more for the full article.

Part four of the Dub Me Crazy series that would run for over a century, Escape to the Asylum of Dub was released in 1983, featuring this title track. The artwork features a smoking medical trialist, spiderman and a robot playing guitar, of course.

1990’s Psychedelic Dub was the tenth official release of the Dub Me Crazy series that Mad Professor continued for twelve installments. Cool Runnings Mandela is the opening track from the album. Nelson Mandela, another robot, a leopard and a tiger give this 60s psych cover a true Professor spin.

Experiments of the Aural Kind was released in 1988 and became the eighth edition of the Dub Me Crazy catalogue, with Night in Cairo lifted from it. With pyramids featuring in other Prof covers, the Egyptian theme goes beyond this incorporating deserts and camels, whilst an array of ears backs up the aural claim.

Released in 1991, Hijacked to Jamaica is the opening and title track from part 11 in the Dub Me Crazy series. The artwork features the postcard-perfect scenes of Jamaica, and once again the Prof gets his mug (and his mixer!) on the cover, this time whilst being assisted by a Caribbean air-hostess.

Part 12 in the Dub Me Crazy series, and released in 1993, Dub So Hard is the opening track from Dub Maniacs on the Rampage. War, rioting, and Trevor Macdonald take prominence in this apocalyptic scene.

Not a release in his own name, but Macka B’s 1988 We’ve Had Enough (featuring the Prof on the buttons) gives a serious nod to the artwork seen throughout the producers releases. Never one to shy away from an issue, steeped in late 80s imagery, the cover speaks for itself.

Recorded in 1985, Fresh & Clean comes from the A Taste of Technology LP. Another classic cover, we’ve got everything here that Prof would continue into his future artwork; himself and the controller, alongside crazy detail (note the islands in the top of his class).

Part six in the Dub Me Crazy series, War Cry comes from 1986’s Schizophrenic Dub. Like an edition of Where’s Wally, it’s total madness in the artwork as expected from the album title.

Collaboration between two of the most experimental names in British bass music over the past two years, Radiation Ruling the Nation comes from the Mad Professor produced Massive Attack record No Protection (1995)

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=”http://pamainternational.bandcamp.com/album/pama-intl-meet-mad-professor-rewired-in-dub” data-mce-href=”http://pamainternational.bandcamp.com/album/pama-intl-meet-mad-professor-rewired-in-dub”&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Pama Intl meet Mad Professor-Rewired In Dub by Pama Intl meet Mad Professor&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Listen and buy the whole of the 2010 dub collaboration with Parma International, Rewind. Something a little different, but just as eye-opening in the artwork, with the Professor depicted as a robot among an array of bubbles and squiggles.

Skylarkin's Mad Professor Selections

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:19:04 -0400

This Friday Mad Professor, one of the front-runners and most experimental dons of dub music comes to Oxford, bringing his Roots of Dubstep tour to the Cellar. Kicking off yesterday, we are dedicating our entire weekly content to the show, and to a man who has continued to push the boundaries of the dub genre for over thirty years.

Today, we’re enjoying five selections from the Mad Professor collection courtesy of the show promoter and leading local reggae DJ, the honorable Count Skylarkin. Accompanied by notes from Aidan, alongside a glimpse of some of the fantastic album artwork (on the No Protection long player - and an area we’ll focus on in more detail later this week), simply click the read more link below to listen to the selections and get in the mood for Friday’s show.

The classic Ariwa sound in full effect, lots of the Prof’s trademark tricks on the dub, Macka B sounding terrific as ever and it’s so incredibly uplifting. I play this out a bit, but I have to admit that I carry the 12” in my box a whole lot more often, just on the offchance that Nelson should snuff it while I’m on the decks. Is that a bit morbid? Can I qualify it by saying that if there’s one man in the world who I’d like to see live forever, it’d be Nelson!

Capturing the roots sentiments of much of Professor’s 70s and 80s output with a modernist hook that offers a clue to his future collaborations with the likes of The Orb. The accompanying dub version (Fast Forward In Dub) made it onto the Professor’s fifth ‘Dub Me Crazy’ LP - a series that ran for more than a decade, after John Peel got behind the first one and got Professor in for a Maida Vale session - despite the album only having sold 500 copies at the time.

I’m a huge Massive fan. The first time I heard this tune, I thought it was the heaviest sounding thing I’d ever heard in my life. The whole No Protection album is a winner.

Susan Cadogan - I’m Falling In Love With You

Mad Professor did a great deal to return Susan Cadogan to public consciousness after she’d spent most of the 1980s out of the spotlight. Cadogan had scored a big mid 70s hit with the Lee Perry produced ‘Hurt So Good’ and accompanying LP, then pretty much disappeared for the next 15 years to work in a library. With the spectre of The Upsetter looming large, the Prof was inspired to create some of his best lovers rock productions with the singer. Susan is now touring again, and a fantastic live performer.

Scratch and the Prof have collaborated fairly regularly over the past 20 years or so, with (it’s probably fair to say) mixed results! I’ve always loved this tune, not least for the false start - a fascinating glimpse into the pairs working methods. Pretty soon Scratch is paraphrasing Freddie Mercury and calling the Queen of England “a cunt”. Or is he?! Mad Professor’s studio is just down the road from Selhurst Park, where I used to watch Wimbledon play a lot as a teenager. I once saw Perry stagger out of there mid afternoon with a bottle of rum in hand and an enormous bifter on the go. It made up for the fact that we’d just lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest.

Mad Professor Week

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:54:20 -0400

This Friday sees the legendary Mad Professor come to the Cellar for the Oxford leg of his worldwide Roots of Dubstep Tour. All this week we’ll be running previews to the show, hosted by Oxford leading promoter Skylarkin’ Soundsystem. The Professor, who has been the frontrunner of expanding dub sounds for over thirty years, will set up the stage in a similar vein to his famous Ariwa studio, allowing for live remixes on an array of equipment, whilst also being joined by live musicians and vocalists. It really is an unmissable night. An early show, with doors at 8pm, tickets are available in advance via Facebook and this will grant you access to the after-show party straight after the early-show. Make sure you clock back in everyday this week for a different focus on the dub maestro, but in the meantime check out Mad Professor himself introducing the tour/album Roots of Dubstep concept below:

LORD 'AV MERCY // APRIL DANCE

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:23:07 -0400

Once again Lord ‘av Mercy returns for the best pay-day-party in Oxford, playing nothing but the best music from (and inspired by) the Caribbean; dub, dancehall, soca, reggae and lots more. It’s free all night, from 8pm to midnight, and we’ll supply the best vibes for your Friday night. Get down early and get dancing. Now listed on the reggae gig institute that is Rastaites, sign up to the Facebook event and invite your friends.

When we’re done at midnight, continue the vibes down at the East Oxford Community Centre, where Dub Resistance join the Foundation Friday crew. It’s just £3 and vibes are tight till 3am. Next Friday, the legendary Mad Professor comes to Oxford for an early show at Skylarkin Soundsystem. Grab your tickets now and stand by for next week’s daily focus on the show on Sensible Dancehall. This is a show you don’t want to miss.

In the meantime, listen to Rusko’s Love No More featuring Jamaican reggae artist Alborosie, taken from the producer’s latest longplayer Songs released through Mad Decent. Bound to get a spin down in The Library this Friday night:

Robbo Ranx

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:34:36 -0400

After a storming set at the High Street’s No.9 club (reviewed by SD.com’s Matt Baker last August) 1xtra’s ‘dancehall general’ Robbo Ranx returns to Oxford in May for a big Bank Holiday night at Lava Ignite courtesy of local promoters Sneaky. An absolutely stalwart of the BBC’s urban programming, Robbo has been pushing the best dancehall music on 1xtra for over ten years; listen to the latest show through the iplayer. Taking place on Sunday 6th May (with Monday being a bank holiday) it’s just six quid in advance through wegottickets, and there’s more details on the Facebook page. For our full run-down of the best dancehall and reggae radio shows (obviously, including Robbo) check out the Radio bookmark on the left-hand-side. For a visual taste of what Ranx brings to the party, watch three of the UK’s biggest bashment stars going in live on the show.

An absolute favourite of ours in the Sensible Dancehall camp,...

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:13:33 -0400

An absolute favourite of ours in the Sensible Dancehall camp, we’ve been banging on about CHLLNGR to anyone who’ll listen for quite some time. Back in September we featured the Californian producer in our Future Soundsarticle with the fantastic Ask For, then focused on his Jamie Woon remix ahead of Leylines festival, before playing his latest track Change when we supported Mungo’s Hi-Fi in February. Yesterday, CHLLNGR returned with a cover of Johnny Osbourne’s Truths & Rights and it’s yet another absolute smash. Listen to the track above, and download your own copy for just $1 through the ALSO Records Bandcamp page by simply clicking here.

Friday: The Nextmen

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:05:00 -0400

Whilst your attention may be drawn towards Bristol this weekend for the previously featured Major Lazer show, on Friday Oxford hosts it’s very own unique double act in the way of Brad and Dom, more commonly known as The Nextmen, coming down to the Cellar for your pleasure. Having previously hailed from Cambridge (have we got over this year’s boat race yet?) the London-based DJ partnership pack everything from hop, funk and soul to reggae, dancehall and dubstep. There’s currently only a handful of advanced tickets left for this one via wegottickets with the rest available on the door, but expect to queue for a while. Doors open at 10pm, with a 3am curfew and support comes from promoter-cum-DJ-don Count Skylarkin (who booked the show, naturally). It’s eight quick either way, so snap ‘em up to avoid standing in the cold. The Facebook event page also has more information.

Every month The Nextmen drop a new podcast. Check out the latest link here, featuring Wiley and Gentlemen’s Dub Club amongst others, and the BBC mix they did for Mistajam earlier this year:

Having originally started producing hip hop beats, with the likes of Rodney P and Public Enemy voicing tracks, the pair gradually moved towards reggae through the release of the Blunted in the Backroom compilation for Antidote label. The success of this saw Antidote release This Was Supposed To Be The Future in 2007,featuring link ups with a host of reggae dons incluiding Dynamite MC, Fat Freddy’s Drop vocalist Dallas, and longtime legendary Jamaican singer Niney The Observer:

2009 saw the release of their forth studio album Join The Dots, and now with fingers in many pies, the twosome are planning their next venture whilst juggling shows, podcasts and remixes. Don’t miss them this weekend in Oxford by grabbing a ticket from wegottickets.

Major Lazer in Bristol

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:41:00 -0400

Predictably, every music blog under the sun has gone wild for the new Major Lazer tune Get Free, available to download for free from Monday (as we mentioned last week). This week, Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire - together know as Major Lazer - come to the UK for a short tour of Manchester, London, Birmingham and Bristol.

Since the announcement we’ve covered the In:Motion show in Bristol, taking place this Saturday. Not only is it the only ‘club’ leg on the tour (rather than 11pm curfew ‘gig’) but it’s only an hour down the motorway (or just over on the train). You really don’t wanna miss this one; grab your tickets here.

If Major Lazer coming to the South West city wasn’t enough, today we’ll run through the supporting cast which, suffice to say, is absolutely fanfuckintastic. Click the Read More link below for tunes from Toddla T, Mele, Unicorn Kid among others.

Fresh from securing his very own Radio 1 show and releasing the critically acclaimed Watch Me Dance record, Toddla T brings his supporting ‘Sound’ with him including Shola Ama and Serocee, who vocalleld the above ‘Shake It’ from 2009’s Skanky Skanky album.

Joining Toddla T pon the desks this Saturday is man-like Mele, who’s massive new banger Beamer dropped on Radio 1 last week, featuring longtime grime/crossover artist Kano.

Unicorn Kid is the sickest new producer around. Out of Edinburgh and combining styles for fun, he’s received backing from Zane Lowe and Toddla himself, and is signed to Ministry of Sound. Check out his latest smash Pure Space, above.

Check out the full line-up on the Facebook event page and kop your tickets through Resident Advisor. If you didn’t grab those train tickets back when we first mentioned this, get over to The Trainline or National Express now. Seriously. This will be the party of the year.

Schlachthofbronx

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:36:00 -0400

Last week Schlachthofbronx released their brand new record Dirty Dancing, and as a special treat have put the whole thing up for you to try before you buy. The Munich-based bass specialists, who combine everything from juke and cumbia to reggae and dancehall taking influence from the music we hold dear to our heart, are joined by bashment artists Natalie Storm and Warrior Queen among others. The duo have been producing the biggest riddims and remixes for the last few years, and this new record is set for big things; it really is fucking fantastic, something on their for everyone regardless of musical preference, and has been on constant repeat since landing in the inbox last week. Listen for yourself below, before kopping the download via iTunes or vinyl via the official website.