My Favourite Boiler Room Sets: A Chronology.

Boiler Room streams live music sessions from across the world, primarily featuring variations of electronic music. Since its beginnings in 2010, Boiler Room has seen some of the biggest names in the scene grace its stages. In addition to this. Boiler Room also provides a platform for fresh talent. A chronology will be attempted, even though many of the early sets were uploaded a lot later than when they were performed; for example,this beauty from SBTRKT, which was actually filmed on a webcam in 2010 but not posted until 2012- glorious. 


2011: 
Jamie XX b2b Caribou  - Despite the MCs that interrupts throughout the set this still remains at the top of my list as one of the best. 'Big Up Thom Yorke' (actual quote) also, chillin at the back throughout the set, who too performed a set on the same night. Classic. 

2013:

Kaytranada, Montreal  - If there's one thing I love about Boiler Room, it's the stories that are masked behind the sets. As a live streaming service, it's no doubt that some unusual happenings can go on in the crowd, as with all concerts. This Kaytranada set proves this statement to be 100% true: seeing the people interacting with the music whilst being completely off their -ballix- is definitely one of the reasons why Boiler Room remains new and captivating. If I ever want someone to remix the soundtrack to my life, it would be Kaytranada. 

2014:

Motor City Drum Ensemble Boiler Room x Dekmantel- towel guy at 16:00 is me every time I listen to this set. 

Jamie xx Boiler Room London x Young Turks DJ Set - How's life in London? Well, as a student way too poor to even consider visiting never mind living there, I wouldn't know !!! (But, if this set is anything to go by, it's pretty decent.) Lowkey rooftop realness throughout. Also note: Do You Mind by Kyla played 2 years prior to the release of One Dance by Drake proves that Jamie's innovation is beyond. 

2015:

Bicep Boiler Room X AVA - Belfast talent will do anyone from the city proud after watching this set. Bicep are electrifying enough to bring the dismal scenes of the titanic quarter alive with the ever growing AVA festival.

2016:
Palms Trax @ Dekmantel, Amsterdam - groovy groovy disco tracks that just cannot be faulted. Probably the most underrated set on this list. 

Mall Grab Paris DJ Set - There's probably two things you can tell I love in a boiler room set after reading this. Maintenance of energy is one, and lofi 80's inspired disco is the other. Mall Grab brings not just both of these, but also a complete bold confidence that isn't often seen from such fresh talent. How many times have you seen a crowd get hyped by a Snoop Dogg drop at the end of a DJ set? I scoured the comments looking for every track ID after listening to this, and you 100% will too after listening: genuinely my favourite set ever, no lie. 

2017:
Denis Sulta, Belfast: Again, the energy and youthfulness of this set is something else. He plays right into the hand of this crowd at 2017's AVA festival in Belfast, and it pays off immensely.

the top tunez of 2k16

2016 was a bit of a shitshow, to be quite honest. However in the midst of this shitshow came some pretty good tunes. Here are some of my top picks that were released in 2016.

‘3’ - Flume: Although sophomore album ‘Skin’ was mildly disappointing to people that had been fans of Flume since his debut in 2012, it still contained some pretty good tracks. Whilst ‘3’ might seem like a strange choice of a favourite song from this album rather than a track with AlunaGeorge or Vince Staples, this song in my opinion channelled old school Flume the most. I know artist progression is important, but sometimes these signals from past originality can keep an avid fan of the artist interested (aka… me)

Am I Wrong?- Anderson.Paak- I came across this one whilst revising for my A-Levels. Accompanying my revision, I would listen to compilation playlists by Majestic Casual and Underground Charisma, and Anderson.Paak featured a lot on these types of playlists. Groovy, funky, soulful, 3 components that made a resurgence in music in 2016.

Choose Me- James Blake: Now to go in the opposite direction of artistic progression and change, some might argue that James Blake has played it very safe with ‘The Colour in Anything’ which was released in mid 2016. However, this safety is where the beauty stems from. Beautiful, raw, delicate tracks with soft emotive vocals, Blake’s album is one of my favourites of 2016. ‘Choose Me,’ ‘Two Men Down’ and obviously ‘I Need a Forest Fire’ were my top three tracks from Blake’s 3rd critically acclaimed album.

The Sound- The 1975: It’s genuinely difficult to believe that this track was only released in February 2016. It feels like the chorus of this song has been circling in my head for literal years.

All Night/Same Drugs- Chance the Rapper: Chance  and his homage to gospel deserves the most honourable mention in this list. I’d listened to Acid Rap in the 2013 tumblr days when ‘cocoa butter kisses’ was all over the internet. All Night was undoubtedly one of my favourite tracks this year. ‘Colouring Book’ couldn’t be an album more deserving of grammy nominations.

24k Magic- Bruno Mars: Top 40 track of the year. So, so funky. Hashtag Blessed.

10 D E A T H B R E A S T- Bon Iver: One of the best things about music is the memories associated with it. This Bon Iver song, strangely, takes me right back to Reading Festival earlier this year, as it was played at least 5 times during the wait for Biffy Clyro. Despite that random anecdote, this lead single of the album ‘22, A Million’ is new Bon Iver at its prime. Lyrically perfect and instrumentally beautiful, this song also welcomed the new Bon Iver stylistically, almost an ode of preparation for other songs which moved outside of Bon Iver’s acoustic making mould (See 715- CREEKS, and 21 Moon Water for reference)

The entirety of the new Childish Gambino Album, ‘Awaken, My Love!’- no words to describe this one. Cliche aside, the music do the talking. Special mention to ‘Riot,’ ‘Redbone’ and ‘Terrified.’

On Hold- The XX: With the resurgence of The XX once again, I began to feel slightly dismayed at the knowledge that Jamie XX wouldn’t be producing original music again for a while. However, my fears and withdrawals were put aside as soon as I heard this track. Jamie’s musical style comes through in ‘On Hold’ with the build up to the chorus, and break down with a remixed Hall and Oates sample. Yet, the group still maintains that haunting, melancholy vibe that The XX are known for.

SPECIAL ALBUM MENTIONS:

Kaytranada- 99.9%. For fans of: 2011 SBTRKT. Best songs: TRACK UNO, YOU’RE THE ONE (Feat Syd- look out for her solo album in 2017)

Childish Gambino: Awaken My Love! For fans of: anyone who likes music.

Is The Is Are- DIIV Album Review

*found this piece I wrote buried in a blog in which it remained unpublished for 3 months, leading me to post it here. Gotta get all my thoughts out, despite the lateness. Yes I know this album was released in February- Soz*

Life has not been an easy ride for DIIV over the past two years, especially for Zachary Cole Smith: the vocalist, lead guitarist and front-man of New York based indie rock shoegaze band. Since the release of critically acclaimed of debut album Oshin in 2012, things began to look rather rough for the former member of large alumni of bands such as Darwin Deez, Beach Fossils and Soft Black. After an arrest on drug charges in 2013 and a subsequent rehabilitation order in 2014, fans were left anxiously worrying for his health, but also with a of anticipation when songs such as 'Dust' were teased on tours, along with the dropping of lead single 'Dopamine' in late 2015. Drug problems weren't only just faced by Smith, but also by Colby Hewitt who eventually departed the band after his drug addiction mid-recording of Is The Is Are. Additionally, the band itself struggled with controversy as Bassist Devin Ruben Perez wrote sexist and racist remarks on 4chan, which Smith himself dubbed to be 'disgusted' by via twitter. Despite this variety of hiccups, DIIV made this 4 year period of near-silence worth it with this sophomore album, even if it took allegedly 150 songs to get there.

The album begins in a very familiar DIIV-style used throughout the entirety of the album Oshin on the song 'Out Of Mind.'  Hazed jangled guitars erupt unapologetically in the intro, leading to create a riff that will undoubtedly be stuck in your head for days. Zach Cole Smith regards the late Elliot Smith to be his biggest influence of this album.  Instrumentally, Elliot Smith's influence isn't exactly noticeable with heavy guitar jangling throughout, however Smith's vocals in songs such as 'Under The Sun' and 'Take Your Time' reminisce on Elliott Smith's soft, layered vocals.

Undoubtedly the most anticipated aspect of this album is DIIV's collaboration with indie pop singer and (Ex?!)girlfriend of Smith, Sky Ferreira. The track 'Blue Boredom' emulates their struggles as a couple after their arrest in drug possession. This isn't surprising this couple have been dubbed the Kurt and Courtney of the 21st Century especially through Ferreira's sighs and Kim Gordon emulation that haunt the song. Despite personally being excited by this track due to my love for Sky Ferreira's 'Night Time, My Time' album, this track seems like somewhat of a throwaway anthem to fill a hole for the Ferreira-Smith shippers (RIP.) 

Whilst it seems evident that DIIV have became stuck in a familiar style at times, the track 'Mire (Grant's Song)'  on the latter half of the album delves into a much more personal lyrical focus which Smith hoped to achieve in this album. On this emotional track, Smith reflects on the struggles of the band itself, remarking 'I was blind, now I see you made relieve agony.' This form is used throughout the album in other tracks, particularly the lyrically rough 'Dust:' 'I know I gotta kick but I can’t get sick.' In comparison to Oshin, the structural integrity of this album is much more sound, again adopting uses of chorus', bridges and introductions which were somewhat missing from the madness of the tracks on Oshin (see Air Conditioning as an example.) In particular, the song 'Incarnate Devil' reflects  a more easy-listening track in terms of DIIV's general discography with the still underlying melancholic guitar solos. The album is generally a mixed bag of emotions, evoking a movement of happy reflections which evolve into a pessimistic nature by the end of the album in tracks such as ‘Healthy Moon:’ ‘It there’s a fucked moon in my head, It claws the ground both lost and found.’ This nihilistic attitude continues until the 64th minute with the track 'Waste of Breath,' with repeated lyrics and slow drum beats almost making me question my entire personal existence: ‘It's no good it would be a waste of breath to tell a man who believes in me that he's got something better to do.’ This final statement ensures one fact: the DIIV  are not going anywhere, and despite the difficulties they have faced, they will motor on equip with both angst and pride known and loved by their fans.

Favourite Tracks: Dopamine, Healthy Moon, Under The Sun

Least Favourite Tracks: Take Your Time, Bent (Roi’s Song)

Rating: 7.5/10

Label: Captured Tracks 

Reason's I'm Excited For Reading 2016.

It's been a while since I've made my presence known on this blog, but this year I am finally doing something which I have dreamt about since I was about 14. I'M GOING TO READING FESTIVAL! Let's just forget about the amount of crap and camping based equipment I'll have to drag onto a plane and revel in the excitement. However, it was somewhat disheartening when I logged onto twitter, to see people angrily ranting about many things wrong with the line up: Fetty Wap included to my shock and horror. However, Reading isn't the same festival as it was when it first burst on the scene in the 90's, and in my opinion, its for the better.

One of the main line up announcement which angered many's a twitter user was the foals/disclosure joint headline announcement. At first glance, a band like Foals may not seem big enough for the spot, but I can tell you that is incorrect (sorry, not sorry.) If you were a fan of Skins circa Generation One, you might have some memories of the song Hummer which made an appearance. Foals began as a math-rock band, riddled with jangled guitars and lyrics, somewhat reminiscent of a Silent Alarm Bloc Party style. In more recent years, they have evolved into a much more mature and accessible style, something which has been noticeable since the release of the album Total Life Forever, in particular with the soothing and lyrically beautiful hit spanish sahara. Fast forward to 2015: What Went Down, their 4th album has been released and went straight to number 3 in the charts. Being a fan of this band since 2012, watching the progression of a band like Foals has been a journey. With a Wembley Arena show recently under their belt, I am excited to see what they have to offer to the Main Stage.

Disclosure, again seeing a garage-dance band headline a festival which originally had Nirvana headlining back in the day is somewhat a surprise. Yes, this band are everywhere, and may be 'mainstream' for all you cool cats, but I will be dancing my butt off to their set. Plus, any possibility of a Disclosure x Foals track is exciting enough for my liking.

Another noticeable mention to this line up is the amount of throwback acts that seem to be added. Crystal Castles are making a rare live appearance after the departure of singer Alice Glass. Having been a fan of this band once again from the emo skins Generation One days, I'm interested to see what will be delivered. Two Door Cinema Club are also returning to the UK festival scene, two years after a last minute Latitude festival pull-out sadly due to illness. Hopefully new material will be released before their return.

Other people which seem somewhat interesting include Boy Better Know (Getting my roadman gear ready and brushing off my Man Don't Care rap skills is a must,) RATBOY, Jack U and BLOODY RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS!

Although the festival might seem like a slight Radio One arse-lick at a glance, I can assure you it has more delivery than what it seems at the surface. Plus remember: there's still another headline to be announced! Below is a list of recommended songs to listen before the 26th of August, and I hope to see some of you there.

Sign On- RATBOY
Under The Bridge- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Suffocation- Crystal Castles
Doe Deer- Crystal Castles
Laneboy- Twenty One Pilots
What's In Your Head?- Disclosure
Moving Mountains- Disclosure
I Can Talk- Two Door Cinema Club
Costume Party- Two Door Cinema Club
Itch- Nothing But Thieves.

The 'Curl Up By The Fire' Autumn Playlist.

There's nothing I love more in Autumn than sticking on the kettle, wrapping up in a massive duvet and pressing play to my favourite acoustic album, accompanied by the sound of the pelting rain outside. This is a playlist compiling all my favourite songs to listen to before things start to get real christmassy. It usually ranges from acoustic to folk, and there's some incredibly powerful female singers thrown in for good measure. 


THE BANDS: 

Fleet Foxes could honestly just take up this whole playlist, but I refrained from doing that. The hauntingly beautiful harmonies from Robert Pecknold are enough to have you hooked. 


Bon Iver are pretty much synonymous for music on them rainy days. Or days when you want a bit of background music reading a good book. Or pretty much every day. Justin Vernon's lyrics and the sombre tone of the debut 'For Emma, Forever Ago' are basically the soundtrack of the colder months for me. 


THE ALBUM:

Lucy Rose- Like I Used To is a 'soft and sad debut' as described by NME, this is definitely an album for lazy Sunday Mornings. Check the songs 'Shiver' and 'First'. 









THE PLAYLIST: 



Daughter- Youth

Bon Iver- For Emma

Fleet Foxes- Ragged Wood

Lucy Rose- Shiver

Dan Croll- Home

Lykke Li- I Follow Rivers

BANKS- Waiting Game

Ben Howard- Black Flies

Laura Marling- Ghosts

Jose Gonzalez- Heartbeats


Do you have any other song suggestions? Katie x 

AUGUST PLAYLIST

So, summer is finally over and I'm going to be honest, this month has been a pretty good one for music. Some examples include the return of Jamie T at Reading and Leeds Festival  (and Gerard Way's debut solo performance), Beyonce's astounding VMA performance and the dropping of the highly anticipated debut album by Royal Blood. By default, some pretty amazing songs have been released this year. These are some of my favourites below: 

ARTIST FOCUS: Royal Blood. 

The amount of people talking about how this band were the highlight of Reading Festival made me check out this band only a week ago and I am in shock at how good they are. Heavy riffs come created from this heavy duo from Brighton with only a drum kit, bass and a few pedals inbetween. Even if commercial rock has became quite popular due to the success of Arctic Monkey's AM last year, this is definitely one of the heaviest albums to head straight to number one in the charts in a good 3 years. Good on them! Check out 'Little Monster' and 'Out of the Black' to find out what they're all about. 

SONGS:

Royal Blood- Little Monster

The Neighbourhood- Sweater Weather

Grimes- Go Feat Blood Diamonds

Ariana Grande- Break Free Feat Zedd

Troye Sivan- Happy Little Pill

Lorde x Disclosure- Royals Remix Reworked from The Brits

Taylor Swift- Shake it Off

Alt J- Every Other Freckle

THE SOUNDS OF JULY

The sounds I've been lovin' this month. A lot of my music recently has been quite ambient, chillstep based dance music that I've been listening to when walking or doing yoga. It's quite relaxing but also not enough to put me to sleep, so its enjoyable. Also, it includes a new Bon Iver song which I have to say I cried during. My love for Justin Vernon just can't compete with anything else really. I do realise there's TWO different disclosure remixes, but both were just too good not to share.

ARTIST FOCUS: SBTRKT

SBTRKT (pronounced like the word subtract- pft, hipsters) is an indie electronic musical project created by Aaron Jerome. Since the release of his soul infused electronic self titled album in 2011, he is finally back recording new songs and a new album titled 'Wonder Where We Land' due to be released in late September. I really enjoy this guy's music because as cliche as it is, it isn't like anything I've heard before. Atmospheric beats and drops mixed with soulful vocals from the likes of Sampha, Jessie Ware and now Ezra off Vampire Weekend is enough to make any festival crowd go wild, whilst keeping anonymous behind a mask to add to the atmosphere. He seems to be making his way round festivals this year so if you have the chance go and see him and make me a bit jealous.

SONG LIST: 

Vance Joy- Riptide (FlicFlac Edit)
Sky Ferreira- You're not the one (CID RIM REMIX)
Bon Iver- Heavenly Father
SBTRKT- NEW DORP. NEW YORK (Feat Ezra)
Pharrell Williams ft Jay-Z- Frontin' (disclosure remix)
TLC- Waterfalls
Disclosure- Help Me Lose My Mind (SOHN remix)
Dan Croll- From Nowhere (mahogany sessions)
Disclosure- Help Me Lose My Mind (Mazde Remix)

Style Inspirations: Sky Ferreira

Even though this girl has been in some rough water recently, I still absolutely adore her style. Sky Ferreira is a 21 year old american singer/songwriter who has been on the scene since she was around 15 years old, how crazy is that? She's also been modelled advertising campaigns for top companies such as Calvin Klein, Adidas, ASOS and Vigoss Jeans. Recently, Sky has been incredibly busy with her new album which has just been released called: Night Time, My Time. Although she's been caught up with her music, she still manages to stay on top with her unique 'pretty in punk' style which I absolutely adore, along with her platinum blonde hair!

Sky shows her playfully punk side by layering a baseball jacket, checked shirt and a relaxed t-shirt, combined with a skirt for a feminine hint. 90's grunge revival at it's best!

Here Sky shows a mature edgy chic look by pairing a leather jacket with an LBD and a pop of colour in her gold boots. Her platinum hair and pale skin contrasts with the dark colours she wears, making her outfits always stand out! 

Sky's street style once again never flaws. Her collection of black leather buckled ankle boots much be huge! Major jealousy.