Little Simz calls for moment of silence for people of Palestine as she kicks off 2023 UK tour


Little Simz held a moment of silence for the people of Palestine during the first show of her UK tour in Manchester on Tuesday night (November 7).

The current conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has been going on since Hamas launched an attack on October 7 that killed 1,400 Israelis. Israel’s retaliatory attacks have claimed the lives of at least 10,812 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Now, the rapper took a moment during the gig at the O2 Victoria Warehouse to pay respect to those who died in the conflict. “I wanna take the time, if we can, to have a moment of silence for the people of Palestine please?” she is heard asking in fan-filmed footage. The crowd are later shown chanting “FREE PALESTINE!”

The show was the first in Simz’s current run of UK shows in support of her album ‘NO THANK YOU’, which came out late last year.

Check out the setlist and more footage of the gig below:

Setlist (via Setlist.fm):

‘Silhouette’
‘No Merci’
‘Two Worlds Apart’
‘I Love You, I Hate You’
‘X’
‘Heart On Fire’
‘might bang, might not’
‘101 FM’
‘Venom’ 
‘Introvert’
‘Moving Alone’
‘Gorilla’
‘Point And Kill’
‘Fear No Man’
‘Protect My Energy’
‘Selfish’
‘Angel’
‘Broken’
‘Who Even Cares’
‘Woman’

Little Simz will be performing at London’s Alexandra Palace tomorrow night (November 10) – tickets can be found here.

Meanwhile, Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein called for a ceasefire and “Palestinian liberation” during a live show in London last night (November 8).

Speaking directly to the audience mid-way through the show, Carrie Brownstein highlighted the ongoing developments across the Middle East, stating (via Clash): “We want a ceasefire and we want Palestinian liberation and we want peace.”

She continued, urging those in the room to make an active push for “what is right”, stating: “There’s not much we can say right now except that there’s a lot going on, and this is the only chance we have… we’re so fucking lucky to be here, to be alive, so please fight with all your heart for what is right.”

 





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Soak in the Glitchy Whimsy of Ninajirachi's Imaginative EP, "4×4"

Melding the whimsy of hyperpop with the propulsive force of club music, Ninajirachi is back with a new EP, 4×4.

One of EDM.com‘s best music producers of 2022, the Australian dynamo is quickly becoming one of the most inventive artists in the electronic music space. After the release of last year’s Second Nature mixtape, an undeniable breakout record, Ninajirachi is now pouring gasoline on her furious rise by dropping one of the year’s most imaginative projects.

Ninajirachi.

Billy Zammit

Imagine a sonic collision between the effervescent glitch of chiptune and the palpitating rhythms of house music—4×4 is that beautiful explosion frozen in time. Her penchant for club music is clear from the outset, kicking off with the four-on-the-floor bedlam of “1×1.”

Then comes “Undo U,” one of the EP’s standouts. Offering a fusion that’s both unconventional and undeniably addictive, it’s the musical embodiment of a bittersweet love affair between hyperpop’s sugar-coated melodies and the raw, unrelenting pulse of breakbeat.

The innovative EP, which Ninajirachi likened to a coming-of-age, is a snapshot of her unapologetic approach to production and songwriting.

“Making music hasn’t felt this fun and effortless for me since pre-pandemic,” she explained. “All of these songs were made in the last few months with my good friends and they were made very quickly, mostly in under a day, they’re not that serious or deep, they felt fulfilling and easy to write and produce! On this release (& others to come) I’ve been pulling more and more inspiration from the dance music that changed my life as a child and getting closer to becoming the producer I dreamed of being when I first heard it.”

Follow Ninajirachi:

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Hayden James offers melodic twofer, ‘Beggin’ You’ and ‘Never Mind’ [Q&A]


by: Cameron DeFaria


Nov 9, 2023

One of dance music’s most soulful and organic contributors, Hayden James returns to the playing field via Future Classic with “Beggin’ You,” featuring SAYGRACE, and “Never Mind,” co-starring Jillian Loux. Until now, James’ 2023 music catalog has consisted of only three releases, a warmly received ODESZA remix, a Bob Moses-assisted “Do You Want Me,” and “We Could Be Love,” featuring AR/CO. Mind you, the Australian DJ dispatched his nine-track sophomore album, LIFTED, in 2022. While James’ release schedule has been somewhat light this year, his music quality remains glued to an upward trajectory. This holds true with the producer’s latest melodic twofer, now streaming everywhere.

Read Hayden James’ exclusive Q&A with Dancing Astronaut and stream his brand new collaborative pairing, “Beggin’ You” and “Never Mind,” below.

How would you describe Hayden James’ sound today compared to 2015?

Hayden: “It’s pretty similar in terms of how I produce. Everything stems from simplicity, for me. I try not to throw in heaps of different sounds, whereas I’m like… What is the actual element? What is the thing that is cool here, that people will enjoy? Something that they’ll click to. The differences [between now and then] would be that I’ve gotten better at producing music; I’ve been using some new synths and stuff, but I think the core of it stays the same.”

Earlier this year, you followed up your ODESZA remix with two collaborative singles.. How did the “Do You Want Me” and “We Could Be Love” sessions compare?

Hayden: “Oh, good question. They were actually both quite similar, both in the same place. Me and Tom, the singer from Bob Moses, were in the Future Classic studio in LA, and we basically just had one session together. Then, we kicked it over to Jimmy, the other half of Bob Moses who lives in New York. He had a go on it and [‘Do You Want Me’] was wrapped up in a couple of weeks. And it was the same kind of thing for ‘We Could Be Love’ with AR/CO. I had the guys in the same [LA] studio. And, again, we wrote that in the day that we were there together. It did take me a while to figure out the structure and production of the song. But yeah, they were both really quick, great sessions.”

Can you touch on the sonic and/or emotional inspiration behind the new single, “Beggin’ You”?

Hayden: “Yeah, my manager sent me this a cappella of SAYGRACE and I thought it was like an old house record, like a sample. I fell in love with it straightaway. I thought, ‘this vocal is so great. I don’t want to add too much to it.’ So that’s what you hear in the record, it’s just piano, bass, a couple little production techniques I’m using, but it’s all pretty simple.

What elements came first when producing “Never Mind,” featuring Jillian Loux?

Hayden: “I had been trying to figure out a drop for that one. ‘Cause I had thought, again, how this vocal was so smooth, sexy, and like very intimate. So how can I actually build it into something else? And I do this a lot… You can actually use your laptop keyboard as a piano. So I messed around with that, and that’s how the elastic, bouncy soundscapes emerged. And I had just been on my laptop in the kitchen. So it was quite a different process, not being in the studio and just mucking around in a different space.”

Is it safe to say you’re plotting the release of your third studio album in 2024?

Hayden: “Very safe.”

Where are you most looking forward to touring next year?

Hayden: “You know, I love playing at home. I love playing in Australia. But I’ve been spending a lot of time in the states. I’ve got some of my biggest shows already locked in next year for this album tour. So I’m also pumped to play in the states!”

Who’s an underground electronic act you’ve been into lately?

Hayden: “I love Sammy Virji! He’s not that underground, actually. I [also] love salute. It’s great to see UK talent on the rise.”

Featured image: Grant Spanier

Tags: Beggin’ You, Future Classic, hayden james, Jillian Loux, never mind, SAYGRACE

Categories: Music





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Coco & Breezy announce their latest single, “There Is A Light,” featuring Zak Leever, off their forthcoming EP “I Am Free.”


Coco & Breezy’s global rise these last few years in the electronic dance music space has been exponential. This last year alone, Coco & Breezy graced DJ MAG’s July 2023 cover; they were included in Beatport’s Next Class of 2023 and were included in Spotify’s Artist to Watch 2023 playlist.

Touring the world playing top nightclubs from Ibiza to Tulum, major festivals – and playing alongside major artists MK, Diplo, Fatboy Slim, Gorgon City, A-Trak, Sofi Tukker, Chromeo, Thundercat, Chanel Tres, Blessed Madonna, and more!

Their chart-topping releases “Just Say” and “Off My Mind” have received international radio support on BBC Radio 1 in the UK and Triple J in Australia and have left an indelible mark on the US Billboard Airplay Dance Chart, as well as racking up millions of streams on all DSPs.

“There is a Light” was born from the desire to create a musical embrace for those in need of solace and upliftment.  Coco & Breezy and Zak Leever take us on a sonic journey, from moments of introspection to the exhilaration of the dance floor. The lyrics resonate with the idea that even in our darkest hours, there is a light within us waiting to be ignited. It’s a reminder that hope and healing are always within reach. In Coco & Breezy’s own words, it’s a testament to our way of life – one that values the transformative power of music.



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Anjunadeep Makes History as First Record Label to Sell Out Red Rocks Amphitheatre

The Beatles, Daft Punk, U2, Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead—they’ve all headlined Red Rocks. Now, the team behind Anjunadeep can count themselves among that legendary group after they became the first record label to sell out the iconic open-air venue in Colorado.

For the unfamiliar, the London-based imprint was launched in 2005 by Above & Beyond and their manager, James Grant. Thanks to its heady sound, an intoxicating blend of deep and progressive house, Anjunadeep now operates as one of the most revered labels in the electronic music space.

“It’s a surreal feeling to become the first record label to sell out Red Rocks and the culmination of many years of hard work from our team and our amazing artist family,” Grant said.

Featuring Eli & Fur, James Grant & Jody Wisternoff, Lutrell b2b Yotto, Marsh and Nicky Elisabeth, the special Anjunadeep Open Air show took place on November 5th. Flanked by the amphitheater’s giant monoliths, esteemed duo Tinlicker closed the night with a spellbinding live performance.

“This was the first time a record label, Anjunadeep, has not only headlined but sold out Red Rocks, a historic first,” added Scott Campbell, Vice President and Talent Buyer at AEG Rocky Mountains. “It was truly a magic year for Anjuna fans in Colorado, from Anjunabeats at 10,000 feet on the side of a mountain to Anjundeep Open Air with a sold-out Red Rocks months in advance, there is a lot to celebrate this year for the Anjuna family. I am very excited about what happens in 2024 in Colorado and North America for our Anjuna family.”

Anjunadeep Open Air will return to Red Rocks on November 3rd, 2024. 

FOLLOW ANJUNADEEP:

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Young Fathers, Squid and more join London’s Wide Awake 2024 line-up


Young Fathers and Squid are among the latest batch of names who have been announced for next year’s Wide Awake Festival.

The independent festival will be returning to London’s Brockwell Park on May 25, 2024 and had previously announced that King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard would be headlining.

Now, numerous more acts have been added to the line-up, including DJs Ben UFO and Helena Hauff, Alice Glass and C.O.F.F.I.N. Also new to the bill are The Babe Rainbow, The Dare, Decius, Etran De L’air, Crumb, Eartheater, Upchuck, and YHWH Nailgun. More acts are set to be announced soon.

Tickets for the event are now on sale – you can pick yours up here.

Crowd at Wide Awake 2023. Credit: Garry Jones/Press

Meanwhile, last year’s event was headlined by Caroline Polachek and also played host to the likes of Ty Segall, Osees, A Place To Bury Strangers and Erol Alkan.

Alex G, Viagra Boys, Black Country, New Road, Two Shell, Tirzah, Los Bitchos, Civic, Wasted Youth, Clamm, O., Nice Biscuit, JJUUJJUU and Warmduscher also made appearances as well as Daniel Avery (live), Shygirl, Coucou Chloe, Blondshell, Jockstrap and Joy Orbison.

In a four-star review of Wide Awake 2023, NME wrote: “Though the festival’s “counterculture” credentials feel a little more dubious (the expensive, Brewdog-stocked bars, and various other big brand presences around the site hardly scream rebellion) it’s certainly true that Wide Awake succeeds in pulling together a completely unique bill that stands out in a very crowded field.”

Meanwhile, Young Fathers made history last month by winning their third Scottish Album of the Year award with the LP ‘Heavy, Heavy‘.

This is the first time that any artist has won the award more than twice with Young Fathers winning back in 2014 for ‘Tape Two’ and in 2018 for ‘Cocoa Sugar‘.





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Analysis Crowns Berlin's Berghain Nightclub as World's Most Popular Music Venue

Berlin’s temple of techno, Berghain, is once again stamping its authority on the global music scene, reigning supreme as the world’s most popular music venue, according to an analysis by Betway.

With its formidable facade and enigmatic allure, Berghain has clinched the title with a staggering 508.2 million hashtag views on TikTok and an annual Google search volume of 5.4 million. The Berlin-based club’s mystique is further amplified by its strict no-photos policy, creating an air of exclusivity that seems to only heighten its appeal.

People waiting in line in front of Berlin’s Berghain nightclub in 2017.

Michael Mayer

In stark contrast to Berghain, the Las Vegas Sphere marks a notable entry on Betway‘s “Most Popular Music Venues” list at #4, considering it opened at the end of September.

The Sphere, which boasts the world’s largest LED screen, has ascended to meteoric popularity as evidenced by 79.4 million TikTok hashtag views and 3.6 million Google searches in short order.

The Vegas Sphere.

Sphere Entertainment Co.

The study consisted of examining over 120 venues and four of the top ten selected were from the United States, led by Radio City Music Hall, Sphere Vegas, Red Rocks Amphitheater and Ryman Auditorium, respectively. Check out that list below.

You can read the full analysis here.

Betway



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Grimes DJs at event calling for looser AI regulations but “disagrees with the sentiment of this party”


Grimes took on DJ duties at an event calling for looser regulations on artificial intelligence, but told the crowds that she was against “the sentiment of this party”.

Taking place on Monday night (November 6), the singer-songwriter held a DJ set as part of an afterparty for the first DevDay developer conference for OpenAI – a platform made by the same developers behind ChatGPT.

The event was also held just days after the launch of competitor platform Grok, which is an AI Chatbot launched by billionaire Elon Musk – who is also the ex-husband of Grimes.

At the OpenAI event, which was held at the 1015 Folsom nightclub in San Francisco, Grimes appeared to perform at the afterparty. However, she also made it clear that she was opposed to the theme of the event, which strives to keep AI free of any regulations.

“I disagree with the sentiment of this party,” she told the crowd (via The San Francisco Standard). “I think we need to find ways to be safer about AI.”

According to the outlet, she also performed in front of a screen that projected messages such as “Keep AI open” and “Liberate AI”, despite not agreeing with the overall agenda.

While the idea of using artificial intelligence in songwriting has been one that has divided musicians globally, Grimes has been widely open-minded towards the idea.

This stems back to April, when the singer took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the process, and insisted that she is fully open to it because “it’s cool to be fused [with] a machine”.

She also told fans that she is more than happy for them to sample her voice using artificial intelligence as a means of making music, provided they give her half of any royalties made.

The following month she also unveiled Elf.Tech, her own AI voice mimicking software that will allow fans to record and release music using her voice, before then going on to claim that she believes streaming platforms like Spotify should have a section dedicated to AI music.

Altough open to the prospect, she did also co-sign a letter from Center For AI Safety warning of “the risk of extinction” earlier this year (via Stereogum).

Grimes (Claire Elise Boucher) attends the world premiere of “Captain Marvel” in Hollywood, California, on March 4, 2019. CREDIT: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

More recently, Grimes partnered up with CreateSafe and Slip.stream to make 200+ GrimesAI songs available for content creators to use on any platform.

Although the use of AI in music creation continues to divide, the push to enforce regulations on how the technology is used has been gaining momentum in recent weeks.

This was particularly seen at the end of September when the Council of Music Makers (CMM) published five fundamental rules that they want companies to embrace when it comes to developing music AI technologies.

These included respecting the personal data rights of music-makers, sharing the financial rewards of AI music fairly, and clearly labelling AI-generated works.

In other Grimes news, earlier this month the artist teamed up with Iranian-Dutch artist and producer Sevdaliza, and shared the rave-inspired track ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’.





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Kenn Colt Delivers Summery Remix of Myke Towers' Hit, "LALA"

Fast-rising Belgian DJ and producer Kenn Colt has taken on Myke Towers’ global hit, “LALA,” turning it into a dancefloor anthem filled with exciting moments all throughout.

With chugging basslines, irresistible melodies and warm piano chords, Colt’s remix adds a summery touch to the global Latin hit, breathing new life into it while further captivating his growing international audience.

Colt’s unique production seamlessly pays homage to the original’s reggaeton style while infusing it with a buoyant tropical house energy that fits like a glove. The catchy vocal arrangement of “LALA” is kept intact by Colt, who sets up his remix as both a feel-good club anthem and a radio-ready hit. During the drop, on the other hand, he grabs bits and pieces of Towers’ vocals and turns them into a series of chops that are as infectious as they are playful.

Take a listen to Kenn Colt’s remix of “LALA” below.

Kenn Colt has amassed over 40 million streams on Spotify, making a significant impact with his uplifting productions and fresh take on dance music. His signature style involves blends of Latin, acoustic and pop, which he effortlessly combines with fresh production for an infectious sound that has resonated on a global scale.

Colt is also a resident DJ at the renowned Club Versuz in Belgium, and he has performed at iconic festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival and Sunburn.

FOLLOW KENN COLT:

Facebook: facebook.com/KennColt
Instagram: instagram.com/kenncolt
TikTok: tiktok.com/@kenncolt
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FLI6eI





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Lauv taps AI to create Korean version of ‘Love U Like That’


Lauv has released a new Korean version of his single ‘Love U Like That’, created using the help of AI.

The new Korean version of Lauv’s song was created with AI voice modelling technology from Jordan Young, who founded the AI music start-up, Hooky, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

In an interview with Billboard, Lauv and Young revealed that they also enlisted the help of former K-pop idol Kevin Woo for the project. Woo, an ex-member of U-KISS, aided with the translation of the song and also recorded vocals.

“We re-recorded Kevin’s voice singing the translation, then we mixed the song again exactly as the original was done to match it sonically,” Young explained. “Then we used our AI voice technology to match Lauv’s voice, and we converted Kevin’s Korean version into Lauv’s voice.”

“To help them make the model of my voice, I sent over a bunch of raw vocals that were just me singing in different registers,” Lauv said. “It was riveting to hear my voice like that. I gave a couple of notes – very minor things – after hearing the initial version of the translation, and then they went back and modified.”

During the interview, the singer also touched on his feelings about the use of AI in music, saying: “I truly believe that the only way forward is to embrace what is possible now, no matter what. I think being able to embrace a tool like this in a way that’s beneficial and able to get artists paid is great.”

In other K-pop news, former (G)I-DLE member Soojin has made her solo debut with ‘AGASSY’. Meanwhile, rookie K-pop girl group KISS OF LIFE have drooped their sophomore mini-album, ‘Born to be XX’.





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