Found in London - Katy B

As the beautiful weather seems to be taking a break over here in London (but seems to have found its way back to LA), I find myself back at my computer and looking for the best and brightest of British music to share with you fine folks. Having played the part of iPod DJ this past weekend, I'm looking at an artist that definitely set the crowd going (except maybe that one person who requested Fleetwood Mac!).

Katy B, a pure bred Londoner, has just released her debut album in the UK, On a Mission (Sony/Rinse), and with a few chart-topping tracks under her belt, she's already a regular presence in the UK club scene. A female vocalist in the dance genre producing a solid album is not the easiest of tasks but Miss B pulls it off effortlessly. With hits such as "Katy on a Mission" (see below) and the recently released "Broken Record", this talented lady has already flown into the UK charts at #2 (just behind Adele).



For those who remember the explosion of the garage scene in the UK charts almost a decade ago (boy, I suddenly feel old), you may remember Ms. Dynamite who features on the single "Lights Out", check out the video below:



Next week: am off to LA, and will report back from the Ellie Goulding gig at Music Box LA.

Found in London - Fenech-Soler

My music tip of the week comes in the form of a Northampton "synth-pop" band called Fenech-Soler. Although not quite new to the scene, featuring on one of my most visited new music sites back in 2008, they've only really taken off in the last year, and released their début self-titled album (on the B-Unique label) at the end of 2010.

To put it simply, listening to their songs makes me want to dance around like a crazy person (kind of like this) and I would have found it difficult to pick which tracks to release as singles - good thing it's not my job then! Instead here's the video for one they did release, "Demons", which happens to be my favourite track to watch the sunrise to on a Thai beach after partying all night long (that story is for another time...)

And how's this for symmetry, they also did a beautiful acoustic cover of former Found in London featured artist Jessie J's "Do it Like a Dude"

As I'm feeling extra generous today (and guilty for missing last week's post) I'm going to point you to the "Kiss of Life" video of a band that released one of my favourite albums of 2008 and would also fit in the "synth-pop" section of my music library - Friendly Fires. 

If you're wondering what those St. Albans boys have been up to, listen to their new track here, from the upcoming album Pala (to be released May 24th on XL Recordings).

And yes, this week's post was brought to you by the letter F.

Found in London - Purl Bar

Taking a break from my otherwise awesome music posts, every now and again I'm going to share with you some local hangouts in London that, as the late MJ once said, rock my world.

First up is Purl Bar in Marylebone - tucked away in the basement of an unassuming cafe, this cocktail bar is inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies (which are, like, so in right now!) You can book an area, even if it's just you and your date, in their dimly-lit alcoves, which in a city where people spill onto the streets just to enjoy a drink, is a true luxury. With room to breathe, and just the quiet sounds of old Americana style music playing in the background, this is the perfect place to catch up with friends without having to shout over each other or fight through the crowds to get a drink. 

The minimalistic cocktail menu focuses on a "bitters" inspired selection with favourites such as Mr Hyde's No. 2, described as "a devlish elixir of Ron Zacapa 23, Cola reduction and Orange Bitters served in a smoke injected wax sealed potion bottle". Having tried this concoction myself I have to say it was a little strong for my tastes (a little different from my usual g&t) but half the fun was being warned of the dangers of touching the dry ice and pretending like I was in Harry Potter's potions class! All in all a cosy atmosphere, elaborate cocktails and great service makes this a worthwhile stop if you're ever in London.


Purl is open Monday to Thursday from 5pm - 11.30pm and until midnight on Friday - Saturday. 

Found in London - Chase and Status

This week my post has been inspired by the fact that some of my friends from across the pond have never heard of some of the biggest and brightest bands in my fair city and I feel that it is my duty to share with you these hidden gems.

Today I'm featuring one of my favourite drum & bass bands, Chase and Status (now signed to Vertigo), who have only released two albums but are one of my favourite live acts ever and have a huge following here in the UK. The duo, Saul Milton and Will Kennard, met at Manchester University in the mid 90s and have been steadily producing and DJ'ing until they released their début album, More than a Lot, on Ram Records in 2008. With fans in high places, Pharrell Williams called them "the most exciting producers in the UK" and Rihanna was quoted saying that they were "the backbone" of her Rated R record.

I saw them when they headlined the MTV Brand New gigs at Koko in Camden recently and let's just say I was not disappointed. Performing many of their tracks from their new album No More Idols, it didn't matter that a lot of it was new material, I was happy to embrace the mosh pit, jumping up and down everytime the MC told me to jump (which was pretty much every 2 seconds)! Let's just say I ended up pretty sweaty and had a shoe thrown at my head...all in good fun of course! 

I can't get over how much I love these guys and I want you to love them too! So check out one of my favourite tracks "Hypest Hype" feat. Tempa T below (which was a difficult choice since they have so many awesome songs - check out End Credits, Blind Faith and Let Me Go also)


For those of you in the U.S. they'll be touring in April, with dates at Coachella and at Music Box in LA on April 23rd...I promise that you will not be disappointed! 

As you know I love giving you guys a little bonus, so here's a track off their debut album which is something a little bit different - check out "Eastern Promises" below.

Found in London - Misty Miller

I have a confession to make...I'm in love...in love with the ukulele that is! This week's Found in London artist Misty Miller is a young lady who's talent on the aforementioned instrument is only surpassed by her superb vocals and songwriting skills.

 

Having worn out the Rumer album (figuratively speaking that is, since I'm pretty sure you can't wear out an itunes download) I'm pleased to say I've found a worthy replacement for when I'm in my folksy mood. This little gem of an album is pure sunshine on a rainy day in London and only brings thoughts of the cider-fuelled summer that is to come. Bare in mind the talented Miss. Miller is only 16 years old but has a highly polished album full of songs that would not look out of place alongside your Jack Johnson or Colbie Caillat records. If you don't believe me, you can trust Burberry who filmed the acoustic session below of her song "Remember".

One of my favourites off the album is her first single, "Little Thing Called Love" - watch the video below. Her self-titled debut album is available to buy now on iTunes(UK), released by AWAL.

It's only my second week back in my blogging chair and I've already got a bonus rec for you. Now that I've declared my love for ukuleles, I had to share the clip below. I was lucky enough to witness this performance of a newly formed ukulele cover band called KoaSound (aka my friend's potential wedding band). Witness their genius below, live at Monto Water Rats in London (hit me up if you fancy watching their Justin Bieber performance)...

Source: The Guardian

Found in London - Jessie J

A few weeks back I was lucky enough to attend the MTV Brand New gigs at Koko (by far one of the best music venues in London) which showcased some of the artists up for the coveted title of MTV UK's best new artist of 2011. Now funnily enough, I'm not going to talk to you about the winner - Nashville based band Mona, who although worthy of the title, didn't make as much of an impression as the artist I'm featuring below.

If by now you haven't heard of Jessie J then where have you been??? Great stage presence, engaging chat in between songs and an amazing voice to boot, I have to say her performance reminded me of Lily Allen back in the day (all be it with very different musical styles). As her website states, mix up some Rihanna, Gwen Stefani and Aretha Franklin-esque vocals, and you'll see why she's one to watch. Her performance was was definitely the highlight of the night, with most of the audience already singing along to her yet to be released songs.

She may be blowing up now as a solo artist but this 22 year old lady from Essex definitely isn't new to the music scene. With writing credits including songs for Alicia Keys, Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus, her talents are appreciated by some of the most successful artists out there today. She may have come in second in the MTV Brand New competition, but she's riding high in the UK singles charts with "Price Tag feat. B.O.B" (check out the official video below) and "Do it Like a Dude".

Her album Who You Are is out on Feb 28th in the UK and April 12th in the US.

Jini's Pick of the Week - Little Boots x Youth Music x Destroy Rankin

I was lucky enough to attend theYouth Music 10th Anniversary charity event just over a week ago and it didn't disappoint. In association with the Destroy Rankin exhibition at the Philips de Pury gallery in London, the main event was a Little Boots live acoustic set.

Not only were we supplied with a couple of free drinks (a rarity in London), but we were surrounded by lovely photos of some of the greatest musicians of all time (yes, especially Kylie)! The idea behind the Destroy Rankin exhibition was for the artists to "destroy" the photos taken by the reknowned photographer Ian Rankin, with great results. Check out some of the pieces in the slideshow below as well as on the website where you can find out how to purchase the book.



We were eased into the acoustic electro-pop by supporting act by The Woo!Worths, who came off more folksy without the help of a their electric beats, but enjoyable nonetheless. Then the main event of Little Boots, who lived up to her name as she sat at her piano leaving very few people in the crowd able to see the dimunitive artist (calls of "stand up so we can see you" were understandably ignored). Performing some of her hits off her fabulous debut album "Hands" with only her piano meant she was able to strip down each song to its emotional core with great effect. Ending with her brand new song "Echo", I am certain that we're going to see a lot more from this previous pick of the week artist in 2010. Special mention to FT fan Si who was able to garner a lot of attention when he held up his iPhone with a rolling electronic banner that said "Can I be your Big Boots?" which Little Boots responded to by saying "I'm not quite sure what that entails but I'm not sure I can make that kind of commitment!" Brilliant!

Here's a little video treat for those that wished that they were there:



Just to show how much synergy there is within my posts(they're not as random as you might think!), I just so happened to bump into to previous pick of the week artist Paloma Faith in the McDonalds after the gig...completely by coincidence but it definitely topped off a great night!

Youth Music is a charity that supports young artists and developing music talent in the UK.

Jini's Pick of the Week - Paloma Faith "New York"

The sudden influx of British soul singers may leave you thinking, what else is out there? Well, here's someone you can add to your collection of Amy Winehouse and Adele CDs. Paloma Faith has hit just the right note with her single "New York" and if you're tired of hearing Alicia Key's belting out New York, then this is just the song for you!

Her style also sets her apart (something even Lady Gaga would be proud of). If you want to see an example of her stand-out outfits, check out her appearance on UK cult pop quiz tv show "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" below:

Jini's Pick of the Week - "Pop Life" exhibition

There's a brand new exhibition at the Tate Modern, that's right up my alley and hence yours too, savvy Foundtrack blog reader.

Here's the fancy words from the press release to let you know what it's all about:

"Pop Life: Art in a Material World proposes a re-reading of one of the major legacies of Pop Art. The exhibition takes Andy Warhol’s notorious provocation that ‘good business is the best art’ as a starting point in reconsidering the legacy of Pop Art and the influence of the movement’s chief protagonist. Pop Life: Art in a Material World looks ahead to the various ways that artists since the 1980s have engaged with mass media and cultivated artistic personas creating their own signature 'brands'. Among the artists represented are Tracey Emin, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Martin Kippenberger, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince."

Just to inject some video goodness into this little art piece, here's an intro from exhibition curator, Alison Gingeras:



What do you mean you can't afford to come to London? Not one to hold that against you, here's what you can expect to see:

The exhibition runs until 17th Jan 2010 at the Tate Modern, London.

Source: The Guardian

Jini's Pick of the Week - Wish You Were Here - London x NYC

So, one or two of you may have noticed that Jini's Pick of the Week has been on summer hiatus but as with most good things (the return of Grey's Anatomy anyone?) I am back for the fall season and with a transatlantic theme to boot...

If you find yourself in London this month, then you must check out Carnaby's Newburgh Quarter (which you should do anytime of year anyway) as they've got a New York theme going on. 30 independent boutiques from the Lower East Side of NYC have set up their wares in two pop-shops in the famous Carnaby Street area. The London boutiques were in New York last month and now it's the turn of the New Yorkers to show London what it's got. With a bunch of free events, such as a block party on Oct 18th, and a New York style Halloween party on Oct 31st there's plenty to do. And they've even transported Central Perk to the area until Oct 7th in celebration of Friends' 15th Anniversary - if you can get past the long line of tourists, go grab your free cup of java...
Find out more here

Source: Carnaby.co.uk

Jini's Pick of the Week - MPHO "Box n Locks"

I cannot get enough of this new track by hot new UK artist Mpho, sampling the classic Martha & The Muffins track "Echo Beach". She's been tearing up the festivals recently, starting with her much lauded appearance at Glastonbury (check out the performance here). Her debut album Pop Art will be coming out later this year (album mini mix is available on her myspace page) but this single is due to be released July 20th - check out the video below:

Jini's Pick of the Week - Wale's "Chillin'" and MGMT's "Kids" Music Vids

Jini's POW has been on holiday the past couple of weeks, so apologies that it's taken some time to get over the jetlag and find some kickass things to rave about - so here's 2 for the price of 1!

I last heard about Wale from his guest spot on Daniel Merriweather's track - Change (a former JPOW). Signed to Mark Ronson's Allido records, Wale has been working with Ronson for a while now but is finally set to release his debut album "Attention Defecit" this summer. I'm excited to hear more hot tunes like his most recent collaboration with current pop favourite Lady Gaga (very much sounding like M.I.A) in the track " Chillin' ". Check out the video below:

Wale feat. Lady Gaga - Chillin'



If you want to hear more Wale treats, check out his mixtapes at walemusic

And now for something completely different...MGMT's album Oracular Spectacular has been kickin' around for quite some time now but they have finally released an official video to their awesome tune "Kids". Looking like something out of the David Bowie classic movie "Labyrinth", this video is sure to give you nightmares.

MGMT - Kids



Source: hypebeast

Jini's Pick of the Week - The Dream feat. Kanye West - "Walkin' on the Moon"

Here's the new video directed by the legendary Hype Williams for The Dream's new track "Walkin' on the Moon" featuring Kanye West. Much of the same glitz and bling from the hotter than hot Mr Williams, but I definitely think it's spot-on for 2009, when sci-fi is cool again! The track is hot too, and Kanye's hit the mark again with his guest rap.


Now here's an excuse for me to post one of my favourite hip-hop/RnB joints, as it was the first time I ever heard the name Hype Williams. So, sit back and enjoy the classic jam that is Notorious B.I.G's "Mo' Money Mo' Problems" feat. Puff Daddy (yep that's what he was called back then) & Ma$e.

Notorious BIG - Mo Money Mo Problem
Uploaded by Hakunamatata67 - Explore more music videos.

The Dream's new album Love vs. Money is available to buy now.

Source: Hypebeast

Jini's Pick of the Week - Karoshi Bros.

My pick of the week is a duo from Newcastle that go by the name Karoshi Bros. I heard their tune "Love the World" a while ago and instantly fell in love with it. Cute robo pop is the only way I can find to describe it, but then again I'm no music journalist! With the opening lyric "Coca-Cola is pop, Madonna is not", how can you resist?


Anyway, check out the equally cute animated video below and as a bonus their video for new tune Vive Le Difference.




Label: We Are Woodville
(Indie)

Jini's Pick of the Week - East Village Bar, London

After last week's post about a guide featuring some of London's trendiest hotspots, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to check out (and cross off) one of the bars featured in the Pimp London Guide.

Just over a year old, East Village in Shoreditch, takes its name from the trendy underground suburb in Manhattan, and incorporates an element of NYC retro-cool into its stylings and decor. Whether you want to just relax in the chilled out deco lounge or dance to hardcore house and dance music in the club below, this has something for everyone. This has to be one of the less pretentious places I've been to in a while, but you'll definitely find the punters are still a trendy bunch and staff minus the attitude that you'd expect from most trendy hotspots.




I also have to give a shoutout to the manager Peter who totally went out of his way to help us with a few issues we had, and the bartender who actually had to get my attention to serve me (when does that ever happen!) On that note - if you find yourself in London with a night out to spare, definitely hit up East Village (and don't forget to take a picture with a flamingo or two)

Source: viewlondon

Disney Samples...Disney!

We all know that Baloo from the Jungle book looks very similar to Little John from Robin Hood (well, they are both bears) but this little video delight shows just how similar certain animated sequences in some classic Disney films are...i.e. they just traced it! Love the video editing - really brings the point home!



Source: Cinematical

Jini's Pick of the Week - Pimp London: The Guide

I can't believe I hadn't come across this before, but what a pleasure it was to find this gem whilst randomly killing time in Urban Outfitters. So what is it that could get me so excited I hear you ask - the most useful book for any visitor to London (or indeed local) - Pimp London: The Guide aka "the definitive guide to London for global style hunters". This is definitely going to blow your Lonely Planet out of the water, because this is not for you if you're looking for how to get from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, but this is a guide to where real Londoners spend their time and hard earned cash, enjoying the best of the capital's rich and diverse culture. Featuring the best of art/culture/bars/clubs/shops in all four corners of London town.

Brought to you by the guys at pimpguides, who "publish the most luxurious free magazine on the market - a hardback collectable style and street culture title" as well as being an "artist agency [which] represents some of the world's biggest and best contemporary street artists whose work you can buy in [their] online store" and they also "throw parties, art exhibitions and music events" to boot! Phew! So you can rest assured these guys know what they're talking about.

I had a lot of fun competing with my mates to see which places we had been to and which ones we'd heard of - ah, the stories of people jumping fully clothed into the pool at The Aquarium! One of my favourite features are the interviews with London style icons and trensetters asking the question, "Someone arrives in London for only 4 hours, where do you take them?" which is a great question for any city in the world. So, come on pimp peeps, when are the LA and NYC editions coming out?

Buy it here in the UK or here if in the US.

Source: Evolving Styles/Pimpguides

Jini's Pick of the Week - Calvin Harris "I'm Not Alone"

Slightly late on this week's pick due to the lovely 4 day easter weekend - where I managed to catch both Monsters vs. Aliens 3D (well worth the free glasses...oh, you mean I'm not supposed to take those?) and Fast & Furious (silly title, brilliant sequel). However, I haven't forgotten my fans (or fan...you know who you are!) so here's a song that everyone should be listening to with the bass on high - ready for the week ahead.

Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone

Jini's Pick of the Week - We7.com

So a couple months ago, I featured the cool Spotify software that gave users access to millions of songs through a simple itunes-like program. Now here's another site that allows access to 3million + songs directly through their website www.we7.com.

This British website, was only launched a couple of years ago and is co-founded by the one and only Peter Gabriel. It's a simple concept really - they've tagged on ads to the songs which allows users free access to music, with the option to buy also, and ensures artists get paid. They also have a simple “Search, Click and Play” and a “play anywhere” service which allows blogs and websites to link to and have their users listen to music powered by WE7.

There's quite a few of these sites popping up - so let's hope that the record industry has stopped thinking that the internet is the downfall of the music industry - embrace it people!

Jini's Pick of the Week - Staying Alive gig

If you find yourself at a loose end in London this Tuesday, here's an awesome cause to support with a gig thrown in to boot. Staying Alive is MTV's global HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention campaign and they're throwing yet another fundraising event with great new music.

Head on down to Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen this Tuesday March 31st for this gig featuring the likes of Ebony Bones, Lissy Trullie, The Odd Squad & Dan Smith (with DJ sets from Plugs and Cherry Cola).

Tickets are available here for £7 or £8 on the door. Doors open 6.30pm and show starts at 8pm.