Quantcast
Channel: Music – Culture & Life

Introducing… Zoee

0
0

As it stands, it would seem that the Zoee is an artist who is keeping her cards very close to the metaphorical chest region. From what we can tell from browsing on her Twitter page, All Saints are a big influence as well as London chill-pop/wave duo Sunless 97, and of course, 90’s mute troublemaker Mr Bean – an eclectic range if there ever was one.

Zoee_culture and life_02

This is not to say that she isn’t firmly set on carving out a path of her own. Debut track ‘Insecure (7,8,9)’ draws on the springiest elements of contemporaries such as PC Music’s QT, but contrasts the pop melodies with an off-beat drum loop that would be better suited to a Vybz Kartel dancehall dub than the upbeat offering we are presented with.

The lo-fi glitchy instrumental lays a raw foundation for Zoee to put down a sincere ode to the uncertainties every gal faces in the initial stages of hooking up with a guy. However instead of it being lyrically self loathing, the track gushes with empowerment and positivity in a way that would do Shaznay and the Appleton sisters both proud.

Zoee_culture and life_01

The mission statement is clear; keep it short, keep it catchy, keep it stripped down and leave more to be desired – just don’t keep it inconsistent, as we’d love to hear a follow-up very soon.

The post Introducing… Zoee appeared first on Culture & Life.


Rat Boy shares new single ‘Move’

0
0

It’s Rat Boy, that cheeky little scamp who stumbled out of Essex straight into the adoring arms of the UK’s teen music core. Since first making his mark in 2014 with the ‘Sportswear’ mixtape, the songwriter has been tearing it up and down the country, gaining plaudits from fans and critics alike.

Rat-Boy-Move-culture and life_03

The following years ode to the Job Centre, ‘Sign On’ and its follow up ‘Fake ID’, earned him airplay from heavy hitters which ranged from Taggart and Mac to Kennedy and Stevens, as well as the odd mention in the end of year ‘Ones To Watch’ lists.

Rat-Boy-Move-culture and life_01

Cleary intent on not wasting any time, Rat Boy – real name Jordan Cardy – has dived headfirst into 2016 with brand new single ‘Move’. On first listen it’s already apparent that Cardy has been busy in the lab (aka studio) honing his craft and developing his sound.

The punky grit of ‘Sign On’ has been swept aside in favour of more fun loving hip-hop centric brakes, that draw more influence from the Beastie Boys then the noughties indie artists he has been compared to in the past.

However, it’s clear that Cardy’s youthful exuberance is still seeping out of every bar of music that he writes. The track packs a playful rawness that could see him going toe to toe with the likes of Elastica, yet have the dancefloor filler sensibilities of someone like Fatboy Slim… you’d be lying if you said you can’t hear it.

Rat-Boy-Move-culture and life_02

With an album penciled in for later this year and an immanent headline tour on the horizon, Rat Boy isn’t even humouring the notion of keeping quiet – but what else would you expect from the gobby little toe-rag?

The post Rat Boy shares new single ‘Move’ appeared first on Culture & Life.

Dance-tastic: Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ Music Video

0
0

After appearances at the BAFTA Awards and more strangely, Eurovision, Mark Romanek’s music video (above) for Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop the Feeling dropped late Monday night. It’s kind of like Justin Timberlake’s first-listen dance party — just with fewer Trolls cast members and cute dogs. Missed opportunity on the latter, we know, but Timberlake and a Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm-Flailing Tubeman do have a dance off, so…

Justin-Timberlake-can't-stop-the-feeling-02 Justin-Timberlake-can't-stop-the-feeling-08 Justin-Timberlake-can't-stop-the-feeling-07 Justin-Timberlake-can't-stop-the-feeling-06 Justin-Timberlake-can't-stop-the-feeling-05 Justin-Timberlake-can't-stop-the-feeling-04 Justin-Timberlake-can't-stop-the-feeling-03

Justin-Timberlake-can't-stop-the-feeling-01

The post Dance-tastic: Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ Music Video appeared first on Culture & Life.

Florence + The Machine Brings EU Love To Poland’s Open’er Festival

0
0

Despite slipping onstage, Florence Welch headlines Poland’s premier festival and encourages fans to hug and kiss before finishing set with ‘You’ve Got The Love’.

OPENER_16_florence_Z_SOSNOWSKA_01

(c) Z.Sosnowska

The first day of Open’er Festival in Poland, proved why the 100,000 capacity event on the coastal town of Gdynia has proved to be such a hit since its inception 15 years ago. Despite a dose of rain, a host of Glastonbury acts took to the festival’s two main stages to show why Open’er is starting to gain a reputation as the best festival outside of the UK’s shores.

OPENER_16_florence_main_m_murawski__MG_1334

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Headlining the first night were Florence Welch and her trusty Machine. Welch came onto stage after a short period of rain sandwiched a day of sunny bliss and caused the flame-haired star to slip on stage during her first track, ironically titled “What The Water Gave Me”.

OPENER_16_florence_main_m_murawski__MG_1282

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Ever the professional, Welch styled it out and was back up diving straight into “Ship To Wreck”, whilst laughing off the previous tumble. Post Brexit, Remain campaigner Welch, asked the fans to show “You’ve Got The Love” by hugging and kiss the people next to them before heading into the classic crowd favourite track of the same name.

Florence had a lot to thank Alex Turner and Miles Kane for as The Last Shadow Puppets, straight off the back of their barnstorming Glastonbury performance, got the party started on the main stage an hour or so before. Enigmatic, excitable and energetic Alex Turner was on blistering form whilst Miles Kane provided the accompanying beat to Turner’s dramatic stage performance that included stage-diving into the adoring, female-heavy crowd.

OPENER_16_LUDZIE_BAJERSKI_IMG_9160

(c) Bartosz Bajerski

As the rain descended on Turner and Kane, they decided to pen a new track about Tame Impala who were closing the same stage that night, and the incoming storm. it remains to be seen if it will make the next album from the Sheffield lads.

Mac DeMarco took the stage with his band in the Alter tent, wowing crowds with songs from his back catalogue during a well-received set that featured songs including “Cooking Up Something Good” and “Another One”. Mac DeMarco acknowledged the feel-good atmosphere by proclaiming how friendly the crowd were.

OPENER_16_tame_impala_F_BLANK_main_stage5

(c) *grl.photo

Australian band Tame Impala closed the festival, despite lead singer Kevin Parker needing medical assistance earlier on in the day, noting that the crowd may have to sing for him if he is unable to. Opening with “Lungs” and “Let it Happen” the psychedelic rockers played tracks from “Currents” and the previous two albums to an incredible kaleidoscopic light show that encapsulated the crowd in an almost trance-like manner as they come to the end of a hectic touring schedule.

OPENER_16_Skepta_orange_m_murawski__MG_9598

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Other acts to perform on the first day included PJ Harvey, Skepta, Savages and Shy Albatross.

OPENER_16_PJ Harvey_tent_m_murawski__MG_0464

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Open’er Festival 2016 continues until Saturday.

The post Florence + The Machine Brings EU Love To Poland’s Open’er Festival appeared first on Culture & Life.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Sing Football Chant At Open’er Festival As Polish Team Crash Out Of Euros

0
0

Open’er Festival saw fans of music and sport decide what was more important as Red Hot Chili Peppers performed their headline slot at Poland’s popular music festival at the same time as the nation’s quarter final clash with Portugal in Euro 2016.

OPENER_16_RHCP_main_m_murawski__MG_5119

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

In a fitting tribute to the dedicated crowd that shunned the festival’s Orange Sports Zone to watch the American band perform, bassist Flea led the largest crowd of the festival so far in song, chanting a popular Polish football chant ‘Polska Bialoczerwoni’ to the tune of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘Go West’.

OPENER_16_RHCP_main_m_murawski__MG_5413

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Unfortunately for Polish fans, their nation didn’t get the result they wanted, crashing out of the Euro by losing to Portugal on penalties.

OPENER_16_RHCP_main_m_murawski__MG_5247

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Earlier in the day, Polish electro-pop band, Kamp! kick-started proceedings on the main stage to a crowd that was making the most of the glorious weather following yesterday’s downpour.

OPENER_16_KAMP_K.SZLĘZAK-2

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Following Kamp! on the Main Stage were Foals who led with “Spanish Sahara” as the sun set over the Gdynia-Kosakowo. The festival’s famed fans (Drake called them the best crowd he’s ever played to) were once adorned with praise, with frontman Yannis Philippakis jubilantly stating: “you guys are a badass crowd”.

OPENER_16_Foals_main_m_murawski__MG_4695

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

After Foals, football fans and music fans parted ways with many heading to the sports arena to watch the football on the big screen. The atmosphere was palpable as people from all over Europe came together to support Poland, singing with the natives and booing every time Cristiano Ronaldo touched the ball.

OPENER_16_Foals_main_m_murawski_EK7C4388

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Fresh from hearing that their latest album The Getaway has debuted at No. 1 in the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart, Anthony Kiedis’ led Red Hot Chili Peppers stormed onto stage to a huge cheer and didn’t disappoint with 2002 hit and crowd favourite “Can’t Stop” whipping the crowd into a hysterical frenzy before “Dani California” and “We Turn Red”.

OPENER_16_BEIRUT_BAJERSKI_IMG_0193

(c) Bartosz Bajerski

Shirtless frontman Anthony Kiedis tried to follow Flea’s example in engaging with the football banter, but failed, asking: “how we doing in that football match? Are we up?”, unfortunately for the Californian native, the game was poised at 1-1 at the time.

OPENER_16_BEIRUT_BAJERSKI_302A0588

(c) Bartosz Bajerski

The day wrapped up for the majority in the Tent Stage where Santa Fe natives, Beirut, brought their own style of indie and Balkan folk to Poland in a set that had the crowd jumping and swaying from start to finish before Canadian DJ, Caribou, brought the music to a close with “Can’t Do Without You” whilst ensuring the party vibe was still going.

OPENER_16_BEIRUT_BAJERSKI_302A0670

(c) Bartosz Bajerski

Open’er Festival continues tonight with LCD Soundsystem, Wiz Khalifa and Sigur Ros amongst the festival’s eclectic acts.

The post Red Hot Chili Peppers Sing Football Chant At Open’er Festival As Polish Team Crash Out Of Euros appeared first on Culture & Life.

LCD Soundsystem in ‘triumphant and mesmerizing return to Poland’

0
0

Fresh from a triumphant return at Glastonbury last month, James Murphy brought his LCD Soundsystem roadshow to Poland’s Open’er Festival, less than five years since he retired them. Despite many citing that these 2016 shows are financially motivated, Murphy and co. failed to disappoint.

image-01-07-16-22-51

The triumphant and mesmerizing return to Poland, nine years since they played the major festival, was not lost on Murphy as he proclaimed; “it’s been a long time since we played here… you guys have been tremendously great. It’s been nine years and we didn’t know what to expect, but it has been really fun.”

image-01-07-16-22-51-2

Opening with “Us v Them” and the manic “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House”, Murphy whipped the young crowd into a hyped hysteria. The set followed their Other Stage Glastonbury set and so, culminated with the hypnotic, “All My Friends”.

image-02-07-16-00-50-2

In a stark contrast to LCD Soundsystem’s bounding joy, the angelic Sigur Rós brought the crowd back to a Zen-like state, with many of the 90,000 strong crowd laying down, eyes closed to listen to Jónsi Birgisson, sing in his made-up ‘Hopelandic’ language.

image-02-07-16-00-50

After the chilled out crowd watched them open their set with new song “Óveður”, many then drifted off into a hypnotic state, or even, sleep. As fans arose from their slumber, many were heard asking if they had missed “Hoppipola”, but the Icelanders failed to play the smash hit, leaving the crowd perplexed and angry.

image-02-07-16-00-50-4

Earlier in the day, two rappers drew huge crowds; with Wiz Khalifa playing the Main Stage and Vince Staples on the Alter Stage.

OPENER_16_Wiz Khalifa_main_m_murawski__MG_8654

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Khalifa, the epitome of stoner music, spent as much time rapping as he did telling the Polish crowd about how much he likes getting high. As if the references within “Young, Wild and Free” weren’t enough for Wiz’s message to get across, he walked to the back of the stage and threw two huge inflatable joints into the crowd furiously jumping to “Black and Yellow” and swaying to karaoke hit “See You Again”.

OPENER_16_Wiz Khalifa_main_m_murawski__MG_8690

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

The energetic European crowd drew high praise from the Pittsburg rapper; “I just want to let you know … you’ve been a beautiful crowd, you should be proud of yourselves. Real talk.”

(c) Z.SOSNOWSKA

(c) Z.Sosnowska

Long Beach, California’s Vince Staples is a rapper who talks his mind and defies the stereotypes of his neighbourhood, using his songs to talk about police of brutality, civic apathy, gentrification, racial profiling and the failed educational system.

(c) Z.SOSNOWSKA

(c) Z.Sosnowska

Charismatic Staples, dressed in a black t-shirt tucked into high-waisted Levi’s, belted out “Seniorita” and “Norf Norf” before the clock struck midnight and the audience decided to pay him a surprise. They sang “Happy Birthday To You” as the rapper turned 23 years old live onstage with a touched Staples saying; “wow, I feel like Michael Jackson or something. You guys are great… I love Poland.” Staples then finished his set with “Jump Off The Roof” and “Birds & Bees.”

OPENER_16_Rysy_tent_m_murawski__MG_8235

(c) Ishootmusic.eu

Polish band RYSY’s star shown brightest from the Polish acts on show with melodic vocals and pulsating electro beats. Open’er Festival sees Pharrell Williams, fresh from a night out at Dalston’s Visions venue with Skepta, headline tonight’s final day.

The post LCD Soundsystem in ‘triumphant and mesmerizing return to Poland’ appeared first on Culture & Life.

Mr Lyan mixes it up for Jack Daniel’s Jack Friday

0
0

The English master cocktail-maker who has turned the classic art into a modern, no ice masterpiece, Ryan Chetiyawardana, has created a limited edition Jack Daniel’s sharing serve for the White Lyan menu.

jack-friday-white-lyan-boilermaker1

Mr Lyan’s serve, Sour Plums Boilermaker, pairs Jack Daniel’s No.7 with a twist of sour plum, barley malt and a hint of coriander seed and is served in a 500ml bottle with two dimple mugs. It will be pride of place at a ‘secret gig’ at his Hoxton Street bar White Lyan this Friday with Mikey Jonns from This Feeling and a DJ set from noughties indie kids, The Horrors.

The Horrors backstage in the 02 Dublin, Ireland 02/03/2012The renowned mixologist has created a limited edition Jack Daniel’s sharing serve for the White Lyan menu, throughout September. The bespoke serve heroes Jack Daniels No.7 with a twist of sour plum, barley malt and a hint of coriander seed. In true White Lyan style, it is served in a 500ml bottle with two dimple mugs, this cocktail is perfect for sharing.

jd_jackfriday_whiteonblack-01

If you haven’t got the invite to the launch gig, there is still a chance to listen to the #JackFriday playlist on Spotify to get you in the groove at home.

The post Mr Lyan mixes it up for Jack Daniel’s Jack Friday appeared first on Culture & Life.

Tyler The Creator x Converse limited edition sneaker is unveiled

0
0

Tyler, The Creator has collaborated with Converse on a limited edition One Star sneaker. With reference to the brand’s signature style, the rapper has released the ‘light-blue, clearwater’ colourway.

Featured on the sole is the Scum Fuck Flower Boy graphic, with laces available in orange or white. The 2,100 individuals who attended last year’s Golf Wang fashion show will receive their own pair, while the official run will be ready to buy on the official Golf Wang and Converse websites beginning this Thursday, July 13.

 

The post Tyler The Creator x Converse limited edition sneaker is unveiled appeared first on Culture & Life.


Tame Impala the shining light at poor Citadel

0
0
A five-star performance by Aussie psych-rockers Tame Impala wasn’t enough to save Citadel as the one-day festival was marred by terrible event staff in the guise of Showsec and Britain’s inability to deal with the current heatwave.

Citadel, like Lovebox which took place on the Friday and Saturday had this year moved from east London’s Victoria Park to a smaller site at Gunnersbury Park in west London and the upheaval seemed to have had a detrimental impact on the organisation of the one-day festival. Long queues and a lack of communication meant attendees were stuck at the site with many not being able to leave London until 5am.

Away from the logistical issues Citadel, now in its 4th year, presented an eclectic line up featuring acts established and up-coming across three main stages alongside a myriad of arts and crafts, eateries and other activities to keep attendees busy.

Southend-On-Sea indie-goths The Horrors delivered an enjoyable set despite the 28 degree heat, however it was the afternoon sun that proved to their detriment with the lukewarm crowd clearly focusing on not passing out and finding shade instead of taking in what was a good performance. US soul act Leon Bridges headlined the Communion Stage under the protection from the heat, Bridges treated the audience to a near flawless performance featuring hits including the painfully lovely ‘Beyond” and recent single ‘Bad Bad News’.

Fat White Family’s raucous main stage show brought their somewhat different take on indie rock to a crowd who if confused at the start, were converted towards the end of the set. The group famously formed whilst squatting in a south London pub and their unique style and direction is seen as a result of those humble beginnings – something that has definitely earnt them a few new fans. Elsewhere Swedish experimental fusion group GOAT continued their rise through the festival circuit with another tireless performance of their own unique brand of music.

Tame Impala delivered an impressive performance to close the otherwise stale affair with a set that was as appealing to the eyes as it was the ears. Launching with “Let it Happen” which was met with a fanfare of confetti cannons and rare movement (actual dancing) from the crowd – the searing heat had died down by this point. Kevin Parker and co continued through their surprisingly storied archive with tracks from Currents and Lonerism keeping the tempo up whilst mesmerizing background visuals kept crowds transfixed in a trance like state. After a brief chat about the World Cup final, drummer Julien Barbagallo had been celebrating as the Frenchman’s nation had lifted the trophy earlier on in the day, the band dived straight into what was probably the highlight of the day – an emphatic rendition of breakthrough single “Elephant”.

Citadel is still a confused entity lacking in direction, however by bringing in UK festival exclusives like Tame Impala, it will continue to grow.

Tame Impala the shining light at poor Citadel
2.5Overall Score

The post Tame Impala the shining light at poor Citadel appeared first on Culture & Life.

Leonard Cohen exhibition coming to New York

0
0

An exhibition on the life and work of Leonard Cohen will be coming to New York next year. Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything, first presented by the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal, will make its first stop on a worldwide tour at the Jewish Museum in April. It will be on view there until September before traveling to Copenhagen and San Francisco.

Organized by the curators John Zeppetelli and Victor Shiffman, the multimedia exhibition features commissioned works by international artists and pays tribute to Cohen’s music, poetry and lyrics.

 

As the exhibition was coming together, Cohen died at 82 in November 2016. “What began as an incredible, dizzying celebration full of admiration for this great Montrealer and planetary star then necessarily also morphed into a much more solemn and commemorative experience,” Zeppetelli said.

“We’re so happy to be able to premiere the show outside of Canada, and to do it in New York is just so gratifying,” he added.

The New York show will be slightly smaller than the Montreal presentation. It will take up two full floors at the Jewish Museum, and an installation will be set up in a video viewing room on a separate floor.

Among the show’s highlights are two video installations: “The Offerings,” a piece by Kara Blake that loops clips of Cohen ruminating on the themes of his work in interviews, and “Passing Through,” an immersive, 360-degree video work that draws from 50 years of onstage moments throughout Cohen’s career.

The exhibition will also feature Cohen’s own drawings and a multimedia gallery where visitors can listen to covers of Cohen’s songs by musicians like Feist, Moby and Lou Doillon.

When Claudia Gould, the director of the Jewish Museum, visited “A Crack in Everything” in Montreal, she knew it had to come to New York. After all, that’s where the young Cohen mingled with Lou Reed, Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol when he first pursued a songwriting career in the 1960s.

“The show is extremely moving,” Gould said. “I walked in really excited and happy, and I walked out excited and happy — with tears in my eyes.”

Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything is on view at the Jewish Museum in New York, April 12 — September 8, 2019. To learn more, visit TheJewishMuseum.org.

The post Leonard Cohen exhibition coming to New York appeared first on Culture & Life.





Latest Images