This is one album that’s been bumpin’ in my car recently, plan on bringing this vibe into my DJ sets more.Delicacies show Simian Mobile Disco with a death grip on creepy, unapologetic techno with a strangely inviting quality.
Ever since “Hustler” and “I Believe”, from their 2007 album Attack Decay Sustain Release made their way into my ears, I’ve been hooked. The duo made up of James Ford and Jas Shaw have been creating music as SMD from 2005 on. Now 4 albums in, they have contributed a hefty amount of high quality electronic music. Jumping to the present, I’ve nabbed this fresh Simian Mobile Disco interview with 7 Digital (an online music store I highly recommend). Jas Shaw discuss the Unpatterns lp, the most recently released A Form Of Change EP and life on the road.
Apart from SMD, James Ford has worked as a producer with Florence and the Machine, Peaches, Arctic Monkeys and Klaxons (Myths of the Near Future lp). One project that I absolutely adore is SMD’s production of the 2011 Beth Ditto EP, which really deserves it’s own post that I’ll write soon.
I must see XI perform in either Portland or Vancouver BC, next week. Don’t miss out on this guy. There’s this Q&A with Now Torontoalong with my old XI interview forDisco Droppings. See you soon Christian..
Erykah Badu is someone that fearlessly embraces change, re-inventing herself time and time again. Her aesthetic inspires the free thinkers, and the lovers of jazz, R&B, hip hop and all things soulful. For those interested in their roots, Badu exemplifies a strong appreciation of the past. Her work combines African influences, various spiritual ideologies , as well as Egyptian culture and Southern African folk traditions. To all you out there striving to bring something positive into the world, Erykah Badu is your girl. I am eagerly awaiting her performance tonight at Decibel Festival’s Renegades of Funk showcase. See Badu alongside The Cannabinoids and The Starship Connection, at The Paramount Theatre (TIX).
Never complacent, Erykah has moved into yet another untapped area. Taking a group of musicians, DJ’s and beat makers she has empowered them with an array of musical tools (3 turntables, 6 keyboards, 4 drum machines, a theramin, 8 laptops), creating an electronic orchestra of sorts. Together this crew, known as The Cannabinoids,will showcase a live remix set of Badu’s work. This is a re-imagined presentation of Erykah Badu’s diverse style and influences, centered around a concept of improvisation.
The theme of tonight’s show takes you deep inside the human brain. You may not know this, but inside your head there are cannabinoid receptors. Research has shown that these specific proteins in your brain are responsible for the euphoric effects of cannabis (“Marijuana consists of the dried flowers of Cannabis plants selectively bred to produce high levels of THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids”). Each artist on stage will become one of these cannabinoids; creating a joyous, psychedelic live hip hop extravaganza for you and friends.
As if that wasn’t enough, Erykah Badu will then head to the RBMA After Hours, to perform a DJ SET at Q (Pike & Broadway, Capitol Hill Seattle). If you missed my post mentioning Q, let me reiterate that it blows away every club in Seattle, and possibly the north west. Doors are at 2:00 am, 21+. Also on the lineup, B. Bravo with Justice & Treasure. Here’s a link toTIX.
I am blowin’ thisFriends of Friendsshowcase UP. You’ll notice that below this interview with showcase performer Groundislava, I’ve chosen FoF as THE show to see on the final day of Decibel Festival 2012 (The Baltic Room, 9/30, 21+). Here’s the FBevent, if you plan on coming, invite your buddies. Now onto my conversation with Groundislava; covering theFeel Mealbum art, video game soundtracks and the vibe of his upcoming Seattle show with Shlohmo, LOL Boys, Salva and Lazy Brow.
DD Hi Groundislava. What are you up to right now?
GIL I’m watching some movie with Liam Neeson and eating soup, and answering these questions, of course. I’m feeling a little under the weather.
DDCongratulations on Feel Me getting its release. Who designed the rad artwork for this lp?
GIL My brother designed all the art for this album, as well as my last LP and both my EPs. He’s a very talented visual artist. I’m working with him on a new music video as well.
DD I haven’t been to LA since I was very little. If I were to come down to your area, where would we hang out and get food? From reading your Twitter, I take it we won’t be stopping by Whole Foods..
GIL Whole Foods annoys me because it’s really great and convenient, but its absurdly expensive. If you were here I’d probably take you to koreatown and we’d get some korean BBQ or tofu soup. Koreatown is probably my favorite part of LA to hang out in, as well. There’s lots of great places to drink or do karaoke or whatever.
DD I’ve got your Soundcloud going while I play N64. It’s making my Super Smash Bros. battle a lot more emotional. What video game soundtracks stand out to you most?
GIL There’s a lot of great ones that I’ve been interested in. And now, with youtube being what it is, I find so many more great songs and full soundtracks. I really enjoy the soundtracks for Bomberman 64 and Bomberman Hero, Chrono Trigger, Pilot Wings… there’s a lot more.
DD Disco Droppings has chosen the Friends of Friends showcase as it’s top pick, for Decibel Festival 2012’s final night. For those thinking about stopping by your show, what’s the vibe going to be like?
GIL FoF kinda nails it on all fronts, and there’s really something for everyone. We have all sorts of sounds and vibes, but it’s all really fun shit. We never just go up and play whatever the hottest tracks are, and we all have really interesting catalogs. Expect a party :]
dd 