The MPC Sample features a four-by-four grid of 16 RGB backlit pads that respond to pressure, allowing for dynamic sound manipulation. A full-color display and three knobs provide hands-on control over effects and sound.
Celebrated by the BBC as one of the city's top 8 literary destinations, The Urbane Arts Club is more than just a venue-it's a vibrant hub for culture and creativity. Through an eclectic mix of literary launches, musical showcases, and theatrical performances, it fosters an environment rich in conversation and artistic expression.
I'm not really a musician. I'm more a sound man. I was once described derogatorily as a fan who'd got his hands on a mixing desk, and I think I'm more that than a musician.
The rework transforms the original into a deep Afro house cut built around rolling percussion, warm late-night atmospheres and spiritual vocal textures. Subtle shakers and fluid rhythmic patterns give the track a hypnotic drive, balancing emotive depth with a groove designed firmly for the dancefloor.
When modern UK rap great Dave first announced plans for a UK arena tour last October, the demand for tickets in London was so high that he quickly doubled his number of shows in the capital. The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour is at the O2 Arena for a whopping four dates - and they kick off this weekend.
Over the years my main focus has been jazz so bringing that style and rhythm up to the stage, they found really interesting. Ellis thinks his jazz background made him stand out among his fellow contestants, attributing his success to the distinctive musical perspective he brought to the competition.
This release is about connection. Not in a strategic sense, but in terms of feeling part of a scene rather than orbiting around it. There's a lot of really strong music coming out of Australia right now, especially in the underground, and this felt like the right moment to place something there.
In a way, it was the Sgt. Pepper's of hip-hop. It's a record that changed the way that people thought about putting music together. I'm not a big hip-hop historian; I just know the stuff that I worked on.
Labi Siffre, the 80-year-old British folk musician, is back after spending decades out of the spotlight. He just announced his first new album in 28 years; the appropriately titled Unfinished Business is out later this year on Demon Music Group. He's also shared the new song " Far Away," a piano ballad that leans into Siffre's soul influences, with a music video. Check it out below.
Now we finally know when the venue will open and its opening lineup. Jazz-heads, mark your calendars for Friday February 6, which is when Upstairs At Ronnie's will open with two events. The first slot (5pm-8.45pm) will be occupied by soul and jazz singer Dana Masters, with the 'late late show' (11.15pm onward) set to be from Cuban band Viva Cuba.
Two years after parting ways with Republic Records, James Blake will release Trying Times, his first independent studio album, on March 13 via Good Boy Records. "Death Of Love," the lead single with the London Welsh Male Voice Choir, is out now. Listen to it below. The 12-track LP features contributions from UK rapper Dave and Los Angeles-based vocalist Monica Martin. Blake first teased Trying Times to fans three days ago, through the website tryingtimes.info.
Central Cee has shared a new song "Iceman Freestyle" along with a music video. Directed by Don Prod, the clip tracks the British rapper driving an old Aston Martin, drinks whiskey, and literally digging his own grave. Watch it below. "Iceman Freestyle" is the second solo single Central Cee has released following 2025's Can't Rush Greatness, his debut album on Columbia. The rapper also linked up for a few collaborations last year, including Drake's " Which One " and Sexyy Red's "Guilt Trippin."
What does Comic Sans sound like? What does it feel like? And is it actually kinda good? These were the questions ever-present in the minds of early PC Music acts like Kero Kero Bonito's Gus Bonito, who, to this day, performs DJ sets in front of a strobing projection of his moniker Kane West in the notorious font.
Escapism, the debut album by They Call Me Steve (Jordi van Achthoven of Tinlicker), explores his creative world through rediscovered tracks and everyday-life samples. Deeply personal and rooted in his past, it also features the singles "Whatever You Call It," "Body Move," and "Lara," shaping a record suited for both club nights and quiet escape. The first album Escapism by They Call Me Steve is an album to be obsessed with.
DJ-Kicks is a series that shaped how I think about DJing and listening. I played the DJ Koze mix an unhealthy number of times, to the point where it basically lives in my DNA now. Those mixes taught me that the best ones aren't about showing off; they're about taking people on a journey. They move, twist and surprise you. They give you goosebumps when you least expect it.
Chances are, if the Atlanta rapper sounds like they have a loogie stuck in their throat, I'll probably like them. B5 and Zeeball? Yep-"Heist" might be the biggest omission from our Best Rap Songs of 2025 list. Rroxket? I still listen to his zooted-out regularly. Before I get carried away, let's add Bby Kell to that list. Her new tape, Straight Pop, is cool as hell-it reminds me of Glokk40Spaz back when his bread and butter was belligerent dark plugg.