Ancient Astronauts have released their song ‘Do It To The Beat feat. Blessed San’, along with their anticipated EP Kampala Fire on the 16th of October.
Speaking about the EP release, Dogu mentions: “We have always been huge fans of African music and rhythms from different African regions. Afrobeat from artists like Fela Kuti or Ebo Taylor inspired us a lot when it comes to creating grooves in our own music. Kampala is our home base in East Africa and the studio of my partner label East African Records is the place where we record a lot of music and singers. The city of Kampala is such a special place with a really unique music and party scene that I cannot compare to any other place in this world. As a long follower of Nyabinghi Reggae Music, I was overwhelmed that the origin of Nyabinghi and its unique way of drumming is in Uganda. Since my first travels and tours in East Africa, I was stoked by the huge talent of young and mostly unknown artists within the city that it was a natural move for us to pay homage to that powerful vibe of Kampala.”
This latest offering by this duo embraces the country of Uganda and its many intricacies. ‘Do It To The Beat’ flows naturally rather than feeling pressure to conform to a particular style.
Kampala Fire EP Tracklist:
1. Ghetto Youth Never Give Up feat. C Wyne Nalukalala
2. Ddala feat. Spyda MC
3. Pump Up The Sound feat. Bani Fyah
4. Do It To The Beat feat. Blessed San
5. Source Of Life feat. Nilotika Cultural Ensemble
Condescending is set to drop his first release of the year, a mesmerising dual track project. It features a song who’s namesake is its creator, filled with resonating guitar patterns and haunting vocals. The focus track is ‘Kansas, the Band’, offering viscid strumming and breathy crooning, portraying a heavy sense of melancholy. The experimental melodies and eerie digital sounds on both tracks give this release a textured, atmospheric feeling without being overstated.
Speaking of his new single, Condescending says: “I think listeners would be surprised how many forms ‘Kansas, the Band’ has taken since its conception over two years ago. It was painstakingly overworked at least 3 times before being shelved for a year, being picked up again and put together in its final form in less than a week. The process is rarely short but it became challenging to get to the heart of this one.”
The time Condescending has taken to refine this release is audible, as it masters the fine balance between intricate and lucid. Previously dubbed as ‘provocative bedroom mid-fi’, this artist is veering off into a unique sonic lane, offering an unparalleled sound. His 2019 debut EP ‘Private Conversations in Public Spaces’ followed a sombre, introspective indie route not unlike his new release ‘Kansas, the Band’, although the latter is certainly more subdued, to great effect.
Condescending is the solo studio project of Free Creation Label producer WhatsHisName, who has worked with up-and-coming hip-hop prodigies such as Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L and Pook Hustle. Steering away from his quirky trap based productions for the label and his indie-rock leaning debut EP, Condescending is venturing into a hazy yet utterly captivating sonic realm and we can’t wait for the world to hear his new release.
It’s release day for Marcus James and RYYZN as they share their latest single, ‘Night Light’. The single is taken from their upcoming collaborative EP (which will be available early next year) and provides a small preview of what fans can expect.
Marcus James tells us about the single and EP: “Night Light is about trying to put on a brave face to the world when things aren’t going well. One of the hardest things is to be vulnerable and ask for help, and sometimes when you don’t want to talk about it, you just want to be around the person that makes you feel like it’s okay to feel this way. As the first single off our upcoming collaborative EP, the lyric video for Night Light really captures how RYYZN and I basically became family over the past year as we worked on these songs. After everything we’ve been through together, the RYYZN guys and I will always be there to support each other and we have this music to thank for that.”
This is not the first time Marcus James has collaborated with RYYZN as they previously released the single, ‘Honest’ earlier this year. The single was featured on Dave Rave, who had the following to say: “Marcus James uses the issue of time differences and space as a barrier between a relationship, but truthfully it boils down to the emotional distance between the two lovers.” Read the full feature here.
Reagan is an alternative pop singer who shares her woes of teenage adolescence, with her latest song release ‘Crybaby’. With a passion for poetry, the songstress writes her own lyrics. ‘Crybaby’ is a cheeky and quirky single that talks of the hopeful girl meets a shy boy narrative.
We find out more about the quirky songstress below.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
I learned to read and play music as a child and loved to dabble on the piano, drum set, ukulele, and clarinet whenever I had time. I started singing in a church choir early on and eventually graduated into a studio setting later in my teens. Both of my parents are practicing musicians, so I’ve always been blessed with opportunities and encouragement to make music from an early age. I’m truly grateful!
Please tell us more about how your latest song/release/project was conceived.
“Crybaby!” was written in the car, as a lot of my best songs are. I like to drive somewhere relaxing (in this case I went to a park) and soak up my surroundings before touching pen to page. It helps me tune in with myself first. I was relaxed and happy when writing “Crybaby!” and I think that really shines through in the song. The day I wrote it will always stick out in my memory as a good one!
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
Usually, I’ll choose the beat I’m working with and start piecing together some melody ideas first. I’ll record a couple of voice memos on my phone then write words to them when inspiration strikes. Songwriting is definitely an art though, not a science. Sometimes the words come first, sometimes it’s the melody, sometimes it’s a concept that rattles around in my head for months before coming to fruition. In the end, it’s always a gratifying process!
How much do you invest in how your music is received upon release? Are you very concerned about how your art is received?
Yes and no… it’s a healthy balance of both for me. If I drop a single and it doesn’t pick up traction from the jump I won’t beat myself up. However I do value public opinion because listening to others‘ advice, likes, and dislikes helps me improve my relatability! I want to create music that is beautiful, unique, yet digestible. Paving my own way while being mindful of what sounds other people enjoy listening to is my number one focus!
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
About a year ago I got the opportunity to show my song to an artist I enjoy during their music video shoot. I showed up for the day as an extra and by the end, we were in my car exchanging music! They really enjoyed my sound and it was a memorable experience that I’ll never forget.
Are there any key non-musical influences on your sound and creative process?
Yes, definitely being outside! It’s so important for me to be relaxed and in the right headspace to get my words out, and open-air does that for me. Sitting in nature is key!
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects, DJ mixes, or collaborations in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
I’ll be expanding my sound in 2021 and I’m very excited to share my new direction! As far as specifics go, it’s too soon to tell…
Famous last words?
Do what you love while you can. We only get one shot, so make it count!
