Hello, my CLASH crew.
I’m writing this month’s column from my local coffee shop, where they’ve decided it’s perfectly acceptable to start playing Christmas music. That’s right, Christmas music. In October. I actually had to double-check that I wasn’t writing my December edition, but no, we’re very much still in October. Not to be Miss Grinch, but surely it’s illegal to play Christmas music before Halloween right?
It’s not that deep, I’ll move onto more important things, NEW MUSIC!
It’s been an absolutely ridiculous few weeks for new music. We’ve been fed with new albums from Tinashe to Fontaines D.C., Troye Sivan, The Avalanches, Rachel Chinouriri and Nao. The list goes on. It’s been hard to find the time to keep up, but what a lovely problem to have right?
I’m taking you all over the place with this month’s selections, from sweaty dancefloors to beautiful Irish traditional music and sweet smooth soul to soundtrack your evenings as they get darker.
We’re kicking things off on the dancefloor. Arielle Free, Airwolf Paradise and KLP have joined forces for ‘What You Talking ‘Bout’, released on Peggy Gou’s Gudu Records, and it’s a proper club banger. Three artists who know their way around a dancefloor have come together to deliver a chunky, infectious house cut. It’s playful, punchy and packed with attitude.
I’ve been a huge fan of Genesis Owusu for some time now. He’s one of those artists who refuses to put himself in a box, and I love that about him. Dipping into hip-hop, punk and funk, there’s always something so exciting and unpredictable about the way he creates. He keeps you on your toes as a listener.
Now he’s linked up with The Drums for ‘Blackstar’, and this one is a proper pocket rocket. There’s a sense of urgency to it that makes it so moreish, the kind of track you want to play over and over again. It transports me straight back to 2010 indie-pop and alternative, with infectious guitar riffs, punchy drums and addictive melodies.
Miss Kannina has been making serious waves the last couple of years, finally getting her flowers. I got to see her in Glasgow supporting Kneecap and her mixtape ‘BLACKPRINT’ is a perfect example of why she’s such an exciting voice in Australian music right now.
‘LOOK AT ME NOW’ features fellow First Nations artist Kobie Dee, and it’s overflowing with confidence. I love the funky bassline and sexy saxophone that serve as the backdrop to Miss Kaninna and Kobie Dee’s effortless flow. The two complement each other beautifully.
4. – Páirceanna Glasa | Greenfields
Doireann Ní Ghlacáin is a gorgeous traditional Irish fiddle player and sean-nós singer, and her latest release, ‘Páirceanna Glasa’, is a beautiful example of just how talented she is as an artist. The track is built around ‘The Greenfields of Glentown’, a reel written by the legendary Donegal fiddle player Tommy Peoples.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Doireann play live and the way the fiddle feels like an extension of her body is incredible to watch. Moving effortlessly through every note with so much passion and care, she’s truly captivating.
We slow things down for my last recommendation this month.
South London’s Nia Smith has been one of my favourite soul artists to follow, and her latest single, ‘Mr Right’, is another beautifully tender offering from her. I love the way Nia expresses emotion through her music. There’s such an affectionate warmth to the melodies she writes and the way she delivers them, making even the smallest moments have meaning. Her voice has this gorgeous richness to it, paired with a vulnerability that draws you in. This track is another lovely example of why she’s such an exciting artist.
Until next month.
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