Kelela – “Rewind”:
On September 16, Kelela shared a new video for her song “Rewind” which features production from herself as well as Kingdom and Nugget. “Rewind” is taken from Kelela’s forthcoming Hallucinogen EP which is due to be dropped on October 9 via Warp Records/Cherry Coffee. The track follows on from “A Message” which was released earlier this year and will also feature on the EP. Kelela has previously shared the audio for the smooth, bouncy jam and now it has visuals of her cruising down corridors and provocatively dancing in strobing rooms to boot. Watch Kelela’s “Rewind” below.
PWR BTTM – “1994”:
Tamagotchis, Beanie Babies, the original PlayStation. What else could I be referring to other than the ’90s (or someone’s rather impressive old school toy collection)? For anyone who appreciates some nostalgia or wants to see something contrary to your regular music video, check this out. PWR BTTM’s new music video for “1994” looks like the non-linear dream sequence of someone enraptured with the ’90s.
In keeping with the bad quality of old video cassettes, the music video is also of poor quality and includes several ’90s-related products, franchises, and celebrities. At 22 and 23 respectively Liv Bruce and Ben Hopkins of PWR BTTM also grew up in the ’90s. “1994” is taken from the band’s debut album, Ugly Cherries, which was released on September 18 and can be downloaded here. The music video can be viewed below.
Naughty Boy + Beyoncé + Arrow Benjamin – “Runnin’ (Lose It All)”:
On September 18, Naughty Boy shared a new music video for his track “Runnin’ (Lose It All)”. The track is a piano driven ballad layered on top of a rolling break and features the powerful vocals of Beyoncé and the soulful croons of the relatively unknown Arrow Benjamin . The visuals, directed by Charlie Robins, feature a separated couple trying to come together as they roam around a beautiful yet haunting underwater landscape. The collaboration of the two singers is surprising as they exist on either end of the fame spectrum. However, off the back of this effort it looks as though there are good things in store for Arrow Benjamin. Check out Naughty Boy’s “Runnin’ (Lose It All)” video below.
Pro P + Northern Structure – “Drifting”:
UK based hip-hop outfit (and record label) Northern Structure link up with renowned Manchester producer Pro P, one of the most consistent beat-smith’s on the circuit, for “Drifting”. The track is taken from their upcoming collaborative album, entitled Tunnel Vision.
The three piece Blackpool based group, comprised of Evileyz, Amos and Spider Jaroo, have released a couple of projects previously as a collective; this is the first since 2012s Started Off Local mixtape. Pro P, consistent both in his quality and his work-ethic, is set to handle the production work on Tunnel Vision, which although has no set release date, is ‘coming soon’. Watch Pro P & Northern Structure “Drifting” below.
Lady Gaga – “Til It Happens To You”:
The Hunting Ground, a 2015 documentary about rape on college campuses included two Lady Gaga songs on its soundtrack: Swine’ and “Til It Happens To You”. The latter was released as a digital download on September 18 and comes with a hard-hitting video depicting three scenarios of sexual assault in a college/university environment.
In 2014 Gaga – real name Stefani Germanotta – revealed that she was raped at nineteen, so the topic hits close to home. The song’s main message is: “You won’t know how it feels / Til it happens to you” and the video promotes solidarity and companionship. One key thing about the video is that there is no ‘stranger in a dark alley’ trope which is useful because 2/3 victims know their rapist.
“Til It Happens To You” was co-written with Diane Warren and Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke. directed the video. In addition, some of the sales proceeds of the single will be donated to organisations that help survivors of rape and sexual assault. You can watch the video below.
New Order – “Plastic”:
The second single from New Order’s upcoming album – Music Complete – has been released. The fast-tempo dance tune (featuring La Roux’s Elly Jackson) is called “Plastic” and can be listened to at the end of this post. Speaking to NME earlier this year, front-man Bernard Sumner said that the album would feature a more electronic as opposed to rock sound, which is apparent here more so than in “Restless”, the previous single.
“Plastic” carries with it some clear influences from the 80s, which is no surprise considering where New Order’s roots stem from. Music Complete is set for release on September 25 but can be pre-ordered in a multitude of formats here. Listen to New Order “Plastic” below.
Locksmith + Jarell Perry – “The Love”:
Richmond rapper Locksmith collaborates with South California vocalist Jarell Perry on “The Love”, the latest single taken from Lock’s second studio album, entitled Lofty Goals. The project was released back in June of this year through Landmark Entertainment, and followed 2014s A Thousand Cuts. Locksmith, who initially made his name as a battle rapper some years ago, has transitioned into making passionate and introspective hip-hop with consistently sharp lyricism and depth to his content. Check out Locksmith & Jarell Perry “The Love” below.
Jamie Woon – “Thunder”:
Jamie Woon’s new track “Thunder” has been released on Gilles Peterson’s BBC Radio 6 show on September 19 from Woon’s second album which is the long-awaited follow-up to 2011’s< em>Mirrorwriting. Woon has said the new track is inspired by D’Angelo’s classic turn-of-the-century release Voodoo. The new album, Making Time, has not yet had a confirmed release date, though it is being put together by Lexxx who has worked with the likes of Bjork, Crystal Castles and Darkstar. As well as Paul White who has worked with Danny Brown and Charli XCX. You can listen to “Thunder” here.
Words by Nick Bimson, Shanade McConney, Sam Bennett and Shakira Knight
