Madam X

Even though I'm not a massive fan of radio one, I do sometimes end up listening to radio one on my phone to and from work (normally at the same time as being engrossed in the Metro too)

Over the past few days they've had a competition called 'Superstar DJs' where the prize was for an unknown DJ to get a spot this Friday night in Ibiza alongside Radio one DJs such as Annie Mac and Pete Tong. Now to be fair some of the mixes really weren't my thing, as it was obviously across a broad spectrum of music taste. However, I really took to the one girl in the competition 20 year old Madam X, who ended up coming second overall.

Having done a bit of research on the internet I can see she is actually from Manchester and part of the Murkage Cartel, a massive collective in the Manchester music scene. I used to go to a night called Monday Murkage at uni so it all brings back good memories!

Anyway, back to Madam X. She did a great remix of the new Calvin Harris with another contestant (who went on to win). They blew the other team out of the water, who chose to rip of the major lazer Pon De Floor beat (that Beyonce also sampled recently). I've posted Madam X and her team mates mix below, see what you think.

 Feel So Close- Calvin Harris Remix (Madam X, Danny Howard, and Kissy Sell Out) by Madam X

Here is another longer mix for you as well, keeping it in check with her grimy roots but adding literally too many genres for me to try and name.....I mean bird is the word is even in there?! At certain parts there are debatable fades and shifts but that does not take away from the overall vibe.

 A Hell Of A Lot Of Genres...Mashup Madness by Madam X

Go ahead and check out her Sound Cloud and Facebook page and at only 20 years old, she has potential to go far

Music of the month - Fantastic Mr Fox.

Fantastic Mr Fox.

This month's music comes from Fantastic Mr Fox. Originally from Wolverhampton, Fantastic Mr Fox (Stephen Gomberg) has been producing music since the age of 14 and this really shows in his intricate and layered compositions. The samples used in his music range from 60's funk to a simple hand clap to 90s garage vocals yet layered over one another it creates a unique sound sewn together with an underlying moog synth sound often giving way to a deep earthy bass.

To quote the man himself from the Guardian band of the day blog...

"There might be 200 layers in a song – I might record myself clapping or there might be a split-second of 60s prog hi-hat that I might then put an effect on and mess with for hours. It's all very laborious. I take the samples from so many sources, and they get so messed up, you can't tell in the end where they came from."

The hard work really has payed off for Stephen. Not only is Fantastic Mr Fox popular in the Manchester scene, playing alongside the main man of the Drum and Bass scene Rich Reason at Hit and Run, he also has famous fans including The XX and Warpaint.

The XX took him on their US tour where he DJ'd between their sets and also at every after party alongside Jamie XX, the producer of the moment. Opportunities like this don't come around often and it must have been an exhilarating experience to get his music out to the masses of Uncle Sam hipsters across the different states.

Anyway, enough of my chitter-chatter, take a look for yourself as the music really does speak for itself. You can find more mixes on the Fantastic Mr Fox. Facebook page.

Remix and Rewind

I've always been a fan of remixes, by which I don't mean 'Dance vol 10 - club classics'. What I mean is when a talented producer takes a song often from a completely different genre and puts their own stamp on it. Below is an original song by Lauren Pritchard and the Roni Size remix beneath.



Lauren Pritchard was born in Tennesse, now residing in London is an up and coming soul singer and released 'Painkillers' earlier this year (video above). The soul roots can be heard throught out and her voice has the same sex appeal as a other modern jazz singers such as Joss Stone. It really depicts a sense of helplessness and depression of down and out through the lyrics and rich voice.




In comparaisson you take Roni Size's remix and it flips the song around. Apparently, for this track, Roni loved the vocal and song so much he felt compelled to do this remix. The remix brings a new side to the story with the addition of vocals from Talib Kweli, from being less of desperation and more of desire and lust.

Music Monday

Currently on my playlist:

Everything Everything - MY KZ, UR BF (Grum remix)



A great Manchester band just about to hit the big time. This has such an infectious 80's vibe.



Baths - Animals



Hailing from the other side of the pond, Baths (aka Will Wiesenfeld) was described by one reviewer as 'dream-pop'and 'chillwave' and after listening to the song above I think you have to agree. This is the type of song I'd love to put on at the end of one of those all night affairs when the sun is rising and everyone has either fallen asleep on a sofa or involved in some in depth conversation they'll forget all about the next day.

Pulled apart by horses - High five, swan dive, nose dive



Great video, great song, great breakdowns.

Gallops - Miami Spider



I first heard this song on the radio a few months ago. Since then it's stayed on my paylist constantly. I love how the main riff changes from a quite high synth sound to a rich bass line, really brings the song together. Did anything ever listen to CKY back in the day? The bass slightly reminds me of something similar to their sound.

Kelis - 4th of July on Later with Jools, May 2010

I'm going to a festival in August called Pukkelpop. Kelis is one of the main acts playing, so I thought I'd check out her new album. That was 3 weeks ago and it's been on repeat ever since. My favourite track is below, 4th of July. It also happens to be her new single.