Music
RZA and Paul Banks on keeping the swords sharp
"Either one of us will fuck you up" — As Banks & Steelz, Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and Paul Banks from Interpol are breaking new ground with hip hop/rock collaboration, Anything But Words.
Written by: Alex King
Transcending the cruel rhythms of life in Edmonton, Canada
Music-making in the “northern shitty oil-city” — Dave Ehrenreich’s documentary ‘Rhythm of Cruelty’ follows the Canadian band of the same name, duo and romantic partners Brandi Strauss and Ian Rowley. Ehrenreich shows how Strauss and Rowley are attempting to revise the negative stereotypes which they say are associated with Edmonton by following their dream of touring their experimental punk band.
Written by: Christopher Sanders
Mala’s sounds of the new Peru
Future beats from the Andes — Pioneering UK producer Mala’s Mirrors project digs deep into the roots of traditional Peruvian music. Here he reveals Peru’s brightest contemporary talents.
Written by: Alex King
DJ Artwork on why South London is the place to be this Summer
Don’t go there. Live there. — Dubstep pioneer Artwork hosts a tour of South London's music scene, showing that when it comes to seeing a city, it’s best to ask the locals.
Written by: Jack Richardson
Mala’s journey to the deep roots of ancient Peruvian music
In search of primal rhythms — As a dubstep pioneer and groundbreaking producer, Mala’s new project, Mirrors, connects South London bass culture with the traditional sounds of Peru.
Written by: Alex King
Hip-hop has always been the voice of the streets, but now you're finally listening
Vince Staples digs deep — Vince Staples makes music about what matters: racism, inequality, the daily struggle of just getting by. Despite this, Vince says he's not making music that's political, as far as he sees it it's just common sense.
Written by: Michael Segalov
Africa’s phoenix from the flames: a creative renaissance in Rwanda
Rwanda Rising — Two decades after genocide, Rwanda has risen from the ashes. But as the country’s artists push past the panic that once turned neighbours into enemies, what does the future hold for a nation scarred by a history of divide and rule? As President Paul Kagame tightens his grip over the country, can the country’s creatives escape the growing repression?
Written by: Alex King
Xenia Rubinos dances in the face of fear to survive
On the hunt for joy — A mother from Puerto Rico, a father from Cuba, born and raised in the US – Xenia Rubinos' identity is as diverse as the music she creates. Here, the New York singer-songwriter talks about her new album, influenced by American culture but motivated by the survival of fear.
Written by: Taylor McGraa
Go-to guitar hero: An interview with Matt Sweeney
A wolf among wolves — What do Johnny Cash, Adele, Cat Power and Run the Jewels have in common? They've all relied on guitarist Matt Sweeney - a nomadic talent who knows how to get the most out of life.
Written by: Steven T. Hanley
Myanmar’s punk pacifists are healing their divided country
Punk Buddha — Punk’s pacifist roots have endured around the world, from anti-war protestors to Riot Grrrls. Now that history is continuing in Myanmar, a country divided by religious conflict, where a group of altruistic rebels are refusing to give into fear of ‘the other’.
Written by: Adam White