Music
How ‘80s soundsystem culture gave birth to Bristol’s thriving musical underground
Born in the fires of struggle — Jabulani Ngozi of the Black Roots and author Richard King reflect on how a radical spirit of resistance in the 1980s shaped the city’s unique music culture.
Written by: Alex King
For Toro y Moi, flipping burgers can make dreams come true
From fast food to slow jams — As Toro y Moi, Chaz Bundick makes laid-back music primed for the beach. His career is like one life-long hobby. And he worked every shitty job to find his way here.
Written by: Andrew Paynter
How a dying musician created a visionary hip hop masterpiece
Donuts Dissected — J Dilla super-aficionado and head of music at Boiler Room, Raj Chaudhuri reveals the inspiring tale of a dying musician’s inextinguishable spirit and his magnum opus, Donuts.
Written by: Gabriela Helfet
Listen to this tribute mix for Earth, Wind and Fire founder Maurice White
In loving memory of Maurice — Gilles Peterson assembles an immense two-hour tribute mix to Earth, Wind and Fire frontman Maurice White.
Written by: Alex King
Best of independent music takes the stage at the BBC 6 Music Festival
The underground takes centre stage — From reggae and dub to trip hop and bass music, Bristol’s contribution to the global music scene has been monumental. Huck picks the best of BBC 6 Music Festival.
Written by: Alex King
Sub Pop founder Bruce Pavitt on finding world-changing music in nowhere towns
Ear to the underground sound — When Bruce Pavitt founded Sub Pop, he was already waist-deep in the underground. Here he explains how being openminded during his travels has taught him everything he knows.
Written by: Casey Jarman
Interview: GoGo Penguin make pumping future-jazz built for the rave generation
Get people dancing — Manchester trio GoGo Penguin are tearing up the genres with Man Made Object, a rowdy not-quite-jazz album that nods its head to Four Tet and Apex Twin.
Written by: Alex King
Video: The dope New Orleans bounce documentary Beyoncé ripped off in ‘Formation’
Project ass shakin’ music — Beyoncé’s controversial decision to use footage from a 2014 short film on the Big Easy’s bounce scene has kicked off a debate about borrowing, plagiarism and the mainstream pillaging the underground.
Written by: Alex King
Video: Stones Throw Records’ 360-degree virtual reality tribute to the late great J Dilla
J Rocc and Karriem Riggins go in for Dilla — On the tenth anniversary of Dilla’s iconic Donuts, Stones Throw release a special Dungeon Sessions tribute video.
Written by: Alex King
Video: Hunter S. Thompson interviews Keith Richards
Indecipherable mumblings of psychedelic philosophers — Footage documents the meeting of two visionary minds: Hunter S. Thompson and Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.
Written by: Alex King