KSPACE.TV » london

Track of the Day: Ali Love – “Love Harder (Tronik Youth Remix)”

tcroberts — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:53:36 +0000

Ali Love has been on the scene for a minute, as a vocalist on Chemical Brothers’ “Do It Again” and a few early singles that gave him enough shine that you can’t help but notice. There’s been buzz on his new album, but already we’re starting to get a steady stream of remixes. It’s obvious that the trainspotters and Ableton massive are on it. No doubt we’ll be hearing the likes of Erol Alkan, Trevor Jackson, et all caning these tracks. We’ve just stumbled upon a slightly lighter and edgier remix of one of his album cuts (?) by Tronik Youth and thought we’d share. We’re certain to be sharing even more as it appears. This is a bit of ‘electroclash’ for those with more evolved tastes.

Exclusive KSPACE.TV 66 Mix by Plain Janes

Peggy — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:05:21 +0000

It wouldn’t quite feel like the holiday spirit without some kinda festive dance mix now would it and dropping that right in ours laps today is the new Exclusive 66 Mix by Plain Janes – the liveliest collective in London at the moment. The ‘Janes’ are an arts collective made up of artists, poets, photographers, DJ’s and promoters in London who bring various forms of artistic endevours to the public; organizing a wide spectrum of Arts and Culture Nights, exhibitions, gigs, book clubs, dance nights, and guerilla art attacks.

This mix is kindly brought to you by Erol Sabadosh – who has been tearing up the fashion club scene, while graciously holding down weekly residency at Beach Blanket Babylon. We’re calling it our electro holiday mix – so pop open our Jukebox to the right and enjoy the show !

Playlist:
Weird Summer- Feathers
Black Cats – Bertie Blackman (CIS remix)
Cruel Intentions – Simian Mobile Disco
Night by Night – Chromeo (u-tern’s aeroplane remix)
The Show – Lenka (In Flagranti remix)
Dirtee Cash – Dizzee Rascal
Youth, Speed, Trouble, Cigarettes – Cassius (don diablo remix)
Easy – Dragonette (Buffetlibre remix)
Your Disco Song – Vitalic
We are Golden – Mika (Calvin Harris remix)
Tik Tok – Ke$ha (Skeet Skeet remix)
Good Girls Go Bad – Cobra Starship (I Qanna Talk to Sampson electro remix)
Memories (feat. Kid Cudi) – David Guetta
Undisclosed Desires – Muse (Thin White Duke remix)
Doubt – Delphic (iton remix)
Devil’s Eyes – Drop the Lime (Classixx’s b-live remix)
Ambling Alp – Yeasayer (Memory Tapes remix)

Emika “Drop The Other” (Scuba Vulpine Remix)

Matt Diehl — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:56:25 +0000

Emika is our new fave find: hailing from Berlin by way of Bristol and London, she’s like a perfect combination of all those cities’ musical styles. She’s got the clear sonic force of Berlin’s techno scene (she’s a member of the famous Berghain family), the up-to-the-minute hipness of London, and the grimy bass thump of Bristol, as well as the haunted melancholy of that city’s hometown heroes Portishead and Massive Attack.

The world is already discovering Emika’s cool charms: she recently got featured on the front page of XLR8R’s website and has been getting airplay from all the hip U.K. DJs like Zane Lowe, Mary Anne Hobbs, and Nick Grimshaw. Her debut e.p. “Drop The Other” for Ninja Tune doesn’t come out until early next year, but we’ve got this special preview: Scuba’s incredible “Vulpine” remix of the title track. “Vulpine” sounds like a cross between “Vulcan” and “supine,” but in fact means “foxy,” which this track definitely is. While Emika’s original beguiles in its Aaliyah-meets-Aphex Twin swing, Scuba gives “Drop The Other” a serious intelligent dubstep makeover, filling it with deep subs, scratchy atmosphere, and mysterious echo. It’s a perfect complement to Emika’s combination of maverick spirit and smoky allure.

Listen: Exclusive KSPACE.TV 66 Mix by Mumblz

Jonathan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:28:59 +0000

The Brownswood crew have just turned in another Exclusive killer mix, this time from DJ Mumblz ‘n up ‘n comer insider you’ll be hearing more ‘n more from in Londontown.

“This mix is trying to represent the diversity of what I feel Brownswood is all about. My aim was to take the listener through the full rainbow spectrum of grooves that make up Brownswood’s identity but maintain an underlining vibe that connects it all together. Hence you get hip hop legends such as DJ Jazzy Jeff, Pete Rock, Will.I.Am and Dilla nestling alongside the likes of Shur-I-Kan, Akufen, D&B maestro Calibre and UKG dons Groove Chronicles. It’s all in the blend.”

and you know we love a good blend – enjoy !

Tracklisting -
1. DJ Jazzy Jeff (ft. J.Live) – A Charmed Life
2. Pete Rock & Grand Agent – This is the way they Meant
3. DJ Cam Quartet – Nebulosa
4. Shur-I-Kan – Strolling
5. J.Live – The Last Third
6. Soundspecies – Purple Halo remix (w/Ninkisun)
7. FaltyDL – Meta Cognist
8. Afefe Iku – The Unknown
9. Samon Kawamura (ft. Kev Brown) – Still Significant
10. Dimlite – October 27 03 (Interlude)
11. Will I. Am – Lay Me Down
12. Jneiro Jarel – Breathin’
13. J.Dilla – Think Twice
14. Life – Come With Me
15. Calibre – Right On
16. Big Bang – Ping Pong
17. Groove Chronicles – Stone Cold
18. Instra:Mental – Forbidden
19. Roof Light – Heart like an Airport Runway
20. Akufen – Even White Horizons
21. Balkansky – The Ninth Guest

Track(s) of the Day: Charli XCX “!Franchesckaar!” and “Do It Well”

Matt Diehl — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:08:49 +0000

Not every 16-year-olds claim Grace Jones, Isadora Duncan, and Toots and the Maytals as influences on their MySpace – then again, Charli XCX is not your average teenager. This young Londoner is about to explode – she’s the next La Roux, the new M.I.A., and a serious contender for taking over Lily Allen’s day job. Yes, another brilliant Brit chick mangling banging club grooves and a witty lyrical persona into her own exciting image.

!Franchesckaar! Preview:

Charli XCX has a big voice and bigger beats: she clearly loves electro of all stripes, and her natural exuberance and eccentricity get her over. While she’s signed to a major label (Atlantic), don’t expect her to pull a Miley Cyrus and go commercial – this is a girl who wrote a love ode to Darth Vader, after all (“I Wanna Be Darth Vader”). Nope, Ms. XCX is too strange, individual and over the top for that – she’s probably going to be that big, but on her own funky terms. Her first single “!Franchesckaar!” was a big howling beast of synths and sassy commands; the latest track on her MySpace,“Do It Well,” proves irreverent and strange and irresistible – kinda like a combination of Kylie Minogue’s pop tartness, Mike Skinner’s storytelling smarts, and Janelle Monae’s futuristic freak scene. It’s a combo that shouldn’t work but does. So meet the latest superstar-in-training from the U.K. – with her debut album projected to feature production from the likes of Alex Metric and a raucous live show that’s drawing buzz from tastemakers, expect Charli XCX to be top o’ the pops in no time.

Amazing Grace: Biking’s UK Princess

tcroberts — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:08:55 +0000

It’s not often that you’ll find us going on about a blogger, but sometimes you find a blog that makes you go “damn!” and immediately add to your bookmarks to keep checking. It’s the same thing I used to do as a kid with zines. Amazing Grace a/k/a Grace Ladoja is a filmmaker from London, who has shown a fascination (bordering on obsession) with bike kids in London. Primarily focused on the street stars in the BMX scene, Grace lovingly documents all the bike scenes and the personalities within it. Her photo galleries alone are enough to keep going back for, but her insight is keen as well… although she can get a bit ‘teen crush’ over some of the boys. She is currently working on a film about bikers called ‘London to Paris’, which looks pretty interesting. The film documents 10 riders from all over the world making the track bike journey from London to Paris to meet Lance Armstrong as the Tour De France 2009 comes to a close. Check the trailer:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Track of the Day: Theophilus London ‘Enjoy the Sun’

Peggy — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:26:30 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Theophilus London has dropped another hit right into our laps. The new single “Enjoy the Sun” produced by Machine Drum, is another smooth pop/r&b sing-a-long that is so fresh and crisp – just like a nice autumn day in BKLYN. The lyrics are blissful and the surprise electro ragga beats in the middle adds a nice dancehall touch to it. Could it be a contender for online single of the year? Most Def! Theophilus London heads to the UK at the end of the month for a few special dates with Jack Penate. Let’s go dance with him! (as he did with KSPACE.TV in the clip below at his London debut 11/08)

Click here to view the embedded video.

The XX Live Review – Shepherd’s Bush Empire London

Peggy — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

The XX marked the spot last night at Shepherds Bush Empire in London. I was truly excited about seeing them open up for the glamorous Florence & The Machine. This was the first time I purposely went to a gig to solely catch the supporting act instead of the headliner. They are of course my favorite new pop band this year (Track of the Day 1/8/09)

When the quartet walked onstage to a plot comprise of drum machines, guitars, and a heavenly light presentation, I knew the next 30 minutes would be etched into my gigging history forever. The band played out the album with the same meaningful arrangements that exists on the CD. As they rode through the set – the stand out tracks ”Basic Space,” “Crystalised,” and “Shelter” completely drove home how endearing their songwriting is. Both Romy and Oliver’s vocals were sweet and tender, while Jaime’s impressive coordination on the MPC and Baria’s magic touches on the keys summed up an epic full sound. It’s wonderful to see a group of 20 year olds make a bold attempt in making classic tracks for this generation and the ones to come.

Enjoy this latest remix by The XX of Florence’s You’ve Got The love and my guerilla style iPhone shot vid below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

For the KSPACE-rs in the U.S. – go and see The XX when they embark on their North American tour supporting Friendly Fires on November 11. First stop Bowery Ballroom in NYC, Nov 21 at Henry Fonda Theater in Hollyweird plus many more cities.

Track of the Day: Joy Orbison “Hyph Mngo”

Peggy — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:48:57 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is the kind of track we like to celebrate hump-day with. Joy Orbison’s “Hyph Mgno” catches our rays with its bright homage to disco, house, and 2-step. Joy is another South London producer who originates from the thriving dubstep scene but takes a venturing detour past those breaks to a funkier place and time. The loopy session featuring an adulated female vocal has been labeled as “dubstep futurism.” Some have already called it out as the dubstep/garage track of 2009. Hotflush, another exciting underground UK label, have only now released the 12inch, even though its been gracing the playlist of both Radio 1 and underground playlists. Fair warning here – playing this track may make one forget what day of the week it is.

Basement Jaxx feat. Sam Sparro “Feelings Gone”

Jonathan — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:10:56 +0000

It’s been a while since the Jaxx’ last full-length, and even longer since the last decent record. To be fair, Crazy Itch Radio, had its moments, but now the real Basement Jaxx are back with Scars, their fifth CD. It was just a matter of time before the guys, Simon and Felix, got behind the green screen again and stirred it up in a video. Joined by vocalist Sam Sparro, the Jaxx return to their classic esoteric house track — pure pop and tons of soul. The background synths and vocals really deepen the Jaxx sound, with layers like these they’ve created fertile pop songs without losing too much of their trademark edge. Previous Jaxx hits have been rawer, but there’s no doubting that what they have here is a “hit.” If you thought “Raindrops” was good, click play.

Click here to view the embedded video.

David Byrne Plays the Roundhouse

Peggy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:00:53 +0000

One of my favorite cultural venues in London, The Roundhouse has turned itself into one gigantic musical instrument. “Playing the Building,” is Talking Head’s David Byrne new sound interactive installation that uses an old pump organ connected to cables and wires affix to the rooms infrastructure to create gothic sound waves.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Only three types of sounds can be heard when you press the keys – wind, vibration, and striking. Therefore the public wont be able to play regular piano compositions, and expect to hear familiar sounds. Its about finding a new harmony with an old space. The brilliant Byrne has called this installation a “Victorian Steam Punk Technology” in reference to the original use of the building as a steam engine shed in the late 20th century. The exhibition closes this weekend, so if in London its one great thing to go see and do.

Calvin Harris Hits ‘Soccer AM’

tcroberts — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:08:25 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

The enclosed clip aired over the weekend on Britain’s Soccer AM which, for those American’s unfamiliar, is a Saturday morning sports show which features highlight football (soccer) footage as well as celebrity guests including footballers, TV personalities and sometimes musicians. This week’s guest was Calvin Harris, the Scotsman electronic producer who has taken the charts by storm since his debut I Created Disco and #1 hit with Dizzee Rascal, “Dance Wiv Me.” While this may not mean much to British audiences, the significance of this to US fans is like Danger Mouse doing a Q&A on NFL Today. Still I think it’s dope to see the mix of sports and good music for a mass audience. Good on ya, Soccer AM.

via Music Slut

Urban Riders – East London Unicyclist

Peggy — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:47:53 +0000

Unicycles weren’t only made for riding bears and circus clowns. This growing sport has now been spotted on the streets of the London’s Borough of Hackney. These particular young cyclists are bringing their own flavor to the singular tandem jumping on rooftops, strolling with their pets and promenading along Regents Canal. London photographer Alex Sturrock has manage to beautifully capture these urban riders within their concrete settings. Some real cool stuff here!

http://alexsturrock.com/

2012 Webcams Are Up

Peggy — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:31:46 +0000

Now this is the kind of CCTV we don’t mind. In preparations leading up to the 2012 games, they’ve installed cameras for us fans to geek out in anticipation of the greatest sporting ever built. Its pretty fascinating to see how quickly things are progressing with only 2.5 years to go. My favorite cam is the Aquatics Center one where you see them lifting the gazillion ton wave like roof in place. It feels like a 3D effect when you see the rain splash on and off the camera. With our London predictable weather maybe they should rename it the wavepoolcam.

Watch the progress building to 2012.

Ready for the London Triathlon Aug 1 &2

Peggy — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:11:00 +0000

The London Triathlon is only a couple weeks away (August 1st and 2nd) and there is a sense in the local parks, public lidos and streets of whose been training for it. They’ve got that Triathlon focus face on. You know the rock steady look of “Im capable of doing 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km and be home in time for lunch.” It is definitely a race for the fittest and bravest that attracts more than 10,000 contestants to London, making it one of the worlds largest triathlon. I’ll be down there in the crowds on day 2 checking out the attractions and routing for the a couple friends who are attempting their first triathlon. Very exciting.
If you’re lookin’ for a pair of training kicks for your own personal triathlon check out these New styles.

Pic above by Diamond Geezer

Watch/activate: skate, bmx, graf community ‘Save the Southbank’

Peggy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:24 +0000

The London skateboard/bmx/graf community was not going to let the city hold the sole fate of their 35 year old homestead beneath the Southbank Centre without a match. Last year when “the Undercroft” (under the Queen Elizabeth Hall) was being threatened by lingering urban development, the wheels community got together and decided to film and distribute a 22 minute documentary called Save the Southbank (full doc here)

Click here to view the embedded video.

petitioning the importance of keeping this area available to both the skaters, bikers, graffers and the thousands of daily passersby visiting the arts center. A year later the city and the skaters have come to a successful agreement where the Undercroft will remain a public space for rollers to roam.

'Ghost skaters' ? luckily not 'cause the Undercroft saved. Photo by lomoD

There are probably loads of active communities who would benefit and be inspired to preserve their urban playgrounds. Get involved, stay positive and keep it moving!

(See more photos by Mlle Jordan and lomoD)

Review/Gallery: Pimps reach new heights in London

Jonathan — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:43:24 +0000

It felt to me like their recent show at the WF in Sete had soared to new heights – with a mix of that incredible Pimps energy, the oceanside setting with an immmediate packed upfront dancefloor, the new songs (including a stompin’ Pigbag cover) and classics given an almost pop feel if possible from jazz players this incredible ! YES i’m gushing but i’ve now seen the Soil & “PIMP” Sessions boys perform about 8 shows in about as many cities and last night once again soared to new heights ! literally as seen in the pic below and musically with the band on fire, riffin’ with each other to get to that next plateau.

Tabu Zombie and Moto take it to new heights. Photo by Jeremy Boxer

Some of it may be that it’s a London crowd who think they know what to expect by now and part that Koko’s become an excellent music venue but clearly the Pimps love to play as much and as hard as possible with Shacho agitator at the helm causin’ ruckus with the mighty powerhouse Midorin exploding right back with Akita bass maestro, Tabu Zombie and Motohari’s horn fury and Josei keyin’ it perfectly in sync right back and beyond !

Pimps up up 'n way up. Pic by Jeremy Boxer

Props to Toshio Matsuura for warmin things up nice like a UFO and GP and the Brownswood crew for another rockin’ WW10 celebration, well fit to follow on from recent Q-Tip and Mulatu and Heliocentrics scorchers, And never forgetting all of you in the crowd/s for the support !

Now me, i’m the lucky lucky fellow tonight who gets still some more Death Jazz tonight in Rotterdam when the Pimps will no doubt take North Sea Jazz by storm together with Shuya Okino’s Kyoto Jazz Massive live and Toshio Matsuura DJ set.

Click here for the Exclusive photo Gallery from our lens man Yev Kazannik who was up close last night.

mighty powerhouse Midorin. Pic by Jeremy Boxer

Exhibition: Britpop’s Court Painter, Elizabeth Peyton

Matt Diehl — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:34:20 +0000

Ever have an image shock you back into another era? Well, then, don’t be surprised if the works of artist Elizabeth Peyton catapult you back to the swingin’ ’90s of Britpop’s golden era: one look at her 1996 portrait of Liam Gallagher is enough to cause the viewer to break out in Union Jack-shaped welts and terrace chants – and that is meant as a compliment, by the way. Her works are currently on display in a show at London’s esteemed Whitechapel Gallery entitled “Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton” – you can read a great review of the show here – and it couldn’t seem more timely. This nostalgic time travel feels suddenly quite crucial in the midst of recent global collapse:

Britpop’s joyously sodden optimism, substance-fueled determination to succeed and arena-ready collective consciousness proves a rush of rose-colored cheer juxtaposed against our current gray days.

Peyton’s work remain powerful because its heady perfume of nostalgia and sweat redolent of stimulants and vodka feels authentic, like reportage, and which it is: created at the height of Britpop mania, Oasis vs. Blur and what have you, it’s like you are there, the painterly brush strokes mimicking the blurry vision of the moment, slightly out of focus like a freeze frame… But like the Oasis song that provides the title to Peyton’s show, that she has frozen these images in time via paint gives them a kind of slightly embalmed immortality. In other words, life trudges on, but in revisiting Peyton’s work, the party always keeps going until dawn….

via NME

Win/Download: new Summer Bubblers mix by Katie Skills

Jonathan — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:42:37 +0000

It’s time for another Summer Bubblers at Cargo London this coming Saturday 18 July featuring a top lineup celebrating the next gen of Bass Allstars. No worries if you are not in fact in London cause you can still get a taste of the evening by downloading this Katie Skills podcast right here. For those in the area you have a chance to WIN a pair of tickets by answering with 2 artists who were at the first Summer Bubblers.

This hotter than July Bubblin’ affair features Bristol dubstep sensation JOKER, West London’s BULLION, a live performance from dancehall sensation De Tropix, LuckyMe’s producer outfit The Blessings, Rinse FM’s Alexander Nut, and Katie Skills. Presented by Brownswood, Peggy UNLTD and KSPACE.TV

Free/Win/Download:Soil & PIMP Sessions at Koko

Jonathan — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:05:43 +0000

Gilles is inviting all those who enjoyed this past weekend at WF09 in Sete to continue the party at the mighty Soil & “PIMP” Sessions live at Koko this Thursday July 9th together with DJ’s Toshio Matsuura and Gilles Peterson – bring with your wristband or proof of purchase of WF tickets are you’re IN !

If not you still have a chance to WIN a pair of tickets for this not to be missed London event by simply naming 2 members of the PIMPS and you’ll know by end of play Wednesday if you’re the lucky one. AND

AND so if after all you’re not in London this Thursday, you can still catch Soil & “PIMP” Sessions on Tour now AND download a free live podcast of the Death Jazz experience from the Soil & “PIMP” Sessions 2008 gigs at The Roundhouse and Bush Hall.

Do any of you recall Zed Bias’ remix of Sahara? Two years on and it hasn’t budged from Gilles’ record bag. Get it here !