THE BUSY TWIST...

AFRICAN INFLUENCED BASS MUSIC. Too good for a Thursday afternoon at your desk but it will be a perfect start to your weekend. THE BUSY TWIST is made up of two very talented 21 year old producers Ollie Williams and Gabriel Benn, based in London the two have created unison between the vibrancy and energy of African musical culture with all the good bits from the UK dance scene. 

Established in 2009 on their first trip to Ghana this duo were instantly caught up in the vibrant energy and array of musical talent - since then they have built strong relationships with musicians in Ghana who they continue to work with. They have this quote across all their platforms and I think it sums it all up:

'The colour of poverty is vibrant in Ghana. Constant movement the rush of work towards the next piece of bread, creates not the downbeaten environment that is so often portrayed of a less economically developed country, but a vivid picture of energy' (Tuesday Born) 

Turn it up - it will make you happy. 'Friday Night':

JAMAICA JAMAICA...

If anyone can bring heat to this cold snap its Tanya Stephens. I think the only person who's come close to her in the last 5 years is one of my new favourites Azealia Banks.

Tanya's influential reggae emerged in the 1990's - from Jamaica, kingston - home of heat and sun - she moved later to Sweden where she signed to warner music Sweden before moving back again to Jamaica to release the critically acclaimed 'Gangsta Blues' album in 2004. 

Her label Tarantula has since released 3 of her records and this year we are due another - get ready for punchy reggae all through the winter, until then this will warm you up. 

'Its a Pity':

BACK TO IT...

Winter is looming, coats are back on and after arriving from the heat of sailing in Turkey the only thing to do is wrap up and put on some music that brings you back to warmth and wine and sails and the azur sea. 

Returning to old favourites usually does the trick but in this case a really good cover of an old favourite has done it. 

Boy & Bear from Sydney have worked out the choral harmony thing - much like Alt-J from last weeks post - seems to be a theme for now. Touring with the likes of Angus & Julia Stone and Laura Marling the band have increasingly become favourites amongst the 'drivey indie folk'. Their debut album 'Moonfire' has already reached platinum in the AIRA charts and is definitely worth a purchase, it will help the seasonal change! 

Have a listen; here is their cover of 'Fall at Your Feet'(Crowded House):