AWmusic

The history between Anderson.Paak and extreme looper Knxwledge is an extensive one, so it’s easy to understand that when they come together as NxWorries that their music is nothing less than trans-formative. After news broke that the duo would not only be releasing a new album, but that it was also dubbed by Paak himself as his “best work yet,” we got goosebumps. Both have dropped exemplary music between 2015 and 2016, straying away from the noise rap hubbub and refining their smooth, fluid works and sounds respectively.

Fast forward a few months and we now have an official release. Yes Lawd will be available to the masses on October 21st through Stones Throw with an extensive 19 track song list. Along with this news, we were treated with a single from the album titled Lyk Dis. It’s textbook Paak and Knx… fierce vocals and smooth talking as the beat knocks subtly, leaving you nothing left to do but bounce along. Take a listen below.

Just in time for one of the best looking weekends in Toronto, Miguel has surprised us by releasing the Salaam Remi produced Come Through and Chill . It’s everything you’d expect from a Remi x Miguel track – extremely effortless and laid back as if he’s had one too many tokes and laying on a beach, sun-kissed.
Show some love and listen below.

It’s been quite the interesting couple of years for L.A. songwriters THEY. Just last year they released the well received Nu Religion EP and toured with budding the R’n’B star Bryson Tiller, so it’s good to see them ride on this growing wave. Say When, purportedly a single from their upcoming 7 track project, has an undeniable live-rock-hop aesthetic a la Rae Sremmurd in the best of ways; they sound fresh and exhilarated with this tint of chill that makes you want to rock away.
Take a listen below.

The humble brass band isn’t a type of music that typically gets a lot of attention; they’re there in the background playing at your village fete or town festival year after year but they’re rarely singled out for much in the way of attention.

In recent years the genre has seen something of a comeback, however, with new brass bands popping up that sport current playlists, smaller ensembles and less funereal outfits than the traditional ill-fitting blazers, worn by men and women alike.

It’s a style of music that’s underrated at the best of times, forming the basis of some of classical music’s most powerful crescendos and influencing popular music styles like jazz and even ska.

The sound of a brass band playing is sure to send a wave of nostalgia through you, so read on to find out more about this underappreciated genre of music and whether it’s time for brass bands to have their moment in the spotlight once more.

Traditional brass bands

The traditional British brass band is a model that’s been exported to more or less all of the commonwealth countries, and brass bands usually consist of around 28 members. Playing a combination of brass instruments and percussion, the sound of a British brass band is distinct from other types because of its cheerful upbeat sound, unusual for an ensemble of brass instruments.

Brass bands have traditionally been military in nature and lend themselves to parades because musicians are able to march and play at the same time. In the UK they have become inextricably linked with the working class and the Industrial Revolution; many brass bands which exist to this day were set up by factories and pits as a leisure activity for the workers.

Many brass bands also travel the country (and sometimes beyond) to compete against other bands in order to win titles and prestige; the most famous of these is the National Brass Band Championships but competitions are held at all levels in which bands can compete.

One of the brass bands that will immediately spring to mind for many people is the Salvation Army Band, of which there is one wherever a Salvation Army exists. Music is a very important part of worship in the movement and playing in the band is very much encouraged, but Salvation Army bands can also be seen out and about at various events raising money for charity, or simply raising the profile of the Salvation Army.
Brass in the modern mainstream

Over the last few years the use of brass instruments in popular music has become quite routine, allowing artists to add a jazz or ska edge to their track. While songs backed by a full brass band are still fairly unusual, prominent brass instruments are not.

Vampire Weekend have seen significant success in the UK as well as at home in the States with their catchy ska-inspired tunes on which many brass instruments can be heard, while Rizzle Kicks’ Down With The Trumpets was a big hit in this country and Jason Derulo’s Trumpets was an international hit in 2013.

Away from pop music, Jamie Cullum’s young, fun brand of jazz has helped to bring a different type of music to the masses, and many imitators of all genres have started to use more brass instruments in their music over the last few years.

One of the coolest of the new wave of brass bands adding innovation to the tired old formula is the Hackney Colliery Band, which performs current hits and unlikely throwbacks (think covers of The Prodigy and David Bowie).

The old-meets-new tactic has won the band legions of loyal followers and each year they play to sold out audiences across the UK and beyond. If Hackney Colliery Band is anything to go by, then we’d say that brass is definitely back and with more talented brass bands appearing every day, it looks like it’s here to stay.

If you’re looking for the Hackney Colliery Band agent to book this innovative new band for your next event then look no further; they’re represented by MN2S in the UK and are available to book for all types of party and event.

Mike-Will Made It, Gucci Mane Slayed It.