what we have become.

Dark Hearts

2011-09-15T01:50:00.001+01:00

so slack

2011-07-11T14:24:00.001+01:00

with this these days.

new acid

FBI documents indicate UFO landings

2011-04-12T04:33:00.000+01:00

Copied from Yahoo news:

The previously classified records, which contain information of extraterrestrial encounters dating back 60 years, show eye-witness accounts of flying saucers and alien life forms.

In one document, a special agent in charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office sent a letter to the FBI's director on 22 March 1950, claiming that an Air Force investigator recovered a spacecraft in a field near to Roswell, New Mexico.

It reads: "Three so-called flying saucers had been recovered in New Mexico. They were described as being circular in shape with raised centers, approximately 50 feet in diameter."

The report, which is registered on the FBI's online Vault library, then goes on to describe the 3ft human-like bodies of the aliens among the remains of the UFO landing.

According to the document, each foreign body was dressed in a fine metallic cloth and bandaged in a manner similar to the blackout suits used by speed flyers and test pilots.

The information comes after the Ministry of Defence released thousands of pages of UFO material at the National Archives last month.

Speaking with Yahoo! UK News today, Nick Pope, a former UFO investigator for the British Ministry of Defence commented on the reports, saying: "These documents are extremely interesting, but it's going to be very difficult to discover the truth after so many years. There are many questions for the FBI and the United States Air Force, but the problem is that nobody now working for these organisations will have been employed at the time of the incidents described."

"Even if we don't solve the mystery of UFOs and the Roswell crash, these papers show that the American government took a strong interest in the paranormal. Maybe 'The X-Files' is closer to the truth than people think."

David Hardy, an official from the FBI's Records Management Division said the declassification of secret files reflects a strong commitment to build public trust and confidence through greater public access to FBI records.

He said: "The new website significantly increases the number of available FBI files, enhances the speed at which the files can be accessed, and contains a robust search capability."

SICK

cooooool

2011-02-02T23:11:00.003Z

Nasa discovers new solar system

Nasa announces the discovery of Kepler-11, six new planets orbiting around a star.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20110202/video/vhd-nasa-discovers-new-solar-system-686f718.html

and

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20110202/video/vwl-ufo-hovers-over-jerusalem-15af341.html

"A UFO has been spotted hovering over one of the holiest sites in Islam, the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem."

I think this song is rather appropriate:

this afternoon

2010-09-27T05:39:00.005+01:00

absolutely loving:

new pariah
new james blake

and this

the walk to work

2010-04-21T05:21:00.005+01:00

So this is the journey to my job here in Brisbane Australia. Sliiiiightly different views compared to the walk with my previous job in England. Takes about 30-40mins, a little less if skating. Kinda a geek post but I figured would be cool to show all my old work mates and family etc...

View to the Story Bridge (takes me straight across to Kangaroo Point, where my shop is another 15mins walk)

The shop is pretty much at the bottom of that road. Mission of a journey...get fit time innit

my house

2010-04-05T09:13:00.012+01:00

So this is where I'm living in Brisbane. I live in a suburb called New Farm, in the Valley. It's a rad area. I live with 3 Australian girls, yep

I'll get more pics up of my time out here soon. So lazy atm!

new blue daisy mix...big

2010-02-20T11:41:00.000Z

Armchair Dancefloor Mix 005 - Blue Daisy by Armchair Dancefloor on Mixcloud

pleaaase someone find something

2010-01-25T20:41:00.003Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8478033.stm

the sounds of 2009

2010-01-10T22:50:00.001Z

Slightly delayed, but fuck it. I thought I'd offer a collection of some of my favourite tunes from the eventful year that was 2009. To be honest these producers/musicians have helped me through some pretty lame times over the last year (fuck relationships at this age, standard) Some tracks may have been released in 08, but still, I thought I'd post up some of the raddest tracks reaching my ears last year.

Kryptic Minds - Badman.
Seriously, this tune contains all the elements that attracted me to dubstep in early 07. Refreshing, moody and dark from a duo with so much ahead of them. I've always loved their dnb, these two can do no wrong in my eyes. Their full release was also fucking sick. Provided the soundtrack for many of my journeys during the dark winter nights. Their studio mix was also next level, with the track selection and blends making it an an overwhelming listenable experience. Favourite tune off their full length has to be this. The sub in that tune is basically telling everyone to fuck off

Hudson Mohawke - FUSE
After a string of amazing mixes from this guy through 09, I was eagerly anticipating getting my hands on his most recent release; Butter. Polyfolk Dance got me into this guy, so I knew Butter was going to be good. This tune is probably one of the most catchiest anthems I've heard in ages:

Scuba - Twitch (Jamie Vex'd remix) The synths in this are just ridiculous. I've been getting more and more into this style over the last year. This tune is just genius. For me, the connotation values introduce a dynamic use of glitch, beats and colour.

Ruckspin & Fez - All Night
I totally can't live without Ruckspin and the Ranking Records' crew in my life. Production quality is just next level. Sunshine, heart murmur, winds of change...can't get much deeper than Ruckspin and co. Tunes like Lydia's Theme by Quark just express the beauty and attention to detail in these dudes productions. Since hearing the Ranking Records mix on Electronic Explorations a couple years ago, I've been hooked. The studio mix from last year is also one of my favourite mixes of all time.

Flying Lotus - Tea Leaf Dancers
Not a new release I know, just a classic from Fly Lo doing what he does best. Laid back to fuck with an intricate use of soul-esc vocal from Andreya Triana

Stagga - Lopside (Doshy remix)
Copped this on the Lucky Me Jamie Vex'd mixtape last year, as soon as I heard this drop in the mix I had to find out who the fuck it was. Sick sounds, sick beats

Lukid - Fall Apart
Luke Blair kills it. I have to see this guy live. Taken from Foma released in late 2008, the track below just kills it. I wish this album came into my life sooner, but still, it got me through many days at work, alone in the cold!

Instra:mental - Watching You
Undoubtedly one of the best releases in 2009. Outstanding production quality, with a vocal that is just spine tingling...cliche I know, but seriously an amazing half time track built with unique atmosphere and melody

Zarif - Over (Breakage remix)
The original was good, but this remix is the shit. Again, a tune which got me through a lot of shit in 09. Blah blah

and now a selection of absolute tear out tunes which have smacked up the raves through 09:

Drumsound & Bassline Smith - Are You Ready (Dubstep Remix)
Original Sin style monster of a drop. Pure destruction

Doctor P - Sweet Shop
You have to admit this is one of the biggest dubstep tunes towards the end of 09. Immediately launched this guy amongst all the big boys, fair play...especially for a local producer.

Funtcase & Southband Hangers - Wizard Sleeve
So many haters of this kinda style. Who really cares, straight up reload.

Flux Pavillion - Digital Controller
Catchy hook, good drum work and simple, yet effective bass line structures. Super crowd friendly too

Datsik - 3 Fist Style
Sick. You either love or hate this kind of sound. I'm sure producers like datsik, excision, cookie monsta, funtcase etc have plenty more surprises in stock for 2010

Datsik - Gizmo
The melody in this is just evil. I love drops like this man, full on dark sub with metal like compositions...massive year for Datsik ahead:

Rob Sparx - What You Gonna Do (NumberNin6 Remix)
NumberNin6 is definitely one to watch out for this year. Ok so the prodigy remix did well last year, but his production is getting so much smarter. Proof:

16bit - Swine Flu
One of my favourite releases from last year. I wouldn't expect anything less from these guys. This definitely steers more towards the production ideas from the one dude who also plays in Broken Note. I'm not sure where the introduction sample in this tune is taken from, hell fun to mix into though. The drop is just ridiculous

Bar 9 - Strung Out
Another sweet use of orchestral samples from the Bar 9 Crew. Classic tune smashing up the raves early on last year.

Twisted - Dirt Cluster
I waited ages for this to finally come out, took far too long but seriously worth the wait. Gritty bass rhythm with creative use of effects, the low end is just tooooo much. This will sound completely shit on your bedroom speakers!

Emalkay - Solid State
Solid drop.

and some maaaaassive releases:

Chasing Shadows - It Was Written
Amazing remix. I pretty much rinsed this to death. These guys have such a distinctive sound it's crazy. Bristol has far too many good producers

Joker - Psychedelic Runway
2009 was a maaaaaassive year for Joker and it's only going to get better. The guy is far too talented. His tunes create so many stories and meanings, how the fuck does he do it?!

Foreign Beggars - Contact
This crew deserve the fucking world. Over the years they have grown bigger and better, collaborating and experimenting with a host of different producers and music genres. Probably their most popular track from their latest release, this tune is definitely a roller and a half on toast

Darkstar - Aidy's Girl Got A Computer
Far too underrated, but thank fuck for Steve Goodman for finally bringing this to surface. Darkstar first graced my ears with this tune back in 2008. That record will stay with me throughout my whole life man. To me, their tunes combine depth and atmosphere with haunting oriental melodies. Sick

and a couple of my personal favourites:

Don Carlos - Late Night Blues (DJG remix)
I used to love playing this at house parties at like 4/5am, when people are literally on another planet, feeding off the bass progressing on and on until the end of the track. Quality remix...get loose and let your mind wonder

Prefuse 73 - Choking you
Taken from 'One Word Extinguisher'. This guy's discography is just stupid!

I know I'm missing far too many good tunes which have raised a lot of heads, destroyed raves, podcasts, radio, etc...I've done this post tonight completely off the top of my head, so may well add an additional post at some point. Man I really want another beer right now. Had a bottle of my step dads Old Peculier and it tasted pretty damn good. Forget going out in this snow though.

Safe!

i miss this band

2010-01-06T22:12:00.001Z

amazing

2009-11-24T12:37:00.001Z

Storm Chasers: Inside the Tornado

Storm Chasers | Discovery Channel | MySpace Video

I would love to do something like this one day. Ultimate dream

like 18 weeks

2009-10-24T08:31:00.005+01:00

also I'd recommend this ill mix to download. september crack house mix. zinc

http://soundcloud.com/zinc/zincseptcrackhousemix

awesome

2009-10-14T18:35:00.000+01:00

updaaate

2009-09-07T14:00:00.005+01:00

So whats been going on?

Well I'm currently awaiting my results for my degree, should be anytime towards the end of this week/next week. Pretty positive I've done alright! Now that I have uni officially out the way, I'm concentrating on getting an office job, necessary in getting those funds to move to OZ next February 2010. I've also locked down a couple residency's in Birmingham last week, you should see me playing out in Subway City a bit more often!

So....

I'm filling the rest of my time as an assistant promoter for Plug After Hours Club in Birmingham, England. I've been given two nights to start, which will hopefully create more exposure for the club. Thinking about resurrecting my Bassfaced! nights for one Thursday each month, just need to get some ridiculous drink offers and good lineups down. I'm also looking into putting on bands on a regular basis, as it'll be something completely different for the venue and also continue to support live music in the area.

I've also recently been accepted on an internship with Australian digital distributors, Musicadium. I'll be doing the program from England, therefore not costing me a penny and giving me the chance to really really impress these guys. I'm officially a UK Correspondent, where I'll be completing an 8 week project involving various tasks, weekly Skype meetings, online promotion and more. It's all very exciting, could well benefit my job prospects of working in the music industry in OZ next year...will have to wait and see

Other cool stuff I'd recommend to anyone who may be reading this:

http://culturejam.com
http://redbullmusicacademyradio.com/shows/1215
http://www.brainfeedersite.com/2009/07/20/vida-ahu-nova
http://www.crashblogwallop.com
http://www.brokenrecordseries.com
http://www.datatransmission.co.uk
http://dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=102521

Peace!

16/10/09

2009-07-29T22:41:00.002+01:00

first dream called ocean

2009-06-23T16:09:00.004+01:00

Long time no posting shit. Well I'm freeeee from university. Completely finished, three years...done with. Now I'm just working full-time in my shitty job, buying less and less records and starting to save so I can escape.

This time last year I was flying outta Birmingham and on my way to OZ. You are missed

life out there??

2009-04-23T08:13:00.002+01:00

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090422/tsc-scientists-find-most-earth-like-exop-50a9c9d.html

pitchfork dubstep/grime/funky columns are back!

2009-04-03T22:21:00.006+01:00

Taken directly from Blackdown's much anticipated and highly welcomed return to the pitchfork column.

******

April 3, 2009

With its relentless forward momentum, urban music moves quickly. Where once it might have taken a decade or a generation to put stylistic clear water between related artists, now even as short as a few years ago can feel creatively distant. 2009 is underpinned by one trend: undercurrent. As funky moves apace, grime MCs jump on 4x4 beats and dubstep tries to roll without wobbling, the undercurrent of percussive momentum flows through them all. Yet it wasn't so long ago-- 2004-05-- when dubstep dared to disrupt its own dance by going into dark and deadly half-timed "halfstep." Led primarily by producer Loefah and DJ Youngsta, it was a time of massive risk taking and change, one that would influence so much of the genre's future progression.

In 2009, dark and deadly halfstep seems creatively distant. It's almost as if it has been forgotten, by DJs at least. Yet to lose such a bold and unique idea-- that dubstep can have impact without excessive momentum-- would be a tragedy. Luckily, in the true dubstep spirit of swimming against the tide, the small but tightly knit camp of Swamp 81 are determined not to let that happen.

It's perhaps little surprise to learn that the owner of new label Swamp 81 is Loefah himself. 2009 sees the innovator back and energized, carrying a new secret weapon. That weapon is Kryptic Minds, the production duo of Si and Leon, who-- after falling out of love with 21st century drum'n'bass-- found themselves creatively liberated. Kryptic Minds and Loefah met through Youngsta and in doing so re-formed the halfstep circle. When you factor in Headhunter and Burial's involvement, suddenly you have a very strong creative core. "I came up with the name [Swamp 81] in May. I just couldn't find anything for it. I didn't want it to be just another dubstep label bringing out whatever," explains Loefah.

Then he heard Kryptic Minds' deadly new direction, which represented something Loefah had been seaching for in dubstep for quite some time. "That night I listened to the beats... I was like 'fucking hell,' I couldn't believe it," he said. "Throughout 2008 I was very confused about where the sound was going. There was this whole jump up thing going on, which is what it is. To be honest it's not my preferred music but... it fills a gap. What I want to push with Swamp 81 is the gap that isn't really being represented anymore. The roller, the halfstep... spacious."

What Loefah heard in those first few Kryptic Minds beats is edgy, rolling, stripped back spacious dubstep that was spectacularly well made and also had its own identity-- emotive, organic in places, very junglist in spirit-- unlike the vast number of producers who tried to clone his sound in 2006, and failed. The first fruits of the partnership are Kryptic Mind's "One of Us", a deadly 12" that encapsulates producers who understand the difference between edgy and too angry; that restraint often has more impact than chaotic release. This deft understanding of the tensions and contradictions buried within dubstep, and how you use them is played out yet further on their new album, due on Swamp 81 later this year.

The most remarkable fact about Kryptic Minds is how little dubstep they'd heard before creating such a startlingly strong album. It was just Mala's "Bury the Bwoy", Loefah's "Jah War remix", and some Burial which was to ignite their passion for the sound. "To be honest I still don't listen to a lot of stuff, only what Headhunter sends," admits Si. "Maybe within this dubstep thing, I think I'm gonna be an outsider."

Maybe a distance will remain between Kryptics and the rest of the dubstep scene, but in many ways they and Loefah are as one. Look at their passports and, just like Burial's, under their occupation it reads "Original Junglist." Loefah speaks regularly about being inspired by the musical place somewhere between Reinforced Records and early Metalheadz. Si loves this era, too: Kryptic Minds signed to Metalheadz in the early part of this decade, releasing singles for Goldie's legendary imprint.

"I'm thinking Wax Doctor, Doc Scott, Goldie-- that kind of thing. It's that transitional phase between Reinforced and Headz that is in my heart" explains Loefah. "That's what I'd like to do with Swamp. And I don't want it to be labelled as 'the halfstep label.' I want it to have that kind of tunnel vision Metalheadz had in 1996, that kind of 'we're going this way. I'm not watching what you're doing, I'm not watching what you're doing-- I'm going straight ahead.'"

In that spirit, Kryptic Minds' One of Us zooms in on edgy 140bpm halfstep, forcing the listener into a headspace where perfectly placed details come into vivid focus, like the hyper-real intensity of night adrenalin. Everything is tautly coiled, as if priming the listener for a flight-or-fight reflex. The tension is barely unleashed throughout the album. "To me the album-- and this may be really gushy," enthuses Loefah, "it's like a night out. Leaving the house or wherever you are, going through the night and the last track is morning. The sun's come up and it's time for bed."

While much edgy music speaks of urban decay, Kryptic Minds live in Essex rather than London-- more outsiders than scenesters-- and some percussion sounds were recorded in the woods, striking trees for snare sounds recorded at gritty low quality on a mobile phone. It's like Burial's plan to sample footsteps scuttling out of a church flipped into a completely different setting, one that subverts the natural tendency to think of urban decay when placed in a dark headspace.

But despite the edgy overtones of the album, Si and Leon found the album enjoyable and fun to make, especially in relation to the emotional context in which they wrote their last album, the drum & bass longplayer Lost All Faith. "Basically my brother died in 2000," explains Si. "In 2003, we signed to Metalheadz and were doing a lot of work for Goldie; originally it was going to be the first artist album album on Headz. But it didn't really pan out and one thing lead to another.

"We do literally a couple of tracks a year and so we just left it because I was too emotionally tired: three years in and I'd just lost my brother so I was drained, at the time I was trying to write vocals dedicated to him and I can't sing, at all. So it was kinda just a mad one because I'd lost all faith in drum & bass and because of the drugs, the drink and my brother killed himself, he had also lost all faith... So [by contrast] the new one has been great fun."

His sense of enjoyment must be infectious. As 2009 rolls on, Swamp 81 seem to be building a tight knit camp and an impressive arsenal, built by their natural affinity for each other's sound. Headhunter and Kryptic Minds have collaborated, Loefah's back on production duties again exploring his love of dark 808 drum machines, at whatever tempo he pleases. Kryptics have built a future anthem entitled "Badman" and have remixed Loefah's DMZ classic "Root" to devastating effect. Returning the favour, Loefah and Burial have been collaborating on a pair of Kryptic Minds remixes, due out on the same 12". But before all that, there's one deadly album to be dealing with first.

"I think the Kryptic Minds album and the 12"," concludes Loefah, "it's just making a bit of a statement. We're saying 'you know what? It's not this, it's not that, we're right in the middle and we're headstrong with it. You either like it or you don't.'"

Check www.blackdownsoundboy.blogspot.com in the coming weeks for the full interview with Kryptic Minds and Loefah and an exclusive mix.

by Martin Clark

******

big ups blackdown.

full article here: http://pitchfork.com/features/grime-dubstep/7638-grime-dubstep

also, check this lecture featuring Mala @ the Red Bull Music Academy in Barcelona

is this for real?

2009-03-10T12:31:00.003Z

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2009/mar/05/wonky-ketamine-dubstep-zomby

I read the above article in a bulletin from Zomby earlier today...

This is what he had to say on the matter:

"Next time you write a piece in a national newspaper try have some accuracy or even some intellectual property on the creativity or artisty of the music/artists rather than lowest common denominator music journalism i.e 'Drugs & a new music'."

Agreed. Big up Zomby!

I totally forgot how good this tune was:

baked goods

2009-03-09T13:01:00.005Z

Great distributors. Which leads me to discuss:

http://typerecords.com

Only just stumbled across this label...not sure if there's much activity anymore, but still, check the roster and seriously, get on the podcast:

http://typerecords.com/radio

bliss.

I suggest you also take a visit here:

http://musicstore.deru.la

Get on the download! I know the tracks are in 128k, but still, they're freeee

big ups DERU

unexpected

2009-02-15T23:51:00.004Z

Life can be very odd indeed. Wow.

Many exciting plans for 2009 and beyond!

Positive vibes.

fresh mix

2009-02-04T15:31:00.000Z

Feeling Ill Mix by arctic

enjoy

breathe in, breathe out

2009-01-19T15:59:00.003Z

hypocrite
contradictive

are the words that come to mind...

enjoy your "dates".

slow good morning

2009-01-15T12:09:00.002Z

Very low times indeed. Life can be a bitch. Seems the only thing that's getting me through all this fucking studying is the consumption of new records...on that note, here's what i've got lined up (when I get some money)

- New Chasing Shadows release on HENCH (by the time i get the money they will probably be all gone anyways)
- 16bit - In the death car EP
- Silkie - Skys the Limit
- Pinch - Qawwali
- Ruckspin / Quark - Sunshine/Horns promo
- Ruckspin / Quark - Miserere /Arigato
- Tunnidge - Geddeo/Facemelt
- Crissy Criss - Soap Dodger (old now but I don't have)
- Coki - Shattered/Tortured (I believe this has been repressed thankfully!)
- Ill Bill Bachelor - Choppa (forthcoming)
- Ill Bill Bachelor - I make hits
- The Grouch EP (subtrakt)
- Vesicle - Surround (forthcoming on Paradise Lost)
- Pensieri Morbidi (The Subdivision/Paradise Lost) *** DEEPEST TUNE YET.
- DMZ remix of Fat Freddy's Drop - Cays Crays (rare and I neeeeed)

I have no idea why I shared this with whoever may be reading...I'm alone in the house as usual and guess I just like talking about records instead of studying.I also have a new collaboration with my bro...release forthcoming on Andromeda Records in May. More of a hype thing!! More news on that soon.

Ok, a cup of tea is needed, then I'm going to finish this bullshit evaluation.

Missing you.

Running

2009-01-08T15:41:00.001Z

yes man

2008-11-18T19:03:00.000Z

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight... change has come to America"

2008-11-05T08:47:00.005Z

"Even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. But America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there."

Time for change for the US and congratulations to Barack Obama!

Sort it out

2008-11-04T16:38:00.008Z

So I was at a party recently, sick party, but I coudn't help understand why some of the people are so pretentious when it comes to certain tunes/producers. I love my minimal just as much as I like shit like caspa or bar9, no need to hate...

New Jakes is sick:

Rock the bells @ www.myspace.com/jakeshench

Enough procrastination for now, back to study.

pz

BIG

2008-10-23T22:18:00.002+01:00

cannot wait for this release man

study break wobble

2008-10-16T23:55:00.007+01:00

Got a promo of Jakes and Jokers well over due release of 3klane through the post this morning...features modem on the flip, big up hench crew each and everytime.

Plans for tomorrow's purchases:

The Bug feat Killa P - Ganja (I've been waiting for the release ever since I heard Loefah drop this in Australia over the summer, my favourite tune at the moment)
L-wis - Must
Bablyon System + Noah D - Examination of time VIP
Quest - Eden (been waiting for this since I heard it on rinse ages ago...magnificent!)
Unknown - Chase the devil (out of space refix!!)
Unknown - Super sharp shooter dubstep refix (this is going to be MASSIVE)
Kromestar - Pissed off
Rob Sparx - Attack of the wobble

Eagily anticipating the following releases:

Caspa - Floor dem / my pet monster
Chasing Shadows - It was written
B.U.N. vs Ill Bill Bachelor - Choppa
Twisted - Infect

In neeeeed of:

Ruskpin - Oxygen
Loefah - Disko Rekah
Loefah - mud
The Bug feat Flow Dan - Jah War (Loefah remix)
16 Bit - Presidents of Europe / PCP

Plus loadsssss more man, but thats all I can think of the top of my head right now. Not sure why I posted this blog, ok, back to studying for a little longer and then off to bed.

Peace

loefah, kromestar, chef, etc last night

2008-10-12T00:18:00.005+01:00

So last night was sick. A ridiculously good lineup, dark atmosphere, packed out rave, killer dubstep and jumpup till 5am. I'm still nursing a hangover and should really go to bed, but Jeepers Creepers 2 seems some what entertaining, some how. (It really sucks) Anyway, yet another big night in Birmingham passes, I'm pretty sure I danced the entire night like a complete idiot without fail, big night. Loefah smashed it, Chef was quality, Heist was killer from what I remember...Kromestar was BIG, the rest I can't really remember too well, but the tunes were filth. The night was seriously a lot

51 days

fuck.

2008-10-05T21:58:00.004+01:00

Seriously can't stop listening to this. Makes sense with everything.

eardrum last night

2008-09-28T12:45:00.005+01:00

Dubstep in Birmingham has exploded. I'm feeling rather worse for wear after last nights eardrum at the custard factory, consisting of a lineup with the likes of; caspa, skream, hatcha, gieom and the standard residents...

Seriously, the energy levels last night were beyond anything i've ever experienced at any other dubstep rave, the sound was sick, the atmosphere was dope and the dj's were rinsin some of the sickest tunes i've ever witnessed. Caspa played quite easily one of the best sets i've ever heard, all his big tunes and new ones, disgusting! Big up caspa last night, he made it. Off to work soon for what will be my first and my last stock-take, seriously retails blows.

my best friend right now

2008-09-26T22:32:00.002+01:00

listen. look. learn. love

2008-09-22T23:49:00.006+01:00

Daily podcasts from the dublab camp never let me down, this one is well worth a listen:

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson & Peter Jacobson - Some Sudden Strings (live at dublab)

download at:

http://dublab.com/podcast?id=1488

On the raving front, Birmingham also has a ridicolous amount of sick shows coming up:

- Caspa / Skream / Hatcha
- Zed Bias / Rusko / Oneman
- Loefah / Kromestar / Chefal / Walsh
- Bassfaced
- The Big Dirty 2
- Hospitality / Plastician
- JME + Skepta
- DJ Format

Stoked for Kromestar and Plastician. Big up all the B'ham promoters puttin the work in. Looking forward to see whats planned over Xmas, especially as my sexy girl will be here yeahhh man!

It's almost pasta time

2008-09-15T18:08:00.006+01:00

UKSA National Skateboarding Championships 08

Some of the best British skateboarding went down over the weekend. Hold tight Bob from Ideal!

Watch more Sidewalk movies >>

Also, I recently discovered some more incredible, mind soothing, cinematic sounds from the French, this one being a relase entitled, "Le Fumeur De Ciel", by Julien Neto.

In the words of Boomkat:

"What makes 'Le Fumeur De Ciel' so beautifully inviting is its delicate naivety. There is something of timeless theatrics about the record, hazy childhood memories of half-sinister puppetry and enjoyably menacing shadows. Propelled by a tireless romantic melancholy, this is a work which confronts tragic loss with an unflinching honesty. Each track is underpinned by deep memories and dried tears"

Light a zoot if possible.

www.myspace.com/julienneto

peace

the worlds biggest music collection

2008-09-13T18:23:00.003+01:00

The Archive from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

More info found here:

http://www.noiseaddicts.com/2008/09/biggest-record-collection-in-the-world-paul-mawhinney/

It's a shame that people don't want to buy. Vinyl lives!

Clouds that look like breasts

2008-08-21T22:12:00.012+01:00

I read an article earlier today from the bbc news website that seemed pretty cool.

Taken directly from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7574684.stm

MAMMATUS FORMATION

The bobbly clouds that make this image so startling are called mammatus clouds - a name derived from the Latin word for breast. They hang under the main body of other clouds.

"There is one prerequisite for a mammatus formation - a big thunderstorm - because they form on the back edge of retreating storms," says BBC broadcast meteorologist Peter Gibbs.

In storms, air moves in rapid "up draughts" and "down draughts" and mammatus clouds are essentially pockets of air and water droplets which have descended in downward draughts, he says.

While the whole cloud might measure 0.5 of a mile (0.8km) across, each mammatus cloud or "udder" is several metres wide.

They are also referred to as "supplementary features" because they are arguably not clouds in their own right, says Gavin Pretor-Pinney, who runs the Cloud Appreciation Society. Mammatus formations can be seen on any type of cloud but look most dramatic on the cumulonimbus thunderclouds seen here, he says.

They will usually last no more than five to 10 minutes.

CUMULONIMBUS THUNDERCLOUDS

Grey, brooding cumulonimbus clouds cause thunderstorms. They are menacingly dark because they are about four to five miles (6.4 - 8km) thick or tall, according to Mr Gibbs.

They contain ice crystals which frequently produce hail stones and torrential rain.

LOW SUN

According to experts, the low lying sun at 7.30pm, when this picture was taken is what makes this formation so spectacular, because it highlights the edge of the clouds and brings out their formation.

"The lighting is just right in this photo - but mammatus formations are not just a British phenomenon, they can be seen all over the world," adds Mr Gibbs.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

* Mammatus formations are not that uncommon, they occur after most thunderstorms, says Mr Gibbs.
* But dramatic scenes like this are only captured about once a year, says Mr Pretor-Pinney.
* The clouds are about 15 miles (24km) away in this photo, he estimates.
* Mammatus clouds might be behind some UFO sightings.
* "These visually arresting clouds draw attention to the beauty and drama of what is happening in the sky - and people spend too long looking at their feet," says Mr Pretor-Pinney.
* The picture was taken by Ian Pattison, 31, on 12 August.

What do you guys think? Pretty rad.

Oh yeah, so I'm home from Australia now... easily the best time of my life. Everything about the place is incredible...the culture, the lifestyles, the scenery, the weather!, the people and more. Will be heading back over in 2010, lets say on a more permanent basis. Too many problems with the UK, quite frankly, the sooner I'm outta here the better!

Favourite tunes right now:

Thunderclaps - Judgement Day + dubstep refix on the flip
Benny Page - swagger + his new tunes
Skream - Rutten
Zomby - Liquid Dancehall
Unknown (I reckon it's Mala) - Witness the fitness (Roots Manuva remix)
Sukh Knight - Diesel not Petrol
The True Tigers EP
Loefah - The Goat Stare
All new Chase & Status tunes are killing it too!

Peace

jessies' 21st / spence arrives / final weeeeeeeek!

2008-08-05T14:34:00.017+01:00

Byron Bay (21st - 24th July 08)

2008-07-25T01:55:00.025+01:00

the weekend + Ben's 21st

2008-07-21T03:12:00.008+01:00

Australia Zoo continued!!

2008-07-20T15:34:00.008+01:00

Australia Zoo!!

2008-07-20T13:52:00.017+01:00

Outback Adventures (Chinchilla)

2008-07-14T08:06:00.017+01:00

the last few days

2008-07-09T15:25:00.008+01:00

some pictures of my 21st!

2008-07-09T15:12:00.004+01:00

jac's momma's garden!

2008-07-09T14:54:00.002+01:00

blog this man

2008-07-03T08:38:00.022+01:00

Mooloolaba

2008-06-30T10:37:00.004+01:00

Brisbane / Sunshine Coast

2008-06-30T01:57:00.013+01:00

carlton beeeeeeeeeeeer

2008-06-27T07:59:00.032+01:00

Australiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

documenting satellites

2008-06-22T12:31:00.005+01:00

I read an article over at wired.com recently which seemed rather interesting. Have a read: http://www.wired.com/culture/art/news/2008/06/secret_satellites

London Elektricity in Birmingham

2008-06-20T12:27:00.003+01:00

Tonight yo! Maaaan, I can't wait for this. I've been a fan of Tony Colman and Hospital for ages now, considering how long it's been since a LE set, I'm anticipating some huge tunes tonight. Of course there will be big tunes from his forthcoming release, but hopefully some stuff from Power Ballads too. Danny Byrd also appearing in support of his "Supersized" release, this guy smashes it, can't wait to hear his set too.

It's a rare occassion tonight, the whole crew out for one last rave for a while. With Appleblim and a pretty good support of dubstep poolside, tonight is going to be big.
Off to set the decks up now for tonights pre-drinking and mixing antics round Jons...oh my Komonazmuk promo came through this morning, such a sick producer, these tunes are dope! Big up the hench crew time after time!

I'm out. Peace!

Hench competition

2008-06-19T08:21:00.006+01:00

I won! Yeahhhhhhhhh man!

http://www.nu-urbanmusic.co.uk/?q=henchcomp

Off to start a decorating job outside. It's going to raaaaaaain...

This cereal smashes it!

Excitement is in the air

2008-06-17T20:27:00.009+01:00

Let me just start off by apoligising for being so lazy with my posts, I'm going to step up my game I assure you! Let me begin:

Maaaaan I'm so stoked right now! On Monday (23rd), I fly out to Australia. Like, I haven't been on a plane in years, atleast 4 or 5 years. I'll be off on a 24hour journey, to meet someone very special to me. Oh boy, mega mega excited dudes!! My journey shall take me to Brisbane, where I'll be spending my summer in Salisbury, with my girl Ja-ca-lyn! Nothing but relaxing, partying, exploring and living life. Photos will be up here on a regular basis for all who reads, believe me I intend to keep everyone updated with my adventures. Arghhhhh!!!

Currently watching the Italy v France game with my boy spence, whom shall also be setting foot on Australian land towards the end of July. Oh, I will also be meeting my sister, who I haven't seen for like 10months, for a joint celebration of our 21st birthday on the 5th July. OH BOY!!! If someone were to predict this would be happening to me when I was waving goodbye to my sis last august, I would have laughed.

Some plans for my trip:

Byron Bay
Outback adventures
Goon!
Trip to Jac's Momma's house!
Trip to Jac's Nana's place!
Sigur Ros in Melbourne?
Loefah, yes, he's touring Australia when I'm there. Raving in Aus! Unreal man!

plus many many more crazy and enthralling adventures, brahhhhhh!!

I'm not so sure if this blog makes much sense, I'm just so damn excited yo!

Favourite tunes/producers/records at the moment:

DJ Nobody - Blankblue / Western Water Mix Vol.2
Danny Byrd - Supersized EP
Darkstar - Need You
Gregor Samsa - Rest
London Elektricity - Everything forthcoming on Syncopated City man!!
Loefah - His entire back catalogue! Suuuuuub bass
Clouds - Under the dancing feet/worms 12"
Sukh Knight - Born Invincible EP
Jakes - Hench 02 EP
Chase and Status - new dubplate: http://www.getdarker.com/?id=5&auid=400 kiiiiiiiller!!
DJ IQ & Asaviour
Foreign Beggars / Virus Syndicate / Vex'd collaborations
Goth-Trad - Back to chill
Kode 9 and Skream

I'm sure there's more, but thats all I can think of at the moment.

Working on a new dubstep tune with my bro, got a real good trance/deep medi feel about it, with some serious sub-bass action. It's so rad working with my bro, I learn so much in-terms of improving my production skills, so much fun! This tune is gonna be big. This blog is getting big. I'm out!

Peace!

Yesterdays visit to tempest...

2008-05-01T23:08:00.000+01:00

I bought this.

Probably one of the best records i've heard this year. Double LP on red + blue. So amazing.