Lucky Number Music

FTSE is Midlander Sam Manville. At 13 years old he formed Blakfish, a proclaimed hardcore punk band, and toured for much of the following decade before forming FTSE and releasing a trio of well received brooding electronic EP’s which earned accolades from The Guardian, Fader, Dazed, i-D and more. On ‘Joyless’, which we release today, FTSE retains the ear for a great hook and the gritty textures that initially made his electronic pop blow up, but this is more ambitious in every way.

Combining the vehement thrashes of the music of his youth, free-flowing social analytics together with various sonic infusions, he has created a fearlessly bold statement for a debut album: with the frank and informed voice of KLF or PSB’s through a globalized and comfortably chaotic pop sound. ‘Joyless’ is Manville’s defeatist manifesto on our over-connected, over-stimulated and over-priced world. It’s defeatist in the sense that it’s the voice of those who feel trapped in a system, but unable to see a way out – but that’s not to say it’s not angry. Really, really angry.

We’re proud to be releasing such an ambitious, bold and entertaining album.  He’s a huge talent, and this is amazing music.  Go support it: iTunes, Rough Trade.

“One of the most impressive new UK producers around.” The Line of Best Fit

“Essentially Drake if he came from the Midlands not Ontario.” The Guardian

Today is release day for FW14 the debut album by Christian Rich and we are very proud to release such a genre-bending album that’s looking to focus on quality, whilst bringing disparate sounds and artists together as a glorious whole. Of course it’s not unusual for a record made in LA to rack up a stack of features, but from legend Steve Arrington, through GoldLink to Denetia & Sene, and the New Faith Apostolic Children’s Choir these all stand out. We imagine this almost like Dilla and Daft Punk in the studio reinventing r’n’b. It’s a future classic. Please buy from you preferred retailer (suggestions: Rough Trade, iTunes) and go forth and spread the good word.

“Taiwo and Kehinde have honed their beat-conducting mastery down to an eclectic mix of tracks that have hip-hop at their core, but skew to electronic experimentation through complex drum loops, decadent keys, cascading effects and samples that’ll send you down exploratory wormholes of classic music.” Pigeons and Planes

“their space/time travel themed debut is nuanced, wide-raging and deep…calls to mind beat mavericks such as N.E.R.D., Madlib…adding David Axelrod’s cosmic-jazz orchestrals and Marcos Valle’s bossa nova style to…future R&B, woozy electro-funk and psychedelic soul” The Metro 

“pointilistic productions” Pitchfork Best New Music

Coming with a proper head of steam of recognition from both creative and commercial corners the debut Christian Rich album ‘FW14’ is released today, and to commemorate the release the duo reveal the video for lead single ‘Compromise’ featuring the vocal talents of Sinead Hartnett, Secaina Hudson and GoldLink.

An intimately choreographed piece filmed in one shot all in camera, it features stunning balletic movements in a downtown LA apartment, enacting the internal tug-of-love the song describes as the lead actress’s lover sleeps. Speaking of the video Christian Rich said “Robo came up with a great treatment. It reminded us of Michael Jackson’s ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ video…a ‘first thing in the morning video’.”   Premiered with The FADER, you can watch below.

Is there any doubt that 2015 is already shaping up to be the year of Hinds?

Already the Madrid quartet of Ana Perrote, Carlotta Cosials, Ade Martin and Amber Grimbergen have enthralled listeners with their strain of gloriously ramshackle and instantly addictive guitar pop, played sold out shows across UK and Europe and have had publications such as NME and the FADER anointing them one of the best new bands around right now.

Now, following on from their blistering set at Visions Festival last weekend, the band are unveiling the video for their new track “Chili Town” directed by themselves and Alex de Lucas. And if you haven’t already fallen head over heels in love with the band, you certainly will now, filled as it is with all the irrepressible goofiness, inherent sassiness and infectious exuberance that can be witnessed onstage.

Indie-pop renaissance man and musical DIY-er Darwin Deez will release his third full-length record entitled Double Down this Autumn, and he has just premiered the album’s catchy-as-hell second single “Time Machine” as Zane Lowe’s “World Record” on Beats 1. To celebrate the release of his new song, Darwin has announced a US tour and also added further shows to his European tour including London’s Islington Assembly Hall on October 27.  Tickets are on sale now for all shows.

“Time Machine” is an exciting dance floor-ready tune with the most ridiculous fret-board crawling bassline, but on closer listen tells the tale of a strained friendship. “I don’t like having enemies or being on bad terms with people,” Darwin Deez explains. “But an old friend of mine is keeping me at a distance. I really prefer to talk these kind of things out, but some people just don’t. That’s what inspired the words to “Time Machine” – wanting to hurry up, get past the bitterness and on to the reunion. “

Double Down will be released on September 18th. Recorded, performed, mixed and mastered entirely by Darwin in his 6-floor Williamsburg walk-up, Double Down is a vibrant slice of pure pop perfection, and a beautifully balanced representation of Darwin’s rich and varied catalogue; his finest record to date.

Press here to pre-order a CD or vinyl and here to pre-order the album on iTunes now.