While in University, the final year or so I was busy attending music events taking photos, while working with one of the biggest music platforms in the UK. At the time, I was near certain that I wanted to do it indefinitely.
Going to places like 1Xtra and Boiler Room, attending video shoots, photographing interviews and freestyles; all of these seem minor to me in the grand scheme of things but they provided some of my fondest memories in/around music and photography. They allowed me to meet my favourites.
As with all things that seemed to good to be true — they usually are — it didn’t last so well. I finished University and soon after I was leaving London with nothing but uncertainty. Moving back home meant that my proximity to all of these events had far increased which ultimately made it taxing to attend them often. This, coupled with the badly coincidental lack of work, meant that I was steadily losing the passion. Amongst other things, anyway.
I’ve not really been around so much since Uni finished — because, well, life happened a bit. Something I have realised is that along the way I lost a sense for why I did the things I loved to do. I’ve ended up spending more time trying to find that same passion, as opposed to just doing what made me happy. One of the things that contributed massively to my happiness was seeing my favourite musicians perform.
Now — attending purely for enjoyment — it serves as a welcome reminder of how much I love it. No camera; no pressure. I’ve not been to so many but those that I have been to, have been vital boosts to my positivity. I was able to focus on what was taking place without having to consider the job at hand. What a blessing.
28 Jan ‘16
23 Winters. Kojey Radical. I’ve followed Kojey’s work from mid-2013 roughly and seen him perform numerous times. The first time being Hoxton Hall, 29 Aug ’13. That was responsible for what is maybe my favourite ever live perfomance. I have seen him since numerous times — Jan ’14, May ’14, Aug ’14, Apr ’15 — but nothing can compare to this show at Oslo, Jan ‘16.
With support from 808INK (🐐🐐), Bobii Lewis & Lily Mercer, the mood was perfect throughout. Around this time I hadn’t been missing for too long but I felt like I hadn’t seen some of my friends in a ridiculous amount of time.
Kojey served up another reminder that he is undeniable. Seeing this kind of progression over 2.5 years is a blessing. And I don’t doubt he’ll continue.
31 Oct ‘16
It Is. JMSN. Like Kojey, I’ve followed JMSN for years. When I was put on to his debut Priscilla I was blown away. It’s the kind of album I’m still trying to get my head around, five years on. Though this wasn’t the first time seeing JMSN the GOAT perform live, it was probably my favourite.
Jazz Cafe probably was the perfect setting for JMSN to showcase what was his current setlist — mostly tracks from It Is and the self-titled JMSN. What a wow. It was my first time at Jazz Cafe and 3rd time seeing JMSN.. just.. perfect. I sat up on the balcony and had a meal while listening to some of my favourite music, with amazing company.
See the main things these two occasions have in common is this: I was seeing artists whose music I could never quite describe; artists whose success I was waiting to see; and I did not have a camera with me.
Free to enjoy.
13 Apr ‘17
Recluse. Oscar #worldpeace. Just a month after release of Oscar #worldpeace’s project Recluse and we’re treated to this. Oscar, Fredwave and slowthai; Sebright Arms.
With Chloë Dees maintaining the vibe throughout on the decks, those in attendance were blessed to three of the most promising artists in the UK.
Fredwave has been steadily working toward his debut album for the past couple of years while occasionally dropping some incredible content. Faith, Home, Change, Kno Betta, War, 99, Pray. It’s only right we get used to reading “written and produced by. Fredwave” because I see nothing changing any time soon.
His set opened with a currently unreleased track and so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Saying that, I’ve never seen him perform before so it was all fresh. These songs are sounding crisp, to put it simply. Working closely with Ben Beheshty, these new works are Burial-level incredible. And even that description is without considering the vocals.
Fredwave’s lyrical musings feel like the perfect representation to the moods that I dwell in for all too long. The perfect company for solitary walks in the darkness.
slowthai — no space, no caps — is cold. Simple as that. Hailing from NN, I first came across slowthai with the track Rêveur — released under a different moniker. Coupled with a striking visual, he was immediately captivating.
Now adopting the name slowthai, he’s released banger after banger. Check Jiggle for proof. His debut project — slowitdownn ノノ — is a perfect continuation of, and improvement on, the energy he provides.
Speaking of which.. his energy was through the ceiling of Sebright Arms and way past the roof of the building. “Drug Dealer/I wear Nike, not Fila” rang out and immediately everyone lost their sh*t. In no time, slowthai was amongst the audience reciting bar after bar from t n biscuits, wiseman and jiggle while collaborator debe joined him on stage for no names.
Oscar #worldpeace first hit my radar after the release of MOOK. The most appealing thing about Oscar being that he doesn’t sound remotely like any another artist. Not one. Working his way through his nine track set list, I was reminded that every track of his is distinctly Oscar #worldpeace.
After opening with Invent — also the opening track to Recluse — Oscar took a moment to talk to us all. Oscar’s quit his job to fully focus on his music; he even performed in the fleece from his job at Tesco.
“Head low, trying to be the best though
When you see me working up a Tesco” — Oscar #worldpeace (That’s Alright)
Oscar continued through nine gems including my current favourites Just Wait and Wary. Just Wait is a straight vibe; entire settings correct on that instrumental and flow. Not to mention how slick Ragz Originale is. Wary is a different class. Same way I felt about Stormzy’s Lay Me Bare I am hooked on this track because of the uncompromising honesty on display. If I can be totally honest, I feel like Wary has a likeness to Lay Me Bare in the sense that some of the prominent lyrics revolve around the same concept of being reclusive and wanting to stay away from the outside world.
“Spend days on my own
Don’t pick up the phone too much” — Oscar #worldpeace (Wary)
Seemingly, honesty was the theme throughout. Whether Fredwave’s admission he’ll break your heart, slowthai’s slew-interspersed bars about everyday-life, or Oscar’s struggles with mental health.
Like always in music, it’s nothing less than a blessing to have this kind of experience. The honesty, craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Three of the most promising artists that we have all showcasing why exactly they are considered that.
These kind of shows happen not so often so I’m beyond glad I got to experience it. The reassurance that through struggles there will still be some light is exactly what I’ve been needing.
One final thought;
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