Jan 17, 2017
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Shouts out to Luke Davis at sampleface.co.uk for the coverage
NOMAD - FOUND TAPES (BAD012, 15/05/16) Interview
Nomad is a mysterious figure; in the video for recent single ‘The Smoker’ he is cloaked in darkness, offering a glimpse into an insomniac world. The follow-up, ‘Michael Caine’, held true to this theme, a warped late-night slow jam that is imbued in dubby atmosphere, with his breathy vocals cutting starkly through the haze.
However, there is a certain amount we can deduce about this shadowy rapper from his video. For example, Fila is clearly his brand of choice when it comes to caps, and we can clearly see his stomping grounds of Bristol in the shots of the suspension bridge and the sprawled graffiti lettering.
This tentative handshake is a fitting introduction to his solo work, seeing that his first album, ‘Found Tapes’, sounds very little like any of his work with Bad Places prior, nor his recent collaboration with Brighton girl-group Pure Gold. Nevertheless, that does not mean to say that he decided to limit the diversity of tracks on this record.
Much like his name, he raps nomadically over different bpms, different styles, and different types of instrumentation. What he has managed to do on ‘Found Tapes’ is synthesize these influences into a style of his own, and instead of appearing as a portfolio of his skillset, the nine tracks here serve as an enforcement of his own sound.
He is joined on this project by vocalist Anna Stellardi, Bristol R&B crooner Eskimoe, South London’s Cave City, and London MC Tony EQ.
INTERVIEW
1) How would you describe your sound ?
I would say my sound is like an updated 90s boom bap style, very lyrically focused with lots of different flows and tones. I’m still in the process of developing and exploring my own sound so it’s constantly changing and evolving. This album marks the start of me finding my own style.
2) Can you talk about the features on the record ?
The features all came about organically, the artists slotted in naturally in different places on the album and all did a sick job. And my sister Anna ended up featuring on ‘The Smoker’, she can sing well and it just came about naturally! Big ups to Eskimoe, Tony EQ and Cave City who all did their thing on the tracks and each brought something different to the project.
3) Who are your influences?
I have influences from all over the place. From the UK artists like Kano, Devlin, Jesse James Solomon and Verb T come to mind. From the US I am big on Nas’ and Biggie’s storytelling, Eminem was the first rapper I ever heard, and some of the sounds from American artists like Earl Sweatshirt and Mellowhype inspire me too. Then there’s Italian rappers like my cousin, who introduced me to rap, along with Bassi Maestro and Lord Madness. Outside of Hip Hop, artists like Burial and Mura Masa.
3) It's getting difficult to make any meaningful distinctions between styles of music from different places, so would you still describe your album as a UK album?
My album is definitely a UK album. I’m born and bred in the UK and UK influences can be heard in the music and the lyrics. But I know that the fact I’m Italian influences my style and my lyrics, and my producer is English but grew up outside of England for a long time. Still, I would say the album is homegrown UK music.
4) Has Bristol as a city influenced your musical direction?
Bristol has influenced my musical direction massively. The city’s energy and vibrancy and it’s musical history definitely played into shaping the music I make. Just walking around in Bristol puts me in a creative state of mind.
5) Build or destroy?
Variety is the spice of life - a bit of both.
6) What is more important to you as an artist, capturing a certain energy or striving for perfection?
I am definitely a perfectionist and sometimes through the course of making this album my producer Lyons would have to remind me of the bigger picture on a certain track when I would get too caught up in the details. My writing process almost always starts with trying to find a vibe or energy by freestyling and then refining what I come up with though.
7) What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I thought I would want to take a break from writing songs and rapping, but I found that finishing this project has just made me hungry for more. I am going to focus more on my production in the next few months and see what comes from that. Doing some shows with the new material and making video content is a priority too.
SAM PICARDY - CHARLESTON (BAD009, 14/04/16) Interview
After establishing himself in 2016 as the charismatic singer, songwriter, and guitarist for London new wave group Konsole, alongside bandmates Louis Clark, Alex Smith, Will Gilchrist and Ben Palmer, the Northern crooner ventures out alone for his latest track, ‘Charleston’, a heart-string ode recorded using an Otari MTR 90 1983 tape machine.
The track echos the Ealing-based musician’s Northern roots, with guitar work that is reminiscent of indie-pop outfit The Wake paired with longing lyrics delivered in adenoidal baritone. That said, the young musician’s references do nothing to limit his music. While his carefully packaged vocal performances may resemble Morrissey or Edwyn Collins’ emotional gymnastics, it’s clear to see that his priorities lie in something greater than simply constructing a sum of these parts. ‘Charleston’ is a delicate song with autonomous instrumentation, complete with a doo-wop inspired outro; all in all, a perfect introduction.
This single is the first installment from Sam’s new Station Records imprint, dual-released with Bad Places Records. Be sure to check out Konsole live in London at a venue near you, as well as Sam’s work in post-punk band Maladaire.
“A simple dream at night that felt so true, Is prodded and poked by a miserable you”
INTERVIEW
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND?
Sam: I'd say my sound has developed from being punky and based around 3-4 chords to being more traditionally rock and roll based (as cliche as it sounds), also the main focus has shifted to synths rather than guitar sounds.
AS A BAND LEADER AND A SOLO ARTIST WOULD YOU SAY YOU PREFER WORKING ALONE OR COLLABORATION?
For the most part I usually write on my own anyway and then take it to a close friend or a band member to get some sort confirmation that what I'm writing isn't trash. Writing for Konsole is a very different experience to writing on my own. I'd say writing solo gives me free reign and the pressure is off, but I love the subtle competition in collaborations. I'm definitely 50.50.
HAS YOUR LOCATION INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC?
Location is a major factor when it comes to songwriting for me. Living in London has made me understand what I am actually able to write and has made me realise that I'm hardly restricted. Having said that, there are differences in results based on location, writing in the studio is completely different to writing in a bedroom and I think it's clear as to which songs have been written where.
BUILD OR DESTROY?
Definitely destroy, then rebuild.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2016?
A new load of Maladaire songs loom and there's sure to be an album or at least an EP sorted by the end of the summer. I always look forward to the Maladaire project. There's always an initial idea as to how the song(s) will sound, but it's never an idea we keep to and the outcome is always a surprise.
My record label Station Records will carry on as is and continue to release singles and potentially some EP's by the end of the summer depending on the old schedule!
I'm happy with the way my solo single has come about and the songwriting process was enjoyable so I'm determined to focus on that for a while. Konsole have potentially got a tour in summer so that is also on the horizon. I'm going to take 2016 as it comes.
https://soundcloud.com/bad-pla-ces
Tunes of the Week 27. 09. 15
Idk man but every time a demon mentions that they have been "riding" a person's body on SPN my mind goes to bAD PLACES MAN
I always fall into the trap of thinking that people care, then when I really need them most they act as if they dont even know me, it kills me to think that if you was in need then Id be there to comfort you but when its the other way round its a straight on stab in the heart. Its not a nice game we're playing here and I dont think I wanna take part anymore