Event Review: ILUVLIVE 12th September 2011

Taking place in what hopes to be the new home of bi-weekly homegrown talent showcase, ILUVLIVE is homed in XOYO, Central London. House packed to the brim, there is a rich audience filled with not only the regular ILUVLIVE spectators, but also many industry personalities from journalists to A&Rs to managers and budding homegrown producers and artist alike. An atmosphere brimming with unsigned talent, 6 of the best are taking the stage tonight; Femfel, Sinead Harnett, Dirty Goodz, Duke, Marger and Aaron Delahunty.

It’s only correct that the DJ and Host duo of the night are ILUVLIVE’s finest residents Ras Kwame and Marcus Nasty. The atmosphere concocted by the two oozes of euphoria and pleasured vibes. Entertainment is in full swing throughout the night, each artist putting down what they do best in the spotlight. DUKE a beat-boxing who tore down the walls the last time they performed, graced the stage to take the genres throughout the various continents of the world, sounds created by the instrument of their mouths accompanied by an acoustic guitar.

Heads in the audience bopped along throughout MARGER’s set, during which Scrufizzer and No Lay joined him on stage for the track ‘Goons’ taken from Marger’s ‘Cheeky’ EP. It’s received well by the audience who he lets know that a video will soon be getting released for it. Thoroughly enjoying his moment, Marger even treats the audience to his own beat-boxing session he lets know was inspired by earlier act Duke.

Another act recently on the ILUVLIVE stage was AARON DELAHUNTY who also dropped a number from his previous set. ‘Face for Radio’ which is finished off with a hefty dubstep injection causes heads to rock uncontrollably. It’s loved by the audience and depicted within their applause which is also received by following act DURRTY GOODZ. An act that shows exploration of his roots, the young man on the stage gleams with essence of a Jamaican culture, something he declares he is proud of while on stage. I’m reminded of Capleton at Sun Splash while I watch him performing his second number ‘God Bless Ting’ and his stage presence shows how blessed he truly feels.

Headline of the night FEMFEL is welcomed to the stage by a rapture of cheers. Cameras and phones are withdrawn from new spots throughout the venue. Femfel’s flow is easy, takes you on a journey through his mind as he releases his thoughts. The band is smiling along with him as he turns around to give his message of approval for the vibe that has been created on the stage. Joined on stage by Kurt Collins for my personal favourite number from his set tonight ‘Hero’, Femfel received much praise within whistles and cheers etc as he modestly thanks everyone for coming out and supporting his album ‘Eyes Closed’.

Marcus Nasty an attribute of his own tonight, holding the audience within his own spotlight while providing a selection of music satisfying appetites and adding to the plethora of positive vibes already in the air. XOYO a sound warming venue, allowed the sound waves to be absorbed throughout the night and a party of girls are soaking up the last moments possible as they sing and dance along to the music.

The industry special of ILUVLIVE which hummed far and wide as a great place to be in London tonight, has finished a great success despite a venue change in the week leading up to the event. An atmosphere filled with positivity and progression, I’m sure many ILUVLIVE regulars will be hoping XOYO will be a new home when ILUVLIVE returns on the 26th September with Baby Blue, Joe Calpepper, Robyn Kavanagh, Phaze One, Mym, Rebecca Storm and beyond.

For more info/tickets click here

Photography by Adeyina Adepitan

Review also featured on ILUVLIVE Facebook Page and RWD Online

Birthday Shenanigans

Being a workaholic I thought I'd gift myself the one thing nobody thought I would..... A whole week off from the long bonding moments I tend to spend with the keyboard and screen nearly every woken moment of my life (well when not outdoors or completing household chores)..... I didn't think I'd be able to abstain for the entire week, however I managed it!! BUT although the week off was nice and relaxing.....

NOW I HAVE MOUNTAINS TO CATCH UP WITH!!!!!

So anyway if you're interested in how the birthday week went. It was FAB!!! I got to rest, eat, party and SHOP!!! Yep.... I definitely shopped... and partied..... #GoodTimes

Before I get into the shenanigans of the week, last Sunday I had 2 guests on my show to voice their opinions on the House/Funky genre and I have to say, it was an interesting experience. I may have to do it again at some point in future....

If you missed it, please do be left out in the cold! 

(includes guest mix from Sef Kombo)

The Funky Vault 27 March 2011 by MakedaQoS

Following the show, myself and @IAmTheGen went to my mother's for our Sunday dinner (as you do) and for some bizarre reason, it seemed a good idea to start drinking..... Long story short I entered my birthday feeling a little bit more than wavy.....

Waking up hungover isn't something I recommend on your birthday.... After attempting an afternoon drink to toast the day, I totally missed @SnakeyManUK's Making Moves launch party #SadTimes I just hope he forgives me! Check out his interview tho....

With no social events planned til later in the week, I decided to utilise my free time by seeing what could be found in the shops.... Not much.... Maxi dresses are available in ten fold at the moment if anyone is looking. I did find a few gems though..... I would share, but I'd rather model ;o)

Finally Thursday hit which meant #TILTWO 

It was time to party! #HOUSE

BUT!!! A last minute venue change and lack of wine in the club (yep you read correctly, the club never had any wine), not to mention the messages coming through about people being stuck outside.... What a nightmare! Nevertheless, I got to hold a vibe and hear couple tunes while knocking back a few drinks and cracking a few jokes..... I'm not really that hard a person to please so I wasn't bothered about the factors that had gone wrong.... Although, my highlight of the night was meant to be MC Gemini so I wasn't to impressed that the microphone wasn't working. I tried to persuade him to just shout instead but he weren't having none of it.... #SadTimes Still a big shout goes out to those who came down (both inside and out), and those who came and couldn't find me.... SMH

Oh and if these were your shoes, I shouldn't have posted them on the net.... 

I'm sorry!

Anyway..... Next came Friday..... 

FWD VS RINSE @ FABRIC!!! WOOIIII!!!!!

All I'm gonna say is SICK and VIBES!!!

I got desperately torn between 2 rooms when I realised that T. Williams & Marcus Nasty were on at the same time.... I ended up giving them the length of time it took me to finish my drink each and going back and forth.... But if there's anything that was confirmed to me is that I love house and I love funky..... In fact, I'm open to every underground 'urban' genre, as long as it's GOOD!!!

Bass, Kicks, Snares, I don't care, just make sure it's DIRRRTY!!!  

Something like this:

 

DTR006 - Zulu - J.Bevin by Deep Teknologi Records

My Top House & Funky Tracks of 2010

So we've come to the end of another year so it's that time when I disclose the tracks that have been my favourites throughout. As previously, I was aiming for 10 but ended up with many more than I had bargained for....

The list is strictly UK House & Funky tracks that arose during 2010, so if there's any that you feel are missing that were floating around last summer or even December, that would be why.

NB: To avoid politics, tracks are listed in
alphabetical order according to track title.

1. All My Love – Fuzzy Logik feat Jada Pearl
2. Bad Girl VIP Remix – Addictive feat Trilla (produced by Champion)
3. Blu Magic – Ill Blu
4. Can’t Say No – Digital Dubstar feat Miss Fire
5. Deception – Esko
6. Ground Zero – Mystery (Must Have Music)
7. Hand In The Air – Ramzee
8. Heartbeat – Lil Silva
9. High Definition – MA1 (Karnival Music)
10. I Need Love – Roska feat Anesha
11. I Wonder – Louise Williams
12. Insomniac – Major Notes
13. It’s What You Do – The Fives ft Vanya Taylor
14. Kills Me (Footsteps Remix) – Melanie Fiona
15. Lighter – Champion
16. Lights On – Katy B feat Ms Dynamite (produced by Geeneus)
17. No Hooks – Lil Silva
18. Shitta – Bassboy & Marcus Nasty
19. What You Want – Kosha (produced by Kodi)
20. Whispers – Funkystepz feat Louise Williams

The Journey of Sir Marcus of Nasty

Recognised in the present as the leading DJ of the UK Funky scene, Sir Marcus of Nasty has endured many years of persistence and determination. Thus making his existence appreciated and respected by newcomers and legends of the music industry both underground and mainstream. Below is the story of Marcus Nasty’s voyage…

The journey of Marcus Nasty started during the turn of the new millennium whilst the UK Garage scene had started to decline from its peak. With music evolution bringing the birth of the Grime genre, Marcus Nasty moved with the times. So Solid Crew were making major impact both underground and mainstream showing a strength in numbers, encouraging a formation of many other crews, one of which was named N.A.S.T.Y. Crew.

Founded by Marcus Nasty, N.A.S.T.Y. (Natural Artistic Sounds Touching You) Crew which included Mak10, Jammer, D Double E, Kano, Ghetts, Griminal and Terror Danjah amongst others, was one of the highly observed crews of the Grime scene during it’s infant stages and whilst blossoming. With residence on Flavour FM and later moving on to Deja Vu, supporters were able to be entertained via the airwaves as well as within clubs. Although members changed along the way, N.A.S.T.Y. Crew remained form for a period of 4-5 years, unfortunately coming to demise during Marcus Nasty’s absence. Nevertheless all members of the crew have managed to settle personal differences and many members have continued to progress musically with many remaining prominent names into the present day.

The downfall of N.A.S.T.Y. Crew meant that Marcus Nasty had to find new feet within the music scene. Grime was now experiencing a decline due to trouble at events and many DJs had reverted back to Garage, some mixing the music with the soulful sounds found within US House. However whilst exploring the House genre for himself, Marcus Nasty found that he had preference to the more tribal sound which reminded him of the same elements he had enjoyed within Grime and wondered whether any UK producers had attempted to replicate the House sound. Sourcing music from producers previously worked with, Marcus Nasty gained himself a wide collection of a homegrown House influenced sound which included elements found within Garage, Grime and even Jungle. Although producers were unsure of the productions, they were liked by Marcus Nasty who played them and began the birth of the UK Funky scene.

Donaeo, Naughty, Apple and Crazy Cousins were amongst the producers in Marcus Nasty’s original collection. Tracks like Devil in a Blue Dress, Quicktime, Mr Bean and Do You Mind were respectively first heard when played by Marcus Nasty, bringing him a new vast amount of supporters, causing many other DJs to take note and also start incorporating the homegrown House productions into their sets. Exclusivity became a major aspect of Marcus Nasty’s appeal for listeners and producers/artists worldwide have continued to seek the Marcus Nasty seal of approval by having one of their tracks played. It is for this reason that it isn’t uncommon to hear the name Marcus Nasty mentioned during interviews with members of the UK Funky scene as a contributor that has helped them along the way. However Marcus Nasty names his favourite producers as Lil Silva, Ill Blu and Crazy Cousins for their continuous consistency.

Although Marcus Nasty has continued to show interest in the progression of the music, it has been heavily observed that his personal progress has an undoubted positive effect on the growth of the scene. Having felt to have reached the highest possible peak whilst resident at Deja Vu FM, Marcus Nasty made the highly controversial move to rival station Rinse FM in October 2008. Many warned that he was making a dangerous transition into being a small fish in a big ocean, but with Marcus Nasty’s love to play music coupled with his intense work ethic further fuelled by Rinse FM’s larger audience, Marcus Nasty was once again a major player on his new resident station and released the Rinse FM compilation in November 2009.

The road of UK Funky has been a lot less than smooth sailing. A highly political music scene which seeks solace and direction in an individual plagued by a controversial reputation has caused Marcus Nasty to feel a need to speak out and defend the longevity of the sound of which he laid foundations on more than one occasion. Nevertheless, the actions Marcus Nasty has made to push the scene forward, has been seen replicated by other leading DJs Pioneer, Cameo and Westwood on a commercial scale as well as repetitively within clubs both home and abroad.

Taking his love for the genre one step further, Marcus Nasty teamed up with Bassboy to bring UK Funky productions of his own. Most common known track ‘Shitta’ which samples Marcus Nasty’s popularly repeated phrase “You Dirty Shitta!” was released on free promotional download and has been seen to tear up many dancefloors. A dubplate special was yearned by many DJs across the circuit and the track has gone down as a favourite of many. Taking note of his advancement, Marcus Nasty felt that time came to take a more mature approach to his position within the music. Stepping away from his controversial reputation and surroundings, he changed his name to Marcus Ramsay. A positive move welcomed by all that appreciate the worldwide recognition given to DJs who play without an alias.

Also known for his love of physical conditioning and athletic appeal, Marcus Nasty has also secured himself a new Nike sponsorship with promotional material due to be released in the near future. Within Marcus Nasty can be seen training alongside Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who is a sprinter on the British athletics team with huge 2012 prospects, named as the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005 and is a Lucozade Sport ambassador. As Nike sponsorship is rare within the music industry, it’s an accomplishment that speaks volumes.

Marcus Nasty has gone from strength to strength within the UK Funky genre and is unquestionably the most highly regarded ambassador of the movement. His work has taken him across shores to a number of destinations including Geneva, Zante, Berlin, Prague, Malia, Gambia, Kavos, Ibiza and of course Aiya Napa. As well as playing in all clubs on the homeland, Marcus Nasty has been booked to play at events connected to Notting Hill, Luton and Leeds carnival and internationally recognised Glastonbury festival showing that for as long as Marcus Nasty’s drive remains, the thirst for the UK Funky sound and the UK Funky scene will remain far from dead. Marcus Nasty is destined to be regarded in UK Funky as the same way EZ is within Garage.

We can only wait to see what new treats Sir Nasty will be pulling out of the bag in 2011!!