It’s Monday. But there’s a party in my ears
5 artists I will be listening to, to keep my mind stimulated during this lockdown
1. PONGO
I can’t suggest anyone more perfect than Pongo for an instant mood enhancer. Her fast rhythms, Portuguese vocals, and energetic bass are just the remedy one needs when needing a lift.
When the album Baia dropped last spring, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The sun was out, and Pongo’s beats flooded the radio. Now with the release of the EP UWA, we’re exposed once more into that world of sheer ecstasy.
If you haven’t already, check out her YouTube channel and prepare your dancing hips for movement, smiles, beats and an eclectic range of instruments. High energy and gorgeous French lyrics. The perfect recipe to get completely lost in. That’s what we need right now.
2. FOUR TET
My choice of exercise is running, and I like electronic music, experimental tunes and shape movers. Luckily, I live in an end of terrace house that has a 71-metre alleyway alongside it which, during our 14-day isolation, I was able to use to run back and forth. If Four Tet had not released his latest album Sixteen Oceans, then running up and down like a human yo-yo would have been a hell of a lot harder.
Like most Four Tet albums, Sixteen Oceans has the ability to connect you to nature with a vast soundscape, allowing oneself to get teary and emotional when listening. Not only is his work triggering, but I also find you can craft your very own journey of imagination when getting lost in one of Kieran’s tracks. If you’re like me and struggle to cry often, give Sixteen Oceans a listen. Let it flow.
3. OBONGJAYAR
Like most new music in my life, I first heard Obongjayar on BBC Radio 6 Music. Arguably the best radio station that’s ever existed. I heard two tracks taken from the EP Which Way Is Forward - Still Sun and 10k. There’s a particular motivating and uplifting tone to these tracks. They make me want to get up and get out. Which, of course, is limiting in our current climate, but what’s a cheeky run once a day? I recommend Obongjayar to my Strava friends.
As described in an article on Pitchfork.com, Obongjayar is ‘an artist taking his time’. With his first EP released in 2016 and a few collaborations and singles here and there – is Obongjayar one to watch this year?
4. THE BIG MOON
The year was 2017 and The Big Moon were shortlisted for the Mercury Prize Award, blinded by my fangirling for Kate Tempest and rooting for her (which is still very much apparent), I, stubbornly and shamefully didn’t give The Big Moon much time. A regret of mine indeed. Barcelona is truly a lovely song.
Beautiful voices, charming melodies, and some sexy guitar. I will for sure be delving into this discography in the coming days and weeks. Big up’ The Big Moon.
5. ROISIN MURPHY
It’s fair to say that Roisin Murphy’s music style has taken a twist and several turns since her days as the frontwoman in Moloko. Alas, still hella’ funky. Roisin is making moves in the music industry right now.
After seeing her headlining at the BBC 6 music festival in Camden, in March. I fell in love, again. The way she held the crowd, and how all the women came together. I felt the power of feminism in the room. It was an experience. I was blessed to watching her with my friend of over 15 years, by my side. It truly felt like a monumental moment in history.
If you’ve yet to dance around the house in your underwear to Narcissus, don’t delay, do it now.
These are the 5 artists I will be listening to, but not limited to, during this lockdown. If anyone has any more recommendations then please do get in touch.
Oh, and can we just appreciate that Childish Gambino has released a new album.