Here’s the latest episode in our exclusive ‘Rehearsal Rooms’ series, presented by PinBoardBlog and filmed by our production house PinBoardFilm in collaboration with the world famous Red Bull Studios London.

Shot in Red Bull’s recording studio, these are intimate sessions with some of the most exciting artists and bands we champion.

Some may recall the tectonic shift that began occurring in 2007 and spread to the international ‘alt’ music scene when a new breed of uncategorizable acts emerged from the LA underground (amongst them Flying Lotus, Blu et al).

Fast forward a couple brilliant independent long-players, a couple appetite-wetting EPs and incessant touring/recording later – just when you thought it was all quiet on the western front Miss Jack Davey and Brook D’Leau’s long awaited and perhaps most realised full-length is nearly upon us.

New Designer Drug is set to be released on ILLAV8R in the coming months and to celebrate the New Wave duo flew in from the States to lay down a never-heard-before track, ‘Queen of Wonderland’ – a wild blend of Alternative Rock, Electronica and a myriad of other influences that signal an exciting evolution.

Be frank – few acts in the world today have a sound like J*Davey.

Many of our favourite artists have graced our ‘Rehearsal Room’ over the past 6 months, musicians we both admire and respect. As our exclusive show, produced in association with Red Bull Studios London, continues to grow we decided to create a mini-series within it designed solely to put focus on new talent emerging.

Our ethos has always been to concentrate on good music and an important undercurrent of that is discovering and exposing a new generation of music makers. Thus we have filmed a number of new episodes featuring fresh-faced musicians who you may or may not have heard of previously. They were selected for one reason and that reason is that we feel they are among some of tomorrow’s most promising acts.

Our first ‘introduces’ episode features Daley, a young R&B-Soul singer hailing from Manchester who recently signed a deal with Universal Music. In 2010 his vocals featured on ‘Doncamatic’ by Gorillaz which came off the animated bands Plastic Beach album, he was also nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll.

Daley’s beautifully complex voice effortlessly evokes emotion and his unique brand of ‘slow-jam’ Soul is as passionate as it is encapsulating. And as he readies the release of his much anticipated mixtape Those Who Wait, he performs an exclusive track called “Be” for us live at Red Bull Studios London.

Just watch. And listen.

What seventies soul or sixties rock was to the older portion of society, Hip Hop is to us. And being major fans of the movement, PinBoard is ecstatic to be apart of the first ever luxury book dedicated to Hip Hop. A massive 420 page ode to the last four decades of the legend makers, the culture and of course the music.

Spanning definitive literary, compelling essays and engaging photography, the book also incorporates all the pioneers. Those who along the years have had a part in crafting our beloved Hip Hop. The likes of Grandmaster Flash, Big Daddy Kane, Russell Simmons, Faith Evans, Ice T, Cee Lo Green, Nicki Minaj, Spinderella, ?uestlove, the list literally goes on, are all included in this masterpiece.

If you are a fan and can spare a few bucks, be sure to grab yourself a copy of this collectors item here from July 25th. Also New Yorkers, look out for the official launch June 28th, whilst us Londoners will have to wait a little until 28th July.

Great to be apart part of such a tribute – can’t wait!

‘London Minutes’ is a new, stripped down, on-going feature we’re going to roll out over the coming months – these short by sweet clips will include freestyles, quick sound-bite interviews and anything else interesting that can fit inside a couple minutes.

What’s more, they’ll be produced by our new team of interns at PinBoardFilm as we champion fresh visual talent. If you’re interested in coming on board as a young film-maker, hit up info@pinboardblog.com or tweet us 911 @PinBoardFilm.

We begin the series with Brooklyn homie and super producer / emcee Melo-X – who touched down in London Town last month for a  one-off show at YoYo. During our filming, as we walked around the city and took in the sights – Mustafa kicked a quick freestyle for us. Peep his ‘London Minute’ up top…

… More coming soon!

Film by Mo Ayyad.

Here’s the fourth episode in our exclusive ‘Rehearsal Rooms’ series, presented by PinBoardBlog.com and filmed by our production house PinBoardFilm in collaboration with the world famous Red Bull Studios London.

Shot in Red Bull’s recording studio, these are intimate sessions with some of the most exciting artists and bands we champion.

As it’s our birthday this month (yes, we turn 3 years old in a couple days!) we thought we’d drop two Rehearsal Room episodes, instead of one. Why not!

In this episode we feature the ever-charming performer known as Ghostpoet, who exclusively performs a special rendition of his debut single ‘Cash & Carry Me Home’ off his critically acclaimed album Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam. Signed to Giles Peterson’s Brownswood label, Ghostpoet is undoubtedly one of the most exciting artists to have emerged over the past year, his unique style, clever lyricism and artistic direction separates him from everyone else.

Grab a drink, press play – get smashed (in honour of the song, of course!).

P.s And biggup Danny Wood aka @Def_Danny on his directorial debut. Very proud, we are!

Here’s the third episode in our exclusive ‘Rehearsal Rooms’ series, presented by PinBoardBlog.com and filmed by our production house PinBoardFilm in collaboration with the world famous Red Bull Studios London.

Shot in Red Bull’s recording studio, these are intimate sessions with some of the most exciting artists and bands we champion.

Our last episodes featured the rising enigma that is Jamie Woon followed by number 1 recording artist Jessie J; this month we take you deep into the tender, personal balladry of Andreya Triana. Signed to cult British label Ninja Tune, Triana performed a heartbreaking rendition of her beautifully penned and performed ‘X’ taken from one of the best debut albums of 2010, Lost Where I Belong.

We hope you feel this.

Click Cover to Download

West Londoner singer/rhymester gave PinBoard the first exclusive listen of his new concept mixtape, The Shakka Crown Affair. Loosly based on the story of The Thomas Crown Affair, the collection of songs and skits centres around the concept of Shakka ‘stealing’ some of the best instrumentals from the music world. Borrowing J Dilla beats, Common, Calvin Harris, Coldplay and Jay- Z among others.

And  honestly, I love this…

Not a major fan of skits, (unless executed by Chris Rock – can anything beat “Yeezy taught me”?) but Shakka has swayed me. The comedic interludes comfortably piece the concept together intertwining the soulfulness of songs with Shakka’s sheer honesty. Once past the these interludes, the eleven songs bump pretty hard, they take us into Shakka’s world. Despite most of the beats originating from familiar songs enough originality shines through to keep you interested.

Shakka openly explores his voice, something which has intrigued me ever since the first time I saw him live early last year. He sings, he wails, (Marley style) but also switches it up with rap. His vulnerable verses on songs like ‘Chicken Legs’, which he deliveres with a British/West Indian twang works brilliantly against the Sleepy Brown instrumental, it also gives us a taste of his flow. But then tracks like ‘Drivin”, stripped down to just a piano gives a welcoming variation from everything else. Shakka’s ability to switch his vocal stylings with such ease is something which not only demonstrates the strength of his talents, but also keeps for an interested ear. Combine this with the personality in which he wraps it all up in and you have a winning concoction.

It is a pleasing deviation from what my ears usually fall upon on these shores. I personally can’t wait to hear more. Download it, bump it in your speakers, in your ears, in your car, wherever. It works.

Check Shakka out here. PinBoard is most definitely watching.

Best watched in 720p (HD) providing higher quality audio.

Here’s the second episode in our exclusive ‘Rehearsal Rooms’ series, presented by PinBoardBlog.com and filmed by our production house PinBoardFilm in collaboration with the world famous Red Bull Studios London.

Shot in Red Bull’s recording studio, these are intimate sessions with some of the most exciting artists and bands we champion.

Last month we brought you our first episode featuring the incredibly talented singer/songwriter Jamie Woon performing his haunting, beautiful single ‘Night Air’. Last week he went on to secure fourth place in the BBC Sound of 2011 (a massive look) and now this month we’ve the lady at number one in that list: the vocal powerhouse that is Jessie J giving a definitive acoustic performance of her biggest single to date.

Filmed before Christmas and caught live in one take, she gave us a glimpse of the magic windpipes with a dollop of attitude before her biggest gig at London’s XOYO, where later that evening she blew the remaining socks off industry wigs. She’s gone on top both the aforementioned list and win Critics Choice Award at Brit Awards 2011 so she’s at the top of her game and wholly ascending right now (we’ve been praising her register since the humble YouTube era, lol).

Jessie J’s debut album Who You Are is out this year whilst her second single drops in March. For now, enjoy this stripped down, swagged out rendition of her massive number ‘Do It Like A Dude’.

Best watched in 720p (HD)

We’re proud to announce the first in our series of exclusive collaborations with the world famous Red Bull Studios London; together we’ll bring you brand new episodes of ‘Rehearsal Rooms’, an original series presented by PinBoardBlog.com and filmed by our production house PinBoard Film.

Shot in Red Bull’s London recording studio, these will be intimate sessions with some of the most exciting artists and bands we champion.

Our first joint-episode features the incredibly talented singer/songwriter Jamie Woon performing his haunting, beautiful new single ‘Night Air’. Without question one of the most invigorating artists to emerge out of the UK, his distinct musical and lyrical style sets him apart from all his contemporaries. Even more proud are we to be creating a visual to accompany one of our favourite songs of the year.

2011 seems set to be Woon’s time.

If ever there was an artist to start my interviewing CV with, I honestly could of not wished for better than having a lovely chat with Dwele.

The smooth toned, ‘soul star’  has been on my radar since his major label debut in 2003 (Subject). I, alongside a few millions across the world have been following him ever since. In the midst of a rare moment when he was not touring or recording, I delved into Dwele’s thoughts on the music game these days and discussed a whole bunch of stuff with him…

You are one of my personal team captains of Neo-Soul, but what do you think about the genre now?

I think alot of artists that termed themselves as Neo-Soul have kinda branched out these days. Neo-Soul isn’t dead as such, but I definitely don’t think Neo-Soul is what it was before. Even like 5 years ago. It has changed. Half the stuff these days can’t even be called Neo Soul. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, I just think that these days artists wanna be more than one defined genre.

So was this a recurring conscious thought whilst making the new album W.ants W.orld. W.omen, not to fit in one static genre?

I think the album offers a lot of different things. But I would say it is slightly more R’n'B  and Hip Hop, than Neo Soul. But don’t get me wrong, there are certianly some cuts that could be considered as Soul or Neo Soul. Espicially in the W.orld section, like ‘Detroit Sunrise’ and ‘My People’. You know they got that old throwback feeling to them.

There are alot of different things that I tried my hand to. I was trying to make all sorts. You know like the joints for the club or your car as well. Tried a few different things for this album.

Explain your experience  as an artist evolving from your self released album Rize to W.W.W

For me, the most evolution comes as a writer. You know I am a singer, but my song writing has most def evolved.  The collaborations I do these days, inspire me and push me to keep creating. Like the track with Raheem (‘Dim the Lights’) was real cool to make. Or working with some horn guys or a new drummer. Being in the studio with guys like that keeps things molding.

But in a way, I kinda enjoyed the former years when it was just me, pen and some paper. So as far as writing, I have enjoyed the evolution for different things.

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In PinBoard’s latest episode of our ‘Remedy Rehearsal Rooms’ series, we film the beautifully talented Szjerdene rehearsing her set for London’s forthcoming Remedy live music night with a brand new track  backed by the incredible Remedies band.

Written by the lady herself and Robin Hannibal of Quadron, ‘Lead the Way’ perfectly accentuates what it is that is so special about this young lady. A soul singer at heart, driven by passion and a need to express herself, Szjerdene is a name you will be hearing a lot more in the coming months. Currently working on her debut album with a number of international writers and producers, this London girl is about to make her mark.

Whether this is an introduction to Szjerdene or not, just press play and allow her voice to seep through your ears.

Shouts to Music Is Remedy.

P.S. Stay tuned as we have a big announcement coming real soon regarding Rehearsal Rooms!

Here it is!

PinBoardBlog.com’s very first EP. The first in a long series of EP’s we’ll be dropping intermittently, featuring music from artists we support and love on the site. Each with a different theme/genre angle.

The first in the series is our ‘Soul Edition’, featuring 7 incredible tracks from 7 amazing alt-soul artists. We have Olivier DaySoul, Jimetta Rose, Peter Hadar, Brittany Bosco, DivaGeek (Vula & Ben Jones), Fatima x Alex Nut & Reggie B. Some of these tracks were recorded specially for ‘Feed Your Ears’, some are exclusive, never before heard golden-audio-nuggets, while others were specially reworked, just for us.

Electric, eclectic, passionate, soulful, exciting – all adjectives that could describe the sound captured on this 7 track extended player. Months of hard work, all amounting to this – a project we are whole wholeheartedly proud of.

We cannot thank the artists involved enough for supplying such fantastic music for our debut EP and for being so enthusiastic about PinBoard and what we do here. It’s without cliche I say – the only reason we do what we do here is to spread the word on great music and great musicians.

Can’t post this without thanking Shan Phearon for exec’ producing this with me & for taking such an incredible picture for our artwork. S_H_E_ for being such a hot model and to Abi Wright for helping me (a lot) with the graphics. Love.

Without further ado though – please, listen and download ‘Feed Your Ears, Vol 1: Soul Edition’ via our bandcamp player below and consume the audio within.

We hope you love. Let us know what you think.

Tracklist / Back Cover After the Jump

Surprise.

Our new series of EPs with tracks exclusive only to PinBoard Blog is near to commencing with it’s first epic step.

Months in the making from organising, compiling, tracklisting & artwork design, with support from a dynamic palette of creators – amongst the brightest in their Soul-inheriting generation – we bring to you our first volume electrifying with 7 cuts of strictly contemporary and alternative Soul.

If you’ve been with us for the last 2 and a half years on our journey as a humble sound-boy blog transitioning into a broad-minded music outlet for the transcultural, worldwide, underground n’ overground, alt-urban (countless adjectives) music scene; then you’re guaranteed to recognize every one on here as championed virtuosos from the countless posts dropped by us to bring you ‘that shit’.

Featured on the first volume of Feed Your Ears is: Oliver Day Soul, Jimetta Rose, Peter Hadar, Brittany Bosco, DivaGeek (Vula & Ben Jones), Fatima x Alex Nut & Reggie B.

We’ve got them. You can have them right here next week. Speeakz & I agreed we should clit-tease the intranets first before we DP ‘em (digitally penetrate). Ya dig?

Here’s a premier of the audio teaser featuring but a mere few of the tracks you can await with cyber anticipation:

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“Pinnablogdotwha?”

Terri Walker gave us nothing but jokes during this interview!

We sat down with the UK soulstress for an exclusive interview to discuss everything from her work with Ski Beatz, featuring on 24 Hour Karate School, Dame Dash and the whole Creative Control camp, to what she’s been up to since the last time we saw her. She also talks candidly about her struggles with balancing artistic integrity and dreams of being a successful recording artist. Walker goes on to reveal details of her new album, which UK artists she intends to work with, and why she feels Britian isn’t necessarily the ‘best place’ for someone making Soul music.

Not only this but we also got to record an exclusive session while Terri and her band rehearsed for Aesthetic Sound’s 5th birthday jam. Performing her brand new single ‘Understanding’ (produced by Ski Beatz) – she attempts to conquer incoprotating PINBOARD BLOG DOT COM into it’s melody. She gets there in the end. Pure jokes. Her voice is like butter.

What Do You Think?

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Best watched in full 720p HD

While Electric Wire Hustle were in London Town for their Deviation session last week, we caught up with them at  the Red Bull Studios to record the latest instalment of our ‘Rehearsal Rooms‘ series.

Exclusively performing their massive tune ‘Waters‘ from their debut album for us, we captured the magic between Mara, Taay & Myele as it unfolded in front of our eyes and cameras.

Electric Wire Hustle kindly performed two tracks for us during this session and sat down for an exclusive interview – these will be dropping over the coming weeks – I cannot wait for you to see that goodness too. Keep it locked.

‘Waters’ is available via BBE right now – you need this tune/band in your life. Much love to the whole EWH crew Mara, Taay, Myele, Benny Tones & Hayley – thank you for being so cool and open to what we wanted to create.

Please note: ‘Remedy’ Rehearsal Rooms is still very much operational, but are branded as such when The Remedies are the backing band.