On February 27th, Robert Glasper will release his awe-inspiring new album Black Radio into the world. The 12 track accomplished body of work will feature an array of sensation collaborations from the likes of Erykah Badu, Bilal, Mos Def, Musiq, Lalay Hathaway, Lupe Fiasco, Meshell Ndegeocello and more.

On May 14th, Glasper will being his Experiment to London, specifically to the Barbican, to celebrate his new LP. He will be joined by collaborator Bilal along with a host of other “special guests” – and if my sources hold true (which they will), the artists taking part will drop some jaws (and/or drawers).

Tickets are priced £10-£25 and are on sale now.

January blues?

No need for such things if you’re lucky enough to live, work or visit London this month. There is a little something for everyone. Despite a bit of a slow start in the live scene, mid month things are starting to kick off with the likes of Ledisi, Lana Del Rey and Childish Gambino in town. Also Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards 2012 holds a stellar line up this weekend. Can expect Thundercat, SBTRKT, Julio Bashmore, BADBADNOTGOOD et al.

Get into that and more after the jump.

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Yoooooo! Live In LDN is back! After an unplanned hiatus  full of lots of pre planning, projects and generally making sure PinBoard is the ‘ish next year for you guys. Ultimately meaning this feature was on hold.

Now back in the mix, London is treating us well to end the year. The last editions of the year from unsigned One Mic and Writers Block, veterens De la Soul are in the city and those Swedish soulsters Little Dragon will be here rocking Sheps Bush.

14th, Joleon Davenue, Shakka, G.R.E.E.Ds, Kaleem Taylor and Daley – just some of the artists we introduced you to this year will be out and about too.

Enough of the chat, lets get to it.

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1 night. 30 Gigs. 30 streams.

Last night’s London Eye takeover, held by RBMA’s International Festival was arguably one of the biggest music events of the year and most certainly one of the most memorable. Red Bull and it’s worldwide tour took over the EDF London Eye for one night only – each pod hosted by a different DJ/collective/artist.

Our crew was split across two pods – the Deviation pod and the Andreya Triana pod.

Floating above the city lights while Andreya Triana (supported by Tanya Auclair) sang songs off of her critically acclaimed Lost Where I Belong album was both surreal and serene. With London as her backdrop she fully embraced the electric and jovial atmosphere created by just 20 people inside a capsule. The connection between her and those gazing in adoration was simply beautiful. Not to mention, unforgettable.

The Deviation pod, spearheaded by tastemaker extraordinaire Benji B featured a string quartet (a stroke of genius which once again separates this movement from any other around). While Benji played Soulful grooves from the likes of Erykah Badu and Dwele the quartet accompanied – their sonics engulfing the capsule and all within it. But in true Deviation style, the tempo was upped with some classic Garage & Hip Hop bangers. MJ Cole / Lil’ Wayne with strings = winning.

Everyone, in every pod (artist and guests alike) came out with glowing smiles, all fully realising that they had just experienced what will probably be a once in a lifetime event.

This type of feat is only achievable by a forward thinking, innovative company like the ones hosting. I want to go again!

Massive massive shout to PinBoard friend Jono McCleery for selling out his album launch a month in advance. Just so those of you who slept on buying tickets the first time get to see Jono perform in London before galavanting around the globe, he has added another date to be played at the 100 Club on 30th November (You can get early bird tickets HERE) . He has been for me the most excited artist to make his stamp on 2011 thus far and we are really happy to see it all progressing so well. Make sure you pick up a copy of his amazing Ninja Tune debut ‘There is’ and check out what happened when we got Jono into our ‘Rehearsal Rooms’ here.

September. Here we are.

The ninth month of 2011 and summer has officially finished. As the final few festivals make use of the last ounce of confidence people have in the great and unpredictable British weather, so much so they choose to sleep outside and enjoy some live music.  Bar the few left, it’s all about getting to know those cosy venues throughout the autumn season.  And I have plenty of those waiting for you over the jump.

The big hitter of this month definitely has to be Adele. And if you’re lucky enough to have a spare ticket, maybe you want to bring your favourite live reviewer with you… Just maybe.

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Officially the last month of our beloved British summer, so best make the most of it. There’s loads of free gigs to save the pennies in your pocket, including PinBoard co-signed song bird Szjerdene and electronic R’n'B infused duo Creep.

After hitting the town last month for a couple of DJ sets, Q Tip is back. Full band and a whole show to himself. Legendary. Lastly, us PinBoard lot will be down at a couple of our favourite festivals this month including the big one for me, Big Chill. Any Kanye fans/stans out there? Holler!

Check out the rest of the festivals and what else is happening in the capital after the jump.

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The word ‘epic’ is frequently used for many a event that is neither epic, sensational or extraordinary. However, on a Friday night a couple of weeks ago at the prestigous and established Barbican venue, I headed down to watch Basement Jaxx loan their back catalogue  to the Dutch Metropole Orkest to deliver an entertaining evening of complete music merging and fulfill all the criteria that epic-ness involves.

Seated front row centre awaiting the first note, I had a quick glimpse around and assessed the crowd. It was clear that classical music lovers were in the house, alongside dedicated Jaxx fans seated with those who were just intrigued by the unique concept. As the lights revealed the 70 strong orchestra, 40 person Crouch End Choir and ‘Battlement Jaxx’ began, without a strobe light or whistle in tow, who would of thought dance music would of evolved and matured into such (classier) things. A cutting edge approach and a distinctive goal to interpret the music in the most orchestral way possible, I was apprehensive that within the uniqueness of the collaboration, that the essence of Basement Jaxx would be lost.

Luckily fifth song in, Jaxx’s regular singing features blessed the stage. Brendan Reilly, Sharlene Hector and PinBoard homie Vula Malinga all adorned in flamboyant costume injected the famalirity necessary for old school fans like myself. Joined also by a breakdancer, a ballet dancer and the funniest guy of the night, Le Gatueu Chocolate (think Barry White dressed in drag and heels with a little bit of an opera twang to his voice – lol) made for a great mish mash of visuals to keep everyone watching and listening.

Highlights definitely include the constant congo-ing among the front rows and the contagious and seemingly overpowering urge to spontanesouly get up and dance that spread across the auditorium’s audience like a wildfire when tracks like ‘Do Your Thing’, ‘Romeo’ and ‘Samba Magic’ were performed. Brillant vocal performances by Sharlene during ‘Lights Go Down’ provided a rare moment of calm in the show and was definitely a favourite of mine.

At times some tracks seemed almost unrecognizable (‘Red Alert’). Whilst other classics in ‘Good Luck’ and ‘Do Your Thing’ were exactly what you would expect and got the crowd on their feet pronto and all hands clapping.

Hearing 10 years of the Brixton duo’s greatest hits with an elegant string section, perked up and amplified with sharp horns and sexy brass. Then sprinkled with detailed percussion, all orchestrated and executed with conductor Jules Buckley’s guidance was the most skewed interpretation of dance music I have ever experienced. Although the whole concept was entirely out of the box and quite ambitious, by the sounds of the final roar of applause, I would say they pulled it off.

Epic.

The album Basement Jaxx vs Metropole Orkest is out now.

Festival season is well and truly upon us. With Glastonbury done and hibernating for the next two years, there is still room for plenty more festival fun, with Wireless and Hop Farm over the weekend and Lovebox and Soundwave still to come, I’m definitely ready for the summer months. Aside from multi artists, multi stage happenings, Janet is in town singing hit after hit at the Royal Albert Hall. We went down to the first night and she was amazing. Honestly.

Also in town is Ms Badu and her annual show at Brixton Academy, J*Davey is flying over to show UK some love and those Odd Future boys (and girl) are back to cause more havoc. Hit the jump, there’s tonnes.

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Yesterday evening, whilst some of the team went down to ol’ PinBoard favourites, Eletric Wire Hustle on one side of town, I headed down to East London’s coolest venue of the day, XOYO to witness how How To Dress Well would portray his unique ethereal pop/R&B live.

I was somewhat apprehensive since in the last few weeks that I have found out about HTDW, I have been intrigued by his sound, even those times when it was an awkward listen. But as I walked into the venue, I still  knew very little about the man. To ease me into the unknown, I was happy to see Holy Other was the opening act. I posted up his EP at the backend of last month, which after a few solitaire listens, I started to enjoy the emo’ness that was taking over my body courtesy of his intense mystique.

When the cloaked unknown producer came on, although I liked the tracks I was aware of and some of the fresher ones too, the new experience made up of a large group of people, all caught up in one hypnotic sway was definitely erring on the best side of depressing. Nonetheless a perfectly awkward opening act, for a even more curious headliner. Tom Krell, better known as HTDW came on stage initially thanking all in the packed room. Told us how he just got from Barcelona and he felt sick. Gotta love the honesty.

Not knowing much about HTDW, other than his distinctive  voice, I enjoyed the set and it seemed the crowd did too, performing new songs and mixing them with previous releases like ‘Sucicide Dreams 2′ and his Transparent release ‘Take It On’ where there were definitely moments of Justin Timberlake’ness sprinkled in for good measure.  As he scattered between high pitched vocal and Mika-like sounds, whilst pulling his jumper with childlike tendencies, there was a freedom in all that HTDW was doing – it was all  imperfect to the mainstream eye, yet for me, it was uncomfortably acceptable. That is what kept me watching. From the folkey acapella which suddenly had a fighting falsetto harmony section, to the three minutes which HTDW intensely stared at a projection playing a haunting (to say the least) montage, then rapidly leaving the stage. All out of the norm yet enjoyable to get drawn into.

He performed new songs, such as  ’How Many’ which had a easy on the ear dancey loop, with soothful harmonies kicking in midway. I also enjoyed what he described as his ‘Eurovision entry – possibly?’ ‘Happy’. The track possessed a massive thumping bass, rave sirens and a complete fall to floor that could only make you dance. All this alongside his nu-R&B flavour is all the more reason why HTDW will be closely watched by us PinBard lot for a while.

I’m a few days late into June, but you haven’t missed that much. Festival season is upon us and Queen Bey is making her debut at Glastonbury this month, the leftfield Spanish gathering, Sonar is set to be another great festival and theres loads else where throughout the country. Back to the capital, London is visited by Big Boi, Alicia Keys and tUnE-YarDs this month. Hit the jump and get into this months offerings.

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The ultra cool electric soul New Zealanders, Electric Wire Hustle are coming to London on Wednesday 22nd June. To perform for all their eclectic blend of music we so love, live and direct at Electrowerkz in Angel

This should be a good night and tickets are priced only at £8.50 in advance. Bargain! To whet your appetite even further watch this and book here.

Wiz Khalifa, one of the new class of hip hop hopefuls for 2011 was in London town this week for his first headline set of shows. Like fellow graduate, J Cole, the sold out shows were with much anticipation and fans bought tickets based off the success and love for the mixtapes.

Unlike J Cole, by the time the concert came around, a lukewarm album dropped, a mainstream anthem has become of ‘Black and Yellow’ and off the back of this, new fans have assembled themselves onto the Wiz wagon. All these ingredients led to a show of mixed emotions, not to mention the mixed smells in the air. Heading to the Kentish town Forum on Wednesday night, the queue was a blend of loyal hip hop alumni, seperated distinctively by exciteable young girls chanting the infamous colourways and matching their garments accordingly too.

Semtex warmed up the crowd with some grizzly bangers from Jay-Z to Rick Ross and definitely got the audience hyped. Wretch 32 came on as the support act and seemed to have a hard time convincing the crowd of his talents. I like Wretch and have seen him kill it with a live band before, but this time, most seemed uninterested. It’s a shame.

By the time, Wiz came on stage, expectations were hovering high, build up had been delivered, yet the result was mediocre. Considering I was among die hard followers, often times, they appeared well…bored. Yes there was a noticable wave of elation when he performed ‘Taylor Gang’, ‘Phone Numbers’ and ‘Roll Up’. Those moments had hands in the air and singalong crew in full effect. Wiz played along and the showman inside pranced, gyrated and worked the stage as much as possible. Even removed his top for added brownie points for those (pre-legal) girls who ignored their curfew, but a glistening torso made it all the more worthwhile.

Then there were a few lulls. Silences almost. Mostly when Wiz performed the three minute, something radio friendly album tracks such as ‘No Sleeping’ and ‘Fly Solo’. The reality of such average fillers in a venue that a moment before were charged with chants of ‘Money and Hoes’ courtesy of ‘Gangbang’, along with sporadic mysterious..ahem…clouds forming in the atmosphere only made for the most disjointed concert and ergo rapper I have seen in a while.

The short set was redeemed with the obvious ending of ‘Black and Yellow‘, where the crowd reconciled and found common ground, but the dichotomy of Wiz Khalifa and his fans remains present for now.

Officially we have entered the British summer season. Summer means sunshine (we hope), long evenings and the festival season is upon us.

Hip Hoppers come hard this month. London plays host to everyones favourite bad kids on the block, Tyler, The Creator and the man dem at Camden Crawl on the first day of the month. Heavyweights Mos Def, Talib Kweli, De La Soul and Rakim merge together on the 10th May. Also Wiz Khalifia makes his UK debut and ol’ G Snoop touches down to show some UK love.

To balance out all the testerone, we have the British queen of soul, Sade undertaking her first tour in the UK in 17 years. Ms Sade will be holding it down at the O2. Scandinavian duo Quadron make their first UK appearance and label mate Szjerdene will be doing an intimate debut show this month too. Obviously there is plenty more to get involved in.

Get used to the longer listings over the next forthcoming months… the summer is officially here.

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Uncut is a fresh new live music night launching this month @ Cargo. Held every third Tuesday of the month the night will feature some of London’s finest up and coming artists performing live sets with some of the finest musicians in town. After the live showcase there will be an Open mic and jam session allowing artists and musicians in the crowd the opportunity to get up on the stage and join in on the fun.
The Launch will include performances from artists we have previously featured Nadine Charles and Shakka both who will be backed by The Remedies so you know its gonna be quality. Just £3 all night RSVP and get down there!