Kelela

Watch this space! So far one of my favourite albums of 2013, Cut 4 Me is the debut mixtape from Kelela, a gorgeous second generation Ethiopian immigrant hailing from the USA. Featuring songs produced by the likes of electronic magicians Nguzunguzu and Kingdom, it's an interesting while accessible fusion of genres such as techno, D&B, dubstep and grime, with a clear R&B influence. Imagine Little Dragon, but darker and more bass-driven. 'A Lie' in particular reminds me of Little Dragon's 'Stormy Weather', both with wistful melodies sung over atmospheric, boomy synth chords. 

'Cherry Coffee', another slower track, is one of my favourites. I get some definite Frank Ocean vibes off this one:

That's not to say she can't also produce something to dance to, Bank Head and the album's title track 'Cut 4 Me' both bouncy and incredibly catchy.

Collider

This is the new video for Jon Hopkins' 'Collider', off his incredible recent album Immunity. It's uncomfortable to watch at times, but absolutely the most gripping video I've seen in a while. Matching the song in intensity, it shows a girl (presumably on many, many drugs) driven wild with violent energy, to the point where the whole experience seems to resemble a seizure. The rape-like scenes add to the feeling of raw, uninhibited adrenaline. Did I mention drugs?

Fat Freddy's Drop

A brilliant track off the 2009 album, 'Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW' by New Zealand reggae outfit Fat Freddy's Drop. I've saturated this blog with their compositions since its birth and I don't intend to stop any time soon.

Heroes of Electronica

Thanks be to sampling, synths and the enhanced bass line.

1) Taku - 'Terms & Nujabes'

2) Little Dragon - 'Sunshine' (Shlohmo Remix)

3) Lapalux - 'Forgetting And Learning Again' 

4) Nicolas Jaar - 'Variations' 

5) Lone - 'Airglow Fires'