New Music: Frank Ocean, Teairra Mari, tUnE-yArDs...
Welcome to the first New Music column, highlighting the best new music we’ve come across in the past seven days. Is there anything we’ve missed out on? Tweet your suggestions at @MOBOAwards and we'll have a listen to your tips.
Frank Ocean - Channel ORANGE
The release of Frank Ocean’s debut album Channel ORANGE was put forward by a week, and it’s available to stream from his Tumblr.
Instead of prefacing it with reductive short-sightedness, the best way to introduce it is as a huge step up from his previous mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra - this album's tenderness brings a rare mix of heartbreak and relief. But more than that, Ocean's attention to detail is pinpointed with humour. His counterparts in Odd Future have quite some catching up to do…
tUnE-yArDs - mix for Okay Africa
tUnE-yArDs’ own music - for those unfamiliar - is built upon touchable layers of drum loops, vocal and ukulele, and her live performances command a room like no other. Her mix for Okay Africa comprises mainly vintage finds from East Africa, with a touch of modern Naija pop and DRC ndombolo.
Teairra Mari - Unfinished Business mixtape
Detroit’s Teairra Mari released a free mixtape this week, hosted by DJ Scream. The 11 tracks include features from 2 Chainz, Snoop Dogg, Rico Love and Rabbit – and there’s a stunning take on a ‘Come Back To Me’, a timeless Janet Jackson classic.
Misha B - Home Run (acoustic)
Misha B, one of The X Factor’s finest exports, made her solo live debut at yO-Yo at Notting Hill Arts Club – reports suggest she’ll be scaling our hearts (and the charts) very soon. In the meantime, an acoustic version of her upcoming debut single ‘Home Run’ emerged this week – produced for SB.TV:
Wynter Gordon - Human Condition: Doleo
Wynter Gordon is following up her debut album with four EPs – each following a specific emotion. The first is called Human Condition: Doleo, and it is available to listen to right now. It’s a new direction for Gordon, with the tempo stripped back. And it suits her, which is handy. The second EP, Furor, will be the second in the series.
The-Dream ft. Pusha T - Dope Bitch
Singer/songwriter The-Dream made a rare appearance at London’s Wireless Festival, but there was no solo date. Cue the protest. But in happier news, he’s just unveiled a behind-the-scenes teaser for his latest single ‘Dope Bitch’, featuring Pusha T.
It might not be a new album or a show, but it’s a nice midway appetite-whetter:
