NFOP Recommends: Drop Dead Festival.

26 Oct 2012 — Henning Lahmann

This planet's prime instalment of all things cross-cultural mayhem Drop Dead Festival returns to Berlin next week to celebrate its tenth anniversary together with everyone who's not afraid of questioning or redefining their own preconceptions about the rather ill-lit strands of contemporary underground music. What the festival offers is less your inner hipster's most cherished new subgenre but a sweeping curation of audiovisual madness that is as much art for art's sake as it is your own personal gateway to well-deserved insanity. Featuring appearances by N.U. Unruh (of Einstürzende Neubauten), Pictureplane, Young Hunting, Low Sea, Butterclock, and countless others, Drop Dead spreads across five awakening as well as exhausting days that are meant not to be thought but felt, evading all overcome determinations on genre and underground/overground dichotomies. Just don't say "goth".

The magic runs from Halloween till November 4 and happens at Neukölln's CUBE. Go here for more info and to check out the complete, stunning lineup. For tickets head over here. Get a rough idea of what you might encounter at some point during the festival's five days by streaming this excellent minimix provided by one of the enigmas behind the madness, BlackBlackGold:

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This planet's prime instalment of all things cross-cultural mayhem Drop Dead Festival returns to Berlin next week to celebrate its tenth anniversary together with everyone who's not afraid of questioning or redefining their own preconceptions about the rather ill-lit strands of contemporary underground music. What the festival offers is less your inner hipster's most cherished new subgenre but a sweeping curation of audiovisual madness that is as much art for art's sake as it is your own personal gateway to well-deserved insanity. Featuring appearances by N.U. Unruh (of Einstürzende Neubauten), Pictureplane, Young Hunting, Low Sea, Butterclock, and countless others, Drop Dead spreads across five awakening as well as exhausting days that are meant not to be thought but felt, evading all overcome determinations on genre and underground/overground dichotomies. Just don't say "goth".

The magic runs from Halloween till November 4 and happens at Neukölln's CUBE. Go here for more info and to check out the complete, stunning lineup. For tickets head over here. Get a rough idea of what you might encounter at some point during the festival's five days by streaming this excellent minimix provided by one of the enigmas behind the madness, BlackBlackGold:

Video Premiere: Mushy - “When You Say Time”.

26 Oct 2012 — Henning Lahmann

Of all the exciting synth music from the dark side of the moon that came out lately and that was made by female musicians, we were always particularly drawn to the work of Rome-based artist Valentina F. aka Mushy, probably due to the fact that her songs in all their opaque eeriness never came across as selfish or self-indulgent. Instead, all gloomy mystery here is always on point, actually adding something distinct and compelling to the composition. Darkness is not a mere effect to make an otherwise mediocre arrangement more interesting on the surface: darkness is a place in the artist's heart, and thereby becoming an essential feature of her music. Though signed to minimal synth label Mannequin, Mushy's latest single 1984 is set to be released by Haute Magie, featuring two new songs, "When You Say Time" and "Crystal Chemistry". We're happy to host the premiere of the video for the a-side, made by Os Ovni's Logan Owlbeemoth. Check it out below. The 1984 7 inch is out via Haute Magie and available tomorrow, October 27, over here. Listen to b-side "Crystal Chemistry" below as well: Read more → Of all the exciting synth music from the dark side of the moon that came out lately and that was made by female musicians, we were always particularly drawn to the work of Rome-based artist Valentina F. aka Mushy, probably due to the fact that her songs in all their opaque eeriness never came across as selfish or self-indulgent. Instead, all gloomy mystery here is always on point, actually adding something distinct and compelling to the composition. Darkness is not a mere effect to make an otherwise mediocre arrangement more interesting on the surface: darkness is a place in the artist's heart, and thereby becoming an essential feature of her music. Though signed to minimal synth label Mannequin, Mushy's latest single 1984 is set to be released by Haute Magie, featuring two new songs, "When You Say Time" and "Crystal Chemistry". We're happy to host the premiere of the video for the a-side, made by Os Ovni's Logan Owlbeemoth. Check it out below. The 1984 7 inch is out via Haute Magie and available tomorrow, October 27, over here. Listen to b-side "Crystal Chemistry" below as well:

Preview: Polymorphism #3.

26 Oct 2012 — Henning Lahmann

We do realise this is kinda last minute, but in case you're in Berlin right now and have no better plans for tonight (which is hardly possible, really), prepare to line up in the city's most notorious queue for the third edition of CTM's outstanding Polymorphism series, this time featuring performances by some of this year's truly defining artists. From 11pm, the magic of Berghain's sound system will serve as the appropriate setting for a night of adventurous, obscure electronics, featuring a delightful selection of representatives from Blackest Ever Black, Tri Angle, and Modern Love. Raime, oOoOO (once again featuring the lovely Butterclock), and Evian Christ are listed as headliners, but those who know us will be aware that it's Young Echo disciple Seb Gainsborough aka Vessel whose appearance excites us most, his recent Tri Angle debut Order of Noise very likely being our (read: my) favourite album of 2012 (I should probably add "so far", but really, no). Still, the huge hype around Evian Christ started by our cherished Charlie Jones on the last days of 2011 is largely justified as proven by Joshua Leary's convincing Kings and Them, and it should be interesting to see him showing his skills on stage. oOoOO so far has never disappointed us, especially when appearing in combination with Butterclock, and after seeing Raime managing to scare the crowd even at Incubate's smallest venue with the festival's most questionable sound setup in September, we are convinced that seeing them in Berghain's main room will be nothing short of breathtaking. The lineup is completed by none other than Demdike Stare's Miles Whittaker and Berlin-based DJ A Cell of One. What else can we say. This is surely not to be missed, so see you there. Read more → We do realise this is kinda last minute, but in case you're in Berlin right now and have no better plans for tonight (which is hardly possible, really), prepare to line up in the city's most notorious queue for the third edition of CTM's outstanding Polymorphism series, this time featuring performances by some of this year's truly defining artists. From 11pm, the magic of Berghain's sound system will serve as the appropriate setting for a night of adventurous, obscure electronics, featuring a delightful selection of representatives from Blackest Ever Black, Tri Angle, and Modern Love. Raime, oOoOO (once again featuring the lovely Butterclock), and Evian Christ are listed as headliners, but those who know us will be aware that it's Young Echo disciple Seb Gainsborough aka Vessel whose appearance excites us most, his recent Tri Angle debut Order of Noise very likely being our (read: my) favourite album of 2012 (I should probably add "so far", but really, no). Still, the huge hype around Evian Christ started by our cherished Charlie Jones on the last days of 2011 is largely justified as proven by Joshua Leary's convincing Kings and Them, and it should be interesting to see him showing his skills on stage. oOoOO so far has never disappointed us, especially when appearing in combination with Butterclock, and after seeing Raime managing to scare the crowd even at Incubate's smallest venue with the festival's most questionable sound setup in September, we are convinced that seeing them in Berghain's main room will be nothing short of breathtaking. The lineup is completed by none other than Demdike Stare's Miles Whittaker and Berlin-based DJ A Cell of One. What else can we say. This is surely not to be missed, so see you there.

Video: Brasstronaut - “Mean Sun”.

26 Oct 2012 — Tonje Thilesen

Well, I guess there's no big surprise that we've been on a very dark, UK electronic frenzy as of late, but as November is sneaking upon us, the sound of guitars finally feels appealing again, in a strange and unfamiliar way. Perhaps am I trying to justify myself for not following the hip-hop trend these days (not saying that I don't either), but you know, sometimes you just feel like listening to Bowerbirds and emotional indie and feel silly, right? Right. So even though several years have passed since "cabin pop" grasped for its last breath, the Vancouver-based sixtet Brasstronaut did indeed qualify my test, something that might make less sense when your head is full of CMJ buzzed-about, however utterly brilliant electronic pop acts that are blowing up in the Canadian winterland these days. Brasstronaut might happen to have a rather silly name and inspirations such as Radiohead, David Bowie and Grizzly Bear listed on facebook (duh), but their upcoming sophomore LP Mean Sun has already proved to contain a handful sincere folk pop beauties, including the title track below accompanied by these brand new, high-end visuals.

 

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Well, I guess there's no big surprise that we've been on a very dark, UK electronic frenzy as of late, but as November is sneaking upon us, the sound of guitars finally feels appealing again, in a strange and unfamiliar way. Perhaps am I trying to justify myself for not following the hip-hop trend these days (not saying that I don't either), but you know, sometimes you just feel like listening to Bowerbirds and emotional indie and feel silly, right? Right. So even though several years have passed since "cabin pop" grasped for its last breath, the Vancouver-based sixtet Brasstronaut did indeed qualify my test, something that might make less sense when your head is full of CMJ buzzed-about, however utterly brilliant electronic pop acts that are blowing up in the Canadian winterland these days. Brasstronaut might happen to have a rather silly name and inspirations such as Radiohead, David Bowie and Grizzly Bear listed on facebook (duh), but their upcoming sophomore LP Mean Sun has already proved to contain a handful sincere folk pop beauties, including the title track below accompanied by these brand new, high-end visuals.

 

Rush Midnight: “Crush”.

26 Oct 2012 — Tonje Thilesen

It was a pretty massive flock of A&R's under the Cascine and Ghostly International showcase at CMJ Music Marathon last week, many of them (myself included) to witness Rush Midnight perform his only CMJ set this year. His sense of warmth and enjoyment on stage were probably his most notable features throughout the set — playing with a certain rockstar attitude for a few years already will probably do that to you. As well as having a natural precence in the spotlight, Russell Manning just "happens" to be quite a brilliant pop songwriter, even with or without the inclusion of Twin Shadow, whom produced his second single "Crush" below. "The Night Was Young Enough" still marks my favourite from his debut EP +1 however, out on October 30th via our darlings Cascine. Stream +1 via Soundcloud.

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It was a pretty massive flock of A&R's under the Cascine and Ghostly International showcase at CMJ Music Marathon last week, many of them (myself included) to witness Rush Midnight perform his only CMJ set this year. His sense of warmth and enjoyment on stage were probably his most notable features throughout the set — playing with a certain rockstar attitude for a few years already will probably do that to you. As well as having a natural precence in the spotlight, Russell Manning just "happens" to be quite a brilliant pop songwriter, even with or without the inclusion of Twin Shadow, whom produced his second single "Crush" below. "The Night Was Young Enough" still marks my favourite from his debut EP +1 however, out on October 30th via our darlings Cascine. Stream +1 via Soundcloud.

Leapling: “Seventeen”.

25 Oct 2012 — Tonje Thilesen

There's a silly innocence behind "Seventeen", the first single under the Brooklyn-based moniker Leapling, that feels strangely addictive in the purest way. I guess it relates to most of us in one way or the other, like a reposing wish for something distant or unreachable, communicated through a pop melody so simple and catchy you almost want to puke rainbows and cats... out of its pure brilliance. As utterly simple and naive as "Seventeen" may seem, its soulfulness refrains it from turning into an annoying radio ballade, as it's not exactly often that lyrics going "Baby, we can do it if we try, everything is simple with you" actually feels so truthfully honest. The debut EP will be out on Father/Daughter this winter.

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There's a silly innocence behind "Seventeen", the first single under the Brooklyn-based moniker Leapling, that feels strangely addictive in the purest way. I guess it relates to most of us in one way or the other, like a reposing wish for something distant or unreachable, communicated through a pop melody so simple and catchy you almost want to puke rainbows and cats... out of its pure brilliance. As utterly simple and naive as "Seventeen" may seem, its soulfulness refrains it from turning into an annoying radio ballade, as it's not exactly often that lyrics going "Baby, we can do it if we try, everything is simple with you" actually feels so truthfully honest. The debut EP will be out on Father/Daughter this winter.

Visual: CMJ 2012.

25 Oct 2012 — Tonje Thilesen

No Fear Of Pop found itself (or to be more correct, its second half) at CMJ Music Marathon in New York last week, co-curating the Hype Machine showcase at the Brooklyn Bowl on Thursday, amogst other things. Safe and sound back in the slightly colder Berlin, we take a look back at the highlights of CMJ from its visual perspective, featuring showcases curated by ourselves, Yvynyl, Ad Hoc, PORTALS, Stadiums & Shrines and Cascine x Ghostly International. Don't forget to check out the whole facebook set.

Hooray For Earth NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

Mac Demarco NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

Bloksberg NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

Hundred Waters NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

Jensen Sportag NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

It Is Rain In My Face PORTALS Traveling Showcase

 

Blue Hawaii PORTALS Day Traveling Showcase

 

TOPS PORTALS Day Traveling Showcase

 

Slow Magic PORTALS Day Traveling Showcase

 

Young Magic PORTALS Day Traveling Showcase

 

Matthew Sage Stadiums & Shrines | PORTALS | Think or Smile

 

Foxes In Fiction Stadiums & Shrines | PORTALS | Think or Smile

 

Solar Year Ad Hoc | Unofficial CMJ Showcase

 

Maria Minerva Ad Hoc | Unofficial CMJ Showcase

 

Majical Cloudz Williamsburg

 

Photography: © Tonje Thilesen

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No Fear Of Pop found itself (or to be more correct, its second half) at CMJ Music Marathon in New York last week, co-curating the Hype Machine showcase at the Brooklyn Bowl on Thursday, amogst other things. Safe and sound back in the slightly colder Berlin, we take a look back at the highlights of CMJ from its visual perspective, featuring showcases curated by ourselves, Yvynyl, Ad Hoc, PORTALS, Stadiums & Shrines and Cascine x Ghostly International. Don't forget to check out the whole facebook set.

Hooray For Earth NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

Mac Demarco NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

Bloksberg NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

Hundred Waters NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

Jensen Sportag NFOP | YVYNYL | Hype Machine

 

It Is Rain In My Face PORTALS Traveling Showcase

 

Blue Hawaii PORTALS Day Traveling Showcase

 

TOPS PORTALS Day Traveling Showcase

 

Slow Magic PORTALS Day Traveling Showcase

 

Young Magic PORTALS Day Traveling Showcase

 

Matthew Sage Stadiums & Shrines | PORTALS | Think or Smile

 

Foxes In Fiction Stadiums & Shrines | PORTALS | Think or Smile

 

Solar Year Ad Hoc | Unofficial CMJ Showcase

 

Maria Minerva Ad Hoc | Unofficial CMJ Showcase

 

Majical Cloudz Williamsburg

 

Photography: © Tonje Thilesen