Playlist Party UK with Kimani Moore x The Pit LDN hit Shoreditch on Thursday 8th of June, and might I add, if you weren’t there you missed out, ROYALLY! Hosted by the charming and charismatic Patrick Yabish, Shoreditch Platform was the perfect venue for such an event. Walls, ceilings, floors and stairs emblazoned with graphic, monochrome street art style doodles. A long well-stocked bar and plenty of lounging area to get comfy with your mates. The set up was not only cosy but crowded. Like a family BBQ where loads of relatives you’ve never met turned up.

The premise of the party (for those of you who missed it) is for artists and producers to roll through with their songs to play to other like-minded artists, DJs, producers, music lovers, writers (ahem) and even a fair few industry professionals. The artist then has a little chat with Patrick about insporations, upcomings and socials. And if you’re really lucky a bit of feedback from the audience.

I was lucky enough to spend the evening chilling with hombre numero uno, Idris Miles, who was funnily enough first up! Playing his track FLGHT, the track kicked things off with a bang and you can find a whole review on the track right here! He also later hit us up with an EXCLUSIVE summer viiibes track, Issa Wave, which you can keep your eyes peeled for on socials, this month!

I also only have a limited amount of space to write before everyone gets bored of hearing my blab on about how much I loved everyone, so if you don’t get a mention and we had a chat, apologies, but you are on my radar for sure!

TRAIN 207 - Train On The Run
Classic Jazzy Hip Hop vibes with a modern twist. The use of organ sampling added a soulful edge and that 90’s hiphop flow with a British accent really stood out in a crowd.

CLBRKS - DiSTGUSTiN'
Trippy mellow beats with a hard bass line and on-point production from Kiina (that’s one half of Dubious Doobies to you and I). His lyricism is characterful and quirky, with a recognisable talent from the get go.

Talking to the man in question I started to see more clearly the character behind his music. Quickly he told me about his Youtube channel and recent dabbles in visual work, check out Sofa and subscribe for new stuff that’s up and coming. We also talked a little bit about how exclusively played track, DiSTGUSTiN' will be released as a single out on vinyl! Which is great news for physical music lovers and collectors such as myself.

SOCIETY OF ALUMNI - Round Table Discussions
EXCLUSIVE Oldskool Hip Hop vibes from the young group of artists presenting music with meaning and spirit. SOA had seats in the lounge and made me smile ear to ear when they all got up to play their tune. They love what they do! This isn’t just a group, it’s a family and that vibe comes across in every aspect.

Getting deep with SOA was one of the highlights of my night. Talking to iSee, Vels and Bad Jay, I asked them what writing meant for them and what it is they really want to talk about in their lyrics.

Vels insists that her writing is a really important part of self care, “My music is my life and that’s what people don’t get, music is life”. It's therapeutic properties clearly work wonders for this gorgeous down to earth bad gal. Whilst iSee talks about ‘the daily do’s of life’ and culture as his main influences, Bad Jay got real, saying “I like to challenge myself and write in third person”. Also talking about his personal battle with depression, we briefly touched upon the importance of speaking out about mental health as a young black male and Keith Dube’s (or MrExposed to the twittersphere) and his influence on the matter.

Addressing the definitive of being the lady of the group, Vels talks about wanting to be ‘an artist’ and not a female artist. It shouldn’t be a defining factor on her work and striving for quality and consistency, wont be a second rate writer for the sake of her male counterparts. She strives for greatness regardless of the gender barrier.

Special Guest Performance: Hex
For a first ever performance Hex really got the crowd going. Nottingham based artist whose been writing and trying his hand at music since he was 12, gave us straight wave. Summer vibes and an energetic performance from the beginning. His charismatic personality and room reading abilities made him a pleasure to watch in the limelight. With some definitive dance moves, Hex has a signature backstroke style with paddling feet, and has kindly offered it up as free swimming lessons to anyone who wants to go see him live!

With a new release, Gene Kelly, out this month, be sure to check him out on the socials for that instant update!

Fasina
Speaking to himself and his producer Higo we talked about how they both got into music and eventually collaborating. With them both starting as hobbyist musicians for around a year and a half each (Yes, really!). The guys aim high, wanting to grow and expand their musical paths both separately and together, as make a great duo. When asked to describe their track in three words they collectively came up with "Tropical. easy-listening. Afro-beats" (I did tell them that was 5 but I let them off because, hyphens)

All in all I want to sum up this event but I cant. I feel like I have never been in a room with so many beautiful people, who just wanna raise each other up. Walking around with my little notebook and biro, I’ve never had so many compliments from passers by, I’ve never had so many people so willing and open to speak with me about, which really is quite personal stuff. When you make music you put your heart on your sleeve, but when you talk about your music (what it means, who you are) well that’s a whole other story. And I want to make it astoundingly clear about how passionate I am about putting all of you guys out there, supporting black and urban music has become such a huge part of my life, its an irreplaceable feeling. Playlist Party UK and every single person I met saw and spoke to that evening made me realise that you appreciate me as much as I do you.

If you keep making music, I’ll keep writing about it.

Until the next one

@nancyhgardner
@thepitldn
@kimanimooreents

@wxveyhex
@idrismilesxxvi
@kiina_dd
@officialtrain207
@fasina28
@higomusic
@iseesoa
@yungpuff6hunna

The Plug, the whole plug and nothing but the plug