John Roberts use of quirky back beats, rythmic illusions, intricate percussion and hard hitting house grooves are calving him a name as one of dial’s most exciting and innovating new talents. Roberts is pushing boundaries, integrating chicago house loops with cleverly placed jazz and blue note melodies, whilst at the same time adding his unique use of organic samples that are a staple in all his recent releases. .

Spotted by Carsten Jost and Pantha du Prince he has been hand selected by the heads right at the top. With the full force of Dial behind him Roberts is sure to have a huge influence upon the direction of things to come. Btw – if you dont like it thats because your not ready for it yet.

http://www.myspace.com/jrplaysthehits

Culoe de Song is one of Innervisions freshest new signings, not just because of his Music but also because he is only 19! Culoe is already playing the World biggest clubs and festivals alongside some of the biggest names in Dance music. Deep house heads are literally hanging on every uttering of a new release, and Culoe is taking it all in his stride.

Culoe first came into the spotlight through the Red Bull Music Academy in Barcelona 2008. Shortly after Culoe was picked up by Innervisions through which he released “The Bright Forest”, “Super Afro” and “African Subway”.

I watched Culoe for the first time this year at Sonar electronic music festival and he was definitely one of the highlights. Here is the footage:

Bibio’s latest release on Warp is Ambivalence Avenue.  Bibio sings for the first time on this record and uses clever guitar riffs to complement his seamless, yet organic production. His mix of electronic sounds with folk song writing gives me added faith that folk will live on, and isn’t something that has to feel challenged by advances in music technology. Embrace people, before you miss it!

Heres a video of Bibio’s playing around at home, chilled!  Check out his Myspace to see more clips like this and listen to his music.

The MPC & I

I was lucky enough to go to the Womad World music festival last weekend. For anyone that hasn’t heard of this event, it is renowned as the most musically varied festival in the World, musicians from the highlands of Northern China, to the deserts of the Sahara gather together in the English countryside and strut their stuff. The result is an electric atmosphere where music is the priority and diversity is celebrated.

This is how the organizers describe the festival:

‘The WOMAD Festival experience is not about the familiar, the tried and tested; its essence is in the discovery and enjoyment of a totally unexpected artist or a style of music which would never otherwise have been encountered. It’s a magical, musical melting pot, enriching all who experience it.’

Chilling in the woods under an umbrella listening to hypnotic Chinese chants, dancing to Nigerian Kora funk, and scoffing food I never even knew existed was definitely a good way to spend the weekend. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t got the time to do a World music trip, but wouldn’t mind soaking up some of the flavour.

Here are some of my highlights:

ROKIA TROARE – MALI

THE HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE – 9 BROTHERS FROM CHICAGO