Listen: Dan Black - Headphones [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

One day, I will track down a 7" vinyl test pressing of Dan Black's incredible, otherworldly cover of Notorious B.I.G's 'Hypnotize' and it will become one of my most cherished possessions. Nine or so years from the time that 'HYPNTZ' appeared in a blaze of glory (before Biggie's estate sadly nixed its release) and four years since his collaboration with Kelis, Black is finally prepping his second album. Listen to comeback single 'Headphones' below.

Listen: Dan Black feat Kelis - Hearts [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Back in 2008, I wrote about a new solo artist called Dan Black, and his incredible track 'HYPNTZ'. A few months later, he appeared in the BBC Sound Of 2009 longlist. The reaction to his debut album of the same year, 'UN', was somewhat mixed but he's bounced back since - collaborating with Kaskade, Kid Cudi, and now Kelis. Listen to 'Hearts', featuring Kelis, below.

Futuresounds 2009 Part Four

This blog post was taken down from Blogger. Probably because I uploaded a live version of the Titus Andronicus track. But seeing as that's not commercially available, I think that's a bit stupid. And if it's because of the other two tracks (given away as free downloads by the artists themselves) then that's really stupid. I guess I'll never know.

It's not over yet. But it's almost over. Following the tried and tested method of using one hyped band, one KHI past favourite and an act that has yet to be featured on this blog, we've come to the final edition of my 12 tips for 2009. After these three acts, I'll do a little round up and maybe mention a few bands that made the longlist but I didn't include for whatever reason.

Dan Black
Dan is a KHI oldboy but after appearing in the BBC Sound of 2009 list and signing to a major record label, he's had a fair bit of a buzz. His magical reimagining of seminal Notorious B.I.G track 'Hypnotise Me' (retitled as 'HYPNTZ') was my #1 single of 2008 and the LCD Soundsystem-esque new single 'Alone' is fast becoming another favourite. If you like innovative electro pop a la Tom Vek, Dan is your man.

DAN BLACK - I LOVE LIFE (DEMO)



Grammatics
I know in most people's minds MySpace is a long forgotten memory but if you've ever gone onto a band profile, you might have noticed they have genre tags. Grammatics list themselves under "Melodramatic Popular Song", an entirely appropriate and reflective label. One of the most lusciously enigmatic and grandiose British bands to have emerged in the past decade, they remain sadly underappreciated. I can only hope that their forthcoming self-titled debut album reveals their genius to the mainstream music world. This should be the future of pop.

GRAMMATICS - NEW FRANCHISE

Titus Andronicus
Punk rock or drunk rock? Following a favourable Pitchfork review of self-released album 'The Airing of Grievances', ears pricked up this side of the ocean. Since then though, the hype has been relatively muted on these shores. The remastered, new UK album release is unlikely to be much of a commercial success but their insulated sound reflecting bands like The Clash and Tokyo Police Club should result in plentiful cult fandom.

TITUS ANDRONICUS - FEAR AND LOATHING IN MAHWAH, NJ (LIVE)


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That concludes today's proceedings. As for Futuresounds, we've seen four hyped acts (White Lies, Little Boots, Mumford and Sons and Dan Black), four KHI past faves (Fight Like Apes, The Joy Formidable, Fanfarlo and Grammatics) and four newbies (Red Light Company, The Temper Trap, Little Comets and Titus Andronicus). With White Lies already topping the UK album chart, things are looking good. For most of the acts on my list, such an achievement is unrealistic but let's hope they manage a decent stab at success in 2009. Other acts I'm hoping for success, both critically and commercially, include Sky Larkin and Dinosaur Pile-Up. No doubt you'll be hear more about the acts that have appeared in this feature on my blog and elsewhere.

Dan Black

Skinny, white Londoner covering his polar opposite The Notorious B.I.G? Blasphemy? No, an act of bravery and genius.

Now I don't have much love for Biggie Smalls but 'Hypnotise' is pretty cool and the video (check the embed below) is a cinematic masterpiece compared to the typical performance video I see these days. But Dan Black utterly transforms the track - recycling the beat from 'Umbrella' and adding ethereal samples from John Carpenter's 'Starman' soundtrack. Dan's despairing vocals mean 'HYPNTZ' isn't just an homage to Biggie but instead a glowing tribute. A beautiful, timely reminder of The Notorious B.I.G's legacy in the hip hop world.

Apparently 'HYPNTZ' will be coming out as a self-released single at some point, we can only hope it gets the exposure it deserves. In the meantime, Dan will be playing some dates soon, undoubtedly dropping this stunning cover while showcasing his own material.

DAN BLACK - HYPNTZ

August: 21 - YOYO, London. 27 - Gold Dust, London. 28 - Adventures In The Beetroot Field, London

September: 05 - Mucha Marcha, London