Londonite Max Sedgley first arrived on our radar with this video for his track “Sound Boy” featuring Tor Cesay. As time went by, I found myself slowly but surely falling more and more in love with the song, it’s high energy and infectious lyrics make for a dance track that’s pretty hard to resist. We got a chance to have an advance listen of the new album, Suddenly Everything (set to be released next Tuesday, September 6th), and my love has only grown deeper. With elements of soul, funk, 90s R&B and hip-hop, this album could have easily been released 15 years ago. Though strongly referential of the past, the album still feels really fresh, its heavy electronic influences keep it grounded in the present and make for an easy transition to the dance floor. I think it’s the mark of a great album to be able to find that perfect balance between cultivating a defining sound, while still maintaining diversity from track to track, and for me Suddenly Everything passes that test with flying colors. I highly recommend that you take a listen to these tracks below, and grab the rest of the album when it drops next week, it is surely going to be in heavy rotation around these parts as we head into fall.

Something Special by Max Sedgley

Sound Boy (feat. Tor Cesay) by Max Sedgley

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I was stumbled upon Wise Blood while browsing through smokeDONTsmoke over the weekend, and I’m very intrigued by this guy’s sound. Originally from Houston, this Pittsburgh producer throws his vocals into lush, sample-heavy psychedelic environments. STRT SRNS lifts you from start to finish. He recently did an interview with the guys over at the Pittsburgh Music Report that you must check out. You can download the rest of his `+` EP for free at his bandcamp.

Wise Blood – STRT SRNS

Wise Blood – HERE COMES THE SUN

Wise Blood – B.I.G. E.G.O.

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Bibi Tanga & The Selenites were one of those wonderful unexpected discoveries that seem to be happening more and more for me these days through email. This group of gentlemen are making music out of Paris, and bringing African inspired tunes to the masses. Their new album Dunya was released in the US through Nat Geo Music which is entirely fitting. The album takes you on a very satisfying sonic journey, ranging from songs about red wine, to musings about the moon. The tracks are eclectic, and obviously draw from a number of influences, but at times I did find myself hoping for a bit more cohesion. Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth the listen, and to whet your appetite, here is the infectious single, “Be Africa”.

Bibi Tanga & The Selenites – Be Africa (radio edit)

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Mix of the Month favorite Will Stratton recently released New Vanguard Blues, a ten track compilation he’s put up for sale on his bandcamp. Will was one of my favorite musicians at Bennington, and his acoustic lines really shine through on this record. You can catch him live on September 12th at the Governors Island Art Fair.

Will Stratton – Bluebells

Will Stratton – Cortelyou

Will Stratton – Do You Remember The Morning

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