Serge Sainte Rose is a Martinique-born composer and pianist heralded for his versatility and vivid storytelling ability …

These unique qualities were on film display during his fittingly titled concert From Britain To The Caribbean And Back.

In this insightful conversation, the composer shared the inspiration behind his latest work, his upbringing in Martinique and the importance of creating safe spaces for Black people to enjoy classical music.

Please introduce yourself…

Hello! I’m a pianist, composer and music producer from Martinique and I’ve been living in London for the last 16 years.

Please share a word or sentence which best describes your life right now?

Full, although less hectic than 2 weeks ago (in the run up to my concert)!

Congratulations on your concert! I had the pleasure of being in the audience and I was captivated by it’s sound and message. I noticed that you were in the audience too. Are you able to fully switch off and enjoy watching your compositions coming to life or do you approach the experience with a more critical eye?

When I watch a concert, I’m usually very critical and I generally find it hard to switch off – even more so with my own music, and especially if it’s being performed for the first time.

One of the standout features of your concert was that it sought to tell the story of the slave trade in it’s entirety (the pain, struggle and liberation), instead of focusing on enslavement and life on the plantation as Hollywood tends to do. Why did you approach the story in this way?

It’s impossible to tell hundreds of years of history in 1 hour 30 minutes of music, but I wanted to say as much as I could in honour of my ancestors. For the audience to appreciate their story, I wanted to include as many different elements as possible: how the slave trade started, the pain, struggle, hope and the fight for freedom. Also, what happened after the abolition of slavery. I wanted the audience to be immersed in the full story.

Throughout the concert there were multiple languages being used for the songs and spoken word pieces (Creole, English, French and Spanish amongst others), which made the overall experience feel full and well rounded. What inspired you to incorporate all of these languages rather than take the easier route of sticking to one?

All the Caribbean Islands share similar histories. The concert tells the story of the Caribbean people, therefore I wanted to include the main languages that are spoken throughout the region, so that all Caribbean people in the audience would feel a connection to their Island and their ancestors.

Classical music and the rhythms and sounds of the Caribbean are not often heard in the same room, but everything meshed together so seamlessly on the night. Did you find that these sounds naturally complemented each other or was it a challenge to achieve the final outcome?

I’m a perfectionist, so it was a real challenge for me to blend styles at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Music is a universal language, but the words within it still need to go together. I really wanted to find a balance, so that it’s neither a classical concert with a bit of Caribbean spice, nor a Caribbean music concert with some classical flavour, but something where both have an equal place.

When you first picked up the flute as a child in your native Martinique, did you ever think that it would take you this far, in terms of travelling the world and being able to financially support yourself?

No. When I started playing flute, I probably wouldn’t have imagined living in London and travelling around the World. However, when I started to consider a career in music, I was very ambitious and certainly wanted to be a successful musician – probably the same as 90% of all musicians!

I’ve heard you say that Michael Jackson is one of your biggest musical influences. Given that he was predominantly known for his vocal abilities and dancing prowess, and you are celebrated for your composition and mastery of instruments, this might catch a few people off-guard. Could you explain the ways in which his style has influenced yours?

I always admired his innovative ideas, passion and attention to detail. As well as his fantastic song writing. Musically, what probably influenced me most were the brilliant hooks, the cutting-edge production, and the countless details found in the music.

Classical music is often portrayed as being elitist and only open to a select few. How were you able to find your place in this space and are you keen to create environments where people from more diverse backgrounds can enjoy classical music too?

I haven’t found my place yet. As a composer, this is the beginning of my journey (career-wise). I am, however, very ambitious! And yes, I am very keen to create environments where people from more diverse backgrounds can enjoy classical music. This is also why I made the concert, to broaden the perception of what classical music is and make it more accessible.

Given all that you have accomplished so far in your career, what’s still left on your musical bucket list?

Having my music played at the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU …

A book you have to have in your collection?

That’s difficult, there are so many good books! Recently I’ve been re-reading The Name Of The Wind which I really love!

A song/album that defines the soundtrack of your life to date?

Oh, that’s tough. It would have to be a song or album about growing up in the Caribbean, then living in Europe, talking about the struggles and accomplishments etc. I don’t know any song or album about that!

A film / TV show that you can watch/have watched repeatedly?

The Shawshank Redemption.

The first stage production you saw and what it meant to you (play, dance or concert)? I’m not 100% sure, but one of my earliest memories of a theatre production is Carmen. I remember loving it! The music, performances, stage and set etc. It certainly was a great introduction to how music can blend with/support a story and visuals. No wonder why I love films!

What’s made you sad, mad, and glad this week?

I recently got married and my wife is trying to change her surname here, but since Brexit it’s a lot more complicated. In fact, it’s a nightmare! Last night though, I received some of the footage from the concert. It made me really happy to see it again!

What’s your current plan B? (if it all goes wrong what’s the plan?)

I’ve never really had a plan B, as I cannot see myself doing anything other than music. But if everything goes wrong someday, I’ll find a bit of land in the countryside, live a peaceful life and grow vegetables and animals.

Celebrate someone else (who do you rate right now?) –

John Williams.

Celebrate yourself … (make us proud of you)

I’m proud that I managed to organise the concert, dealing with all aspects from hiring the venue, the performers, gear, promotion etc, all whilst composing and orchestrating the music within 10 months. It was a huge challenge!

Where can we find your latest project?

I am currently mixing the music from the recording of the concert and will be releasing a promo video with snippets of the concert soon. It will be available on my website, sergesainterose.com , YouTube and social media. Watch this space!

Serge Saint Rose’s From Britain To The Caribbean And Back played at St John’s Smith Square.

Melle Brown is one of the UK’s most promising and excelling producers …

Melle’s inner circle is ever-growing, from residing on Reprezent Radio DJing regularly at Night Tales and Defected Records to being championed heavily by music pioneer Annie Mac.

Melle’s most recent project with Annie was house-groove ‘Feel About You’, a summer anthem that is still going from strength to strength, picking up plays from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, KISS as well as a Spotify cover on their UK House Music playlist.

We spoke to Melle about her new track, her love for music and her rising career…

Introduce yourself …

Hey! I’m Melle Brown, music producer, DJ, radio host and owner of Mellody Agency. I grew up
in Camden! 

Describe your life right now in a word or one sentence … 

I’m full of gratitude for those around me and the opportunities life is presenting.

Tell us about your latest project / Tell us about your current job …

This summer I had the pleasure of releasing a track called ‘Feel About You‘ with Annie Mac. The inspiration for the track comes from nightlife – the moment you decide to go out spontaneously with your friends, the bass throbbing from underground that pulls you in, the lights, smiles, people, and the moment you realise how you feel about someone, be it with your partner or best friend. This track is an ode to clubbing and the many storylines that unfold from PM to AM. I’m really proud of it and it was the perfect start to what has been a very special summer.

What’s your role in it?

I produced the track, alongside the incredible Toddla T and Adrian McLeod. 

How did it come about?

Toddla, Adrian and I had an incredible time in the studio producing beats, one of them was the instrumental for ‘Feel About You’. T went home and played what we’d worked on to his lovely wife Annie, as he thought she’d just like it as a piece of music. She loved it so much that she asked if she could put her vocals on it and the rest is history.

Highs, lows, solutions (tell us the high points, any obstacles to getting the project completed and how you resolved the obstacles)?

An obstacle we had with this track was how quickly we could get it released! Finding the right partners and team who understood the story behind the track and how we wanted to package it. This obstacle turned into a high as taking the extra time to get it right paid off in all the right ways.

What’s your current plan B? (if it all goes wrong what’s the plan?)

I don’t view things in a Plan A or Plan B way, people are multifaceted and can thrive in many areas. I think in my case loving music carries me to many places through DJing, producing and collaborating, presenting and also being an entrepreneur with my business Mellody Agency, I have lots on my plate! 

What’s made you Sad, Mad, and Glad this week?

Sad – Summer is over!
Mad – The energy crisis
Glad – I’m travelling to Paris for the weekend

What are you watching right now?

A place in the Sun!

What are you reading right now?

Faith Magazine

What are you listening to right now?

I’ve loved listening to Traxsource Live DJ mixes recently.

The last thing you saw on stage?

Joseph And The Technicolor Dreamcoat

What’s on your bucket list? 

I’ve got a long list – a DC10 Residency in Ibiza is up there.

Celebrate yourself … (make us proud of you)

I’m taking each day as it comes, but honestly, I’m proud of myself for sustaining a living purely based on my love for music. I also acknowledge as a black woman and music producer in electronic music, I’ve come a long way and hopefully have inspired and opened doors for more young women to pursue production in whatever genre they love. 

Celebrate someone else …

I’d like to celebrate my manager, Jamila Scott. She is an inspiration in many ways, an incredible manager to her entire roster, and always strives to support and champion new talent. For me, she makes every day brighter in this sometimes-challenging industry, I’m grateful we found each other!

Where can we find you / watch/listen to your project?

You can catch me on socials, and all streaming services by looking up Melle Brown!

DJ Koze’s remix of ‘Feel About You’ (Melle Brown ft Annie Mac) is available now.

Feature image: Peter O’Sullivan

The System marks the launch of Limelight, a new strand of audio drama from BBC Radio 4.

The System is a dark and unsettling thriller about a group of young radicals and the hunt for their leader. The story considers the dark fringes of masculinity through a nail-biting, cultish adventure. The System features a cast including BAFTA nominee Siena Kelly (Adult Material), Jack Rowan (Noughts + Crosses), and Iain de Caestecker (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.).

The arrival of the Limelight strand and podcast on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds will push ambitions for audio drama, welcoming new and big name writing, acting, and production talents. These dramas will showcase fresh approaches to serialised storytelling across a range of styles and genres, but all will hook in audiences with their driving narratives and cliffhangers. The dramas can be enjoyed both on-air and on-demand to ‘binge’ in full or as a weekly series; catering for how different audiences choose to listen.

Forthcoming titles in the strand include The House That Vanished – a real-life mystery from the West Coast of Ireland, and a Halloween special dubbed Harland where a medieval plague village lies beneath a 1960s new town. Further titles are to be announced in due course.

Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction, Alison Hindell, says: “I want these Friday dramas to be appointment listening, great writing and riveting performances to treat our audience. It’s also hoped they bring new listeners into the wonderful wider world of Radio 4’s rich audio drama because we know more people are enjoying drama no matter how they’re listening. I hope people delight in them.”

Rhian Roberts, Radio 4 Commissioning Editor for Digital and Podcasts, adds: “The podcasting world is bringing new forms of creative excellence to audio drama and we’re excited to be showcasing that in the Limelight strand too. There is an increasingly digital audience out there for unique storytelling and what our feed will provide is a one-stop destination for today and tomorrow’s audio fans to discover more from the BBC.”

Limelight is a co-commission between Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction and Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Podcasts. The launch of the strand follows on from popular titles including Tracks, This Thing Of Darkness, Children of the Stones, The Lovecraft Investigations, and also hybrid docu-dramas such as The Battersea Poltergeist. Radio 4 is the biggest commissioner of audio drama and broadcasts a variety of classic dramas and new work across every day of the week. These new commissions are part of Radio 4’s plans to bring ambitious and brilliant storytelling to both existing and new, wider audiences.

The System by Ben Lewis will be available in full as a box set on BBC Sounds from Friday 28 May and broadcast on Radio 4 from Friday 28 May. Listen Here

Clara Amfo has been announced as BBC Radio 1’s host of the Future Sounds show.

And the good news doesn’t end there, Rickie Haywood Williams and Melvin Odoom will be joined by Charlie Hedges to host Radio 1’s iconic Live Lounge show.

Amfo landed her first show on Radio 1 in 2015 as host of The Official Chart and took on the Live Lounge slot shortly after. During her time at Radio 1, Clara has cemented her reputation as a key tastemaker in the music industry, playing host to some of the world’s biggest artists, from Jay-Z to Ariana Grande. Her breadth of expertise and unrivalled passion for music discovery makes her the perfect fit for the station’s flagship new music show, Radio 1’s Future Sounds. She will be taking over from current host Annie Mac from September 2021.

Clara Amfo says: “Presenting mid-mornings and The Live Lounge on Radio 1 has been one of the most edifying and special times of my career and personal life. As a nation of music lovers, the experience of it live is nothing short of magical and to have had the honour of welcoming some of the world’s most beloved and emerging artists into The Live Lounge has created unifying moments that I and the listeners will never forget!

“I am beyond honoured and ready to start this exciting new chapter on Radio 1. I’m such a fan of this show, the artists that it has championed and to be receiving the baton from Annie who I love and respect makes it extra special for me. Massive big up to every single one of my daytime producers and The Live Lounge/smug life listener crew, I have loved hearing your stories and enjoying keeping you company with tunes in the daytime and look forward to continuing that in September, so see you a few hours later!”

Rickie, Melvin and Charlie will become the new hosts of Radio 1’s Live Lounge (Monday-Thursdays, 10.30am-1pm), bringing their trademark high-energy dynamic to daytimes after first joining the station in 2019 as hosts of a new late evening entertainment show.

Rickie, Melvin, and Charlie say: “To be given the opportunity to present the Live Lounge is just an absolute dream, a show we all adore and have so much love, passion, and respect for. Celebrating great artists playing their new and live music on Radio 1 is a huge honour and we can’t wait to put our RMC twist on it! Much love to Clara who has done an amazing job over the years and thank you for passing the baton – we promise not to break it!”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, says: “Clara has long been one of the most influential voices in the music industry. She has an incredible affinity for discovering new music, which makes her perfect to be the face of it for the industry and for Radio 1. We know our listeners will love what she brings to the show. I’m delighted that we’ll have Rickie, Melvin and Charlie taking on the late morning slot: their energy, knowledge and passion is going to make for an exciting new sound for the Live Lounge.”

Sade – Flower Of The Universe

For every Sade fan, the release of her latest song must have been a dream come true. The singer had been on a musical hiatus for 8 years before the force that is Ava DuVernay convinced her to lay her vocals down for the soundtrack of Disney’s latest Movie A Wrinkle In Time.

The singer does not disappoint and shows exactly why she (and her band) have had a career spanning almost 40 years. The song was written by Sade (Adu) alongside band member Andrew Hale and writer Ben Travers. The song is about the eternal love a mother has for her child.

Sade’s tone is ever smooth, haunting and emotive; a breath of fresh air from a true music legend.

Vevo

George The Poet, Maverick Sabre, Jorja Smith – Follow The Leader

Jorja Smith can do no wrong at the moment, the singer who recently won the  2018 Brits Critics Choice Award and performed at the show has teamed up with Maverick Sabre and the phenomenal George The Poet on single Follow The Leader.

THIS is a perfect collaboration by three amazing talents. The song is both emotional and brutally honest with it’s message of how people often find themselves in the vicious cycle that is life, afraid to go it alone lest they fail. George’s verse spoken to his mother is a true reflection of what many people feel and go through in life.

The video is directed by Stephen Isaac Wilson and mirrors the song effortlessly in its lonely eeriness. Produced by FAMM/ Pulse films. Writing credits go to the three artists.

Spotify | AppleMusic | Deezer | Tidal

Alexandra Burke – Shadow

Miss Burke took some time off from music, to take leading roles on stage in musicals Sister Act and The Body Guard. She also showed her dancing talents after a stint on Strictly Come Dancing where she came second place.

Returning to music, her new single Shadow is the first from her album Truth which released, 16th March.

There is no doubt she delivers with her vocal prowess on this mid-tempo love song that expresses how hard it is to leave a relationship and how we seem to hang on. In all honesty, I would have loved to have seen her pull something different out of the bag, something more current instead of just relying on the safety of her voice.

Alexandra Burke fans will love this and technically it is a sound song but let’s hope she pulls out some #BlackGirlMagic on the next single to give us the real Soul/RnB we have always wanted her to do.

Spotify | Amazon | HMV | By Tickets for her UK Tour here: TicketMaster | SeeTickets

Mahalia ft Little Simz – Proud Of Me

Mahalia is definitely an underrated artist, in a climate crowded with so many young female vocalists with big curly hair making a stamp on the music scene it is very easy to let one slip through the cracks and for me, that is Mahalia.

But people, do not sleep on her because she came out strong. Check out her Ep Diary Of Me which was released in 2016. Loved it.

With a feature from Little Simz who compliments her soulfulness and further enhances its 90s New Soul / Hip Hop feel, with it sounds like a sample of Talib Kweli’s great track The Blast. This sounds like a summertime theme song.

Spotify | AppleMusic | AmazonMusic | Napster | Deezer

Little Simz – Low Tides

Little Simz can do no wrong at the moment labelled as one of the finest female MC’s in the UK the artist does not fail to live up to this title.

Taken from her album Stillness In Wonderland this song has been out for a minute but we have definitely been waiting for the official release and video.

Her lyrics are relatable and the song gives off a chilled melodic vibe which is reflected in the video.

Originally featured in Stillness In Wonderland – a short film accompaniment to Little Simz’s sophomore album.

Spotify | AppleMusic | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Tidal

With the popular rise of scripted podcasts, the W TALK Network are taking a slice of the action with the release of the serialised podcast, Touched.

Touched is a present-day drama series of an infamous biblical story about one woman’s desperation to be accepted. A woman who has been touched by many but has never been touched. Her world unravels in this four-part series from the Network, but not quite in the way you would expect.

A story of regret, disappointment, bitterness, hope and love – Touched is a story like no other.

Founder Tobi Olujinmi, had this to say about the upcoming series – “I agree with Producer DeVon Franklin, the bible is full of drama, I want to bring some of this drama to life for our entertainment. We are dedicated to telling life stories particularly with a female focus, Touched epitomises this. It’s a first for the Network but a first of many.”

WTALK is the Entertainment & Faith streaming and membership service which is growing at a rapid rate. Founded by Attorney at Law, Media Business Woman and International Speaker, Tobi Olujinmi W360 is dedicated to Empowering Women to Explore Faith via Entertainment.

Episodes 1 & 2 of Touched series will play on the W TALK Network and will also be available on iTunes, Stitcher and Podbean.

Tickets to the Touched Premiere can be found here

]]> https://thebritishblacklist.co.uk/lady-leshurr-juice/ Sun, 07 May 2017 10:30:42 +0000 http://thebritishblacklist.co.uk/?p=6763 Check out the brand new video for Lady Leshurr’s Juice produced by the artist and Sky Beats, the rapper once again hits us with her punchlines and rhetoric. I love the video where she incorporates some very talented dancing tweens. The single comes from her highly anticipated EP Mode which was released on the 27th April. […]]]>

Check out the brand new video for Lady Leshurr’s Juice produced by the artist and Sky Beats, the rapper once again hits us with her punchlines and rhetoric. I love the video where she incorporates some very talented dancing tweens.

The single comes from her highly anticipated EP Mode which was released on the 27th April.

Make sure you log on next week for the EP review.

Juice by Lady Leshuur
iTunes | Spotify

Swimming On Me is the first single and official video release from Rainy Milo’s latest EP I Knew I Had A Heart (Because I Felt It Breaking). The video is simple but effective and suits the simplistic but effective vocals and lyrics of the song.

Also check out my review of Rainy Milo’s EP here.

Swimming On Me by Rainy Milo
iTunes | Soundcloud | Spotify | YouTube

Here is something to listen to in anticipation for the upcoming LP Leap of Faith by DJ/Producer Juls which is out next week.

The artist who has previously collaborated with both Maleek Berry and Canadian based artist Nonso Amadi can do no wrong when it comes to making feel good Afro Beats music.

Early by Juls ft Maleek Berry and Nonso Amadi
iTunes | Spotify

Check out the latest release from South-West London Rapper Sneakbo Preach produced by Team Salut and featuring artist Wusu.

The single is a taster of what we can expect from his soon to be released EP Brixton.

Preach by Sneakbo ft. Wusu
iTunes | Spotify