We Speak Music
Nottingham’s Finest: Commons Drops Debut EP ‘Clean Living’
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Get ready to turn up the volume and hit repeat because Nottingham indie-rockers Commons have just unleashed their highly anticipated debut EP, ‘Clean Living’! Released on May 24th, this EP is packed with infectious energy, vibrant melodies, and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
Hailed for their unique fusion of indie rock and electronic elements, Commons has been making waves in the Nottingham music scene and beyond. From packed-out shows to radio play across the UK, placements on Apple Music playlists, and glowing reviews from tastemakers, Commons is a band on the rise.
Drawing comparisons to the likes of Kasabian, Foals, and Bloc Party, Commons has crafted a sound that is both commercially accessible and refreshingly alternative. Seamlessly blending lush synth lines with tight guitar riffs, punchy drums, and earworm melodies, the band’s music is a sonic rollercoaster that leaves you craving more.
Speaking about the EP, the band shares: “Clean Living is an ode to our kaleidoscopic taste in music, with each song giving a flare of something exciting that catches your ears leaving you eager for more. There is a wide range of meaning behind each track in this, it’s not solely based on one event or feeling – it’s more focused on telling short stories and experiences.”
Already known for their electrifying live performances, including a sold-out show at Beat The Streets Festival, Commons has received praise from outlets like Earmilk, Ones To Watch, and Fame Magazine. And with upcoming live dates, including a headline show at Rough Trade Nottingham on June 8th, Commons is set to solidify their place as Nottingham’s finest musical export.
So, crank up the volume, hit play on ‘Clean Living’, and get ready to embark on a musical journey you won’t soon forget. Commons is here to rock your world, one electrifying riff at a time!
We Speak Hip-Hop
DJ Design drops “I Wanna Be Free” single ft. Gennessee
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Bay Area beatmaker/visual artist DJ Design returns with new single “I Wanna Be Free” (Below System Records). Washes of synth collide with a dense horn arrangement and snappin’ drums. West-Coast emcee Gennessee guests on the track spitting a lyrical dissertation on the woes of a police state, racial profiling and surveillance.
Listen to “I Wanna Be Free” (Ft. Gennessee): https://bsr.ffm.to/iwannabefree
This is the 3rd leak from the forthcoming Survival Web Vaults LP to drop in vinyl and digital formats later this year. Additional album guests include Fashawn, Phat Kat, Elzhi, Guilty Simpson, LMNO and more.
Listen to “No Less Than The Trees And The Stars” (Ft. Fashawn): https://bsr.ffm.to/nltttats
Listen to “The Blues” (Ft. Phat Kat & Elzhi): https://bsr.ffm.to/theblues
While more of a behind-the-scenes player DJ Design’s (aka Keith Griego) work has had a sizable imprint on the history of modern hip-hop. As a DJ/Beatmaker and visual artist he has contributed production and art since the late 90’s for notables including The Beastie Boys, Madlib, A.G., Foreign Legion, Rasco, Peanut Butter Wolf and Phat Kat.
As a visual artist, his high point of work with the label was his design of the 12” vinyl cover for Lootpack member Madlib’s side project Quasimoto. The cover for “Microphone Mathematics” featured Design/Griego’s visual representation of Lord Quas as a sort of alien aardvark, which was adopted by the artist and has since become one of the most iconic and enduring
characters in the game today.
More Info: https://www.belowsystem.com/
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