We Speak Music

ZKELETONZ let loose a powerful burst of indie dance energy with ‘OUT!’

Published

6 months ago

October 2, 2025

Don Reed

“Vibrant 80s synth wizardry”- Wonderland Magazine.

“A beacon of artistic freedom in a landscape dominated by formulaic sounds”– Real Magazine.

“A very seductive groove…7/10”– Louder Than War

+ played by Tom Robinson (6Music Fresh Finds); BBC Radio 2; John Kennedy (X-Posure); Channel 4 Sunday Brunch (debut Music Video broadcast).

‘OUT!’ is the title track from BBC 6Music, Radio 2 & Introducing-backed Zkeletonz’ self-produced debut album—which features contributions from Alex Gopher (Daft Punk, Phoenix, Ed Banger) and Sam Wheat (Nile Rodgers, Public Enemy).

A fiercely independent band born from London’s DIY scene, Zkeletonz have grown from self-promoted warehouse parties to commanding major stages and are set to launch the album with a 500-capacity party at Camden Underworld on Friday 12th December.

Perfectly showcasing their electronic but guitar-based fusion sound “fans of LCD Soundsystem and MGMT will love” (Q Unsigned act of the week”), ‘OUT!’ is sure to light up Indie, Synth Pop and Alternative Dance-focused DSP and radio playlists as we head into party season.

It’s impossible to not get swept away in the band’s feverish, diva-ish goodness on this glittering, hard-hitting banger, which shows off the kind of insane party vibes that you’ll be able to expect at the Camden Underworld launch night and the type of mercilessly catchy anthems that abound in the debut Zkeletonz album.

The full LP ‘OUT!’ channels the spirits of Breakbot, Phoenix, Daft Punk’s ‘Homework’, and classic Ed Banger French Touch, but from a UK perspective. With a distinctively stylish and ironic edge, the band’s synth-fuelled indie style is at full power on this title track single, which is an intoxicating neon-lit ball of dance energy. Bouncy bass and retro drum machines drive forward relentlessly like an out-of-control rave powered steam locomotive, or a semi-regrettable Camden night out, and the track sees the band fully letting loose. It’s the perfect taster for the album of the same name.

Working independently with no established Manager, Agency or Record Label, Zkeletonz have appeared across BBC radio networks including 6Music (Fresh Finds, Tom Robinson); 5Live (session for Scott Mills & Chris Stark); Radio 2 ‘Sounds of Soul (Tony Blackburn); Introducing (Song of the Week, Band Of The Month – West Midlands) and on BBC-curated Festival stages alongside The Specials, Nile Rodgers/CHIC and the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show.

They were mentored by DJ Yoda as Wilton’s Music Hall resident Emerging Artists (Dance/Electronic) in 2021 and are alumni of the prestigious MAS Records Artist Development programme (patrons: Rickie Wilson, Kaiser Chiefs; Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin).

The band’s 2025 crowd-funded debut album ‘OUT!’, which commences a trilogy of releases set to continue in the following 2 years, is a sonic love letter to live music, London club culture and late-night events with a focus on the unique and unforgettable experience only live music can provide. The album aims to invoke the adventurous and hedonistic spirit of a by-gone but never forgotten time in musical history and the band’s lives. Think 2004’s ‘You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine’ by Death from Above, 2005’s ‘Capture/Release’ by The Rakes, and ‘Fantastic Playroom’ in 2007 by New Young Pony Club mixed up in a cosmic blender with big hitters like The Strokes, MGMT, Empire of The Sun, and more obscure cuts who were always in Zkeletonz’ headphones as young Uni students, like US electroclash legends The Faint and almost unlistenable synth-noise from Crystal Castles.

Zkeletonz launch debut album ‘OUT!’ on Sat 12^th December at Camden Underworld. Get tickets now here.

We Speak Hip-Hop

NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)

Published

11 hours ago

April 14, 2026

MJ Savino

Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.

MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.

Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.

MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.

Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.

MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?

Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.

MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?

Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.

MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”

Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.

MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?

Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.

MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.

Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.

MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.

Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.