Studio Wars! #MayTheFourthBeWithYou #SithHappens #StarWarsDay #ThrowbackThursday

We couldn’t help it…

This month’s five acts are all pretty similar in that they all have guitars and singing. Fans of songs that only contain rapping, scatting and/or yodelling might have to check back in with us next month…

Rex Orange County – Untitled

Outrageously talented and obscenely young, Rex Orange County could and should be your new fave. ‘Untitled’ taken from his tasty new LP ‘Apricot Princess’ is a glossy ballad which fits more honest heart-wrenching pathos into its 2 and a half minutes than many more accomplished artists would struggle to fill an entire album. The 18 (!!!!!!!!) year old’s previous work has gotten him a fair few famous fans already and if he continues at this rate it will be hard to stop him.

Brazen Head – Looks

‘Looks’ is a very interesting first track from new London band Brazen Head. A bouncy bass line, soft guitars that morph into a wailing chaotic mess, pulsing synths and an eerily plinky plonky piano provide a great backing for singer Louis’ anguished words. The track builds and builds as harmonies float above an unsettling yet catchy anthem. Fans of ‘The Bends’ era Radiohead will find a lot to love in this new bands sound. Catch them supporting FUR at The Old Blue Last for free on the 6th of May.

Lazy Day – With My Mind

I don’t know about you but I love me some chorus on my guitars. There’s nothing quite like that sweet sweet modulation effect. Seriously, I go nuts for it. If you are anything like me then you will really appreciate the light and breezy sounds from Lazy Day. ‘With My Mind’ floats along effortlessly and the only thing that keeps it grounded is its warm bassline and lead singer Tilly’s breathy yelps and screams. You can catch the 4 piece play at The Anvil in Bournemouth on the 5th of May or on the 9th at the Servant Jazz Quarters in their home city of London.

Honey Lung – Sophomore

‘Sophomore’ sounds like it has been taken straight out of the grunge and alt rock book of song writing (in the best way possible). Loud and abrasive riff’s cascade with vocals that sound like the singer is either going to burst into tears or get in a fight with you are juxtaposed with quiet restrained verses before exploding into more than one J Mascis inspired guitar solos. Fans of the Pixies and Pavement should really get down to their single launch on the 2nd of May at the Camden Assembly.

Mayor – Shores

This song is so hot you can’t even listen to it yet at the time of writing. Bright, sunny and overwhelmingly positive ‘Shores’ is a tune to be enjoyed whilst supping on a bottle of beer on a rooftop with friends. It could also be used to advertise an all inclusive holiday to a tropical island somewhere. Mayor are based in Israel and will be touring Europe and India in the summer to promote the single and album.To keep up to date with all things Metropolis Mastering related check out our website…

Check out our Spotify playlist which we will be adding to as the year goes on with all our tips and recommendations…

On Monday, 22 May, The Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK) and Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), in association with The UK Department for International Trade (DIT), will present a K-Music Conference, discussing the latest trends in this global phenomenon of the international music market, here at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick.

Conference discussions will include an overview of the Korean music scene, the live K-Music landscape and production and songwriting collaborations between the UK and Korean markets. Guests will also have an opportunity to network with the Korean industry delegates attending. The event, which is exclusively open to industry executives, will be followed by a live gig, hosted in Metropolis’ legendary Studio A, showcasing four of the most impressive acts to come out of South Korea this year, as part of their 2017 K-Music UK tour, which sees artists performing on the British festival circuit. This event is part of the ongoing UK-Korea trade and investment partnership under the UK-Korea Creative Industries Forum.

“K-Music has become one of the fastest growing genres in the international music market and the conference will bring the latest insights and forecast the next steps in the future of the sector to an industry audience. The most important industry-facing event hosted by K-Music representatives in London, it will be an opportunity to network with music business professionals from the Korean market, explore opportunities for collaboration and enjoy live sets from the latest Korean talent.”
Hoseong Yong KCCUK Director

“As the studio of choice for many fantastic K-Music acts, we are delighted to be hosting the K-Music conference and showcase at Metropolis in May. We look forward to welcoming our Korean colleagues and British industry guests to discuss trends in the sector and to some brilliant live sets in Studio A to end the night with a bang.”
Ian Brenchley Metropolis Studios CEO

Attendance at the K-Music conference and showcase is free of charge, open exclusively to music industry professionals. Those interested in attending the event at Metropolis on 22 May should email events@https://www.thisismetropolis.com to apply for Guest List.

The pop starlet, LOOP, is packing her bags for Europe…

Following the success of her latest single, ‘As If’, Metropolis Label’s LOOP has been named as tour support for Jonas Blue! Travelling through Germany, the Netherlands and France, the tour culminates at London’s Heaven. We recently visited Apple Music who invited LOOP to their HQ for a very special listening party. ‘As If’ has received a wonderful reaction so far and the new remix package is also reacting incredibly well at club.

Once you’ve bought your ticket (by clicking here!!!) watch the video for ‘As If’ below…

Find out more about Metropolis Labels here…

Elder Island drop Welcome State on Distiller TV…

What a way to launch a new song… within the beautiful setting of The Distillery. Elder Island, signed to Metropolis Labels, manage to capture a completely unique soundscape and we think you’d agree that it translates perfectly in a live environment.

For all the avid vinyl collectors out there you’ll be pleased to hear that Elder Island’s EP ‘Seeds In Sand’ will be released on vinyl on April 21st. You can pre-order your copy here…

Find out more about Metropolis Labels here…

Metropolis collaborate with jazz prodigy Jacob Collier and Samsung on ‘Over The Horizon’…

Each generation of Samsung’s Galaxy devices comes preloaded with a fresh new take on ‘Over the Horizon‘, Samsung’s signature, six-note groove. The company collaborated with Grammy Award-winning Jacob Collier to showcase a fresh new take on the ringtone.

Samsung commissioned Metropolis Films to make the accompanying video, as well as Metropolis Mastering‘s Tony Cousins to master the track. The video, like the song itself, is highly kinetic, having utilised a cutting-edge motion control camera to create a seamless ‘one-man band’ effect.

Credits

• Ramy Dance – Director
• Daniella Manca – Producer
• Frederic Cook & Ramy Dance – Post Production
• Tony Cousins – Mastering
• Hitoshi Yoshioka – Production Management

Find out more about Metropolis Films here…

Find out more about Metropolis Mastering here….

Find out more and book Tony Cousins here….

DAMN! This one has been really difficult to keep quiet…

If Kendrick Lamar‘s last couple of studio albums are anything to go by – Good Kid, M.A.A.D City & To Pimp A Butterfly both achieved Gold / Platinum sales certifications in the UK / US respectively – we’re pretty sure you won’t be able to escape DAMN. for the next few months.

We’re delighted that Kendrick‘s team chose Metropolis Studios to record in when passing through London a couple of months back. K-Dot laid down his vocals for album track ‘FEAR.‘ here with Sam Wheat engineering the session. Damn, those verses are good.

Metropolis would like to thank Kendrick Lamar, Top Dawg Entertainment and Aftermath Entertainment for making us a small part of this huge project.

Congratulations on a fantastic body of work.

About Metropolis Studios

Metropolis is home to the most successful independent recording, mastering, creative and production facility in Europe, offering unrivalled services for the entertainment industries. Based in a former power station for Chiswick’s railway in the early 20th century, approximately 50% of the UK Top 40 charts is either recorded, mixed, mastered, or creatively treated within Metropolis’ stunning Grade II ‘Power House’ complex.

Find out more about Metropolis Studios.

An inside look at Metropolis Studios in West London from an entirely fresh perspective… by flight.

Previously a grand Victorian power station, Metropolis has become the studio home of many great recording artists, notably Freddie Mercury who recorded some of his greatest works on the Fazioli piano in Studio A (pictured 00:41).

At the turn of the twentieth century, the building hosted the power generators for West London’s Tram network but fell into disuse after 1920. Following a masterful architectural conversion in 1989, the building assumed its current role as a major recording studio.

Metropolis features some of the finest studio space, recording technology, and production and mastering engineers in the world, and many of the biggest global music hits released every month pass through its doors. It is a monument to thriving creativity and excellence, all housed in a stunning architectural environment.

Filmed by Tom Rowland.

Music by Elder Island – Bamboo.

Gorillaz release another new single!

Let Me Out feat. Pusha T and Mavis Staples dropped this week. This is the fourth single Gorillaz have released from forthcoming album, Humanz, so far.

As well as Blur frontman Damon Albarn and collaborator Jamie Hewlett, guests on the record include Grace Jones, De La Soul, Savages’ Jehnny Beth, Benjamin Clementine, Danny Brown, Pusha T, Mavis Staples, Kali Uchis, Kelela, Vince Staples, DRAM, Popcaan, Jamie Principle, Kilo Kish, Anthony Hamilton, Peven Everett, and Zebra Katz… What a line-up!

Humanz was mastered by John Davis here at Metropolis Mastering. Book your next mastering session with John here…

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

Find out more about John Davis and book him for your next mastering job here…

Metropolis Live, in partnership with Clash Magazine, is a series of monthly shows hosted in the intimacy of legendary Studio A featuring some of the best bands around town…

Our April show on Wednesday 12th has a killer line up featuring two more amazing acts, Léks Rivers and Lola Coca.

• Doors are at 7pm.
• Performance starts at 8pm.

Grab your free tickets here!

Lola Coca

Portsmouth underdog Lola Coca bowls through our speakers with an unapologetic stride, carrying her love for 90’s Hip-Hop and Ska along for the journey.

London situated, the lyrically poignant Popstress has a way with words, simultaneously both playful, frank and nonchalant. Her smooth vocal tone spans between the goal posts of disinterest and a swan provoked.

Léks Rivers

Growing up around skateborading, Léks Rivers has trained himself to see the freedom of expression in everything around him. From looking at the streets as a concrete playground to the way he perceives musical genres as malleable forms designed to be twisted around one another. His songs can juxtapose the drama of 80’s pop music against the sombre reality of blues, and his live shows inject the electric energy of a rock ‘n’ roll into contemporary R&B. Listening to the way live saxophones stab through his electronic productions, it’s clear that the only thing that Léks is blind to, is the idea that there is any sort of rule book. “I think people should be allowed to do whatever they want, as long as it bangs,” he states. “If it’s wack, then call people out on it.”

Grab your free tickets here!