Music

We bring you the Positive, Powerful and Personal music news, reviews and stories from both emerging artists / musicians and bands, and established giants in the music industry.

Big Zuu Interview

Big Zuu

We caught up with Big Zuu about his rise to stardom - from freestyling at his local youth club, to becoming a household name in the grime scene, the BAFTA nominated TV chef and author is a man of many talents.

Omar Lye Fook MBE

British soul legend Omar joined us in the studio to look back at a formidable music career which spans three decades, and ahead to a new album on the horizon.

UB40

UB40

UB40 are one of the UK’s leading and most loved reggae bands. We caught up with Ali Campbell and Astro to discuss their forty years on the road ahead of the release of their new album, ‘Unprecedented’.

whynow weekender

The whynow weekender

whynow weekender is a deep-dive into the clubs that made their mark on the history of nightlife.

We spoke to the key players of Soho’s legendary Wag Club, a melting pot of music and flamboyant partygoers that pioneered London’s hip hop and house scenes.

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Series Roundup

Just before lockdown, whynow and the Fifth took over Shoreditch Studios for a series of intimate live music sessions with four of London’s rising acts. With interviews and performances from South London rapper Kimbo, R&B singer Cheryll, West London neo-soul duo, Babeheaven, and folk singer-songwriter Ella Grace. Stay tuned or visit whynow.co.uk for more live music!

babeheaven

Babeheaven

Soulful alt-pop band Babeheaven perform two tracks from their debut album, Home for Now.

Cheryl

Cheryll

Fresh from the official Spotify R&B UK Playlist, Cheryll performs two tracks from her first EP, Transitions.

Kimbo

Kimbo

Introducing Kimbo - his rapping prowess and vocal melodies make him one to watch!

Ella Grace

Ella Grace

Access to intimate gigs from the UK's most exciting emerging artists. This week, Ella Grace plays three tracks from her debut album Reverence.

TSHA SOR

TSHA

TSHA reflects on the success of her EP, Flowers, and the importance of recognising dance music as a unique cultural force.

Effy Slice of real

Effy

Four of the most exciting up-and-coming female DJs have hijacked an 800 tonne sand dredger to bring us a night of house and techno. ⁠⁠Effy, widely touted as one of this year’s breakout talents, talks dancefloor bans, getting back behind the decks, and the prospect of positive times ahead for dance music.

Helena slice of real

Heléna Star

Foundation FM resident and prolific DJ, Heléna Star, talks about the power of radio during dark times, and why now is the time to push for a more inclusive industry for all.

NITE slice of real

Nite Fleit

With a much lauded debut at Berghain, and festivals appearances across Europe pre-Covid, Nite Fleit tells us how she’s kept busy during the pandemic, producing no less than 700 new tracks.

ronnie wood interview

Ronnie Wood

We spoke to musical legend Ronnie Wood about his adventures in 1960’s Britain; switching bands, swapping records and crashing parties. whynow’s decades series asks established people from the arts to discuss ten years that changed them and their work. Fresh out of art school, Ronnie was flitting between the mods and the rockers, while painting canvasses and jamming with Hendrix.

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Sol Bailey-Barker

Sol Bailey-Barker compiles artefacts and remnants to construct immersive installations and environments. The multi-disciplinary artist works with sound, sculpture and performance that call to his nature of being “stuck between reality and dream” as a result of an auto-immune disease he faced as a child. In these tough times for our community and beyond, here is the dreamlike world of Bailey-Barker.

Jes

Jez Nelson

Jez Nelson has been a key figure for jazz in the UK, having spent years transmitting it through pirate radio stations before joining the newly licensed Jazz FM in 1989. Along the way he’s spoken to some of the greatest and most eccentric characters in jazz and performance, including Herbie Hancock, Nina Simone and Sun Ra. For 'Decades' he talks us through the years 1982-1992.

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Michael Gray

DJ and producer Michael Gray has been spinning tracks from the age of 12. Having learnt and perfected his craft during the rise of house music, Gray has had an illustrious career. His hit ‘The Weekend’ remains beloved by all to this day and we couldn’t wait to have him ‘In The Studio’.

whynow interview

IYAMAH

Made in Brighton, singer IYAMAH is forging her own path. Her sumptuous vocals and heartfelt lyrics are sure to go far, but it's her self-discovering attitude gives her added steel. We caught up with the rising star for a session ‘In The Studio’.

Matt Clifford

Matt Clifford

Matt Clifford, a session musician and long-time collaborator of The Rolling Stones, delves into his career and discusses the technological changes he’s encountered throughout it. His work includes a revamping of that glorious Champions League anthem.

Dirty Dike

Dirty Dike

Dirty Dike is a rapper and a producer. He’s also a sound bloke, with six albums to his name. Speaking with our whynow ‘In The Studio’ session, he dissects the playful thrills and lyrical spills of his work, which is now a far-cry away from his time in prison. 

Matt Allchin

Matt Allchin

Producer Matt Allchin simply had to create music, and by following his dreams has worked with the likes of Adele, Mark Ronson and Florence Welch. Here he speaks to whynow for an in-depth take on life in the music industry, as part of our In The Studio series.