Every week TOW plays two songs for the brilliant Tom Robinson on his BBC 6 Music Introducing show… here are our picks from the last two shows:
Lower Dens – Hospice Gates
Thanks to Tom Ravenscroft for suggesting I listen to Texan Jana Hunter a few years ago. She was one of the first artists to sign to Devendra Banhart’s Gnomonsong label and now she’s got a brand new band. Lower Dens released Twin Hand Movement on the same label last month and TOW is enjoying it immensely. It’s all layered droney guitars and subtle pop hooks. For more tips from Tom check out his BBC 6 Music show.
Shunda K – Here I Am To Save The World
Formerly one half and founder member of lesbian religious rappers Yo! Majesty, Shunda K is out on her own and making music on her own terms. Fresh from touring with Peaches and taking as much advice as possible from her too, the new material is laced with funky beats and of course, killer lyrics. Save us please Shunda K!
Kath Bloom – Finally
TOW is lucky enough to be plugged into one helluva new music network. George Gargan is one such promoter, going by the name of Damnably he also makes music as Former Utopia. George is the driving force behind the forthcoming John Peel tribute night in London, more details here and we are putting in Mary Epworth and the Jubilee Band! George introduced me to Kath Bloom and with one of those voices that could only imply a turbulent life, we’ve enjoyed every last heart wrenching but also often joyous second. Someone who ‘should have been huge’. Seriously.
I couldn’t find a video for Finally online, but you might recognise this one from Before Sunrise.
Roxanne De Bastion – One Morning
Again – that network we mentioned before. Roxanne emailed our inbox asking if we fancy playing her song and posting her new video online – well, yes we do! Turn this one up loud – when played in the studio at 6 Music, Tom’s producer Tom Whalley put his head in his hands and said, ‘I think this is one of the most perfect voices I’ve ever heard’. ‘Nuff said.