Pinboard

HELP TOKIMONSTA MAKE HER FIRST MUSIC VIDEO

We’ve seen bands appeal to their fans to donate cash (through the likes of Pledge Music) in order to help them raise enough money to record an album before. This is a new one though; LA-based beatmaker TOKiMONSTA has hooked up with 14 design students from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, to create her very first music video. Laying out their vision for the video, the students have ensured potential pledgers have plenty of information before committing to a donation.

BLOOMING LATE

So, I’ve been listening to these cats from LA a lot lately. For those that aren’t familiar with them, Late Bloomers is made up of Ahh:Zel, Nonstop and Really Nathan, and the young trio deal in the kind of hip-hop you can just put on and zone out to. Serious head-nod music laced with a healthy dose of synths. To listen to their debut EP and watch the video for ‘Never Not Grow’, just hit the link.

RUSTIE LAUNCHES GLASS SWORDS WITH A BANG

Last Saturday saw Rustie launch his debut LP on Warp at London’s XOYO. Support came from Spencer, Nightwave and Darkstar, and we sent the homie Fabrice to document what went down. Looks like the night was everything you’d expect it to be: rammed to the rafters, sweaty, and loud. Check out the photos after the jump – for the best viewing experience make sure you hit FULLSCREEN

STEVE JOBS, 1955-2011

It’s sad to wake up to the news that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has passed away. Only 56, Jobs had been battling pancreatic cancer the last few years, and he died peacefully surrounded by family. Tributes have been pouring in thick and fast all over the world, and regardless of whether you’re a fan of Apple products or not, Jobs’ impact on technology, music and art – achieved through an unwavering passion for his work – is undeniable. A true innovator who dared to think differently.

J. ROCC MIXES THE BEST OF QUANTIC

Tru Thoughts celebrates a decade of music from the prolific producer

Will ‘Quantic’ Holland released his first album – ‘The 5th Exotic’ – on Brighton’s Tru Thoughts label in 2001. A decade later and twelve albums on (in various guises from solo material to Quantic Soul Orchestra, Flowering Inferno and Quantic y su Combo Barbaro), the prolific, genre-spanning producer is still going strong. To celebrate, J. Rocc (of the World Famous Beat Junkies and Stones Throw) has crafted a killer mix featuring the best of Holland’s ten year career to date. Expect electronic beats, hip-hop, funk, cumbia and dub, all tied together nicely with Quantic’s trademark sunny soul.

25 HOURS WITH EARNEST ENDEAVOURS

The creative collective takes you on an alternative tour of cultural London

The homies over at Earnest Endeavours have just spent some time showing Unlike City Guides a few of London’s best spots encompassing eats, art and music. If you’re on the look out for something different to do in the capital, watch the video after the jump and get inspired – there are some true alternative gems in there (the nachos at Off Broadway are a personal favourite) to help you get your explore on. For more Unlike City Guides goodness (London, Berlin, Sao Paolo and beyond), be sure to head over to their website.

BEATS PER MINUTE WITH EXILE

The producer's new album '4trk Mind' drops next week on Soul Spazm

Check out this great video of Cali producer Exile doing his thang on his MPC and talking about his musical heritage and how it’s influenced him as a musician today, courtesy of FLüD Watches and their Beats Per Minute series. Exile’s just about ready to drop his new album ’4trk Mind’ next week, featuring everything you’d expect from the beatsmith (intricate production, jazzy samples and of course, dope beats). In the meantime, be sure to take a look at the really really good looking album trailer – all after the jump.