Caffiends

A1 Bassline has announced the launch of a new label alongside Tek-One and Kavsrave, named Tighten Up Records. The debut release from the label will see part one of a two-part release on double a-side vinyl and digital download. Dropping on the 20th September, the release will feature “Luckier Charms” by A1 Bassline and Kavsrave, and “Arrakis ’97″ by Tek-One and A1 Bassline.

Be sure to head down to the label launch night on the 15th September at The Den, where the three artists will be performing alongside Homepark and Dem 2.

We hope to hear more from the label in the very near future!

I don’t think you need reminding that it is actually summer (although some of us Brits are still scratching our heads at the lingering presence of rain). However, DJs are out in force still to celebrate all the summer brings – including that elusive sunshine. DJ Mehdi is no different and today he’s released this tidy little mix to celebrate the season coming to a close. So if you’re like me and wondering when sunshine will return, this mix serves as a cool reminder as to what it usually does to us once you add a pool, beer and some mates.

And for all you lot on the other side of the Channel in France, be sure to catch DJ Mehdi at Point Ephemere where he’ll be showcasing an all night long special alongside live mural painting. It’ll be taking place on the 3rd September; here are the deets.

JAY-Z ‘Dear Summer’ Quick Intro
FLYING LOTUS ‘A Cosmic Drama’
NINA SIMONE ‘Summertime’ INTERLUDE
DJ SDUNKERO ‘Choosing Love’
L-VIS 1990 ‘Forever You’
CHROMEO ‘Don’t Turn The Lights On’ CARTE BLANCHE REMIX
LARRY HEARD ‘The Sun Can’t Compare’
JESSE ROSE ‘You Know It’
SCISSOR SISTERS ‘Any Which Way’ CARTE BLANCHE REMIX
GONZALES ‘I Am Europe’ DJEDJOTRONIC REMIX
HOT CITY ‘If That’s How I Feel’
CASSIUS ‘I <3 U So’
QUEEN ‘In The Lap Of The Gods’
DRAKE ‘Made’

Another Price Films production with duo Actual Proof. This track is produced by AMP – it’s got that classic vibe to it. I’m seriously feeling it, and Actual Proof are just sick on this.

Sneakerhead or not, you have heard about the Nike Air Force 1. It is the most famous shoe out there and its rise to dominance over 30 years has been a remarkable one. So Nike has taken it upon themselves to commission a feature-length documentary about it, alongside Thibaut de Longeville. The documentary will present the history of the shoe off the page of Bruce Kilgore’s sketchbook in 1982, to an icon of over 1,700 different styles. It is one of the very few sneakers that has successfully managed the transition from practical sports-shoe to casual staplewear, and maintain it for so long.

Here’s a new little something that I’m adding to the blog. “Spotlight on…” will be a corner where I showcase brands that are beginning to make a name for themselves in their respect markets. This can range from technology to fashion to cars to stationery. You’ll be introduced to brand (provided you don’t know about them already!) and given a little idea about what they’re about, what they’re doing and where they’re headed.

The first post for this series focuses on BR Republic, a London-based jewellery design firm that is starting to make waves in the jewellery scene. It came about through a remarkable partnership between Bobby White, the young jewellery designer of the year, and Maxim, the frontman of The Prodigy. White’s edgy style in design was given a fresh splash with Maxim’s involvement and their first pieces are a true reflection of this.

Their current collections focus heavily on military-connected signs of power. The Spartan helmet rings and grenade pendants, laced with precious stones and metals send out a strong yet glamourous statement. The pendants come attached to a jet black rope, contrasting with colours of the pieces.

The collection for women is more elegant with more feminine colours and stones being used such as sapphires. In particular, the ladybug pendants come with a unique black and yellow sapphire wing pattern and the design is really set apart from the rest of the collections.

And despite being around for such a short period of time, the company is quickly establishing itself at the forefront of modern jewellery design with many celebrities already being spotted wearing items from their collections. Their pieces are currently stocked at five stores across the UK, with Harvey Nichols London being the main port of call.

Pharrell is no stranger to new ventures and seems to try his hand at everything. In this video, we see Pharrell discuss his partnership with legendary motorbike manufacturer Harley-Davidson for the design and manufacture of his own signature bike. Pharrell discusses his design philosophy with this particular model and the image he wanted the bike to portray.

Electro wizard B. Rich has announced a 3-week tour of North America to promote his upcoming single “Everyday Hustle 2010″. The tour will end on the 21st August, giving him sufficient time to prepare for his world tour in November.

Listen to the new single here:
Everyday Hustle 2010 by brichbass

You may or may not have noticed the severe lack of posting lately. It seems there were a few technical issues, initially with the server that keeps this blog chugging along and then with my own computer, which decided it didn’t want to play any part with the blog and refused to let me access it! So basically, whilst you lot were clicking in for updates, I was clicking in and get a blank screen. Ah well, that’s sorted now but I can’t promise that there won’t be any server problems in the future – it’s all out of my hands so I apologise in advance if it happens again!

I don’t intend to do a catch up so I’ll just carry on from today’s new shit.

Good work from the BBC Radio 1Xtra lads and all those involved! You can listen back to the mix for the next 5 days here.

On Saturday 5th June, BBC Radio 1Xtra DJs Rampage along with special guest DJs broke the Guinness World Record for The World’s Longest Club Session DJ Relay.

The station broke the the record by creating one long continuous DJ club mix, with each tune being mixed in by a different DJ. All tunes had to be perfectly beatmatched, without any musical clangs.

There were two attempts – the first was kicked off by BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Trevor Nelson along with special guest DJ Mark Ronson at 2pm. The second attempt, which broke the record, was started by In New 1Xtra DJs We Trust DJ, Illmana.

The event took place at the Vibe Bar in London. The aim was to reach 60 tracks to break the previous world record of 59, which was set on 18th June 2003 at D-Train, Bridge & Tunnel Club, London.

The record breaking track, Benga & Coki’s ‘Night’, was played live on air by Rampage’s Treble T during Ace & Vis’ show. The record eventually finished at a massive 82 tracks!

Supra‘s preparing for summer and fall this year by dropping a serious amount of sneakers. The Supra Avenger is the latest to hit the shelves and is the latest Erik Ellington signature model. Available from this week, it will be coming in White Leather and Black Nubock.

The overall reaction to this so far is mixed, with many now saying that Supra is leaning to closely to Nike, and you can see where they are coming from when looking at this model. But I think it’s a bit too early to jump to conclusions on the direction that Supra is taking so I think this is a wait-and-see situation. I personally like these but I am a die-hard Supra fan (as well as a die-hard Nike fan)… More pictures after the jump.

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