Sound Atlas Music

12/06/2021

Song of the week: Yes we are back! Let the good times role and what better way to do that than playing some of the finest that UK jazz has to offer.

'Presha' by corto.alto is a HUGE tune. Mixing rap, jazz, funk and some beautiful brass sections, there is simply no better way to start your summer. The energy is unreal and unrelenting. Nothing will put a smile on your face quicker than this song!

https://open.spotify.com/track/5Na78r9mk6T47pYJm0NYRI?si=9dfc1257338d4e7a

corto.alto, Tom Spirals · Live from 435, Vol. 2 · Song · 2019

11/06/2021

A quick little reminder of the playlists that I have already created on Spotify. A mixture of jazz, house, soul and pop you'll find something for your summer here.

My favourites from my radio show Soul of the South, an eclectic mix of classic and modern soul, funk and jazz that will make you cry and joyful all in one package: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/06bVJlUxP1tq9SqLViCJdQ?si=9bcfd4b3b62d4696

Self-Isolation vibes, a mix of songs designed to brighten up even the most boring days in isolation. you'll be movin' and groovin' in no time: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ZWKS70uGZNaUq6bPBFu2n?si=e42e434e80584669

The Best of 2019, a mix of all my favourite songs from 2019, useful if you want to go back and remember a time before the pandemic: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6CNCYRIilMqLu7tRbqZAIw?si=8fd9f251cc684eb2

Modern Jazz Essentials, the definitive guide to the Contemporary Jazz scene. If you feel like dipping your toes into the beautiful diverse world of modern jazz this is for you: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0JZzRDL2rmtPjup76torcQ?si=aa9ed14d0b3a4508

11/06/2021

Ok, I fell down another hole, I apologise this year has been nuts and I failed to manage my time effectively and alas Sound Atlas took a back seat. But do not despair, I am reviving this page this summer. I have decided to make it more manageable by focusing on the page. I will be creating new playlists focusing on different genres and vibes, so prepare for some of the hottest playlists this summer! Of course I will be reviving song of the week exploring the most interesting music I can find and broadening mine and your music tastes. Invite your friends to the page and lets have a great time ###

19/11/2020

"Heaven's Gate" featuring Lily Allen by Burna Boy is high energy song that is a fusion of hip-hop, afro-beat and R&B. The mix of fast lines from burna boy contrasted with allen's sweet dreamy vocals mix perfectly.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6FccLTPgQd0vnrFqmtbD64?si=cKSWk6PgRrOsY7vZQg7kbA

Burna Boy, Lily Allen · Outside · Song · 2018

12/11/2020

It's been a while since i did song of the week and considering everything that is going on I felt like kicking it back off with a song that has filled me with a lot of hope lately, especially with everything that is going on.

"What The World Needs Now" is a collaborative cover of the song by Tank and the Bangas with a host of over artists totalling 10. Really at a moment like this in the world it is perfect. A beautiful song of love and community its a take on a classic which dramatically improves on the original. It's current and will strike an emotional chord with most people. I hope you enjoy this and it makes you feel a little safer and a little more loved.

https://open.spotify.com/track/2pMCUkjfwU8qmcinswjESa?si=iMa5C-kfTye3buETTfU3Qw

Tank and The Bangas, David Shaw, PJ Morton, Alexis Marceaux, Anjelika 'Jelly' Joseph, Maggie Koerner, Sasha Masakowski, Berkley The Artist, Rahim Glaspy, Tracci Lee · What The World Needs Now · Song · 2020

29/10/2020

So I've been putting together a playlist of all my favourite tunes that I have been playing on my radio show recently. Its a global playlist of my favourite soul, funk and jazz music, so break out of your bubble and listen to some incredible music!

Soul of the South's favourite songs

28/09/2020

Wow, this is strange. Activity on this page. I'm sorry I've been quiet for so long, life has not been easy for me along with many others and my commitment to this waned. But i'm back and feeling good. I promise that much more is coming but for now listen to my radio show which has just restarted again.

The finest Jazz, Funk and Soul to brighten up your day

05/06/2020

As a musician and an avid listener of music I am indebted to the black artists and musicians who have come before me. I consistently draw on black culture and history throughout my life. Without their massive contribution many artists, bands and genres would not exist. We owe them everything, including our respect.

However, it is clear that for centuries black people have been oppressed by a western colonial system based on exploitation that still exists to this day. The institutional and outright racism that is present throughout the world, especially here in the UK and America, is disgusting. We must strive to eradicate this system by being actively anti-racist rather than non-racist.

I have taken this moment as an opportunity to acknowledge my lack of education and understanding on the topic of race and racism and have addressed this by reading and learning. I would encourage you all to go out and do the same. Some good books are 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' by Reni Eddo-Lodge, 'Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire' by Akala, and 'How to be an Antiracist' by American Ibram X. Kandi.

There are also some incredibly useful UK petitions that you can sign. One is for the introduction of British imperialism and colonialism in the British curriculum https://www.change.org/p/gavin-williamson-mp-teach-british-children-about-the-realities-of-british-imperialism-and-colonialism. The other is to suspend the UK exporting tear gas to the USA https://www.change.org/p/suspend-uk-export-of-tear-gas-rubber-bullets-and-riot-shields-to-usa.

This is the moment where we stand together as a community to support all the black voices that need to be heard in this country and abroad. All Black Lives Matter.

25/05/2020

Song of the Week: "Sweet Disco Times" by Funky Times. This is the song you need to lift those corona blues. The suns shining here in the UK and I've been feeling the need to lift my spirits with some funky feel good tunes.

Sweet Disco Times is just that. It grooves so hard mixing busy compressed guitar and bass parts together. It has a very nice breakdown where the whole song changes rhythm and and it adds a nice change of dynamics without being too jarring. Overall its a song that is busy and interesting but doesn't allow itself to become too crowded.

Funky Times, Marti Fischer, Lukas Franz · Sweet Disco Times · Song · 2020

08/05/2020

Song of the Week: "Carry Me Home" by KOKOROKO is a wonderfully vibrant and upbeat piece of jazz fusion music. The fast rhythms achieved thanks to the drums and bass along with the catchy vocal hook catapult you into a joyful world full of energy and life. The whole song is topped off with some beautiful horn lines and improvisation that give it that Jazz feeling.

Overall it's a joyful piece of music that will brighten even your darkest of days. So let loose and dance away.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3impbLGFvLfRkGrpJpBBX1?si=F63nRgVERoOaASmFhrfhOA

Kokoroko · Carry Me Home · Song · 2020

22/04/2020

OK so admittedly it has been quite a long time since i posted anything. To be brutally honest my energy, motivation and mental health levels have been low recently and I've been struggling to get inspired about life. However I am back now, with an excellent piece of music by Nightmares On Wax feat. Jordan Rakei called "Typical".

Its got a super cool groove with a smooth bass line that keeps the whole song going. The hook complete with backing vocals absolutely kills, and Jordan Rakei's vocals are the soulful icing on the cake. The use of strings in the background is a really nice addition giving it some motown vibes.

This is perfect for those chilled out sunny days.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1Fv8xwRpvDyLILGUEQ4HoC?si=A5XG1oYdQuuh_t0OQXj4vg

Nightmares On Wax, Jordan Rakei · Shape The Future · Song · 2018