Steph Brown's intense songwriting has a rare intimacy, with each note seeming to be hewn from her own life.

Take new single 'Feel You Near'. A bold, stark return, its folk shades explore the trust that emerges from a truly loving relationship.

Crafted in cooperation with Kev Minney, the cyclical guitar lines build into a web of sound, while Steph's piercing vocal radiates with emotion.

She explains...

“The track is about the rediscovery of your romantic partner. It’s about how sometimes, in a relationship, you can lose touch and have to navigate your way back to love. Committing is about trusting that process. In the video you see Kev and I in the same room but back to back, illustrating that while we are in the same space, we don’t or can’t recognise it or find each other.”

Tune in now.

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Some things just fall in place naturally.

Take Dublin group SPRINTS. The four-piece formed little under a year ago, playing their first live show in February.

But already word is out. Potent songwriting that packs a real punch, their punk-etched sound is visceral while hiding a natural knack for melody.

Debut single 'Pathetic' is first out of the blocks, the kind of attitude laden grunge nugget Garbage made their own and Wolf Alice seek to emulate.

Recorded at Darklands studio in Dublin, 'Pathetic' is a taut, concise monster of a track, placing the needle firmly to the red.

An addictive first offering, we can't wait to hear more...

SPRINTS will launch the single at The Sound House on Eden Key, Dublin on April 20th.

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K-pop sensation BTS have had a career made of dreams in the last few years. Having built a reputation for making impactful, introspective music, spurred by their massive success of their previous album series ‘Love Yourself‘, expectations were high yet seemingly easy to achieve for the septet with the announcement of a new era of music in ‘MAP OF THE SOUL : PERSONA’.

The latest offering from the globally celebrated act unsurprisingly began making its presence known much before its release on 13 th April with an explosion of excited reactions across social media, as their ever-loyal fanbase ‘ARMY’ prepared to welcome new music with open arms.

Kicking off the record is ‘Intro: Persona’, featuring a catchy beat and bandleader RM bringing forth his ability for strong lyricism as he talks about his imposter syndrome and about recapturing his motivation to pursue music.It is a decent opener by all means- serving well to establish the seven-track offering as worth a listen . But it lacks authenticity coming across with a beat that seems recycled and stale.

Following title track ‘Boy With Luv’ feat Halsey, was one that generated significant buzz among fans upon glimpsing a teaser. A summery pop anthem that references their 2014 release ‘Boy In Luv’ it came with the anticipation that accompanies big-name collaborations.

The band have always surprised their adoring fans with unexpected features from well-known figures from the Western music world. Starting in 2017 with Steve Aoki’s involvement in explosive ‘Mic Drop’ to Nicki Minaj’s feature in last year’s ‘IDOL’ that successfully launched the band into the West’s main-stream music scene, these collaborations have only ever borne brilliant music.

But the nu-disco-tinged ‘Boy With Luv’ – despite topping charts and breaking YouTube records within a few days of release- comes across forgettable, especially if there’s no loyalty or love of being a fan to anchor you to the song.

The same can be said of ‘Make It Right’, co- written by Ed Sheeran. With a soundscape that’s more than fine, it is less K-pop – a genre that the inspirational band brought respect to -and more typically Western-influenced.

While previous albums are remembered for strong verses from the three rappers of the group, the vocalists become the stars of this seven-track production. From the electro-pop brilliance of ‘Mikrokosmos’ and the emotive stylings of ‘ Jamais Vu’ – both made in collaboration with London-based production duo Arcades- the vocal talent, and their light yet soulful delivery, stand out with clarity.

The highlight of the album comes in the form of ‘HOME’ as the rapping- which remained weak up till that point of the production- seamlessly falls into place with the vocals. With a dynamic flow, and captivating lyricism, it connects with listeners begging to grace your ears again and again.

Final track ‘Dionysus’ makes use of a beat that seems familiar for the group. It’s the kind of music that established them as the global sensation they are now known to be, but as it drags listeners through soundscapes that sounds similar to previous releases, the track loses its ability to stand out on its own.

‘MAP OF THE SOUL : PERSONA’ is a valiant, and partly successful attempt from K-pop’s biggest band to move forward in their music. While they undeniably remain a success, the recycled sonics and multiple references to past music, makes it hard for old listeners to let go of past glory and for the new to connect with their current music.

6/10

Words: Malvika Padin

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'Illmatic' is possibly the most studied, storied, lauded rap album of all time.

Nas' epochal 1994 debut came to define an entire era, long cited for its complex imagery, brutal street poetry, and its emotional depth.

But this praise has elevated 'Illmatic' to a near unassailable position, something that - in truth - no one piece of art deserves.

Clash has taken part in this conversation - hell, we even spoke to the man himself on the 20th anniversary about the enduring impact 'Illmatic' holds.

But it's time to step away from all that. It's fine to have a personal favourite, it's fine to think - deep down - that 'Illmatic' has flaws, and its fine to admit to yourself that other artists have matched or even superseded Nas' classic debut.

Here's a few personal picks from Clash writers.

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Jay Z - 'Reasonable Doubt' (Robin Murray)

Jay Z and Nas went through a decade-long beef that arguably ranks as one of hip-hop’s greatest set of sly disses, outright insults, and trash talk onslaughts.

It all begins here, though, on Jay Z’s debut album, when Nas ducked out of recording a guest spot on ‘Bring It On’, with producer Ski Beats instead using a sample of the rapper on ‘Dead Presidents II’. Why did Nas fail to turn up to the studio that day? He’s never really said, and we’ll never truly know.

For know in Hove’s corner, though, it’s pretty simple: ‘Reasonable Doubt’ has taken the street poetry of ‘Illmatic’ and amplified it, exceeding Nas’ lauded debut with gritty knowledge and the kind of street hustle only Jay Z could provide.

In the long term, though, the comparisons don’t matter – Jay Z won out, and became so successful he was able to quash the beef once and for all in 2006 when he signs Nas to Def Jam. The two even record together, but ‘Black Republican’ can never match the white heat of their debut LPs.

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DOOM - 'Operation: Doomsday' (Robin Murray)

‘Illmatic’ is a technically magnificent achievement, but for all Nas’ deft couplets, literary allusions, and complex internal rhyme structures the album’s narrative thrust remains the same as many other East Coast rap albums of the era. It’s simple: I live in New York, life is hard, but I remain cool as hell.

Which is why ‘Operation: Doomsday’ is arguably the finer achievement. Having abandoned rap following the death of his brother, (MF) DOOM creates a new outlaw character, one that provokes change by haranguing from the outskirts. It’s a complex record, full of mis-direction and lyrical trickery, often simultaneously revealing and disguising at the same time. 

An album fuelled by grief and anger at a cold industry that values money over art, ‘Operation: Doomday’ actually remains a nuanced, often light-hearted experience. An instant cult classic on its 1999 release, it’s light has only increased over the following decades.

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Notorious B.I.G. - 'Ready To Die' (Emma Finamore)

Maybe it’s just because, come on, it’s Biggie, but I’ve always returned to this album more often than ‘Illmatic’. The latter may be a hip-hop masterpiece – a schooling in innovative, nimble production, and in album craft, with not a track out of place – but ‘Ready To Die’ just has more soul.

Maybe it’s faux soul: both albums tell stories of ‘90s New York – Nasir Jones’ Queens and Christopher Wallace’s Brooklyn – but Biggie’s tale is a romantic, colourful rags to riches one, punctuated with humour and a hero that makes it out in the end, while ‘Illmatic’ is relentless in its (albeit pristinely delivered) bleak mood.

I never really smile or weep listening to Nas’ perfect record, while Biggie’s flows have me floored with laughter, sobbing – see ‘Suicidal Thoughts’ – dancing – see ‘Juicy’ – or just plain in awe of his wordsmithery and dexterity. Who else could come up with: "Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis/When I was dead broke, man, I couldn't picture this.”

For years listeners have wondered who that “other MC” is on hardcore cut ‘Gimme The Loot’…but guess what, it’s just Biggie again, flexing his vocal prowess. ‘Illmatic’ might be the record you choose with your head, but ‘Ready To Die’ is an album of the heart.

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Kanye West - 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' (Will Rosebury)

It’s pretty undeniable that 'Illmatic' has the best ‘rapping’ on any album ever. I’ll give you that. But it’s a headphone listen, an album you put on one or twice a year because you want to hear raw lyricism.

Is it a go-to listen in the car? Can you put it on at a party? What track gets played in a club? Which song gets you emotional? Does it incorporate a myriad of styles? No.

Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has it all. If we are talking production, Nas' debut is definitely a masterpiece – with some of the best producers ever providing their greatest work. But it sounds like 1994, granted it’s an incredible musical time-capsule, however it’s very much of its time. Okay, 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' isn’t even a decade old but it hasn’t aged a day - in fact, it still sounds like the future.

The key difference is that 'Illmatic' set the bar for all future rap music, and 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' raised that bar to a height no-one has come close to since.

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With Spring coming to an end and Summer in tow, the Clash team are starting to plan wilderness trips and outdoor excursions. Having been cooped up in an East London office for the last six months, we’re looking forward to escaping to the countryside, and what's an activity filled adventure sans electronics without the correct wardrobe.

Thankfully, Woolrich has come to the rescue with their latest Outdoor collection for SS19. Debuting at Pitti Immagine Uomo 94 in January, the line focuses on minimalism, durability and versatility.

Aiming to create a balance between humanity and the natural world, the collection features a series of functional basics, all designed to allow for optimum flexibility and movement.

Available at woolrich.eu

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The most distinctive thing about the rise of Eric Nam is probably how the entertainment industry stumbled upon him. As a young man in finance a viral YouTube cover got him a place in Star Audition: Birth of A Great Star 2, a popular program in Korea which jump-started his career.

Following this he has hosted many TV programs, often interviewing Western media’s biggest celebrities, making him one of the most prolific Korean artists today. He is also a talented musician, with his second EP ‘Honestly’ charting at number six on the Billboard World album charts.

With his electro-pop, reggaetón and dancehall inspired melodies, oftentimes rooted in his American upbringing, Eric Nam adds a fresh approach to an industry at times uniform.

While on his world tour, Clash caught up with him ahead of his first concert in London, one of the many dates which are sold out.

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First tour in Europe how do you feel about that, most excited about?

Don’t know what to expect, really excited for it. Romantic ideal of what it is, how cultured and cool it is. In my head it’s like: "oh yeah I am going to be touring Europe be super cultured, have a croissant an espresso in the morning, an English breakfast..." but I will probably just be struggling to survive. Trying to stay awake.

But I’m going to get to visit a lot of cities I’ve never been to before so I’m really excited. And in London I get to play in this really exciting venue which is sold out, and then get to hang around and write with some English artists. It’s gonna be a blast. That's the plan for now. 

You are very busy at the moment as you are currently on a world tour, do you get to relax and focus on your music?

It’s really hard for me to focus on one thing, that’s the way I have always been. Also, I think a big part of working here (Korea) is that you have to do everything, and be everywhere, and that is really the most challenging part about this job, I am on tour, recording, putting out music in a few weeks, TV, and a bunch of other things.

If I had to change anything, I would get a few months just to concentrate and work on my music, that would be a dream come true. But I love to perform and be on tour, so it’s a lot about appreciating the ride of the many things I do.

Do you ever get time to just let go?

To be frank, I don’t get to relax, my weekends are not weekends, and I work the most during holidays. I feel like I’m constantly on the go, it is at times exhausting but I push my self this way because there are so many things I don’t want to miss out on.

The sense of accomplishment I get from finishing my projects is just as good as chilling on a beach somewhere and drinking cocktails. Once a twice a year I will force myself to take days off, but then after two days I just have to get going again.

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How’s your creative process? What do you do to find inspiration for your music?

For me writing is a very collaborative process. I have written songs by myself before, but I feel like the best songs come when I’m with other people, trading ideas. I will go into a session with a bunch of other people; we all have different stories and cover diverse paths of lives, and it’s a bit weird because we all meet for the first time, but we pour our hearts out.

Someone will be like “I just fallen in love” or “I’m going through a break up” or even “A bird just pooped on my head this morning”, and half the times that is the starting point for a brand-new song. Even in mundane situations during the day, ideas will pop up in my head for a song; and that’s where it all kind of snowballs from, and taking in from everyday life, really.

You are not from Korea, grew up in America, how hard was it to be part of the entrainment world of Korea?

It was really hard, and it is oftentimes still difficult. It is just the reality of the environment I live and work in. I have been here a long time, and have made a name for myself so I can work a certain way, people respect me in that regard.

When I first started, I had a harder time, because I didn’t understand why and how certain things needed to be, in my head it is the wrong way, but in Korea it is the only way, trying to compromise was difficult, but now I get it. In the end, it is about: When In Rome...

Do you find it just as difficult to break in the Western world and charts?

I think it looks like the Western world is more willing to have more Asian representation within the mainstream media, at the same time, the media has to be wiling to give it a shot. BTS and Blackpink are doing really well, and that is amazing, but on the Western chart front it is no risk as they are guaranteed success.

I am hoping that in the coming years that Asian artists will be brought because the music industry believes in their talent, simply. The ideas, and the way the conversation is framed, are changing, but it will still require more time for people to be willing to take advantage of it.

I think of K-Pop as its own genre, is a stepping stone for K-Hip Hop, R&B, etc. Once people are fans of K-Pop it is easier to discover the other facets of the Korean music industry, especially if there is more content readily available.

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Eric Nam plays O2 Academy Islington in London on June 21st and 22nd - ticket LINK.

Words: Noura Ikhlef

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Since his announcement as Creative Director at Celine, Hedi Slimane has been a pillar of change for the Parisian house, be it runways, campaigns or accent placements.

Perhaps his boldest move yet is a transformation in the way we shop Celine. Slimane has opened a series of architectural concept stores worldwide, featuring his own furniture designs alongside Grand Antique and Travertine marble flooring and fixtures. Kicking off 2019 with the New York flagship on Madison Avenue this February, today sees the launch a new shopping experience in London's Mayfair. 

Situated at 164 New Bond Street, the 145 square metre store is spread over two floors, and is a continuation of the Celine Art Project, for which each flagship is based around individually commissioned artwork.

For the London store, New York based artist Eli Ping's Post takes centre stage. “Made by cutting a segment from a steel I-beam, then rotating and inserting the cut segment between the two remaining pieces", a representative for the brand tells us. "From the eye level up, the mass of the beam sits atop a narrow plane of material, revealing a window in the planes of steel absented by the cut. The resulting form evokes statue, totem, and an interruption in a basic structure of architecture and language.”

Visit celine.com

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There's no one else around like Wastefellow.

The Irish auteur is following a singular dream, his fizzing electronics set against that high, keening falsetto, both beautiful and unsettling at the same time.

Real name Diolmhain Ingram Roche, he excels on new release 'Fizzy Lifting Drinks', with its billowing extra-dimensional melodies and other-worldly production.

A highly potent, highly personal track, Wastefellow teamed with Conor Donoghue on the video, a true labour of love that took months to achieve.

In the clip Doilmhain walks through walls, the sharp edits creating a hallucinatory viewing experience. Conor Donoghue explains...

"The concept of Diolmhain walking through different scenes was inspired a few months back when Diolmhain sent me the track. At the time I watching far too many Tik Tok meme compilations on YouTube than one man should. I thought how the people interacted and moved between two or more different videos was pretty interesting looking and I thought 'hey, that could work' but instead have the videos constantly scrolling passed the screen so the momentum is never lost."

"Each scene was shot portrait, keeping Diolmhain’s size and the distance he had to walk in the frame the same. This was so that he could stay relatively in middle of the video. After a lot of bad maths, tests, many days of shooting and a lot of favours from friends (which I am ridiculously thankful for) we finished the video. It was the most fun I’ve had shooting a music video and I hope it shows."

Tune in now.

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Tanika Charles grew up around soul music.

The Canadian vocalist was practically raised on Motown, and came to view everyone from The Supremes to Diana Ross, Marlena Shaw to Minnie Ripperton as her musical godparents.

Her sound is informed by the past while aimed at the present, with Tanika Charles speaking clearly, frankly about her own life in her work.

New album 'The Gumption' lands on May 10th, distilling those influences into a unique brew.

Tanika explains: “It’s a little more mature. It’s not feeling guilty about being up front, not being afraid to address situations that aren’t comfortable for me. I’m comfortable in my skin now in a way I never was before.”

She continues: “The overall theme is growth. I feel the music reflects that, and my words reflects that. Even the album cover tries to convey the feeling too. I’m not putting up with unnecessary nonsense anymore.”

New song 'Love Overdue' is a salute to her initial influences, using visual symbols that nod towards icons from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Directed by V.T. Nayani, you can check out 'Love Overdue' below.

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It finally feels like summer, and hopefully this is it, (we’ve been tricked before), and after an ill prepared trip into Dalston yesterday wearing cashmere and leather, we’re looking to change up our wardrobes for the foreseeable future.

Thankfully Ralph Lauren has come to the rescue wit the latest edition of their classic polo shirt. Coincidentally on the same day that Khal Drogo shaved his seven-year beard to raise awareness for plastic recycling, the 52-year-old brand has released an eco-friendly polo made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

The Earth Polo range has been created in partnership with First Mile, an American sustainability and socially conscious organisation that works with low-income communities to collect the bottles and transform them into high quality yarn. The range boasts a total of four colourways; Stuart Green, White, Navy and Baby Blue, each dyed and made with the latest in waterless technology.

To kick off the launch, Ralph Lauren has pledged to remove at least 170 million bottles from landfills and oceans by 2025. “Plastic waste is a major issue threatening the environment—we want to be part of the solution and utilize an innovative approach to create something valuable,” said David Lauren, Chief Innovation Officer.

Available at RalphLauren.com and at global retail stores.

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