After kicking off 2017 with his much anticipated new single ‘First Time’, London-based artist Alexandrer Kotz – aka Elderbrook – has created a soulful playlist especially for your weekend. The singer, songwriter and classically trained multi-instrumentalist cemented his status as an artist to watch back in 2015 with the release of his debut EP ‘Simmer Down’ on acclaimed label Black Butter. His follow up ‘Travel Slow’ hit #1 on HypeMachine, leading onto a collaboration with respected German artist Andhim on ‘How Many Times’. The track received heavy praise from Annie Mac and Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1 and Mixmag picked it out as one of their top tracks of 2015. His touring schedule has been hectic, accompanying trio RÜFÜS DÜ SOL on their European BLOOM tour, appearances with Gorgon City for their Kingdom Tour which included a date at The Warehouse Project and a headline show at the much-hyped new venue in Omeara. Catch him this March at NYC’s Baby’s All Right and London’s XOYO. More info below.
Tracklist
Toulouse – So I Know You Care
This tune starts with soul-filled vocals accompanied by sparse and playful orchestral flavours (which I love). It builds and builds to then just drop to silence and a funky little break – that contrast works really nicely.
Couros, Alyss – Nev•er Break
The synth in this song is amazing. It brings a lot of sass. The simplicity of the drums gives the keys space to play around a bit as well which is what gives the song its character.
Marian Hill – Down
She has a really pleasantly soft timbre to her voice which suits the moodiness that the piano is bringing. I also like the way she says “are you down diddy down d d down..” – it’s like she’s sampling herself before the big sampler comes in.
James Vincent McMorrow – Get Low
This guy’s voice carries much soul. The high backing vocals are great as well – sounds like he’s having a little conversation with himself. The warm organic sounds of the acoustic guitar was what originally pulled me in though. These things = good music.
Tom Misch – Watch Me Dance
The strings at the beginning of this one always remind me of “A Change Is Gunna Come” by Sam Cooke (which is one of the very best songs of all time so that’s good). The melodic arrangement of the vocals in the intro are really clever as well – almost like a song from a musical. Then obviously that funk filled drop just brings it to an entirely new level of bouncy happiness. This song is best in the morning.
Jose – This Is How We Walk On The Moon
His lazy voice is so calming in this one, it works so perfectly with the layered guitars just making the whole thing a hypnotic journey. The saxophone is so cheeky as well. I love this one a lot.
Sports – Someone You’d Rather Be Dating
I love this band – especially their album “People can’t Stop Chillin’” (from which this song is taken). The lyrics are blunt which I always find really interesting. The music is bouncy. Very bouncy. If you don’t believe me (and you might not) have a listen…
Hoodlem – Old Friend
I think what I like about this song most is how raw it is. Every single part of the tune is so dry and makes the whole thing seem really up close and personal. Since I first heard it a couple of years ago I’ve had the vocal melody on repeat in my brain. A truly amazing song.
Max Frost – $Dreams
It’s so simple in the verses which is something I’m always drawn to but I love the swing of this track most of all. The live bass is the most swung thing I’ve had the pleasure of hearing in a while.
Soft Glas – Latency
This one contains a lot of jazziness. The vocals are angelic and the synth work is intoxicating – both floating around the simple (yet bouncy) drums that keep it all in place.
‘First Time’ is out now
Tour
5th March, Baby’s All Right, NYC
30th March, XOYO, London
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