With our 124th issue almost on stands, and the weather finally brightening up in London, it’s about time we had a party! On Thursday 30th of March, we’re taking over Cafe Koko in Camden for a night of live music, DJs and drinks – and space allowing you’re more than welcome to join us.
Pre-Covid our Clash Live monthly residencies played host to the latest & greatest performers on the scene, with international touring artists and U.K breakthrough acts all rubbing shoulders in an intimate setting. Acts including Ashnikko, J HUS, Lady Leshurr, Tom Grennan, Masego, Jarreau Vandal, Knucks, Big Zuu, Sampah The Great, Poppy Ajudha, Greentea Peng, Jammer, Skepta, Frisco, Sneakbo, Sam Tompkins & many more have all previously graced the Clash Live stage.
Running monthly, the series returns for 2023 with fresh energy and enhanced settings at Cafe Koko in time for spring. Bringing together industry favourites for an invite-only cultural celebration. This is generally speaking the last chance to catch some these acts this year in such an intimate environment. As always space is extremely limited, sign up for the free ticket lottery now via the form below for your chance to attend.
ANTSLIVE
Headlining the evening is a special guest set from AntsLive, one of the UK’s hottest young prospects. Set on a course for stardom with more than enough fuel in the engine for the long-run.
Quick with words and slick with wit, his resounding self belief flirts with but is never duped by hubris, instead acting as a significant layer to his textured artistic characterisation. Read our recent Next Wave feature here. Amongst the most exciting acts within the UK’s endlessly burgeoning alternative rap scene, Ants is set on a course for stardom and there’s more than enough fuel in his engine to get him there.
The rapper has just released his debut EP, ‘Just A Matter Of Time’; his first full-bodied statement of intent, the tape is an emancipation of diversity, ambition and entertainment. Off the back of his sold-out headline show at Omeara this week, expect this to be one of last chances to see this young man in such an intimate setting for a while.
TOMMY SAINT
Tommy Saint was never content to just master one skill. Chasing down each challenge, he wanted to look at music from all angles – from production to songwriting, hype lyrics to the final mix.
With the recent release of his debut EP ‘SAINT SEASON’, Tommy definitively marks his position within UK Music. The self-produced project is filled with dense and atmospheric instrumentation led by Tommy’s versatile range of tones and deliveries.
The 21 year-old grew up a hip-hop head, but over the last few years has expanded his tastes in all directions, citing influences from Portishead to Floating Points. His diverse musical interests make “SAINT SEASON”, a genre-blending experience. The single “My Phone” for example, combines a funk inspired bassline with jazzy pianos and trumpets, while Tommy switches between smoothly sung melodies and a raspy rap chant. “Elixir” on the other hand, which closes “SAINT SEASON”, lies somewhere between a dark pop anthem and an introspective RnB track.
Anyone who has seen Tommy’s videos will know how important the visual aspect of his brand is to him. His eccentric and energetic take on movement is matched by the masterful camerawork and inventive direction. Tommy’s eclectic love for film and keen eye for stylistic choices contribute to the cinematic aesthetics in his videos.
PSI.KO
From rapping and producing records to creatively directing her own visuals, London-based, Iraqi artist psi.ko has been cutting her teeth working alongside one of the leading Middle Eastern creative collectives in London, Abdulisms.
A genuinely exciting rising talent, her conscious, intelligent wordplay that touches on political and societal topics. Psi.ko’s recent record “C.H.A.V” seeks to break the false lower/ working class “Council Housed and Violent” narrative. An intricately crafted offering that bluntly poses what it’s like to be poor in the UK, accompanied with visuals that showcase the void of architectural imagination and social integration that affects millions in the UK- she feels like an very important new voice in the UK landscape.
CLASH DJs
Live performers will be joined by CLASH DJs spinning our favourite sounds of the moment from early doors until closing time.
EVENT DETAILS:
CLASH Live “Next Wave” @ Cafe Koko
Thursday 30th March 2023
Ground Floor, 74 Crowndale Rd,
London NW1 1TP
Doors: 7.00pm – 12.00am
Confirmed RSVP is essential for entry & please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
