STOP EVERYTHING: Pleas- Moses Sumney

Moses Sumney is a fascinating individual; on one hand he’s blessed with a clearly extraordinary talent, producing consistently stellar cuts of music that defy categorization. He bumps shoulders with the creme de la creme of the indie world and counts creative luminaries such as Solange (check out their incredible rendition of Young, Gifted and Black here) and Lianne La Havas among his best friends. Yet his Twitter feed is filled with stories and statements that are relatable to your average, run-of-the-mill 25 year old; a lack of funds, a disappointing love life, Ubers that take an eternity. It’s an interesting juxtaposition and one that makes you root for Sumney further- he’s surprisingly grounded for someone who’s scheduled to play the Hollywood Bowl with Erykah Badu and St Vincent this Sunday. Don’t be fooled by his self-effacement though- latest drop Pleas soon reminds you of why he’s destined for soaring success. Layered arpeggios float alongside trembling, tilting vocals, delicate as spun sugar. Sumney possess a instantly identifiable voice that lends gravity to anything he sings and the result is a re-imagining of what modern folk can be. Stunning.

Follow @MosesSumney on Twitter now. 

Going Downtown: Mark Ronson Releases Video for ‘Uptown Funk’

In the video for Uptown Funk, professional Michael Jackson impersonator and disgruntled ex-Wonka employee, Bruno Mars accidentally hip thrusts himself back to a simpler time. An era when groups of suit-jacketed men could roam the streets performing synchronized choreography, and no one would bat an eyelid. Accompanied by his ever-present backing band and dance troupe, The Hooligans (they definitely go to the toilet together), the old-school visuals (co-directed by the Hawaiian crooner) see Mars cruise around a cityscape in tried and tested funk tradition, even taking a well earned break to sort out his hat hair with a quick perm. Also making an appearance is gentleman DJ Mark Ronson, the man behind both the single and the forthcoming album it’s promoting, Uptown Special. This marks the latest in a line of musical hook ups between the duo- Ronson previously worked on hits Gorilla, Locked Out of Heaven and Moonshine, all found on Mars’ 2012 chart-topper Unorthodox Jukebox. If that’s not slated your thirst for the retro, the duo will be performing on SNL on the 22nd November and have teased the appearance of a very special guest.

In the meantime, here’s another meticulously choreographed routine, courtesy of Saint Records owner, Solange Knowles and her equally talented son, Julez.

Uptown Special is released on the 27th January 2015 through RCA Records. Follow Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson on Twitter here and here.