Local favourites // Sampha

Having remixed the likes of fellow illustrious Londoners the xx, SBTRKT and Scroobius Pip last year, Sampha's cache is growing all the time, not least through recent production duties, backing vocals and remixing for Jessie Ware's Valentine out last month.

His solo stuff, however, is on another plain altogether. Sounding something like a Jamie xx remix of early Billy Ocean, Sampha's blend of two step, dub and house beats are levitated with his classic soul vocal. With James Blake currently blazing a more high profile trail for 'the future of music as we know it', perhaps not of his own doing but such is the industry frenzy for the next big thing, Sampha is more than equipped to follow that up. Last year's Sundanza EP on Young Turks was evidence if any were needed that a breakthrough is imminent, and hopefully more material this due this year will do just that.Here's some samples of his wares below (and you even get a bit of acting in the Valentine vid!)

YT039 - Sampha - Sundanza EP by Young Turks

jj // Let Go

A band that could prove the 'find' of SXSW (despite preparing to release their second album, jj no.3), reclusive duo jj's video for Let Go proves there is literally no smoke without fire. Or dogs. Or indeed blood.

If you're yet to have this band in your life, allow in their cross of Vampire Weekend's afro beats with The xx's sombre atmospherics and hushed vocals. Label Yours Sincerely seems to have the knack for sourcing top new talent, with labelmates Memory Tapes producing one of the albums of 2009. Sadly, SXSW's gain is my poor East London existence's loss, so join me in this feast for the eyes until the band come to British shores.

Thanks a-plenty to Abeano for drawing attention to this.

jj "Let Go" from aufgemischt! on Vimeo.