The playful Nottingham-hailed producer curates us a playlist of his favourite tracks.
Steel drums. Mischievous vocals. Layered propulsive production. The music of Nottingham native George Gretton has been making waves with his inventive style of self-dubbed “art-pop”/“alternative R&B”, and his latest track “Too Soon” is no exception.
Themes ranging from struggles with mental health, family bereavement and physical displacement run through the experimental track for a unique and explosive sound – written after Gretton moved from Nottingham to London to pursue a career in music.
We caught up with the artist as he curates us a playlist of his favourite songs…
Frank Ocean – “Wiseman”
I genuinely think Frank Ocean is one of the greatest ever to do it. This is an unreleased track that I think was written for a boxing film. I haven’t seen the film, but this track makes me wonder how many phenomenal songs Frank has that will never see the light of day.
Different Life Collective – “Thomas Medicine”
There’s so much sick music coming out of my hometown of Nottingham at the moment. Different Life Collective are a hip-hop group who I can definitely see blowing up – they’re mad innovative.
Sade – “Cherish the Day”
Is it possible to make a track smoother than this? If you find one, please send it my way.
Portico Quartet – “Endless”
I’ve only just come across Portico Quartet, but they’re doing something really cool. I’m a real sucker for steel pans at the moment, and they sound ridiculously atmospheric here.
Mobb Deep – “Hell On Earth”
This is one of my all-time favourite hip-hop tunes. The beat is just so good – I love the way the snare cracks through with all that reverb. A really strong third verse from Prodigy too. Proper winter music.
Do Nothing – “Gangs”
Leading the pack of the new generation of Nottingham music are these guys. They put on a show that will permanently knock off any socks that you have on.
Oumou Sangaré – “Yere Faga”
Oumou Sangaré and her band played one of the best sets I’ve ever seen at a festival recently. Me and my brother asked for a photo with her afterwards and she kindly obliged, so I’m now a superfan.
Camille Christel – “Chicago”
Camille Christel is another artist from Notts whose music is so different but, at the same time, could definitely appeal to the masses. “Chicago” is so beautiful man. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from her.
Destiny’s Child – “Lose My Breath” (Four Tet remix)
Two legendary acts from very different worlds. I heard Four Tet play this at Lost Village last year and it was definitely my highlight of the weekend. I hope one day the Destiny’s Child team are kind enough to let him release it officially.
