Max Shirley
- Mar 30, 2020
Knxwledge's '1988' - Album Review
Though the LA-based producer Knxwledge has released some 43 projects since his 2015 ‘Hud Dreems’, his new studio release, ‘1988’, is only the second endeavour he has pushed through Stones Throw Records. It goes without saying, then, that Knxwledge is one of the most prolific neo-soul artists out there at the moment, but he is also one of the most reliable. Knxwledge – born Glen Earl Boothe – has, by now, an unbeatable track record and seemingly endless discography. He is the

Ruby Savill-Downs
- Mar 29, 2020
GoGo Penguin – Atomised: A Review
GoGo Penguin return to the scene with their 6th full-length album, a genre-defying self-titled piece that reconciles their jazz and electronica influences with classical tones. The Manchester trio – comprising of Chris Illingworth on piano, Rob Turner on drums, and Nick Blacka on bass guitar – have released the single ‘Atomised’ ahead of the album’s drop on May 1st. Speaking about the making of the album, Turner describes the new album as “more sophisticated” and experimental

George Vickers
- Mar 28, 2020
Rock & Roll Diplomacy: Music as Soft Power
The Cold War was a clash of cultures as well as political/economic systems, and music had an important role in this drama. In 1956, The New York Times declared that ‘America’s secret weapon is a blue note in a minor key’, as so-called ‘Jazz Ambassadors’ such as Dizzy Gillespie embarked on global tours part-sponsored by the State Department and CIA. This was a geopolitically expedient programme as it projected an image of creative freedom and racial harmony to foreign audience

Josh Crowe
- Mar 27, 2020
Hart & Neenan discuss their moving track in memory of rising DJ Olivia Jaxx
Following the devastating loss of 'Olivia Jaxx' (Sacha) - DJ/Producer Duo Hart & Neenan have collaborated on an exclusive Original track in memory of Sacha. Where 100% of the contributions of this release will be donated towards Sacha's funeral and Mind Charity. Olivia was a rising Female DJ in current scene and her trajectory within the last year has been truly been remarkable. She will be deeply missed by close friends and family and a great loss for the music community. W

BabyStep Staff
- Mar 27, 2020
Boris Johnson tests positive for Covid-19
In a video posted on Twitter minutes ago, the Prime Minister confirmed he has developed mild symptoms over the last 24 hours, testing positive for coronavirus. The Prime Minister Wrote: Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives

Zahin Ali
- Mar 26, 2020
Childish Gambino: 3.15.20 Album Review
After the elusive stream that appeared on DonaldGloverPresents.com for 12 hours earlier this month, Childish Gambino has officially dropped his latest album 3.15.20. The album is available on all the usual streaming platforms as well as a continuous stream being placed back up on Donald Glover Presents. Donald Glover has long vowed that his next project would be the last under the moniker ‘Childish Gambino’ and it seems like 3.15.20 is it. While the online stream of the album

Euan Hall
- Mar 25, 2020
Bicep are Back with Atmospheric Anthem 'ATLAS'
'ATLAS' - Bicep Bicep have released their first new music in nearly 2 years. About time. The boys from Belfast brought out ‘ATLAS’ yesterday, and it is a beautiful addition to their catalogue. Although, they seem to have released it in the stealthiest way possible, given that tune only has around 35,000 views on YouTube. This is a surprisingly slow start considering that literally everyone in the world is scouring the internet for entertainment right now. However, we’re sure

Rob Day
- Mar 25, 2020
Introducing: Paryah
Following the success of their recent live show, BabyStep would like to introduce Manchester-based duo Paryah. Consisting of Luke Whittingham and Sam Burrell, Paryah is in many ways an unorthodox act. Whilst incorporating the unmistakable sounds of deep house and melodic techno into their work, the duo seamlessly lace their sets with guitar and vocals, creating a sonic experience like no other. Although championing a DIY setup, they are no strangers to the live circuit, and h

Max Shirley
- Mar 24, 2020
Track review: 'OHMNI 202091' - M.I.A
It makes sense for an artist who first released their music onto the social network MySpace back in the early 2000s, to keep the trend going and post their new work onto Patreon. This is exactly what M.I.A has done. Returning after some three years with a new track, ‘OHMNI 202091’, the rapper is attempting to remove her music from any paywalls and ‘keep it open’ as M.I.A writes on her introductory Patreon post. This is the first new track from the singer, whose real name is M

BabyStep Magazine
- Mar 20, 2020
Coronavirus: what does it mean for the Leeds music community?
Maddi Fearn Credit to Oporto Bar Leeds It seems every day we're hearing of a different global festival we must kiss goodbye to for the year because of the Coronavirus, with the news coming this week that Glastonbury has taken the tough decision to make 2020 an enforced fallow year. Amidst the nationwide disappointment felt by music fans as they see their big summer plans quashed in a flurry of tweets and news headlines, it's easy for supporters to forget about what the repara
