When you read an article about an artist that includes the words "showcases an inventive flair for composition akin to The Avalanches and J Dilla" you A. say Thump PLS and B. prepare to be disappointed when you dive in for a listen...
BUT thankfully in the case of Melbourne beatmaker Annika Schmarsel aka Alice Ivy that quotable is pretty much bang on the $MONEY$ and if you don't believe us get your ears around the two tunes below for confirmation.
Based on the young gun's ability to craft a beat using such killer samples we were super keen to get inside her head and see what Alice Ivy rocks on her walkman in her downtime and she came through with the all kinds of great playlist below, which gives you a pretty good insight as to why her own musical output is so dope. Featuring a seriously soulful selection you could do a lot worse things with an hour of your day so give that play button a nudge and read on for Annika's commentary...
Robert Glasper Project: Afro Blue [Black Radio]
One of my favourite songs, just makes you want to float down the street when listening to it on headphones.
Lanks: Beach Houses [Beach Houses]
The flute layers, simple beat and warm synth chords melt you, this is such a beautiful song.
Nuyorican Soul: I am the Black God of the Sun [Nuyorican Soul]
One of those songs could play for hours and you just wouldn’t get sick of it, I love the vocal layers, and the gradual build of the song. Cool sh**!
The Internet: Get Away [Ego Death]
The vocals, bass driven rhythm and smooth guitar chords suck you in. Can’t stop listening to this track! It’s just soo smooth!
Grace Jones: Pull Up To The Bumper [20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of Grace Jones]
I love the typical cheesy 80s synth lines, and the layered drum machines – such a banga ;)
Onra: The Anthem [The Anthem]
Such a classic sampled hit, Onra is a genius.
J Dilla: Stop [Donuts]
Can’t put this one into words, this one is my all time favourite Dilla track.
Milwaukee Banks: Faded [Faded]
Seen these guys a few times live now, so much admiration for this track, this is some of the best hip-hop coming out of Melbourne at the moment.
Chic: I Want Your Love [C’est Chic]
6.55 mins of the time of your life!
Banoffee: Let’s Go to the Beach [Banoffee]
This track is so catchy, it makes me want to eat lots ice cream.
Erykah Badu: Fall In Love (Your Funeral) [New Amerykah Part two: Return of Ankh]
The opening 15 seconds sums up the track, ahh Erykah so smooth!
L’Orange: The Quiet Room [The Mad writer]
If you are a fan of sample based production, you need to get around this guy. This track is my favourite from this album, phenomenal work.
Flying Lotus: Zodiac Shit [Cosmogramma]
I love absolutely everything about this track, the video clip to this adds a whole new level of sophistication.
Hiatus Kaiyote: The Lung [Choose Your Weapon]
This is actually my favourite of their latest album, I listened to this on repeat when touring Europe last year, such a beautiful song.
Woodes Elkkle: Flash Mob [Woodes x Elkkle]
Woodes’s work is incredible, such sophisticated production and a lovely vocal tone, also plays a mesmerizing show!
Sampa the Great: F E M A L E [The Great mixtape]
This song is so fly! Damn...
