i've never been ritualistic about how i listen to music. that's largely a circumstantial thing. there's only a finite amount of time in a day. i don't want to find new music while i'm preoccupied with something else. i want to take it in properly. how often do we get to just sit and listen to music?
well, on wednesday, the fine folk at spotify gave me just that opportunity, inviting me down to their london office to check out their brand new listening lounge. stunning gaff was this. shoes off at the door. slippers on. treated myself to a spicy lemon marg. nice one. before long, it was off to check out the space. lads. they've smashed it. with a sound system designed by shivas howard-brown of friendly pressure, in collaboration with cake architecture, it was truly a sight to see. lovely carpet. all burgundy. comfy furniture. was tempted to ask where it's from but i can't imagine it's within my budget.
the music. curated by a pair of legends in nao and joy crookes, we were treated to some all time classics on an unreal sound system. there was something cinematic about it. a group of people sat in a dark room taking in phenomenal art. it was quite moving, if i'm being honest. we heard classics from the likes of stevie wonder, d'angelo, jamie xx, massive attack, donny hathaway, and frank ocean.
that one got me. nao was asked by host yazmin lacey (who killed it) what sounds like the future to her. she chose nikes. she chose right. i have loved that song since i was 15. i first heard it in full at night, walking back from a night with some friends. i never really understood why that song was so emotionally powerful. like yeah, lyrically and sonically it's a masterpiece, but why does my soul ache when i hear it? seven years on, i still don't know the answer. but i feel a little bit closer now. to hear that song on that sound system was a privilege and an experience that i won't soon forget.
it was a fantastic evening. you lot made it possible. i'm just a lad from wales with a phone and opinions. thank you for supporting me and allowing me to be in those rooms. love you lot loads.
goodnight.