The London Based independent record label, Ninja tunes, celebrated its 20-year anniversary in style at the end of 2010 with a series of gigs put on in association with DC Shoes. 2010 was also a productive year for fans of Coldcut, with the launch of new artists such as The Dels plus new releases by some of the label’s big artists, namely roots Manuva. Tying up this month’s Ninja tunes special, an album suggested by Finnish rider Joni Malmi, who is also this month’s audio pro.

Roots Manuva Meets Wrong tom – Duppy Writer – Ninja Tunes/Big Dada

Duppy Writer is not a new Roots Manuva record as such, rather a bunch of remixes by DJ and producer, Wrong Tom, who originally reworked a couple of tracks off Rodney Hylton Smith’s 2008 album ‘Slime And Reason’. This new record covers songs from all four of Roots Manuva’s main records, plus tracks from Dub Come Save Me and Alternately Deep, with the new takes primarily offering interesting stripped down dub reggae versions of Roots Manuva’s original songs.

The Qemists – Spirit In The System – Ninja Tunes

The Coldcuts no doubt kept this secret well-hidden hoping to catch everyone off-guard this autumn with the release of The Qemists’ second album. Their debut album was well-received by drum ‘n’ bass fans in 2009, however this time round the Brighton trio have broadened their sound considerably. While Spirit In The System still possesses drum n’ bass foundations, The Qemists deliver a heady mix of genres throughout this album ranging from a head-banging teenage variety of rave and rock (on Your Revolution) and electro-rap (on Apocalypse, Renegade) to soul (on Life’s Too Short), The Qemists remind us that Ninja Tunes is all about keeping things eclectic and interesting, not to mention all the impressive featured artists that helped bring this album together.

Bonobo – Black Sands – Ninja Tunes

Filling the gap between Ninja Tunes old timers and the new generation of talented young artists, Bonobo likes to dabble in a bit of everything: producing, composing, DJ-ing, scouting out new talent – namely his collaborations with the sultry singer Andreya Triana (which allowed her to produce her own album last September). While behind the moniker Bonobo hides a man, a decidedly feminine vibe highlights his fourth album released in April to, at times, mixed reviews. But mixing downtempo trip-hop breakbeats with synth melodies, Bonobo’s smouldering instrumental jazz and hip-hop will grow on you with every listen. Highlight tracks include Prelude, Kiara and the album’s title track Black Sands.

Villa Nah – Origin – Keys Of Life

It seems to be all about New Wave again these days, or synth-driven pop if you will. The influence of Depeche Mode and OMD is unquestionable on this release, but this Finish duo also have that essential ‘je ne sais bang’ to top off their debut album. And if Joni Malmi says they’re good, and Laurent Garnier’s protégé, Jori Hulkkonen, produced the record, then there must be something about them. Behind their retro electro-pop and romanticism, Villa Nah harbour plenty of ambition as you’ll hear on Time for Tea, a kind of minuet on the synthesiser. Another highlight includes the cosmic and minimalist Esmerald Hills. But the best track of the album goes to the melancholic Running On.

Joni Malmi, Photo: Sami Tuoriniemi

Audio Pro: Joni Malmi

When Joni Malmi isn’t on the hill you’ll often find him working a sweat up in a DJ booth. Spending an increasing amount of time lighting up the dancefl oors of Finland and beyond, we thought we’d take a peak through his DJ bag. And since a DJ is always there to play their best stuff ‘of the moment’, check out Joni’s favourite tracks right now…

Do you have a particular type of music or do you listen to everything?

I listen to all kinds of stuff. Different genres for different moods.

Is it the same styles that you play when you DJ?

I mainly play house, deep-, tech-, techno, nu-disco, indie-, italo-, etc… I like to throw in a 80s rock or old school hip-hop track every once in a while.

Where can we listen to your DJ talents?

I update my schedule and own tracks on myspace: www.myspace.com/joliverhouse

Tell us 3 tunes you would put in your set for sure?

At the moment, here are three pretty different songs that I usually play: New Mjondalen Disco Swingers – Eurodans, Phelps – One for Luck, Ida Engberg – Abataka

How about your local playground? Where is it, what’s the name, the vibe?

I mainly play at this design hotel bar/nightclub called AHJO in Helsinki. About 500 people capacity club. Big city vibe with good music. Mainly electronic.

What does music represent for you?

Music is with me in all parts of life. Memories, partying, inspiration, as a hobby…

Do you listen to music when you ride?

No. Hearing is part of your balance and awareness so I keep this on the ground.

What particular tune reminds you of your first snowboard trips? A tune that says ‘let’s go shred’?

All the old early nineties Offspring and Pennywise songs.

Can you list the tunes you had on all your video parts?

Oh no! 1996-2010… Too many. The two last ones that I chose myself and really like, were The Whitest Boy Alive – Golden Cage (Fred Falke remix) & Miike Snow – Animal, Fakeblood Remix.

Did you choose all of them?

No. Only about 5 out of 25. But for our movie Euro Gap (3) I coordinated the music.

What song would you love to have in a future video part?

My own.

A good band/singer you discovered recently?

Villa Nah, Helsinki 1978-1982. Both are Finnish bands. Also Adrian Lux and Sally Shapiro, both from Sweden.

JONI’S top ten ‘at the moment’:
1. Chris Rea – On the Beach (Tangoterje edit)
2. Dj Kaos – Love The Night Away (Tiedye mix)
3. Two Door Cinema Club – Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)
4. Gui Borattu – Azzurra (It’s not the same version)
5. Helsinki 1978-1982 – Cruising
6. Lusine – Two Dots
7. Azari & III – Reckless With Your Love
8. Knee Deep – Sweet Love
9. Da Funk – Smoking Hawt
10. Nuovo Rich – Saffron

To Usher in 2011, here are four record providing you with the perfect soundtrack to your next road trip up the mountains, while scandinavian Kalle Ohlson shares his current music preferences with you in this month’s audio pro.

Birds & drums – The Bewitched Hands – Sony

As the fi rst notes rang out on this previously unheard album that landed on my desk the other day, I could have sworn I was listening to the return of The Cure. But that was just a fi rst impression, the flood of guitars and sumptuous melodies are indeed present, however for the rest of this young French rock group’s modern and somewhat nostalgic tone is quite different. With three guitarists making up the six-man band, the compositions are complex, often with two or three different melodies making up a song all climaxing into memorable choruses. Other than The Cure, there are also similarities with Blur and The Strokes. A promising début album, with more to follow soon.

Klaxons – Surfing The Void – Polydor/ Because

Founders of the New Rave scene and gaining cult status after little more than fi ve years in existence, the Klaxons are back in the limelight with their sophomore studio album, Surfi ng The Void, which has taken them two years to put together. Darker than Myths Of The Near Future, Surfing The Void possesses all the sonic power you would have expected. However this time working with esteemed producer Ross Robinson (Slipknot, Korn, At The Drive-In), the group re-invent themselves with ever more adventurous tracks ranging from progressive rock to space-age folk and Kraut rock. Standout tracks include the urgent ‘Venusia’ and the psychedelic rave rock hit ‘Flashover’. If people struggled to defi ne the Klaxons’ music with their first album, with their second they’ll only find it harder.

Magic Kids – Memphis – True Panther/ Beggars

Deeply inspired by the likes of the Beach Boys and Alex Chilton, this latest album by Magic Kids clearly pays homage to city of Memphis, the band’s original hometown. Listen out for producer Rostam Batmanglij’s (Vampire Weekends) talented contribution on the more intricate tracks on the record. And while nostalgia for the ’60s might seem like the recurring theme throughout this record, there’s also plenty on the album to be upbeat about. The critics out there will certainly say the Magic Kids haven’t come up with anything original but if you’re more a half-full rather than half-empty type then you’ll know that the world goes round in circles, and you’ll get plenty of throwback easy listening out of this new release.

Jamaica – No Problem – Control Freak/V2

Despite the band’s name this group has in fact nothing to do with reggae or ragga. Jamaica actually consists of Paris-based electro rock duo Antoine Hilaire and Florent Lyonnet, aided by one of the most sought-after producers of the moment Xavier Rosnay de Justice and Daft Punk’s sound engineer, Peter Franco. Proof again that it’s possible to light up a dancefl oor without churning out the same old tedious electro tunes. From the
power pop ‘I Think I Like U2’, re-issued in its original version for the occasion, to hard rock track ‘Cross The Fader’, the range of material on offer will satisfy even the most demanding critics. A gleaming release that fi nishes off in style with a heavy metal touch ‘When do you wanna stop working’; who would have thought of it?

Audio Pro: Kalle Ohlson

If you’ve never heard of swedish schlager music then just tune into the next Eurovision contest. You’ll quickly understand why Kalle Ohlson can’t stand the shit. But for the rest, the ripper from Örebro’s taste in music is pretty wide-ranging.

Do you have a particular type of music or do you listen to everything?

I’m an all eater I would say, but that doesn’t mean I listen to all music out there… Like reggae for instance I can’t live with that!

Any stuff you can’t listen to?

Reggae, Swedish schlager music or any schlager music!

Why do scandis have the reputation of listening only to either heavy Metal or Euro Dance?

Hmmm. Don’t know really, cause most of us do I guess…

What does music represent for you? Is it just for chilling, for partying? Or a total lifestyle?

For sure not lifestyle, for me it’s mostly to get amped, I mostly listen to music that gets me pumped and happy!

Do you listen to music when you ride?

Nope, almost never. Only if I ride by myself which I never do pretty much!

What particular tune reminds you of your first snowboard trips? A tune that says ‘let’s go shred’, kind of?

Iron Maiden – Trooper

Can you list the tunes you had on all your video parts?

Nope, kind of bad style but I really can’t!

Did you get to choose those tunes? Or how did it work?

I haven’t got to choose my tunes, or actually kind of, but all the tunes I suggest are always way to expensive, but you gotta give it a try!

What song would you love to have in a future video part?

Haven’t given to much thought on that but Bon Jovi’s Run Away would be sick!

A good band/singer you discovered recently?

Swedish House Mafia has some good party bangers!

Finally, could you give us your top ten tunes (can be at the moment or all timers)?this changes all the time but I’ll give you my right now top ten!

Dio – We Rock
Bon Jovi – Runaway
Eminem, Lil Wayne – No Love
The Grassroots – Live for Today
Robyn – Dancing On My Own
Swedish House Mafia – One
Lil Wayne, Eminem – Drop the World
Edward sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home
Guns’n’Roses – Welcome to the Jungle, live
Rock Fiest – It’s a Sin

Four more freshly laid album reviews, some of which were inspired by this month’s audio pro, Nicolas Droz – Hip-hop connoisseur and all-round music aficionado.

Filewile – Blueskywell – Mouthwatering

With Nico turning us on to these guys, we thought we’d give them a heads up right here. Filewile are Swiss, which perhaps explains why this duo from the capital city of Bern are not as known as they ought to be. With his fi ne-tuned ear Droz not only has an appreciation for leftfield tunes, but also respects vocalist Dejot and DJ Dustbowl’s business attitude. The duo defi es the normal music business model by taking their laptops and mobile sound-system to the streets and blasting out their electro hip-hop, modern dub-reggae and funky beats to passers by. Originally starting out as just DJs, collaborations with musicians has meant they’ve slowly evolved into a real band. After two years of production, their latest release, Blueskywell, delivers a poppier sound with more vocals, and – most importantly – more improvised live gigs.

Don Cash – Freshy Fresh – Urbnet

You’ll do well to guess which genre section of your local record store Freshy Fresh will end up in. Sounding a bit like a cross between Pulbic Enemy’s Flavor Flav and Gossip’s Beth Ditto, Toronto native Don Cash enjoyed more success in Europe than at home for a long time, building his reputation around mixing electro beats with hip-hop. Undoubtedly a little unsettling on first listen, Don Cash seamlessly works his way into your head and before you know it he’s taking over. Highlights include the opening grime track Rock That, the strange and minimalists Mad About You and the post-punk number In Berlin. Yet this eclectic collection of tracks somehow sits together quite coherently thanks to the excellent production.

Tiken Jah Fakoly – African Revolution – Barclay

African Revolution created a fair amount of hype for a reggae LP when it was released last September. And it’s good to see, as the long-time committed Ivory Coast reggae artist is also someone who’s done great things for the local music scene around him. Thanks to his studio in Bamako, Mali, he’s helped a good number of artists get their work out, making the most of his international reputation to give back to his roots. But to come back to African Revolution, Tiken delivers a raw, yet researched reggae sound mixed with traditional African elements and that addresses the acute lack of political awareness in Africa amongst younger generations. Concert ticket proceeds from his most recent worldwide tour will go towards building new schools in Africa.

The Coral – Butterfly House – Deltasonic/Cooperative Music

Released this year, Butterfly House is the sixth album from the Liverpool indie quintet. Their first release since the somewhat lacklustre 2007 Roots And Echoes, the new album took two years to write and, despite being down a guitarist, the hard work has paid off with another solid album. This time produced by John Leckie (Radiohead, Stone Roses), highlight tracks include More Than A Lover, psychedelic single 1000 Years, folky title track Butterfly House and the upbeat, firey North Parade.

Nico Droz, Photo: Matt Georges

Audio Pro: Nicolas Droz

Droz’s fondness for music – and hip-hop in particular – has always played a big part in his career, from the time of La Boucherie in Avoriaz (an event which he himself launched with his friends from the 7TB4 crew), right through to his latest Homies videos. As Nico says “Music has the power to take you right back to certain periods in your life”. And we decided to go back in time with him!

How did you get into music at the start – or for that matter hip-hop?

It was really through skateboard videos. You’d hear a good track on a certain pro’s section and then you’d go check out the whole album.

Do you still listen to your favourite bands from back in the day?

For sure! There are some songs that are just timeless. I still listen to Notorious, Gangstarr, 2 Pac… Or for those that are still living, Nas and Snoop Dogg.

How did you get to know the French rap crew NTM?

Kool Shen and a good crew from Paris came to Avoriaz in 1995 to try their hand at snowboarding and we got to meet them through the shop Street Trash. They were totally into snowboarding and we were totally into their music, and our friendship just went from there really. We just kept in touch since then. Joey and Naughty J showed up at the time when we were putting together the fi rst Boucherie events in 1998, and they soon caught the bug too. At the time we wanted to create an event that represented us: in another words an event that covered snow, skate, music and friends. Hip-hop has always played an important part in skateboarding and the videos we watched so it felt really cool to bring together the best of the French rap scene at the time, bands like IV My People and BOSS.

Who do you listen to today?

Still a lot of hip-hop, but also some rock and electro stuff.

Do you still find the time to DJ every once in a while?

Occasionally at parties that mates have organised, but not as much as I used to…

Is there one song in particular that reminds you of your first snowboard trips? A song that screams, “Let’s go shred”?

No, not really. Every new season offers up a new selection of good tunes. What you end up listening to also depends on the people you travel with.

Do you listen to music when you’re actually riding?

No, I find my sense of balance is inhibited if I have headphones on. I need to hear what’s going on around me. However, I’ll often amp up to music just before I head out or watch a video part to motivate me, and then I’ll have the song going on in my head for the rest of the day. Otherwise I always enjoy hitting up snowparks or riding at events that have a good sound system going on.

Here’s a challenge for you, can you list all the songs you’ve had as video parts over the years?

Tales Of The Crypt: Magnum Evolution. Three Ring Circus: Curtis Mayfi eld Move On Up. 1999: NTM For My People and Je Vise Juste remix. Represent: De La Soul Keepin’ The Faith. POP: Dj Sebb. MORE: Daft Punk Aerodynamics. Homies 1: Jofo Fly Thangs and No Love. Homies 2: Jofo Kitty Cat.

Were you often able to chose or at least influence the choice of song?

Most of the time it wasn’t a problem; the guys I worked with had good taste. But it can quickly be a source of tension if the rider and editor want different things. Or worse still, when there are two editors that can’t make up their minds! I think Justin and Brusti still argue over my video part in ‘More’ to Daft Punk’s Aerodynamics. Justin felt like it was too clubby and commercial, while Brusti appreciated the real value of having that kind of track in a snowboard flick.

Any ideas for your next video part?

Funkdoobiest Rock On!

Any good new bands you’ve recently discovered?

Filewile Number One Kid.

Sponsors : ride Snowboards, binding, boots and outerwear, von Zipper, Nixon, rockstar energy drink, Ifound, eastpak, avoriaz, Kr3w, Supra.

LE NICO DROZ TOP 10:

Group Home ‘Living Proof’
The Game ‘Hate It Or Love It’
Funkdoobiest ‘Rock On’
Concrete Mob ‘Boiling Point’
OC ‘My World’
Mobb Deep ‘Shook Ones Part. II’
Souls Of Mischief ‘Tour Stories’
Souls Of Mischief ‘93 Til Infi nity’
Oxmo Puccino ‘Qui Peut Le Nier’
Bob Marley & Guru ‘Johnny Was’