Producer Hudson Mohawke recently revealed to BBC Radio1Xtra that Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke is currently working on a solo album. “It hasn’t been finalised yet, but I’m doing a bit of stuff for Kele from Bloc Party’s solo album,” Mohawke explained. “He’s doing a record with one of the guys from Spank Rock.” Makes sense. Kinda. Since releasing Intimacy last year, Bloc Party have been chewing up the road ever since, a grueling schedule that has drummer Matt Tong questioning whether or not he wants to stick with the band. That plus this equals impending hiatus, guys. (via Spinner)

Photos and haiku by Nikki Turner

Rawk and Nathan’s dogs
are a great combo for a
sweaty music fest.

Bear Hands

Frightened Rabbit

Grand Duchy

A Place to Bury Strangers

The Raveonettes

Monotonix

Built to Spill

Spank Rock

Last week Matt And Kim celebrated the release of their sophomore LP (and Fader Label debut) Grand with their hometown of Brooklyn. As if the venerable duo needed another reason to make their fans happy, they brought Spank Rock, Ninja Sonik and the Rude Mechanical Orchestra to the celebration before turning the camera back on the crowd, assuring them that they were as important to the party as anyone.

The anticipation in the room was palpable as each artist took the stage. Nothing against any of the opening acts, but everyone was there for one reason. Not even the spectacle of a Spank Rock and Ninja Sonik duet or a full squatter-punk orchestra could compare to the party that Matt And Kim brought to their hometown fans. To quote a friend of mine, it’s impossible to be critical of a band that brings this much joy to their fans. And while there are so many instances we remember — crowd riders (both good and bad), the balloons and confetti showering down from the ceiling, their first ever live performance of “Daylight”, the impromptu dace party that broke out at the end — all we can remember is the graciousness with what Matt And Kim delivered their set and the permanent grins that was brandished on their faces.

[Ninja Sonik]

[Ninja Sonik & Spank Rock]

[Rude Mechanical Orchestra]

[Spank Rock]

[Matt And Kim by Rebecca Winters]

[by Rebecca Winters]

[by Rebecca Winters]

[by Rebecca Winters]

[by Rebecca Winters]

[by Rebecca Winters]

[by Rebecca Winters]

[by Rebecca Winters]

Lady Sovereign will return next year with her sophomore album, Jigsaw. The follow-up to 2006’s Public Warning! will be released on April 7 (April 6 in the UK) via her new label, Midget Records — which is actually just EMI with a different name.

Including collaborations with Dr. Luke (who produced “Love Me or Hate Me”), Spank Rock collaborator Benny Blanco, and Medasyn, Lady Sov has offered us a taste of the upcoming record in the way of “I Got You Dancing”. Hey, it features a vocoder effect, no one’s doing that these days.

Lady Sovereign – “I Got You Dancing”

From the mouth of Lady Sov herself: “Hey Hey! Just to let you know i’m alive! Today you can hear the first track “I Got You Dancing” from my new album. Call it an early Christmas gift! The album is the next chapter, it’s a massive leap forward for mankind!!!

Lady Sovereign
MySpace