Ibibio Sound Machine - "Electricity," a 2021 single on Merge.

Just about three years ago, when the world was in a very different place, KEXP celebrated International Clash Day by venturing across the pond to London for a showcase of upcoming artists that radiate the spirit of the Clash in vibrant, diverse ways. One of the most electrifying performances over those four days came from electro Afro-funk ensemble Ibibio Sound Machine. Fusing the polyrhythms of West African funk, highlife, disco, and post-punk, the Nigeria-born, London-based band light stages figuratively on fire with their genre-bending sound.

This fall, the band released their first single since their 2019 LPDoko Mienwith a title fitting for a band with this much kinetic energy. “Electricity” sees Ibibio Sound Machine team up with Hot Chip for a pulsing electronic track with elements of West African instrumentation. ISM vocalist Eno Williams had this to say about “Electricity”:

“Even in trying times, ‘without love, there’s no electricity.’ This one started out as an idea to mix Afrobeat with Giorgio Moroder–style synth vibes. The end section with Alfred’s korego (Ghanaian 2-stringed folk guitar) solo was already there when we got into the studio, but then we added the big kick drum that happens underneath and Owen from Hot Chip’s crazy drum machine percussion at the end, which gave it a futuristic Afro feel when mixed with the more talking drum parts.”

Read the full post on KEXP.org

Ibibio Sound Machine - "Electricity," a 2021 single on Merge.
Just about three years ago, when the world was in a very different place, KEXP celebrated<a href="https://www.kexp.org/internationalclashday/"> International Clash Day</a> by venturing across the pond to London for a showcase of upcoming artists that radiate the spirit of the Clash in vibrant, diverse ways. One of the most electrifying performances over those four days came from electro Afro-funk ensemble Ibibio Sound Machine. Fusing the polyrhythms of West African funk, highlife, disco, and post-punk, the Nigeria-born, London-based band light stages figuratively on fire with their genre-bending sound.
This fall, the band released their first single since their 2019 LP<a href="https://www.kexp.org/read/2019/1/8/ibibio-sound-machine-announce-new-album-doko-mien/"> Doko Mien</a> with a title fitting for a band with this much kinetic energy. &ldquo;Electricity&rdquo; sees Ibibio Sound Machine team up with Hot Chip for a pulsing electronic track with elements of West African instrumentation. ISM vocalist Eno Williams had this to say about &ldquo;Electricity&rdquo;:
&ldquo;Even in trying times, &lsquo;without love, there&rsquo;s no electricity.&rsquo; This one started out as an idea to mix Afrobeat with Giorgio Moroder&ndash;style synth vibes. The end section with Alfred&rsquo;s korego (Ghanaian 2-stringed folk guitar) solo was already there when we got into the studio, but then we added the big kick drum that happens underneath and Owen from Hot Chip&rsquo;s crazy drum machine percussion at the end, which gave it a futuristic Afro feel when mixed with the more talking drum parts.&rdquo;
<a href="https://kexp.org/podcasts/song-of-the-day/2022/1/18/ibibio-sound-machine-electricity/">Read the full post on KEXP.org</a>

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

A never-ending journey of music discovery from KEXP.

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