Out now via Fallen Tree 1Hundred
The Fallen Tree 1Hundred label, curated by Goldie, presents the second single from Bristol’s Charlie Bierman and Isha Campbell – collectively known as The Degrees.
Having shared many creative projects throughout the years, In 2020 Charlie and Isha took a collection of songs, a shared vision and a group of talented musician friends in to the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales to record an album – The Degrees was born.
Charlie’s career long connection to Goldie within the world of Drum & Bass led to the signing of The Degrees to Fallen Tree 1Hundred and finally now, as the world opens up post pandemic, the time is right for The Degrees to shine.
Every one of Isha’s songs tell distinct, real world stories, the message often tucked away for the listener to discover and could appear incognito on first listen, but they mean something…
Musically, the production leans heavily on the pairs wide range of influences through the years, the eternal presence of Soul, via London’s Acid Jazz scene to 90’s Trip Hop from their home in Bristol, on the album you’ll even hear the epic strings of a Bond film score – something that has led some to liken The Degrees in places to Massive Attack.
As we enter 2022, we see The Degrees fresh from their debut single ‘All Said and Done’ – a release that achieved playlist status on Jazz FM and now for the bands second single ‘Need You’ – we see their ability to move effortlessly through different shades of soul.
‘The production of ‘Need You’ neatly gels today’s neo-soul sound with a distinctly UK street sound vibe reminiscent of vintage Loose Ends or the spirit of the Young Disciples.
With the song’s title, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a love story but this is The Degrees.. listen closer and the song tells another story – Isha explains… ‘The lyrics were written about my annoyance with politics and politicians, we put our faith in them, we need them to deliver on promises and do the right thing, but they rarely do.’
Artists and music curated by Goldie
www.1hundred.net
The Degrees Instagram: @thedegrees_
Fallen Tree 1Hundred Instagram: @fallentree100