Come Down To
“Think of me as the R2D2 of managed responsible comedowns, and yes I do put warnings on extra sleepy songs for drivers”
featuring artists like
Nina Simone, Penguin Cafe, Choir Of Young Believers, Laura Veirs, Amongster, The Dumplings
So that’s it, it’s been a great night saw your favourite band, supported your favourite band are in your favourite band and the gig is over. So what next? Well obviously bed because everyone needs their beauty sleep but how exactly do you get from the adrenaline rush of being on stage to those dreams where you’re headlining Glastonbury where crowds are chanting your name? This playlist is the answer, and yes it is scientifically, well sort of, there’s been a bit of testing on the 2am post-gig drive, so if nothing else it is roadworthy.
As your curator on this journey I know just the right way for us to get there, think of me as the R2D2 of managed responsible comedowns, and yes I do put warnings on extra sleepy songs for drivers, it is a requirement of us all here at Music to 😉
Build – music2work2
5 October 2017
There’s something about metronomic repetition that just conveys the idea of “Come on – let’s go…” The opening of the track sounds as though it’s written in 2/4 time – the classic marching beat – and that was intentional – the entire first minute is designed to have you thinking about getting started – getting moving – getting to flow.
Creatively – Katy Forkings
19 September 2017
As part of our role as curators we get a variety of submissions from people wanting their tracks on our playlists and it takes something special to pique my interest for the come down. I was excited to hear this track come through from Katy Forkings, a song about the creative process, which frankly is written enough about.
Black & Blue – Samantha Whates
5 September 2017
I first came across Samantha Whates when she performed as a backup singer for Jess Bryant at the union chapel when I played there many moons go. I was intrigued by her voice and decided to check out her own material and this track ‘Black & Blue’ stood out for me with its lush guitar part, a bit of glockenspiel and strings, you know I love those strings.
The Fear – The Shins
29 August 2017
My latest post-gig come down happened at a festival when my band finished playing I ran over to the main stage at Greenman to catch the last part of the set by The Shins. James Mercer introduced the song and suddenly I was transported to such a calming place with such an incredible string line and gorgeous melodies built up around it…
All Written Out in Numbers – This Is The Kit
21 August 2017
This is the Kit are one of the perfect come down projects to wrap your headphone around. The sounds also feel like the understand how to get you to a state of calm, with lyrical zen and sonic washes.
Truth – Kamasi Washington
15 August 2017
Kamasi Washington is one of the hottest artists in jazz right now, Part of the same LA jazz scene as Thundercat, Kamasi Washington has gained immense credibility in his work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill and Snoop Dogg but it is his solo work that really shines on.
Catarina – Vesevo
7 August 2017
This song comes directly from road testing, on a drive back from playing at kendal calling our bass player turn off the cd player to see what was on the radio and tuned into BBC radio 3 for their WOMAD coverage an as soon as we heard this tune we were transfixed seeing what wasn’t there on the unfurling road debating furiously where the music came from.
A Hundred Dreams from Now – Ray Bryant
28 July 2017
This playlist was lacking the right amount of jazz and this track does more than make up the difference it inspires, it beguiles and it understands the journey home. There is something in the way Ray Bryant plays that says I feel you and this track is his ‘let me play you something that might help’ moment as almost on command he gets you tonight in that car and after a generous tip is going to pull out one of his best numbers.
Fado do Perdão – Cuca Roseta
28 July 2017
Fado is the music of fate, singing songs of beautiful agony, of unrequited love, or tragic fate of solace in anguish and turmoil. These songs from Portugal are about skillful portuguese guitar playing and vulnerable fragile vocals that really speak to the core of the soul. What better kind of music is there to come down after a night out? This one is for the nights out that didn’t work quite as planned, things happened you kind of want to regret but also want to do deal with, and Fado is the music there for you in this journey.
Benjamin Brown – Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell
28 July 2017
I can’t remember exactly where I first saw Johnny & Lucy, it was either supporting Bellowhead in Bradford or at Musicport festival or maybe both? But they were either the support act that stole the show or the band of the festival, I really should try and clear up that memory. This is the best in British folk, a wonderful narrative, two unique voices and guitar and a dose of good feeling.
Blonde On Blonde – Nada Surf
28 July 2017
I do have a story as how I came to this track. I was staying in Nuremberg for a few days between events in Strasbourg and Prague and took the time to lock myself away in an airbnb and study for my PhD. I’ll admit I went on tinder and ended up meeting this awesome woman called Niculina from Romania who’d move to Nuremberg. After hanging out I asked her favourite song and she recommended this one. For me this song is about serendipity that in that trip I could be introduced to music and broaden my sonic horizons.
Nie Gotujemy – The Dumplings
28 July 2017
You might not have heard of The Dumplings but they are the hottest thing in Polish Music right now, with their quirky, comfortable indie that is beyond pleasant and beyond delight to a space where you can let go into the shadows but always find your footing. Nie Gotujemy is quite possibly their most famous song released as a lead single for their album Sea You Later and album where you literally float abound on sound saves.
