The Knock-On Effect – Michael Mchunu & The Hoof

Michael’s ‘Stand Out’ Tracks From The Hoof:

Dallas Boy – The Big Hustle

It’s synths coming in very relaxing and easing any tensions of a long day. I was really hooked by the cool swaying vibes given by Candance as she says “it’s what I like in you”. I easily remember getting ready for sound checks and you get to hear the skilled vocalists only demonstrate a glimpse of what they’re capable of. I feel like this song, being the second one in, let me know I was in for a good ride with this playlist.

What I’d Say (Pt. 1 & 2) – Ray Charles

This song reminds me of the 3 hour long road trips from my hometown to the airport. The journey is exhausting but there’s an excitement that has me tapping away at my feet while enduring the final portion of an almost 18 hour journey across the globe. I also feel this is the type of music you would find yourself catching a groove to in the kitchen alongside your partner. If none of those, then I wouldn’t blame you if you also saw the montage of your ideal summer break, filled with all the amazing experiences you had that made you glad to be in the moment.

Those That Don’t Know – The Streets

I appreciated the vocals that depicted the ‘not so sexy’ side of London through a spoken word cadence. Many may arrive and visit for their own reasons, but some have been in London the entire time without seeing the same appeal that can attract so many. Maybe these are the same people “at the cornucopia, doped up” where “the local shops a mere toe-tap” away.

I also really liked the metaphor shown by the building in the front cover. The building is depicted in dull colours contrasted by a neon pink light surrounding an individual who appears to be looking out the window. For me, this individual has not lost their sense of self in a building designed to fit so many personalities in the same design, above, below and either side.

Alpha House – Knucks

I was excited to add Alpha House to continue the brief of London for ‘those that don’t know’. The theme of a building as the front cover continues: this time an iron-red brick building with fewer and smaller windows than the first. There are no neon lights in the windows anymore, but there is wear and tear designed to look like the cobwebs in old buildings. Maybe this was a picture long taken by someone who arrived with eyes full of optimism, ready to raise their young.

Now, 10 years on we’re introduced to the “young bull at the top of the block”… “cool, but he always in trouble” and has “the streets taking over” them. It’s a shame this individual isn’t “as dumb as they’re supposed to be”; they can recognise the chances to better their life and “get scouted” for a football career, “but they were at home… or outside with the homies”. Beyond the self-sabotage, I feel they have passively accepted their sad reality: “but if I was down and out, I still come back to Alpha House”.

I really enjoyed this two track combo, I feel it touches on the perspectives of those who are born or raised in London’s estate blocks. In the estate blocks, personalities and cultures are demanded to fit and share close spaces with one another. As tensions and the need for self-expression arise, many may tend to coping mechanisms (healthy or unhealthy) to find their balance. One may fill their need for social cohesion by ‘defending their territory’ alongside others from the same area, and another might just want to disassociate from their reality through mind altering drugs. Regardless, this was an enjoyable moment to share a perspective as a Londoner since the age of 6.

Michael’s Takeaways

“Set Your Own Goals and Targets”

Working with The Hoof on one of my first, ‘non-themed’’ collab-playlists, had me excited to have free reign and choose what I wanted each time. I wanted to pay homage to the jazz bands I enjoyed listening to while on ‘Day 2’ of my GCSE Art exam. Snarky Puppy did it for me, so of course, I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to Dallas boy for the first time.

By the end of the process, I realised I am always in control of what matters to me. It’s perfectly fine to start a playlist with someone while not having a theme or idea in mind – we’re both just sharing what we consider good music appropriate for the playlist. But, I think it would be even better if I went above and set my own mini-challenge to encourage myself to explore and share more music outside my knee-jerk reaction. For me, it’s a good way of bringing it back to the idea of “You should only worry about the things you are in control of”. That has been a theme I’ve found appearing in my personal life more times than I’d like. However, in this context, regardless of who I collaborate with, if I really want to grow with what I discover in terms of music, I am in control of that!

The Hoof Speaks:

A Soulful Journey: Exploring Influences Through Music

In the vast landscape of music, tracing the lineage of influence is akin to unraveling a rich tapestry of sounds, emotions, and cultural movements. It’s a journey that takes us through time, connecting the dots between past and present, tradition and innovation. This playlist is guided by the subtle yet profound thread of influence, weaving through the realms of soul music.

Guided by the selections of fellow collaborator Michael, I sought out interviews and anecdotes, eager to unearth the sources that ignited their creative spark. It was a process marked by revelation and discovery, as I traversed the vast landscape of musical ancestry.

From the timeless classics of Marvin Gaye to the contemporary brilliance of Thundercat, the electrifying rhythms of Prince, each song served as a portal to a different era, a different sonic landscape.

The playlist that emerged from this journey was a testament to the diversity and richness of soul music. It was a carefully curated tapestry, woven with threads of influence that spanned generations.

Ending with Ray Charles, often hailed as the pioneer of soul music. His impassioned vocals and innovative blend of rhythm and blues laid the foundation for an entire genre, setting the stage for generations of artists to come.

So here’s to the artists who came before, the ones who paved the way with their passion and creativity. And here’s to the artists of today and tomorrow, who continue to carry the torch of soul music forward, each new note echoing with the resonance of influence.

Track Listing

• Thing of Gold – Snarky Puppy
• Dallas Boy – The Big Hustle
• Pretty Please – Uncle Maximilien
• Mad World – Jordan Rakei
• Blood On Me – Sampha
• Those That Don’t Know – The Streets
• Alpha House – Knucks
• Sling Shot Riddim (feat. Terri Walker) – Children of Zeus
• Frisco – Little Dragon
• Butter – Vixen Dub – A Tribe Called Quest
• Electric Feel – Justice Remix – MGMT
• Shakedown Street – Unknown Mortal Orchestra
• Funny Thing – Thundercat
• Lady – D’Angelo
• The Sweetest Taboo – Sade
• I Am Love – Parts 1 & 2 – The Jackson 5
• Colors of the Rainbow – Lonnie Liston Smith
• Maiysha (So Long) (feat. Erykah Badu) – Miles Davis
• Forever, For Always, For Love – Lalah Hathaway
• Dear Mr. Man – Prince
• Trouble Man – Marvin Gaye
• What I’d Say (Pt. 1 & 2) – Ray Charles

playlist image by Dane Deaner on Unsplash