Here at VIP we are very happy to announce the first in a series of what is hopefully something we will be doing a lot more of: VIP Collabs

We teamed up with Friday Afternoons (Snape Maltings) and a whole host of our favourite
up-and-coming Brighton artists to rework four compositions from the first Glyndebourne Young Composer-in-Residence, Luke Styles with lyrics by Alan McKendrick. 

Here we deliver new versions of four of the tracks from their new set of compositions. VIP has produced new tracks inspired by chords, melodies and vibes of the originals, remixed parts of them and has asked some of the best 
up-and-coming talents in our home city of Brighton to write lyrics and songs inspired by the original compositions, each giving their own unique spin and direction to the works.

Released by:
VIP Studio Sessions
Release date:
3 September 2018

VIP  X Friday Afternoons

‘Black Neon’ began by taking part of the chord progression from the original composition and the title ‘Black Neon’ to inspire new lyrics, transforming this into a kind of rap duet between Frankie Stew and Boudicca. The track combines elements of Chicago Footwork, Hip Hop, Rap and Jazz to create a sonic foundation for vocalist Boudicca and rapper Hatter with backing vocals from Marshall Mandiangu, three of Brighton’s hottest up and coming talents. Boudicca and Hatter took the concept and created a kind of modern love song discussing the complexities of  relationships when one member is “Hard to see like black neon’ . Saxophonist Richard Halligan added the jazz leaning saxophone solos over the top of the synth chords inspired by the original work.

Black Neon Ft. Hatter & Boudicca

‘Do not Disturb’ began by taking part of the chord progression from the original composition “Do not disturb me in my tent” and a fragment of it’s title to inspire new lyrics, transforming this into a classic heartbreak love song. The track brings a strong Afrobeats influence to create a sonic foundation for vocalists Marshall Mandiangu and Boudicca Pepper, two of Brighton’s hottest up and coming vocalists. Boudicca and Chris took VIP’s lyrics and created a bouncing dancefloor bubbler that begs for release from a troubled relationship. Boudicca Raps setting an early morning scene whilst Chris vocals bring the raw emotion. Both vocals are treated with the autotune effect, which is so characteristic of Afrobeats as a genre…

Don't Disturb Ft. Marshall Mandiangu & Boudicca

Ferrari Mountain began by taking the part of the chord progression from the original composition and the concept of ‘Ferrari Mountain’ to create a completely new work. The track combines elements of Chicago Footwork, Hip Hop, Electronica and Afrobeat horns to create a sonic foundation for vocalists Hatter and Mrisi, two of Brighton’s hottest up and coming rappers. Mrisi and Hatter take the concept of Ferrari Mountain and use it to discuss modern consumer capitalism and the ways in which social media and advertising can create a dream of a life that we can’t afford: a ‘Ferrari Mountain’.

Ferrari Mountain Ft. Barcode (Mrisi & Hatter)

‘Tattoo’ began by taking part of the chord progression from the original composition and the title ‘Tattoo Negotiations’ to inspire new lyrics, transforming this into a classic love song. The track combines elements of House, African Music, Folk & Country to create a sonic foundation for vocalists Boudicca and Marshall Mandiangu, two of Brighton’s hottest up and coming vocalists. Boudicca and Marshall took VIP’s lyrics and wove them into beautiful harmony, perfectly fitting the loved up vibe of the track. Saxophonist and Flautist Richard Halligan added the haunting middle section of the track, subtly building a flute and saxophone harmony over the top of the Kalimba chords inspired by the original work.