Music expert Mpumelelo “Frypan” Mfula on South Africa’s buzzing subgenres
After hosting talks for Boiler Room x Ballantine's True Music Studios in Soweto, Mfula explains the sgija sound and bacardi revival. Like amapiano? Love this.
Music
Skepta and Jammer on their new house label Más Tiempo: “This is something we were always capable of”
The grime legends talk Ibiza, their early DJing years and the future of Boy Better Know.
Temporary Pleasure are the rave architects documenting history’s greatest clubs
After hosting workshops for aspiring club architects across the globe, the crew’s founder John Leo Gillen has made a book that celebrates the short lives of iconic nightlife hubs.
The best new tracks, picked by our staff
Rated by THE FACE: a playlist featuring Nines, Bree Runway, Beabadoobee and Bar Italia.
Thee Birth unites ritual and rave at the UK’s best underground club
Centred at The White Hotel in Salford, the events series has built a community of musicians and artists inspired by pagan practices and radical philosophy.
Luka Sabbat talks Coachella tips, Chief Keef and Aphex Twin
THE FACE met with the fashion figure and GUESS USA ambassador at the California festival to chat about all things music.
Frost Children: “Nothing can tear us apart”
100%: The sibling duo on weird DMs, jazz and, er, Gotye.
THE FACE Podcast: Frank Ocean’s chaotic return
A report from weekend one of Coachella.
“We were ahead of our time”: Le Tigre talk politics and fashion faux pas
Formed in the late ‘90s from the ashes of Kathleen Hanna’s riot grrrl band Bikini Kill, the reunited trio are now enjoying TikTok virality and credit for pioneering the so-called “indie sleaze” aesthetic.
The Blessed Madonna meets nightlife legend Michael Peacock: “You’ve seen me completely naked”
Last year, Peacock went viral after being filmed dancing in Fabric by a homophobic clubber. Now, he’s the star of the video for The Blessed Madonna’s single We Still Believe.
The best new tracks, picked by our staff
Rated by THE FACE: a playlist featuring Aminé and Kaytranada, Bambii and Lil Yachty.
Gretel Hänlyn: “I want people to suffocate in my music”
100%: The West London musician opens up about her intoxicating new EP, collaborating with Mura Masa and the importance of proper self-care.
Reliving the golden era of UK pop
Author and pop journo Michael Cragg joins us to discuss the biggest hits and misses from 1996-2006.
Fabric x Printworks: superclub meets supervenue, for one night only
Celebrating London’s biggest night with an exclusive playlist and a FACE archive special. Your pre-bank holiday dancefloor mash-up awaits…
The best new music, picked by our staff
Rated by THE FACE: a playlist featuring Mac Wetha, Overmono, Boygenius and Tyler, the Creator.
Five trans musicians you should have on your playlist
London queer nightlife legend Mya Mehmi shouts out the trailblazers who’ve inspired her.
Bawo on Liverpool FC, vodka rigatoni and emotional DMs
100%: With just one EP under his belt, the West London rapper has already toured with Knucks and sold out a headline show. Here’s what he gets up to in his spare time.
THE FACE Podcast: the best music of the year so far
This week we discuss Lana Del Rey, Boys a Liar pt 2 and the rockstar reinventions of slowthai, 100 gecs and Lil Yachty.
Reach for the Stars: charting British pop’s golden era
Michael Cragg’s exhaustive new book celebrates the highlights and catfights of pop music between 1996 and 2006. Go on, stick on Girls Aloud.
The best new tracks, picked by our staff
Rated by THE FACE: A playlist featuring Flo, Yunè Pinku, Frost Children and Jam City.
Olivia Dean: “I don’t care if nobody likes my album. I love it”
100%: The London musician has been selling out venues across the UK and Europe, and is gearing up for the release of her debut album. We asked her all about it, and why cream in carbonara “is a crime”.
Alex G on British slang, Scottish service stations and Lil Yachty
“I have nothing useful to say most of the time,” the cult musician insists. We heartily disagree.
Lana Del Rey fans love getting her lyrics tattooed
The stans are ready to justify having LDR’s deliciously dramatic poetry etched on their flesh for eternity.
The best new tracks, picked by our staff
Rated by THE FACE: A playlist featuring Isabella Lovestory, Amaarae, 100 gecs and Yves Tumor.
