Living in self-imposed exile in Paris, Dan Black meshes sounds and genres with the same fluidity, ease and cultural nous as his heroes David Bowie and The Neptunes to create his own blue-eyed culture clash of soul, hip hop, rock and electronica and the result is utterly beguiling.

We were first introduced to Dan, in major terms, when he released an astonishing cover of HYPNTZ by Notorious B.I.G. which fused the beat from Rihanna’s “Umbrella” with heavily chopped-up samples from the film soundtrack of John Carpenter’s “Starman”.

Now signed to A&M records, Dan Black is finally set to release his debut single. ‘Yours’ is a propulsive, electro anti-love song (“I don’t want to be yours no more”). Its amazing accompanying video showcases Black’s hyper-coloured modernity even more brightly. The single is likely to set the charts on fire with its catchy riff in the background and the massive drum beat.

The track has been highly rated by Zane Lowe on national Radio 1 and the tune is certainly radio friendly. It’s easy to predict that this tune is going to be overplayed but at the moment it grows with every listen. The single will be released on December 1^st and should be the first milestone of many for this young Frenchman. Black is currently at work on his debut album, which is set for release in early 2009.

For a quick sample of Dan Black, take, devour and enjoy the two MP3s below:

MP3: Dan Black - HYPNTZ

MP3: Dan Black - These Things Take Time

So, I’m trying a new thing this week: A “daily roundup” of everything that doesn’t merit a complete post of its own. It won’t be literally every day (I do go out sometimes you know), but will be a collection of new MP3s, Videos, music etc.

I first got sent Dan Black’s HYPNTZ back at the end of July, and fell in love with it, however couldn’t help but feel it was a tiny weeny bit too cheesy - sounded like some schoolboy rapper from North London trying to be ghetto. Then I heard it on Zane Lowe the other night and then heard the new one, “These Things Take Time”, which sounds like it has a sample of Nelly Furtado’s Maneater in it.

Dan says:

“I knew what kind of music I wanted make, but at first I found it hard to get these conflicting desires to blend well outside of my head. I’d been making these weird remix/mashups for my occasional Djing, so I thought, I’ll take the method I’ve been using for that but use it for song writing instead. The very first thing I tried was HYPNTZ.”

Download and enjoy.

MP3: Dan Black - HYPNTZ
MP3: Dan Black - These Things Take Time

We found out earlier this week that we’re off to Hydro Connect festival in Scotland next weekend, so you can expect a lot of coverage next week from the festival. However, this weekend of course is the mighty Reading and Leeds festivals, where many of the bands I’ll be catching next weekend are playing. Friendly Fires went down a storm, and I can’t wait to see their show after only getting into their album the other week. Meanwhile Crystal Castles caused chaos - I’m not a big fan of them musically, but might have to catch them just for the entertainment factor.

The two bands however that I’m looking forward to most at Hydro Connect are Sigur Ros and Bloc Party. Sigur Ros’ new video for ‘Inní mér syngur vitleysingur’ (’Within me a lunatic sings’)is pretty bland, but my God I love that song! Next Sunday, as the sun sets around Inveraray I can see them completely capping my weekend, and providing an amazing atmposphere. Bloc Party’s album has been on repeat since I downloaded it yesterday morning at 9am - I’m yet to be as hooked as I was by “A Weekend in the City”, but it’s definately a grower (in a good way).

On a slightly different musical side of things, Dido has released a new song ahead of releasing a whole new album in early November. Needless to say, it sounds pretty much the same as her previous two albums of stuff, with a bit more musical accompaniment (is that an orchestra we hear?) Yes, some might say it’s bland and boring, but I love it.

MP3: Dido - Look No Further