You often hear people talk about style over substance, especially in a modern cultural context.
The youth only enjoy fast tunes, devoid of meaning, and have done for eternity. However, that's merely an old head interpretation of things they don't understand. That combination of style and substance is always readily available, especially in the digital age, and it's particularly applicable to the performances seen on COLORS.
COLORS, spelled the Americanised way, is a Berlin-based studio which catalogues stripped back performances from some of music's rising stars. Just a backing track and a microphone, with a block-colour background for a refined and simplistic look.
There is a multitude of performances on the COLORS YouTube channel, but we've assembled seven of the best in order to kickstart your journey:
Biig Piig - Vice City
Biig Piig, the London-based Irish artist who arrived in the English capital via Spain, delivers a groove-laden version of her track 'Vice City'.
The composed tune flows along, finding aspects of jazz and R&B throughout. This is certainly one to throw on and pan out to.
Loyle Carner - Ice Water
A stage like COLORS is the perfect place for Loyle Carner's lacing, laidback rhymes and jazz-infused beats.
Even Carner's nose rub during his performance is in time, never deviating from his rhyme scheme. The South London MC's filler adlibs hit the right spot time and again, a head nodding anthem for the ages.
Joy Crookes - Mother May I Sleep With Danger?
Yet another London-based Irish artist, Joy Crookes' performance is a change of tact from the usual COLORS performances as she's joined by a guitarist.
Now, that doesn't take away from Crookes' beautifully soulful performance, which is utterly mesmeric from start to finish.
George The Poet & Maverick Sabre - Follow The Leader
Okay, this is the last London-based Irish artist in the list, we promise. Either way, this collaboration between New Ross musician Maverick Sabre and UK lyricist George the Poet is an atmospheric triumph.
The pulsating instrumental is only overshadowed by the vocal performances of the duo, it's pure goosebump-inducing.
Tom Misch - It Runs Through Me
COLORS allowed neo-jazz and all-round musical maestro to bring his guitar into the studio, and the result is immaculate.
Not only is Tom Misch an extremely handsome man, but he's a wondrous musician. Misch's ability to make a live performance sound album ready is a gift.
Mahalia - Sober
Mahalia is unique case, having returned to COLORS for more than one performance. So, we've plumped for her performance of 'Sober', which will leave you wanting more.
Mahalia's performance is an exercise in smooth R&B, with a scintillating vocal performance taking precedence over the grooving instrumental.
Slowthai - Ladies
Slowthai's tender ode to ladies is another case of a COLORS performance being better than the single version.
The juxtaposition of the tender lyrics to Slowthai's bare-chested with CP Company jacket ensemble just... works. Slowthai's raw passion is utterly infectious, proving that oftentimes, simple is best.
