Konkrete is the moniker for two producers from opposite ends of the music spectrum. Hotly tipped, and hailing from Stratford, East London, they currently reside at music makings cutting edge.
Comprising unashamed studio junkies, Jim McNeilly, and partner in rhythm, Martin West they bring the very broadest creative inspirations to the table.
Born and raised on the mean streets of Belfast, McNeilly had a misspent youth, listening to a music mad fathers Elvis collection, his mothers James Brown LPs and an older brothers Clash 45s. Growing up during the height of the sectarian troubles, music for Jim was both a refuge and a passion, finally becoming the all consuming obsession it is today.
Production maestro, and yang to Jims Yin is Martin West, a new soul rebel and music minded B-Boy, responsible for laying down Konkretes instantly identifiable beats. Born into the multi-cultural melting pot, and urban music Mecca, Hackney, he was raised in a deeply musical family, his mother having worked as an A&R scout for Decca records throughout the sixties. The label was then home to the Rolling Stones and a host of other iconic R&B stars. Martin grew up surrounded on all sides by the very best music of every conceivable genre at home, on the streets and in the underground clubs of his inner city neighborhood where he DJ'd and honed his skills as a Jungle producer under the name 'Criminal Set'. All of which proved pivotal in shaping the music Konkrete are making in 2004.
Out of the many musicians and artists to inspire him, it was musicians, musician and hall of famer, Stevie Wonder who left a indelible mark. Martin describes this heritage artist as The only genuine, music genius of the last 50 yrs . In addition to Stevie, Motown records sixties and seventies roster have also hugely influenced Wests work in Konkrete.
With influences diverse as Presley, The Clash, Stevie Wonder and JB, its no accident that the East Londoners sound is so original and also hard to define, whilst always managing to remain contemporary. Jim McNeilly and partner Martin West, both love American hip-hop, dancehall reggae and street soul, all key colours in Konkretes musical paint box. Their music is best described as a mid Atlantic fusion of all three, with a unique and quirky, rock twist which is all their own.
Listening to their stripped down sound and expressive beats, its hard to believe Konkrete hail from Belfast and London respectively, because the duos sound is quite unlike anything currently coming from the UK, a fact the pair see as one of their many musical strengths.
The remix picture however, is just a small sample of Konkretes musical brief, which currently includes recording 19yr old music prodigy, singer songwriter, Sam Romans debut album. West and McNeilly have also written and recorded 7 tracks with Detroits newest white rapper, Stock, whos currently performing stateside, and also in advanced talks with major record labels. Konkrete's production CV has been further augmented by work with London based Jamaican singer, Sandy Lamb, and former Dome Records artiste, Vicki Young. Topping out a very credible, current production list, is the duos work with MOBO winners, Street Politiks on their debut long player, A Pound And A Promise, and former Endz front man, MC Bunzi D, whose Konkrete produced Angles is getting major play from BBC 1Xtra and attracting the influential attention of R1s Jo Whiley.
Konkrete are rapidly becoming a two man music factory more than capable of producing, remixing and songwriting for a raft of credible acts, both new and established. Currently working with several major and independent record labels, in the UK and abroad, the duo aim in their own words, To raise the bar in British music making to the highest level and to compete with our transatlantic cousins on totally equal terms.
With passion, ambition and undeniable talent, Martin West and Jim McNeilly are perfectly placed to put the UKs increasingly diverse music scene back on the international radar.
The past few years have seen quantum leaps in raw, home grown talent across every musical divide. Now Great Britain has Konkrete producers capable of taking that talent to the next level and beyond.
The futures arrived and its as heavy like KONKRETE.
