Earlier this month Urban Kultur Blog was voted by you (readers,  posters, likers, re-tweeters…thank you all) as one of the top 10 Arts & Culture blogs for this year’s UK Blog Awards.

As a result, this last month the blog has been under the scrutiny of an expert panel of judges marking against set criteria to decide who will be the winner of Arts & Culture blog of the year, to be announced at an awards ceremony on April 25th.

This got me thinking about my blogging highlights over the past 12 or so months. I’ve had the opportunity to interview some inspirational artists, producers and DJs, as well as host some great mixes as part of the ongoing UKB Guest Mix series. I’ve also continued to discover emerging artists in the street art world, as well as learn more about those established ‘godfathers’ of the scene.

With this in mind, here are my top 4 highlights of this year, in no particular order:

1. Interviewing London Street Art legend, Mr Penfold

I’ve been an admirer of Mr Penfold’s art since coming across it in London a few years ago now, and was delighted that he was up for answering some questions about his art. Very interesting chat and a top guy too.

2. Recording my first mix for Scottish Soundcloud mix channel Hypnotic Groove.

I was delighted that Jay Dub, the DJ behind the Hypnotic Groove mix series asked me to record a mix for him, and really enjoyed putting this one together, I hope you like it!

3. Talking art and design with Ashes 57, designer at Swamp 81 records 

There are few record labels in the UK right now with such a consitently high quality output as Swamp 81. Ashes57 is the designer behind the empire of Loefah and provided some great insight into the creative process at Swamp and also her other video and photography work with DJ Rashad.

4. Hosting a live mix from Marcel Heese, resident at techno mecca, Tresor.

Having seen Marcel perform a few years back at Studio24 in Edinburgh, I was excited that when he brought his Tresor techno sound to the UKB guest mix series. Check it out below!

Fingers crossed the judges like what they see!

Steven
UKB