The XX, “Basic Space” (Micachu Remix) MP3
- story Matthew Schnipper
We did not expect Rough Trade post-punk throwback figurehead, tiny Micachu to become such a remix maniac. But if we had anticipated, we would have predicted she’d bring a similar clatter to other people’s songs as her own. We premiered The XX’s “Basic Space” and now, two days later, Micachu (as M.A.T.H.E.S.—Micachu and the Shapes), has mussied up and slightly slowed down the song’s open air. It’s flatter, not duller, but more earthly with a coyote howl and some Mediterranean strings. And with a way bigger kick drum, which is sick.
Download: The XX, “Basic Space” (M.A.T.H.E.S. Remix) (via Pinglewood)
Freeload: Micachu, “Kwesachu” mixtape
- story THE FADER
As you may or may not know from our story on her in FADER #61 (<--download it for free), Micachu went to music school and got her start producing for grime MCs. On her new mixtape she gives us another perspective on her already-expansive abilities, transforming some pretty wild, abstract noise stuff (like Gavin Bryars-style) into an arc with a downbeat and rapping. We are increasingly inclined to think of her as a Conceptual Artist rather than solely a great producer/songwriter. Rick Rubin wants his buddha back! Download or stream from the adorable cassette “Micachu-branded web-targeted widget device” we embedded below.
Video: Micachu & the Shapes, “Golden Phone”
- story THE FADER
Taking the Shapes to a literal level, this is definitely the work of quirky ex-art students into optical illusion (all art students are into optical illusion). We kind of wish we could shrink ourselves, too.
FADER TV: Micachu Interviewed by Grizzly Bear at The Levis®/FADER Fort
- story THE FADER
We were scheduled to interview Micachu and The Shapes after they played The Levi’s®/FADER Fort, but after Grizzly Bear’s Ed Droste and Chris Taylor told us how much they Loved (capital L) their music, we knew we had to make an introduction. This resulted in a half-hour videotaped conversation about music school, touring, rappers, and the origins/playfulness of their respective band names. We condensed the best parts here so you can behold the glory of two FADER faves in intimate mind-melding zone. Also, do you think we should hire Chris Taylor as an interviewer? We are seriously considering it.
