I have been collaborating with a good friend, Daniel Oduntan, on his Soul Labels project for the past few months. Dan and I worked together on a series of podcasts for arts organisation Ideastap, which closed this summer unfortunately. Dan's vision is to combine in-store radio broadcasts with live performances and film re-scores and conversations with emerging artists. He is already causing a stir with his mixtapes under the Lo-fi Odysseys moniker. Ever the renaissance man, he also produces his own music and is an accomplished photographer, even when turning the lens on himself…

It's early days but I like the scale of his ambition and his willingness to try things without agonising over the details. One example is the loose and carefree vibe of this in-store at United80 in Brixton, recorded about a month ago. Run by fashion designer Samantha J, together with DJ couple Cyndi and Chris (aka ManvsWife), the store is a tardis-like treasure trove of fashion garments, accessories, artwork and vinyl from friends and associates across London. Everything is carefully selected and presented; this is what they mean by "curation", a word that has truly crossed over from the world of museums in the digital age. 

There has been much talk about a dwindling sense of community in London and how culture is under threat from regeneration but Brixton Village tells a different story. Here, it's not about a particular class, colour or clique holding sway. People in this part of the city are bound together by respect and consideration for one another, and a sense of belonging. Local enterprise flourishes down here, against the narrative of chain domination. Cafe Art Nouveau, Pop Brixton and Brixton Bloc are also encouraging signs of life. The lesson from United80 is that if you build slowly and put the hours in, it is possible to survive and thrive. Sam has been working here since 2009 and splits her time between Brixton and the north. She loves her adopted city but admits that things have changed, and not all for the better…

Anyway, I won't spoil the surprise. Press play below to hear Sam talk about the origins of United80 as well as the importance of a close-knit-community to both her professional and personal life. One the designers she stocks is Yumi Sakaki of 4649 Worldwide, who I also interview. Dan also played a sublime selection of soul arrangements, two-step and laid-back hip hop instrumentals. A few brass and wind players passed through as well. Good fun.

Onwards and I'm thrilled to say that we will be working with acclaimed photographer Eddie Otchere on the launch of his Icons of the Wu Tang project. Look out for that in March, in Brixton of course. Here is a little more information.