New Music: Clean Bandit - A&E (Random Acts)

Instru-mental: Clean Bandit embodies a mixture of musically talented individuals

Don't know whether you UK readers have been listening to Greg James on Radio 1 this week, but he's been showing a lot of love for this new tune on his show which is his 'Big Thing' (Radio 1's new name for 'Record of the Week'), and it's a song by London based six-piece Clean Bandit, and it goes by the name of 'A&E'. The moment we heard it on Monday of this week we became instant fans, but didn't catch the name of the song or the artist at the time so had to wait until it was played again yesterday on Greg's show. We've had a look at some of their other stuff on YouTube and we're just as impressed, you should also listen to "Mozart’s House" and "UK Shanty" if you've got time as well.

We're sure Clean Bandit are going to have a massive 2013, with an album most likely on the horizon, you can actually pick up the group's free mixtape, 'Dance Armstrong', on their website if you just sign-up to their mailing list - we're very keen on that as well. 'A&E' really is a treat for the ears, it mixes eclectic dance-pop with instrumental dynamism to provide us with a truly original outlook on alternative music. Clean Bandit describe their genre of music on their Facebook page as 'Classico-electronical doghouse' which is crazy enough, but somewhat befitting. They collaborate with a mixture of talented vocalists some of which include: Sswelafar, Eliza Shaddad, Makeda, Jungle VIP, Subliminal MC and Camilla Farrant. With the single available to purchase from 9 December, we're sure the tropical vibes of this fresh new record will fast-forward you to Summer 2013...

• Pre-order A&E here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/a-e-ep/id572999962
• A&E will be released 9th December 2012 on Black Butter Records
• Official site: cleanbandit.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/cleanbandit
• Twitter: @CleanBandit

Bespoke Attire: XOX Apparel

Hailing from a small, quiet, market town in West Yorkshire we bring you XOX apparel, but need we say it? Their attire is the polar opposite of their namesake town - a brand born from individuality and a longing to portray the owners' sense of style in various ways. It is this consensus for which they have created an array of mediums and designs in which to do this. Admittedly still only up and coming, you have to allow the fact that they didn't exist until half way through this year, they have done remarkably well to already have amassed an impressive following, and have a niche collection of Tees. With only a small initial burst of t-shirts we must stress that what they lack in sheer quantity, they sure make up for it with the quality....

Burgundy Leopard £12 

Bleach Wash £13 Sale

Galaxy £12 Sale

With promises of new tee's in the pipeline, XOX are going to be a brand to watch for in the new year. Combine that information with various sales and offers these tee's would make ideal Christmas presents for loved ones or even the person in the mirror. As always we do are utmost to bring you what you might like, if you do head on over to their webstore.

• XOX Apparel Big Cartel - Store.
• XOX Apparel - Facebook.
• @XOXapparel - Twitter.
• X0Xapparel - Tumblr.

Bespoke Attire: Givenchy x H&M Rumours

As some of you may already know speculation has already fueled over the next big name 2013 H&M collaboration following this year's successful partnership with Maison Martin Margiela, and it has been none other than French outfitters Givenchy who are being touted as front-runners following rumours on the net and Twitter.

Speculation: An image circulating on Tumblr

Many people claiming to have ties with Givenchy were claiming that the collab was a virtual done deal, but it appears however that the rumours are no more than just rumours at this stage with key people at  Givenchy denying that a SS13 range could be hitting the high street early next year. H&M executives do not comment on 'rumours' as a policy, so they have been reluctant to confirm or deny this. What we want to know is whether H&M were trying to strike a deal and someone spilled the beans, or whether it's just some hipster on Tumblr who wishes they could afford Givenchy so hoped that by starting this rumour it would make that possible - who knows. Maybe there is some method in the madness anyway, if anything it's got people from all corners of the fashion world talking...

New Music: Mikill Pane feat. Rizzle Kicks - 'Work'

It is no surprise that Mister Pane and Rizzle kicks are tight. With him touring with them around the UK, pretending to be Harleys uncle and more recently attending Harleys Birthday meal, (tonight in preparation for midnight) there was always going to be a musical connection. 'Work' sees this lyrical friendship manifested into a great track that both culturally popular and the more underground fans can like. 'Work' is taken from the 'Dirty Rider EP' and has an annoyingly catchy hook which splits verses that are simultaneously spitted by both Justin and Jordan. Although 'Represent' are heavily advertised within this video it doesn't seem overbearing, possibly due to the fact the trio religiously stick to street wear in their social lives and this clip is no exception.

• @MikillPane

• @RizzleKicks
• @RepresentClo

New Music: BIGkids - Don't Give Up On Me (Acoustic)

Experimenting: Mr Hudson is mixing things up a bit 

We can't tell you too much about BIGkids - the incognito side project with Mr Hudson right at the heart, and Rosie Oddie providing the tender female vocals, but we're really loving what's coming from the duo. Earlier this evening we came across the following video, that was after Mr Hudson posted it on his Facebook page, of BIGkids performing a spine-tingling acoustic rendition of 'Don't Give Up On Me' and it's really got us at OBWD involved with what BIGkids are up to at the moment.

Like we said, it's a very 'incognito', cult-like approach with seemingly not many people, apart from Mr Hudson's close fans, knowing that he is even working on this side-project. The album NEVER GROW UP is out now and is available to download from all major digital music outlets. The cover artwork is very fun and quirky, and is highly representative of what the album is about. Mr Hudson's been very quiet lately ever since the release of his second album in '09 Straight No Chaser so it seems he gradually returning, you wouldn't think he was signed to Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music label. This acoustic reminds us more of the Mr Hudson and the Library days - Hudson at his best. 

Image: ASOS Blog

Exclusives: Ouija Clothing - "HATE CREW" tee AW12

We are delighted to be able to report a very exciting release from a close friend of OBWD - Ouija Clothing of whom we have documented on previously in the year. The 'HATE CREW' tee (pictured) is the latest drop from Ouija, which sees the brand's very own 20-year-old designer, student and now model Jack Chambers, spearhead the modeling campaign. We would describe the 'HATE CREW' as a daring, but calculated approach which cleverly sets the cat amongst the pigeons with a reflection of current views on street fashion today. The release of the all-black tee falls on 'Black Friday' (of this week), also known as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season over in the States.

With the popularity of their first iconic Tee "Think" being so vast it was always going to be somewhat of a hard act to follow, however Ouija has pulled it out of the bag. They have been able to do this by not restricting themselves to a direct comparison with one said brand, but rather observing peoples malice towards the general mainstream and molding it. They have been able to create the 'Hate Crew' garment which stands as a testament in itself to all the advertisements and gimmicks. It is a uniform for non-conformity, even the minimalistic black / white colour way defies any current trend and in itself refuses to be categorised. Ouija have made it clear that they are at one with their ethos, this Tee cries "Hey, we are Ouija, we embrace our hate and we are proud of it" 

Ouija is a brand which was established early this year in 2012, around about the time we begun posting funnily enough, and we've always been avid supporters of their cause. With an exciting range of garments, epitomised with a clinical and professional end product, it is no surprise as to how and why Jack Chambers' brand has amassed a considerable online following, especially on Facebook. Jack has also managed to attract the attention from the right places in the fashion industry by becoming a new face at top global modelling agency Elite London, which can only mean something big for not only him but the brand. Chambers has proved he is becoming quite the jack-of-all-trades. Stay tuned.

Buy the HATE CREW tee from 'Black Friday', 23 November at: ouijaclothing.bigcartel.com/

Facebook: Ouija Clothing

Twitter: @OuijaClothing

Tumblr: ouijaclothing.tumblr.com

In Popular Culture: FAKE Magazine Preview Edition 006 [FW12] & Reveal 2012 Annual

006: FAKE returns for the 2012 climax

With edition 006 of FAKE - the quintessentially British quarterly magazine by Birmingham based creatives Kerry Leslie and Sophie Benson, on the cusp of its eagerly awaited release, the two individuals have treated us to the annual of the year 2012 in FAKE. For those of you unbeknownst to FAKE Magazine, here is a brilliant opportunity to discover a conscientious well thought out independent magazine which focuses on fresh topics with every quarter of the year. FAKE fuses the best parts of contemporary high-fashion fashion with tales and stories penned by talented budding writers and up-and-coming poets, young and old. 

Edition 006 will be centred around 'myths' and various contributor's perceptions of myths with how you and I as individuals perceive myths lying at the heart. Here's what the editors Kerry and Sophie say:

“ From horoscopes, to the loch ness monster, a tale of extreme cleanliness, superstitions, the 'body beautiful', travel stories and much more, we explore all things myth-related through the mediums of poetry, fashion, insightful articles, illustration, photography, and short stories. ”

So if that hasn't whet your appetite then you are crazy! FAKE is an exciting, professional and most importantly original project by two very talented individuals who really do deserve a lot of credit for the work they do (plus all the people that contribute), and we're all about getting good stuff out to the masses so make sure you guys get hold of a copy when 006 drops on 7 December. Make sure you check out the annual and get hold of all five of FAKE's previous editions. Real.

Store: fakemagazine.storenvy.com

FAKE: The Annual, 2012: magpile.com

Bespoke Attire: UNDEFEATED x A Bathing Ape [FW12 Lookbook]

Undefeated x Bathing Ape Fall/Winter 2012 Lookbook Behind the Scenes from Undefeated Inc. on Vimeo.

We always love a good VT here at OBWD, especially when it comes in the form of a preview for an upcoming lookbook. Today earlier on Twitter we came across the behind the scenes edit for Undefeated x A Bathing Ape's F/W 2012 collaborative line which should be dropping on what has been described by Undefeated as 'Black Friday' which is indeed the 23rd November which falls on this week - so look out for that. The video gives us a snapshot taster of what to expect with a backing tune by DJ Muggs, directed by Estevan Oriol, the setting is formed in a boxing gynasium - Azteca Boxing Club to be precise, where we are able to discover the athletic nature of the line which will be purchasable from the Undefeated site from Friday. 

Store: undefeated.com

New Music: Rihanna - Diamonds (Remix) [feat. Kanye West]

With Rihanna currently embarking on her 777 (7 Countries, 7 Days, 7 Shows) world tour to commemorate her seventh studio album 'Unapologetic', Kanye has decided to add a little bit of his own fuel to the fire creating even more hype on top of Rihanna's latest single 'Diamonds'. From our point of view, we're not too keen on this remix. We're big fans of Yeezy and what he's doing at the moment, but we can't help but feel this remix is somewhat lacking in character and feels as though it that was written on the back of a McDonald's serviette in a hurry. He toys with his obsession with of the 'illuminati rumours' that have surrounded him and his camp, whilst at the same time making a clever reference to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, all in all it will not be a record that will live long in the memory...

Literature: Young Writer Jonny Dawson Previews Short Story @ Ether Books

Jonny Dawson - Ambitions and Aspirations

With his latest short story 'Work in Progress' on the cusp of its release, young novelist Jonny Dawson of Leicester previews an interview with Ether Quick Reads in order to boost and enhance the profile of his latest literary cause. Jonny, who is a graduate in English and Creative Writing and also subject of an entry on OBWD previously in the year, wishes to pursue a career in publishing and as an educator is causing somewhat of a stir in the world of independent writers. Jonny tells us a little bit about himself in a Q&A session with Ether Short Reads, and provides an insight into what to expect in his latest short story. Check it out HERE.

Follow Jonny Dawson on Twitter: @JonnyD400

In Popular Culture: Barack Obama x Terry Richardson

During the run up to the United States presidential election campaign, which ended last Tuesday with a slender victory for Barack Obama, the incumbent head of state called upon some of his friends in high places to help him appeal to the youth electorate once more. In this stunt Obama teams up with world-renowned photographer Terry Richardson for this latest venture which sees the Mr Obama dressing down, and relaxing from his duties as President. You can definitely feel there was a very chilled-out vibe in the air during this shoot which just oddly seems to work...

Source: ONTD!