AT only 19-years-old, Alex Crossan, better known as Mura Masa took to the NME/Radio 1 stage at Leeds Festival on Saturday afternoon (August 27) and our entertainment reporter, Abi White, went along to see his eclectic talents…
Teaming up with Dublin-based counterpart Bonzai, to perform his 10-track set list, the Guernsey born artist, who cites early inspirations such as James Blake, delivered a star-studded performance that only demonstrated how he shot to the online fame that lead him to his festival performance at Reading and Leeds 2016.
A lot of the electronic producer and multi-instrumentalist’s tracks are inspired by heartbreak; he showcased this early, opening his set with ‘Lovesick F**k’.
Bonzai joined for the first handful of tracks, attempting to encourage the audience to participate with the set.
“How you doing Leeds! Make some noise, we gotta keep this one moving!” she proclaimed.
Bonzai’s appearance really helped to carry the set, as her lively nature spared the show from falling into a lull.
But despite Mura Masa’s minimal interaction with the crowd, it only demonstrated the prolific artist’s passion and concentration he has for the music he creates.
It wasn’t about him, it was all about the music.
Mura masa at Leeds Fest was something else #RandL16
— George Cooper (@georgeycooper) August 29, 2016
Saturday at Leeds Fest was sooooo good! Mura Masa and Chvrches shone through the pouring down rain for me ☔️
— Amy Ridden (@AmyRiddenBlog) August 29, 2016
However, due to him retreating out of the limelight, it may have proved confusing to those unfamiliar with his work or who may have believed Bonzai was in fact Mura Masa, or that Mura Masa was a duo act as opposed to solo artist.
The reticent artist needed to give himself more credit during his set.
Mura Masa played a handful of songs from his debut release ‘Soundtrack to Death’ including the electronic instrumental tracks: ‘Hell’ and ‘Lotus Eater’.
‘Hell’ was the heavier of the two tracks and provided a booming bass which reverberated well beyond the confines of the stage.
Although these tracks (just about) exposed Mura Masa, it was pleasing to witness the producer’s pure talent without any distracting vocals.
‘Are You There’ then followed, which saw Mura Masa and the return of Bonzai performing a singing duet before transitioning into the rather mundane track ‘Love For That’ – which features Shura on the studio version.
The little interaction Mura Masa also has with the audience also demonstrates his modest nature, which gives off the impression that the young artist really is naïve to just how talented he really is.
“This is my first time in Leeds,” he humbly told the NME/Radio 1 stage.
The audience were then treated to a new track entitled ‘Messy Love’ which seemingly has taken inspiration from Jamie XX’s track ‘I Know There’s Gonna Be Good Times’
Unsurprisingly, the teenager opted to end his set with his most popular songs to date: ‘What If I Go?’ and ‘Firefly’.
Bowing out with his biggest hit (it has had over five million plays on YouTube), the set ended on a high, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the next glimpse of a performance they would catch of Mura Masa in the future.
By Abi White
@AbigailWhiteUOS
Recent Comments