Oliver Kemp

deep cuts returns (for good, this time) June 2025

David Bowie’s Blackstar turns a decade old this week. What was it like to witness the creation of (and help shape) such a landmark release? My interview with saxophonist and band leader Donny McCaslin 👇 open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

They didn’t make the AOTY list, but they’re still bangers. For the final listening diary of the year, I reviewed Crippling Alcoholism, Swans, Bambara and more ⬇️ open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

My 20 Best Records of 2025 👇  youtu.be/jD5GYBiFgUo

Reviews of Jay Som, The Necks & Conjurer, plus some thoughts on the legacy of the great D’Angelo 🖤 open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

Just published the second half of my fave electronic records list - from OPN to Cluster, Skee Mask to Burial. Read it for free at the link! open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

From Underworld and Jlin, to Autechre and Coil, these are some of the electronic records that have rewired my brain ⚡️ Read the piece for free: open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

Just posted a new hot takes reaction video over on Substack - including the excellent “venue tickets should be allocated by height’”. As a man under 6ft, I respect it! @deepcutswrites/note/c-160172965?r=4rmmt&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">substack.com/@deepcutswrite…

Bark Psychosis is a project I treasure, but its sophomore record is often unfairly overlooked. Read my latest deep cuts essential now 👇 open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

This week’s listening diary is up! Reviews of: - Cardiac’s LSD - Pain to Power by Maruja - Rushup Edge, one of the best AFX projects - Between the Buried and Me’s new one Plus: Massive Attack leaves Spotify. Will it change anything? open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

As the Surfing on Sine Waves reissue nears, I headed to Cornwall on my own Aphex Twin / Polygon Window pilgrimage. Read it at the link ⬇️ open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

The Mercury Prize was set up as an alternative to the Brits - these days they share nominees. Also this week, I review: David Byrne’s very odd new record the new Big Thief LP a new Stars of the Lid remaster Fleshwater’s latest a classic from Death open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

New video: 5 albums to get you into the strange genius of Frank Zappa (link in the replies)

Latest listening diary is up! Thoughts on: - New Blood Orange - New Marissa Nadler - Floyd's Wish You Were Here at 50 - The joy of Lunatic Harness - Autechre's 90s protest EP deepcutswrites.substack.com/p/in-my-ears-1…

Some thoughts on Fantano’s lawsuit in this week’s listening diary ⚖️ open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

Imagine being asked to join your favourite band? I interviewed the former Oceansize frontman and Biffy Clyro touring guitarist all about the mythic new Cardiacs record, LSD. open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

I spent 20 minutes reacting to music hot takes from the deep cuts readers – I swear some of them are just trolling. "The snare on St. Anger is remarkable" smh Watch a five minute preview at the link, or become a paid subscriber to watch the whole thing! deepcutswrites.substack.com/p/reacting-to-…

Delia Derbyshire is a perfect place to start for Modulators, a brand new series spotlighting the great innovators of electronic music ⚡ If there’s a particular figure you’d like me to write about, be sure to comment below open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…

Watching Show Me The Body play a bandstand in the middle of a London park was likely the highlight of this week – also listened to some pretty damn good records (For Those I Love, Ethel Cain, and Dirty Three) deepcutswrites.substack.com/p/in-my-ears-8…

The second half of my ‘forever heavy’ series is live! Featuring all sorts of legendary bands like Bolt Thrower, YOB and Sleep 🎸 open.substack.com/pub/deepcutswr…