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Oliver Kemp

@deepcutswrites.substack.com
870 followers 29 following 66 posts

Head of Audience @ Transformer / creator of Deep Cuts

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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 06/01/2026
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/deepcuts...
David Bowie’s Blackstar
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 19/12/2025
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/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #21 – more great records from 2025
They might have missed the AOTY cut, but they deserve recognition all the same
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 08/12/2025
My 20 Best Records of 2025 👇  youtu.be/jD5GYBiFgUo
AOTY 2025
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 14/10/2025
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/deepcuts...
30 electronic records that rewired my brain
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 30/09/2025
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/deepcuts...
30 electronic records that rewired my brain
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 26/09/2025
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! substack.com/@deepcutswri...
Hot takes
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 23/09/2025
Bark Psychosis is a music project I treasure, but its sophomore record is often unfairly overlooked. Read my latest deep cuts essential now 👇 open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
The cover art of Codename: Dustsucker
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 19/09/2025
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/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #12 – Cardiacs, Maruja & The Tuss
Plus: Massive Attack to leave Spotify. Will it change anything?
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 16/09/2025
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/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
Surfing on Sine Waves: an Aphex Twin pilgrimage
As the Polygon Window reissue nears, I travelled down to Cornwall to the place immortalised in the Surfing on Sine Waves cover art
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 12/09/2025
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/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #11 – Big Thief, David Byrne & Stars of the Lid
Plus: The ongoing identity crisis of the Mercury Music Prize
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 09/09/2025
New video 👇
youtu.be
Frank Zappa: 5 Albums to Get You into Rock’s Strangest Genius
YouTube video by deep cuts
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 05/09/2025
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...
deepcutswrites.substack.com
In My Ears #10 – Blood Orange, Marissa Nadler & Autechre
Plus: The crippling anxiety of trying to bag Radiohead tickets
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 29/08/2025
Some thoughts on Fantano’s lawsuit in this week’s listening diary ⚖️ open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #9 – Deftones, Red House Painters & Wolf Alice
Plus: Why Anthony Fantano's lawsuit win is good for music criticism
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 26/08/2025
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/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
Singing for your all-time favourite band: Mike Vennart on joining Cardiacs
Our conversation covered LSD – the mythic new Cardiacs record – and the 20th anniversary of Oceansize's Everyone Into Position.
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 22/08/2025
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-t...
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 19/08/2025
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/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
Delia Derbyshire, a tape-looping pioneer
Introducing Modulators, a new series on the groundbreaking figures of electronic music
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 15/08/2025
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...
deepcutswrites.substack.com
In My Ears #8 – Ethel Cain, For Those I Love & Dirty Three
Plus: Show Me The Body? A bandstand? In the middle of London?
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 12/08/2025
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/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
Riff worship: 30 records that keep me headbanging (part II)
The second half of my heavy music exploration, including Bolt Thrower and Godflesh.
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 08/08/2025
Lots of good records in this week’s listening diary, including one that got me through a pretty rubbish period more than a decade ago (it’s not Casiopea, though I can see how a slab of tasty jazz fusion could!) open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #7 – The Armed, Jenny Hval & Casiopea
Plus: Releases for your radar over the next few months
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 05/08/2025
These are my forever heavy records - how do they stack up to your favourites? open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
Forever heavy: 30 records that keep me headbanging (part I)
Metal is a huge part of my life – these are the ones I keep coming back to over and over again.
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 01/08/2025
This week’s listening diary includes Mamaleek, Open Mike Eagle & Neptunian Maximalism - plus a bit of schadenfreude in the intro … open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #6 – Mamaleek, Open Mike Eagle & Neptunian Maximalism
Plus: a slither of schadenfreude
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 25/07/2025
This week’s listening diary is up - words on Clipse, Coil and Alex G, plus some thoughts about the legendary Ozzy Osbourne open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #5 – Alex G, Coil & Clipse
Plus: the passing of a titan
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 23/07/2025
The latest Substack piece is an interview with Qobuz streaming boss Dan Mackta - a refreshingly honest take on the streaming industry! open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
“If I hear AI music and I like it? Shoot me”
Discussing all things streaming with Qobuz boss, Dan Mactka
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 15/07/2025
New video 📺 youtu.be/HVzRhY0_r5U?...
youtu.be
5 Albums to Get You Into DRONE
YouTube video by deep cuts
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 09/07/2025
Just published the second half of my ambient list - check out the article and playlist at the link! open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
30 records that fuelled my ambient obsession (part II)
The second batch of albums that changed my thinking – from Éliane Radigue to Tim Hecker
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 04/07/2025
This week’s listening diary post is up 🔗 open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #3 – Hesse Kassel, Alice Coltrane & Deftones
"Shove it shove it shove it"
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 01/07/2025
Ambient music has played a huge part in my obsession with music – so I thought I’d delve into the records that got me there! Which ambient records are your favourite, or mean something to you? open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
30 records that fuelled my ambient obsession (part I)
Some of the absolute best the genre has to offer – and why I love them
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 24/06/2025
As festival goers head to Worthy Farm for Glastonbury, independent live music scenes are collapsing. I spoke to people across the industry to get their take - and whether anything can be done open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
Glastonbury thrives as the grassroots music scene dies
As festival goers head to Worthy Farm this week, independent live music has never been more at risk
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 20/06/2025
Latest edition to the substack is live - a weekly listening diary full of new music, old stuff and oddities I’ve found. New editions every Friday! open.substack.com/pub/deepcuts...
open.substack.com
In My Ears #1
The first in a weekly series – requested by the deep cuts paid subscribers
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 17/06/2025
Check out this week's Substack newsletter – a sit-down chat with Nine Inch Nails scholar Adam Steiner deepcutswrites.substack.com/p/down-the-s...
deepcutswrites.substack.com
Down the spiral with author Adam Steiner
On the Nine Inch Nails legacy and the best Reznor/Ross soundtracks
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 10/06/2025
Check out my interview with legendary Fugazi bassist, Joe Lally
deepcutswrites.substack.com
A conversation with Fugazi's Joe Lally
Red Medicine at 30 & The Messthetics
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 09/06/2025
NEW VIDEO: a guide to NINE INCH NAILS youtu.be/MC8Ik_2ulH8
youtu.be
A Guide to NINE INCH NAILS
YouTube video by deep cuts
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 07/06/2025
This year has already been a belter – check out my favourite records of 2025 so far 👇
deepcutswrites.substack.com
The Best Records of 2025 So Far
From Yazz Ahmed to The Residents
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 06/06/2025
deep cuts returns!
youtube.com
deep cuts is back – for good
YouTube video by deep cuts
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 13/05/2025
deep cuts returns (for good, this time) June 2025
Image of Oliver, in the new deep cuts set
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Reposted by Oliver Kemp
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism @tbij.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
🚨Roman Abramovich could be due the biggest tax fine in British history He may owe as much as £1bn to UK tax authorities – an amount even higher than the record tax settlement paid by former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone 🔗 bit.ly/4hBjXIA
The image shows a picture of Roman Abramovich and former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. There is a cartoon crown on top of Abramovich's head. The wording reads: 'Bigger than Bernie: Roman's £1bn Tax Dodge'
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 13/12/2024
I enjoyed making the AOTY so much that I definitely plan to make more stuff in 2025. What do people wanna see?
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 09/12/2024
NEW VIDEO: The 20 Best Albums of 2024 #musicsky
youtube.com
The 20 Best Albums of 2024
YouTube video by deep cuts
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 22/11/2024
Whaaaaat
Kendrick Lamar new album!
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 22/11/2024
Proud of my TBIJ colleagues for this work, take a read 👇
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 22/11/2024
This latest BBC Sound of 2025 list is so odd - it’s been a decent crop of new artists over the years, and now it seems to be prominently featuring already pretty established acts? It’s the same reason the Mercury Music Prize has become a bit pointless in the past few years #musicsky
List of BBC Sound of 2025 list
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 17/11/2024
The channel (AOTY 2024 coming soon)
youtube.com
deep cuts
Hi all and welcome to deep cuts, a channel dedicated to music, for lovers of music! Over the coming months we will be having discussions on genres, guides to band discographies and commenting on the ...
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Oliver Kemp @deepcutswrites.substack.com · 17/11/2024
Need me some kinda music starter pack, anyone found one?
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Reposted by Oliver Kemp
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism @tbij.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
👇
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