Sticky Blood - Professional

Having formed their own production outfit in 2014, former Arctic Monkeys bassist Andy Nicholson and Jamie Shield have led a string of successful collaborations as Sticky Blood. They have now announced the release of their debut solo EP, ‘I.D.’, due for release on 14th August.
 
The pair first worked together as part of Clubs and Spades – a project that saw them team up with Sheffield-based MCs Matic Mouth and Shinobi in a blend of live instruments and hip-hop beats. Their sound led to the group opening shows for Public Enemy and Pharaohe Monch, as well as receiving staunch airplay support from BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Charlie Sloth.
 
Working out of their state-of-the-art studio in Sheffield, their early collaborations as Sticky Blood have included a set of production credits on MOBO-nominated singer Terri Walker’s album ‘Entitled’ – a record played frequently by prestigious radio presenters from Annie Mac through to Gilles Peterson.
 
In the last 12 months Sticky Blood have gone on to work with artists spanning many genres, including George the Poet, LTJ Bukem collaborator MC D.R.S. and grime artist Coco, amongst others. Their busy collaborative schedule left them little time to compose music for themselves, however – ‘I.D.’ is Sticky Blood’s attempt to do just that.
 
Stemming from their ability to produce across genres, the style of ‘I.D.’ is a showcase of the producers’ versatility. Lead track ‘Professional’ is an atmospheric trap cut with ghostly chimes and spacey synth pads – all showcasing the vocals of upcoming singer Hecky.
 
The title track is a harder affair, with a frenetic, bass-heavy dancehall riddim easily negotiated by Ajay Carter’s wordplay. ‘Gravy’ rounds off the EP, contrasting bright pads against classic grime brass samples, and Snowy’s vocals – an MC who has previously seen support from BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Cameo.
 
Still working with Clubs and Spades as well as all manner of collaborators, Sticky Blood are also following up their EP release with a Red Bull Studio Session in August. Watch this space to gain a special insight into this exciting production duo as they come masterfully into their own this summer.