Caught in the net: Return to action for MIA, after a fashion

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MIA (pictured) made an appearance of sorts earlier this week on the catwalks of Paris, for a Fashion Week collaboration with the label Kenzo. The UK/Sri Lankan performer created an eight-minute musical collage to soundtrack the label's show. Entitled the “Matangi Mixtape”, the music flits, in keeping with her general oeuvre, through snippets of sounds, songs, raps and beats – some more fully formed than others. It's streaming at matangimixtape.com. Given that MIA's next album is reportedly called Matangi, the cacophonous mix may offer insight into how the record will sound, though it's not yet fully clear.

Slow-motion beats man boosts the pace

South California beat-maker Shlohmo put out a new EP this week called Laid Out. The well-regarded LA producer (aka Henry Laufer) had previously shared the opening song from the five-track record at snd.sc/XhvbWR. “Don't Say No” features vocals from How to Dress Well's Tom Krell and is a tight but hazy R&B electro jam. Now the full thing is available on iTunes and on Bandcamp at ind.pn/XJzmKr, where each impressive track is streaming and you can order the vinyl version.

No more waiting for Kitt's new caboodle

Dublin-based electronica group New Jackson – led by David Kitt, who has released a number of strong solo records – have a fine new track out. “Sat Around Here Waiting” is a blast of minimal techno with odd computerised vocals uncoiling over six minutes. Hear it ahead of an upcoming 12“ release at snd.sc/XvFAhN. More of their burgeoning output, including the great techno-meets-Krautrock of ”Night Mail“, can be found at newjackson.com.

The sounds of a century celebrated

In 2007, the New Yorker music critic Alex Ross published The Rest Is Noise, his stunning study of classical music in the 20th century. This year, the book has spawned a 12-month-long festival at the Royal Festival Hall, while BBC4 also got in on the act with The Sound and the Fury, a three-part documentary. At ind.pn/XJzDgo, the BBC has created a site where you can see archive videos of performances, films and interviews about the music featured in the book, documentary and festival.