Music Monday



"MUSIC IS THE ART OF THINKING WITH SOUNDS."

BAAUER

3/25/12


Familiar with the "Harlem Shake?" Then you must be familiar with BAAUER. The hit has been out for over a year, and in recent months has caused quite a phenomenon. The song blew up virally through YouTube, and other social media sources. No one ever really mentioned who the artist was. He is now receiving the credit he deserves. Harry Bauer Rodrigues is 23 years old and from PA. His style of music is best described as "trap music." This style of music has become popular, and has been used in quite a few commercials. Some trap music production, is just unbearable to listen to. Too much bass, too many robotic sounding synths, and over using he midi pad. Baauer has been producing dance music since the age of 13. Besides the infectious "Harlem Shake" there are a few more songs floating around out there. He's done remixes, re-edits, and mash ups. A current fav in Kimber's lair happens to be FIRST AID KIT's "Winter is all over You." The lyrics deep and sad, laid on top of a dark bass beat, slow in tempo. 

Take a listen below.

SYRON

 12/10/12


SYRON just turned 20 this past saturday. Along with turning 20, the British singer released her new single "Waterproof." THE XX have posted about her, and since they posted about her you know this girl is doing something right. Her music is soulful and very 90s break beat pop. As this year comes to a close this mix tape by SYRON is on my list of best releases for the year. SYRON recently collaborated with TENSNAKE, and earlier in the year released a track called "Breaking."

Mixtape 1 opens up with "Runnin' Back to You" which is a PERSEUS sample, and an ASHANTI sample. It then goes into "Small Doses" with HACKMAN and SYRON. Its the intro to how soulful SYRON's voice can be. We then get into the break beat segment with "Waterproof." Not only is waterproof supply a good beat, the lyrics are also quite strong. "Did you ever think that I was in too deep, with all this rain coming down on me? " My personal favorite part of the mix tape is the next couple of tracks after "Waterproof." "Always be around" another track with good lyrics. "I hope that you know I mean all the things that  I told you so, I protect ya always from the start." The best song in my opinion is "Breaking." It is well rounded, lyrics, beat, and her voice. "I keep forgetting that I'm not allowed to love you." Such a simple but powerful verse. Next up we've got AMINE EDGE & DANCE "Going to Heaven with the Goody Goodies" FINNEBASSEN and "If You Only Knew." The next SYRON track features the artist SOLO "Home Is Where It Hurts." Her voice gets a little whispy and deeper. The ending segment of this mix tape just feels like a 90s party. Over all the whole mood of the mix tape gives you that feel, and should def be added to your music collection. The ending track "Here" is a GREAT SKIES remix. It wraps the whole mix tape up, by calming it down from the "party" that it was earlier.  The lyrics are a little sad, the mood as well. "I don't care what people say in my arms you were the man." Great job SYRON. Another powerful female in the music business, I expect to see big things from this lady.

You can stream MIXTAPE #1 Below. 




You can find BAAUER on FaceBook and SoundCloud

NEW BUILD

12/4/12

A little bit of HOT CHIP a little bit of LCD SOUND SYSTEM and boom! you've got NEW BUILD. They are an electro - ambient pop group out of London that formed in 2010. Their first album "Lived and Lost" was released earlier this year. As 2012 comes to a close, I just discovered this album, and is on my list of favs for this year. The core members of the group Felix Martin and Al Doyle first met in 2001 and opened their own studio "Lanark Studios." Lanark is also located in London. Tom Hopkins from HOT CHIP did some recordings for the album One Life Stand at Lanark Studios, and soon became a part of the Martin/Doyle entourage. The trio began writing and recording music together and created their own recording label "Lanark Recordings." The labels first release was a free download of "Finding Reasons." I discovered the track "Do You not Feel Loved" out at a music venue. I was waiting for the artist I was meeting with to come on stage. While waiting the background music was too enticing to not ignore. It sounded like HOT CHIP. I soon found out it was NEW BUILD, and of course got hooked. "Do You Not Feel Loved" has all the elements to a perfect indie dance song. The beat builds up then has a subtle drops, vocals are soft and dreamlike. You honestly can't help but groove to it. The rest of the album is pretty great as well. The style of NEW BUILD is placing a lead vocal over a rhythmic track.  Interested in electro synth and drops of house? This is the band for you. 

Here is NEW BUILD's "Do You Not Feel Loved?"




You can find NEW BUILD on FaceBook and SoundCloud
TAKEN BY TREES

 11/19/12



TAKEN BY TREES started as a side project by Victoria Bergsman from THE CONCRETES. Bergsman successfully extracted herself from THE CONCRETES and her side project has blossomed into more than just a side project. Her solo debut came with the album Open Field, which was released in 2006. Just last month, she released her third studio album Other Worlds. The first song I heard was "To Lose Someone" which is from the second studio album East Of Eden. What attracted me to TAKEN BY TREES was the use of Pakistani instrumentals and vocals. It led me to exploring more of Bergman's music. It is rich in ethnicity and culture, her voice is soft and light. The soothing vocals transcends you into a world away from ours. Other Worlds, the new album has somewhat of a dub, reggae style..still very relaxing. "Dreams" is an example of this style. The mood of the album feels like you are on vacation on some tropical island, different from the second album. You can notice the growth in Bergman's craft of her music, experimenting and exploring different styles. East Of Eden is my favorite album because of the traditional Pakistani sound. You can stream East Of Eden below. Favorites from this album include "To Lose Someone," "Watch the Waves, "My Boys,""Day By Day" and "Wapas Karnas." 




You can find TAKEN BY TREES on FaceBook, SoundCloud and iTunes


THIEVES LIKE US

 10/22/12

THIEVES LIKE US most popular single is "Shyness." Most people in the indie scene recognize this song almost anywhere/anytime you hear it. The band got their name from a NEW ORDER song (one of my favorite 80's bands.) Earlier this year in March, Bleed Bleed Bleed was released. The album doesn't shy away from their dark-synth pop style. THIEVES LIKE US started off as a trio, and now has a vocalist and a drummer. Before the album Bleed Bleed Bleed was released, there were three previously released albums. The song that grabbed my attention was "Bleed Bleed Bleed." I heard it twice one night at a Brooklyn venue of course. I'm always drawn to the sound of anything sexy, seductive and makes you want to dance slowly. "Bleed Bleed Bleed" is just that track. The second track off of the album is "Stay Blue."It features more vocals, still maintaining the feel of the album. Each song on the album stands out individually and strongly on their own. The fifth track on the album "The Killing Revelation" has less vocals and sounds like it belongs in a 1950's James Bond flick. "Maria Marie" has a more upbeat harmony and a very bouncy beat. Definitely a dance-floor anthem. "Your Love Runs Still" is the ninth track on the album. Its that type of song you want to push a boy up against a wall & just dance slowly with, doesn't even need to be sexual..just groove. I like the use of vocals on this track, as the use of the synthesizer is down-played here. The album ends with "Worthy To Me." The lyrics have meaning: "You may never be a king or a queen but you're still worthy to me." It is the perfect ending to this well structured album. Each song is constructed with the same new-wave dance feel, and is consistent throughout the album. Out of all the albums produced by THIEVES LIKE US, Bleed Bleed Bleed is by far the best one. The whole album sounds like the soundtrack to a mystery film. This album isn't cut out for everyone. If you enjoy this type of music and style then take a listen. You can stream the album on Spotify and on SoundCloud.

Here is Thieves Like Us  "Maria Marie"



You can find THIEVES LIKE US on FaceBook, SoundCloud and iTunes
MMOTHS

 10/15/12

Jack Colleran is the young man behind MMOTHS. He is just 18 years old, and comes from Ireland. 2012 seem to have brought out a slew of electro-producers, some good and some bad. MMOTHS made it to the good list. His debut EP entitled Mmoths, was released in March of this year. It is a 5 track EP, and features Sarah P (KEEP SHELLY IN ATHENS) and SUPERHUMANOIDS. "Heart" is the track caught my attention. I recognized Sarah P's voice, but knew it wasn't a KEEP SHELLY IN ATHENS track. "Heart" takes you away to another world, filled with a tender melody and soft vocals. The track opens up with a synthesizer, followed by a nice little beat drop. It is a beautiful track, that makes you wish it would never end. Not all of the songs on the EP feature vocals as in "Heart." "THNX" is the first song on the EP, relaxing and reminiscent of M83. Organ like synths make up this track. "Summer" is the track featuring SUPERHUMANOIDS. It leaves me speechless, and can't believe an 18 year old has the ability to produce such a wonderful track. It is the second worthy track on the EP. The vocals and the ambient backing produced my MMOTHS compliment each other well. The over all vibe of the EP is relaxing, and can be listened to while working, or just have it in the back drop playing. It is a refreshing 5 track set. Colleran will definitely go far with his producing talent and skills. 

Here is MMOTHs "Heart(ft Keep Shelly In Athens)"



You can find MMOTHS on FaceBook and SoundCloud 
NIKI & THE DOVE

 10/1/12
I've heard "DJ Ease my Mind" being  played by DJ's in most venues around Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Most places have a playlist with good indie music out there, and NIKI & THE DOVE were one of those artists on there. Gustaf and Malin make up the duo. I attended a private show last week for them and watching them perform live was a different expierince from other artists I've seen. It was spiritual, real, and natural. It was all about the music and feeling, just what it should be. Not too many artists possess this quality. Sure, Malin (vocals) may not have a Grammy winning voice, but the feeling the duo gives to you is worth more than a Grammy. 

Instinct, is the debut album released in August by NIKI & THE DOVE. Their single "DJ Ease my Mind" was released two years ago. I think we have all waited long enough for this album. It has not disappointed me. Some of the songs on the ablum have been released as EPs and have been floating around online. It's nice to hear them all together on one album. The album opens up with "Tomorrow."  soft vocals, a synthesizer, followed by Malin belting out strong vocals "Oh if tomorrow comes I wanna waste my love on you like a pearl merchant I'm ready to learn what it takes to burn I'm gonna let you show me what it means to breathe fire." The second track "Drummer" is a little more upbeat, electro synth-dance pop. Reminds me of an 80's club style dance track. "In our Eyes" is the third track and my second favorite. Its reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, something about Malin's voice channel's Stevie Nicks. It's a more calm song. "If I belong to somewhere It's to your arms, Kery. The love I hold, is older than the sky we lay under. The reason why is in our, in our eyes." The next couple of tracks are not so synthesized, its more natural, tribal, and has a spirutual vibe. "The Gentle Roar" you can hear a tambourine, drums, a group chorus, and whispers from Malin. "Mother Protect" features chants of "you can't keep me down, I am done, I am furious. Fear the lioness, paint her face black and golden." "Last Night" is the sixth track on the album. Another worthy track. Well composed, vocals, beat, and lyrics."Last night, we got married in a taxi I swear I love you, I love you like there's no tomorrow, and I've got no time, for second thoughts now. We got tonight and then I have to go." Everything about the track, is quite perfect. 

"Somebody" brings us to the 80's pop style of NIKI & THE DOVE. It's one of those songs you sing in the mirror or your shower to. We all have one of those. Malin repeats in an upbeat dance tone- "Are you coming out tonight? Or is it somebody else you're seeing? And if there's somebody you see, Would you rather be with me?" "Love to The Test" is the next track, sounds like its about meeting someone and knowing their the one, falling in love and getting to know that person. "DJ Ease my Mind" the song that put the duo out on the map is the ninth track on the album. The lyrics are deep, dark, and speaks of exactly what you want music to do for you. The subject of the song sounds like going out to a club, and drowning out the problems with music, seems to be some type of heartbreak going on here. Many remixes were done to this song, but the original is always the best. There is a sad undertone to it. "Winterheart" has a little bit of an r&b vibe to it. Its another favorite track of mine. Love the vocals, the vibe, the lyrics.. again. "I think I saw his face, is it him over there? Is he close, is he close to me? My friends say, it's just the love light in you." Sounds like someone going through a breakup of some sort. "The Fox" and "Under the Bridges" close the album out, but there are two bnus tracks that complete the album. "The Beach" sounds like a modern Fleetwood Mac track. Malin opens it with soft vocals, then leads into her picking up her voice "Could you really care for me he said could you, could you..more than you'll ever know." The track ends with softness, like the calm after a storm. "All This Youth" is the last song, on Instinct. Another favorite track of mine. The album ends feeling like you just went through an experience. It's a journey if you listen to the album all the way through. I hope to hear more from NIKI & THE DOVE soon. The duo is tasteful, they don't over power with synths, keys, and bass. They have the 80's style to their music, while incorporating modern day electronic pop. 

Here is NIKI & THE DOVE's "In Our Eyes"



You can find Niki & The Dove on FaceBook and SoundCloud 


TOKiMONSTA

 9/24/12
Jennifer Lee aka TOKiMONSTA released an EP entitled Creature Dreams last May. Miss Lee was born and raised in LA. I recently came across her music while looking for some dreamy music. Turns out TOKiMONSTA likes to create music between two and seven in the morning. According to her this is when her mind works in weird and mysterious ways. Love it! The track I came across was "Darkest (Dim)." It features vocals by GAVIN TUREK. Upon hearing this song, I had to listen to the EP. The whole EP is like a romantic dream, really soothing and calming. The Creature Dreams EP was released under the Brainfeeder label. Brainfeeder is also the label to FLYING LOTUS, and LAPALUX. The label is known for its electronica based artists. 

Creature Dreams opens up with "Fallen Arches," which has a chill melody with a rugged kick. Something soft to open up the EP. The vocals on the album are not of TOKiMONSTA. GAVIN TUREK (as mentioned before) provides the vocals on EP. Her voice is soulful, and soft. She can also be heard on "Little Pleasures" the second track on the EP. Just want to bop and chill to this track. "Bright Shadows" is the next track, slightly more experimental, not so soft. The rest of the EP turns into a trip-hop feel, displaying her vintage progressive style. My favorite track is the second to last on the EP, "Darkest (Dim)." It is emotionally rich, and has soul. Much respect toe Jennifer Lee, because she's a female doing her thing! Have to support all the hard working females out there! 

TOKiMONSTA will be in NYC performing at Webster Hall on October 19. That same day  LOVELIFE will be performing there, and KIMBRA! An event packed Saturday for sure. 



  Here is TOKiMONTA's video to "Darkest(Dim)"


You can find TOKiMONSTA on FaceBook and SoundCloud 



LOVELIFE

 9/4/12
Renesha Yusuff

Coming out of London to NYC with dark style is the band LOVELIFE. I first heard them at The Grasslands two weeks ago, and quickly became a fan. Hearing them live, I liked that they were synth pop. I'm a fan of 80's synth pop, LOVELIFE is the darker version of synth pop. The six track EP El Regresso, which just came out two weeks ago features melodic, catchy beats layered with Lee's smooth voice. There's a little bit of a hip-hop r&b vibe present, representing Ally's preference in music. Such a vibe can be heard on the track "I'm No More" which is the first track on the EP. Its a good way to open up the album, and represent the bands style. It's one of my favorite tracks on the EP. The next track "She Makes it Look so Easy" speaks of heartbreak and cocaine. Lee's vocal range can be heard on this.   "Brave Face" is the third track on the album. The lyrics are a little more darker on this, also another good beat. "Love Rush (suicide)" is the next song. At first when I listened to the EP, it didn't really grab my attention, but after listening to the the EP a few times..it grew on me. Its my second favorite song on the EP. Whats catchy about this song? The intro, the breakdown towards the end of the song where it shifts the song to just the beat and what sounds like a sitar to me, and flows into Lee's smooth voice. Well composed and put together song. "Tonight (We're Taking Our Own Lives)" is my absolute favorite track on El Regresso. It has a slight 70's dance feel to it. Perfect track representing LOVELIFE's synth pop approach. Great melody and the best lyric on the track "If you love me like you say you do, lets go to bed." How charmingly, seductive. "Doomsday" is the last track on the EP. It's a little more calm, the beat is more sharp and distinct with an r&b electronic synth. It sums the band and EP up just like the opening track. El Regresso is well put together. It is also produced by Ally and Lee. Be sure to download it on LVLF.INFO.  I'm excited to see what new music the guys will be producing.

Keep an eye out for them. They are playing a string of shows in NYC until they leave in November. Be sure to check out my interview with them on the homepage! Spread the word, like their FaceBook page!

  Here is LOVELIFE's video to "Tonight (We're Taking Our Own Lives)"


You can find LOVELIFE on FaceBook, SoundCloud and iTunes

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

 8/27/12
renesha yusuff

Last Thursday, I got the opportunity to see L.A buzz band THE NEIGHBOURHOOD play one of their two debut shows in NYC. The show took place at the Grasslands Gallery in Brooklyn. Two bands opened up for them RIOUX, and LOVELIFE (who are both good also.) Their debut EP I'm Sorry came out on May 7, and has been causing a stir since. I'd like to say they are a well kept mysterious secret, similar to THE WEEKND. I first heard of The NBHD in may when I was emailed the track "Sweater Weather." It grew on me, and has become one of my favorite songs. The EP I'm Sorry, is also one of my favorite EP's I have heard this year. The lead singer Jesse comes from a hip hop background, which relays in the music. The EP is very diverse, a little hip-hop, a little r&b flow, raw drums and guitars. Relationship issues and thoughts of a crazy person come across on this EP.

"Female Robbery" was the first song released and played on Radio 1 in the UK and gained the band attention and much love. A new version was released with a new video this summer. Its a little more darker, and has a Hitchcock style to it. "Leaving Tonight" and "Baby Came Home" are the next two tracks on the EP. Both powerful, and a little more rock n'roll. I like "Baby Came Home." The guitars, the lyrics, the mood, and Jesse's resonating, powerful vocals. "Sweater Weather" is the next track, and my absolute favorite. It is romantic and sweet. Everything about this song is perfect, perfect composition, I rarely say that about any song. "Sweater Weather" is a good example of the r&b, hip hop indie rock flow the band brings. Everything is in sync, the video is even more wonderful. If you're not bobbing your head or singing to this song, re-evaluate yourself. "Sweater Weather" is amazing, young and fresh. Puts me in a good mood, and I'm sure it will for you also. The last song on the EP is "Wires" and has a more lyrical hip-hop flow. Its a little more deeper, and connects with "Female Robbery" on that level of mysterious, craziness. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD is one of those bands, I believe will make it big, no doubt about that. Be sure to pick up the EP on iTunes. 

Here is the video to "Sweater Weather" Hope you enjoy this song and video as much as I do. Send it to a girl or guy you adore, its one of the sweetest songs I've heard this year. Enjoy!


 You can find THE NEIGHBOURHOOD on FaceBook and SoundCloud.



 SBTRKT

8/20/12

I was in a car last fall headed to Downtown NYC. The guy I was with asked if I had heard of SBTRKT. I never heard of them up until then when I heard "Wild Fire" featuring LITTLE DRAGON. There was a popular remix out with DRAKE also. "Wild Fire" is a sexy, sultry heavy bass track.  I didn't really keep up with SBTRKT until I went to Lollapalooza two weeks ago. I'm completely hooked. The name SBTRKT is an alias for Aaron Jerome. It is a musical project led by him. When performing live SAMPHA, who is also on the YOUNG TURKS LABEL  (label to THE XX and HOLY FUCK as well) joins SBTRKT on stage. Jerome says he likes the music to speak for itself, and believe me it does. 

SAMPHA and Jerome are quite an experience to watch live. They go back and forth between drums, vocals, a mixing deck and keys. Their energy keeps the crowd moving, and you can truly feel the music. I fell in love with the song "Hold On" when they performed it live. I felt a connection with the artist, and the music. The lyrics are strong and clear, just listen. I believe it is better than the studio version. When performing live the duo wears a tribal mask. The mask can be seen on the debut LP SBTRKT. 

SBTRKT is known for composing dub-step styled instrumental tracks. On the album SBTRKT lays vocals over his instrumentals. The assembly of the album provides great variety between the vocals and experimental bass driven beats. SBTRKT's live recordings can be heard on SoundCloud. The SBTRKT ESSENTIAL MIX is a must listen to. Another good song that can be heard on SoundCloud is "Hide or Seek." This song is the perfect example of a well assembled instrumental by SBTRKT. The album is a must have to any music lovers collection. SBTRKT will be performing in NYC at Terminal 5 this October. Try to check them out if you can, you won't be disappointed.

Check under the LOLLA! tab on this site for video clips and pictures of SBTRKT at Lollapalooza. 

Here is  the video to SBTRKT's "Hold On"


and here is "Hold On" live



You can find SBTRKT on FaceBook, SoundCloud and of course iTunes




ST. LUCIA

7/30/12


Jean-Philip Grobler is the working machine behind ST. LUCIA. He writes, sings and produces his music. I just saw him perform with his band at The Bowery Ballroom, opening up for Charli XCX. I never really listened to ST. LUCIA before, but after his performance on Saturday night, he is now on my playlist. The music is very 80's synth-pop. It is infectious and groovy. Grobler is supported by a key-boardist, a drummer, a bassist, and at times a saxophonist. Grobler was born in St. Lucia, and grew up performing with the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. They learned everything from Bach, to minimalist opera. Grobler also studied music for three years in Liverpool, England before making the journey over the great Atlantic to New York City. It is here he began writing his music, which will be on his debut album(on Neon Gold Records.) The melody of ST LUCIA, is contagious and harmonic. Grobler is complimented on vocals by keyboardist and girlfriend Patricia Beranek. Almost all the songs on the EP St. Lucia are great. My personal favorite tracks are - "Closer than This", "We Got it Wrong" and "All Eyes on You." Heard live they are even better, drummer Nick Brown adds an extra kick with his heavy drumming. The EP St. Lucia is available on iTunes, and can be streamed from SoundCloud.

Here is ST LUCIA's latest video to "We got it Wrong"


You can find St. Lucia on FaceBook, SoundCloud and of course iTunes




BEST YOUTH

7/23/12


Ed Rocha Goncalves and Catarina Salinas make up what is BEST YOUTH. I came across the duo about a few weeks ago surfing the web. They are from Portugal. The sound of BEST YOUTH can be closely compared to The XX. The duo has an EP out called Winterlines. On this EP is a track called "Hang Out" that made me fall in love with this duo. I came across the studio version online and I was instantly hooked. The voice of Catarina is sultry, sexy and air. The mood of "Hang Out" is mellow and dreamy. The duo produces music that has melody, harmony and rhythm. Their music has influences of indie rock and electronica. "Honey Trap" is another good one from them. 

On their website, it seems that they are only on tour in Portgual. I'd really like to see them come to the US, and hopefully release a full length album. You can download Winterlines on Optimus Discos.  

Here is BEST YOUTH's live studio version of Hang Out


You can find Best Youth on Vimeo and Facebook


 STILL CORNERS

7/9/12

During my unpleasant week, last week I came across STILL CORNERS. I heard the song "I wrote in Blood," and I thought to myself: What is this, who is this? The voice was that of Tessa, vocalist for STILL CORNERS. It wasn't just the voice that caught my attention, there was something eerie and dreamy and I wanted to hear more. "I Wrote in Blood" is off of there debut full length album, Creatures of an Hour. The album was released through Sub-Pop Records; the label they are signed to. Upon listening to the album, you enter a dream like, psychedlic world. It is an album to enjoy on a night alone, if you're having a bad day Tessa's wispy voice, will carry you off into another world.

STILL CORNERS have been out for a little while (2007), but deserve more recognition. The best way to describe their sound is "Dream-Pop." They are a musical project brought together by Greg Hughes with Tessa Murray as the vocalist. They met in London as Hughes was chasing his dream to be in music. The story is that they met in the subway, they both got off at the same stop. They released a couple of singles, and eps throughout the years. STILL CORNERS are currently on tour in the US and Europe.



Here is STILL CORNERS latest video and single Endless Summer


You can find Still Corners on Bandcamp, Facebook and of course iTunes



DROPXLIFE

7/4/12


Something quick and small for you to enjoy this Fourth of July week. Just released yesterday, DROPXLIFE (producer for The Weeknd and Omari Shakir) hit us with the track "JinnsxInn."It's an instrumental, and really chill. Almost all of his music are samples of artists, such as: Morcheeba, Pink Floyd, Portishead and much more. Just vibe with it, and enjoy your fourth my readers out there. Grab some beer and enjoy good company.

Happy fourth everyone !

Here is the YouTube link to JinsxInn

You can find DROPXLIFE on Soundcloud and Facebook




ICONA POP

6/25/12

Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo make up the duo that is ICONA POP. These fashionable girls come straight from Sweden, altering the signature "Nordic Sound." They are a pop duo. Nights Like This; their first EP came out a little over a year ago. The EP featured the song "Manners" which was sampled by Chiddy Bang in their song "Mind your Manners." The two girls met at a party that Caroline Hjelt hosted. They hit it off quickly, and soon began writing songs together. ICONA POP's sense of fashion and style has become noted in the fashion community. Dolce & Gabanna featured them in their issue of Swide in summer 2011. The large fringe jackets the girls are seen wearing in "I Love It" were handcrafted by the girls. 

Just in time for summer 2012 ICONA POP hit us with the single "I Love It." The single is written by Charli xcx (who I absolutely adore.) It is their first record off of their forth coming debut album due sometime out this fall. "I Love It" is an upbeat electronic pop song, that fits into the category of dance. I'm sure there is a remix in the making out there for this single. The girls barely bring the volume of their voice in the song down. There is a lot of screaming and energy, as you'll see in the video. I like the way the video was edited.  It is a little grungy, and delivers a sense of the underground party scene. It is high contrast, bright, and sparkly. It is definitely a fresh summer tune. The single to "I Love It" is available on iTunes. 

Here is the video to I Love It  

You can find Icona Pop on Soundcloud, FaceBook and ofcourse iTunes.



DOE PAORO

6/18/12

Showcasing at this years SXSW showcase in March, DOE PAORO is an artist you can't miss out on. She is a Brooklyn based artist. Paoro studied Lhamo- a Tibetan folk opera. It is a powerful combination of chants songs and dances. Paoro is heavily influenced by this and has incorporated it into her music. Paoro spent a lot of time traveling and meditating through the Himalayas. She returned to a cabin near Syracuse (her hometown) to work on her debut album Slow to Love. She describes her music as "Ghost Soul." I agree. She comes with some sadness.

 I came across the tune "Born Whole", and was deeply mesmerized by the darkness of it. DOE PAORO's voice is haunting, and pairs well with the piano construction (which she plays) in this song as well as the whole album. Born Whole has a hip-hop element to it. There's a surprise drop of a beat about a minute and a half in, which caught my attention. Its my favorite track off of the album. Watching her videos, she's also creative. The story behind Born Whole was created by Miranda Siegal. If you get a chance also, check out the video to Can't Leave you- another great song showcasing the range of DOE PAORO's voice. The video is dark and artistically crafted. The debut album Slow to Love, is available on iTunes.

Here is the video to Born Whole

You can download Doe Paoro on Soundcloud, Bandcamp and ofcourse iTunes.


LUCIA
6/11/12

Lucia-Maria Popescu is a seventeen year old female from Romania. She is a junior in high school. She burst out on the music scene through YouTube under the name of LUCIA. There is not much info on this young lady. I came across her video to the only song she has online Silence through YouTube. She reminds me of another young lady Birdy. I'm excited that I've come across LUCIA because she's so young. I'm interested in seeing how far she will go with her talent. LUCIA was in a choir when she was younger. Thats all the experience she has when it comes to music. The track "Silence" was released in February 2012 and went to the top of the charts on a local radio station in Romania. It is an acoustic piano piece. Her voice is young, pure and resonating. I hope someone picks LUCIA up and helps her on her path to becoming a known artist. She is currently working on new material, which I hope will be released soon.
Here is the Video to Silence



You can find Lucia on Soundcloud, Facebook & YouTube

ZHALA

5/28/12


ZHALA, backing singer to Lykke Li has decided to go solo releasing this epic track that I can not stop playing. She is currently working on her debut album. "Slippin Around" was released on ZHALA's YouTube channel with a trippy video. She sounds similiar to Lykke Li, but the comparisons should stop there. I am a huge fan of Lykke Li of course, but these two females definitely have different styles. ZHALA is from Sweden and is 24 years old. She is not signed to any label yet, making it easier for her to distribute her music and create music videos not controlled by a record label. She is an independent musician, believe it or not there are a lot of musicians who record and release albums independently within this industry. Some have been successful, others not so.


ZHALA has what it takes to be a successful musician, and in my eyes she's more than just a musician. She is a quality artist because she is so creative and involved with her work. The track for Slippin Around has influences of that signature Nordic sound and style, heard in The Knife, The Sounds, Miike Snow, and of course Fever Ray. The video is directed by Makode Linde. Makode Linde is an up and coming artist over in Sweden. The video is very artistic, reminds me of art school, just experimenting and creating. There is tribal makeup and graphics, bright colors, a dark edge and ZHALA's stunning voice. I can't stop listening to the track.

 Here is the video to Slippin Around 



You can find Zhala on Soundcloud, Facebook, and YouTube




BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD

5/21/12



BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD has been out for about two years now, hitting the music scene with his debut album Summer Heart. Mikey Maramag is the creator behind BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD. He samples and tweaks sounds of nature, along with female vocals which are edited, chopped and screwed. BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD reminds me of Washed Out. Summer Heart is just a collection of BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD'S past E.P'S. My favorite from this album is Hawaii. Pure is another single released from this album that has given BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD noted attention among the indie music scene.

Here is the YouTube link to Hawaii


You can download BlackBird BlackBird on Soundcloud, Bandcamp and ofcourse iTunes.

DERU
5/14/12
I've come across this artist named DERU a.k.a Benjamin Wynn. Deru is an electronic producer from L.A. I'm in love with his third album Say Goodbye to Useless. I really like I would like I want off of this album. The intro is a sample of an old french song called Je Voudrais by Sœur Sourire (The Singing Nun).

Here is the YouTube link to I would like I want
You can download Deru on Soundcloud, Bandcamp and ofcourse iTunes.
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