If you haven’t been keeping up with the new R&B scene, Canadian artist, The Weeknd, has been gaining a lot of exposure with his subtle emo style. I am a big fan of both his mixtapes and on the new Machine album, he and Benny Benassi were given the opportunity to interpret their new single “Shake It Out.” Check it out.
Florence and the Machine – Shake It Out (Weeknd Mix)
Angus and Julia Stone are a brother-sister duo out of Australia who are more widely recognized for their folky/indie branded sound. Stern, is a house producer who has taken his craft worldwide, playing shows everywhere from Shanghai to Paris; Montreal to Mexico (where he currently resides). Put the two together and you get quite the mix; including sultry vocals over a driving drum beat, soothing strings, and colorful synths that add that little extra spice.
Angus and Julia Stone – Big Jet Plane (Stern Disco Remix)
Man… this one had me from the opening guitar riff/piano intro, and by the end of the chorus I was completely sold. This one comes all the way from Sweeden, and is the first single for Johan whose influences are drawn from David Bowie, Roxy Music, Portishead, Air and Daft Punk.
Johan Reinhold- Shoot Me Down
With a name like Reptar, how can you go wrong? I mean honestly, I really could care less if their music was complete garbage, any time your reference the Rugrats you’re ok in my book. Coming from the Greater Atlanta region, this group is able to cross multiple genres in their tune “Context Clues.” It starts off as your standard indie tune spiced with what sounds like an old school alarm clock, an owl, and a copy machine sampled in the background, then moves to an electo jam around the 2:30 mark, finally transforming into a full ensemble with horns and all. Hipsters… eat this up.
Reptar – Context Clues from Reptar Music on Vimeo.
Another gray, mildly unpleasant day in Buffalo and I figure we could use a track that brings back the feeling of summer and sunshine. Real Estate is a quartet out of Ridgewood, NJ, however on this track they bring a vibe of the California coast. This tune can really onle be defined as surf pop, combining complimenting twangy electric guitars, heavily reverbed vocals, as well as a hook full of harmonies that gives off a modern day beach boys vibe.
Real Estate – It’s Real
Young the Giant, formerly know as The Jakes, have been around since 2004, but have gained a lot of exposure recently with their songs being used on numerous TV shows. They were the act this year who played at the MTV Music Awards, and everybody said, “Who are they?” Well they are pretty damn good. The song they performed on the show was “My Body.” But ever since hearing “Cough Syrup,” I give these guys credit, they definitely have some range and should be around for a while. “Cough Syrup,” has kind of a Mumford and Sons feel to it. Enjoy. (Thanks Denise for the correction)
Young the Giant – Cough Syrup
Anonymity appears to be a theme today, but I came across this track and had to post it. It appears nothing, and I mean nothing, is known of Ms Mr. This duo brings a Florence + The Machine-esque sound with heavy drums and a voice that’s both beautiful and somewhat haunting. For more off their album, Ghost City USA, check out their bandcamp site.
Ms Mr – Ash Tree Lane
It’s amazing when you meet new people and ask their musical tastes. That conversation always leads to someone discovering a band or artist they have never listened to before. With as much music as I listen to, I am still introduced to bands I have never heard of. Case in point was when I was asked if I like Cold War Kids, I had no idea who they were or what they sang. So I went home and started listening to their catalog, and that’s when I came upon this gem. This four piece band from Long Beach, who have only been around since 2004, have released several albums in a short period. Their latest album, Mine Is Yours, enlisted Kings of Leon’s producer, and you can hear that influence in the album. Mine Is Yours in stores now.
Cold War Kids – Finally Begin
This song has been in my head for most of the night so I thought I would share it with the rest of you. On a long drive back from Maryland to D.C. after my first adventure in skiing, I discovered Local Natives “Wide Eyes.” I downloaded the song as soon as I got home and played about 25 times in a row. With heavy drums and soothing electric guitar, this band from Orange County creates an eerie opening track to an album (Gorilla Manor) they made using their own money. Besides spraining my ankle and almost hitting several innocent bystanders, discovering Local Natives was one of the greater moments from my trip.
Local Natives – Wide Eyes
With “Pumped Up Kicks” getting so much airplay I thought I would post another favorite from their album, Addicted to Company. “Helena Beat,” grabs you with a “MGMT” sound, and addictive upbeat tempo. They are having a breakout year and it is well deserved. With “Kicks” hitting number one on the alternative chart, and an album full of radio singles, Foster The People will be dominating radio this year and into next.
Foster The People – Helena Beat
Bonus: Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks DJ Reflex Mix w/ Kendrick Lamar
Always On Shuffle 