Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Billy Fox


         

 It’s been something of an auspicious introduction to Billy Fox, the Sydney-based musician, producer, writer and experimental purveyor of thought-provoking electronic. Launched late-2013 with the soulful ‘Monuments’, the new project was born simply out of perfect timing – one project ended, another naturally needed to begin. Writing began and the simple mantra of “If it feels good, then do it” quickly became the mission statement. Simplicity, according to Fox, is the key to his solo music-making, but when the layers are pulled back by the listener, musicianship, lyrical content and production-savvy recording are quickly revealed one by one. On the surface, the production values will immediately draw parallels to the likes of James Blake and recent work by James Vincent McMorrow for the listener, but dig deeper and a true songwriter will be revealed, someone who can skilfully create beautiful soundscapes, while delivering actual songs.

Fox grew up having jazz poured into his ears while he slept at night, and later explored a passion for the great writers – Lennon/McCartney and beyond. This education has seen him come closer to what his aesthetic exists as, but more importantly, what it will become as he grows.

Prolific in nature, Billy Fox’s first release will be an ambitious mini-album, featuring not only the steady and infectious yet soulfully-paced first single ‘Monuments’, but also the ultra-slick follow-up ‘Mystery’. Across all seven tracks, Fox takes all his influences and politely hands them to the listener as one beautifully-cohesive affair, delving deep into themes of love and life without neglecting the occasional reference to Greek mythology here and there. His love for hip hop shows its face, as does his more folk leanings, but the result is unique and versatile and something that can captivate anyone.



Milky Chance


         

In 2013, the Kassel duo of Clemens (vocals) and Philipp (producer) independently dropped their debut Sadnecessary. Its first single "Stolen Dance" amassed over 500,000 views on YouTube in less than a month's time (31 million to date!) and HypeMachine named them "most blogged about act" that month. Soon, they'd become a sensation beyond Germany, rising the top of charts in numerous European countries. Musically, they strike a fresh and fun balance between danceable electronic grooves and artful alternative folk with the right amount of reggae. Song is already soaring up the iTune alternative chart, get ready to dance with Milky Chance this year!

Wild Rumpus


   

"Everybody is so fucking polite. I'm just into making rude noises."
-Gary Lucas, Wild Rumpus
Wild Rumpus aka Gary Lucas and Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy release their debut collaborative album 'Musical Blaze-Up'. It's psychedelic road trip through reggae, rock, country, electronic, blues, house, surf, dub, disco and beyond! Debut single 'Rock The Joint ft. Beardyman' is what I’m currently listening too! Check out the music video on Beardyman's Youtube channel. The album features Beardyman, Kurt Wagner, KLF/Mad Professor, Black Steel, Emily Breeze, Mr. Hermano/Sao Benitez, and other great artists.


Saturday, May 24, 2014

Typhoon


         

My recent obsession is Typhoon, an American indie rock band from Oregon. The band has eleven members jamming together and creating simply amazing music. They have released four albums, two EPS, a split 7-inch record with Olumpia-based Lake. I recommend checking out their album 'White Lighter' that's what I'm currently playing on repeat. My first impression of them was a mix between James Blake and Bon Iver and something else. The song 'Post Script' won me over, this band has so much talent. The violin about 3 minutes in of 'Post Script' gave me chills, ya'll gotta listen to it. Check HERE, if Typhoon is playing near you and check them out if they're playing at festival this summer! Also, take a listen to 'Young Fathers' below, just as good of a song. 


Thursday, May 22, 2014

Run

RUN, a multi-track music video for Parisian artist Talisco. At first, I was hesitant to start a 10:45 minute short film on Youtube, but once I hit play there was no hitting pause. Without giving any spoilers, you're quickly get invested in a young couple that are on the 'run' and as a viewer you have hope that this love will be reunited in the end. Winning the Best Cinematography award at Sun Valley Film Festival 2014, I'm confident in my recommendation to watch this this Short.

         

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Erik Hassle


            

Swedish soul-pop singer and songwriter Erik Hassle today announced twelve tour dates supporting U.S label mate MØ on her upcoming North American tour this month. Erik's recently released "Somebody's Party" EP has seen support from The FADERCOMPLEX MagazineVogue MagazineV Magazine and PAPER. The powerful and infectious EP features guests such as Chicago hip-hop artists Vic Mensa and Tinashe. Erik is currently residing in Los Angeles and is working on his full-length studio album.



NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES 
05/20 - Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall - SOLD OUT 
05/21 - Philadelphia , PA @ Johnny Brenda's    
05/22 - Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands - SOLD OUT 
05/23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - SOLD OUT 
05/24 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall 
05/26 - Toronto, ON @ Wrong Bar - SOLD OUT 
05/28 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall - SOLD OUT 
05/30 - Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile 
05/31 - Vancouver, BC @ Fortune Sound Club 
06/01 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios, 
06/03 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop - SOLD OUT 
06/04 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour - SOLD OUT

Rui Da Silva


         

Rui Da Silva is a DJ, Producer, self owned record label boss, creative and all round musical innovator returns to the forefront of dance music with a wealth of new club material for a brand new era of progressive dance music. Fresh from his recent release, ‘New Lover’, Rui now unleashes his second track from his new body of work in the shape of ‘Love Is the Leader Ft. Penny F’, bringing his skills to a new collaboration with fellow Kismet cohort and one of the UK’s rising talents, Penny F. 

Love Is the Leader offers up Rui’s signature tribalistic sound, presenting a quality dance floor production, all blended with his expanse of rhythmic dialect, whilst harmonizing Penny F’s beautiful melodic vocals.

Rui Da Silva releases ‘Love Is The Leader Ft. Penny F’ and remixes on Kismet Records Monday (May 26th) followed by a new album set for release later in 2014.



Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Truthers


         

Truthers are a band based in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY consisting of Oscar Guinn (Vox / Guitar), Gryphon Graham (Guitar & Vox), Olivia Hu (Bass & Vox), and Erin Hoagg (Drums / Vox). The band formed as collaboration between Gryphon (Phone Tag and previous auxiliary member of DIIV) and Oscar (Baby Birds Don't Drink Milk) while they were both living together at The Market Hotel. They were initially just collaborating with one another on their own independent projects, but eventually decided that it made sense to combine their efforts into something completely new. The material on their upcoming 7" (written and recorded at The Market Hotel) is the result of this collaboration. Less than 6 months later, additional songs were developed, Olivia and Erin were added to the lineup, and Truthers (a name chosen because of the band members' collective love for the TV show, X-FIles and Serious Minutiae) began performing in and around Brooklyn. 

"Calm Canaries" is the first track from Truthers' upcoming 7" Single, which will be out on June 3rd via Bushwick based label, Glad Tidings From New York. It's a powerful and compelling track that exemplifies Truthers' ability to create interesting and layered songs that maintain a cohesive sound that's uniquely their own. 


Thursday, May 8, 2014

The Idea Men


            

Thee Idea Men consists of Matthew Jurasek (lead guitar/vocals), Tyler March (drums), Matthew Raspanti (rhythm guitar/vocals), and Kris Pirnat (bass). The four dudes moved in together, converting their spare bedroom into a studio where they were able to create their signature sound. Pulling inspiration from Robert Johnson, The Rolling Stones, White Denim and other blues-rock pioneers, Thee Idea Men have created a sound reminiscent of old school rock n’ roll for the new ages.

Thee Idea Men will be releasing their sophomore LP, New Level Shoes on May 27th. Take a listen to one of their songs on the upcoming LP, ‘All The While’. This song is all blues rock and you won’t be able to not start singing, dancing, or clapping while listening to this jam.


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Chris Catalena


      

Here Comes the Time is the debut album from Chris Catalena and the Native Americans, produced by Rob Campanella of The Brian Jonestown Massacre along with first time producer Jon Alderson. The Native Americans in Chris Catalena& the Native Americans features Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson's Band) as well as Alex Mass (The Black Angels). The band includes Chris Catalena (piano, guitar, harmonica, vox), Casey Seymour (Drums, Bass), Jon Alderson (Bass, Drums), Luke Dawson (of Spin Drift on Steel guitar), Lisa Lam (Violin), and Greg Enlow (of The Strange Boys on Guitar). Here Comes the Time will be released later this June via Pau Wau Records. The upcoming album was written and recorded by Chris Catalena in Los Angeles, California. Here Comes the Time is a collection of contemporary genres and styles, to make a record that reaches across musical aisles. Keep an eye out for a shows near you, HERE. For me, the song Here Comes the Time is reminiscent of my time spent in Austin, Texas. I really enjoy the folk/rock vibe from Chris Catalena's new LP 'Here Comes the Time'.


No Artificial Colours


            

No Artificial Colours are two lads born and raised in South East London, Ryan Ellis and Lewis Wright's create dance, electronic, house style of music. Their distinctive take on UK bass and garage shines through in their debut release for PMR. PMR Records brings London duo No Artificial Colours' forthcoming release 'Reach for Me'. The track carries a sultry vocal line from Alex Mills.