New Music

Bed Scene – “Day in a Dream”

January 31, 2018

Miami-based indie rock project Bed Scene is generating a buzz with his recent single “Day in a Dream.” The brainchild of Berklee College of Music grad Nick Aponte, Bed Scene’s sound spans the generations, tying in bits and pieces of old school rock, psychedelia, and 60’s pop domination. Much like our favorite mom jeans, these things always have a way of coming back around, and Aponte knows how to keep a pulse on music’s trends and timelessness. The result is a dreamy and introspective track to write home about. If “Day in a Dream” has your interest piqued, be sure to check out Bed Scene’s brand new self-titled EP, with four more tacks of guitar and synth-driven reverie.

NPK2 – “Always Running”

January 31, 2018

Vancouver’s budding electronic songsmith NPK2 tests the waters with his debut single “Always Running.” The track funnels ambient vocals, carbonated synth lines, and sizzling percussion into the fray, soaring and descending through dynamic peaks and valleys. The resulting cinematic soundscape is both moving and invigorating, providing the ideal backing track for a spirited night out or a productive day in. Plug in to “Always Running” below, and keep an eye out for more NPK2 where that came from.

Retro Kid – “Neon Colours”

January 30, 2018

“Neon Colours” from Copenhagen-based electronic pop foursome Retro Kid is a weightless, mesmerizing breath of euphoria. The lyrics don’t say much, but all the while they say everything the song should, with thought-provoking talk of “the sound of nostalgia.” The song also has a rare but sought-after effect that makes it seem long-lasting despite its ephemeral length.

Sad Hill – “Mantras For A Failed Academic”

January 30, 2018

With breakneck rapidity and laudable simplicity, Australian indie punk trio Sad Hill grips the listener by the collar and tells it like it is within a three-minute span on the expertly titled “Mantras For A Failed Academic.” Each verse is built upon repeating lines being hammered down with the accompaniment of unrestrained instrumentation. This energy-ridden track emits a similar hardcore edge that would make predecessors like Hüsker Dü proud.

Jaded – “Pancake”

January 30, 2018

“Pancake” by London production trio Jaded is a catchy, club-ready tune destined for success. With minimalist instrumental presence throughout the verses, the song ascends to a keyed-up climax after the “let me bake” line. For anyone crazy about the Black Eyes Peas or the Far East Movement, this should serve as a worthwhile find indeed. Check out the video, featuring a head-bobbing panther, below:

Late Guest at the Party – “Don’t Know Your Face”

January 30, 2018

Italian four-piece Late Guest at the Party send a new dose of bubbly electronica our way with their single “I Don’t Know Your Face.” The group has thoroughly evolved from their 2012 outset, switching continents, bandmates, and sounds to get them to their current penchant for celebratory electro-pop numbers. The change-ups have clearly worked in their favor, getting the band one step closer to curating dance tracks to fuel the masses with each passing single release. “Don’t Know Your Face” marks the fifth single in their updated house-inspired direction, with lyrics by Secret Weapons’ Danny Rocco. Dive in to the track below, and sample some more LGATP tracks here.

Gabriela Francesca – “Kris Jenner”

January 30, 2018

Calling all broke millennials looking for their latest break: we’ve found our new anthem. Gabriela Francesca forms the plea of the generation in search of financial stability in her new single “Kris Jenner.” The LA transplant blends indie pop with a souped up hip-hop beat and electronica backing that sets this track ablaze. She outlines her appeal to the mommy mogul by way of sharp synth interjections, popping snares, and earworm melodies that will have you humming along for days. The fusion of relatability and pop culture references are a heady combo, while Gabriela trades in her previous disco-influenced sound for an earthier pop essence and forthright lyricism that’s hard to get enough of. Get hooked on “Kris Jenner” below, and find more from this spunky songstress here.

Gourmet – “Jamaica”

January 29, 2018

Gourmet takes vacation planning out of your hands with his latest single, “Jamaica.” Channeling tropical analog samples of yesteryear, the track is a sun-soaked getaway in itself. The vocals take on a lethargic quality, while tinny steel drum and marimba coat the soundscape in a UV ray-blocking tint. This song is all about instrumental layers, and Gourmet knows how to give you just enough of a taste to make you hungry for more. “Jamaica” is his second single to date to be released via 1991’s Annex publication.

Brian Green – “No Ordinary Style”

January 28, 2018

Brian Green may sound like a new name in LA’s indie rock scene, but he’s actually a bit of a seasoned pro. With a storied career of working with music’s big names like John Legend and Michael Bublé, this definitely isn’t Green’s first rodeo. Yet, his debut single “No Ordinary Style” marks his solo premiere, and we can’t get enough. If Savage Garden and Mac Demarco had a sonic lovechild, the result would sound something like this. Featuring drowsy guitar lines, vibey synths, and tidy drum tracks, Green cements a liquid groove that’s immediately captivating. There’s a clear 80’s flare to the track, swimming in reverb and featuring a melodic structure that stands the tests of time. It’s now Brian Green’s time to shine, and he’s taking that and running with it. If “No Ordinary Style” has you hooked, check out Green’s recently released sophomore single, “Lost In A Daydream,”[...]

Stay South – “If You Leave LA”

January 28, 2018

Fullerton, CA solo-act Stay South nailed it on her latest single, the sad dreaminess of “If You Leave LA.” The song is indie-rock at its heart, but is genre-blending at its finest, injecting tinges of emo and indietronica into an otherwise straightforward song. She pairs frantic rim clicks with ethereal guitar strumming for a calm, but yearning vibe. Perhaps most notable is Stacey Park’s sweet, unassuming vocal delivery… She does a great job at encapsulating the feelings of tension that you might experience when being abandoned. Be sure to give it a listen below. “If You Leave LA” is available via Bandcamp.

ANNALIA – “Wavelength”

January 28, 2018

Pure-pop vibes are nothing to be ashamed of, especially in the case of LA’s ANNALIA. Her new single “Wavelength” combines real instrumentation with unparalleled pop songwriting, resulting in a song that should impress the indie-rock purists while simultaneously making them want to dance. Beyond that, the song is ultra-relatable, tugging on heartstrings and playing with the nostalgia of memories both happy and painful. Don’t miss out on this one – add “Wavelength” to your feel-good-pop playlist on Spotify.

Grand Courriers – “Tempted”

January 28, 2018

The uncannily cinematic indie rock from Grand Courriers has been rubbing us in just the right way, especially lead single “Tempted.” Combining vibes from indie-rock mainstays The Killers with a wistful, disco feel, this jam is set off by a deeply emotional vocal performance and simmering synth work. This Minneapolis quartet has a bunch of songs on the horizon, so keep your eyes peeled for more great tunes in 2018. Keep up on Courriers happenings by following them on Instagram.

Chromeo – “Night By Night (Callback Funk Remix)”

January 27, 2018

Get ready for a nu-disco night out with Callback Funk’s remix of Chromeo’s “Night by Night.” The beat features a fresh digital waxing that transports you to the driver’s seat of an ’86 Ferrari Testarossa with neon lights dancing across the windshield as it cruises down the Miami strip. Turn it up with this track that will keep your hands clapping and your platform shoes dancing. You can find more of Callback Funk’s techno-funkadelic beats and remixes here.

A View of Earth from the Moon – “One Thousand Miles Apart”

January 27, 2018

Turn this one way up! Seattle’s A View of Earth from the Moon releases his high-voltage power pop anthem that will leave the hair on your arms standing on end. Off his debut LP, Closer to a Ghost, this catchy track evokes a montage of memories of partying in your friend’s garage with melodic guitar work and upbeat vocals that sugarcoat heartaching lyrics. Crack another beer, throw your arm around a friend and get ready to sing along. A View of Earth from the Moon will be touring next month and you can find dates here.

Kraków Loves Adana – “Rapture”

January 27, 2018

If Rodin’s the Thinker were wearing headphones, he’d be listening to Kraków Loves Adana. The Hamberg-based duo’s latest single off their upcoming April 6th debut LP, Songs After the Blue, reflects the deep and mysterious connection we all have with music. Moody, sultry vocals embrace a simplistic, introspective beat for a hauntingly personal listen that will leave you lost within yourself. Check out the official video below and head over to Kraków Loves Adana’s SoundCloud for more ruminating tracks here.