New Music

Relself – “Playin Catch-Up”

July 20, 2016

One listen to “Playin Catch-Up” by rapper Relself makes two things very clear: 1. He likes Adult Swim, and 2. He’s a fan of tongue-twisters. “Catch-Up’s” beat is an Adult Swim bump, one of the quick musical pieces that plays between shows. On the lyrical side of things, Relself’s lines are a slalom of syllables, immediately kicked off by the opening “Back to rappin lip be flapping wreaking havoc so, ya passive napping hazard havin asses fabric fold.” And the assault continues for the entirety of the two and a half minute track. Madlib and Rick and Morty fans will both be pleased, listen below.

Baseball Gregg – “On A Bus”

July 20, 2016

Baseball Gregg is a duo consisting of Sam in Stockton, CA, and Luca in Bologna, Italy. The US/Italian duo recently released an LP, Vacation, full of warped indie rock with a swimmy, beachy feel. Our selection, “On A Bus,” finds the duo harnessing a bit of wonk into a 50s-esque guitar riff. Their “climate controlled pop” would appeal to fans of Mac Demarco, Tennis, or Say Hi. Their debut LP is out now via Italian label, La Barberia Records. “On A Bus” is below for your listening pleasure. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/236443690″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

OYLS – “10th Song”

July 20, 2016

“10th Song” is a delicate indietronica song full of percussive blips and layered, 8-bit synths. OYLS is an interesting duo – one is an ex-corporate consultant and the other is a “failed strip club DJ.” Their career choice was a good move – OYLS recently had a viral hit with their song “Maps,” which has been played over 500,000 times. OYLS’ delicate electronica is sure to appeal of fans of The Postal Service or Cut Copy. Stream “10th Song” via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/271293611″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

I AM D – “Budget”

July 20, 2016

On his latest single “Budget,” Brisbane, Australia’s I AM D discusses the unfortunate phenomenon in music, and particularly rap, where an artist’s contribution is taken as free or a favor. Whether it’s a feature, production, or mixing and mastering, there’s value in the talent and time put in that isn’t always met. I AM D poignantly discusses this with the lines “Rappers always hit me up like they ain’t got a budget, like the shit I do is worth nothing.” D’s wordplay is off the charts for a fiery song like this, especially when he says “You think the D is free, Kendrick ended that discussion,” referencing Kendrick Lamar’s “For Free,” where he insists his dick ain’t free to thirsty groupies. Listen to the track below, and pay your collaborators!

Piano Club – “Comets”

July 20, 2016

Belgium act Piano Club have us moving and grooving to their new jam “Comets.” “Comets” is an icy jam that mixes a synthy, nu-disco flavor with nimble guitar work and falsetto vocals. Piano Club is self-described as “space pop” via their Facebook page, and we can’t help but agree wholeheartedly with their pick of genre. Fans of Scissor Sisters or Mika would dig Piano Club’s upbeat vibes. “Comets” can be found via Piano Club’s Bandcamp page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270502279″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

NONA – “Otherways”

July 20, 2016

When indie rocker Michael Goldman isn’t performing with renowned acts such as Meg Myers, Goldroom, or The Moth & Flame, he’s creating melodic indie rock under the moniker NONA. “Otherways” is his first offering, a slacker rock tune highlighting Goldman’s drawl and the spiraling lead guitar work. Despite just recently releasing the song, “Otherways” already has 50,000 listens via Spotify – that’s surely a good sign. Swing by iTunes to snag a copy of “Otherways.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272695599″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Nymrod – “Hell Yeah”

July 15, 2016

With his menacing flow and Max B ties, Nymrod takes us back to the sounds of the early 2000s New York rap scene on “Hell Yeah.” Nymrod is a talented rapper born and bred by the grit of New York. Elements of Jay Z, Dipset and G-Unit come through on this track, gleaming with authenticity. A fresh throwback in every sense, “Hell Yeah’s” production even sounds like some Neptunes production from that era. Lyrically Nymrod keeps it contemporary with references to Birdman’s recent escapades, while also keeping that older-school NYC edge. Give it a listen below.

NØVE – “Bang Bang”

July 13, 2016

LA’s NØVE is an alt-R&B artist capable of camouflaging darkness with light, as evidenced by the disguisedly catchy “Bang Bang.” Though sonically rich and fun, the track takes a peek into drug trade world. The lovely, infinite chorus “I love it when you bang bang, bang bang, let’s get it off” has a lot more depth with that context. “Bang Bang,” along with the rest of the EP, is guided by the crisp production of BRAVES’ Johnny What. NØVE will release his new EP Dark Paradise this summer. “Bang Bang” is the 3rd single from the EP, check it out below.

Motel Raphaël – “Like A Balloon”

July 12, 2016

Motel Raphaël is a young band from Montreal led by Clara Legault, Maya Malkin and Emily Skahan. Since their inception in 2012, the band has been quickly rising through Montreal’s independent scene at an astronomical rate, mostly thanks to their penchant for crafting catchy indie pop. “Like A Balloon” is a great place to start, championing perfect harmonies, subtle guitar jangle, and lots of well-timed pauses. Fans of Tegan and Sara, Alvvays, or First Aid Kit would dig Motel Raphaël‘s canon. Swing by the band’s Bandcamp and download some of their irresistible indie-pop. Till then, watch the video for “Like A Balloon” below.

nonswimmer – “Oh (108)”

July 12, 2016

nonswimmer‘s brand of nu-disco is a direct result of the environment and the people mastermind Michael Knewton spends his time around. “Oh” is inspired by dusk, a witching hour when crowds of people are often either heading home for the evening or just beginning their night out. The song captures the moodiness and anxiety of traversing these crowds (that “1 vs. many” sense of paranoia), featuring quick stabs of Rhodes piano and faint percussive rhythms. The song, like dusk, gives off a very distinct energy. Bandcamp is the best place to find, listen to, and purchase nonswimmer’s work. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/271272444″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Osvaldorio – “Save Me (Icehunt Remix)”

July 12, 2016

Osvaldorio is an DJ specializing in huge-sounding, powerful EDM tracks. “Save Me” is no exception – the incredibly powerful blasts of synth are enough to give you goosebumps. Osvaldorio of course remixed this particular track – “Save Me” is an original jam from North Carolinian DJ Icehunt. “Save Me” comes to us via an Audiophile Live compilation EP. Check it out here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/271073463″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bronze Whale – “Slow Burn (Crywolf Remix)”

July 12, 2016

Austin electronic duo Bronze Whale recently released an official remix of Crywolf’s song, “Slow Burn.” In their take on the crooner’s pop song, Bronze Whale keeps their electronic instrumentals big underneath Crywolf’s passionate delivery. Big, splashy drums and futuristic sounding synths pepper the rest of the track, resulting in a high-energy bass track with a modern flavor. Bronze Whale is offering their remix for free right now – head over to their Soundcloud page for a download of “Slow Burn.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/271571847″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sunset Lines – “The Miles”

July 11, 2016

San Francisco act Sunset Lines charmed us with the understated indie rock of “The Miles.” All four of Sunset Lines’ members are transplants to the city, and “The Miles” acknowledges that being new to San Fran brings a unique perspective to their songwriting. The song is about leaving everything you once knew behind in pursuit of something greater. Fans of Rilo Kiley, Alvvays, or Beach House would surely appreciate Sunset Lines’s brand of indie pop. Sunset Lines is working on their debut EP. Till then, stream “The Miles” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265771949″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Joni Payne – “All That New Free Time”

July 11, 2016

LA chillwave artist Joni Payne surprised us with her unique, choral take on a DJ Quik song. Why DJ Quik? “All That New Free Time” capitalizes on a particularly nostalgic memory for Payne involving a DJ Quik song and a yellow car. Payne starts the song off like an a capella song before casually and seamlessly morphing it into a smooth r&b jam. Fans of smooth and sensual r&b (or even Straylight Run circa 2005) would appreciate Joni’s ethereal delivery. Stop by Joni’s Soundcloud page and check out what she has to offer. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/271685147″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

See You At Home – “The Dirt Under My Fingernails”

July 11, 2016

Lo-fi London duo See You At Home have been busy creating sad, swimmy bedroom pop. The gentle ebb and flow of “The Dirt Under My Fingernails” is the opener on their new EP, The Future’s Here And It’s Terrible. The song is about dealing with old, unwanted emotions that have unfortunately resurfaced, and subsequently yearning for a simpler, happier time. We feel them on that level. The Future’s Here And It’s Terrible is available on Bandcamp for a “pay what you want” rate. Swing by and give See You At Home some much-deserved loving.