New Music

Novi Nov – “Thinkin’ Bout Ya”

June 1, 2016

Pop-rap, or rap produced with commercial intent is a relatively polarizing genre. Everybody has heard a joke about Pitbull or Flo Rida sucking (even though “My House” bangs). In that same vein though, it’s hard to ignore the catchiness and charisma that an artist like Fetty Wap carries with him on all those singles. Pittsburgh rapper Novi Nov comes from the world of one of the most commercially successful rappers of the last few years in Wiz Khalifa. Though he hasn’t reached that status, he’s churning out some simple, enjoyable rap tracks with memorable, sing-songy choruses to plant into listeners’ heads. His latest single “Thinkin’ Bout Ya” describes a lady who won’t escape Novi’s thoughts. The chorus is a ton of fun and Novi doesn’t hold back on verses, switching between rapid and melodic flows. Light-hearted, commercial music is often the most fun, and that’s what Novi goes for and[...]

partycat9000 & awkward island & bimyo – “Hyperdrive”

June 1, 2016

Talk about a slice of TRAP heaven! partycat9000, awkward island, and bimyo. all found each other over the internet (what a glorious time to be alive, right?). Their collective electronica skills turned into a fantastic collaboration titled “Hyperdrive,” a hyper catchy number full of synth swells and dubstep wobbles. Ironically, the album art to this futuristic sounding track is a screenshot of a long-outdated operating system. “Hyperdrive” is up for free download via partycat9000’s Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262821187″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

2ndly – “Ionic Wind”

June 1, 2016

2ndly is a post-EDM act out of NYC whose “Ionic Wind” gets us feeling pumped up. The lyricless track has a very cinematic feel, almost as if a hero is in his preparation montage, ready to take down the evil villain. Dramatic? Maybe on our part… But 2ndly’s dancewave is chill, and it reminds us of Justice, MSTRKRFT, or Daft Punk in the best way. You can pick up “Ionic Wind” on 2ndly’s Soundcloud page for free. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/253680744″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Go Periscope – “Solar Flares”

June 1, 2016

Seattle and Buffalo may be on the opposite sides of the country, but our brutal winters are surely the same. “Solar Flares” from Go Periscope is the result of a few, frigid indie rockers yearning for warmer days. As it turns out, blurring genres out of winter boredom can often result in excellent synth-pop. “Solar Flares” is a purposely sun-soaked dance song in the vein of Van She, The Knocks, or St. Lucia. “Solar Flares” is currently available via Go Periscope’s Soundcloud for free download. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261701776″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rokenri – “Sullied Tide”

May 29, 2016

Rokenri is a Brooklyn-based band whose laid-back aesthetic is both haunting and intriguing. Their song “Sullied Tide” caught our ears this week, and for good reason. The tune is about trying to relax despite knowing there is an insane amount of chaos happening in the world. Rokenri’s songs are uniquely composed, but if we had to compare them, we’d say that they have the chill vibe of a Real Estate song, the choppy math-rock sensibilities of Maps & Atlases, and a slight tinge of Fleet Foxes’ knack for harmonies. Rokenri’s debut full length, Donkey Donkey, is out now. Pick it up for $1 at their Bandcamp page.  

Swimming Tapes – “Set the Fire”

May 29, 2016

Swimming Tapes are a group of London newcomers making sun-drenched indie rock along the lines of Real Estate, The War on Drugs, or Smith Westerns. If our comparisons weren’t enough, “Set The Fire” sounds like woozy nonchalance on a summer day. Seeing as how this is only their second single, if Swimming Tapes continues on with this knack for writing reverb-drenched indie rock gold, their future will surely be bright. “Set The Fire” is out now via London’s Hand in Hive records. You can pick up the single on iTunes here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265473294″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sunday – “Waiting For You”

May 28, 2016

“Waiting For You” is Sunday‘s first cut, inspired by the heat of the Californian desert. In reality, Sunday is the brainchild of Aaron Shanahan who has spent half a decade performing and composing music. “Waiting For You” could be a subdued club hit – a skittering beat blooms into cascading synth arpeggios, breathy vocals, and a strong pop sensibility. Fans of Washed Out or M83 might find solace in the lush texture of Sunday’s music. You can pick up “Waiting For You” for free via Sunday’s Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264540604″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Crystal Shipsss – “Holly”

May 28, 2016

Crystal Shipsss is one of those bands that can mix bubblegum pop and weird, lo-fi indie and get away with it flawlessly. “Holly” is a breathy number reminiscent of Galaxie 500, Slowdive, or even Of Montreal. What’s more is that “Holly” is a high-quality bedroom recording which gives Crystal Shipsss an even deeper sense of oddness and loneliness. Crystal Shipsss’ latest release, Holly, is available exclusively on Bandcamp for a “pay what you want” rate. The album’s official release is June 10th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262847601″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Masasolo – “Really Thought She Loved Me”

May 28, 2016

Denmark’s Masasolo has a new video that has been really tugging at our heartstrings. For their debut single, the band hoped to capture the bittersweetness of looking back on a happy memory that involves a lost lover (and they did an incredible job). As if that weren’t enough, Masasolo’s brand of calming, psych-tinged indie rock has us hooked; it’s swirly and dreamy like their peers in Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Tame Impala. Brace yourself for the feels and check out their new video below.    

The Wild Reeds – “Everything Looks Better (In Hindsight)”

May 28, 2016

Great singers are hard to come by, so when you find a band with three incredible singers, it’s worth a second glance. The Wild Reeds are a California trio/occasional quintet who write exceptionally beautiful folk music with a tangible Cali twist. “Everything Looks Better (in Hindsight)” is an epic buildup of wicked female harmonies with a forlorn vibe. Wait till the end for an epic climax. “Everything Looks Better (In Hindsight)” is out now on The Wild Reeds’ latest release, Best Wishes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/255853863″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kato Dox – “Gone”

May 27, 2016

Austin, Texas’ Kato Dox’ ambitious mindset is the thesis for his new single “Gone.”Dox analyzes his come-up’s causation and effects over some hard-hitting production.  He likens his sacrifices and desperation to his conviction in lines like “When God is asleep then the Devil listen, might sell my soul before i turn up missing.”  Kato is relentless behind the mic. His chanting chorus serves as a break from the rapid flows he serves up with each verse. The song takes the fun, care-free elements we often see in rap and couples them with some speculative and reflective commentary. These themes are mirrored in the production, which fuses the trap sound popular in today’s music with some jazzy trumpets. It’s like a conversation at a party that ends up getting deeper than you planned, but it’s great and you roll with it. Give it a listen below.

The Faint – “Young and Realistic”

May 27, 2016

Omaha dance-punk act The Faint are back yet again with a new song “Young and Realistic.” The indie scene vets has been a staple of the scene since their critically acclaimed debut album Danse Macabre close to fifteen years ago on Saddle Creek Records.”Young and Realistic” is a lot more dance-y than their past releases over their decade, meshing into something more of the style of LCD Soundsystem or other acts affiliated with DFA Records. The synth-heavy track is perfect for the middle of a foggy dance floor with pink, red, and orange swirling lights. Check out the track below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264856931″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mookie Morris – “Fools”

May 26, 2016

Mookie Morris is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter specializing in retro indie rock that sparkles with hints of 1970s rock n’ roll and soul. Morris records his quasi-demos entirely alone out of his apartment. Mookie’s blend of retro and contemporary recording techniques result in songs that are slightly wonky with whimsical flares. “Fools” is a perfect example; it sounds like it could have been a hit Mac Demarco single from 1976. Mookie plans to continue releasing singles for the foreseeable future, we recommend starting out with “Fools.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263250528″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ross Nicol – “Slipping Away”

May 26, 2016

Ross Nicol is a multi-talented musician from Nashville. Nicol’s music is inspired by the creative depth of songwriting greats like Radiohead and Vampire Weekend and takes influence from timeless artists like David Bowie and The Beatles. “Slipping Away” is a gentle, piano-driven number that highlights Nicol’s pleasant voice. Fans of Lydia, Mazzy Star, or Copeland would really enjoy Nicol’s ethereal sound. Ross Nicol’s new EP, featuring “Slipping Away” is out now and can be found here. He’ll be releasing a full-length later this summer via Fancy Animal Records.

BURROWING – “Will You Want Me”

May 25, 2016

BURROWING is a half-Norwegian, half-Australian act based in Oslo. The video for “Will You Want Me” caught our attention for perfectly personifying BURROWING’s sound – beachy, airy, and fun. Vintage surf footage accompanies the lightness of this catchy track which sounds a little bit like Tame Impala, Beach Fossils, or a more palatable King Krule. “Will You Want Me” is currently available for free download via BURROWING’s Soundcloud.