New Music

realproperlike – “modern day beatnik”

September 6, 2016

“It’s either man up or man down,” Miami rapper realproperlike pledges on the chorus to “modern day beatnik.” This “ride or die” attitude proper expresses is sort of his m.o., as his raps about empowerment and owning what you do, as long as you’re putting in the hours. “They don’t put in work and then ask where the cash is,” he says, Featuring strong, fulfilling production, realproper comes off as someone you want to have in your corner, as long as you are deserving. You can listen to “modern day beatnik” below and buy it along with more from realproperlike on iTunes.

Mike of Doom – “Cliche”

September 6, 2016

Mike of Doom is sick of the standard rehashes we see in rap and other popular music. In “Cliche,”  addresses all the of these things he’s sick of, centered around the chorus. “All this shit sound the same. Different boat, same wave… I do what I want I’m not cliche.” Mike of Doom is also sick because he’s walking the walk. The beat is loaded soundscape featuring all sorts of sounds that wouldn’t appear on a regular ole’ track. He isn’t talking about money and hoes, expressed with “I’ve had more girls than David Beckham, but to rap about it just might disrespect them.” His flow is that of a guy who doesn’t take shit, plain and simple. “Cliche” is an interesting track, entirely accessible on the first listen, while shitting on components of some other songs that you’d love right off the bat. He’s got compelling things to say,[...]

Defiant III – “Crossfire”

September 6, 2016

The Defiant III trio of IDE, Alucard and Jise One pride themselves on their ability to rap their asses off. IDE and Warren Snyde whipped up a menacing beat, creating a canvas that feels like a place you probably shouldn’t be at night. Lyrically, it’s rapid grit that these guys are spitting through their fangs. It’s unforgiving with no moment wasted, so when you do catch a line like “Explode like antipersonnel mines, roadside bomb will your whole side gone, left with half a face and no right arm” or “Reenter the exit wound and you die twice,” that uneasy feeling you had is justified. Bordering on horrorcore, “Crossfire” is a nasty rap track that takes no prisoners and leaves a pile of victims in its wake. Pretty powerful stuff, so listen to it with the lights on.

Socks – “Forevermore”

September 6, 2016

Modesto, California-based indie rock act Socks, debuted their track via the world wide web last week and it has been stuck on repeat throughout our Labor Day weekend. “Forevermore” is all about the honey moon phase of a relationship. Nothing can go wrong and your heart is just melting constantly. Although the band is still in their infancy (playing together for only five months), the band has a forthcoming EP, expected to be out at some point in November. Fans of Mac Demarco, Summer Salt, or Pleistocene (for a local spin) will like the band’s sunny and sweet demeanor and knack for hooks. You’ll be singing along to notes you probably can’t hit, but that won’t stop you. Check it out. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279975267″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kells Dougie – “95′ Freestyle”

September 6, 2016

Up-and-comer Kells Dougie can rip off line after line of short, but sweet quips. Case-in-point is in “95′ Freestyle.” Freestyle tracks are great because they have a different type of expectation. Commonly misperceived as having to be “off the top,” a good freestyle really should just be fun and filled with punchlines, and that’s exactly what we have here. All song long, Kells is busting out stuff like “Subtitle flow, they see every bar I’m saying.” and “Different draft class, ain’t into the game like us.” The boom bap beat ties back to the year alluded to in its title, and the track proves to be traditional hip hop greatness. Press play below.

Anfa Rose – “Downtown”

September 6, 2016

Anfa Rose is a genre-bender with the ability to spit a hot 16 and get you singing along with a hook on the same track. Such is the case on “Downtown,” a track with the sparkle that its title would suggest. Rose discusses the wonder and excitement that “downtown” and  talks about his strengths and shortcomings (“I’m a nice guy if the vice right.”). The melodic chorus spews excitement and a sense of homeliness when it kicks off with “See me ’round town when I’m downtown.” That’s where Anfa knows is comfortable, right in the middle of the lights. Press play down there.

Duncecap – “Bandaids”

September 6, 2016

Duncap is a rapper armed with a dexterous flow and the ability to make misery sound entertaining. Accurately laid out in creative, high-effort DIY music vid, “Bandaids”  is a track about self-destruction and a sense of hopelessness. Not exactly sunny stuff, but Duncecap remains charismatic on the mic. Over a beat of zesty drums, Dunce shows off his technical skills while trying and failing to sort out his issues. “Tickets to the gun show and it’s aimed at my head,” he raps with lively honesty. “Bandaids” is off of Duncaps’ Human Error project, listen below.

Knock Knock – “Girls Love Kai” (feat. Mystic Davis, King Los)

September 6, 2016

Breezy, summer dancehall vibes come our way from production maestro Girls Like Kai on his single “Knock Knock,” with vocals from King Los and Mystic. King Los is a veteran of lyricism in the game, with some incredibly memorable freestyles over the years. He comes through on the fresh beat with diversified flow and a fusion of great lyricism and aptly fun bars. Mystic Davis handles the hook with her pop thrills, and mixes things up a sexy Lil Kim-esque verse subject-wise. With her accented flow, you’ll feel things. Kai’s crafted a wonderfully accessible track, with a beat that wanders from Top 40 pop to Top 40 rap in different sections. “Knock Knock” comes from Kai’s Sandbox album. Fun vibes below.

Teedra Moses – “You’ll Never Find (Tony Tokyo Remix)”

September 4, 2016

Producer/mastermind Tony Tokyo has teamed up with critically-acclaimed r&b vocalist Teedra Moses. “You’ll Never Find” is a pop powerhouse, building off the solid infrastructure of an r&b classic and injecting it with a groovy, contemporary feel, perfect for a poolside shindig. The track has already received some substantial radio play. Fans of Rihanna or Aaliyah would dig this tune. Check out Tony’s extensive catalog on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278677973″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

courtship. – “Stop For Nothing”

September 4, 2016

courtship.’s “Stop For Nothing” is a hybrid of synth-pop and indie rock, exciting and exuberant in its obvious optimism. Reserved back-up instrumentals and smooth vocals set the scene for the LA duo’s catchy chorus to slap you across the face… In a good way of course. Fans of MGMT, Starf*cker, or Passion Pit would dig courtship. “Stop For Nothing” is available via iTunes for any interested parties. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278369599″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Martinez – “Maryam”

September 4, 2016

Swiss indie-pop duo Martinez is here with the infectious “Maryam.” About the single, the act says, “’Maryam’ is one of the first songs we wrote together. We wanted to talk about the difficulties of being yourself in a society that is constantly trying to make you something else.” Because the band combines a strong chorus with bouncy indie rock stylings, fans of Florence & The Machine, Sara Bareilles, or Peter, Bjorn, & John would dig Martinez. “Maryam” is available via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269169630″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Honey Lung – “Something”

September 4, 2016

Check out this anthemic new track from hotly-tipped new grunge act, Honey Lung. “Something” is caked in reverb, chorus, and fuzz, combining the three into a maelstrom of noise with that distinctive 90s flavor. Fans of Smashing Pumpkins, Yuck, or My Bloody Valentine will vibe with Honey Lung. You can buy “Something” via Bandcamp – out now via RYP Recordings. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272578377″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Thanya Iyer – “Painting”

September 4, 2016

Thanya Iyer shot us a live session of her song “Painting” and we couldn’t have been more pleased. The Montreal-based singer-songwriter specializes in lilting, jazzy compositions heavy on piano, stand-up bass, and light on percussion. The video not only highlights Iyer’s voice and the group’s expert-level musicianship, it is also effected with chill animation. Fans of Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, or Adele would dig Thanya’s tunes. You can grab Thanya Iyer’s latest studio release, Do You Dream, via Bandcamp.

Edgarville – “Srsly”

September 4, 2016

A healthy dose of mathy emo-rock is never a bad thing – perhaps Edgarville should be your next endeavor. The band combines riffy goodness and gravely vocals under an undeniable emo umbrella. The UK act is passionate about DIY ethics and is curretnly hot off of a European tour. Fans of Ovlov, Del Paxton, or Old Grey would dig Edgarville. The Second Wind EP is available via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278319038″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Andrea Silva – “The Fall”

September 3, 2016

Sometimes less is more. That concept couldn’t be any truer for the yearning folk of singer-songwriter Andrea Silva. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, the songstress made the move to LA three years ago. “The Fall” is a song about a failing relationship and encapsulates that feeling perfectly. Fans of Haim, Jewel, or First Aid Kit would be into Andrea’s style. Silva hopes to have her debut EP out later this year. Till then, check out “The Fall” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278248507″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]