Latest Posts

brat’ya – Nightwalker

April 10, 2017

Buffalo synth-pop producer brat’ya (aka Alek Ogadzhanov) debut full-length Nightwalker is driven by layered, melodic instrumentation and inventive sound design to make for a lush, hook-laden release. The release is brat’ya’s first collaboration with internet savvy / futuristic chillwave label Business Casual. Opening track “Glow” kicks things off with an introspective pop jam with bright synth leads and engaging vocals. Using Daft Punk-esque vocoded vocals on “Goodbye,” brat’ya creates a nostalgic feel with its’ benevolent duet and pensive tone. Whether going for a more downtempo, melancholic sound on tracks like the ballad “Relief” and “Pretend” or more buoyant tracks like the sprightly title track “Nightwalker” and “Radio,” brat’ya’s ability to craft memorable hooks from a wide range of textures makes Nightwalker an immersive listen that reveals a focused collection of compelling pop. While the direct, synth-led leanings are reminiscent of artists like Passion Pit and M83, the dense bass and vibrant drums bring to mind Toro y[...]

Alice Ivy – “Get Me A Drink (ft. E^st & Charlie Threads)”

April 9, 2017

It’s always refreshing to see more women producers get recognition for their work in a fairly male-dominated sector. On that note, we’re incredibly excited to delve into Melbourne artist/producer Alice Ivy’s track “Get Me A Drink (ft. E^st & Charlie Threads.)” It’s a hypnotic electronic experiment with striking effects, consuming synths, and intensely low-key vocals, featuring a dynamic collaboration with Melbourne rapper Charlie Threads. Alice Ivy has been making her way touring around the world, including the US and Singapore, and is on track for another brief North American tour before settling down to finish her debut album, to be released this year. Until then, dive into “Get Me A Drink” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311418233″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Safe To Swim – “Struggling”

April 9, 2017

UK band Safe To Swim delivers a much needed dose of fuzzy alt-rock with their latest track “Struggling.” There’s a distinct edge to the song’s winning melodies, featuring lyrics that cut to the core. Frontman Jim Filippides reveals “’Struggling”’ is about a relationship I was in where we were constantly trying our hardest to keep up with each other and fit in with the crowd. We thought it was doing no harm at first but we eventually realised that our hard efforts were only bringing more misery and issues into our lives.” Undoubtedly a song that hits home. Safe To Swim has been keeping busy pouring the equivalent of blood, sweat, and tears into creating new material, set to make an appearance later this year. Hone in on some of their hard work below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310295873″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cigarettes After Sex – “Apocalypse”

April 8, 2017

Brooklyn’s Cigarettes After Sex are back with their latest single “Apocalypse,” off their upcoming self-titled LP. The brooding, gentle stylings of the band, fronted by songwriter Greg Gonzalez, lend an ear to their dreamy imagery and soothing instrumentation. Influenced by the likes of Trinity Session, Red House Painters and Cocteau Twins, Cigarettes After Sex brand themselves as true romantics with a hint of moody indifference that leaves you craving more. Find more like “Apocalypse” on their bandcamp, and look for the new album out June 9th via Partisan Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/313439212″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hills – “Desert Driver”

April 8, 2017

In a whirlwind of ambient instrumentation and ethereal vocal harmonies, Austin’s folk-rock solo project Hills sings the modern western blues in his single “Desert Driver.” Hills’ Aaron Zachary takes influence from a variety of sources, including country, rock, folk, and the occasional sludge metal. The song hones in on the sharp lyricism and emphasis on storytelling that is so often associated with folk, while spicing things up with subdued synths and a bone-rattling guitar solo. Affectionately referred to as “bootgaze” the music of Hills draws up a unique concoction of alternative and folk, resulting in some dreamy desert pop. Take the genre for a spin with “Desert Driver” below, and keep your eyes peeled for a debut album, out this May. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312413960″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

moonweather – “Drying Out”

April 7, 2017

Fans of catchy indie pop will dig the latest from moonweather. Moonweather is a group of old friends who got together to pen the infectious “Drying Out.” They got together to combine crunchy guitars with whimsical bedroom pop vibes for a lighthearted and fun end result. This one should appeal to fans of electronica tinged indie-pop with upbeat vibes – think Electric President or Say Hi.

DANSU – “LOST IN THE CITY”

April 7, 2017

Bubbly indie electropop act DANSU bridges the global divide in the video for their single “LOST IN THE CITY.” The Amsterdam trio have an established influence in Japan, and are caravanning their vitalizing melodies from Western Europe across the Atlantic. Drawing ties to indie pop pros like Ra Ra Riot and Dresses, DANSU brings an electric energy similar to waking up to the sun. The video features a metropolitan love story of self discovery, while highlighting the hustle and bustle of city life in Tokyo. Take in the video below, and stay tuned for more from DANSU as they blaze their trail to North America.

Jay Pray – “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything)”

April 7, 2017

Following the March 3rd release of his debut full-length album, Jay Pray projects some colorful synthpop onto the small screen in his video for the track “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything.)” In an energetic exploration of the sensual and the mundane, Jay Pray takes everyday indie-pop and cranks it up three notches, swimming in all-encompassing synths, crooning vocals, and a commanding guitar solo. This is the kind of song that sucks you in, all too willingly. For more from Jay Pray, delve into his self titled album and experience the visual experience of “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything.)” below.

Conor Oberst – Salutations

April 7, 2017

Apparently, last year’s Ruminations was just an appetizer, as Conor Oberst is back with a new, fuller record (both in sound and length). The over-an-hour-long Salutations sees him shift from solo acoustic guitar/piano sparseness to rounded out, full band arrangements. The album includes reworked renditions of all ten tracks from Ruminations, in addition to seven brand new songs. There is a stark contrast to these songs compared to last year’s counterparts. Ruminations was stripped down and bare, and felt almost like a cry for help in its startling isolation. Instead, Salutations is amblin’ Americana rock, finding company with organs, strings, accordion and percussion, as well as additional voices. Songs like “Tachycardia,” “Next of Kin” and “Mamah Borthwick (A Sketch)” turn into swooning ballads, while “Till St. Dymphna Kicks Us Out,” “Barbary Coast (Later)” and “A Little Uncanny” become torch-bearing anthems. There are also the seven additional new songs, essentially another[...]

dreamcatchr – “Plans”

April 7, 2017

Seattle’s indie rock 5-piece dreamcatchr takes us on an intensifying and energetic adventure in their track “Plans.” The group, founded by guitarist Raven MacDaniels as an initial songwriting venture, has morphed into a full-fledged alt-rock band carving their name throughout the Pacific Northwest. “Plans” artistically plays with texture and tempo, revving up to speed with sunny guitar lines and expressively layered vocals, just to gently trail off into measured sense of finality. This song hovers at the forefront of the band’s recent sophomore EP Do Dog Ghosts Exist? released March 17th. Dive into dreamcatchr below for some exciting and strategic indie rock. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307970448″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bantug – “Just Like A Dream”

April 7, 2017

Indie-pop solo act Bantug delivers soaring melodies in a soft electronic setting via her latest single “Just Like A Dream.” Off of her recent March 31st EP release, Bantug brings a bright and enticing perspective to topics that stand the test of time. Having a background in psychology allows her to explore a variety of subject matter from anxiety to dreams, tying the whole package together with candy-coated vocals, driving guitar lines, and celestial synth work. Explore Bantug’s fresh pop perspective in “Just Like A Dream,” and be sure to check out her new EP Blue for more, catchy goodness. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315339958″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

L.A.N.C.E. – “Eve”

April 6, 2017

Fontana, California’s L.A.N.C.E. is quick with imagery and tight rhymes with his music. Over the traditional, light beat of “Eve” he details the complexity of a relationship between himself and another dreamer. Through his verses he drops complex rhyme schemes, third eye references, and goes into philosophy with Plato and Aristotle references. The best part of the track is the simplicity of the chorus, “One time one time, we was chilling in the park after dark.” In that moment, that succinctness and depth puts the whole track over the top and focuses the picture. Give it a listen below and check out more from L.A.N.C.E. here. 

capital. – “Pillsbury Boy”

April 5, 2017

Here’s an interesting one from LA-based MC capital. (sic). “Pillsbury Boy” is a quirky mix between hip-hop and indie jazz… The real treat here is his music video shtick, where capital. combines his smooth flow with a trademark blend of humor that takes a hard look at our millennial hipster culture. This one reminds us of Jason Mraz, Andy Grammar, or Macklemore – check out the vid below. Check capital. out on Instagram too.

Dolly Spartans – “Hanging Out”

April 5, 2017

People really seem to be digging the Dolly Spartans, and we’re no exception. Their latest single is called “Hanging Out,” a one-two punch of spastic guitar strumming and forlorn indie-rock vocals. “Hanging Out” has already cracked the top 10 for CMJ adds – the fastest addition of any “unknown” band in college radio history – pretty dope. Fans of The Stills, The Strokes, or Cloud Nothings will be into these guys. Swing by their Bandcamp page if you’re feelin’ it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312209316″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mount Defiance – “Shapes”

April 5, 2017

Mount Defiance hit us up with their latest jam, “Shapes,” and we dig it a lot. These guys bring a Modern Baseball and Moose Blood vibe to the table – combining a mid-tempo beat with ambient instrumentals and a unique take on sprechgesang. “Shapes” is a song about friendships and relationships colliding on the dancefloor – so grab a friend, put on some Mount Defiance, and start moving. Mount Defiance is on Bandcamp too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307148320″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]