poetryinanemptycokecan

Re/ly – Unravel

Posted on December 24, 2014December 27, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

re:ly

Get acquainted with Re/ly, a new unsigned contemporary jazz duo out of Providence, Rhode Island. Made up of Bryn Bliska (keys, vocals and production), and Jamie Fried (drums and percussion), their music is a combination of classic jazz and electro-soul that seems perfectly suited for this time of year. On their debut album Bilateral released earlier this month, they “blur the boundary between groove and instability and explore what it sounds like for two musicians to rely on one another.”

Favorites from the LP include “Unravel,” featuring Bryn’s warm jazz-styled vocals which reach full swing when the keys kick in around 1:50, and the all-instrumental track, “You Go To My Head.” Based on the sophistication of their work thus far, this is only the beginning of Re/ly’s career and we look forward to hearing more as the duo continue to cultivate their singular sound.

WATERBED – around

Posted on December 17, 2014December 17, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Once upon a time in a strange la-la land, there was a musical outfit called MVSCLES who caught our ears in 2012 with the pithy and endearing tune, “sweet n sour.” After going into hiding for awhile, the LA-based dreampop duo have reemerged under the name WATERBED with their new single “around.” It’s a welcome return, with its whimsical melodies and kaleidoscopic synths, sonically similar to Grimes. Members Chad and Cat are currently in the studio working on their debut album. For more of their particular bubblegum flavor, we recommend streaming the sprightly track “somethin” below as well.

RMX ROUNDUP: Le Youth / TAPES / Toyboy & Robin

Posted on December 13, 2014June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Welcome to another Remix Roundup, in which we bring you the latest mixes and electronic tracks currently burning up the blogosphere. After the last installment of folk-themed mixes, we thought we’d shake things up with some soulful R&B-tinged dance tracks this week. Starting us off is electronic artist Le Youth with his latest reimagining, “R E A L.” Pitching down the vocals from Brandy’s 1994 hit “I Wanna Be Down,” the LA producer (born Wes James) sprinkles some of his signature nu-disco and house vibes onto the original with a rapturous rendition that feels like 90s nostalgia personified.

Next we have a new track from an Ohio-based artist TAPES, who last month put out his EP entitled Songs to Drake Up To — a play off Ta-Ku’s album Songs to Break Up To. Seems appropriate, since according to TAPES the album was inspired by a personal breakup, after which he used the sounds of Ta-Ku and Drake to help cope. “Tried To” is an electronic recast of Drake’s “Take Care” with a more dance-infused production style. Where TAPES may have tried and not succeeded interpersonally in the past, he thrives with this upbeat reinterpretation of the Drake piece. Take care to stream below.

And finally we have the latest jam from Toyboy & Robin, “Don’t Just Say.” Actually influenced by Le Youth and other artists at the forefront of future house, the UK production duo deliver an energetic dance track that uses spliced and looped vocals from Brownstone’s 1993 R&B classic, “If You Love Me.” Transforming it an invigorating and glittering house number with the use of piano lines, layered synths and drum machines, this mix is sure to ignite dance floors everywhere.

EXROYALE – Stuck In My Head

Posted on December 10, 2014December 10, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Portland artist/producer EXROYALE first popped on our radar about a year ago with his debut track, “Give It Up” that was picked up by Ra Ra Riot for a remix shortly thereafter. Since then EXROYALE (aka Josh Schroeder) has been working on his EP and has released a few tracks, including “Stuck In My Head” and most recently “Lovesick Youth.” The former is an enticing piece of electropop tinged with R&B, replete with moody melodies and pulsing tempo, while the latter is more of a shimmering pop anthem. Stream both efforts below.

Pink Feathers – The Feeling’s Gone (ft. SPEAK)

Posted on December 6, 2014December 8, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Last week, Portland’s Pink Feathers (aka Liz Anjos) saw the release of her debut EP, Invisible Lines. Produced by Andre Anjos of RAC (you read that right — the duo are a pair), the EP is a four-song collection confected of synthy, sugary pop. The standout track has to be the duet “The Feeling’s Gone” with Austin newcomers (and new Poetry fave), SPEAK. Troupe Gammage’s tenor serves as a nice counterbalance to Liz’s candied vocals, particularly in the coda. Stream below.

BADBADNOTGOOD – Can’t Leave The Night

Posted on December 3, 2014December 3, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

If you’re into contemporary jazz, you should be familiar with BADBADNOTGOOD. For the uninitiated, BBNG (the title is a misnomer) are a Toronto trio that make inspired instrumental music, fused with jazz and electronic elements. Made up of Chester Hansen (bass), Alexander Sowinski (percussion and samples), and Matthew Tavares (keyboard), all of the members are classically trained musicians who met in college and bonded over a mutual love of hip hop, as reflected in their music. In their relatively short career they’ve collaborated or enjoyed the support of numerous renowned artists, including James Blake, Frank Ocean, Bonobo, and Tyler, The Creator.

For a sampling of their work, stream the percussive “Can’t Leave The Night,” off their third studio album III, released May 2014 via Innovative Leisure (Classixx, Rhye). Also check out their fantastically dark and dramatic reinterpretation of Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights” below.

DC locals will have the chance to see BBNG work their jazz alchemy at U Street Music Hall this Friday, December 5. Tickets are still available, so get on it.

Elderbrook – Could // How Many Times

Posted on December 1, 2014December 2, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Elderbrook

London electronic musician Alex Kotz aka Elderbrook is the latest artist to sign with Black Butter Records, and already we are intrigued. His debut EP Simmer Down, which was released November 23 on iTunes is highly worth checking out with entrancing singles like “Could” and “How Many Times.” Think Chet Faker x Seekae. Listen to the compelling track “Could” below, as well as the tantalizing “How Many Times” remix from German production duo Andhim, also included on the EP.

So many lies / So many lies that you thought out
It’s no surprise your shakin’ eyes get you caught out
A little time / A little time and it’s alright
And all the lines you drew / You didn’t find what you set out to

RMX ROUNDUP: Laura Doggett + Gilligan Moss / Milky Chance + Disciples / Daughter + LCAW

Posted on November 29, 2014November 19, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Welcome to another Remix Roundup, in which we bring you the latest and greatest mixes roaming about the interwebs. First up, we’re thrilled to share the new effort from Gilligan Moss, the Chicago-based electronic artist who continues to impress us with his artful production work. This time he undertakes the sultry track “Moonshine” from London chanteuse Laura Doggett, slicing its silky framework into a progressive and rhythmic reinterpretation. Pitch-shifting the vocals to be higher at some points and lower at others creates a nice contrast against the natural lower register of Laura’s sinuous vocals. Stream below.

Next we have the Disciples deep house edit of “Down By The River” from Milky Chance. The German duo came out of the woodworks this year with their hit track “Stolen Dance” off debut album Sadnecessary, where the sulky “DBTR” can be found also. With their flair for future-retro sound, the UK trinity aka Disciples add a slick bassline to the moody track for a more polished feel. Give it a spin below.

To complete the folksy throughline we seem to have crafted in this week’s roundup, enjoy this LCAW remix of “Run,” a B-side track from the UK indie folk trio known as Daughter. The German producer speeds up the tempo on the more muted original, accentuating the guitar lines and creating an almost onomatopoetic effect. We dig.

I Know Leopard – Hold This Tight

Posted on November 26, 2014November 26, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

The land of down under has been generous with their musical offerings these past few years, and I Know Leopard is no exception. The Sydney-based quintet make wondrous dreampop, with a sprinkling of indie, alt rock and baroque pop. “Hold This Tight” takes the title for standout track from their debut EP, Illumina released earlier this year. It’s a well-crafted, nostalgic indie ballad with layered guitar and starry synths lead by Luke O’Loughlin’s stirring vocals. Clearly, these guys know how to write a hook — listen below and be on the look out for more of their work.

HAERTS – Giving Up

Posted on November 24, 2014November 24, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

After stealing hearts everywhere with the release of their EP, Hemiplegia in 2013 and a host of North American tour dates, HAERTS released their self-titled debut album this September. The Brooklyn-based group revealed several new songs with the release, including our favorite, “Giving Up.” This track shows off what they do best — soaring synth production and rousing vocals (in the vein of Kate Bush) from Nini Fabi that build until the final anthemic chorus swoops in to solidify its greatness. Stream below and pick up their album on iTunes.

HAERTS is also one of those rare synthpop acts that sound just as good live as in the studio. Those in the DC area will have a chance to see them this Wednesday, 11/26 at 9:30 Club with St. Lucia and The Knocks.