Whether you intend on celebrating Valentine’s this year or plan on canceling the holiday all together, today’s roundup of electronic servings can be enjoyed regardless of romantic status. First up is San Francisco’s Lane 8, aka Daniel Goldstein’s newly released deep house production “The One,” featuring vocals by Patrick Baker. Also, French producer TEEMID has teamed up with Canadian singer-songwriter Daniela Andrade to cover Flight Facilities‘ “Crave You.” TEEMID’s take on the classic dance track is a sexy and refreshing rendering — pick up this pure cover gold for free by following the link on Soundcloud. The last one I’ll leave you with is an oldie but a goodie from house favorite Nicolas Jaar, one half of the New York duo Darkside. Sampling from The Searcher’s “Love Potion No. 9,” his slow-building edit “Stay in Love” is a shimmery and deliciously addictive disco-y number that will make you want to procure some of this mysterious elixir…
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Hiding
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. is the eclectic Detroit duo that produces intelligent pop music wrapped up in quirky packaging. They released their LP The Speed of Things in 2013 and have been running full speed ahead ever since. The album is jam-packed with dancey and electronic indie hits, including tracks like “Hiding” and “Morning Thought” below. Seriously though, they’re all worth sampling, as their songs are laden with fantastic heartwarming hooks and seriously catchy riffs. Paul Simon even helped with production on one of their songs, “War Zone,” which is apparent upon one listen. I’m also digging the DATA Remix of their song “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor)” — available for streaming below.
DEJJ kicks off their headlining tour tomorrow in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, culminating at NY’s Webster Hall the end of March. Full tour schedule below, but DCers can catch them at 930 Club next month.
2014 TOUR DATES:
2/13 – Clevehand Heights, OH @ Grog Shop
2/14 – Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century Theatre
2/15 – Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe at Old National Center
2/16 – St.Louis, MO @ Old Rock House
2/17 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
2/18 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West at King Plow
2/20 – Dallas, TX @ Trees
2/21 – Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s Upstairs
2/22 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
2/24 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
2/25 – Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
2/27 – San Diego, CA @ The Cabash
2/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theater
3/01 – San Francisco, CA @ The Filmore
3/03 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
3/05 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
3/07 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The State Room
3/08 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
3/10 – Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck
3/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Café
3/13 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
3/14 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
3/15 – Columbus, OH @ The A&R Music Bar
3/18 – Toronto, ON @ The Hoxton
3/20 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
3/21 – Washington D.C. @ 9:30 Club
3/22 – Milvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
3/23 – Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theatre
3/24 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
3/26 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
RMX Roundup: EXROYALE + Ra Ra Riot / EMBRZ / Mayer Hawthorne + Mitzi
Another Saturday night is upon us, which means it’s time for a roundup of this week’s finest electronic offerings. EXROYALE, a mysterious new group (self-described as a glow in the dark game of truth or dare), have a track called “Give It Up” that has been given the remix treatment by Ra Ra Riot‘s Milo Bonacci. Pick up a free download of the energetic track here and play it on repeat. Also, the Irish electronic producer EMBRZ has just released a melodic new track, “Make Your Way.” Lastly, the Sydney-based group Mitzi have released a rad reinterpretation of Mayer Hawthorne‘s “Reach Out Richard.” Grab the garage disco track gratis here.
We Have Band – Someone
British trio We Have Band have debuted their light-hearted first single, “Someone,” off their forthcoming album, Movements. Look out for the London pop-rockers’ album to be out April 28 of this year.
Sylvan Esso – Hey Mami // Coffee
Props to fellow blogger, Audiophile: Akwitz, for introducing us to the North Carolina duo known as Sylvan Esso. Their first single, “Hey Mami” is a delectable folksy, trill and synth-infused track that you’ll want to play on repeat. Java junkies will want to check out their single “Coffee” as well.
See Sylvan Esso’s upcoming West Coast tour dates in Feb below.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
2/10 San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
2/11 Los Angeles, CA – Satellite
2/13 San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
2/14 Portland, OR – Bunk Bar
2/15 Seattle, WA – Barbazoa
Gilligan Moss – Choreograph
Every once in awhile, a musical composition comes along that catches you off guard and has the potential to completely alter the music landscape. Such is the case with Chicagoan Gilligan’s Moss’s single “Choregraph,” a song so distinct and variegated in style that it immediately commands your attention and calls for further listening. Syncopated rhythms and coruscating textures transport you to a totally unexpected and dazzling place 3:30 minutes in. Pick up a free DL of this intelligent piece of work via Soundcloud stat.
Marian Hill – One Time
New group based out of Philadelphia, Marian Hill have released sultry single, “One Time,” to accompany the announcement of their debut EP Play due out March 4. Similar to Wild Belle in style, the brassy duo incorporate blues and jazz elements along with the more modernistic, resulting in a cool and contemporary rhythmic feel.
Catch their first show if you’re in the Philly area at Boot & Saddle, February 25.
Kevin Drew – Good Sex
Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene is gearing up to release a new solo album, Darlings on March 18. In anticipation of the forthcoming LP, he released the first single, “Good Sex.” And not only is it good — with the soaring synths and twinkling guitars, it could never make you feel hollow.
As a fellow blogger so aptly stated: the last line, “I’m still breathing with you, baby” remains a statement of existential truth and a romantic survival instinct in a world of devaluation and needless determinism. Stream “Good Sex” below.
Years & Years – Real
It’s been awhile since we heard from London group Years & Years, so I was delighted to see that they had dropped another infectious single. Since their last standout self-released track “I Wish I Knew,” they have been picked up by French label, Kitsuné. Their latest number, “Real” has more of an electronic sound with some R&B elements mixed in — but it’s equally addictive — thanks in part to the charming vocals of frontman Olly Alexander.
For those unfamiliar with the group, UK’s Disorder Magazine had this to say about them: It’s as if Nina Simone is crooning a melodic lullaby to the folktronic lovechild of Beach House and Terry Riley. Touché.
Look out for the new Years & Years EP to drop on February 17.
Bombay Bicycle Club – Luna
Bombay Bicycle Club has released another solid single off their forthcoming album, So Long, See You Tomorrow. Listen to “Luna” below, and get psyched for the release of the LP on February 3.









