New duo out of LA called Oyster Kids have uncovered their debut single “Creepy” — a seasonally-appropriate dark indie-pop track. It’s a solid debut of a song containing a groovy melody with mildly menacing vocals and a steady beat. Will be interesting to see what else the kids have up their sleeve.
From seemingly out of nowhere comes FOXTROTT, the electropop project and moniker of Montreal-based artist Marie-Hélène Delorme. The producer and singer-songwriter makes complex, left-of-centre pop, drawing inspiration from a diverse set of genres ranging from old Cumbia to gospel, hip-hop to reggae, and dancehall to folk. Rightfully catching buzz in Canada already, FOXTROTT is getting ready to release her debut full-length, A Taller Us via One Little Indian on November 20. Watch the video for the textured lead single, “Driven” off the forthcoming LP and stream the poppier track “Shields” for a sampling of what Delorme has to offer.
The New York-based, Chilean-born composer and progressive producer Nicolas Jaar released the latest installment of his Nymph series, “Fight (Nymphs IV)” on R&S Records last week. The expectedly intricate and experimental composition is a sexy, eight-minute plus odyssey — flush with the highs and lows of a dynamic electronic track. Stream it below.
Emerging electronic artist Mura Masa has unveiled a new track, premiering on Annie Mac’s Hottest Record last night. The young artist (aka Alex Crossan) collaborated with fellow UK singer Shura for the first single “Love For That” off his upcoming debut LP, which he’s currently in the process of recording. He’s also got a headlining slot at the opening night of Pitchfork Paris on October 27, alongside Empress of and Neon Indian. With such high-profile gigs and a growing fanbase (he’s garnered over 20 million plays on Soundcloud), Crossan is primed for continued success at a ripe age. Stream the lovely strings-oriented and flute-infused jam “Love For That” below.
Adult Bodies is a new interstellar duo (by way of LA) comprised of Steven WIlken and Matthew Kiernan. The electronic two-piece have been in the studio recording their debut EP, Solid Colors: Modern Lives, and recently released the first track off the album — “Drones.” Spanning seven minutes, the atmospheric number has an excellent build that holds the listener captivated from the opening electronic reverb through the introduction of the astral synths, which increase in intensity over its duration. Pick up a free download of the track on Soundcloud as you anticipate the EP, expected to launch early 2016.
As dreampop outfits go, Portland’s Wild Ones are one of the dreamiest. They stole our hearts with their 2013 debut Keep It Safe — an album brimming with romantic cuts like “Paia” — and in August released their new EP Heatwave. Listen to one of their more upbeat tracks, “Show Me Islands” from the EP, showcasing Danielle Sullivan’s winsome vocals below.
Currently on tour with Pure Bathing Culture, DC locals can catch Wild Ones opening for PBC tonight at DC9 Nightclub. We can attest that the quintet are just as alluring live as their studio manifestations.
Also check out a couple of our favorites from the Wild Ones‘ debut LP:
Bayonne, born Roger Sellers is a minimalist composer based out of Austin with an aptitude for making hypnotic electronic beats. A self-described Phil Collins disciple, Sellers’ foray into music began with the gift of a drum set from his parents at the age of 6. Sellers says: “I wanted to be Phil Collins for so many years as a child. He was my hero. I feel like you can hear that a lot in my music, that big drum sound, because so much of the way I play was learned from Phil Collins.”
Listen to the shimmering single “Spectrolite” off his forthcoming debut album and see if you can hear the influence. The LP will release on Mom + Pop Music (label home to Andrew Bird, Courtney Barnett and Flume) early next year. Upcoming tour dates — including a round of CMJ shows can be found below.
This coming Saturday, October 10 marks the District’s second annual Fall Classic hosted by All Things Go and they’ve got one fine lineup. Thus in lieu of our usual weekend Remix Roundup, we thought to do a preview of some of the notable artists that will be playing at the all-day festival at Union Market. The inaugural festival brought together the talents of Future Islands, Haerts, Tove Lo, and Young Summer and this year ATG has assembled another electric lineup with eminent producer Kygo headlining.
Listen to a remix from the Norwegian producer, along with some cuts from featured artists Chelsea Lankes, Penguin Prison, The Knocks, and Vampire Weekend‘s Baio below. Additional talents you’ll find at the fest are Powers, Tigertown, and DC’s own The Walking Sticks. The fest will also curate some of the city’s top culinary talents so round up your friends and get your tickets today, as they’ll go up 25% in price the day of the show.
Banoffee was one of our favorite breakout artists of 2014, and now the musical project of Martha Brown has returned with her new EP, Do I Make You Nervous?. The effort drops tomorrow, October 2 on Dot Dash / Remote Control Records, and can be streamed in full on Spotify today. Continuing her non-committal attitude toward any specific musical style that makes her sound so fresh — the EP fuses gliding synths and syncopated beats, and of course her signature textured vocals. Take a listen to standout track, “Oceans” and then revisit “Reign Down” from her self-titled debut EP below.
Described as a Josey Wales outlaw-type raised on N.E.R.D and Kanye‘s 808s & Heartbreak, Steven A. Clark is a new artist based out of Miami beginning to make a name for himself. Having been compared to Frank Ocean and Twin Shadow, he’s poised for big things with the release of his debut album, The Lonely Roller out this month via Secretly Canadian. Similar to the aforementioned artists, he’s taken R&B and added his own blend of cinematic pop and electronics. Listen to the soul-stirring track “Can’t Have,” with its strings-infused opening, ardent production and impassioned vocals below.
Clark will be appearing at CMJ in October, followed by a run of shows with Sinkane in November. Find the full schedule below, which includes a stop at DC’s Black Cat.
Steven A. Clark Tour Schedule:
Tue. Oct. 13-Sat. Oct. 17 New York, NY @ CMJ
Tue. Nov. 10 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas (tickets) *
Wed. Nov. 11 New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge (tickets) *
Thu. Nov. 12 Boston, MA @ Great Scott (tickets) *
Fri. Nov. 13 Portsmouth, NH @ 3S Art Space (tickets) *
Sat. Nov. 14 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground (tickets) *
Sun. Nov. 15 Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz (tickets) *
Wed. Nov. 18 Toronto, ON @ The Drake Underground (tickets) *
Fri. Nov. 20 Detroit, MI @ Majestic Caf (tickets) *
Sat. Nov. 21 Chicago, IL @ Schubas (tickets) *
Sun. Nov. 22 Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR Pub (tickets) *
Tue. Nov. 24 Columbus, OH @ Skullys (tickets) *
Wed. Nov. 25 Washington, DC @ Black Cat (tickets) *
* w/ Sinkane
poetry in an empty coke can 