Rationale – Fast Lane

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Rationale is a new producer based out of London who made waves for his unconventional debut, “Fast Lane.” The as-of-yet faceless artist has a heartfelt, genre-hopping sound that caught the attention of Pharrell and Scott Vener, who featured the soulful song on the inaugural episode of OTHERtone–their new Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio program–waxing poetic on the track with guest Justin Timberlake. At two minutes and 35 seconds long the effort feels more like a preview, but luckily the producer has an album in the works. Rationale explains the basis behind the project is to make tunes for “people who seek out sincere music which emotes and provides that special relatable something we all feel when a song really connects.” Get connected with this song below.

RMX ROUNDUP: RÜFÜS DU SOL / CHVRCHES + Tourist / Tora + Daniele di Martino

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Time for another Remix Roundup, a semi-biweekly segment in which we bring you the best new mixes and electronic tracks currently in our rotation. First up is the new single from RÜFÜS, the Australian act who are getting ready to release their sophomore album and follow-up to Atlas. The Sydney trio make dark, hypnotic electronic jams that we — and the large amount of fans they’ve amassed — can’t get enough of. Stream “You Were Right” below.

Speaking of artists people can’t get enough of, it’s been a banner year for Will Phillips, the gifted UK producer professionally known as Tourist. He won a Grammy for co-writing Sam Smith‘s smash hit “Stay With Me,” and has collaborated with a number of big name artists. While his take on CHVRCHES synthpop anthem “Lies” isn’t new, it feels like a good time to revisit one of his first major mixes. Stripping back the original into a slow-burning, piano-backed ballad, Tourist keeps the focus on Lauren Mayberry‘s vocals, which are masterfully layered and pitch-shifted at points to potent effect.

At last, we have a new one from Daniele di Martino, the German DJ/producer who has thoroughly impressed us with his intense, sun-drenched rendition of Tora‘s hit track “Jaigantic.” The more subdued original comes from Australian quintet Tora’s 2014 EP, Eat The Sun. With the fervid beats and bass Martino infuses — along with the yearning vocals — this entrancing revision is truly outstanding. It merits a spot on your summer playlist so snag a free download by liking Martino’s Facebook page here.

LANKS – Hold Me Closer

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Australian producer Will Cuming, aka LANKS released his sophomore EP Banquet last week and if woozy electronic production is your thing, the six-track collection should be added to your listening library stat. Mixed by Andrei Eremin (Oscar Key Sung, Chet Faker), the EP contains a dreamy set of downtempo numbers laced in intricately woven melodies and moody vocals. With its guitar strums and beckoning synths, “Hold Me Closer” is our pick for best track — hear it below.

Wye Oak – Shriek

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We’re willing to admit when we’ve made a mistake, and in this instance it was not covering Wye Oak‘s 2014 album Shriek last year. We’re remedying this now, however, because the ethereal, dreampop soundscapes of the Baltimore duo—composed of multi-instrumentalist Andy Stack and vocalist Jenn Wasner—fall right within our wheelhouse. In an effort to transform themselves on their fourth studio album, Wye Oak shed their guitars for a more synthesized sound and the result is nothing short of stupendous. Wasner’s angelic alto has a calming effect that reaches its full potential on palpable songs like “Shriek” and “Before,” the opening tracks of the LP. Stream these efforts from the immensely talented duo below. Wye Oak has also announced a special upcoming performance with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in November.

Destroyer – Dream Lover

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Following their EP Five Spanish Songs released in 2013, Destroyer makes a solid return with the first single off their forthcoming album Poison Season. “Dream Lover” retains the band’s characteristic identity, employing horns and delayed saxophones in support of Dan Bejar’s vocals — all sustained by a steady and melodic beat. Consistent with his previous works, the song denotes the jubilant refrain of an optimist whose heart is cloaked in cynicism. The new long-play will be unveiled August 28 via Merge Records, and DC area folk will have the opportunity to see Destroyer live at 9:30 Club October 5.

swim good x Merival – since u asked

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As part of producer Ryan Hemsworth‘s Secret Songs series, swim good has paired up with vocalist Anna Horvath aka Merival to produce “since u asked.” Jon Lawless, the Toronto-based artist behind swim good has cooked up a sweet little ditty of a track that also features contributions from Joel Karlsson of Air France (RIP), Darren Seltmann from The Avalanches and Torquil Campbell of Stars. On top of this dream team of producers, we detected a Whitney Houston sample in there as well.

So what’s the song about you say? Glad u asked. Lawless notes that the track is a response to the highs and lows of “when someone asks how you’re doing and you can’t help but give a super honest answer.” Relatable. Stream this wistful, heartrending tune below.

Rudimental – Rumour Mill (ft. Anne-Marie & Will Heard)

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In anticipation of their forthcoming album We the Generation, powerhouse UK electronic act Rudimental has shared the official second single off the LP. “Rumour Mill” is a vocal duet between between rising London singers Anne-Marie and Will Heard. We’ve heard Heard (hah) before on Tourist‘ track “I Can’t Keep Up,” and he continues to entice us with his seductive and broody vocals. The effort is a feel-good, energetic house number that will make you want to dance all up in your car, much like the video below. Look out for Rudimental’s album to drop September 18 via Major Tom’s/Big Beat, and scope out their upcoming U.S. tour dates below.

Rudimental North American Tour Dates:

09/29 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
09/30 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
10/03 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall
10/06 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
10/07 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
10/08 – San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine
10/09 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom

Cayucas – Moony Eyed Walrus

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Seaside, surf-pop duo Cayucas dropped their sophomore LP Dancing at the Blue Lagoon via Secretly Canadian this week. Twin brothers Zach and Ben Yudin expanded their musical aesthetic on the album, imbuing their tropical and typically Californian sound with a more personal tone and overall riper quality. Stream the jangly and sun-washed tune “Moony Eyed Walrus” for a taste of the LP below. DC locals can catch Cayucas playing Rock & Roll Hotel August 3, with Hibou supporting.

Farao – Bodies

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Just when you start to think you’re becoming aurally jaded, a Scandi indie-folk goddess emerges out of the ether to restore your faith in the new music scene. Such is the case with Kari Jahnsen, the London-based Norwegian singer-songwriter known as Farao. She just released her new single “Bodies,” which will be featured on her forthcoming debut LP Till It’s All Forgotten — out on September 11 via Full Time Hobby. The album, on which Jahsen composed and performed nearly all the instruments was produced by Mike Lindsay (of English group Tunng) and mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Andrew Scheps (Hozier, Lana Del Ray). The beauty of “Bodies” is that it unwinds in an unexpected fashion, expanding in all different directions all the while retaining its bedazzling and melodic musical core.

Farao’s first US tour kicks off in NYC this fall and concludes in LA. Full dates below — but DC brethren can catch the chanteuse at DC9 September 23.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

9/10 – Sebright Arms – London, UK
9/17 – Rockwood Music Hall – New York, USA
9/22 – Smiling Buddha – Toronto, CA
9/23 – DC9 – Washington DC, USA
9/24 – Boot & Saddle – Philadelphia, USA
9/26 – Music Hall Loft – Portsmouth, USA
9/29 – Hotel Café – Los Angeles, USA

 

Thundercat – Them Changes

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Today marks the release of a surprise album by none other than bass wizard Stephen Bruner, professionally known as Thundercat. The mini-LP, which was announced only a few days ago is entitled The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam and was released on Flying Lotus‘ label Brainfeeder. FlyLo actually co-produced the lead track “Them Changes,” which is a funky and jazz-infused jaunt about the crimson aftermath of a love gone wrong. The number also features notable jazz musician Kamasi Washington on sax. We can’t say enough good things about this one, so listen below and then head over to iTunes to purchase / hear the album in full.