We’ve been primed and ready for this day for awhile now. Lorely Rodriguez (aka Empress Of) has finally released her debut LP, Me, which is nothing short of majestic. Written during a solitary five-week stint at a secluded small town in Mexico, Rodriguez’s self-produced and first full-length is an explosive and raw exploration of interpersonal relations. Pitchfork put it best — the record is a ‘requiem for a doomed romance.’
“Water Water” was on repeat on our playlist since it was offered up earlier this summer as a first taste, and hearing the rest of the album we could not be more thrilled. A dazzling blend of avant-R&B and intelligent pop, Rodriguez is in her element with the thoughtful lyricism and exhilarating synth production exhibited on the LP. Out on Terrible Records today, put your money where your mouth is and purchase the album on iTunes.
Last time Empress Of played in the DC area, she had a coveted spot opening for Florence & The Machine at Merriweather Post Pavilion, and thankfully she’ll be returning this fall to play in the intimate venue of DC9. Get your tickets for the October 14 show here.
Portland’s Mimicking Birds released their sophomore album Eons last year, which was produced by Modest Mouse‘s Isaac Brock on his label Glacial Pace. Although their spectral sound has often been compared to the former, lead singer Nate Lacy’s voice sounds uncannily like that of Bombay Bicycle Club‘s Jack Steadman. Listen to the ethereal track — and highlight of the LP — “Memorabilia” with its esoteric lyrics below.
Mimicking Birds are on tour this month, playing at DC’s Black Cat this very evening. Find the remainder of their tour dates on their website here.
More than just a macabre title, DEATHS is the musical project of Russian producer and filmmaker Igor Bruso. Signed to UK label Love By Mistake (founded by musicalduo IYES), Bruso makes brooding electronica with haunting melodies and heartrending vocals — as evidenced by latest effort “Voices.” Listen to the stunning track, taken from their forthcoming EP below.
For those unfamiliar, Communionis a label founded by artists — Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons fame, Kevin Jones from Bear’s Den, and producer Ian Grimble. One of the unique platforms they offer for new artists is called Communion Residency, in which they host a monthly, multi-genre showcase of local, national and international emerging talent. This September they’re expanding to 11 US markets, including a stop at DC’s Jammin Java. The lineup for the September 11 show includes Conrad Sewell, Freedom Fry and Clara-Nova. To encourage everyone in the area (or one of the other host cities) to support this innovative medium for music discovery, we’ve provided a mini-preview of what these respective artists have to offer below.
Conrad Sewell is a 25-year-old singer-songwriter and new talent who hails from Australia. Fans of music producer Kygowill recognize him as the voice of his single “Firestone,” co-written by Sewell. Check it out below.
Another talent currently making a name for themselves is French/American duo Freedom Fry, who were ranked in the “100 Emerging Artists from SXSW” list on Spotify and had a #1 single on The Hype Machine this past year. For a sample of their sound, stream “Break Into a Musical” below. According to bandmates Bruce and Marie, the track is about “someone looking back on a failed relationship and remembering how they used to sing silly songs together, and now that memory is fading out. It’s actually a sad song with a happy sounding chorus.” Nonetheless, most of their songs are fairly upbeat so don’t be too disheartened.
Last but not least, the artist we’re probably most excited about sharing from the lineup is CLARA-NOVA. The name and concept for LA songstress Sydney Wayser sprung from her subconscious, in the form of a dream. Clara-Nova is essentially a distillation of all the qualities Wayser wished to possess: “She’s the newer version of myself. She’s a hybrid between Athena, Joan of Arc and Aphrodite. She’s a power woman, but still really feminine.”
Wayser’s debut single, “An Island” is a sprightly treasure of a tune with a backing track that keeps you guessing. She also has an EP in the works which was produced in part by Shawn Everett (known for his work with Alabama Shakes, Weezer and Julian Casablancas). Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources such as deep sea dance parties, ancient Egyptian ritual and Martian folklore, the new EP is sure to be one to watch out for. Better yet, go see her perform the tracks live before her stardom usurps her stage persona.
Brooklyn’s Small Black has released a couple of tracks in anticipation of their forthcoming album, Best Blues due out this fall. The follow-up to their 2013 LP Limits of Desire is “about loss, the specific loss of precious people in our lives, but also the loss of memories and the difficult fight to preserve them,” according to a press release. In fact, the synthpop outfit’s new single “‘No One Wants It To Happen To You'” was meant as a mantra,” says vocalist Josh Kolenik. “Something an older, wiser friend told you once that you might cling to in order to get through a terrible situation. The phrase you keep folded up in your pocket, letting you know better will surely come.” Cheers to that — Best Blues is set to release October 14 via Jagjaguwar.
A lot of end-of-summer remixes have surfaced as of late, which means it’s time for another Remix Roundup. To start, we wanted to share the Star Slinger rendition of swim good‘s “Since U Asked.” The original was a nostalgic gem of a track, and the UK producer takes it to the next level with his stellar upbeat spin. While leaving Merival‘s vocals at the forefront, Star Slinger shakes up the tempo and brings out the beat, ensuring the danceability factor. Stream below.
Next is the new mix of filous‘ first original track, “How Hard I Try” by prolific Portland producer RAC. The original track, by rising Austrian artist and music prodigy filous (the french word for “Rascal”) features vocals from James Hershey and has an inherently tropical tone. RAC takes it in a different direction with a more muted approach to the synths and haunting echoey instrumentation, which is apt given the subject matter.
In related news, RAC is actually going on tour with filous, Big Data and Pink Feathers this fall so be sure to check out their tour dates. For those in the District, they’ll be at DC’s 9:30 Club November 10 so get your tickets now!
Last but not least, we’re loving the fresh Four Tet take on the new CHVRCHES single “Leave A Trace.” CHVRCHES — everyone’s favorite Scottish synthpop outfit — caused a stir on the internet with the announcement of their sophomore album, Every Open Eye, due out September 25 on Glassnote Records. The English electronic artist strips down the poppiness of the original and instead supplies an underlying tension, building the track around the hook: “I know I need to feel relief.” It’s a masterful case of the production mimicking the message of the song, as only Four Tet is capable. Listen below.
Astronauts, etc. is an Oakland-based act formed by Anthony Ferraro and friends. Incidentally, Ferraro plays keys for Toro y Moi so it would make sense that they would be opening for the latter on their fall tour. Their recent ’70s-inflected single “I Know” is an apt demonstration of the Astronauts, etc. sound, self-described as somewhere between Grizzly Bear, The Bee Gees and Sade. Hear the groove below along with earlier effort “Mystery Colors,” which is a bit more mellow and introspective yet just as intriguing.
Locals, etc. can check out their show with Toro y Moi at Rams Head Live on October 4.
Electropop trio Superhumanoids have offered up new track “Norwegian Black Metal,” which is the second cut from their forthcoming album Do You Feel Ok?. According to the LA act, “the song is about obsession, escapism, and the power of something random to bring two people together — in this case the book True Norwegian Black Metal.” Despite the radical content of the book, the track itself is super dreamy, driven by lithe synths and singer Sarah Chernoff’s sugar-coated vocals.
Do You Feel OK? — the follow up to their 2013 debut Exhibitionists — drops September 11 via Innovative Leisure. Stream the new cut below and check out the dates for their fall headline tour, which includes a stop at DC9 on September 30.
Superhumanoids Upcoming Tour Dates:
9/15 – San Francisco, CA; Rickshaw Stop
9/17 – Seattle, WA; Barboza
9/18 – Portland, OR; Holocene
9/21 – Madison, WI; Frequency
9/22 – Chicago, IL; Beat Kitchen
9/23 – Cleveland, OH; Euclid Tavern
9/24 – Toronto, ON; The Drake
9/26 – Montreal, QC; Divan Orange
9/28 – Boston, MA; Great Scott
9/29 – Philadelphia, PA; Johnny Brendas
9/30 – Washington, DC; DC9
10/1 – Brooklyn, NY; Baby’s All Right
10/3 – Richmond, VA; Stranger Matter
10/4 – Asheville, NC; The Mothlight
10/5 – Atlanta, GA; Drunken Unicorn
10/6 – Nashville, TN; Hi-Watt
10/7 – Houston, TX; Rudyards
10/8 – Austin, TX; The Mohawk
10/10 – Phoenix, AZ; Pub Rock
10/13 – San Diego, CA; Casbah
10/14 – Los Angeles, CA; El Rey Theatre
The finest electronic tracks often sample an earlier hit song, and such is the case with scholar‘s latest effort, “Lovin You.” The Brisbane-based production duo consisting of Luke Cuerel and Nick Kirk claim they “were looking for a more upbeat, sample driven follow up to [their] last single ‘Daylight,’ something a bit bigger with bright, lush tones.”
Settling on Strike‘s ’90s smash dance single “U Sure Do” for the sample — a track which actually draws from a Donna Allen song — “Lovin You” replaces the original uptempo dance beat with with a blissed out, synth-washed tropical soundscape. The exquisite end result is a lesson on sampling done right. Stream below and download the track for free on scholar’s Soundcloud.
New Australian act Slum Sociable have unveiled the first cut off their upcoming EP, TQ. “All Night” is a shimmering mélange of jazz, trip-hop and electronica steeped in slinky synths and soulful vox. Look out for the Melbourne duo’s debut EP to drop October 9 via Liberation Music.
poetry in an empty coke can 