poetry in an empty coke can

Leon Bridges – Better Man

Posted on March 30, 2015October 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

In the wake of SXSW, the musical illuminati have spoken and the consensus is that singer-songwriter Leon Bridges is poised to be the next big thing. Drawing comparisons to Sam Cooke with his retro, 60s-soul inspired sound and matching sartorial aesthetic, if you’re as keen on this era as we are you will definitely want to get acquainted with this Fort Worth artist.

Although the crooner has only a few singles to his name currently, keep an eye out for an album to be released via Columbia Records later this year. Meanwhile, doo-wop your way through “Better Man” below.

Aeble – Better By Your Side (ft. Tom Aspaul)

Posted on March 26, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Brighton-based producer Aeble has just released his debut track, and we are into it. “Better By Your Side” is a wispy, glistening house number, perfectly complimented by the affective Rhye-esque vocals of Tom Aspaul. Speaking to FADER, Aeble states: “I wanted to say everything that needed to be said in one line. It’s hard to boil it down to something so simple and leave no one guessing as to what you mean, or how you want something perceived.”

So there you have it. No room for misinterpretation on this one — and we’re better with this intoxicating track in our collection. Luckily it will be available on new label Estate soon.

KALEIDA – Think

Posted on March 24, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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New electropop duo known as KALEIDA is the combined talents of Londoners Christina Wood (vocals, lyrics) and Cicely Goulder (keys, production, lyrics). Honing their minimal style and sultry rhythmic sound over the past year or so, the duo is now primed to release their debut EP, entitled Think on April 6 via Lex Records. Stream standout tracks “Think” and “Tropea” below.

Father John Misty – Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins) // True Affection

Posted on March 23, 2015March 23, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Father John Misty, the moniker of Josh Tillman and former member of Fleet Foxes released his sophomore album last month to near universal praise. Misty seems to have mastered the perilous arch between earnest artistry and satirical indifference, as Tillman’s natural talent merged with his unabashed lyricism is a risk that pays off in dividends on the new album. On the ironically titled LP, I Love You, Honeybear, the Baltimore-bred artist bands together a brazenly beautiful collection of music, covering everything from drugs, to religion, to marriage, and so much more.

“Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)” is a melodic, feel-good folk number, appropriately dedicated to his wife and filled with playful harmonies, strings and mariachi horns towards the end. However, our truest adoration lies with the subsequent song to “Chateau,” the more electronic-leaning track entitled “True Affection.” The whole endeavor is worth experiencing start to finish though — find it on iTunes here.

Additionally, Father John Misty will be playing a sold-out show this Saturday at DC’s 9:30 Club so if you got tickets, good on you.

RMX ROUNDUP: Shakarchi & Stranéus + HNNY / Bag Raiders / Hundred Waters + Shigeto

Posted on March 21, 2015June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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Welcome to another edition of Remix Roundup, a segment in which we bring you the latest and greatest mixes circulating the interwebs. First up is a refreshing upbeat edit of Swedish duo Shakarchi & Stranéus‘ “Hissmusik” from fellow Swedish producer HNNY (pronounced honey). The track amounts to insanely infectious dance music, complete with playful bass, an addictive vocal hook and even a flute solo. Treat your ears to this aural nectar below.

In keeping with this breezy and convivial vibe, we take a short remix interlude to bring you this blithe electronic track from Sydney’s Bag Raiders that we’ve had up our sleeves for some time. The now LA-based duo, Chris Stracey and Jack Glass import the tropics with “Nairobi,” an instrumental track infused with marimba melodies and conga rhythms that make us anxious for summer. Although the track was released on an EP of the same name last year, the group is allegedly at work on their second album.

Lastly, Michigan producer Shigeto recently was tasked with reworking a Hundred Waters track for their Remix album of The Moon Rang Like a Bell. While “Cavity” is a dark and spectral tune perfect in it’s own right, the Ghostly International-signed artist manages to add some levity to the original in a way that doesn’t detract — but rather gives it a new form entirely.

Exquisite instrumentation with Shigeto’s signature chimes and an intricate melody make for a revivifying final product, that sends our hearts soaring when the looping begins around 1:35 minutes in. Stream this Little Dragon-esque delicacy below, and be sure to pick up the entire Remix LP on iTunes while you’re at it.

Zero 7 – 400 Blows

Posted on March 19, 2015March 19, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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While their name may be synonymous with the Garden State soundtrack to some, electronic duo Zero 7 have actually been building a sizable body of work since their beginnings in 2001. In fact, the British act, Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker have released over four albums in the past decade or so. Their latest EP, EP3 features a collaboration with José González and is scheduled to release March 31 on vinyl and April 14 digitally on Make Records.

We’re obsessed with EP3‘s opening track, “400 Blows,” with vocals from UK artist Danny Pratt. Check out this stunner below — along with the lovely and serene “Last Light” single starring González on vox. Fans can look forward to a possible full-length release by the duo this fall.

Young Wonder – Enchanted

Posted on March 17, 2015April 14, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

In honor of St. Paddy’s, we implore you to listen to the new gem from Ireland’s own electropop duo, Young Wonder. The Irish act first made a splash on the scene in 2012 with their self-titled debut EP, followed by their Show Your Teeth EP in 2013. Now, the duo comprised of Ian Ring and Rachel Koeman have offered up their new track “Enchanted,” which shows off their shimmering, astral production skills and bewitching Bjork-esque vocals, respectively. Expect a full-length album reveal from these two later this year.

Will Joseph Cook – Message

Posted on March 16, 2015March 16, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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Up-and-coming talent Will Joseph Cook has just announced his debut EP, You Jump I Run which will drop on Duly Noted Records April 21. Accompanying the disclosure is the release of the British singer-songwriter’s stirring new single “Message.” The track is about ‘those tendencies that some have, where they get caught up in nostalgia and over glorifying the past, never looking forward,’ explains Cook. ‘Message is about getting away from that.‘ Pretty sophic statement coming from the mere 17-year-old artist. Stream this heartwarming track in anticipation of the EP below.

Great Good Fine Ok – Too Much To Handle

Posted on March 12, 2015March 12, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Gearing up to release their second EP next week, Great Good Fine Ok follows up their 2014 debut EP Body Diamond with 2M2H, due out March 16 via Sony Music. Avowedly influenced by heavy pop hitters like Prince and Michael Jackson, the Brooklyn duo Luke Moellman and Jon Sandler have certainly honed their pop sensibilities on the album with their shimmering, fizzling synths and lushly layered vocals. Listen to the EP’s lead track, “Too Much To Handle” below — okay? Great, good, fine, OK.

Milo Greene – On The Fence

Posted on March 10, 2015April 5, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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The LA-based quartet Milo Greene released their second LP Control to favorable reviews in January this year. The record marks a shift in tone for the inherently likable indie-pop act, who worked with Joey Waronker (musician for Beck, R.E.M. and Atoms for Peace) and Jesse Shatkin (Sia, Foster The People and Ellie Goulding) on the production. Following their 2012 self-titled debut, which embodies more of an indie folk aura, the new album moves toward a dancier, synth-driven sound that also showcases each of the band member’s individual talents as they share the spotlight, vocally and instrumentally.

Watch the lyric video for the infectious, finger-snapping single “On The Fence” off the new LP below, then check out some of our favorites from the first album.

After a supporting gig for Bombay Bicycle Club last fall, Milo can now be seen on their first headlining tour in North America. DC locals should be sure to catch their set at Rock & Roll Hotel this Sunday, March 15.