poetry in an empty coke can

Sinkane – How We Be

Posted on July 21, 2014July 24, 2014 by santiago

Sinkane is the nom de plume of Sudanese-born artist Ahmed Gallab. At the age of five, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, escaping the country’s political violence of the late 1980s. After becoming part of the city’s hardcore punk scene, Gallab eventually made his way to New York, where he began working on his solo project in Brooklyn.

He previously worked as a session multi-instrumentalist musician for Yeasayer, Caribou, Of Montreal, and more. Filled with funky, soulful basslines and a distinctive voice, Sinkane is slated to release his 2nd album Mean love via DFA Records September 2. Get your body moving with his track “How We Be,” available for streaming below.

Sinkane is scheduled to perform at DC9 on October 8.

RMX ROUNDUP: Golden Coast x Rainer + Grimm / Jessie Ware + Cyril Hahn / #1 Dads + Akouo

Posted on July 19, 2014June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

GoldenCoast

This week’s Remix Roundup begins with a refreshing rework of Golden Coast‘s “Break My Fall” from Rainer + Grimm. The Toronto-based producers take the original sunny tune from LA duo Golden Coast and sprinkle some magical tropical-infused house vibes, rendering this feel-good track rooftop ready. Stream below and snag a free download on SoundCloud.

Next we have the new one from Jessie Ware, “Tough Love” reworked by none other than Cyril Hahn. The Swiss producer known for his sexy, soulful imaginative reproductions transforms the already stunning song into a euphoric, danceable derivative. In other words, match made in heaven.

Lastly, let’s slow things down a bit with this divine downtempo edit of #1 Dads track “Return To” from Tasmanian DJ/producer Akouo. In a delectable discovery, it turns out #1 Dads is the solo project of Tom Ianske, the frontman of Australian alt-pop band Big Scary. While the original track featuring vocals from Tom Snowdon is a gorgeous piano-driven track, Akouo kicks it up a notch with his blissed-out and beat-filled production. Download gratis on SoundCloud.

LANY – ILYSB

Posted on July 18, 2014July 18, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Not much is known about the mysterious new trio LANY other than the fact that they have an affinity for acronyms. Put the Nashville three-piece on your radar though, as their facebook page boldly proclaims that they’re “GONNA BE AROUND FOREVER.” Stream the summery and polished pop track “ILYSB” below.

bAnoffee – Got It // Reign Down

Posted on July 16, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

There’s a certain “it” factor that emanates from new buzzworthy artists, and let’s just say bAnoffee‘s got it. The Australian newcomer, born Martha Brown has just released the single “Got It,” in anticipation of her debut EP set to release next month. With entrancing production from Oscar Key Sung, the intricately syncopated rhythm draws you in from the start and the abstract percussion provides the perfect backdrop for Brown’s gossamer vocals. Stream “Got It,” along with earlier release “Reign Down” below.

Ed Sheeran – Bloodstream

Posted on July 15, 2014June 28, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Although Ed Sheeran‘s hit track “The A Team” from his debut album, +, may have elevated his career to A-list status, the fact that he’s enjoying mainstream success doesn’t make the English singer-songwriter any less talented. And while I do not subscribe to all of Sheeran’s music, his track “Bloodstream” off recently released second studio album, x, (read “multiply”) is worth checking out. Sounding remarkably similar to Ben Howard, “Bloodstream,” which was written in part by Rudimental has a darker edge to it than the rest of the album — all the while maintaining an undercurrent of that signature folk-pop sound that he does so effortlessly. Listen below.

DC folk can catch Ed playing Merriweather Post Pavilion September 6.

RMX ROUNDUP: ZHU + Amtrac / Lana Del Ray + Munk / Alex Adair

Posted on July 12, 2014June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Time for another Remix Roundup — in which we share some of the best new remixes and electronic offerings currently in circulation on the blogosphere.

Last week’s roundup featured the Odesza remix of the ZHU track “Faded,” and now we’ve got another stellar one to share from the Kentucky DJ/producer Amtrac. His nu-disco rendition is a high energy and uplifting take on the original that will ramp up your weekend in no time. Next is a new remix of Lana Del Ray’s “West Coast” from German producer and Gomma label maestro Mathias Modica, aka Munk. While we’re not big fans of the original tbh, the sexy percussion and added bossa nova flavor make this deep house derivative something worth getting excited about.

Lastly, we have a new electronic track by the up-and-coming UK producer Alex Adair. The single, “Make Me Feel Better” will do just that with its uplifting house vibes and sun-swathed synths. Sampling from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” Adair has a knack for combining unexpected sounds in a way that is imaginative and invigorating. Press play on all three tracks below.

[GIVEAWAY]: Sam Smith – ‘In the Lonely Hour’ LP

Posted on July 11, 2014October 16, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

To make your Friday just that much better, I’ve got another Sam Smith giveaway for you! I’ve got a couple of autographed CDs to hand out, and one signed vinyl of Sam Smith’s new album, In the Lonely Hour. To win, leave a comment below or send me a tweet and let me know your favorite Sammy Smith song.

If you haven’t picked up Sam’s new album on iTunes yet, you’re missing out. Reset your week and listen to “Restart” below as you ponder your favorite track.

Young Summer – Taken

Posted on July 10, 2014August 29, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

D.C. artist Young Summer first made waves, literally, with the track, “Waves That Rolled You Under” last summer off her debut EP Fever Dream. Now the synthpop project is back in the studio, getting ready to release their first full-length album, SIREN — set to release August 26.

This week Young Summer premiered the video for the lead single off the album, “Taken,” the visuals for which are as stunning as singer Bobbie Allen’s vocals. Filmed in Bryce Canyon, Utah, the desolate scenes of the desert are befitting to the song’s theme of solitude and love lost. Director Allister Ann also adds a kaleidoscopic effect, serving to enhance the shimmering beauty of the ethereal track. Watch the mesmeric video below.

alt-J – Hunger Of The Pine // Left Hand Free

Posted on July 7, 2014July 14, 2014 by santiago

Cult indie trio alt-J will release their second full-length album, This Is All Yours, September 22 via Canvasback. The English band’s first single, “Hunger Of The Pine,” retains their trademark atmospheric sound, but adds the unexpected with a sample from Miley Cyrus’ song “4×4” that works surprisingly well. Discussing the song’s creation in an interview with NPR, keyboardist Gus Unger-Hamilton said: “It was written very quickly using some guitar chords and sounds being layered on Ableton, and seemed to signal a bit of a new sound for us. The lyrics mainly suggest the idea that missing someone — pining — can be a physical pain much like hunger.”

Also hot off the press is their second release, “Left Hand Free,” which is a markedly different sound from the former. Safe to say that true to their sobriquet, their sophomore effort will be a fresh new triumph for the group. Stream both songs below as you hunger for the new album.

alt-J will tour the UK and US this fall, making a final stop in the district November 19.

Sleeplessly embracing
Yawn yearns into me
Plenty more tears in the sea

RMX ROUNDUP: London Grammar + The Aston Shuffle / ZHU + Odesza / Racing Glaciers + backstroke.

Posted on July 5, 2014June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Welcome to another edition of Remix Roundup! Let’s get started with a scintillating new rework of London Grammar‘s “Wasting My Young Years,” by Aussie producers The Aston Shuffle. Having already been remixed several times over, the Sydney duo manage to put a new, up-tempo take on the track with their signature house sound and the addition of steel drums. Next up is the phenom new remix of ZHU‘s hit track, “Faded,” from Seattle production duo Odesza. Somewhat different from their prior releases, Odesza’s darker treatment with the use of distorted guitars and earth-shattering percussion makes for a dizzying and disorienting experience in a deeply satisfying way. Last up is the new remix of Racing Glaciers “First Light” from DC’s own remix artist, backstroke.. Elegantly crafted with an expansive soundscape, shuffling synths and tranquilizing trumpet, backstroke. have made one for the books, already claiming the top spot on HypeM. Stream all three below, and pick up the backstroke. remix gratis on Soundcloud.