Blackbird Blackbird is coming out with a new EP June 3, and has released the title track “Tangerine Sky” in anticipation. The SF-based composer Mikey Maramag drops another sonic earworm with its wobbling synths and textured soundscape. Stream below — and if you’re in DC, I’ll see you at his Rock & Roll Hotel show June 30!
British producer Tourist‘s new EP Patterns dropped this past April, showcasing once more his talented production chops. The title track, “Patterns” is particularly beautiful as it features the soulful vocals of Lianne La Havas and a backing choir. I’m also partial to his seamless remix of London Grammar‘s new single, “Sights,” but that should be no surprise to anyone who follows this blog as my love for LG is well documented. Stunning through and through, it’s safe to say this re-creation is out of sight. Stream both songs below.
Perhaps you may have heard of Glass Animals, the much buzzed about quirk-pop quartet out of Oxford. Last year they signed with Wolf Tone records, the label started by super-producer Paul Epworth (known for his work with Adele, Florence Welch, and Foster the People). “Gooey” is the title of their first EP, as well as the lead single off their debut album Zaba, out June 9. The compelling track uses atmospheric and reverberated sounds to create a unique sonic formula that will keep your head spinning. Stream below, along with the inventive remix from Gilligan Moss, the Chicago producer that is generating a lot of buzz in his own rite.
Glass Animals has a smattering of U.S. tour dates this summer, and DC peeps can catch them at U Street Music Hall July 8.
Sneaking in another round of remixes before the weekend comes to a close. No time to waste, so let’s get started with the new single from electronic producer Sam O’Neill, aka TCTS. Having released EP These Heights late last year, he’s keeping the momentum with the release of his new EP Games. The lead single, “You” is another masterful, mid-tempo house pop song with driving synths, penetrating piano and dysphoric vocals from UK singer Sam Sure. Stream below. Next is the celestial reimagination of Phantogram‘s “Fall In Love,” from UK producer Until The Ribbon Breaks. An already stellar single in itself, UTRB takes the song in another, more tranquil direction that pleases the ear all anew. And lastly, Bombay Bicycle Club‘s track “Home By Now” gets the remix treatment from Louis The Child, the Chicago duo that just want to make people happy with music. Mission accomplished with their ebullient, arpeggio-infused rendition of BBC. Listen below and pick up a FREE download over on Soundcloud.
If you happened to be looking for the perfect sunny tune to take you into the weekend, then look no further than the nonchalant new indie trio, Robby Hunter Band. Starting out as a one-man show, Robby Hunter delighted locals busking on the beaches of Miami with his breezy laid-back tunes and charming musicianship. At the behest of local authorities, Robby was forced decided to take his craft to the next level and now, some years later, the band is a full-fledged three-piece with one LP under their belts. Listen to Rob and his merry men bring their self-professed mix of hometown heroism and finely honely artistry on their single “Hard On Me” — available for free download on Soundcloud.
Prinze George have released their third single, “This Time” and it is another doozy. Following up their earlier track “Victor,” the burgeoning BK band have yet another infectious serving of synthpop on their hands. Drink it in below, and if you’re in the NY area catch their debut show May 15 at Cameo Gallery in Williamsburg.
Despite making waves in the electronic music scene for nearly a decade, the recent release of Todd Terje‘s LP It’s Album Time marks the first full-length record for the artist. Recognized for his collaborations with Franz Ferdinand and Robbie Williams, Terje is the Norwegian DJ/producer known for his balearic beats and Italo disco synths. Stream the album single “Delorean Dynamite” and all its bossa nova flavor below.
At long last, Lykke Li has dropped her third studio album, I Never Learn as of today via LL/Atlantic Records. The Swedish siren’s highly-anticipated album is essentially an ode to a devastating breakup, wrought with expansive studio production and emotive power ballads. “Gunshot” is the glaring standout track of the album, with its anthemic chorus and lush reverb-laden vocals. Listen below, along with a heart pounding remix by Dutch producer Joris Voorn of another single off the album, “No Rest For the Wicked.”
Pharrell’s chart-topping, hit single “Happy” is ubiquitous by this point, and already numerous bootleg remixes abound. However, even the happiest of subjects often have a melancholic underpinning, which is exactly what is explored by French musician and director Yoann Lemoine (aka Woodkid) in this ‘sad’ rendition of the Pharrell piece. In a beautiful and poignant contrast from the original, Lemoine infuses the melody with a dramatic instrumentation of strings, piano, and minor chords — exposing the fragile core of its predecessor. Stream the gut-wrenching result below.
Another Saturday night calls for another Remix Roundup — so let’s get started shall we? First up, we have the new Claptone reconstruction of RÜFÜS‘s third single “Sundream.” The German producer adds some tight deep house percussion that doesn’t stray too much from the original — perfectly lending itself to your late Saturday night activities. Next, Marian Hill has reworked singer Zella Day‘s “Sweet Ophelia” into a funky, fresh chopped-up reinterpretation worthy of your time. And finally, NYC production duo Follow Me regale us with their high-energy single “Somethin’ Bout You,” that will indeed make you want to follow them — or break out into dance — one or the other. Get down with this groovy dance floor track by streaming below and picking up the free download on Soundcloud.
poetry in an empty coke can 