French producer Darius dropped the sizzling single “Hot Hands” with the release of his EP Romance earlier this year, and it is indeed hawt. Released on Roche Musique Records, the EP is filled with dreamy disco-laden tracks, as one would expect from a French house label. Get your hands on the sultry groove below.
Montreal’s Mac DeMarco released his new album Salad Days via Captured Tracks the first of this month. And for only a 23-year-old, DeMarco demonstrates remarkable craftsmanship — and a world weariness that is a marked departure from earlier efforts. Albeit still quirky in his aesthetic, the Justin Kirk look-alike manages to show a more authentic side of himself on the LP with his blend of understated pop and lo-fi sound. Stream the dismal single “Passing Out Pieces” below.
Brother/sister duo BROODS has made quite the impression on the blogosphere, and with their hit debut single “Bridges” it’s easy to understand why. Produced by the Grammy award-winning (and Lorde producer) Joel Little, the New Zealand siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott are clearly poised for international success with their ethereal atmospheric sound. What’s really blowing me away though is the below remix from NY production duo ASTR, who apply a breathtaking balearic beat and melody that manages to elevate the original in my mind. If you’re in the DC market, you can catch BROODS at U Street Music Hall this Friday, May 2 and ASTR opening for The Knocks at 930 Club June 16.
This dreamy new remix of Bon Iver’s “Holocene” from Satchmode is the perfect downtempo soundtrack for this rainy day in the district. The LA production duo keeps Justin Vernon’s vocals at the forefront — adding an underlying shimmery layer of immersive synths to stunning effect. Listen below, and pick up a free download over on Soundcloud.
Time for another edition of Remix Roundup! The LA producer Goldroom has been killing it lately, and I’m loving his mix of MS MR‘s “Hurricane.” This track has already been given the remix treatment several times over, but Goldroom brings something new to the table with signature sun-drenched production. Next we have EMBRZ, the boy wonder from Ireland with a knack for glitch-pop. His take on The 1975‘s track “Settle Down” is spot-on with his chopped up synths and sonic dreamscape. And finally, Dutch artist Nick Van Hofwegen (Young & Sick) has teamed up with Harvest Records labelmate, Mr Little Jeans to give her song “Good Mistake” a darker, more digitized remodel. Retaining the original catchy melody that makes the original so brilliant, the soulful ‘Y&S $500 Remix’ is a fresh new way to enjoy the electropop number. Stream all three electronic gems below.
Yes, Public Service Broadcasting is the name for a band — composed of the corduroy-obsessed J. Willgoose and his drumming companion Wrigglesworth. The pioneering London entity samples from old public information films and sets them to contemporary music. Granted exclusive access to WWII-era archives from the British Film Institute, their propaganda-inspired music is an educational aural affair complete with krautrock guitars, banjo, atmospheric synths, piano and propulsive drums. Experience the spectacular PSB by streaming “Spitfire” — the lead track off their 2012 EP The War Room below.
SIREN is a new indie-pop duo out of LA, comprised of friends Kat Ostenberg and Skyler Stonestreet. Their debut single “I Think I Like You” rose to prominence on the HypeM charts earlier this month, thanks to their infectious hook lines, rousing drums, unique styling and well, overall sirenic sound. Stream below — I think you’ll like it 😉
Jeremy Malvin, who creates music under the name Chrome Sparks is a young musician and native of Ann Arbor, now residing in Brooklyn. His obsession for synthesizers can be clearly seen in Marijuana, a song from his EP Sparks released March 2013. Influenced by a background in classical percussion, Chrome Sparks’ music is filled with a cloud of arpeggiators and lead sounds. Jeremy can currently be found on tour with a couple of friends — with upcoming performances at DC9 April 30, and Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn May 2.
I feel music in your eyes
Rainbows, in your ears
British songstress Kyla La Grange is gearing up to release her second LP, Cut Your Teeth in June and has released the track “The Knife” in anticipation. Produced by Jakwob, the electronic offering employs a sweet cocktail of kalimbas, sugary synths and calypso steel drums that drift along harmoniously with La Grange’s soothing vocals. Stream the cut below.
Welcome to another edition of Remix Roundup! Let’s get started with this Goldroom/MØ collaboration on the soulful track “Don’t Wanna Dance.” The LA producer/DJ takes the Danish artist MØ’s original to nu-disco-heights with his hypnotic, shimmering synthed-up rendition. (Sidenote: DC’ers can catch the Danish songstress performing at U Street Music Hall on May 20.) Next up is Brooklyn producer BAILE‘s electronic rework of British indie rock band Daughter‘s song “Love” — off their 2012 EP Wild Youth (via 4AD). Dark and foreboding, this downtempo and percussion-laden remix blends well with Elena Tonra’s chilling vocals. Last but not least is the gorgeous Rainer and Grimm re-imagining of Sam Smith‘s affective new ballad, “Stay With Me.” I’ve been waiting for a quality retake on this one, and it turns out the Toronto-based production duo were just the ones to step up to the plate. Stream all three tracks below — each of which is available for FREE by following their respective DL links on Soundcloud.
poetry in an empty coke can 