Ben Howard – Only Love

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Ben Howard is the adorable Brit and singer-songwriter, whom I first discovered via this Moonlight Matters Rework of his 2010 single “The Fear.” His debut album, Every Kingdom, released October 2011, and has been steadily climbing the charts ever since — peaking at #4 on the UK Albums Chart in February this year after landing two BRIT Awards.

While it’s hard to stand out in the vast singer-songwriter genre, Ben Howard manages to do so with his unique vocal stylings and haunting musical sensibilities. His sound reminds me of José González, which frankly, the world could use more of.

Upcoming US tour dates include Coachella next weekend, The Fillmore in SF directly thereafter, and then finally at Central Park Summer Stage in NY July 29 after a number of stops abroad (including Glastonbury in June!). Check out “Only Love” below, along with a mellowed out and remarkable rendering of “Call Me Maybe.”

Alesso – ‘If I Lose Myself’ Mix

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Alesso (born Alessandro Lindblad) is a DJ/EDM producer from Sweden. Achieving worldwide recognition with progressive house hit “Years” in 2011, the Swede recently dropped this anthemic remix of OneRepublic’s “If I Lose Myself.” With its catchy vocals, captivating synths and dramatic build-up, I find myself unable to stop from bursting into song whenever I hear it.

He also paired up with Dirty South last year to release explosive pop ballad “City of Dreams,” included in my best of list for 2012 —  it’s that good.

Alesso will be playing at DC’s Echostage April 19th. Although I have yet to experience this venue, given the amount of energy the Swedish producer packs into his music I’m sure it is to be an exhilarating show.

Cayucas – High School Lover

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Cayucas is a California-based group, whose namesake is a seaside town in San Luis Obispo with a sound to match. Channeling the likes of Beck and Tame Impala, “High School Lover” is a laidback lo-fi number with a nostalgic feel. Pick up a FREE download of the track off debut album Bigfoot below, which will be out April 1st next week.

Local Natives – You & I

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In case you haven’t heard, Local Natives and their gorgeous harmonies are back on their new album, Hummingbird, released January 29 via Frenchkiss records (and I insist you visit the label’s previously linked fb page, for no other reason than to view the absurdly awesome cover photo). The LA-based band does not disappoint with their sophomore effort, retaining their original melodic appeal while putting forth some new introspective material.

Local Natives are playing two sold-out shows at 930 Club in DC next month – April 5th and 6th. Sad to say, I do not have a ticket. If someone wants to remedy this, please contact me immediately. I was also delighted to see that directly following their DC stop, the group will be headed to my hometown, Tulsa for a performance at Cain’s Ballroom on the 9th. Nice!

Sample a couple of tracks off the new album – “You & I” and “Heavy Feet” – below, along with another favorite off the debut album Gorilla Manor.

oh what a fool I was to think / that I could get by on a smile and a wink

Dillon – Thirteen Thirtyfive (Christian Strobe Remix)

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While I won’t try to dissect the lyrics on this one, let’s just enjoy the rad remix that is German producer Christian Strobe’s take on “Thirteen Thirtyfive.” You can catch the original on the Brazilian-born, but Berlin-based singer Dillon‘s debut album, This Silence Kills.

File this under ‘nu disco trap,’ according to Strobe’s Soundcloud page. And grab the free download for your weekend playlist by liking him on facebook.

Ra Ra Riot – Is It Too Much

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I had all but overlooked Ra Ra Riot‘s new album (panned by critics), when whilst on my way to work one morning I heard the following track on the radio and had that old swooning feeling associated with the group’s debut record, The Rhumb Line.

The NY-based group’s third album, Beta Love released January 2013 comes as a departure from their signature chamber/baroque pop sound, which incorporated more string instrumentation and less electronic elements (the cellist recently left the band). “Is It Too Much,” however, hearkens back to their original sound and is a reminder of the group’s sweet and poignant appeal.

Despite the transitional period the band is evidently experiencing, I regret not being able to see them at DC’s 930 Club the day after their album dropped. Hopefully there will be more opportunities in the future, however, as the group navigates their way (and their place) in this brave new electronic era.

Miike Snow – Happy to You

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Swedish electro group Miike Snow released their second full-length album Happy To You last March, and it is no short of amazing (featured on my 2012 ‘best of’ list). I had the privilege of seeing them at 930 club in DC last October and they did not disappoint (this post has been a long time coming).

Experience a bit of the magic with a clip from “Bavarian #1 (Say You Will)” below. “Devil’s Work” immediately following is another of my favorite tracks off the stellar sophomore album.