Props to my Canadian friend Jon Keypour for this one, who introduced me to the Montreal-based indie/art-rock group known as Braids. Their dreampop sound is experimental in nature — akin to Animal Collective if their vocalist were female.
The kaleidoscopic track “Lemonade” is off their debut album, Native Speaker, which while a couple years old is still relevant. The Canadian quartet recently released a new album and is currently on tour in Europe.
While Tegan and Sara‘s latest album, Heartthrob may not have caught my attention at the time of its release earlier this year, this Monsieur Adi makeover of their track “I Was A Fool” certainly did. The Parisian producer turns the simple track into an 80’s pop ballad with its four-to-the-floor beat — and a synth chord that reminds me a little of this Boy Meets Girl gem.
Canadian producer Jellosea has pulled a Cyril Hahn-like transformation on the hit song “Cups,” sung by Anna Kendrick in the film Pitch Perfect. While the original is a low-cal catchy pop tune, Jellosea masterfully renders it into a layered and meaningful arrangement.
Digging this diaphanous number from new ambient-pop indie outfit, Seoul. Based out of Montreal, the group is scheduled to support Local Natives and Wild Nothing in concert later this month. Stream their dreamy single “Stay With Us” and pick up a FREE download below.
Digging this sexy edit of AlunaGeorge’s “Outlines” by Pat Lok. The Canadian producer picks up the tempo on the AG original – giving it a summery vibe with the addition of subtle tropical synths and a bass line. Pick up a FREE download below.
One of my favorite female artists to emerge this year is Grimes – nom de plume of Claire Boucher – a Canadian artist known for her childlike, dulcet vocals and eclectic blend of lo-fi synthpop. If you’re not yet hip to Grimes, stream and download the dream-like “Genesis” off her album Visions below.
Canadian progressive rock group The Zolas released their second LP, Ancient Mars last month and have been gaining popular momentum ever since. Best single off the duo’s sophomore album is the seriously catchy “Knot in My Heart,” aptly described by 32ft/second as:
“one of those pop songs that traffics in the dark sorts of solipsisms of the early 20s, the sort of sea sick pains that you wake up with, a grinding anxiety of love and loss, […] set to a bouncy, modulated chorus that tickles every dopamine receptor available.”
poetry in an empty coke can 