Avec Sans is a new electropop duo out of London, consisting of Alice Fox and Jack St. James. Their take on Swiss Lips “U Got the Power” officially releases April 29th – but get ahead of the game and pick up a free download for your weekend below.
Alesso – ‘If I Lose Myself’ Mix
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.
Artist Spotlight: Amtrac
Caleb Cornett, also known as Amtrac is a DJ/producer from Kentucky who has been gaining momentum as of late and for good reason. His remix of French producer Milwaukee’s (oxymoron much?) single “Alone” is a gorgeous electro/nu-disco number that improves upon the original.
More recently he also reworked the Alex Metric track “Rave Number.” Stream and download this dance floor-ready tune below.
Henry Krinkle – Stay
Henry Krinkle, for your ambient listening on repeat.
Flight Facilities – “Clair de Lune”
Pop production duo from Australia, Flight Facilities — best known for their dancefloor number Crave You — are back with the blissful single featuring the vocals of Christine Hoberg, “Clair de Lune.” Stunning.
Grimes – Genesis
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.
Ultraísta – Smalltalk (Four Tet Remix)
Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich’s newest project is a trio called Ultraísta, named after the Spanish literary movement ultraismo. Nigel brings his singular brand of sonic soundscapes to the group’s self-titled debut LP, which was released October this year.
This excellent Four Tet remix of “Smalltalk” highlights the cool vocals of new London artist Laura Bettinson. Another requisite remix to check out (if you call yourself a Radiohead fan) is the Alpines rework of “Bad Insect” below.
so I’m not going out, and I’m not gonna dance
not gonna sing unless somebody’s holding on
Crystal Castles – III
In keeping with this week’s theme of Halloween-related music, today’s post features the experimental group with ‘goth-pop sensibilities,’ Crystal Castles. The nihilistic worldview of the Canadian duo is evident in their dark tones and dystopic lyrics. Although discordant at times, their array of sounds come together in what is ultimately wickedly mesmerizing stuff.
Also continuing the meme of three-character monikers, the following tracks “Plague” and “Wrath of God” are off their forthcoming album, III, scheduled to drop November 12. Apparently CC used the first take of each recording on the album, averring that “the first take is the rawest expression of an idea.” That level of commitment to a musical philosophy is commendable.
For good measure, I also threw in a vintage favorite, “Celestica.” Listen to and download all three tracks below.
when it’s cold outside hold me / don’t hold me
when I choose to rest my eyes coax me / don’t coax me
follow me into nowhere / woven with the utmost care
No Ceremony/// – FEELSOLOW
While little is known about No Ceremony///, the mysterious outfit from Manchester have been making waves on the web with dark but dreamy electronic pop tunes like FEELSOLOW, released earlier this month. Shortly thereafter, Theatre of Delays put out a remix that amps up the original track, preserving the tender undertones at the same time.
Satin Jackets – You Make Me Feel Good
From German producers known as Satin Jackets, this house track does exactly what the title avows.
poetry in an empty coke can 