electronica – poetry in an empty coke can

Mined – Mistakes

Posted on March 23, 2017 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Mined - Promo shot 1

Electronica newcomer Kofi Holmes Attivor, aka Mined was born to a Ghanaian family in London and raised on the RnB and soul found in his parents’ record collection. Granted his wish to get his first “sleek, silver Casio,” Attivor began investigating the sonic landscapes of Brian Eno‘s Music for Airports, as well as the work of artists such as Spooky Black, Majical Cloudz and Foals –ultimately developing his own sound embodying his philomathic outlook.

Mined mines earnest emotions mixed in an intricate, minimalistic space, and has been compared to the likes of James Blake, Caribou and Boards of Canada. “I’ve always been more drawn to poignant honest music that evokes a sense of melancholy, or sadness or nostalgia,” Mined explains.

This is readily apparent on “Mistakes,” a piece off his forthcoming EP Loves Low’s. Written as a means of escapism, Mined wrote his latest tracks in his room in London. The EP is due out spring 2017 on Peacefrog Records.

Amethysts – Stones

Posted on December 7, 2016December 7, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

England continues to be a steady purveyor of solid electronic dreampop, as evidenced yet again with new Suffolk act Amethysts. The duo, who’ve received support from tastemakers such as BBC Radio 1‘s Huw Stephens, caught our attention with their latest and second single, “Stones.”

Curtains of synth and hazy guitar atop sub-bass drums set the foundation for the group’s ethereal sound. The capstone of their music though is vocalist Clarice Parrot — when she goes into her upper register around 1:15, “Stones” reaches a seraphic state and the group’s potential seems to know no bounds.

Much like the stone their namesake represents, Amethyst’s music exudes inner strength and spiritual growth, so we’re looking forward to seeing what 2017 has in store for them. Enjoy this gem below.

[CCP Premiere]: Snowpoet – Little Moon Man (Jeevan Rai Rework)

Posted on November 29, 2016November 30, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Following the release of their self-titled debut album in January of this year, London’s Snowpoet are preparing to release a remix EP due out December 2. It’s a beautiful alt-folk record, so today we’re delighted to bring you the first listen of the “Little Moon Man” edit by fellow British producer Jeevan Rai.

Snowpoet aspire to bring melody, form and poetry to a new setting. Comprised of vocalist Lauren Kinsella and composer Chris Hyson, together the duo create beautifully intricate, jazz-tinged and textured melodies that naturally lend themselves to a nuanced re-rendering from dexterous producers.

Jeevan Rai, a so-called laptop musician is one of them, applying bright synths, ethereal vocal loops and masterful layering to the original to create a complex and resonate rework. Currently completing a doctoral thesis on topological representations of computer music, Rai is clearly not one to rest on his laptop laurels as he endeavors to explore a spacious and neoteric sound.

The remix package — which closes out a stellar year for Snowpoet will feature other reworks by Jauge, Jeevan Rai and Vaun. Hear the magnetic “Little Moon Man” mix below.

[CCP PREMIERE]: MRKI – Weird Nights

Posted on November 16, 2016November 16, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

CCP is pleased to premiere the new single from Miami’s MRKI — a sublime slice of electronica entitled “Weird Nights.” The female artist takes her name from the Greek word meraki, a term used to describe the soul, love or passion that one puts into their work. Such is the aim of MRKI, who uses nu-R&B and experimental electronics on her latest effort to create a downtempo pop ballad with the help of fellow Floridian and producer known as Kaixen. The atmospheric track “Weird Nights” begins with a mystical, Purity Ring-esque opening and draws you in closer with melodic synth swirls and woodwind section throughout its duration until the final, shimmering denouement.

“Weird Nights” officially drops November 18 and is likely to be included on MRKI’s forthcoming EP, slated for an early 2017 release. Until then, wrap your ears in wonderful weirdness below.

Apothek – Roaring

Posted on October 3, 2016October 3, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Apothek [apo-teck] take a thoughtful, philosophical approach to their music as they explore existentialism without the dread through a hybrid of organic and synthetic sounds. By replacing worry with a sense of wonder, they attempt to uncover universal truths by exploring the more mundane details of our lives. Comprised of Morten Myklebust and Nils Martin Larsen, the Norwegian duo who just released their debut LP broach their craft from slightly different, albeit ultimately complimentary angles. Singer Myklebust has an inherently spontaneous writing process, while producer Larsen has a more measured and methodical strategy that comes from years behind a mixing desk.

Stream the intricately-constructed album opener “Roaring,” along with a dreamy reimagining of their first single “Family” below. Apothek’s self-titled debut is out now — released September 30 via Propeller Recordings.

The Japanese House – Face Like Thunder

Posted on September 29, 2016September 29, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Pushing the parameters of alt-pop with her brand of brooding electronica, UK artist The Japanese House has emerged as one of the most promising new acts to arrive out of London over the past year or so. The moniker of 21-year-old Amber Bain, The Japanese House — inspired by a vacation house she once stayed in belonging to Kate Winslet — is intended to be an androgynous epithet, much like the music itself. Following the release of two acclaimed EPs, Bain is now to set to release her third, Swim Against The Tide via Dirty Hit November 11. Imbued with sparkling production and lugubrious lyrics, the EP’s first single, “Face Like Thunder” contains the cool, translucent and lagoon-laced imagery that runs like a current throughout Bain’s body of work. Hear the new single, plus earlier effort “Cool Blue” below.

On the heels of a long run supporting The 1975, The Japanese House will be hitting the road again this October for a span of dates in the UK, EU and US. Check out her North American tour schedule below, which includes a stop in the District on November 25 at DC9.

2016 Upcoming Tour Dates:

TRUE – Back In A Second

Posted on September 12, 2016September 12, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

We were first introduced to TRUE a couple years back, with the release of their second single “Colors Of My Estimation.” Now, the virtually un-googeable Swiss group is gearing up to release their debut record, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Consisting of Daniela Sarda (vocals) and Rico Baumann (production and drums), the future R&B duo make idiosyncratic electropop with fresh instrumentation and a touch of nostalgia. Despite the digital blackout, the project has managed to position themselves for global success with only a single EP and handful of tracks, thanks to exposure from the likes of BBC 1 and MTV Europe.

Both seasoned jazz musicians, Dani and Rico’s music is full of unexpected twists and turns and meticulous nuance that feels effortless and instantly catchy. The LP, Wrapped In Air is due to drop September 23 on Mouthwatering Records. For a taste of their pop expertise, take a listen to the single “Back In A Second” — and earlier effort “It’s Not The Wind” for a sample of their softer throwback production.

NOVAA – Sex

Posted on August 25, 2016August 25, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Nascent German artist NOVAA has been busy recently, releasing three singles in a matter of months. The third single, “Sex,” is clearly designed to get your attention and will be featured on her upcoming EP, Stolen Peaches. And with early comparisons to Tei Shi, Bjork, and Grimes, it’s no wonder we’re digging the singer’s otherworldly vocals and supernatural synths.

Originally the EP, due out in October was meant to be called Peaches, but the story goes that while NOVAA was working on the record, her car was broken into and her laptop full of material for the album was stolen. Despite the setback, NOVAA decided to reconstruct the remnants of these ideas — begetting the new title Stolen Peaches and her own her genre she’s designated ‘Organic Electronic.’ See for yourself below.

Holy Fuck – Xed Eyes

Posted on April 1, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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Even after a six year hiatus, Holy Fuck is not a name that can soon be forgotten. The Canadian electronica outfit has announced a surprise new record, Congrats, scheduled to drop on Innovative Leisure May 27. Previewing a track on Zane Lowe this week, “Xed Eyes” is a bold and dark indie dance-rock number that cuts to the pith of what makes the experimental act so appealing. They’ve also announced a slew of North American tour dates this summer, which you can eye below while you listen to the single. Lou Reed once said they were the best band he’d seen at SXSW, so you won’t want to miss their electric live set. DC brethren can catch their performance at DC9 July 21.

2016 Tour Dates:
June 4: Toronto, ON – Field Trip at Historic Fort York
June 12: San Diego, CA – Casbah
June 13: Los Angeles, CA – Club Bahia
June 14: San Francisco, CA – The Independent
June 16: Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
June 17: Vancouver, BC – Levitation Festival at Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
June 18: Seattle, WA – Crocodile
July 14: Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
July 15: Detroit, MI – Shelter
July 16: Ottawa, ON – RBC Ottawa Bluesfest at LeBreton Flats
July 18: Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
July 19: Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
July 20: New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
July 21: Washington, D.C. – DC9
July 22: Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Sadd

Zola Blood – Pieces Of The Day

Posted on October 26, 2015October 26, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Zola Blood blew us away with their single “Play Out” — the first track off their forthcoming double A-side and have now unveiled the second. “Pieces Of The Day” is another stunner from the UK quartet, with gorgeously stark vocals contrasted against an austere electronic backdrop. Keep an eye out for the release and in the meantime listen to the effort below.