feel-good – poetry in an empty coke can

RMX ROUNDUP: ZHU + Amtrac / Lana Del Ray + Munk / Alex Adair

Posted on July 12, 2014June 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Time for another Remix Roundup — in which we share some of the best new remixes and electronic offerings currently in circulation on the blogosphere.

Last week’s roundup featured the Odesza remix of the ZHU track “Faded,” and now we’ve got another stellar one to share from the Kentucky DJ/producer Amtrac. His nu-disco rendition is a high energy and uplifting take on the original that will ramp up your weekend in no time. Next is a new remix of Lana Del Ray’s “West Coast” from German producer and Gomma label maestro Mathias Modica, aka Munk. While we’re not big fans of the original tbh, the sexy percussion and added bossa nova flavor make this deep house derivative something worth getting excited about.

Lastly, we have a new electronic track by the up-and-coming UK producer Alex Adair. The single, “Make Me Feel Better” will do just that with its uplifting house vibes and sun-swathed synths. Sampling from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” Adair has a knack for combining unexpected sounds in a way that is imaginative and invigorating. Press play on all three tracks below.

JUCE – Call You Out

Posted on March 17, 2014March 17, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

In a fabulous callback to the era of 90’s all-female pop groups, the London-bred trio JUCE have a seriously soulful sound akin to those before them such as Salt-n-Pepa and TLC. Made up of Georgia, Chalin and Cherish, the girl group’s aggregate sound of contemporary R&B is refreshingly evident on their debut track “Call You Out.” Stream the groove-filled track below and check out the video here.

we’re making champagne out of lemonade

The Preatures – Is This How You Feel?

Posted on March 6, 2014April 26, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Australian band The Preatures burst onto the scene last year in a powerful way with their second EP, Is This How You Feel. Fronted by Isabella Manfredi — whose vocal chops channel the likes of Stevie Nicks — the Preatures’ sound is referential to the rhythmic and tightly-sequenced pop of the 80s that seems to be making a comeback these days (much to my delight).

Take a listen to their ridiculously infectious, feel-good title track below. They’ll be playing a couple of shows in NYC this week, before hitting up SXSW the next and continuing the festival circuit with Coachella and Bonnaroo. AND — to let my DC friends in on a little secret — they’ll be opening for the as-of-yet-unannounced MS MR show at 930 Club in June!!

We Have Band – Someone

Posted on February 5, 2014February 5, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

British trio We Have Band have debuted their light-hearted first single, “Someone,” off their forthcoming album, Movements. Look out for the London pop-rockers’ album to be out April 28 of this year.

https://soundcloud.com/wehaveband/someone-1

Shmallen – “Tell Me” + Queen Bey

Posted on December 31, 2013January 2, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

On the heels of my best of post, I had to sneak this last one in before the new year. This deep house cut comes from young producer Allen Hansrisuk, or Shmallen as he goes by. Sampling from Destiny’s Child “Independent Woman,” this sexy rework is the perfect track to play at your NYE party, so scoop it up gratis below.

And for the idyllic feel-good track to celebrate and reflect on the past year, I leave you with Beyoncé’s “XO.” Happy New Year everyone!

Tennis – Mean Streets

Posted on November 6, 2013November 6, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

If you love indie and also happen to be nostalgic for the dulcet pop stylings of the 50’s and 60’s, then look no further than the new Tennis EP just released via Communion Records. Sample their track “Mean Streets” off the five track EP Small Sound below and grab it on iTunes today.

Tennis will be playing at DC’s Black Cat TONIGHT!

Tennis Tour Dates:
11/06 Washington, DC @ Black Cat
11/07 Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
11/09 Montreal, QC @ II Motore
11/10 Toronto, ON @ The Garrison
11/12 Bloomington, IN @ Bluebird Nightclub
11/13 Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
11/14 Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
11/16 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
11/17 St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
11/19 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
11/20 Madison, WI @ The Frequency
11/21 Maquoketa, IA @ Daytrotter
11/29 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater

Kings of Leon – Supersoaker

Posted on July 23, 2013August 21, 2014 by poetryinanemptycokecan

After a two year hiatus, the kings of indie rock (aka KOL) are back! Last week the Oklahoma-bred brothers debuted the first single off their forthcoming album, Mechanical Bull — slated for a September 24th release. Stream the all at once sentimental and feel-good single of the summer, “Supersoaker” below.

Kings of Leon will be performing a benefit concert tonight in Oklahoma City (at the Thunderdome!) with The Flaming Lips to help raise money for the recent tornado victims.

Alesso – ‘If I Lose Myself’ Mix

Posted on April 4, 2013April 8, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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.

Dan Croll – Compliment Your Soul

Posted on March 31, 2013April 1, 2013 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Dan Croll released latest single “Compliment Your Soul” a couple months back, and it just happens to be the perfect feel-good track to compliment your Sunday.

It was a past life thing

Posted on December 6, 2012October 28, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

I had the opportunity to see Tanlines at DC’s Black Cat last month and the dynamic Brooklyn duo managed to exceed my expectations. Not only do they have a fantastic live energy, but their music also has an element of world fusion which I wasn’t aware of going into.

“All of Me,” from their debut album Mixed Emotions released last March was their first single that caught my attention; then after the concert I had to go and uncover a bunch more. “Real Life” is a shining example of the sheer exuberance that radiates from Tanlines. As if that weren’t reason enough to listen to them, they also have a great handle. Who wouldn’t want to soak up tanlines all year long? Vitamin D-deprived crazy people, that’s who.