indie – Page 4 – poetry in an empty coke can

Mimicking Birds – Memorabilia

Posted on September 10, 2015September 10, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Portland’s Mimicking Birds released their sophomore album Eons last year, which was produced by Modest Mouse‘s Isaac Brock on his label Glacial Pace. Although their spectral sound has often been compared to the former, lead singer Nate Lacy’s voice sounds uncannily like that of Bombay Bicycle Club‘s Jack Steadman. Listen to the ethereal track — and highlight of the LP — “Memorabilia” with its esoteric lyrics below.

Mimicking Birds are on tour this month, playing at DC’s Black Cat this very evening. Find the remainder of their tour dates on their website here.

Astronauts, etc. – I Know

Posted on August 27, 2015August 28, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Astronauts, etc. is an Oakland-based act formed by Anthony Ferraro and friends. Incidentally, Ferraro plays keys for Toro y Moi so it would make sense that they would be opening for the latter on their fall tour. Their recent ’70s-inflected single “I Know” is an apt demonstration of the Astronauts, etc. sound, self-described as somewhere between Grizzly Bear, The Bee Gees and Sade. Hear the groove below along with earlier effort “Mystery Colors,” which is a bit more mellow and introspective yet just as intriguing.

Locals, etc. can check out their show with Toro y Moi at Rams Head Live on October 4.

Ghostpoet – Sorry My Love, It’s You Not Me

Posted on August 8, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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Released July 31, Ghostpoet‘s latest single “Sorry My Love, It’s You Not Me” flips the switch on the old breakup cliché. The innovative British vocalist and musician, Obaro Ejimiwe released his third studio album Shedding Skin (from which the track derives) earlier this year via Play It Again Sam.

Watch the starry visuals for the bittersweet, meaning-seeking single below, which features verdant vocals from UK singer/songwriter Lucy Rose.

Mac DeMarco – No Other Heart

Posted on August 3, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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Mac is back with a new mini-LP this week, arriving August 7 via Captured Tracks. The mini-album, Another One is a collection of love songs that was conceived and recorded in Mac DeMarco‘s Far Rockaway bedroom in Queens within the time span of just a couple of weeks. He’s teased a few tracks from the album already, including latest offering “No Other Heart” below.

It’s a warm and romantic jazz number that Mac wrote on the synthesizer. He tells NPR: “For some reason, the chord progression reminds me of a John Lennon chord progression because he had very simple, chunky piano parts in his songs. I like the chorus. I feel like the chorus is quite cute.” We couldn’t agree more — stream below and if you’re in the DC area, we hope you’ll make it out to see Mac at The Howard Theatre October 14.

Harrison Brome – Fill Your Brains

Posted on July 27, 2015July 27, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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Newcomer Harrison Brome released his debut single, “Fill Your Brains” last month and it is a beaut. Appropriately dark and stormy, the Canadian artist explained to The Fader that the track is a meditation on “a moment in time where I witnessed people dealing with their problems through a form of escapism.” Fill your ears with this soulful tune below — and be sure to pick up a free download on Brome’s Soundcloud.

Zola Blood – Play Out

Posted on July 23, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Zola Blood first made their debut in 2014 with their celebrated EP, Meridian. Now the London quartet is back with new single, “Play Out” — the first taste of a two-track EP due out on Pond Life Songs September 4. Recorded with Richard Formby (Wild Beasts, Ghostpoet), “Play Out” tells a late night tale, composed of pulsing synthesizers and a shadowy bassline. The grounding electronic influences lay the foundation for Matt West’ mesmerizing vocals and rich, swirling arpeggios. Play below.

Rationale – Fast Lane

Posted on July 13, 2015July 14, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Rationale is a new producer based out of London who made waves for his unconventional debut, “Fast Lane.” The as-of-yet faceless artist has a heartfelt, genre-hopping sound that caught the attention of Pharrell and Scott Vener, who featured the soulful song on the inaugural episode of OTHERtone–their new Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio program–waxing poetic on the track with guest Justin Timberlake. At two minutes and 35 seconds long the effort feels more like a preview, but luckily the producer has an album in the works. Rationale explains the basis behind the project is to make tunes for “people who seek out sincere music which emotes and provides that special relatable something we all feel when a song really connects.” Get connected with this song below.

swim good x Merival – since u asked

Posted on July 2, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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As part of producer Ryan Hemsworth‘s Secret Songs series, swim good has paired up with vocalist Anna Horvath aka Merival to produce “since u asked.” Jon Lawless, the Toronto-based artist behind swim good has cooked up a sweet little ditty of a track that also features contributions from Joel Karlsson of Air France (RIP), Darren Seltmann from The Avalanches and Torquil Campbell of Stars. On top of this dream team of producers, we detected a Whitney Houston sample in there as well.

So what’s the song about you say? Glad u asked. Lawless notes that the track is a response to the highs and lows of “when someone asks how you’re doing and you can’t help but give a super honest answer.” Relatable. Stream this wistful, heartrending tune below.

Bells Atlas – Bling

Posted on May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

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Oakland seems to be a burgeoning place for new music these days, as evidenced by promising young bands such as Bells Atlas. Inspired by an eclectic mix of influences, the quartet merge elements of jazz, samba, neo-soul and West African music into their sophisticated “kaleidosonic” sound. Check out their latest offering “Bling,” the vibrant second single off their forthcoming EP Hyperlust.

Life In Film – It’s What Happens Next That Matters Most

Posted on April 29, 2015April 29, 2015 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Produced by the legendary Stephen Street (Blur, The Smiths, Morrissey), Life In Film is the buzzworthy new band from across the pond that sound like a cross between The Arctic Monkeys and The Kooks. The London quartet scored a supporting gig with The Rolling Stones in the recent past, were chosen by Christopher Bailey for international performances with Burberry, and are currently on tour with fellow British darlings The Wombats. For a slice of their work, listen to the single “It’s What Happens Next That Matters Most” off their debut album Here It Comes, which drops May 5 next week.

Life In Film is opening for The Wombats at DC’s 9:30 Club tomorrow eve — so be sure to get there early if you have tix. And for old times’ sake, check out the vid of one of our favorite vintage Wombat tracks, “Let’s Dance to Joy Division.”