Category: Electro-Pop
NEW Hype-Worthy Roundup: James Blake + G3NESIS + CHVRCHES + Lorde + Azekel + iamforest + Coma
James Blake
Yeeehaaw! It’s officially official: coco stereo‘s goin’ to SXSW! In a series of amazing (and in some cases, extremely lucky) events, everything seemed to come together oh so perfectly and I will be in Austin, Texas for the Interactive + Film and Music festivals. So now that universe has aligned in my favor, I present to you a plethora of new jams from hype-worthy bands:
James Blake, the 24-year-old London-based, “post-dubstep” electro producer has been blowing the blogosphere away this week with his return. Blake recently released an amazingly smooth, crooning, falsetto-hinged and emotionally driven new track, “Retrograde,” which debuted on BBC Radio 1. His sophomore album, Overgrown, is due out April 8th. Listen and watch the video for “Retrograde,” James Blake‘s dynamic return to the music realm:
G3NESIS is a brand spankin’ new and thoroughly addicting female rap/hip-hop group consisting of Kelin Kaardal and Genesis Mohanraj (formerly of Juice). The Vancouver-based duo don just a handful of tracks, “Yes Daddy” being their newest and strongest of the lot, and I’m already eager to hear more.
G3NESIS – Yes Daddy
It’s no secret that people have gone ape-shit crazy for the UK hailing electro-pop trio, CHVRCHES, since their conception merely 6 months ago. The group only dons (now) three songs, their latest track, “Recover” found below, yet their fairytale story of Indie stardom is still going strong and they’re headed to the US. They’ll also be playing with MØ in LA at The Echo, for a spectacular combination of electro-pop hype-mania. Be sure to look for them at SXSW and listen to their catchy new synth-tastic release “Recover.”
CHVRCHES – Recover
Lorde is an up-and-coming New Zealand native singer-song writer with an apparent talent and knack for creating catchy pop-tracks that’ll appeal to just about anyone. She’s released a strong debut EP, The Love Club, which you can stream in completion on SoundCloud. Listen to “The Love Club” and “Royals,” two tracks I just can’t seem to get enough of:
Lorde – The Love Club
Lorde – Royals
iamforest is moniker of Vancouver-based chillwave producer Luke Hartle. His latest beauty of a single and release, “Structures” is full of ambient bliss, yet still maintains a strongly defined beat. Find iamforest on SoundCloud, and/or listen + download his tracks on bandcamp.
iamforest – Structures
Azekel is an East Londoner and alternative R&B producer who may be giving Frank Ocean a run for his money. Have a listen to Azekel’s debut single, “That Feeling,” which officially releases, February 25th.
Azekel – That Feeling
Coma is the alias of pop-infused electro synth masters, Marius Bubat and Georg Conrad. They’ll be releasing a new album, Technicolor, due out in April via Kompakt, and “Hoooooray” is their first single from their debut LP.
Let There Be More AlunaGeorge! White Noise (Disclosure) + Diver + Frank Ocean Cover – Thinkin’ Bout You!
AlunaGeorge + Disclosure
The pop Gods have spoken: “Let there be more AlunaGeroge!” and alas, we’re graciously presented with new and glorious electro pop tracks from (or featuring) the UK-based duo.
Aluna Francis and George Reid have come a long way in such a short amount of time. Having just released their first commercial track, “Your Drums, Your Love” in September of 2012, the group has already been shortlisted for the 2013 BRIT Award of Critics’ Choice. And, just a couple of weeks into 2013, AlunaGeorge continues to deliver fresh electro-pop gems at a steadfast pace, announcing a debut album, Body Music, out June of 2013. It seems as if the duo is putting their fellow “bands to watch in 2013” comrades to shame… except Disclosure that is.
Enter “White Noise” – the recently released track from “garage-house” brother duo, Disclosure, featuring AlunaGeorge. It’s a combination and a collaboration between two extremely hype-worthy acts that has created an electro-pop listening implosion amongst the blog world. The UK-based brothers and producers who make up Disclosure also have a highly-anticipated album due out in March of 2013. (Find Disclosure in the “Top 55 Songs of 2012“).
So with that, I present to you a plethora of AlunaGeroge pop madness: “White Noise” by Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge, “Diver,” AlunaGeorge‘s latest release from their forthcoming album, and a Frank Ocean cover of “Thinkin’ Bout You” which was recorded in the 1Xtra Live Lounge for BBC Radio.
Disclosure – White Noise ft. Aluna George
AlunaGeorge – Diver
AlunaGeorge – Thinkin’ Bout You (Frank Ocean Cover)
Oh So Smooth: Newtimers – ‘Ego’ EP
Oooh damn… get ready to get dooown.
Thanks to the find from PORTALS, I’ve been jammin’ all morning to Newtimers‘ brand spankin’ new 5-track EP, Ego.
The Stockholm-hailing duo consists of Andreas Cavaco and Tim Lundblad – Producers who aren’t new this at all. According to Newtimers’ Bandcamp page, “after writing and producing songs for numerous acts (they’re both signed songwriters/producers), the guys got tired of their perfectionist ways and decided to be spontaneous to the fullest.”
The spontaneity is certainly suiting Newtimers well. The Swedes recently made an impact amongst the Blogosphere with their irresistible, catchy R&B jam, “January Love,” (found below) and Ego is a strong follow-up with its smooth and seductive electro sounds.
Have a listen to Ego below, and give “Game Over” and “She’s a Gun” some serious repeat action:
Newtimers – Ego
Newtimers – January Love
Hallelujah! New: Mozart’s Sister – “Mozart’s Sister”
EXCITING NEWS y’all! Mozart’s Sister, one of the (by far) most talented, yet underrated artists has released another, and self-titled track: “Mozart’s Sister“(!)
Montreal-hailing Caila Thompson-Hannant, (formerly of Shapes and Sizes) is the one-woman electro-pop Queen behind the project known as Mozart’s Sister. She dons just a handful of songs via her self-released Dear Fear EP from 2011, yet each track is drenched with pure electro-pop bliss. It’s simply astonishing that with Mozart’s Sister‘s undeniably catchy beats and soaring, soulful vocals, she hasn’t skyrocketed to major superstardom, because it’s certainly deserved. However, it looks like things are certainly in motion. Mozart’s Sister made an appearance at CMJ music marathon in 2012 catching the eye of a Pitchfork-ist, and has partnered up with Merok Records (Crystal Castles, Majical Cloudz, Active Child, Giza).
“Mozart’s Sister” is the lead track from Mozart’s Sister‘s forthcoming EP, Hello, due out February 25th – Exciting times! Find her on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud and/or Bandcamp. ENJOY:
Mozart’s Sister – “Mozart’s Sister”
Fresh Track Roundup! Foxygen + Blood Diamonds + MØ + Doldrums + Widowspeak + Brothers in Law + Flight Facilities
Foxygen
The days are cold (at least in San Francisco), and the new music flow is kinda slow. But (!) despite these hurry-up-and-wait times where new music production seems to be on a fierce hold, I present to you a fresh track roundup! Let’s get on with it:
Foxygen is on just about everyone’s radar. They’ve been deemed a “band to watch in 2013” by many, and all ears are open. The singer/songwriter LA-based duo consists of Sam France and Jonathan Rado. They’re young, yet create the essence of a Velvet Underground/Bob Dylan/Kinks persona.
Foxygen‘s latest release, “No Destruction” will be found on Their forthcoming album, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic, out January 22nd via Jagjaguwar.
Best line of the song: “There’s no need to be an asshole, you’re not in Brooklyn anymore.” Enjoy:
Foxygen – No Destruction
Mike Tucker, the blonde, giant (almost 7 foot-tall) producer also known as Blood Diamonds (and one of Grimes’ many BFFs) has collaborated w/ex-A$AP member, Dominic Lord. The result? Some seriously funky hip-hop. Have a listen to “Barcode” now:
Blood Diamonds – Barcode ft. Dominic Lord
*This track’s apparently been put on ‘Private’ now – Don’t you just love that? Listen to it on SoundCloud then.
MØ
Karen Marie Ørsted aka MØ, the Copenhagen-hailing electro-pop princess who’s made serious waves amongst the blogosphere with just a couple of tracks, has graced us with, “Glass,” yet another gem. Some are calling her the ‘Scandinavian Grimes’ though I think the two have sounds, and personalities entirely of their own, both of which are still entirely addicting. Have a listen to MØ‘s third song to date:
MØ – Glass
I can hardly contain my excitement for Doldrums‘ upcoming album, “Lesser Evil” (out 2/25 on Souterrain Transmissions/Europe, and 2/26 on Arbutus Records/North America). Airick Woodhead is the Canadian mastermind behind Doldrums, and he’s stead-fast to producing some of the freshest, most interesting experimental/electro music out there. “Anomaly” is Doldrums‘ latest release from his highly anticipated forthcoming album:
Doldrums – Anomaly
Brothers in Law is a new lo-fi, shoegaze, indie-pop outfit out of none other than Pesaro, Italy. According to The 405, Brothers in Law have recently gone from duo to trio and will soon release their second EP, Gray Days, on 7″ vinyl, limited edition, via We Were Never Being Boring, CF-records and MattaLab. “Holy Weekend” can be found on Gray Days due out February 16th. Stream below:
Brothers in Law – Holy Weekend
I stumbled upon Widowspeak via Captured Tracks, and boy, I’m glad I did. The “western-tinged” indie-pop/rock n’ roll group composed of Molly Hamilton and Robert Earl Thomas transcends you into a dreamy bliss. Their second LP, “Almanac,” is due out January 22nd, (but you can stream the entire album on SoundCloud right now).
Windowspeak – Thick as Thieves
Flight Facilities is a funky electro pop production based out of Australia. Remember their 2011 jam, “Crave You” featuring Giselle? Regardless, the duo has recently released, “Clair De Lune,” a breathtakingly beautiful track featuring Christine Hoberg, with haunting video to match:
Flight Facilities – Clair De Lune (ft. Christine Hoberg)
New Funky Fresh Jam: Javelin – Nnormal
As corny as it may sound, I have this tremendously special place in my heart for Javelin, hence, when I see a new track release (i.e. “Nnormal“), I’m filled with complete and utter glee.
In 2009, I had stumbled upon Javelin and was immediately blown away by how fresh and unique their tracks were. I searched everywhere for their music and really only came across their Myspace page… ‘cus you know, people used Myspace back then. I contacted the Brooklyn-hailing cousins, George Langford and Tom Van Buskirk, and asked how I could get my hands on their ridiculously addicting sounds. Tom replied, “Thanks for asking! You could paypal us and we’ll send you a folder of mp3s. What do you think??” I wound up paypalling $7 and was graciously given (what then consisted of) four album/EPs worth of Javelin jamz (2009’s LP Jamz n Jemz, 2010’s LP, No Mas, 2012’s EP1 and EP2). This is why I’ll forever love and be an avid Javelin fan, aside from the fact that their sound is funkier than most.
“Nnormal” is Javelin‘s latest release from their forthcoming album, Hi Beams, out March 5th via Luaka Bop:
Javelin – Nnormal
New Hype-Worthy Electro-Pop Mystery Lad: Josef Salvat
There’s not much to go off of when searching for Josef Salvat, but I can tell you his smooth and addicting debut release, “This Life” (via Purple PR) is incredible… which is apparent, as it quickly shot to the top of music blog charts.
According to Disco Naivete, who introduced the blogosphere to this new electro pop-lad, Salvat hails from London. Though from what I gather, he’s Spanish, also lived in Australia, studied law, and ….that’s really all anyone’s got!
You can find Josef Salvat on Twitter and/or Facebook though. Until we hear more goodness from the mystery man, make sure to stream “This Life” on repeat:
Josef Salvat – This Life
Fresh Tracks Roundup! Sin Fang + Broke for Free + L’Orange + ON AN ON + Beliefs + Digits
Sin Fang
With all the year-end list churning goin’ on, there’s a whole lot of review, reflection and occasional discoveries. However, there’s also still a ton of phonomenal new music to be listened to – Some of which would very well make those “best of 2012” lists, ‘cus you know, the year isn’t actually over yet. So with that, I present to you a plethora of fresh new tracks so good you’d wished you’d waited on your year-end list release:
Sindri Már Sigfússon aka Sin Fang is an indie-pop act from the land of beautiful people i.e., Iceland. He apparently has an affinity for wearing beards made out of ‘stuff’ based off his upcoming and previous album images. “Young Boys” is a catchy number from Sing Fang‘s forthcoming LP, Flowers, due Jan. 2, 2013 (Feb. 19, U.S).
Sin Fang – Young Boys
Broke for Free is an alias of instrumental, electro glitch-hop artist and Oakland, California’s very finest, Tom Cascino. “Budding” is the lead track from Broke for Free‘s recently released EP, Gold Can Stay, and it’s a beaut of unique, melodic proportions.
Broke for Free – Budding
L’Orange is unique blend of hip hop, 20s sampling/nostalgia and Film Noir influences. He’s a poet and producer from North Carolina piquing the interest and ears of many with his eccentric blends. “Alone” is the debut singe from L’Orange‘s recently released LP, The Mad Writer featuring powerhouse LA-based rapper, Blu. Have a listen to the originality now:
L’Orange – Alone (feat. Blu)
New Hype-Worthy Artist: Twigs
Twigs (update: now FKA Twigs) is a new, semi-mysterious UK-based electro-pop artist that everyone is losing their shit over (and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible). The sultry songstress has swiftly joined the ranks of MØ, Kate Boy and Empress Of by stirring up major hype amongst the blogosphere, and it’s easy to see why. Twigs’ sullen vocals and glitchy synth make for a unique, dark electro-pop sound that leaves you aching for more. The possible model and dancer’s rapid fire fame has landed her on the cover of i-D’s “The Just Kids” issue and The Fader called Twigs a “grown up Grimes.”
Twigs released a self-titled EP on Bandcamp earlier this month and dons a series of interesting and slightly eerie videos directed by Grace Ladoja. Find Twigs on Tumblr, Bandcamp, YouTube and Instagram if you please.
Twigs – Ache
Twigs – Breathe
Has anyone noticed that the woman featured in this video has zero hips!?
Fresh New Track: Helado Negro – Dance Ghost + Introducing: Ombre
Thank you Helado Negro for this fresh new track! “Dance Ghost” is the latest release by the folk aficionado turned ambient, experimental, electro artist, Roberto Carlos Lange (aka Helado Negro). It’s a sinfully synthy track with smooth, cooing, delicate vocals, enticing, blippy beats and is a beauty of a burner that can easily be set on repeat. “Dance Ghost” has been a savior from the year-end music slump, which is typically plagued with never ending year-end lists:
The single can be found on Helado Negro‘s forthcoming album, Invisible Life, due March, 3, 2013 via Asthmatic Kitty Records.
Oh, but we’re not done yet. Roberto Lange has been a busy man, as he’s also one half of the new and beautiful ambient dream-pop collaboration project, Ombre, with Julianna Barwick. Ombre released their first LP, Believe You Me, at the end of August, 2012 – A little late on the intro here, but might as well since we’re on the Roberto Lange train. Stream Ombre‘s album on Spotify or Bandcamp.
Now, have a listen to both Helado Negro and Ombre:
Helado Negro – Dance Ghost
Ombre – Cara Falsa
coco stereo 