Filming yourself gorging on watermelon to the soundtrack of your own smooth, sensual, electro-pop sounds will undoubtedly grab the attention of many. Lorely Rodriguez aka Empress Ofhas done this successfully with her new video and song, “Champagne.”
For now, Empress Of dons two songs, “Champagne” and “Don’t Tell Me” (found below), both of which have been released on a new 7″ via No Recordings. Join in on the curiosity and follow Empress Of on Facebook, SoundCloud, and watch her new eyebrow raising video for “Champagne.”
If you haven’t heard the phrase, “A friend of Grimes is a friend of mine,” (now you have), the concept, however, shouldn’t be foreign to you. It’s only natural that an influential band or producer you love, most likely has musically inclined friends that you will also love. In the case for Grimes, the indie-electro “It Girl” not only has amazingly talented pals, but she outwardly expresses her love or support for said friends and their music, (Myths, Elite Gymnastics, and d’Eon to name a few). This in a sense, puts Grimes’ talented friends on the map (even more so). It may not be fair to say this is all of Grimes’s doing, as these are bands we (may) know, who have made names for themselves, but when Grimes brings her pals on tour, collaboratively creates music with them, or simply chatters away with them via Twitter, she puts these bands on people’s radars. Experimental-electro Montreal producer, Devon Welsh, aka Majical Cloudz falls into this category.
Majical Cloudz’ latest single, “Turns Turns Turns,” is a dreamy, emotionally-driven beauty of a track based on a 2-note loop. The trippy video (as seen below) premiered on Gorilla vs. Bear today. The track will be found on Majical Cloudz’ forthcoming EP, Turns Turns Turns, out December 3rd via Arbutus (US) and Merok (UK). (Yalls also remixed Turns Turns Turns found here.)
“Cloud Body” is the latest addictive, billowy, and appropriately titled, “cloud rap” single from Main Attrakionz‘s recently released LP, Bossalinis & Fooliyonesvia Young One. The “best duo ever” consisting of Oakland hailing rappers, MondreM.A.N. and Squadda B, have certainly proved with this track that “cloud rap is that shit that you can trust.”
Cloud Body (prod. by Grown Folk) – Main Attrakionz
I keep finding myself obsessively listening to “Backfire,” the latest track by Jonathan Visger aka Absofacto. The solo “experimental pop” project is an offshoot from Visger’s other band, Mason Proper. According to Paste Magazine, Visger teamed up with Mason Proper guitarist, Brian Konicek, to record “Backfire” in a basement – Sounds… typical, but the dreamy indie rock track is anything but:
Absofacto – Backfire
Gritty grunge, dream-pop, noise-rock, garage punk… this is what I think of when I listen to Naomi Punk. And, when I listen to the Olympia/Seattle-based trio’s track, “The Spell,” I wanna trip out, rock out, and score some sweet flannel. “The Spell” is off of Naomi Punk‘s second full-length album, The Feeling, originally released on vinyl. So technically this is a (re)fresh, as Captured Tracks has recently reissued the LP digitally, on CD, and on CLEAR vinyl – Ooh fancy!
Naomi Punk – The Spell
Montreal’s ambient dream-pop “love project,” Blue Hawaii,has just released a two-part single, (I see what you did there), “In Two” and “In Two II.” Back in August, Grimesdisplayed her absolute admiration for Blue Hawaii’s upcoming LP, Untogether (due in early 2013), via the Twittersphere, calling it the “biggest album of next year, WOWWWWWWWW.”
Raph/Raphaelle Standell-Preston (of Braids) and Agor/Alex Cowan from Blue Hawaii
Earlier this year, Portland, Oregon based Chromaticscould Kill for Love, yet apparently, they’re still looking for it… I think they’ll certainly find it fast, (especially front woman and sex kitten, Ruth Radelet), as their latest video and track, “Looking for Love,” is a beauty of lusty, electro synth-pop proportions.
“Looking for Love” (originally 17 mins long!) is featured on After Dark II, a sequel compilation album by artists on the New Jersey-based Italians Do It Better record label.
Chromatics were also asked by Karl Lagerfeld (Creative director and head designer for Chanel) to play at the Chanel Pret-A-Porter Printemps-Ete 2013 Runway, in Paris, France – Oh la la. As a result, the vintage-esque “Looking for Love” video (directed by Alberto Rossini) shows behind-the-scenes footage, shots of Karl Lagerfeld, and the Chromatics playing at the fashion show that took place in early October.
After Dark IIwill be “out soon,” so until then, check out the set list, and watch/listen to “Looking for Love” over, and over, and over, just as the song implies:
Don’t you love it when a brand-spankin’ new hype-worthy band lays down a glorious electro pop track (that hits the ground running), yet you don’t know a God damn thing about them? NOT REALLY. I mean, there is that ‘mystery’ factor that falls into play, but come on, give us something, yeah?
Pale is the latest, and mysterious electro buzz band that, according to their SoundCloud, hails from London. With just one addictive track, “Too Much,” Pale is already intriguing the ears and minds of many.
Follow Pale on SoundCloudand Facebook, and wait in anticipation with the rest of us for more releases. Until then, have a listen to their smooth, hypnotizing electro-pop debut, “Too Much,” and watch the insanely captivating music video:
I’ve discussed Prince Rama‘s bizarro but super cool new LP concept before, (Top Ten Hits of the End of the World is a compilation of jams by Prince Rama channelling fictitious mega superstars who’ve died in a supposed apocalypse). The Brooklynites’ LP is due 11/6 via Paw Tracks. The notion may be out there, but I can’t wait to hear the LP in its entirely ‘cus the jams released thus far have been apocalypse worthy. Here are two new tracks:
Prince Rama (Channeling Hyparxia) – Welcome to the Now Age
Prince Rama – Those Who Live for Love Will Live Forever
Orlando, Florida’s Marcel Everett, aka xxyyxx, is one of those producers who makes you feel like saying, in typical Wayne/Garth fashion, “We’re not worthy!” Why? ‘Cus the kid’s only 17! He produces these experimental, down tempo, chillwave beats out of his bedroom, in boredom, and they’re masterpieces. His full-length, self-titled LP was released in March of this year, and he continues to crank out new beats on a consistent basis. “Lay Down” is his latest creation:
xxyyxx – Lay Down
This is kind of a guilty pleasure, but damn, it’s GOOD. According to Pigeons & Planes, Jhameel, our Berkeley hailing pop-crooner asked fans to choose a song, and he’d cover it. Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” was apparently the winner, and we’re all grateful, ‘cus it’s poppy, lustful and fun:
Jhameel – Thinking About You (Frank Ocean Cover)
Satin Jackets is smooth, electro-funk guru and German producer, Tim Bernhardt. He’s also making humble waves in the blogosphere with his self-proclaimed “glossy music” and new track, “You Make Me Feel Good.” Check him out on SoundCloud and Facebook.
Satin Jackets – You Make Me Feel Good
How did Diplo make it on my blog again? Regardless, this slower than typical Diplo jam featuring Jahan Lennon (of the now-defunct PO PO) has gotten some serious repeat action. “About That Life” is the first single from Diplo’s first full-length LP in 8 years (!), which is expected sometime in early 2013. Diplo and Lennon have also made an appropriately trippy, hippie video to accompany:
Dan Casey, the (seemingly normal) Berkeley, CA hailing DJ boy also known as Yalls, has given us an entire download of his remixes (25 jams total!) – four of which have never been released. Are you great, or the greatest Dan Casey? The compilation includes remixes of Blackbird Blackbird, Majical Cloudz, The xx, Monster Rally, CHVRCHES, Giraffage, Teen Daze and more. I’m severely addicted to his Friendly Fires – Hurting instrumental remix (previously unreleased). Get the free download here and listen now! Thanks Yalls!
Here’s the tracklist:
1. Abadabad – Park Slope (Yalls Remix)
2. Arrange – When’d You Find Me (Yalls Remix)
3. CHLLNGR – Datter (Yalls Remix)
4. Churches – Save Me (Color Controller Remix)
5. Friendly Fires – Hurting (Yalls Instrumental Remix)
6. Giraffage – Moments (Yalls Remix)
7. Gracie – Southern Place (Yalls Remix)
8. James & Evander – Come Around (Yalls Remix)
9. Monster Rally – Moonglow (Yalls Remix)
10. Majical Cloudz – Francisco (Yalls Remix)
11. Majical Cloudz – Turns Turns Turns (Yalls Remix)
12. MondreMAN – Fancy (Yalls Peer Pressure Remix)
13. Monster Rally – Moonglow (Yalls Remix)
14. Monster Rally – A Voice / Big Sur (Daniel Sex Jr. Remix)
15. Naytronix – Baby Don’t Walk Away (Yalls Remix)
16. Parentz – Big (Yalls Remix)
17. Put Away (Yalls Remix) – Seatraffic
18. Middle Wave (Yalls Desecration) – Some Ember
19. I See a Void (Yalls Remix) – Sonny & The Sunsets
20. 72 Bus Stop (Yalls Remix) – Squadda B
21. The New Balearic (Yalls Remix) – Teen Daze
22. Grande Gordo (Yalls Remix) Vacation Dad
23. Angels (Yalls Bootleg Do Up) – The xx
24. Kingston Gates (Color Controller Remix) – Zoos of Berlin
25. Another 1 Goes Down (Yalls Bike Lake Remix) – 100s ft. Hollywood Squadda & Shady Blaze
I recently saw Kendrick Lamar, the Compton hailing rapper with a serious cult following, play at The Warfield in San Francisco as part of the BET Music Matters Tour. If you think this is amusing, you’re not alone, as I apparently stood out like a sore thumb. But as Lamar so eloquently states, “uh uh, fuck that.”
As I passed through two sets of security, and waved off the $13 beers, I entered the venue doors. A sea of arm waving, head nodding, energy buzzing fans, a wall of smoke so thick it could’ve been cut with a knife, and a suffocating blanket of damp heat welcomed me to the world of Kendrick Lamar.
It was apparent by the crowd that Lamar’s fans are hardcore – They were lit up, getting down, and jumping, jamming and yelling every lyric along with their beloved 5’6″ hip hop wunderkind of only 25. Lamar took requests from the crowd letting them determine the direction of the show. He sat on a chair, having a heart-to-hearts with his fans. Pointing into the crowd, he asked, “What’s your name? Shannon? Let me ask you something Shannon. If you had a boyfriend, would you be faithful?” “Everybody, are you faithful?” and the crowd gleefully screamed, “NOOOOooo!”
Lamar continued to swoon the audience with a revised edition of The Recipe, replacing the words “L.A” with “The Bay,” to which his San Francisco/Oakland fan-base yelled wildly and appreciatively.
It’s clear Lamar is an entrancing entertainer, but the love his fan-base gives him is rightfully earned due to his talent, which is evident more than ever in his latest (October 22nd) LP, good kid, mA.A.d city via Interscope Records. The album includes a slew of guest musicians including Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Drake, J Rock and more. It’s an amazing compilation of smooth beats, fresh lyrics and a little storytelling. Stream the entire album on Spotify and experience the addiction that is Kendrick Lamar.
FINALLY. Thank you. MacDeMarco‘s second compilation, Mac DeMarco 2 is here. We can all rejoice in more “jizz jazz” that the eccentric Canadian has unleashed upon us… or can we?
The “proper full length album,” released just six months after his solo debut, portrays DeMarco’s abilities as a singer/song writer more than ever. The LP is full of catchy, slow rock jams crooning about love, loneliness, cigarettes, and “Freaking Out the Neighborhood.” However, the album also seems to be missing a certain je ne sais quoi.
After a thorough listen, I’m left wanting more of DeMarco’s creepy antics, goofy spoofs and overall eccentric playfulness that makes him so intriguing, appealing and the genius behind his self-proclaimed “jizz jazz” jangles. Only at the end of “Ode to Viceroy” do we get a small glimpse of the sleaze he likes to squeeze in. DeMarco’s strengths as a musician are rightfully highlighted, however, in this highly anticipated album, his personality, (which is as prominent as the gap in his front teeth), seems to have been dimmed. Is this a result of backlash from wild live shows, or the pressure to produce as a ‘serious’ musician? The album holds its own, purely as a display of DeMarco’s raw talent, and his irony is still present, however, the A-typical singer-songwriter’s weirdness and downright oddities are surely missed.
If you want the full Mac DeMarco package, seeing him live will ease this need. This morning, I eagerly jumped to the end of the LP to listen to “Still Together,” as it’s by far one of the most captivating jams DeMarco sings live – it’s also the sweetest of the lot, including a convo between DeMarco and his “kind of woman” that makes you say “awww.” If you have a chance to catch the goofy crooner live, he’s playing a ridiculous number of shows (9 total) in New York this week as part of the CMJ Music Marathon, then he’s off for a Euro tour. Check out tour dates here. If you’re in NYC, thanks to BrooklynVegan, they’ve done all the work for me in laying it all out:
Welcome to listening pleasure power hour. This is your sexy songs alert with jams that amp up the heat so high, they make you wanna get doooown.
Okay, but also, Treasure Island Music Fest was meh. So I don’t have much to say other than I was most thoroughly and highly impressed by the ever-so-funky group, The Coup, SBTRKT and of course, Grimes. Going to music festivals also gives you perspective as to why one can seemingly and absolutely love a particular band, yet will quickly become turned off by said band once they reach a certain ‘mainstream’ festival headlining status. The reasoning? OTHER PEOPLE… and there are a lot of these ‘other people’ at music festivals; you know, the tank top donning dubstep bros and the ‘alternative’ faux hippie Urban Outfitter clones that make you roll your eyes, laugh in confusion, and unwillingly give dirty looks. Festivals are weird, so let’s get back to sexy songs:
Woahwoahwow Chad Valley& Twin Shadow… you can def hurt my feelings if you keep producing sexy gems like this. “I Owe You This” is a catchy, dreamy, tender-hearted electro jam off Hugo Manuel aka Chad Valley’s upcoming LP, Young Hunger available October 30th via Cascine.
Chad Valley – I Owe You This (feat. Twin Shadow)
Nini Fabi, lead singer of the brand spankin’ new Brooklyn band, HAERTS, has an entrancing and magnifying voice that romanticizes the catchy beats produced by band mate, St. Lucia. The combo creates a unique blend of pop, folk, and beauty making this a sharp needle in a haystack of Brooklyn bands. “Wings” is HAERTS‘ debut jam, which is making serious waves in the music blogosphere:
HAERTS – Wings
Wow. “Mannequin,” the latest hauntingly beautiful release from Danish electro-pop group, When Saints Go Machine, is simply incredible. Lead vocalist, Nikolaj Manual Vonsild, once again blows minds with his unbelievably delicate, crooning falsetto voice of gold that leaves you wanting more:
Filming yourself gorging on watermelon to the soundtrack of your own smooth, sensual, electro-pop sounds will undoubtedly grab the attention of many. Lorely Rodriguez aka Empress Of has done this successfully with her new video and song, “Champagne.”
If you have a chance to catch the goofy crooner live, he’s playing a ridiculous number of shows (9 total) in New York this week as part of the 
coco stereo 