J-Hud shows off her slimmed down physique in the video for her new single "Where You At." While the video's story is the standard breakup-worthy fare, it is beautifully shot, allowing Hudson's powerful pipes to take center stage. Watch below:
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Marilyn Manson Drummer Quits Band
Marilyn Manson drummer Ginger Fish has announced his departure from the band. Fish' whose real name is Kenneth Robert Wilson, has been with the band for over 15 years, and has played on six of Manson's seven albums.
Fish released a statement about his departure. “I have decided to step down as a member of Marilyn Manson and see where my life, and the knowledge of my availability cares to take me," he wrote. "I can't stand by to watch opportunities pass me by simply because the knowledge of my availability wasn't clearly expressed by me. I wish my brothers well, and I expect nothing but great things from them."
The drummer took his name from actress Ginger Rodgers and serial killer Albert Fish. His departure from the band leaves only Manson and bassist Twiggy Ramirez as part of the quintet that collaborated on the concept trilogy of 1996's Anti-Christ Superstar, 1998's Mechanical Animals and 2000's Holy Wood (In The Shadow Of The Valley of Death). Marilyn Manson is currently working on a follow-up to 2009's The High End Of Low.
French Horn Rebellion Drop Debut Album, Announce Shows With MGMT, Yelle
Brooklyn-based electro duo French Horn Rebellion, made up of brothers Robert and David Perlick-Molinari, are setting their sights on being one of 2011's breakout acts. With the forthcoming digital and physical releases of their none-too-modestly titled debut, The Infinite Music of French Horn Rebellion, on April 19th and May 24th, and tour dates with MGMT and Yelle, they may get their wish.
The Infinite Music seems like an apt title for an album that details the intergalactic adventures of an unknown French horn player, set to a genre-bending soundtrack of funk, electro, dance and rock.
"There is a story running through the album, it’s about the Universe. We’re pretty clear on what the story is, but what you take away from it may be something entirely different,” says David.
Success has been a long time coming for the brothers. Releasing three EPs and touring and collaborating with the likes of Cut Copy, Sleigh Bells, Hot Chip and Sebastian, French Horn Rebellion have established themselves as electro's act to watch. Along with producing MGMT's Time To Pretend EP, and the duo have also remixed tracks for MEN, Two Door Cinema Club and Alex Winston.
French Horn Rebellion will hit the road in March for a few European dates before returning to the States to play a few dates at SXSW. The duo will then play a few dates in Asia, including a Hong Kong gig with MGMT, before embarking on 27-date as the opening act for Yelle.
View the full list of tour dates, and take a listen to Infinite Music tracks "This Moment" and "What I Want" below. You can also download a free album sampler.
This Moment (edit) by French Horn Rebellion
What I Want (Radio Edit) by French Horn Rebellion
MARCH
Thurs 3rd - Paris, France @ Nouveau Casino
Fri 4th - Berlin, Germany @ Postbahnhof
Sat 5th - Amsterdam, The Netherlands @ 5 Days Off Festival w/ Aeroplane and Hercules &Love Affair
Sun 6th - Brussels, Botanique / Orangerie w/ Hercules & Love Affair
Fri 11th - Madrid, Spain @ Pop & Dance
Sat 12th - Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz
Wed 16th - Sat 19th Austin, TX @ SXSW
Fri 18th - Austin, TX @ Windish House SXSW - 11pm
Wed 30th - Hong Kong, KITEC Star Hall w/ MGMT
APRIL
Fri 8th - Shanghai, China, Mao Livehouse
Sat 9th - Beijing, China, Yugongyishan
Further Asian dates to be announced shortly
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR w/ YELLE
APRIL
Sun 17th - Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
Mon 18th - Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
Tues 19th - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
Thurs 21st - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
Fri 22nd - Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
Sat 23rd - Houston, TX @ Fitzgeralds
Sun 24th - Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Box (FHR show)
Mon 25th - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell Stage)
Tues 26th - Carrboro, NC @ Cats Cradle
Weds 27th - Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
Fri 29th - Boston MA @ Royale Nightclub
Sat 30th - New York, NY @ The Fillmore New York at Irving
MAY
Mon 2nd - Quebec City, QC @ Le Circle
Tues 3rd - Montreal, QC @ Le National
Weds 4th - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
Thurs 5th - Toledo, OH @ Frankie's (FHR Show)
Fri 6th - Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
Sat 7th - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
Sun 8th - Madison WI @ Majestic Theatre
Tues 10th - Denver CO @ Bluebird Theatre
Weds 11th - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
Fri 13th - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Sat 14th - Seattle WA @ Neumos
Sun 15th - Portland OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Tues 17th - Reno, NV @ Tonic Lounge
Weds 18th - Santa Cruz, CA @ Rio Theatre
Thurs 19th - San Francisco, CA @The Grand Ballroom @ Regency
Fri 20th - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
Sat 21st - Los Angeles, CA @ Music Box at The Henry Fonda
Labels:
dance,
electro,
free downloads,
french horn rebellion,
music news,
pop/rock
Friday, February 25, 2011
Remix Of The Week: Warren G Ft. Nate Dogg "Regulate"
A West coast and all around rap classic featuring the hook man of all hook men, Nate Dogg. Listen below:
Labels:
mix of the week,
nate dogg,
rap/hip hop,
remixes,
warren g
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Chrissy Murderbot "Bussin Down"
Chicago's own Chrissy Murderbot, best known for his playful juke remixes and his "My Year Of Mixtapes," in which he recorded a new mixtape every week Kanye-style, ventures out into the genres of footwork, R&B and dancehall on "Bussin' Down". Along with guest star DJ Spinn, Murderbot creates a fun, frenetic and innovative track that will please club rats and mainstream music fans alike. Listen below:
Chrissy Murderbot - "Bussin' Down" EP (ZIQ293) by chrissymurderbot
Labels:
chrissy murderbot,
dance,
dancehall,
hot tracks,
house
Creep Announce US Tour With Klaxons
Brooklyn-based dance act Creep will be hitting the road with Klaxons in March for their first U.S. trek. The duo created a buzz late last year with their song "Days"a darkly romantic tune that was given a Chicago house makeover by Azari and III and a spookier, sultry edge by guest vocalist Romy Madley-Croft.
The duo plans to release a few more remixes and new singles that include collaborations with R&B twosome Nina Sky and Nomi Rulz, as well as their debut album sometime this year. To get a taste of Creep's live act, check out this video of them performing "You" with Nina Sky at Tribeca Grand during fashion week in NYC below:
CREEP/Klaxons US Tour Dates
3/17: Austin, TX @ FADER Fort, DJ set 3-5pm
3/19: Austin, TX @ Barcelona, Young Turks SXSW Party
3/25: Orlando FL @ The Social
3/28: Boston MA @ Paradise Rock Club
3/29: New York NY @ Webster Hall
3/30: Baltimore MD @ Ottobar
4/01: Columbus OH @ The Basement
4/02: Chicago IL @ Metro
4/03: Madison WI @ High Noon Saloon
4/05: Denver CO @ Larimer Lounge
4/06: Salt Lake City UT @ Urban Lounge
4/08: Vancouver BC @ Venue
4/09: Seattle WA @ Chop Suey
4/10: Portland OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
4/12: San Francisco CA @ The Fillmore
Vid Pick: Cut Copy "Need You Now"
Athletes are awesome! Or at least that seems to be the running theme (no pun intended) in Cut Copy's new clip for "Need You Now." The band and nearly every sport known to man is represented in full-screen face shots and captured in all their running-in-slow motion glory. And the song's good too. Watch below:
Cut Copy - Need You Now from Cut Copy on Vimeo.
Cut Copy - Need You Now from Cut Copy on Vimeo.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Artist Profile: Art Vs. Science
Art Vs. Science is an apt description for the dutch-pop band's music, a combination of the cold crush of pummeling electro beats and synths married with vocals are full of life and vitality. The Australian trio have gained a huge following in their home country due to their blistering live shows and two independently released EPs, both of which have gone gold.
It's easy to imagine thousands of people manically jumping and dancing themselves to death when you hear tracks like "Flippers" and "Magic Fountain," full of gargantuan slabs of synths and two-ton beats that drop like atomic bombs. The band can also veer into more traditional territory as well, with songs like "Finally See Our Way" and "Friend In The Field," revealing a softer, albeit still gritty, flip side to the non-stop sonic assault. Listen below:
Labels:
art vs science,
artist profile,
dance,
electro,
pop/rock
Artist Profile: Tahiti 80
French indie pop quartet Tahiti 80 have been making music together since the mid-90's, starting with the release of their self-produced and self-financed EP "20 Minutes" back in 1996. But the band--made up of singer/guitarist Xavier Boyer, bassist Pedro Resende, guitarist Mederic Gontier and drummer Sylvain Marchand--are not nostalgic relics. The group has put out four albums in the past four years, creating a sound that is equal parts soulful pop ("Heartbeat," "1,000 Times") and new wave-influenced rock ("Big Day").
Tahiti 80's new album The Past, The Present and The Possible, shows the group is still adept at making a variety of different songs. There's the melancholy pop of "Darlin'," which sounds like a darker version of The Turtles or early Beach Boys, while "Solitary Bizness" is all spliced-up samples and shots of synthesizers layered over pounding drums. "Me and The Princess" combines kinetic electro pop with a touch of lite-guitar funk. Take a listen to below:
Labels:
artist profile,
dance,
electro,
pop/rock,
tahitit 80
Friday, February 18, 2011
Remix Of The Week: Jodeci "Come And Talk To Me"
One of the last great R&B groups' (yeah I said it! It's not like there's any current guy groups to compare them to anyway:) best remixed cuts. Travel back to the magical era of combat boots, huge car phones and sleeveless vests below:
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Album Review: Hot Sugar: Muscle Milk
Hot Sugar creates a fun, adventurous landscape on his debut EP. The opener "Violence" seems like an ironic title for the first minute in, all bird calls and twinkling bells, before cavalcade of crushing synths, snapping snares and stuttering drums that rattle like rusty tin blades. "The Seagull" manages to be both playful and menacing, with deliriously high pitch distorted tones warbling in and out beside foreboding stabs of fat brass.
Versatility and coherently combining opposite musical tones seems to be Hot Sugar's specialty. "Not Tonight" and "Tarzanite" are R&B workouts that simultaneously sound organic and digitized, while "Color Wars," featuring Aaron Earl Livingston, dives headfirst into the kind of soulful psychedelia perfect for zoning out at the club or zoning out from reality.
One of Muscle Milk's standout cuts however, is the industrial-hip hop mashup "Don't Cut Down My Tree." By turns claustrophobic and spacious, the track is full of twisting, grinding and suffocating samples, whizzing synthesizers, spliced up drums and a bassline so filthy that you'll have to wash your ears out afterward. Next to this, "Motorcycle Man," a piece of bubbly electronic pop, sounds like kid stuff. Hot Sugar still has an Ace in the hole though, the delightfully nasty and laid back "F*ckable," featuring a thumping memorable bass that springs out of the speakers and a well of guitar funk so deep it'd make Prince shed a tear, or at least give a certified falsetto shout.
The only problem with Muscle Milk is that the party ends much too soon. But ultimately that's a good thing, because it only creates anticipation to see what Hot Sugar can do with a full-length album.
4.5/5
Vanity Theft Release Remix EP, Announce Club Moscow Performances
Vanity Theft's new album Get What You Came For, released back at the beginning of February, isn't the only new music the quartet is giving to theirs. The ladies are also dropping the remix EP Forget What You Came For, featuring remixes by Houses, Chris Murderbot and Jesse Christenson.
The EP is taste of remixes to come, as the band will release a full-length remix album this summer. Vanity Theft also will appear at Hollywood's Club Moscow every Wednesday night from March 23rd to April 13th, the club's first residency in years.The group will also perform at bMUSED's SXSW Showcase with Hunter Valentine on March 17th.
Download Forget What You Came For here. Look at the band's upcoming tour dates below.
2/17 - Scottsdale, AZ - The Rogue Bar
2/18 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
2/19 – Hollywood, CA – The Roxy
2/20 - San Francisco, CA - Milk Bar
2/23 – Portland, OR – Ash Street Station
2/24 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
2/25 - Boise, ID - Neurolux
2/26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Burts Tiki
2/27 – Denver, CO – The Lion’s Lair
3/1 - Kansas City, MO - The Riot Room
3/2 - St. Louis, MO – Ciceros
3/10 – Indianapolis, IN – Lizzard’s
3/11 – Columbus, OH – Kobo
3/12 – Dayton, OH – Blind Bob’s
3/17 – Austin, TX – Oil Can Harry’s (bMUSED SXSW Showcase)
3/23 – Hollywood, CA – Club Moscow
3/30 – Hollywood, CA – Club Moscow
4/6 – Hollywood, CA – Club Moscow
4/13 – Hollywood, CA – Club Moscow
Labels:
free downloads,
music news,
pop/rock,
vanity theft
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lady Gaga Concert Special To Air On HBO
Lady Gaga and her army of little monsters will invade HBO when the singer's first concert special airs on May 7th. HBO entertainment president Sue Naegle expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming concert, saying the superstar is "the single most exciting music talent on the scene today. We’re especially thrilled that she’ll be creating unique new elements for the special that will make the show an even more memorable experience for our viewers.”
The special will tape February 21st and 22nd at Monster's Ball shows at New York's Madison Square Garden. The concert will air a few weeks before the release of the pop star's highly anticipated sophomore album Born This Way, set for release on May 23rd.
I wonder what she'll come out of next?
Artist Profile: Jade Alston
Philly-based singer/songwriter Jade Alston has officially introduced a new word into the pop-culture vocabulary: the She-Mixx. What is a she-mixx you ask? It's when a female artist (in this case the aforementioned Jade) covers a popular song from a male artist but puts a feminine spin on it.
It seems that Alston has mastered this clever spin on the ever popular remix, with her beautifully vulnerable covers of Coldplay's "Clocks" and Kanye West's "Runaway." And like Yeezy, the singer has been releasing all of the covers that will make up her SHE-MIXX: A Woman's Perspective one track at a time, with a new song coming out each Tuesday. This week Jade turns up the swagger on her version of Lil Wayne's "Bill Gates."
Alston has been in the industry for a minute, working with Grammy-winning songwriters and producers like Claude Kelly and Jon Jon Traxx and was a VJ for a local music station. She even did a stint as the hype girl for Kelis' promo tour and was the opening act for 50 Cent and Amerie. Now the singer has her sights set for creating her own hype with Single On A Saturday Night, set for release in late March.
Until then listen to a few of Jade's covers below, and check the rest of the she-mixxes here.
Labels:
artist profile,
hip hop/rb,
jade alston,
rhythm and blues
Cut Copy Release Mixtape, Add More Tour Dates
Just in case Cut Copy's new album Zonoscope, released last week, isn't enough for you, the Aussie trio has released a new mixtape entitled A Tale Of Two Journeys. The new disc contains a medley of hits recorded at a show at the Island Diamond Dance Hall by Bobby Boomerang.
Although physical copies of the mixtape are limited, the first five people to correctly guess the album's tracklist will receive a free copy. The first person to get the tracklisting right will get free tickets to a Cut Copy headlining show closest to their hometown. You can submit entries at info@punkdafunk.com.
The band also added new dates to their upcoming tour in March. View the new dates and listen to A Tale Of Two Journeys below:
Wed 6 April - New York, NY @ Terminal 5 (3rd & final show!)
Thu 2 June - Mexico, City Mexico @ Teatro Chino de SIX FLAGS Mexico
Sat-Sun 4-5 June - Houston, TX - Free Press Summer Fest @ Elanor Tinsiley Park - Buy Tickets
Thu 9 June - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Circo Voador
Fri 10 June - Sao Paulo, Brazil @ HSBC
Sat 11 June - Bogota, Columbia @ Royal Center
A Tale of Two Journeys (Mixtape) by cutcopymusic
Monday, February 14, 2011
Artist Profile: Alex Winston
Alex Winston proves looks aren't the only thing can be deceiving. The Detroit-based singer/songwriter/guitarist's voice may sound all sweet and baby doll like, but her lyrics pack quite a punch. "Hey there sister wife/Get the hell out/It's my life," she barks at a nosy ex over thundering drum. The target of her fury on "Medicine" is unclear, it ferocious just the same.
Although Winston's background is in opera, her sound is a grab bag musical styles, from the bouncy, melodic pop of "Medicine," the honky tonk piano, twinkling bells and rolling drums of "Choice Notes and the confrontational "SisterWife." Winston crafts a zany, insanely catchy world all her own. Take a listen below:
Q&A: Hafdis Huld
Icelandic songstress Hafdis Huld has been singing and performing since her teens, when she was a member of electro-pop ensemble Gus Gus. After leaving the band Huld broke out as a solo star with her 2006 debut, the critically-acclaimed Dirty Paper Cup, and toured all over Europe and the United Kingdom to bring her idiosyncratic brand of pop to the masses.
Now with her new album Synchronized Swimmers, set for a release later this year in America and Canada, it looks Huld will soon gain fans on this side of the ocean as well. In a short interview with Indies and the Underground, Huld talks about her new music, meeting Bjork, her songwriting inspirations and meeting goats in a cemetery.
You started touring with Gus Gus when you were 15. How did being on the road at such a young age affect you?
Well I joined the band at 15 but didn´t start touring untill I was 16. That sounds a bit better doesn't it ? I don´t think it affected me much to be honest, I was way to young to get into clubs or do anything rock´n roll. And obviously I always had a grown up looking after me. But it was great to be able to see so many different countries and it convinced me I wanted to do music when I grew up.
What's the craziest thing that's happened on tour?
Meeting some goats in a cemetery in Switzerland.
Was it difficult to make the transition from being in a group to being a solo artist?
No it was great not to have to run everything by 8 other people. I could finally make exactly the music I wanted to make and tell stories that meant something to me. I am much happier where I am today.
What's your earliest musical memory?
Going with my mum to see Boney M when they came to play in Iceland when I was 5 years old. I remember that one of them came and picked me up and took me onto the stage where I proudly waved to my mum.
How is the sound/lyrical content of Synchronized Swimmers different or similar to Dirty Paper Cup?
Lyrically I think Synchronised Swimmers is brighter and happier and the production is fuller. Dirty Paper Cup was very lo fi and didn't even have a rhythm section.
Your songs often tell stories and contain a lot of sharp imagery and quirky characters. Who or what inspires your songs?
Life in general. Sometimes it is a personal experience, or a strange sentence I hear that makes my imagination go into overdrive. I also have a few songs written about my friends experiences, if all the things I sing about had happened to me I would be a robotic vampire climbing ski scrapers and eating ice cream. Well the ice cream is a personal experience I guess.
Which artists influenced you as a songwriter and singer?
I always feel like I should list lots of cool musicians when I get this question because that is what artists say in interviews, but I am not a good liar and the truth is I am much more influenced by stories and people than I am by other music.
Which artist and producers would you like to collaborate with and why?
I am waiting for Dolly Parton to invite me to Dollywood to sing a duet with her. Why.... because that would be brilliant.
Have you ever met Bjork?
Yes I have met her a few times and she is exactly how you would expect from seeing her in interviews and on TV . Last time I met her was at the environmental karaoke marathon she hosted.. It is brilliant how she is fighting for the Icelandic nature and raising peoples awareness.
You've also acted in several indie films. Would you like to branch out into movies more in the future? In what way (i.e. scoring music for films, acting, directing etc.)
I would love to do some more acting, I always really enjoy that. And it would be great to get the opportunity to write a film score one day. That is proper grown up stuff.
What can fans expect from you next?
An album of Icelandic lullabies this spring and some gigs abroad in the spring and summer. And then hopefully a new album at the end of the year. And in between some video blogs about growing beet root and making jam and possibly some online gigs from my pink kitchen here in Iceland.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Remix Of The Week: Jennifer Lopez "Waiting For Tonight (Hex Hector Remix)"
Hex Hector turned J. Lo 's1999 hit out from light dance pop jam to a ferocious, turn-of-the-millenium electronica freakout. New Year's Eve celebrations haven't been the same since. Listen below:
Lady Gaga "Born This Way"
After months of anticipation, "Born This Way" has now been officially unleashed upon the world. My thoughts? The track sounds a lot like Madonna's "Express Yourself," but updated for 2011. Or a slightly sped up variation on Pink's "God Is A DJ."
The lyrics are very uplifting and empowering, and could be seen as an homage to Carl Bean 70's hit "Born This Way." The song does grow on you with each listen, but I was expecting something a little different, since she was advertising the new album as more rock-influenced. In short, it's good and it'll definitely sell, but not an EPIC, stop-you-in-your tracks hit. Listen for yourself below:
Labels:
dance,
electro,
hot tracks,
lady gaga,
music news,
new music,
pop
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Kanye West "All Of The Lights (Pretty Lights Remix)"
Listen to Pretty Lights' electrofied makeover of "All The Lights" from Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy below:
03 Kanye West All Of The Lights Remix by IndiesUnder
Labels:
dance,
electro,
hot tracks,
Kanye West,
rap/hip hop,
remixes
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Pretty Lights Announces Spring Tour
Pretty Lights will be hitting the road from late March into April. The electro superproducer and head of Pretty Lights Music promises to take his production to the next level, with a stage show that is bigger and better than previous outings.
Pretty Lights also launched a new YouTube channel last week, featuring unreleased tracks, remixes and mashups of artists like Jay-Z, Pink Floyd and Steve Miller Band. View the full list of tour dates below:
March 4 – Avon, CO – Snow Ball Music Experience
March 24 – Miami Beach, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach
March 25 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues
March 26 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
April 12 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room
April 13 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Orbit Room
April 15 – Carlisle, PA – Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium (Dickinson College)
April 16 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter
April 19 – Raleigh, NC – Raleigh Amphitheater
April 20 – Gainesville, FL – Stephen C. O’Connell Center (University of Florida)
April 22 – Fayetteville, AR – The Arkansas Music Pavilion
April 23 – Kansas City, MO – Midland Theatre
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lady Gaga To Premiere "Born This Way" On Friday
Lady Gaga fans are in luck. Instead of having to wait for the superstar's new single "Born This Way" to debut at the Grammys this Sunday, Gaga has decided to release the track this Friday. The singer tweeted "Can't wait any longer, single coming Friday" yesterday.
Gaga has been counting down the days until her return for weeks, and even gave fans a preview of the lyrics in a tweet back in late January.You can view the lyrics to "Born This Way" here. In the meantime, watch a preview of Anderson Cooper's 60 Minutes interview with Lady Gaga below:
Psychic Friend; "Once a Servant"
The debut song by Psychic Friend, the L.A. trio made up of vocalist and former Imperial Teen and Hey Willpower member Will Schwartz, ex-Hole member Patty Schemel and Bo Boddie, is a big, poppy piano ballad disarming in its simplicity. While the lyrics are kind of vague, the melody is as catchy as the common cold. Don't be surprised if you find yourself singing 'oh oh' at random moments throughout the day. The band's debut performance will be this Friday at the Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco.
Listen to "Once a Servant" here.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Artist Profile: Carly Jamison
Cee-Lo's "F*ck You" might have found a kindred spirit in New York-based country-pop/rock singer Carly Jamison. The singer lays out her feelings for any potential detractors in the frank and hilarious "Ask Me I Give A Sh*t." Fortunately Jamison's deep, smoky voice, backed by bluesy guitars and smooth harmonies, has plenty of attitude to back up such a bold statement.
"If you wanna start with me/Bring it on" she snarls on the tough-talking continues on "Bring It On," while "Doubt" finds Jamison kicking herself for falling for a two-timing loser who only gave broken promises and disappointments. She kicks the bum out of course. The singer shows her softer side on "The One With You" a tale of young love lost set to a country-pop soundtrack. "The Hills Of Jericho" varies the subject matter a bit, with lyrics about breaking free of old traditions and the mind-numbing influence of advertising and television. Listen to a few tracks below:
Artist Profile: Drawn From Bees
Australian-art rockers Drawn From Bees seem to take a meticulous approach to creating their music. Piecing together different elements--a bit of echoed vocals or singing in a round with background harmonies, sneaking in somber strings, guitars sounds that veer from warbled distortion to haunting steel pedal slides, or stripping down the bridge to just a few chords--to craft a unique set of songs.
Such attention to detail shines through on tracks like "The Eastwood Fox" and "Waiting For The End," with their hypnotic swing, and the pop/rock gem "Stand Against The Storm." Fleetwood Mac-style stacked harmonies and jangly chords and riffs drive the song, while a synthesizer line weaves in and out, slowly working its way under your skin . Listen below:
Labels:
art rock,
artist profile,
drawn from bees,
pop/rock
Friday, February 4, 2011
Remix Of The Week: SWV "Anything"
If you didn't know this was a remix, you're not alone. Originally a sultry slow jam from the trio 92' debut It's About Time, Coko, Lelee and Taj ride a "Get Up And Dance" horn sample (also used in KRS One's "You Must Learn") to create of the best R&B remixes ever. Well at least in the top 10.
Labels:
hip hop soul,
mix of the week,
remixes,
rhythm and blues,
swv
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Holy Ghost! Give Up Album Details, Plot U.S. Tour With Cut Copy
Holy Ghost! plan to set dancefloors around the world on fire with their self-titled debut, due out in April. Fans have already gotten a taste of what's to come with the release of the insanely catchy single "Do It Again". The band's 10-song release will feature guest appearances the Rapture's Luke Jenner, Penguin Prison's Chris Glover and Michael McDonald. Yes, that Michael McDonald.
The litany of guest stars is all part of the duo's plan to mercilessly dominate the electronic music game. Or at least craft tracks that don't require seizure-inducing strobe lights and alcohol-filled Styrofoam cups to be enjoyed.
"I didn't want to limit myself to making an album that could only be played in clubs," says Alex Frankel. Partner in crime Nick Millhiser agreed, adding "We were trying to make something that people would want to listen to front to back at home."
Holy Ghost! will also be hitting the road with dance-rock trio Cut Copy for a U.S. trek. View the album's tracklist as well as tour dates below.
Tracklisting
1. do it again
2. wait and see
3. hold my breath
4. say my name
5. jam for jerry
6. hold on
7. it’s not over
8. slow motion
9. static on the wire
10. some children
US Tour Dates w/ Cut Copy
03/28 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
03/29 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
03/31 – Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero
04/01 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
04/02 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
04/04 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
04/05 – Montreal, QC – Club Soda
04/07 – Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
04/08 – Chicago, IL – Riviera
04/09 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
04/12 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo
04/16 – San Francisco, CA – The Grand Ballroom
04/20 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
04/22 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s
04/23 – New Orleans, LA – Republic
B. Slade: The Interview
Since breaking away from the gospel music industry a few years back, B. Slade has revamped his career with a new persona and a prolific output of fresh material. From the A Brilliant Catastrophe series to the Jack5on Magic Mixtape to his latest full lengths Stereotype and Gospop, the singer seems determined to carve out his own singular corner in music.
In a wide-ranging interview, B. Slade talks about everything--from preparing to play late disco icon Sylvester and the enduring magic of the Jacksons to the slightly scary influence of David Bowie and Grace Jones. The singer also sounds off organized religion, closeted gospel artists, suicide among gay teens, being a role model and why Patti Labelle is "beyond beast." Here are few quotes from the interview:
On the Seventies-inspired sound of Stereotype:
"The Seventies to me was quite frankly the best music...there was something that was little bit more intrinsic about the Seventies. The chord structure, the changes, the heart, the lyrical content. You really had to have raw talent. You really had to have a perspective."
On disco icon Sylvester:
"He was a nonconformist. And he was fabulous in everything he did."
On the Jac5son Magic Mixtape and Janet & Michael:
"Michael of course was the epicenter of that whole family earthquake, but the aftershock, literally was Janet. They've had a major influence. Certain songs were more for Mike. But my allegiance and my biggest artistic influence as an artist has been Janet Jackson. Hands down."
On whether other gospel artists will come out:
"There are not many cut out to do what I did. A lot of people's complete career is built off of a perception, or an illusion...it's not for everyone."
On the current state of the black church:
"People are starting to see that the leaders of these religions are just as fallible, if not more, than its subjects. Now because of current events, things keep popping up that are forcing the black church to deal with issues that have been very prominent all along. I'm really interested to see how this is all going to play out."
On being an openly gay artist in the music industry:
"I think the majority of the people in the industry respect truth. As maniacal as the music industry can be, they can't fuck with the truth."
Update: All of B. Slade's commercial releases--The Jack5on Magic Mixtape, Gospop and Stereotype--have been removed from the singer's bandcamp page. According to an official website statement:
"To welcome in 2011, B.Slade is currently in a MAJOR career transition and wishes to thank everyone for their support and interest. Summer of 2011 will reveal exciting news & informtation. As of now B.Slade is focusing on his acting career & international securities. STAY TUNED."
For those who need a hit of B. Slade before then, the singer has released a new single called "Kaleidoscope," which is available on his bandcamp page. Listen to all three parts of the interview below:
Labels:
b slade,
dance,
gospel,
interviews,
pop,
rhythm and blues
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Artist Profile: A House For Lions
L.A.-based indie rockers A House For Lions weave together the worlds of art rock and alt-country with the standard rock attack of distorted guitars and driving drums. It's a curious mix that surprisingly works.
Tracks like "Let Back", are crammed to the brim with searing guitar solos and fuzzy feedback, while "Ease My Mind" and "Come On Let's Go" mine folk and country territory with plenty of steel guitar and gentle back beats that conjure images of lazy summer nights or long midnight drives.
The band's EP I Want Us To Be Remembered will be released nationally on March 1st, but is currently available for download. Listen to a few tracks below:
Vanity Theft Premiere Music Video, Release Album Digitally
Vanity Theft, the all-girl quartet from Ohio, seem hellbent on reviving the rough and tough riot-grrl ethos typified by female artists like Sleater-Kitty, Joan Jett and Bikini Kill, while also offering punky dance tunes similar to The Ting Tings. Or as bassist Lalaine Paras succinctly put it: “We may have vaginas, but we’re not pussies.”
That defiant-but-playful attitude is on full display in the band's video for their first single, the catchy and lyrically blunt "Anatomy" (draw your own conclusions about what the girls are singing about) from their new album Get What You Came For. The album is currently available digitally on Vigilante/Adamant Records, and will be released physically on March 1st.
The band also begins a North American tour with Hunter Valentine February 2nd. Touring is nothing new to the band though, who steadily built a following with successful stints on the 2009 Warped Tour and national road shows with acts like Sick of Sara.
The girls can put on their boogie shoes when required, as the drum n' bass-style remix of "Limb From Limb" by Chicago's Chrissy Murderbot proves. Check out the video for "Anatomy," as well the remix for "Limb From Limb" and a list of tour dates below:
Vanity Theft-"Limb From Limb (Chrissy Murderbot Remix)"
2/2 - New York, NY - The Knitting Factory
2/3 - Philadelphia, PA - The M Room
2/4 - Washington, DC - U Street Music Hall
2/5 - Charlotte, NC - The Milestone
2/7 - Atlanta, GA - Purgatory
2/9 - Webster, TX - Club Eden
2/10 - Austin, TX - Emo's
2/11 - San Antonio, TX - Korova
2/12 - Dallas, TX - Sue Ellen's
2/13 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Conservatory
2/15 – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace
2/17 - Scottsdale, AZ - The Rogue Bar
2/18 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
2/19 – Hollywood, CA – The Roxy
2/20 - San Francisco, CA - Milk Bar
2/23 – Portland, OR – Ash Street Station
2/24 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
2/25 - Boise, ID - Neurolux
2/26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Burts Tiki
2/27 – Denver, CO – The Lion’s Lair
3/1 - Kansas City, MO - The Riot Room
3/2 - St. Louis, MO - Ciceros
3/4 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews
3/5 - Minneapolis, MN - 400 Bar
3/10 - Indianapolis, IN - Lizard's (free show)
3/11 - Columbus, OH - Kobo
3/12 - Dayton, OH - Blind Bob's
Labels:
dance,
free downloads,
music news,
pop/rock,
remixes,
vanity theft,
videos
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