“Brooklyn band using chopped-up movie music to create heavy-lidded dreampop” – The Guardian
“A combination of chillingly beautiful synth instrumental sound and introspective whispery vocals, with a lava lamp aesthetic.” – NYLON
New York neo-psyche band Corbu are streaming “Polygon Forest”, the first track from their forthcoming debut album. With its choral harmonies and tribal drumming over shimmering, glacial synths “Polygon Forest” is a glorious and uplifting trip, taken from their album Crayon Soul, out 5th August 2016 via 3 Beat (EU) & Big Picnic (US).
Recorded and produced by the band, Crayon Soul was mixed by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, MGMT). A vivid exploration inspired in part by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Graves’ lucid dreams, Crayon Soul is a truly realised vision. “It’s a journey through a series of “gates”, or events that you pass through with the narrator,” says Graves of the album. “At each event, you change and shift into a new part of the story.”
Extremely visual, Corbu create captivating, kaleidoscopic visuals to accompany their music. Encouraging listeners to paint their own path through Corbu’s world, Crayon Soul includes a colouring book, as well as artwork inspired by each of the twelve songs.
Crayon Soul follows two acclaimed EPs, We Are Sound and Everything You Imagine Is Real, which garnered praise from the likes of NYLON, Stereogum, The Guardian, NME and more, as well as capturing the attention of Jessie Ware, who personally requested the band to remix her song “You & I (Forever)”.
Making international waves with her award-winning self-titled breakout album in 2008 and Anxiety in 2012, Ladyhawke aka Pip Brown will release her third studio album Wild Things on June 3 via Polyvinyl Records. She previously shared the exhilaratingly infectious single “A Love Song” and today fans are treated to a second album cut “Dangerous”. A brooding, synth-strapped dancefloor anthem, “Dangerous” premiered alongside a NYLON “Band Crush” feature yesterday.
Brown’s conviction to organic authenticity led her on this third album journey which started back in 2013. She scrapped a full album’s worth of material before taking around a year to craft the blissed-out Wild Things with producer Tommy English (Børns, Tiësto, Dark Waves), whom she met through her L.A. neighbor, tattoo artist/musician Kat Von D. Ladyhawke kicks off a national US tour on June 21st in Boston.
National US Spring Tour!
6/21: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
6/24: New York, NY @ Rough Trade
6/25: Washington, DC @ U Street Music
6/26: Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle
6/28: Chicago, IL @ Schubas
6/30: Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
7/1: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
7/3: San Francisco, CA @ Independent
7/6: Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
Los Angeles based producer Eric Sharp is back with a brand new housey treat this week called “A Little More”, which has him teaming up with singer/songwriter Shandra Dixon for her lush vocals, and Spencer Ludwig for his mad trumpeting skills.
“To me, musical works are snapshots of a point in time in an artist’s life. Tracks are energy crystallized into an audio format. I’m pleased to share a more upbeat tune with the world that came together at an exciting time in my life. A Little More represents the eternal wellspring of hope that is around every corner if we look for it. It celebrates the joy and release that music and dancing can inspire in us all” – Eric Sharp
Eric Sharp began writing “A Little More” in 2013 just after relocating from San Francisco to Los Angeles. He was inspired by the wave of new house music coming out of the UK (Julio Bashmore, Duke Dumont, Gorgon City, Route 94, Disclosure), and was really happy with how the track was unfolding until he reached a point where he felt it needed something special to really make it complete, so he decided to set it aside until he could work out what the something was.
Shortly after he caught the band Capital Cities playing at the Sundance Film Festival where he was DJing, and was blown away by their trumpet player Spencer Ludwig. After having a quick chat together after the show, they decided to have a go at collaborating, and Eric thought this could be just what “A Little More” was missing.
“I invited Spencer to my bedroom studio in LA to start working on ideas for this collab. I looped the track’s progression while he free-riffed for about 15 minutes, and I recorded everything. I then structured the track with my favourite trumpet parts, and was really excited about showcasing such a beautiful instrument” – Eric Sharp
Eric was very pleased with where this placed the track, but he it still felt like it wasn’t quite done yet.
He then met Shandra Dixon at one of the legendary parties that The Stafford Brothers threw at their mansion in the Hollywood Hills. They instantly connected and shortly after began working on the top-line and vocals for “A Little More”, and Shandra’s gospel-trained pipes just set the track off completely, capturing its vibe and taking it to the next level.
In tradition with their captivating visuals on screen, WRAY is back with the video for “Pined,” a witchy tale reminiscent of the down-South gothic first season of True Detective. The Birmingham, Alabama trio have been working on the video under the creative direction of director Dillon Hayes.
David Brown from WRAY weighs in on the music video:
“Pined is a reflection on the dichotomy between looking past and looking forward. It’s meditative in sound and concept. I think the video fits this reflection well. Dillon (Hayes) worked with us to create a unique narrative that is as vague as it is expansive. We want to show an alternative perspective to the typical southern landscape, and get lost in it; which we did. Filmed in some truly beautiful locations in the heart of Alabama, it was a pleasure.”
The track features singer/bassist David Brown’s ghostly vocals set to steady, charging percussion and dark, lurid harmonies. “’Pined’ started out very different than how it ended up on the album”, Brown said of the track, “The melody was there, but the arrangement was truly refined in the process of recording. That sets it apart from other tracks.”
WRAY is one of those rare bands that effortlessly blend smart sonic pluralities into a seamless whole without losing any of their DIY grit. It is clear that lead singer/bass player David Brown, guitarist David Swatzell, and drummer Blake Wimberly have harnessed their sound and created a cohesive and ghostly record.
This album is filled with haunting vocals, constant guitar and soft percussion that explores a space of subtle contrasts and originality. The first single off of the LP is the title track, “Hypatia”, which relays the sound of the entire LP. The single communicates the dream-like undertones and romantic lyrics in a quiet and subtle approach. With tracks like “May 23rd” and “Pined”, WRAY proves their ability to create rhythmic songs while staying true to the overall feel of the LP.
Catch their amazing show live:
5/17/2016 – London, UK – Nambucca
5/19/2016 – Brighton, UK – Marlborough Theatre
6/13/2016 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn w/ Sunflower Bean
6/29/2016 – Knoxville, TN – Pilot Light
6/30/2016 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
7/1/2016 – Lexington, KY – The Green Lantern
7/2/2016 – Cincinnati, OH – Northside Rock and Roll Carnival
“Cholo goth duo Prayers have shared the video for their single “Black Leather,” featuring tattoo artist Kat Von D (who also sings on the song). In the clip, frontman Leafar Seyer wields a snake and also visits the cemetery and a goth nightclub.” – Pitchfork
“The Cholo Goth movement is real, and Prayers are some crazy motherfuckers.” – Noisey
“Prayers pull from darkest dance elements with touches of the Pet Shop Boys and Bowie thrown in to lift the mix.” – The Huffington Post
“Pioneers behind a musical genre and growing subculture” – LA Weekly
Following the reveal of new single “Black Leather” ft. Kat Von D via Zane Lowe’s Beats 1, earlier this week, San Diego’s iconic cholo goth electronic/rock duo, Prayers, drop the official “Black Leather” video and announce their forthcoming Baptism Of Thieves EP with Pitchfork today heading into the band’s upcoming Coachella appearance (Sunday April 24th, 1:40pm @ Mohave Stage).
“Black Leather” is the first new music from Prayers since 2015’s “Young Gods” and the first single off the duo’s forthcoming 2016 EP Baptism of Thieves.
Fueled by pulsating synthesizers, metallic percussion and oscillating bass with frontman and Prayers’ creative force Leafar Seyer’s trademark howl, the hook-driven track explores themes of angst and alienation in the band’s post-industrial-electronic, cholo-goth signature style. Kat Von D lends vocals to the track and also features in video.
Speaking exclusively to Pitchfork, Seyer explains his inspiration: “‘Black Leather’ is my way of celebrating everything that I’ve had to leave behind for my true self to emerge. Every man and every woman is a star but I’ve become the universe.”
Directed by Gavin Filipiak and conceptualized by Seyer, the stark black and white video is rife with evocative imagery exploring catholicism, cholo culture, and the interplay between life and death.
Prayers will bring their mesmerizing live performance toCoachella on Sunday, April 24th, 1:40pm on the Mojave Stage.
Baptism Of Thieves EP Track List 1. Black Leather ft. Kat Von D 2. Underneath The Stars 3. Smiles Mask Tears 4. Lucifer Rising 5. Beauty and Bedlam 6. Pyramids
Founded in 2013 by Rafael Reyes and Dave Parley, Prayers are the first band to coin the term “cholo goth” to define their musical genre. Exploring the harsh realities of gang/street life over throbbing beats, their music defies stereotypes within the goth and cholo subcultures all the while creating their own underground scene.
If you’re still abuzz from Weekend 1 of Coachella, you need a fix and Vaudeville Etiquette can definitely help you with that.
After the PASTE premiere of “Crosseyed Crazy,” The Bluegrass Situation’s debut of “Damn Lovely,” and The Alternate Root naming new track “Empty Hands” No. 1 on their list of “The Top Ten Songs of the Week,” Vaudeville Etiquette are releasing another new track from their upcoming album, Aura Vista Motel. Check out “Tipping Point” below. The band has also released videos for “Crosseyed Crazy” video and “Damn Lovely.”
Aura Vista Motel will be released on May 6th and is available for pre-order on iTunes.
When we last saw Vaudeville Etiquette, the Seattle band was touring in support of critically acclaimed debut album Debutantes & Dealers, an album that No Depression said was “in the same vein as Mumford & Sons and the Lumineers. Their seamless harmonies and sense of spontaneity makes them a good candidate for mainstream success.” The Seattle Times called the band “one of the bright new faces of Seattle music,” American Songwriter gave the album 3 stars and compared lead vocalist Tayler Lynn to Neko Case,” USA Today praised their ability to “mix folk, jazz and country with freewheeling abandon.”
The new album gets its name from the motel that once occupied an infamous stretch of Highway 99 in Seattle. In its heyday, here was a motorist’s utopia, filled with a thriving middle class that was ready to explore America, traversed by the likes of Kerouac and Salinger, and full of romantic intrigue and possibility. Today, it’s a forgotten relic, a notoriously seedy stretch of road that attracts violence, drugs, prostitution, and one 5-piece folk-rock band that relentlessly believes in its spirit and potential.
What used to be the Aura Vista Motel is now where the band writes, rehearses, celebrates, argues, hones their music, and shoot their videos. It’s the Vaudeville Etiquette headquarters, it’s haunted, and it’s the catalyst behind all that they do. You can hear it on this record, as each song plays like a guest in a different room; separate but united by our wayfaring desires and sordid expectations.
They recorded the album with producer Shawn Simmons Studio Litho in Seattle, WA. “His knack for honing an intrinsic Seattle sound in the work he’s done with bands like The Head and The Heart and Lemolo was exactly what this record needed,” says Lynn. “He pushed us to create unique arrangements and employ unconventional recording and burrito-eating techniques that take the sounds on this album and gracefully elevate them to a psychedelic whirlwind, then down to an intimate lullaby and back around again. He’s a joy to work with and a hero at the helm.”
Like Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Boxer”, Youngsmith’s “Red” at first seems like a simple song. Yet another songwriter singing his wares. But by the end, it reveals a powerful and memorable soul. The new single by this Brisbane songwriter echoes the style of narrative songwriters of the past much like Simon & Garfunkel and writers of that ilk, but with a few rougher edges.
Youngsmith’s music is about getting you in touch with parts of your soul you don’t want to talk to. If you want to remember the song and sing it as loud as you can in your car and actually feel something through the lyrics, its for you. If you want to tap your feet to something, cry to something, hurt to something… this music is for you.
“Red” is a classic mix of folk and rock, sounding better with every listen. The song talks about an old friend of Smith’s he began a relationship with after losing everything. In this dark place, he found hope in an unlikely place. A redheaded girl…. simple in its accompaniment for the first half, urging you to tap your feet to the chorus. It soon breaks down into a strong and beautiful lament, questioning “Red, how’d you do that?”.
Recorded and engineered by Smith in his home studio and mixed by Bryce Moorhead – who’s work currently sits atop the ARIA charts with Violent Soho’s WACO. “Red” includes elements similar to Vance Joy’s “Georgia” or Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love”. Laments about life and love.
With a striking film clip by Dan Greatz (Violent Soho, Ball Park Music), “Wither” started a nation wide fan base “Red” plans to expand and build on through its wider sound, unforgettable chorus and upcoming national tour in support of the track.
Smith now has been making his own music for ten years. Having played both in a band and a solo artist, he has produced several EPs, had his work featured and played on national radio, surfing documentaries, in other countries like Germany and the US.
Recently, he’s had his back catalogue added to the Albert & Sons library sharing the digital hallways with the likes of AC/DC and Cold Chisel. Releasing his first single just last year in a combined effort with Shock Records and The A&R Department, “Wither” gained airplay across the country.
From Chicago to Kansas to Austin to your ears – after playing in bands such as Hospital Ships and Your Friend, Nathan Dixey presents his solo debut as The Dan Ryan. The self-titled album, out May 27, is also the debut release for new Venice, CA-based label Cosmic Dreamer Music. Cosmic Dreamer is a platform for artistic expression. Founded by visual artists who play music, the label believes in the power of connecting with others through sight, sound, and experience.
For a taste of the album, check out the psych-folk single “Fleeting”.
If the Grateful Dead of 1977 started collaborating with the Grateful Dead of 1966 under George Harrison’s supervision in 2014, the result would sound similar to The Dan Ryan. Sonically, the LP is unique, blending pop sensibilities and electronic textures with tender vocals. Experimental and deeply personal, the songs bear a chapter of change with deep lyrical content, yet the music never becomes too dark or overbearing.
Formed in 2011 as a side project in Lawrence, KS, The Dan Ryan is now based in Austin, TX, where the debut LP was home-recorded between December 2013 to July 2014. Psychedelic and deeply personal, these songs bear a chapter of change and evoke the fleeting nature of one’s perspective on life.
The Dan Ryan stretches eleven miles through the south side of Chicago. A clogged artery, the expressway slowly churns its commuters from the city’s heart to the ghettos, outskirts, and suburbs out beyond Northwest Indiana. Trains shuffle through its enormous median to 95thStreet. Great iron edifices deliver passengers east and westbound, roaring seventy feet above the freeway’s concrete floor. Tucked in the city’s southwest corner lays a patch of forest bearing the same name. Carved by glaciers, The Dan Ryan Woods boast Chicago’s highest vantage point. Climb its light towers to admire her big, broad, shimmering shoulders. Linger under its giant maples to escape the whirr of the city streets. The Dan Ryan represents the imminent collision between tranquility and transition; an acknowledgement that regardless of ones stature, seat, or disposition, you’re still along for the ride.
Following a Hype Machine No.1with first single “Utopia”, Pete Tong’s ‘Essential New Tune’ on BBC Radio 1, Digitalism unleash new track “Go Time”.
Saying that Hamburg hailing Digitalism’s third album Miragestems from “the ecstasy” of “epic trips around the globe” is no overstatement. 10 years of touring, creating and scouting inspiration have cut a path for the duo that sits somewhere between nostalgia and futurism. This comes to a head in the second single off the album, “Go Time”, further proof of their ever-increasing appetite for adventure.
An indisputable pre-weekend anthem, it’s a huge track. Stemming from one simple loop, it evolved into “this huge stadium indie thing” as Jence and Isi put it. Leaving any stagnant competitors well behind them, Digitalismhave tapped into that Thursday-night-feeling, yearning for a weekend yet to begin. This is the theme of the track: “Let’s get Friday out of the way”, chants a euphoric chorus, deliciously raw. Taking on this mantra, John Tejada and Mumbai Science have both delivered tasty remixes, with the latter creating an inescapably bouncy sound grounded in the youthful grit of “Go Time”.
Taking wistful electronica to new heights, expect a contemporary indie twist that keeps hold of a good dose of synth-mania. The old school finesse of hits like “Zdarlight” and “Pogo” are evident in both“Go Time” and first single “Utopia”, with a decade of knowledge gained over a career full to the brim with both live and studio magic.
“Go Time for us means ‘pressing the start button’ on your life and going for it” – and go for it they have. After a few years of doing everything from storming Coachella to a solid residency at London’s XOYO where they play live on April 28th, the album was whipped up in a cool 6 months, starting in February 2015. Its swift conception is clearly a reflection of their need to share this creative output with the world, and if “Go Time” is representative of the whole album, we should be just as eager to hear it as Digitalism were to make it.
Digitalism Live Tour Dates:
27 April – Paris, France – Badaboum
28 April – London, England – XOYO
6 May – Cologne, Germany – Gebäude 9
13 May – Berlin, Germany – Ritter Butzke
19 May – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
20 May – Washington, DC – U Street Music Hall
21 May – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
24 May – Chicago, IL – Double Door
25 May – Detroit, MI – Shelter
26 May – Toronto, ON – The Garrison
27 May – Montreal, QC – L’Astral
28 May – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
1 June – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
3 June – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey
17 June – Arhus, Denmark – Northside
18 June – Eindhoven, Holland – We Are Electric
24 June – Scheessel, Germany – Hurricane Festival
25 June – Neuhausen, Germany – Southside Festival
17 July – Berlin, Germany – !MELT Festival
10 Aug – Acquaviva (Siena), Italy – Live Rock festival
Musically Amusing 