Category Archives: Awesome

April 26, 2016 · 10:04 am

Free Download: Eric Sharp – “A Little More” ft. Spencer Ludwig & Shandra Dixon

Eric Sharp

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.

Check out the finished product of awesome:

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April 18, 2016 · 11:20 am

Check ‘Em Out: Vaudeville Etiquette

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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.”

 

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April 6, 2016 · 11:46 am

New Music From Digitalism!

Digitalism

Following a Hype Machine No.1 with 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 Mirage stems 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, Digitalism have 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

Digitalism Mirage – Release Date May 13th

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March 31, 2016 · 9:31 am

Surfer Blood and Lil Bub

surferbloodlilbub

Surfer Blood & Lil BUB Team Up for 7″ Split,
Out May 13th via Joyful Noise (pre-order)

Surfer Blood has teamed up with everyone’s favorite magical space cat, Lil BUB, for a 7″ split due out May 13th via Joyful Noise Recordings. Featuring brand new Surfer Blood track “Evil Cat” on Side A and BUB’s contribution “BUB the Builder” on Side B, the 7″ is currently available for pre-order. It’s limited to 500 copies on special “Eye of Sauron” colored vinyl.

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100% of profits will benefit long-time Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete’s cancer treatment. Currently unable to tour and make a living, Thom has relied on the generous donations of fans & friends via his GoFundMe page, sales of his new solo album Burner, and various other fundraisers (the most recent being an auction of previously-unreleased tracks from artists like Yo La Tengo, Guided By Voices, Cults, Real Estate, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart & others, which are still available for download with a donation of $10 or more.)

Surfer Blood hits the road with Joyful Noise label mates Sound of Ceres — who recently released their debut album Nostalgia for Infinity — in May. See below for a list of upcoming dates.

Surfer Blood & Sound of Ceres Tour:
5/4: Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
5/5: Chattanooga, TN @ Revelry Room
5/6: Bowling Green, KY @ Tidballs
5/9: Kansas City, MO @ Tank Room
5/10: Lincoln, NE @ Vega
5/11: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
5/12: Champaign, IL @ The Accord
5/16: St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
5/18: Indianapolis, IN @ White Rabbit
5/19: Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
5/20: Detroit, MI @ UFO
5/21: Columbus, OH @ The Basement
5/22: Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
5/23: Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s

 

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March 23, 2016 · 10:29 am

Farewell von Trapps

vontrapps

After fifteen years performing together around the world and carrying on the family’s musical traditions, The von Trapps; Sofia, Melanie, Amanda and August, are closing this chapter in their lives as full-time musicians to pursue individual dreams and interests.

The von Trapps are the great-grandchildren of the family depicted in the musical, The Sound of Music. Their extensive career has taken them everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to Beijing’s Forbidden City to Carnegie Hall; they have performed with Wayne Newton, Rufus Wainwright and many major symphonies across the globe. The most meaningful highlights of their career together have been their time teaching music in Rwanda, singing to Colo the gorilla with Jack Hanna, and creating Dream a Little Dream, their 2014 collaborative album with Pink Martini & Thomas Lauderdale.

While in the studio with Pink Martini, the four siblings began to write original material. In 2015, they released Dancing in Gold, an EP of original songs inspired by their travels as young adults.

In a celebration of new beginnings the The von Trapps will be throwing a final farewell concert at Star Theater on May 3rd (cake-lover Melanie von Trapp’s birthday) in their hometown, Portland Oregon.

“Our family story as been shared in nearly every corner of the world.  It has been a surreal honor to continue this musical tradition and be a part of such a hopeful message to the world for these last 15 years. We want to thank our family and friends who have supported and encouraged us throughout all of these adventures.”

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March 23, 2016 · 9:28 am

Video: Gin Wigmore – “Willing To Die” ft. Suffa, Logic

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“Sounds like heaven”  – Stereogum
“Retro-soul that feels totally refreshing.” – NYLON
“Shades of blues, jazz and even electronic music without missing a beat.”  – Noisey
“Makes you want to channel all of your frustrations into dancing the night away.”  – Teen Vogue
“Intense and uninhibited” – Billboard

Following the release of her critically acclaimed album Blood To Bone, New Zealand-born/Los Angeles-based Gin Wigmore is set to kick off her largest North American tour yet next week in D.C. on March 27th. A unique breed of soul infused rock ‘n’ roll with a fierce attitude to match, Gin’s latest work was an international success that saw Top-40 airplay in both Australia and New Zealand + over 23 million streams across platforms worldwide.

Gin’s latest single “Willing To Die” featuring Suffa and Hilltop Hoods’ Logic is accompanied by a captivating and empowering video in which the artist lays bare her own vulnerabilities. Gin explains:

“‘Willing To Die’ warranted a strong, bare-all (literally!) approach. I wanted to have a go at breaking down the false sense of security, acceptance, and short-lived happiness we, as humans, feel will come from indulging in materialism. It’s not the things we buy, the big house we dream of or the expense of the clothes we wear. It is about taking that scary first step in figuring out who we truly are.  Figuring out our insecurities and downfalls to accept and change or just to own and be aware of. It is about finding what you love about yourself so you can be a positive footprint in this world for you and others. By no means have I mastered this yet, but I guess that’s why we get a lifetime to try figure ourselves out. 🙂 Be brave, be you, and take a look at the video – you just might like it.”

Blood To Bone follows 2013’s Gravel & Wine, which spawned hit singles including “Man Like That”, synced to a Skyfall-themed Heineken advertisement, in which Gin appeared alongside Daniel Craig’s James Bond and Wigmore’s 2009 debut album Holy Smoke. Both albums reached #1 and multi-platinum status back home in New Zealand.  Revered for her spellbinding and strikingly raw live performance, be sure to catch Gin Wigmore in a city near you!

Gin Wigmore Tour Dates
3/27: Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
3/29: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom – SOLD OUT
4/1: Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
4/2: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
4/5: South Burlington, VT @ Showcase Lounge
4/8: Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
4/9: Buffalo, NY @ Studio at Waiting Room
4/12: Ferndale, MI @ The Magic Bag
4/13: Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Rock Club
4/16: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
4/19: Austin, TX @ The Parish
4/20: Dallas, TX @ Trees
4/23: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
4/26: Vancouver, BC @ Venue
4/27: Seattle, WA @ Neumos
4/29: Portland, OR @ Star Theater
5/1: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
5/3: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
5/5: Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre

Tickets Available Here: http://www.ginwigmorelive.com/

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March 9, 2016 · 3:51 pm

Get They Might Be Giants New Album, Phone Power

TMBG

Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez

“The crowd’s enthusiasm for the fresh material is unmatched even when the band proffers what is perhaps their most-loved song, “Birdhouse in Your Soul”… “ – Rolling Stone

“Now a band for 30 years, John Linnell and John Flansburgh are one of rock’s all-time most quixotic successes” – SPIN

“one of rock’s longest and most prodigious partnerships” – Consequence of Sound

Brooklyn rockers They Might Be Giants are so thrilled about their new album, Phone Power, that they want to share it with everyone in the world! Beginning yesterday and announced by Mashable, the band is inviting everyone to PAY WHAT YOU LIKE for the full album download of their brand new album PHONE POWER at tmbg.com/phonepower. Whether folks spend $25 because they feel like supporting They Might Be Giants’ creative work is as important as a tote bag from a public radio station, or $0 because they don’t have any money right now – that’s just fine! They Might Be Giants do not mind giving things away.

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Includes songs:

Apophenia | I Love You for Psychological Reasons | To A Forest | I Am Alone | Say Nice Things About Detroit | Trouble Awful Devil Evil | ECNALUBMA | Daylight | Sold My Mind to the Kremlin | It Said Something | Impossibly New | I’ll Be Haunting You | Got Getting Up So Down | What Did I Do to You? | Shape Shifter | Bills, Bills, Bills | Black Ops Alt | I Wasn’t Listening

Brooklyn’s indie legends will kick off their national tour March 17 in Baltimore, bringing their explosive live show to Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and beyond. These dates are the final leg of TMBG’s world tour that started in early 2015, and will be the last shows the band has planned for the foreseeable future. Catch ‘em while you can!

They Might Be Giants National Tour Dates

3/17: Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live
3/18: Covington, KY @ Madison Theater (18+)
3/19: Milwaukee, WI @Turner Hall
3/20: Chicago, IL (Kids Show) @ Vic Theatre SOLD OUT
3/22: Omaha, NE @ The Slowdown
3/23: Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre (16+)
3/25: Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre (16+)
3/26: Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre SOLD OUT
3/27: San Diego, CA @ Belly Up (21+)
3/29: Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
3/31: Austin, TX @ Stubb’s
4/1: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
4/2: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues (18+)
4/3: Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
4/5: St. Petersburg, FL @ The State Theatre
4/7: Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
4/8: Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse SOLD OUT
4/9: Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle SOLD OUT
4/10: Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
4/16: Washington, DC @ USA Science & Engineering Festival

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February 26, 2016 · 4:38 pm

Santigold Video Featuring YOU!!!

santigold

Today marks the release of Santigold’s third album, 99¢.  She has revealed an innovative new video for “Can’t Get Enough Of Myself (feat. B.C.)” that uses the camera of the viewer’s computer or mobile device to incorporate them into the video in real time. This is the first time the technology has been used in a music video. The video was directed by Santigold and Sam Fleischner and conceptualized and digitally developed by Yung Jake and Vince Mckelvie, with mobile app development by Bryan Yee. It plays on pop culture’s fascination with viewing and manipulating one’s own image. The video should be viewed on the web using Chrome as the browser and is available for mobile handheld devices via the “SANTIGOLD” app available in both the Apple/Android app stores. The video is premiering on Mashable, experience it here and at Santigold.com/Webcam

Stream the new full album via NPR here.

Santigold and Tumblr IRL are hosting a special record release event at Jack’s 99¢ Store (110 W. 32ndSt.) in New York City this Friday, February 26th as part of Tumblr’s IRL ongoing series. The free event will feature a DJ set, art installation, and more surprises. Santigold’s Tumblr has been functioning as a visual extension of the album’s themes of hyper-consumption and narcissism with exclusive videos being added continually. The series of pop up windows in the site’s design echo the experience of navigating through advertisements when searching online. The event will bring the world of 99¢ and Santigold’s Tumblr to life! Follow IRLIRL.tumblr.com for entry details.

Check out where I posted about Santigold last week and listed her tour dates HERE.

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February 24, 2016 · 2:54 pm

Funk Powerhouse Lettuce Documentary on Vimeo

lettuce

After premiering in NYC and on Jam Cruise to widespread acclaim, Let Us Play, the official documentary from funk powerhouse Lettuce, is now available to purchase or rent on Vimeo.

The 45-minute film, directed by Jay Sansone of Human Being Media and produced by Live for Live Music’s Kunj Shah, merges footage from live sets, recording sessions, interviews, and candid scenes from the road. Filmed over a six-month period, the footage chronicles the mechanics of improvisation and the artistry behind making a funk record. Viewers will get an in-depth diagnosis of the band, who they are as artists, how they work together and use their ridiculous expertise to come up with funk music.

Click below to watch a special teaser, and view the whole thing here!

Following suit in a monumental year for the funk favorites, Lettuce will be hosting the inaugural Fool’s Paradise festival in St. Augustine, Florida on April 1 & 2. The funk-fueled beach extravaganza takes place in the heart of one of America’s most historic cities at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and features two explosive sets from Lettuce. Other acts on the lineup include GRiZ, Vulfpeck, and Chris Robinson’s Soul Revue. Fool’s Paradise brings bands to the beach for two full days of genre-bending music, artist-led excursions, musical workshops, yoga, and activities with your favorite musicians in a destination event like no other. Camping options, VIP packages, and tickets are available now at FoolsParadiseFL.com.

Tour Dates:
3/4 – Okeechobee, FL at Okeechobee Music Festival
4/1+2 – St. Augustine, FL at Fool’s Paradise
4/7 – Austin, TX at Euphoria Music Festival
4/8 – Port Chester, NY at Capitol Theatre
4/24 – New Orleans, LA at Tipitina’s
4/28 – New Orleans, LA at RAGEFEST
5/26 – Martinsville, VA at Rooster Walk 8
5/27 – Chillicothe, IL at Summercamp Music Festival
6/2 – Hunter, NY at Mountain Jam 2016
6/9 – Manchester, TN at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
6/10 – Morrison, CO at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
6/17 – Dufur, OR at What The Festival
7/9 – Marshfield, MA at Levitate Music Festival
8/4 – Thornville, OH at Werk Out
8/25 – Arrington, VA at LOCKN’ Music Festival

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February 17, 2016 · 3:12 pm

Listen: Monika – “Secret in the Dark” (Juan MacLean Edit)

Monika

“…a bright but bass-heavy tune, with a strutting disco vibe driving its keyboard loop that calls Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to mind.” – The New York Times

 ” …disco-indebted art pop.” – FADER

 “Hear Monika’s synth-sational fidelity-fuck…”  – Impose Magazine

 ” …soaring vocals from Monika and a glittering yet dark-hued web of synthesizers, all propelled by a strong dance groove.” – WNYC Soundcheck

 “Monika’s wavering, Florence-esque voice anchors [Shake Your Hands’] heavy dollop of twinkling synths and toy-keyboard interjections… “ – SPIN

Listen: Monika – “Secret In The Dark” (Juan MacLean Edit)

With two platinum records under her belt in her homeland of Greece, Monika emerges with a cunningly crafted collection influenced by ‘80s art pop and organic leftfield disco tones. Her new critically acclaimed album, Secret In The Dark is out now via Other Music Recording Co. The Stereogum-dubbed “musical sensation” is taking her captivating live show on the road. The stint of dates includes a stop at Making Time in Philadelphia, a support slot with Carly Rae Jepsen and kicks off on February 23 in Los Angeles.

With accolades ranging from  Pitchfork, SPIN & Stereogum to NPR Weekend Edition & The New York Times, + a GenF feature in the next print issue of FADER, Monika has made a major splash with Secret In The Dark. DFA’s Juan MacLean put his unique touch on the album title track which premiered with Consequence of Sound today.

Secret In The Dark breathes generational genre-spanning influences. Amassing a dream-team of musicians, Homer Steinweiss, Thomas Brenneck, Nick Movshon, Victor Axelrod, Leon Michels, and others from the Brooklyn scene join Monika on Secret In The Dark. Recorded at the Daptone-renowned Dunham Sounds Studios (Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, Dan Auerbach) and produced by Dap-Kings & Menahan Street Band founding member Homer Steinweiss, the album exudes generational and genre-spanning influences. Monika’s live show is a force to be reckoned with.

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