Category Archives: downloads

Download: TECLA – “Fake Tears” (Gordon Voidwell Remix)

“Tecla deftly blends electro-pop with tropicalia, hip-hop, funk and R&B, creating an awesome stew of dance music fresher and more original than much of what we've heard lately.” – PAPER

“Tecla deftly blends electro-pop with tropicalia, hip-hop, funk and R&B, creating an awesome stew of dance music fresher and more original than much of what we’ve heard lately.” – PAPER

NYC singer, rapper, DJ, producer and boundary-breaking artist TECLA has released her sophomore album, We Are The Lucky Ones. Written entirely by TECLA herself, the album infuses tropical, Caribbean, pop, and funk elements with TECLA’s unapologetic rap lyricism. We Are The Lucky Ones is available for purchase via iTunes and other digital retailers, and you can stream the album in full at AOL Spinner.

Album single “Fake Tears” features TECLA’s distinct, soulful vocals delivering an uplifting message above driving tribal beats. Having recently shared an eye-catching video for the track (watch above), TECLA is now treating fans to a remix from Gordon Voidwell.

Listen/download: TECLA – “Fake Tears” (Gordon Voidwell Remix)

We Are The Lucky Ones features tracks like “Lucky Ones,” full of skittering beats and rumbling synth, and the anthemic “Money,” a club-ready satirical take on gold digging with an instantly memorable hook. The hypnotic and soulful “Tragic Mulatto” was co-produced by members of Chairlift and takes a look at the life of iconic actress, singer and dancer Josephine Baker. “Fiction Fairytales of Love” closes the album with an ominous dancehall beat, spiraling vocals, and melancholic acoustic guitar, which explodes into layers of hand drumming and feedback.

TECLA recently performed live on WNYC’s Soundcheck, and you’ll be able to hear the full performance on air and streaming online soon! Those in the NYC area will have two chances to catch TECLA live next week, including her album release party at Joe’s Pub.

3/23: Brooklyn, NY @ BAMcafé (FREE)
3/26: New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub (album release party) TICKETS

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Video: Hank & Cupcakes – “Sweet Potion”

In October of last year, I posted an intro to Hank & Cupcakes as well as a free download of “Sweet Potion”. Now, here’s the video to check out. Also, the duo will be here in Pittsburgh for a show at Howler’s on March 27th.

Download: Hank & Cupcakes – “Sweet Potion”

 

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Download: The Cannanes – “Crawler”

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“We Drink Bitter,” a Cannanes song released in the band’s native land in 1987 that later surfaced in America on its 1993 Witchetty Pole album, has been called one of the best “Is it really over?” songs of all time. Although co-written and performed by The Cannanes, the song’s lyrics are attributed to K Records founder and Beat Happening leader Calvin Johnson.

 Now, The Cannanes have answered their own tune. “It’s a nod to We Drink Bitter,’” says band member Frances Gibson about “Crawler,” the latest single from the upcoming “Small Batch” EP, the Australian duo’s first release in over 11 years.

 Nearly 26 years since “We Drink Bitter,” Gibson sings “And no, I won’t say it again, There’s no good reason why this shouldn’t end. And things keep happening that can’t be true, Does what you say make sense to you?” “Crawler” even repeats “Is there love in the sound of a closing door?” one of the most stinging lines from “We Drink Bitter.”

“Even when you know someone really well, they can still shock you,” explains Gibson of the sentiment. “Things fall apart.”

Download: The Cannanes – “Crawler”

The Cannanes have been releasing modest, ramshackle records since forming in Sydney, Australia almost 30 years ago.  Though essentially underground, the band has amassed a legion of fans in that time, including Kurt Cobain, who, it was later discovered, name-checked The Cannanes as a personal favorite in his posthumously published journals.

The upcoming “Small Batch” EP is the first release in over 11 years from band members Fran Gibson and Stephen O’Neil and is scheduled for release on March 19th.

Check out last month’s post where you can download another of their new songs, “Bumper.”

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The Last Bison Covers M83’s “Midnight City” AND Releases Debut Album Today

thelastbison

Back in November last year, I posted about The Last Bison with a free download of their track, “Switzerland.” (You can see the post here.) Well now, The Last Bison has officially arrived with the release of their full-length debut album, Inheritance via Republic Records. In support of the release, the band is currently on the road through mid-April, including stops at SXSW, Savannah Stopover Festival, the Tree Fort Music Festival and more. The band also took time to film a BEAUTIFUL cover of M83’s “Midnight City,” which you can watch below.

The Virginia indie folk septet roams in its own pastures, threading together strands of classical, indie, and rock into a vibrant sonic patchwork, which the members have cleverly dubbed “mountaintop chamber.” The first single “Switzerland” whisks listeners away from the rustic heart of the American south into a cold European eve under the winter stars. It also elegantly evinces the group’s robust instrumental fusion and warm, wistful melodies.

The best kind of art is always a family affair, and Ben Hardesty fronts The Last Bison being joined by his dad Dan and sister Annah. Their ranks also include lifelong friends Andrew and Jay Benfante, Teresa Totheroh, and Amos Housworth.

Already, the sounds of the rustically soulful collective have resonated powerfully with the press with their Inheritance EP drumming up widespread acclaim. NPR encapsulate their enigmatic style calling it “classical-influenced Southern folk-rock,” while the LA Weekly praised them for being “At once epic and intimate, great-outdoorsy and fireside cozy.” PopMatters fittingly declared, “Are The Last Bison a Band to Watch in 2013? Most definitely.”

The Last Bison invite everyone to join their family now and enjoy Inheritance.

 

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

3/05 – Athens, GA – The Melting Point
3/06 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
3/07 – Savannah, GA – Savannah Stopover Music Festival
3/10 – Denton, TX – 35 Denton Music Festival
3/11 – Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s Downstairs (free show)
3/12 – Austin, TX – Blackheart (Paste Magazine/Newport Folk Festival Showcase, 12am)
3/13 – Austin, TX – SXSW
3/15 – Austin, TX – The Wild Honey Pie Showcase @ Uncorked (900 E. 7th St, 3:45pm)
3/18 – Denver, CO – The Soiled Dove Underground
3/20 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
3/21 – Boise, ID – Tree Fort Music Festival
3/22 – Wenatchee, WA – Caffe Mela
3/23 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
3/24 – Vancouver, BC – Media Club
3/26 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
3/29 – San Francisco, CA – The Rickshaw Stop
3/30 – Los Angeles, CA – The Mint
4/02 – La Jolla, CA – The Loft (UCSD)
4/05 – Kansas City, MO – The Record Bar
4/06 – Ames, IA – The Maintenance Shop (Iowa State University)
4/08 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue & 7th Street Entry
4/09 – Milwaukee, WI – Club Garibaldi
4/10 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
4/12 – Bloomington, IN – The Bishop
4/13 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
4/14 – Louisville, KY – Uncle Slayton’s

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Download: Midnight Spin – “Conchis Bliss”

midnightspin

Shortly after releasing their debut album Don’t Let Me Sleep, Midnight Spin has just embarked on a six-week nationwide tour in support of the album’s release.  Between the album’s release and their show dates, Midnight Spin found time to invite Consequence of Sound into their home for their segment #AreaCode, a new series on the Rock It Out! Blog.  Watch the interview here to learn the meaning behind the album’s title, their favorite neighborhood deli, and living in their rehearsal space.  Today, Midnight Spin shares their second single “Conchis Bliss.” The five piece alt-rock band from Brooklyn, NY contains elements of classic rock’n’roll and 90s alternative rock, with a modern indie flare reminiscent of their Brooklyn home.

Produced by Justin Gerrish (Vampire Weekend, the Strokes, Weezer), Don’t Let Me Sleep is the result of endless bleary-eyed practice sessions and late night stumblings across the East River, which inspired and yielded a full-length album worthy of its name.  From Cohen spacing the record with wurlitzers and organs to Scull bashing it out like the Grohl of yore, the twelve-song LP combines 90s alternative and punk energy with modern indie elements from their Brooklyn home.  As Consequence of Sound writes, “Imagine if Foo Fighters somehow grew up as fans of early the Killers with a little of the Strokes tossed in for flavor.”  It’s an album that just can’t stop chasing the night.

Don’t Let Me Sleep scrapes together everything you once loved about rock music and makes it hum again like a dirty, little noise-box from the future.  Catch the band on tour in a city near you.

Listen/download: Midnight Spin – “Conchis Bliss”

Midnight Spin Tour Dates
2/28: Daytona Beach, FL @ 316 Main St. Station
3/1: Tampa, FL @ Pegasus Lounge
3/2: Miami, FL @ Jazid
3/3: Gainesville, FL @ High Dive
3/4: Athens, GA @ Go Bar
3/5: Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Olde Bar
3/7: Nashville, TN @ Center Stage
3/8: Jackson, MS @ Sam’s Lounge
3/9: New Orleans, LA @ Big Top
3/11: Houston, TX @ Super Happy Fun Land
3/12: Austin, TX @ Kick Butt Coffee & Booze (Unofficial SXSW)
3/14: Austin, TX @ Zed’s
3/15: Austin, TX @ 311 Club (Unofficial SXSW)
3/15: Austin, TX @ Shakespeare’s Pub (Unofficial SXSW)
3/17: Austin, TX @ Red Eyed Fly (Unofficial SXSW)
3/20: San Diego, CA @ Shakedown Bar
3/22: Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Cafe
3/23: San Francisco, CA @ Neck of the Woods
3/24: Sacramento, CA @ Marilyn’s on K
3/26: Seattle, WA @ High Dive
3/28: Portland, OR @ Mt. Tabor Theatre
4/1: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
4/2: Golden, CO @ The Buffalo Rose
4/3: Omaha, NE @ Louis Bar
4/4: St. Louis, MO @ Plush
4/6: Indianapolis, IN @ Birdy’s

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Download: Two Door Cinema Club – “Sleeps Alone” (The Chainsmokers Remix)

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Listen/download: Two Door Cinema Club – “Sleeps Alone” (The Chainsmokers Remix)

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Download: AM & Shawn Lee – “Two Times”

AMandShawn

Check out the first track “Two Times” released from AM & Shawn Lee’s upcoming album La Musique Numerique out May 7th, 2013.

Hailing from LA and London respectively, AM & Shawn Lee first bonded over their mutual love of vintage French and Italian Soundtrack music and 80’s digital effects. Separately, the two have racked up an impressive number of accomplishments: AM has earned widespread acclaim for his unique mixture of pop, soul, R&B and psychedelia, and Shawn Lee, best known as instrumentalist groove-master, is also one of hip hop’s most sampled artists. The duo have shared stages with bands such as AIR, Phoenix, Sigur Ros and Charlotte Gainsbourg. Their debut album, Celestial Electric (2011), received praise from FILTER, Under The Radar, NYLON among others.

Download: AM & Shawn Lee – “Two Times”

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Download: Dragonette – “Run Run Run” (Sunshine Jones remix)

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“Dragonette has long been a secret weapon of the pop underground“ Rolling Stone

gritty, distinctive dance rock” USA Today

“rock-charged electro-pop”  SPIN

When it comes to straight-up catchy, can’t-get-’em-out-of-your-head dance tunes, nobody does it like Dragonette” LUCKY

Canadian electro-pop trio Dragonette had a busy 2012: after winning a JUNO Award for their hit single “Hello” and performing live on Good Morning America, they released their third critically acclaimed studio album, Bodyparts. The band spent last fall touring in support of the album, delivering their electrified live show to audiences across the US. Now, fans will have another chance to catch Dragonette live when they hit the road next week with Major Lazer.

To kick off the tour right, Dragonette has shared a brand new remix of Bodyparts opener “Run Run Run.” With a buzzing extended intro that features thumping bass and shimmers of synth, you can grab the “Run Run Run” (Sunshine Jones remix) as a free download!

Download: Dragonette – “Run Run Run” (Sunshine Jones remix)

Dragonette Tour Dates
3/1 Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Hall
3/2 Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater
3/3 Cleveland, OH @ HOB Cleveland
3/5 Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
3/7 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
3/8 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
3/9 New Orleans, LA @ Buku Festival
3/11 Dallas, TX @ HOB Dallas
3/12 Houston, TX @ HOB Houston

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New Music From The Cannanes

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Australian indie pop duo The Cannanes will issue their first official release in over 11 years on March 19th, 2013. The “Small Batch” EP contains the fun, bouncy songs that the band’s fans know them for (and that famously earned them a mention in Kurt Cobain’s journals.)  The Cannanes have been releasing modest, ramshackle records since being formed in Sydney, Australia by Fran Gibson and Stephen O’Neil almost 30 years ago.

thecannanesremixes

UK producer Richie Phoe has his own take on the first single from “Small Batch” and his downtempo remix of “Bumper” is streaming and available for download now. BBC Radio 1’s Rob Da Bank has described Phoe as “Brighton’s Lee Scratch Perry” and fellow BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens calls his work “Bouncy dub at its very best.”

Stream/Download: The Cannanes – “Bumper” (Richie Phoe Remix)

SPIN recently premiered the original EP version of “Bumper,” with columnist Marc Hogan writing, “Cardigan-owners, rejoice! Long-running Australian indie-pop combo The Cannanes have returned with ‘Bumper,’ the first taste of their first major release since 2002’s Trouble Seemed So Far Away. The ‘Small Batch’ EP, due March 19, is helmed by veteran members Fran Gibson and Stephen O’Neil; and while the production quality seems slightly more polished, the earnest melodicism remains.”

For the “Small Batch” EP, The Cannanes have once again collaborated with Explosion Robinson producer and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Hermann.  The six-track release sees Gibson and O’Neil at their best, back on familiar territory musing on the nature of friendship, love, and outer space that has characterized their best work over the last 27 years.

Stream/Download: The Cannanes – “Bumper”

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The Royal Concept Covers Daft Punk

digitalloveroyalconcept

Check out The Royal Concept taking on Daft Punk. With a brand new cover, the Swedish lads add their patented rock ‘n’ roll swing to the legendary French electro duo’s classic from Discovery, “Digital Love.”

Given the quartet’s penchant for danceable grooves and massive hooks, it’s an undeniable interpretation worth spinning again and again. It’s also the perfect tune to hold over fans until the release of the band’s forthcoming full-length debut for LAVA Records/Republic Records later this year.

In addition, after unveiling “World on Fire” online last month, the single is available on iTunes and other digital retailers. The group continues to stir up buzz stateside after cultivating a fervent and faithful following in Sweden. Their song “D-D-Dance” hit No.2 on Hype Machine, while “Gimme Twice” reached No.3.

Download: The Royal Concept – “Digital Love” (Daft Punk Cover)

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