April 9, 2012 · 3:06 pm

Video: The Spring Standards – Here We Go

“ethereal indie-pop” – NPR

“New York-based rockers the Spring Standard bring a touch of the Cars’ spastic guitar crunch to “Here We Go,” a soaring tune about those first hopeful flushes of romance.” – SPIN

“Together, the two EPs create a rich experience of sound and emotion.” – MAGNET

The Spring Standards are preparing to release their new record, yellow//gold, consisting of two emotionally-charged EPs that tell intertwining stories of growing up and leaving home to embark on a new adventure. yellow evokes a sense of nostalgia for the trio’s shared childhoods—they started playing folk music together as teenagers in the rural landscapes of the Pennsylvania/Delaware border— while gold is a declaration of young life in a big city, bursting with energy. Flush with rolling piano, wistful strings, and brittle to booming percussion, the yellow//gold double-disc record is due out May 1st on Parachute Shooter Records. “Here We Go” is a cautious, yet hopeful song about the discovery of true love, with an air of anticipation and excitement that explodes into a chorus packed with energy. The band has released a hilariously charming video for the album track right down to the Michael Jackson “Thriller” dance sequence.

Like a group of journeying troubadours, The Spring Standards tantalize the imagination with truthful, relatable stories and create a musical atmosphere that covers a vast spectrum of emotion.

The Spring Standards Tour Dates * with Rhett Miller

  • 4/6: Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
  • 5/2: New Haven, CT @ Bar
  • 5/6: Ann Arbor, MI @ The Blind Pig
  • 5/7: Chicago, IL @ Schubas
  • 5/8: St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
  • 5/9: Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR Pub
  • 5/10: Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
  • 5/12: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
  • 6/4: Washington, DC @ Jammin Java*
  • 6/5: Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live Theatre*
  • 6/6: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Café*
  • 6/9: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall*
  • 6/15: San Diego, CA @ The Casbah*
  • 6/16: Hermosa Beach, CA @ Saint Rocke*
  • 6/17: San Juan Capistrano, CA @ Coach House*
  • 6/18: West Hollywood, CA @ Troubadour*
  • 6/19: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent*
  • 6/21: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge*
  • 6/22: Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile Cafe*
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April 9, 2012 · 2:51 pm

MP3: Zulu Winter – “Silver Tongue”

Zulu Winter is gearing up to release Language, a debut album that has the immediate appeal of pop while at the same time packed with emotional insight. Inspired by everything from 19th century literature to obscure ‘60s electronica, Language will be released in North America on June 19 via Arts & Crafts. Until then, have a free download!

Download: Zulu Winter – “Silver Tongue”

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April 9, 2012 · 11:05 am

Video: Magic Wands – “Space”

Magic Wands are set to release their full-length debut, Aloha Moon, on April 24th via Bright Antenna/ILG. The album debuted at #1 this week on the Alternative Specialty Radio charts and their single “Black Magic” has hit the #3 spot. “Black Magic” will also be featured on Gossip Girl April 23rd, the night before the record is released. The track also appeared on an episode of The Vampire Diaries that aired March 15th.

Magic Wands have recorded a cover version of the early Madonna song, “Burning Up”. The band is giving away the track as a free download at RCRD LBL: http://bit.ly/Hx8Ubc. The single, “Black Magic”, is now available for purchase at iTunes. CD and vinyl for Aloha Moon is currently available for pre-sale on the band’s website. During the pre-sale, buyers will receive a collector’s edition picture disc.

Magic Wands first garnered attention with the release of a noteworthy EP, Magic Love & Dreams, which quickly drew praise from publications like Nylon, who applauded their “sparkling, psychedelic-pop gems.” The band honed their live chops, solidifying their fanbase touring alongside The Kills, The Horrors, The Raconteurs, The Black Keys, The Virgins, Black Kids and The Teenagers, as well as appearances at SXSW and Lollapalooza. Their debut full-length, Aloha Moon, is a cosmic dance through a universe where voices echo, keyboards shimmer and guitars splash like giant waves on a distant planet’s shores. Some of the tracks on Aloha Moon were mixed by acclaimed producer Dave Sardy (LCD Soundsystem). Early praise comes from SPIN, who declares their first single “Space” “…a sexy and propulsive stunner.”

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April 3, 2012 · 2:42 pm

Stream: Dragonette – “Let it Go” (Laidback Luke Remix)

Listen: Dragonette – “Let it Go” (Laidback Luke Remix)

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April 3, 2012 · 10:18 am

Video: Secret Music – “Ghost in the Graveyard”

“Ramshackle indie rock duo Secret Music builds their frenetic pop around simple, catchy synth or guitar lines” –Stereogum

Brooklyn-based Secret Music (comprised of Chase Nicholl and Daniel Fry) have premiered the wild, new music video for their single, “Ghost in the Graveyard,” on Vice’s Noisey YouTube channel.

The rowdy track, which was produced by Passion Pit’s Ayad Al Adhamy, is from the band’s self-titled debut, which dropped on March 6th via Black Bell Records/Warner Music’s ILG. The video stars stunt man and Guinness World Record Holder for Longest Body Burn, Ted Batchelor – who plays a character escaping his tedious, suburban lifestyle, and winds up lighting himself on fire. The song is a perfect fit for the video’s outrageous story plot.

Additionally, Secret Music is thrilled to announce the band’s West Coast tour with rockers Middle Class Rut and Beware of Darkness that kicks-off on April 21st. While on the road, Nicholl and Fry will be joined on stage with touring members Dave Weingarten (drums), Jared Rich (keys/synth) and Michael Boss (bass), that will help to flesh out Secret Music’s infectious sound.

Secret Music Spring 2012 Tour:

w/Middle Class Rut and Beware of Darkness
4/21/12 – The Juggermaut Gallup, NM
4/22/12 – The Black Sheep Colorado Springs, CO
4/24/12 – Marquis Theatre Denver, CO
4/25/12 – Club Sound Salt Lake City, UT
4/26/12 – Neurolux Boise, ID
4/27/12 – Doug Fir Lounge Portland, OR
4/28/12 – T A Club Spokane, WA
4/29/12 – El Corazon Seattle, WA
5/02/12 – Fulton 55 Fresno, CA
5/03/12 – House of Blues San Diego, CA
5/04/12 – Constellation Room Santa Ana, CA
5/05/12 – Silverston Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV
5/06/12 – Troubadour West Hollywood, CA

Buy Secret Music’s new self-titled record on iTunes or Amazon.

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April 3, 2012 · 8:58 am

Martin Solveig – The Night Out EP

When Martin Solveig’s live performance of ‘The Night Out’ at Radio 1’s celebration of Pete Tong’s 20 years at the station prompted the veteran disc jockey to ask for a copy pronto, it gave a clear indicator that the record – written, produced and performed by Solveig – had a very bright future.
Several months on, and having contributed heavily on Madonna’s latest studio album, ‘MDNA’ – including the lead single ‘Give Me All Your Luvin’ featuring Nicki Minaj and MIA – Solveig’s focus returns once again to his ‘SMASH’ project. ‘The Night Out’ E.P is packed to the seams with a raft of remixes and bonus material that’ll cater to all fans, both new and old.
The A-Trak remix set the ball rolling having topped the Hype Machine as well as receiving full support from both Annie Mac and Pete Tong over recent weeks. Always keen to exploit up and coming talent, Solveig also welcomes in newcomers TheFatRat for what will be a firm favourite in big arenas, as well as new duo Maison & Dragen.
Martin’s own take on A-trak’s remix makes for great aural pleasure, and then comes the inclusion of ‘Can’t Stop’ into the package, providing another slab of pure pop fun from Martin Solveig & Dragonette. Throw in a truly awesome instrumental version of Ready 2 Go (Initial SHE version), a Don Diablo take on ‘Hello’ with the rapper iSH (Why Are We Whispering remix) AND finally the Les Bros remix of ‘Big in Japan’ and the realisation will dawn that this is indeed one hell of an E.P.

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April 2, 2012 · 2:56 pm

Santigold Tour Dates!

“there was no question one of 2012’s pop queens was certainly in the building.”
– SPIN

“Santigold remade South By Southwest into an eccentric dance party” – Billboard

Santigold has announced her first US tour in support of her forthcoming album Master of My Make-Believe, due out May 1 on Atlantic Records/Downtown Records. The tour comes on the heels of her recent performances at SXSW, which exploded into dance parties and received rave reviews. Armed with her hybrid anthems, misfit band, and unstoppable dancers, the SG1s, her singular live shows are always monumental. Prepare for the gold rush of 2012!

Santigold recently released the first single from Master of My Make-Believe, “Disparate Youth,” which Rolling Stone called a “party-starting blast of a single – which combines dub wobble, post-punk skronk and pop hooks into a 100 percent hands-in-the-air jam.” The mesmerizing video finds her on a journey to find twin oracles. Earlier this year she released the animated video for her drum line stomper “Big Mouth”.

Upcoming Santigold Tour Dates

4/30 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
5/08 – Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero
5/09 – Providence, RI – Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
5/11 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
5/12 – Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights
5/15 – Toronto, ON – Kool Haus
5/16 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
5/25 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre (Sasquatch Festival)
5/26 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
5/28 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue
5/29 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
6/04 – Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent Ballroom
6/06 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
6/07 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
6/09 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo
6/10 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room
6/12 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
6/13 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
6/15 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
6/16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
6/18 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
6/19 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!
6/22 – Boston, MA – House Of Blues
6/23 – New York, NY – Governors Ball Music Festival
6/29 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues
6/30 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest

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April 2, 2012 · 2:49 pm

A Message From Architecture in Helsinki (+ free DL)

As of last week, when we played a couple of great shows in Singapore & Indonesia, the ‘Moment Bends’ cycle has come to an end.

To everyone that came out to those shows and whistled or danced or yelled out “Why Don’t You Play More Old Stuff?” we thank you from the bottom of our collective heart. We always endeavour to put as much heart and energy into every show possible… the thing is, we really need yours, so know that your presence is always felt!

We’re super proud of everything we have made and achieved on this record. We swam with fake dolphins, walked the Red Carpet for the first time, played the Opera House & learned how to play a C chord on guitar. In fact, now when we are filling out the ‘Occupation’ section on a form we can write MUSICIAN without feeling like a fraud– suffice to say it’s been a great year!

Fast Foward to Now: This Afternoon we’ll be finished building our new studio space and straight onto making a new record!

For those of you wondering… we’re not sure what it will sound like yet, but if our listening habits are anything to go by, it will be a fusion of Korean Pop, Dolly Parton & Vangelis.

We leave you with a parting gift of this remix of “Desert Island” by our Pal / Live Sound Guy / Recording Engineer / Co-Producer, Haima.

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April 2, 2012 · 2:40 pm

The Dig – “Red Rose in the Cold Winter Ground”

New York rock band The Dig will release their new album Midnight Flowers on May 29th via Buffalo Jump Records. After releasing their acclaimed debut album Electric Toys in 2010, and having toured with artists such as Portugal. The Man, The Joy Formidable, Thrice, The Editors, The Antlers and The Walkmen, band members David Baldwin (Guitar/Vocals), Emile Mosseri (Bass/Vocals), Erick Eiser (Keyboards/Guitar), and Mark Demiglio (Drums) are ready to share their new music with the world. The band will embark on a national tour supporting the release of Midnight Flowers alongside Ben Kweller and Sleeper Agent this March, April and May.

“Although seemingly somber on the surface, the track’s jarring bassline and random, punctuating drums make for a dynamic, albeit reserved moment of great rock and roll transcendence.” – Consequence of Sound

“Without a doubt, The Dig have released one of the year’s best records” – Last.fm Discover

“This is the catchiest, most intriguing power pop band to emerge outof the no-name pile in some time.  –Pop Matters

Listen: The Dig –  “Red Rose in the Cold Winter Ground”

The Dig Tour Dates:

  • 3/30: St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway *
  • 3/31: Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall *
  • 4/01: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge *
  • 4/02: Knoxville, TN @ Preservation Pub
  • 4/05: Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry’s
  • 4/11: Houston, TX @ The Mink
  • 4/12: San Antonio, TX @ SATX Music
  • 4/13: Dallas, TX @ The Prophet Bar
  • 4/14: Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
  • 4/18: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
  • 4/19: Bend, OR @ The Horned Hand
  • 4/20: Eugene, OR @ Eugene
  • 4/24: San Juan Capistrano, CA @ The Coach House *
  • 4/25: Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre *
  • 4/26: San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
  • 4/30: Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue *
  • 5/01: Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater *
  • 5/25: Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands (CD RELEASE SHOW)
  • 5/31: Chicago, IL @ Schubas (CD RELEASE SHOW)

* = On Tour with Ben Kweller and Sleeper Agent

The Dig – Midnight Flowers track listing:

  1. Red Rose in the Cold Winter Ground
  2. Black Water
  3. Already Forgot Everything You Said
  4. All Tied Up
  5. Hole In My Heart
  6. Animal Screams
  7. Break The Silence
  8. Police Car
  9. Clouds and The White Noise
  10. Glass Horse

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April 2, 2012 · 2:07 pm

Newest Love (+ free DL): Fixers

Fixers has announced plans for their first U.S. EP, Pop Meat/Your Corruptor, which will see a release on April 24th on Dolphin Love Records. The Oxford, UK-based psychedelic pop quintet is sharing the track “Another Lost Apache” as a free MP3 download to give everyone a taste of the EP. With an aesthetic that blooms from Beach Boys-era harmonies and surf samples, Fixers assert themselves as a band to watch, with endless hooks and a love for experimentation.

Pop Meat/Your Corruptor opener, “Another Lost Apache,” builds on an a cappella harmony and turns it into a fuzzed out adventure. The anthemic “Crystals” will have you singing along on the first listen as its slow rolling speeds up to ecstatic peaks.  The monumental sound of  “Passages/Love In Action/108″ underscores its question of where did the world go before coming back down amidst chants: “We are the sun / We are the moon / We’re coming down / We’re coming down.” “Pink Light” has a propelling rhythm that will take you from a sunny afternoon into a late hours dancing frenzy. On Pop Meat/Your Corruptor, Fixers are hinting at what’s to come.  They never sacrifice the big melodies or the experimentation and the result is a sun-drenched, fuzzed out, joyride that will make your 2012 better.

Pop Meat/Your Corruptor EP Tracklist:

  • 1. Another Lost Apache
  • 2. Crystals
  • 3. Pink Light
  • 4. Uriel
  • 5. Passages/Love In Action/108

Upcoming US Tour Dates

  • 4/17 – Brooklyn, NY – Cameo Gallery
  • 4/19 – New York, NY – Pianos

Download: Fixers – “Another Lost Apache”

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