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Massive Mix Roundup :: This Week

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:36:00 -0700

There has been so many insane mixes and mixtapes released this week, and it’s only Thursday! I have added this chunk of music to my library and feel better for it. I suggest you do the same. I’ve rounded up as many as I could here.

Click on the photos to download.

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GORILLA VS BEAR :: AUGUST 2010 MIX

STADIUMS AND SHRINES :: RANDOM RAINBOW MIXTAPE VOL 3

THINK OR SMILE :: MIXTAPE 0x005

UNHOLY RHYTHMS :: GIVING INTO TEMPTATION - A FLASHBACK MIX

NO MODEST BEAR :: THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND

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Did I forget any?

Total Warr = Gangsta Rap Paris is supposed to be the city of...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:32:44 -0700

Total Warr = Gangsta Rap

Paris is supposed to be the city of love. A peaceful city where lovers can walk through the streets hand in hand as they discover their love for one another. It seems this Parisian duet Total Warr would like you to think otherwise. However, their name and this track “Gangsta Rap” would give you the wrong impression. They have successfully combined a pulsing beat, melodic vocals and a sneaking acoustic edge to their songs that make them nearly irresistible.

Go check out their other song either at their myspace or their soundcloud.

(via S&S)

Brandon Biondo - Sweetdraemz Brandon Biondo has no constraints...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:26:55 -0700

Brandon Biondo - Sweetdraemz

Brandon Biondo has no constraints as to what kind of music he can produce. Woozy, dream-wave in this case, dark and driving in others, or just plain cruising USA in others.

yvynyl:

COOLRUNNINGS’ master of ceremonies graced us with a sweet side project track (and video) a couple weeks ago, and he just dropped this new one onto his Soundcloud this morning. Tape warble, lazy sunset surf guitar and lullaby hums. Meow.

I just downloaded this mix and have been spinning in it all...

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:05:08 -0700

I just downloaded this mix and have been spinning in it all morning. It amazes me how “tuned in” Nathaniel (Think or Smile) is. This is a perfect representation of all the amazing music that has been breaking through this last month. If you want an even more extensive list, check out his Monthly Free Music Collection. There’s like 50 free EPs, albums, or mixes there! The dude is insane!

Follow him up on tumblr!

thinkorsmile:

As the days get a little shorter and the nights a little cooler my daily soundtrack is starting to shift gears. Moving slightly away from synth-drenched beach jams and into the realm of fall sounds.. chill, sample laced, beats with soul. Music for a crisp evening.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE MIX

Think or Smile Mixtape 0×005 | Tracklisting:

PEPEPIANO: GYM-MYSTIQUE

DAWN GOLDEN AND ROSY CROSS: BLACKS

TEENAGE REVERB: WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO? (666)

OLD ARC: POSTER BOY

ALL THESE FINGERS: POUNDED YAMFACE

STEPHEN FARRIS: AFTER A MOMENT

SMALL BLACK: PHOTOJOURNALIST (STAR SLINGER REMIX)

LAY BAC: STAY OUT TONIGHT

NEON CANYON: MONONOKE

J FUSE: AMOYENSIA

THE STUYVESANTS: THE FIRE (UNTRUE)

NICOLAS JAAR: COME N GET IT

ALPINE: ICYPOLES (STAR SLINGER DREAMIX)

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2010-8-29)

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:12:27 -0700

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2010-8-29):

Imported from Last.fm Tumblr by JoeLaz

I am so happy to present this video and this interview that it...

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:18:49 -0700

I am so happy to present this video and this interview that it nearly hurts. I’ve been corresponding with Michael and Aaron of Holy Spirits for about a month now. And it has been a process of communication and connection that I’ve really only experienced with friends and family over the internet. Turns out, I’ve grown very fond of them.

Both the interview and the video are firsts for me. Experiments in my range of ability. So I hope these find you well, and give you something interesting to read and watch today. Making these was one of the more pleasurable things I’ve done while running this blog. Enjoy!

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How long have you guys been making music? Individually? Collectively?

Aaron and Michael have been making music together off and on for a long, long time through many incarnations. This current project, Holy Spirits, began when we decided to spend three weeks in a cabin upstate a couple summer’s ago in hopes to emerge with an EP’s worth of material. We couldn’t even complete a single song! We just didn’t know how, I guess, or what a song meant to us. When we first started playing out we had these really long, epic songs that were like sonic odyssey’s patched together from the pieces of many ideas. It really wasn’t until we sat down to complete “The Afternoon’s Blood” that things started to come together, and we were able to fine-tune a great many things about our sound.

But yeah, we’ve spent alot of time individually. Aaron has a collection of songs he wrote by and for himself. Real creaky, vexed stuff we hope he has the opportunity to put out one day.

I love hearing about the process you guys took to record “The Afternoons Blood”. I actually had written a question earlier for you guys asking if you guys ever struggle with music? Why do you think it clicked with “The Afternoon’s Blood”?

Oh we definitely struggle with music. Sometimes we’re just wrestling with material until we are sick of it and wish it would go away. But, it was time for things to take shape and we were more determined than with our previous efforts. We had been working on stuff for a while, on and off, but nothing was ever specific enough or altogether satisfying. Slowly but surely we got to where we felt there was a distinct voice emerging from the different recordings we were making and we knew that we were gaining some momentum and insight into the writing and recording process. What is probably accountable for things clicking is that the initial idea of Tongues was written and recorded in a random flash of inspiration. Then some months later Contain popped out rather quickly, as well. And from there we had some steam and solid things to run with.

How long have you been in Brooklyn?

Aaron’s been here longest at 6 years. Michael at 4 years. Roberto moved here this past November. This is the longest Michael and Aaron have lived anywhere if you can believe it.

What are your day jobs? We all have day jobs right?

Yep, gotta have a day job. We are busy guys. Aaron waits tables part time and dances with a contemporary dance company on and off throughout the year. Michael works full time as an assistant editor at an independent publishing company. He’s also writing a book and some of his poems will be published soon. Rob works full-time in a designer chocolate factory/shop and his street art can be seen around Brooklyn.

Do you find being in a popular place like Brooklyn helps or hinders your musical experience/contribution?

It certainly helps to be in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is where it’s at. It’s hard to compete with the great concentration of fantastic independent music that can be found here. Sometimes the collective ambition of the city can be overwhelming but we don’t want to be anywhere else. People are always curious about the emergence of new bands around here.

Have you found any sort of musical community in Brooklyn? What’s it like? Has it been easy to make friends?

It has been a slow build towards meeting people and becoming more present on the “scene.” This year is the first year that we’ve begun to develop relationships around here. Brooklyn can be capricious, which I guess is the nature of trends. An entire label’s roster, especially one that cultivates a sound and aesthetic well, can blow up. But Brooklyn is big enough that you don’t necessarily have to stand in the shadows of other bands. It’s a hub, and you can build your own community. We’ve been graciously allowed to host shows at some great venues with bands who we don’t know personally. Some of those bands were even from out of town. So that’s really cool, because you start to see the mutual regard between bands or acts that discover each other through the blogosphere and what not. Bands or acts that are young and want what we want, a community. Brooklyn is full of willing listeners. That’s a comfort.

Are the religious undertones in your music, band name, song titles intentional or a coincidence?

We didn’t intend for any religious undertones, but yeah, we are aware of the obvious reference (the holy spirit/ghost). None of us are actively religious. However, Aaron was brought up in the church and his mother still sings for the choir. So his subsequent interest in choral harmonies probably stems from that upbringing. One of the signifiers of our name not being referential to Christianity is that the spirit is plural for us. We like the idea of ghosts and spirits and the idea that a person can be haunted by something, whether that spectre is their own self or someone else. The spectre of living itself is, to use your earlier descriptor, sacred or holy. While we don’t really set out to write “ghost story” songs, the influence is there.

What are you guys haunted by?

We’re haunted by many of the same things other people are: relationships, upbringing, traumatic events at certain points in life. These are what the songs are about.

Are you guys excited about music in general right now, it’s climate and culture? It’s future?

Yeah, definitely. This goes back to the idea of community at large. Just this summer alone, we’ve learned about more upcoming bands and more people writing about them then we ever have. People are always innovating music in incredible ways that might take time to catch on. That said, there are some interesting trends right now, and there are always bands that are doing something on the periphery of what’s happening musically right now who might later be at the forefront. We are curious to see which trends stay, which go away, and which ones become important for whatever the next shift in the climate will be.

Are you guys happy with getting your exposure through blogs, and your music put out by boutique labels/blog-run-labels? Are there other aspirations you guys have in mind?

Happy is a good word to use. Relieved also comes to mind. It’s very nice to see that people actually like the music. We finished the work and didn’t even know if there would be any kind of response to it all. So the blog attention and boutique label interest has been very wonderful and rewarding. We aspire to make a full album! That alone seems quite challenging. But, it’s an obvious major step towards all other aspirations.

What’s next for you guys?

We’ve started work on a new EP we’d like finished by early winter. That’s exciting. An admirable boutique label offered to put out a 7” for us, which is great motivation to get us moving on recording new material. We’ve already begun playing some of these songs live. We are also trying to expand our live set-up to include more instruments and voices. It’s sounds easier said than done…but it’s going to be cool. And this morning, we’ve received confirmation from Gem Club to collaborate on a track that will be part of a Dead as Digital/Stadiums and Shrines/The Road Goes Ever On cassette release. So yeah, lot’s of neat stuff on the horizon. Past that, if its all green lights, an album!

Are you guys touring anytime soon? LA needs you.

We have some touring ideas that we’re tossing around but there are no real leads right now. Maybe sometime next year we can get a tour together. We will see. We would love to make it out to LA and the West Coast in general. We might have to crash at your place, though.

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More than enough room for you to crash at my place!! Can’t wait!

myspace :: bandcamp (download The Afternoon’s Blood here)

NEW ALBUM :: THE BIRd DAY = Collect Vibrations

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:18:05 -0700

(click on the photo to download Collect Vibrations)

When I received Gonna Beg You from these NY dreammakers, it was with a promise of a following full-length. And they weren’t lying either. They sent over their 13-track album titled Collect Vibrations late last week, and I’ve been spinning it ever since. I’m really excited to see where these guys go

You know what the best part is?

IT’S FREE! (click photo)

THE BIRd DAY = All of Mine

(myspace)

Paperfangs = Books Paperfangs shot this song over last week, and...

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:17:36 -0700

Paperfangs = Books

Paperfangs shot this song over last week, and upon further searching, I stumbled across this great found footage video for their song “Books”. They don’t have much info about themselves anywhere. So it’s up to their music to speak for them. And it does. Solid pop jams, driving and infectious. And check them out on the tumblr.

Massive (FREE) Music Round-up :: Last Week

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:44:00 -0700

Last week I started a new job; this, among other things, left little time to partake in the precious internet as I usually do. Luckily, things have quieted down, and I’ve had some time to breath this weekend and catch up a bit on what happened last week.

So I’ve decided to just do a massive recap of great things I found through my email, through my friends, and just through life itself.

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MONSTER RALLY

Monster Rally released a new four-track digital 7” called Color Sky. I suggest you download it as one last stitch effort to hold onto summer. It’s hard to go wrong with his vintage surf sampled rhythms.

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WARM WAVES

New tracks from UK glo-fi operation Warm Waves. The mini EP is called Sunset and it will chill you out and carry you into the sunset with ease.

Also check out their previous EP Lifted.

(via)

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SEAPONY

Seapony is impecable at delivering sunny garage-pop jams. This self titled four-track EP Seapony is a delightful mix between a Best Coast and a Blue Hawaii vibe.

(via)

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WINTERCOATS

Beautiful gazing homemade pop from Australia. Wintercoats just released this precious EP Cathedral. Swooning severely to this EP as we speak.

(via)

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SEA OLEENA

This self titled album by Sea Oleena is one of those you put on and constantly get pulled out of your work by what you’re hearing. I went back several times to mark what song was playing. It’s soft, it’s light, and it’s profound.

You can pay what you want (which also means free, but come on, throw them some $$) for this album at their bandcamp.

(via)

Cool Belgium dudes making low key jams. Found them while...

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:28:41 -0700

Cool Belgium dudes making low key jams. Found them while Bandcamp spelunking.

Favorite so far:

Horses = White Lake

Pitchfork debuted this stunning video for Baths Lovely...

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:30:00 -0700

Pitchfork debuted this stunning video for Baths Lovely Bloodflow yesterday. I’ve been waiting to see it again, because the select few who went to the epic warehouse show last week put on by Heart Music Group got a special screening of it.

It’s a serious piece of film on every level, and works awesome with Will’s ever increasing ability to bend and control sound.

Directed by Alex Takacs and Joe Nankin
— youngreplicant.com

Mondo Boys = TIDAL WAVE An Aquarium Drunkard Mixtape By the...

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 -0700

Mondo Boys = TIDAL WAVE

An Aquarium Drunkard Mixtape

By the off chance that you missed it, Justin over at Aquarium Drunkard just posted a new mixtape by Mondo Boys. And I’ve been grooving to it for the better part of the week, though we’re only halfway through.

Their last mixtape dates back to March of this year, so this new one is met with much anticipation. I’ve come to download these without even reading the track list. They are that good. I definitely prefer to listen to the continuous mix, which you can download up top, or head over to AD to download the .zip of each individual track.

Previously: MONDO BOYS = Continuous Monument

DOUBLE VIDEO POST :: Sweet Lights

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:45:00 -0700

Sweet Lights = Waterwell

Sweet Lights = Are We Gonna Work It Out

I was planning on just posting the video for “Are We Gonna Work it Out”…but then I saw the second for “Waterwell”, and well, I guess I’m just a sucker for Jean Seberg.

Check out Sweet Lights on the tumblrz and on bandcamp for their album, which is chalk full of poppy jams.

Pepepiano = Gym-Mystique Looks like the long awaited EP from...

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:00:00 -0700

Pepepiano = Gym-Mystique

Looks like the long awaited EP from Laguna boy Pepepiano has finally arrived. Babes (click here or photo to DL) is four songs chalk full of space, electricity, fuck-all attitude, and some suprisingly melodic moments. All four songs bring something different to the table, and yet work as one cohesive piece. And if that wasn’t enough, this artwork should just about blow your mind to outer space!

OUTER SPACE

Previously :: Pepepiano = NO WAY

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2010-8-22)

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:28:18 -0700

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2010-8-22):

Imported from Last.fm Tumblr by JoeLaz

Stephen Farris = Together Stephen Farris was kind enough to send...

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:00:00 -0700

Stephen Farris = Together

Stephen Farris was kind enough to send over this new video and song for what’s going to be a very exciting release. He’s actually planning on doing a VHS release for his next album, because he is putting together visualizations, like this one for each song on the album! I don’t think I’ve heard of someone doing this. But it sounds awesome! You can definitely sign me up!

Previously :: Stephen Farris = After a Moment

Está Vivo = Natural Blossom Chicago’s Está Vivo is making...

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:00:00 -0700

Está Vivo = Natural Blossom

Chicago’s Está Vivo is making some creamy folk pop, with just the right amount of tropical chill to make you exhale with contentment. To me he sounds like a smokier, American version of Bobby Aherne of No Monster Club. You can go download this single over here. You’re supposed to be able to download the other single “Just For Us” but it looks like ~~the link is broken~~ you can just go get it and more here.

Check out his tumblr too! And be on the lookout for his new album “Together We Step”.

Russia in color – A century ago

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:25:12 -0700

Russia in color – A century ago:

These are color photos of the Russian Empire from 1910, and how they did it is amazing!

These are seriously some awesome photos. It’s a wonder how they figured out how to project these in color. And the quality!

Lots of awesome potential album covers here…

(via theactorsmusic)

Ice Cream Shout = Tattooed Tears Wow, this track really is...

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:28:58 -0700

Ice Cream Shout = Tattooed Tears

Wow, this track really is infectious. Perfect for this hot, lingering summer day. And their album is only ¥1,500! I have no idea how many US dollars that is, but I’m sure it’s reasonable.

life-aquatic:

I instantly fell in love with this track after seeing it on Stadiums and Shrines a few minutes ago. Anyone who has ever liked any song by The Smiths will do the same.

Ice Cream Shout are from Japan and have their first album out on their Big Cartel and on Itunes.

Yellow Ostrich = Whale Though it might seem like just a bunch of...

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 11:53:14 -0700

Yellow Ostrich = Whale

Though it might seem like just a bunch of descriptive animal names, this song “Whale” by Yellow Ostrich has been circling my ears for the last week, and I’ve got kind of a thing for whales. Alex Schaaf makes some surprisingly well produced, yet at times, lo-fi sounding music. Composed, orchestrated, harmonized, and prolific. He’s got more albums, EPs, and singles than you can shake a stick at and he’s giving them all away for free over here. I haven’t even begun to break the surface of his material, but I already know he’s one to look out for.

Tumblr :: here

Myspace :: here

Bandcamp :: here

Also, watch his amazing cover of Joanna Newsom’s ‘81

mp3 :: Yellow Ostrich = ‘81 (Joanna Newsom cover)