Indie Music Universe

The Winter of Mixed Drinks by Frightened Rabbit

 

With each release, Frightened Rabbit's music grows by leaps and bounds: they offered humble, moody folk-pop on Sing the Greys, which they expanded into searching rock on Midnight Organ Fight. On Winter of Mixed Drinks, they focus and polish Organ Fight's epics — and add a healthy dose of optimism. Though they've always been concerned with heavy issues like life, death, freedom, devotion, and spirituality, this time the band members don't seem beaten down by their struggles with them. Even when Scott Hutchison sings "Find God just to lose it again" on "The Loneliness and the Scream," there's a warmth in the music that makes him sound liberated instead of isolated. Indeed, liberation is a major theme on Winter of Mixed Drinks, whether it's shedding a "mediocre past" on "Things" or losing one's self in the moment on the joyous "Swim Until You Can't See the Land." This hopeful streak puts Frightened Rabbit's anthems more in line with early U2 than with their friends and fellow Scotsmen the Twilight Sad and We Were Promised Jetpacks — and sweetly direct album closer "Yes I Would" steers refreshingly clear of Coldplay-esque platitudes. Yet not all of Winter of Mixed Drinks is so straightforward: "The Wrestle"'s choral chanting and backwards samples add an ethereal touch to its full-throttle charge, and "Skip the Youth"'s refrain of "Skip the youth, it's aging me too much" shows the band can be playful while making a big statement. Frightened Rabbit deal mostly in grand gestures, but when they're as rousing as "Living in Colour" — which features a gorgeous string arrangement by the band's FatCat labelmate Hauschka — it hardly matters. Winter of Mixed Drinks looks at life's ice and snow from the perspective of a dawning spring. ~ Heather Phares

Popularity: 2% [?]

Travis DeVries is the driving force leading the new Brooklyn based band, deVries.  He released their debut album, “Death to God,” in 2009 on Noise on Noise, and the response by reviewers has been unanimously positive.  The online webzine Incendiary Magazine went as far as to declare it, “probably the greatest Manchester album never to have been made in Manchester.”  Most recently, UK based Young Rebel, added them to their March online play list, and hailed Travis as “a great talent.”

 

Travis DeVries comes from Seattle, where for a decade, he had been the lead singer and songwriter of legendary shoegaze band, The Turn-ons.  In 2009, Spin magazine listed them in it’s “100 Greatest Bands You (Probably) Never Heard.”  And long before that, Peter Buck of R.E.M. declared them, “simply my favorite new Seattle band,” in an article for Q Magazine.

 

He moved to NYC in the summer of 2008 after the recording of Death to God was completed, and continued deVries there with a new line-up of talented musicians (Sean Gibbons, lead guitar; Martin Glazier, guitar; Johnny Lancia, bass; & Kuki Kooks, drums). They are playing shows throughout Brooklyn to growing popularity and enthusiasm, and writing new songs to be recorded later this year for a future release.  They are also looking forward to hitting the road and tour come summer. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 5% [?]

A Cool Stick

 

A Cool Stick is a Baltimore based Hip-Hop band that combines intelligent lyrics with live instrumentation. Their musical inspirations range from Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco to Jason Mraz and Jimi Hendrix.  Their sound has been compared to The Roots, Asher Roth, and N.E.R.D. The band began playing live shows in the summer of 2009. They have since worked their way onto the stages of well-known Baltimore venues such as Rams Head Live!, The 8×10, and The Recher Theatre. The band released their debut EP “ACOOLSTICK.com” on November 5, 2009.

 

The band consists of five members: Luke O’Brien (Vocals), John Fitch (Vocals/Keys), James Hughes (Guitar), Brian Aranda (Drums), and Brendan “Fuzz” Floyd (Bass). Currently, A Cool Stick handles their production, recording, and promotion, without the guidance of a record label.

 

Websites:

Official Site / MySpace

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

 

Free Download:

Turn Me Up    download

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Kumi

 

Kumi is without a doubt one of the most unique and exciting producers and DJ Africa has ever seen. His many killer original productions such as 'Tears of the sun', 'Illusion', 'Vertigo', 'Breakdance Fatboy', 'Move Your Body', 'Rain Dance', 'All Around The World', 'I scratch', 'Mean Machine', and his many massive remixes for some of the worlds biggest superstars like Michael Jackson,Armin van Buuren, Dj Tiesto and Michael Cassette. In 2009 Kumi started his own record label 808 studio which has quickly grown in a very short time. Kumi constantly melts the boundaries between different genre like trance, electro, progressive and techno. In just a few years Kumi has built a massive reputation as one of the leading dance producers and DJ in Africa, and now his fame is starting to spread all over the world. Stay tuned because his story has just begun.

 

Websites:

Official Site

MySpace

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

 

Free Download:

Tears of the Sun (Official Remix)    download

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Jeben Marshall

 

Since the tender age of 4 years old, Jeben Marshall has been a musician. His training began as a pianist but over time he taught himself how to play guitar.  In 2002, Jeben formed the band Summerhaven and they released “Wait for Tomorrow” a full length album that won them critical praise and gave them a large fan base at colleges and cities in the southeast United States. After five years of regular touring, Jeben moved to Los Angeles to begin his solo career.   His first solo release “The View From Here” EP contains his most personal set of songs he’s ever written.  In live sets, he regularly features Mark Kovar on lead guitar.  They are the west coast's Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds.

 

Websites:

Official Site

MySpace

Facebook

Twitter

Musicolio

 

Free Download:

Lessons Learned    download

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Kill 'Em Kazz

 

KILL'EM KAZZ is an upcoming recording artist who grew up in one of the tougher neighbourhoods of Toronto. At the age of 18 Kazz has earned a reputation amongst his fans for his slick word play and consistent lyrical abilities. With one mixtape on his belt (Sophisticated Hustle) and a few videos in the making, Kazz is ready to show the world what he has up his sleeve.

 

Websites:

MySpace

Facebook

YouTube

 

Free Download:

See Me When    download

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Single Parents is the project of three friends: Fernando Dotta, Anderson Lima and Rafael Farah. Based out of São Paulo, Brazil, the band was formed in 2008 via a partnership between Fernando (vocals, guitar) and Anderson (bass).

 

After playing together for a couple of months, Fernando moved to Brighton, UK, where he began to compose songs in English on acoustic guitar, and continued his transatlantic musical exchange with Anderson.

 

Once rejoined in Brazil, the duo gathered demos produced over these six months they were apart to start working on final versions.

 

Single Parents became a trio in March 2009 when Rafael Farah (drums) joined the band. “We melded our styles and genres, focusing on Britrock and American alternative rock from the 90’s.”, says Fernando.

 

The band released their debut EP in December 2009, titled Could You Explain?, including four tracks written in English, whose distinct  and identifiable influences contribute to shape their musical identity. Farah comments: “We selected the demo versions that best embody the project’s aim, working on them for months before heading into the studio”.

 

As the EP’s title suggests, the band does not intend to restrict their sound to specific references, but to give each track a unique feel. “We came up with different structures for each song, where the theme and ambience change throughout. That is the contradiction we’re looking to express in our compositions”, highlights Anderson.

 

The band is currently rehearsing in studio, warming up for gigs in 2010. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 12% [?]

The middle of five children, Winslow Bright grew up in Dallas, Texas where she began her commercial acting and print career at the age of two. By the time she was fifteen she convinced her parents to allow her to move to Los Angeles to audition for TV and film. While in L.A. she made contacts with individuals in the music industry and quickly started her singing and songwriting career. Winslow’s song collaborations have found their way to the daytime soap operas “All My Children” and “The Young and The Restless,” and she continues to build on her publishing catalog (ASCAP.)

 

Upon her return to Dallas during her sophomore year in high school, Winslow began working on her first album with local indie singer-songwriter-producer, Salim Nourallah (Old ‘97’s “Blame It On Gravity.”) Winslow’s 11-song debut album, “Lovable,” is a result of countless writing and recording sessions with Nourallah over a two-year period. “Lovable’s” song list includes 7 original tunes co-written by Winslow and Nourallah, who offers up two of his own songs, as well as the cover of Kirsty MacColl’s 1979 “They Don’t Know.” The album provides listeners a mix of mid-century retro sounds with enduring themes of unrequited love. Bright’s co-write, “Could You Be My Baby,” beckons memories of Roy Orbison with its sweeping, melodramatic vocals.

 

Winslow’s live performances in Dallas include The Granada Theater, Club Dada, The Door, and gigs at North Park Center and American Airlines’ Victory Park for the 2009 AFI Dallas International Film Festival. Now a freshman in college, Winslow continues her musical journey at NYU’s Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, where she also joins in on jam sessions at New York venues such as The Bitter End. She recently received a nomination for Best Band Venue Poster for her “Lovable” CD release at The Granada Theater from The Independent Music Awards. Fans can vote for the poster by going to www.winslowbright.com or www.myspace.com/winslowbright.

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 14% [?]

Jared McCloud's natural, earthy tone and thought provoking lyrics showcase his talent and ability to draw his audiences into his story. Starting his musical career in "Hard Rock" bands, Jared decided to go solo, and released a self produced record while playing all over his native Connecticut to promote it. Honing his skill in small venues and coffee houses alike, Jared grew his fan base and wowed large music halls with his live performances. Picked up by Sling Slang Records in 2008, McCloud began touring all over the Northeast as well as performing on radio and television. More recently McCloud released his latest record, "Romance Of The Atlantic" and put together a live band to further enforce his vision.

 

Today, McCloud continues to tour the East coast, graduating to bigger and more prestigious venues. Be it with his wonderful band, or just a guitar for a solo performance, he strives to experiment and tweak his live performance, making sure the listener has gotten all they can from the song.

 

With this arsenal of new and exciting music and his "anytime-anywhere" gigging attitude, expect to hear a lot more from Jared McCloud.

 

Instrumentation:

Solo show:

Jared McCloud- All guitars, vocals Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 14% [?]

Hello indie music fans!

 

Our official Free Music Friday feature kicks off today.  We have some great new talent as well as downloads for you to check out!

 

Tamalaneh

 

Tamalaneh's sound is a cross between old school, and new school R&B. She is said to remind many of, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, and Indie Arie. Tamalaneh, whos real name is, Anjelle Hoxie, started off singing Anita Baker songs at the age of 3 years old, in Lansig Michigan, but since have grown to love and have respect for many other phenomenal artists in various genres of music. Her experiences includes Vocal Training at the age of 10, Glee Club and High School Choir participation, and Live Performances in local Venues. She has had three releases in 2009, which can all be found on Itunes. Tamalaneh is also currently working in the studio to finish up her "Extended Version Album" consisting of 5 additional songs to the "Special Release Album", of which, is expected to be released sometime in March 2010.

 

Websites:

Official Site

MySpace

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

 

Free Download:

So Far Away     download

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Sun Cut Flat

 

Sun Cut Flat makes layered music for headphones. They are an undiscovered gem for anyone who loves independent  music, and their entire debut album was recorded in an attic. Swirling guitars and icy atmospheres often blend into
ambience, but the stories of the songs themselves never get lost in abstraction.

 

Websites:

Official Site

MySpace

Facebook

Twitter

 

Free Download:

Becka Says     download

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Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 14% [?]

Cory Brown is a California-grown Singer/Songwriter with a distinct gift for crafting songs that draw fans from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Born into a musical family just north of Hollywood, Cory began playing guitar and singing at a young age. Aided by his father Barry (songwriter and lead singer for the early seventies band Morning, who shared stages with such artists as Jimi Hendrix and Chicago), Cory developed his natural talent for melodic songwriting and moving musical performance. The latest result is Cory's new debut solo album, Days In A Life, available now.

 

In 2001, after moving north to Berkeley, CA, Cory co-founded the Alternative-Americana Rock band 7th Direction. As their lead singer and primary songwriter, Cory also produced their debut LP Hundred Miles Gone. The album was praised by Relix and Pause/Record magazines, and Dennis Cook of JAMBASE.com named it one of the best albums of 2003. Relix Magazine, featuring 7th Direction in their 2003 article On The Verge: Artists You Should Know About, raved over Cory’s vocal performance and songwriting on his “soaring, harmony-laden” single Forgotten. The song was also featured in January 2003 on NBC’s hit television series Ed. Reviewers placed Cory’s catchy and intelligent songwriting style on the level of such music legends as David Crosby, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell. Fans compared Cory’s music to contemporary favorites such as Jack Johnson, Ryan Adams, Dave Matthews, and Elliot Smith. Cory’s fans continue to be moved by his melodic yet powerful voice, a unique sonic-blend that gives an extra flavor to his already crowd-pleasing repertoire of songs. He is determined to touch fans and music professionals alike with his talent for captivating turn-of-phrase and everlasting musical melody. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 17% [?]

FATHER DUDE is a man of great conviction.  Tired of cliché and uninspired parody in pop music, Father Dude has blended a myriad of influences into his own style: Epic R&B.  Inspired by an introduction to Doo-Wop and early Rock and Roll/R&B, FD formed his first group at age 11.  After performing a cappella throughout Long Island, New York, he soon made a transition to drum kit in his teenage years.  Whether playing garage rock, Prog Rock, Jazz or Metal, FD prided himself on writing original material.  Some of his greatest influences and inspiration have been listed as Stevie Wonder, Frank Zappa, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Phil Collins, P-FUNK, Faith No More and Dr. Dre.  He would eventually return to his soulful vocal roots as a lead singer in the R&B group FUSION.  During the end of  it’s successful independent run including an international tour and radio airplay, FD decided to take full control of his artistry.

 

In late 2008, FATHER DUDE truly came into his own.  He organized his solo material with a team of co-writers and producers and put together a demo of arrangements.  FD and his production team ”Release the Sounds” soon began work on the debut EP entitled “I Feel Ways About Things”.  After it’s release in 2009, FD brought his explosive live show to NYC stages.  When his powerfully soulful voice and hook-laden melodies combine with an eclectic live band featuring some of the best Rock, Gospel, Hip-Hop and R&B musicians, FATHER DUDE delivers a truly unique live experience.  FD has a tough time pin-pointing his sound; “It’s the Past, Present and Future of popular music… don’t ask me stupid questions”.  Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 22% [?]

Music as a means to healing. Melody as a means of providing hope. There exists a specific line of music that is comprised of folks who have changed the world around them; we are working on furthering that line. BOY PILOT is a band that partners with friends, fans and non-profits to holistically make a difference that matters in the long run.

 

Instrumentation:

David J. Portalatin: Lead Vocals, Guitar

Jonathan Lammering: Drums, Percussion

Jacob Rivera: Guitar

 

Websites:

Official website

Myspace

 

Discography:

The Boy Pilot E.P.

Popularity: 32% [?]