Indie Music Universe

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

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

 

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

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

 

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

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

 

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

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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% [?]

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

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

 

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

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 14% [?]

BROADCAST STAGES TO BENEFIT INDIE STATIONS IN

JERSEY CITY, SAN FRANCISCO, SEATTLE, NYC AND NEW ORLEANS

ALL POINTS WEST INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE BELOW

 

In its third year Toyota’s Free Yr Radio brings music to the masses hosting the Free Yr Radio Broadcast Stage benefitting independent stations at All Points West, Outside Lands, Bumbershoot, CMJ and Voodoo Festival.

 

Launched in 2007 with a mission to support independent radio stations Free Yr Radio has equipped over 20 partner stations with tools to increase exposure and listener support. Those stations have included KEXP (Seattle an NY), The Current (Twin Cities, MN), KUSF (San Francisco) and KXLU (Los Angeles) among others. In previous years the campaign hosted shows featuring top indie talent in Urban Outfitters stores across the U.S. Partner bands have included Sonic Youth, No Age, Mudhoney, Dinosaur Jr., King Khan, !!!, Dan Deacon, Grizzly Bear, Yeasayer and others.   In addition to generating awareness and support through the free station-hosted concerts, participating radio stations were also given the opportunity to award a brand new Toyota Yaris to a listener to help boost fundraising or listener appreciation efforts.

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 22% [?]

Winifred Adam’s song "You Are My Rose" is the perfect tribute to one of the most important people in all of our lives, our Mothers. As Winifred says, "It’s always been my intent to help people feel better from the inside out!" and this single will be sure to be the perfect tribute to your mom this Mothers Day!

 

After being discovered by a major music producer in Canada while shooting an exercise video, singer/songwriter, Winifred Adams, returned home with an audio tape in hand—instead of an exercise video! Very quickly, Winifred gained her first sponsor. Less than one year later, she made her debut in front of the Colorado Rockies 50,000 hometown crowd and went on to complete her first album. She landed on tv, set up distribution in major retail chains and sang at several of her own shows. Her original demo reached radio several times in different states, featuring different versions of her title song, "You Are My Rose." On an exciting adventure, Winifred went on to sing at Shea Stadium several times and numerous pro & semi-pro sports events.

 

2009 has begun with a run of world-wide radio play on major stations as well as internet and tv radio. All of her songs have been chosen for airplay and each year her special version of Santa Baby is played both domestically and now world-wide! Her songs have been featured on radio stations all across the country and the world.

 

Download "You Are My Rose"

Popularity: 26% [?]

NEW YORK, April 9, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — For the first time, you can download your favorite songs legally and completely free. Qtrax is introducing a U.S. preview of its new music destination offering free downloads combined with extensive editorial coverage on all bands and artists.

 

Qtrax www.qtrax.com is now the only legal p2p music service that offers free and fast downloads of millions of songs. Downloads take just a few seconds. Qtrax incorporates branded advertising as a shared revenue stream with labels and artists. The company has signed licensing agreements with all the major labels, music publishers and leading indie titles including Warner Music Group and Warner Music International; EMI Music North America and EMI Publishing; Sony BMG Music Entertainment; and Universal Music Group North America and International.

 

"Over 95% of all digital music consumption may be illegal. And the legal sites only offer free streaming. Qtrax offers free high quality downloads. Qtrax will monetize all digital plays by sharing advertising revenue and offers a content rich environment that delivers a clearly superior consumer experience to any of the popular pirate sites," said Allan Klepfisz, Qtrax President and CEO.

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 20% [?]

Hey, what beats free music (legal, of course!) for absolutely nothing?  Well, technically you do have to make a couple of clicks to download the material, but it will be well worth the effort.

 

We’ll there’s some good news for all you indie music lovers out there.  The mighty Amazon.com is offering several indie music sampler albums for download here.

 

This is a great way to discover some new indie artists and bands that may suit your tastes.  The music comes from Amazon’s selection of favorite top-tier indie labels, so there is no doubt that the quality will be good.  Amazon promises that they will add some more albums over the coming weeks, so be sure to bookmark the page and check back often.

Popularity: 19% [?]