I had the privledge of seeing James Blake at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetary last night. The crowd was stunned silent by the sheer level of musicianship presented on stage during the stripped down intimate show. I’m so grateful when true musicians get the opportunity to share their gift to the world – especially in an age where hype and a good publicist seem to get you far.
We’ve teamed up once again with homies for life FMLY to present a night of great music and good ole’ fashioned fun. You guys remember what that was like – right? FUN?
Yuck performed “Get Away” yesterday on Later With Jools Holland. Watch the video above. Just in case you weren’t already obsessed or felt your adoration slipping. This video should cinch things up nicely.
Sun Glitters has been on an insane roll lately. Check out his latest two track offering “Think Twice” featuring yet another collaboration with the amazing Steffaloo! This vocals float effortlessly over a steady low end beat. The effective is simply gorgeous. Download “Believe” below.
Can’t get this song by Christian AIDS out of my head. 7 Inch is out today on one of my favorite UK Label Double Denim. “Young Luv” is the b-side to the Manchester duo’s new single. Dark brooding synth wave at its finest. Check it out Below. Order the 7 inch right here.
There isn’t a wealth of information out there yet about Dirty White Lines. I’ve completely fallen in love with their ambient 3 song EP that explores a sonic space fused with 70s lounge music and psychedelic pop.
I can tell you that they are from Canada, will be playing shows soon in Toronto and Montreal, and if you don’t get their FREE ep on Bandcamp you will be kicking yourself. Download “Just Because” and watch the video for the track below.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from New Jersey Lo-fi duo Slow Animal. The band played our JAXART SXSW Showcase and released a 7 Inch on JAXART last summer.
This week the band unveiled a new track “Summer’s Going To Hurt” off a forthcoming 4 song comp in the UK. Full length will be out this summer!
Ellie Goulding performed on SNL this past weekend. Most of middle America were probably saying “Who the hell is Ellie Goulding?”
Our readers across the pond are no stranger to Ellie. The English born singer songwriter won BBC’s coveted Sound of 2010 AWARD and the BRIT’s Critics Choice award in the same year after her sophomore album “Lights” debuted at #1 on the charts in England. Propelling her status even higher was the fact that she was asked to perform at private reception for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Next thing you know…America FINALLY comes calling. Way to get it guys.
Her SNL performance was nothing short of AMAZING. I think she’s destined for full on pop status. watch the performance below and listen to “Lights. ”
I seriously CANNOT stop listening to Youth Lagoon. It’s the haunting vocals, the warm spirit, the swelling piano, and on his latest track “Montana” all the aformentioned are present and more. Then the song builds…. and BOY DOES IT BUILD. Music like this makes me giddy.
His debut release “The Year In Hibernation” will be available digitally and on 10″ vinyl July 5th via Juno Beach Records.
I met the lovely gentlemen of MJMJ (pro-nounce two michael jordans) Records on Saturday night. They are a cassette label that recently relocated to Los Angeles by way of Wisconsin. Co-Owner Andy is also the man behind Vacation Dad and is part of FMLY.
Recently the label released a split cassette for Blackhawks and Radiators Girls. The tape is entitled BLACK GIRLS. Blackhawks marry psychedelic folk, lo-fi, and some super trebley guitar to an astonishing pleasant effect. Radiator Girls eerie vocals break way to loud shambolic lo fi pop filled with great energy that reminds me a lot of Ty Segall. We really like this one peeps. Stream the release and buy the cassette on bandcamp.
Click here for show details and to stream music from the band’s playing.
OTHER UPCOMING JAXART PRESENTS SHOWS
May 20 – Coyote, Doña Nicha, Liz Pappademas @ Lot 1
June 2 – Long Long Long, Summer Blondes, Professor Calculus @ Lot 1
June 18 – Seven Feathers Rainwater, Stage Hare @ Lot 1
In case you’ve been in a deep dark cave all last week you probably know that Ernest Greene aka Washed Out recently announced his long-rumored signing to Sub Pop and has a new album “Within and Without” coming out July 12th. The record was made with Ben Allen who co-produced Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavillion and Deerhunter’s Halcyon releases to name a few. In other words: THIS ALBUM IS GOING TO BE RAD.
“Eyes Be Closed” is the first track off of the album to be unveiled. I’ve been a massive fan of Washed Outfor a while now and if this track is any precursor to how the rest of the album sounds then it’s already guaraunteed to be on heavy rotation ALL SUMMER LONG.
I recieved a text message from a friend back in February saying they were watching Cold Showers play at The Satellite and they were amazing. I tried to find music for them online but came up empty handed. Fast forward three months and the band are about to release their debut 7 inch on Mexican Summer. Sometimes it just happens that fast.
Upon first listen “I Don’t Mind” features all your textbook definitions of the Mexican Summer sound (bleached out vocals, fuzzy guitar, post-punk inspired buzz and drone) and almost comes off as being “too cool for school.” Then you hear that guitar riff and you’re hooked.
Austra could easily be written off as a blonde Florence and The Machine but once you delve deeper you find an incredibly talented vocalist and artist. Austra is the brainchild of Canadian born Katie Stelmanis. Now a trio they have been a mainstay of the Toronto scene. Yes, SHE HAS PIPES but also a style all her own. Her new album ‘Feel It Break’ is out May 17th on Domino. Watch the video for “Lose It” above. I’m pretty sure your interest will be perked up.
We have a little bit of a label crush on Not Not Fun. OK – kind of a big crush when we think about it. Amanda Brown’s LA Vampires project rose in prominence last year with some notewrothy collaborations with Zola Jesus and Matrix Metals. Now LA Vampires return with a new collaboration with Daniel Martin-McCormick (Ital, Mi Ami, Sex Worker). It will be released under the name LA Vampires Goes Ital. The 12″ EP is tentatively scheduled for a May 25 release date on Not Not Fun and features “Streetwise” below. Perfect soundtrack to any downtown artwork.
Sutja Gutiérrez made a video for “Spanish Poem!” Watch it above. and please donate to help send Sutja on tour in the U.S. 100% of the sales of “White Ponycorn In My Room” will go towards the tour. The album is out now on JAXART Records.
JAXART Records has a new 7 inch out now for RACES – a seven piece brooding rock ensemble from our hometown of Los Angeles, CA. The band celebrated their 7 Inch release last friday at The Satellite in Silverlake to a large crowd playing a handful of new songs as well as old favorites. “Big Broom” and “Living Cruel and Rude” posted below are featured on the 7 inch release. “Big Broom” is a monster of an introduction featuring a driving moog line, amazing vocal harmonies, and a strong sense of musicianship and melody. “Living Cruel & Rude” is a slower more brooding track with incredible feel and tone. That and the vocals just KILL me. Obviously I’m biased to every release JAXART puts out but that’s because we release only music we’re positively IN LOVE with. We give both tracks below one GIANT seal of approval and hope you will listen for yourself! Download below and don’t forget to order the 7 inch in our online store.
