Why Music Blogging STILL Matters in 2013

Last week I had some time to sit around and ponder a few things about not only my music blog, but music blogging in general. If you are an avid reader of...

Ryan Hemsworth - Still Awake EP


Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth keeps the fresh music coming, and this time on his latest release, Still Awake EP. The last couple of weeks has been busy for him as he not only remixed the likes of Outkast, Lana Del Rey, Rhye, and more, but made an exclusive mix for Diplo & Friends, one for Downtown Music Festival, and one for Lucky Me x Rinse FM. Yet, he still find time for this EP, which shows some serious dedication to his craft. You can stream the EP below and get a free download of the entire thing right here.

Fresh?





Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – "Can’t Hold us" (Major Lazer Remix)


It's hard not to turn on the radio or visit a music site without something from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis these days, but the two have proven what hard work, some catchy music, and a bit of luck can get you. The pairs' latest hit is called "Can't Hold Us" and leave it to electronic/dancehall outfit Major Lazer to put their spin on it. It's a banger.

Fresh?





Mount Kimbie - Cold Spring Fault Less Youth (Album Stream)


British duo known as Mount Kimbie will be releasing their brand new record Cold Spring Fault Less Youth on May 28th, but thanks to NPR, we get to stream the record in full prior to that date. This will be the beat-makers second record, but on this one they decided to incorporate more sounds that would translate a bit easier to their live performances. You'll find some solid choice instruments and two songs that feature fellow British artist King Krule. Check it out at the link below.

Fresh?






Jacques Greene – "On Your Side" ft. How To Dress Well


Canadian producer Jacques Greene teamed up with crooner How To Dress Well on a song call "On Your Side." You'll find this tune on Greene's upcoming EP of the same name, which will be out June 3rd. The electronic/house and R&B production is a solid match for the always on point vocals from How To Dress Well and if you are like me, you'll find yourself replaying this song a few times. Stream below and make sure to check out the full EP when it is released.

Fresh?




The Neighbourhood - "West Coast"

If you do not know about the California indie/pop band The Neighbourhood by now, then I suggest researching about them because you are certainly missing out. I've been following them since they first started sending music and watching their progression and success grow has been truly a great hing.

The group has come a long way and their debut album I Love You went over really well with audiences. Now they are embarking on a headlining tour with Lovelife, The 1975, and JMSN, so to celebrate all that they decided to release a new song called "West Coast." With any of the bands tracks, they bring this cool and slick sound to this one as well, proving why these guys are so popular right now.

Fresh?




Say Lou Lou - "Julian" (The Chainsmokers Remix)


The New York production duo known as The Chainsmokers are quickly gaining popularity with their remixes thanks to the style and catchiness they bring. The latest remix is of Say Lou Lou's tune "Julian," which has easily become one my personal favorite remixes from these guys. It has an upbeat feel, and while has dance elements, isn't just a dance remix. It's poppy, it's progressive, and it has house vibes, but if there is one thing to label it, then I would say it's just awesome. A great tune for your Tuesday and the fact it is free should make you much happier. Stream and download below.

Fresh?




Lupe Fiasco - "Animal Pharm"


Chicago emcee and outspoken activist Lupe Fiasco returns with a new song called "Animal Pharm," which will be on on his upcoming album Tetsuo & Youth. As with most Lupe tracks, he provides the lyrical material on a Atoms for Peace sample beat. He is also taking some inspiration from English novelist and journalist George Orwell‘s  novel Animal Farm, but I see it as Lupe being Lupe and giving the fans something worthy of listening to. Stream and download below.

Fresh?





Video: Dead Times - "Centuries"


I'm always into artists or groups who aren't afraid to expand on a common genre, like the new surge of R&B music. LA duo Dead Times are doing it right and create a warm, yet relaxed feel on the song "Centuries." The pair returns with this song and release a new video, which is a time-lapsed visual of a woman dancing. I think it captures the vibe of the song quite well. Check it out below.

Fresh?'






Gilbere Forte – PRAY (Mixtape)


Over the last week or so we got a taste of Philly rapper Gilbere Forte's new music from his PRAY mixtape. It was sounding pretty damn good and I was looking forward to hearing the whole project, which is now out. This tape features ten tracks and guest appearances from Active Child, De Carlo, and Nylo. You can stream the entire thing below and if you are feeling it, you can download for free right here.

Fresh?






JMSN – Live At Red Bull Studios (EP)


One thing I have to respect about Red Bull, is they seem to have their hands (or wings) in everything and anything cool. Their was some recent video of JMSN performing live at the Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles with a full live band. Yet, he decided to not only release that song, but the full session as a free live EP to download, or to purchase on iTunes if you are feeling generous. The 5 songs he performed all can be found on his debut album †Priscilla†. Stream and download the live session below.

Fresh?




Disclosure ft. Eliza Doolittle – "You & Me" (Baauer Remix)


Yeah yeah yeah, I know this song was all over the web yesterday but I wanted some time to actually listen to Baauer's full remix of Disclosure and Eliza Doolittle's "You & Me." I wasn't sure what to expect, but when the song came to an end I found myself really enjoying it. On this remix, Baauer adds in some trap flare and increases the pitch of the vocals, creating a whole new fast-paced dance environment. He also shows us that he is more than just the viral hit of "Harlem Shake," which although I knew the talents were there, I could tell it would take some convincing for others. Stream below.

Fresh?





Beau Young Prince - "Roll Bounce"


If there is one thing I can count one, it's that DMV rapper Beau Young Prince will always provide a smooth new banger, which is what he did on "Roll Bounce." This has those summertime grooves that will have you rolling your windows down, bumpin' those speakers, and just cruising into the night. His flow is a solid fit for the crisp production from Kings and I hope these guys can link up in the near future. Stream and download below.

Fresh?






Ryan Hemsworth - "Perfectly"


Just when you think a new week will go by without a Ryan Hemsworth tune, he goes and releases something else to lift my spirits. This time an original song called "Perfectly," which will be off his upcoming EP, Still Awake, out next week. The light and atmospheric track is a perfect transition for this warm weather and showcases more of the talents from the Canadian producer. Stream below.

Fresh?







The Notorious B.I.G. - "Everyday Struggle" (Dead Battery Remix)


I'm usually slightly skeptical of remixes of any Notorious B.I.G. remixes, but Austrian producer Dead Battery did a solid job on the classic "Everyday Struggle." On his version he leaves the powerful lyrics and flow from the master emcee, but spins it with some heavy bass and a new piano arrangement. If you are looking for a new party song or something to add to a mix, then this would probably be a good choice. Stream and download below.

Fresh?





Andrea - Cruising (EP)


Let's be honest for a minute, we all know the start to a new week can suck. But Andrea's new Cruising EP will relax you and help you appreciate a new day. It's been a steady rise for the Parisian producer who found some notice remixing some tunes, but it's the chillwave originals that will send crisp vibes throughout your body.

Yet, there is more to his formula than chillwave, with a ton of experimental and use of sounds that form a cohesive listen. This was released May 12th via Moose Records, and I think is something you guys will truly enjoy. Stream below.

Fresh?






Gilbere Forte – "Anigma"


Gilbere Forte is just two days away from dropping his new project PRAY, but shared a new track called "Anigma." This song ain't no joke, bringing some rough bars over a harsh beat featuring a vocal sample that gives it that extra spice. Forte sounds super hungry on the last track or two from this project, so I'm certainly pretty interested in hearing the whole record. Stream below.

Fresh?







Video: Bad Rabbits - "Can't Fool Me"


Boston natives Bad Rabbits are back with a new video for their recent single "Can't Fool Me." This song will be on their new record called American Love, which is out tomorrow and you all better get yourself a copy. These guys bring the funk, alternative, R&B, and attitude in each song and I'm amazed that these guys haven't blown up. Oh, they are gaining popularity and people are catching on, but these guys are too fucking legit to not be dominating the music charts.

The video is pretty standard, but has enough style and coolness to reflect the song perfectly. I don't think these guys ever make music short of fresh. Check it out below.

Fresh?






PARTYNEXTDOOR – "Wus Good / Curious"


Drake and OVO affiliated artist PARTYNEXTDOOR dropped off a new song this weekend called "Wus Good/ Curious," which he also produced. As a similar fashion to The Weeknd when he first popped in the scene, there is still a bit of mystery behind this artist and not much is really known. However, that seems to be somewhat of an alluring feature along with the good music. Stream and download the jam below.

Fresh?



Video: Lana Del Rey - "Young & Beautiful"


We've already been able to stream Lana Del Rey's contribution to the Great Gatsby soundtrack with a song called "Young & Beautiful," but now she shares the visual for it. Directed by Chris Sweeney, he creates a vintage atmosphere featuring Lana in a 1920's dress along with a full orchestra backing her up. The whole look and vibe of the video is a solid match to the emotion of the song. Watch below.

Fresh?






The Dream ft. Jay-Z - “High Art”


Previously, The-Dream had mentioned that his new record IV Play would feature some big names in the industry and on the latest single, "High Art" he wasn't kidding. For this one he snagged Jay-Z to lay down some verses on the chill beat, as The-Dream provides us with those auto-tunes vocals that he has crafted quite well.  You can stream the single below and the new record is out May 28th.

Fresh?






Dada Life - "Boing Clash Boom" (Major Lazer Remix)


Anytime I spot something to do with Major Lazer I get a bit hyped up and I get ready to turn my speakers at full volume. The latest from Diplo's crew is a trap remix of Dada Life's "Boing Clash Boom," which originally had a pretty big electro sound. If this doesn't get you turned up for the weekend, then I'm not sure what will because Major Lazer added in a ton of energy to this. Stream below.

Fresh?




Gilbere Forté - "Nolita" featuring Active Child


Philly rapper Gilbere Forte is long overdue for some serious notice, but as he continues to grind I know his time will come. His latest song is called "Nolita" featuring the crooning of Active Child and production from Raak. This is slightly different from the straight hip hop sound, as there are a few genres being put together in this, but the result speaks for itself. This track will be on Forte's upcoming PRAY album, out next week.

Fresh?




Video: Gary Clark Jr. - "Numb"


If there is anyone that can be called the modern day Jimi Hendrix, then Gary Clark Jr. would be the closest to that title. The blues rocker is back with a black and white video for the infectious guitar-driven tune "Numb." The visual shows us some of Gary's female problems but he deals with it by hopping in his car, cruising the roads, and playing some guitar. Boss status.

Fresh?





Cashmere Cat for Diplo & Friends BBC Radio 1


As I've said before Diplo and his radio show on BBC always deliver some great hour or longer mixes, featuring some of the best producers and upcoming producers in the electronic world. On this past weekend's show he featured a mysterious, yet excellent producer that goes by Cashmere Cat. The mix is just shy of an hour by a few seconds, but blends a bunch of tracks that will for sure get your iPod and playlists grooving. You can stream it below and also download for free, which is always the beauty of Diplo & Friends.

Fresh?



Tracklist:
Intro (Aurora Piano)
Cassie - All My Love
Cashmere Cat - Mirror Maru
DJ Tev - Up In It (Cashmere Cat Eurosonic Edit)
DJ Tray - Bugatti
Wiley - Colder (Samename Edit)
Trippy Turtle - Senorita
Shlohmo - Later
DJ Tray - All The Time
Jeremih - 773 Love (Cashmere Cat Edit)
Holy Other - Past Tension
Cashmere Cat - Kiss Kiss (LidoLido Remix)
Drake - Girls Love Beyonce
August Alsina - Sucka
Future - No Love
Trae - Slammin Doorz
Cashmere Cat - Aurora
Drake ft 2Chainz - No Lie (Cashmere Cat Edit)
Trippy Turtle - Damn Those Jeans
DJ Yolo Bear - Freeki Ho
Samename - Mishima Curse
DJ Tray - Men In Black Theme
Hermitude - HyperParadise (Flume Remix)
Sinjin Hawke - I´m On One (Cashmere Cat little drums version)
Miguel - Do You… (Cashmere Cat Remix)
The-Dream - Rockin That Shit
Fantasia - Without Me
Kanye, Raekwon+++ - The Morning
Cashmere Cat - Paws
Village - Love On The Line
Cashmere Cat - Mirror Maru (Mike Gip "Jerseys Handsome DJ", Boomclap Edit)
Trippy Turtle - I´m Sprung / Mirror Maru
DJ Tricks "Mr. Shake Ya Speakers" - Love You Down
Feadz & Kito - Wettex (Cashmere Cat Remix)
Mindless Behavior - Used To Be



Video: Smith Westerns - "Varsity"


I'm pretty pumped about the new record, Soft Will, from Smith Westerns. This is the bands third record and will be released June 25th on Mom+Pop (in Europe on June 24 via Co-Op. But before then, the band released a video for the single "Varsity," which was directed by Alan Del Rio Ortiz.
"I wanted to make a non narrative video clip about young love without showing the usual conventions of going on dates or hanging out at the mall. We studied this couple as they would study themselves and each other in their dreams, and used abstractly sexual imagery to give it a hallucinogenic and hazy atmosphere,” says Del Rio Ortiz of the video.
Fresh?





Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More