Indie Shuffle » David Peter Simon

Robot Science – Good Luck

David Peter Simon — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:29:25 +0000

Sounds like: Giraffage, Vondelpark, Majestic Casual

Song: Robot Science - Inhale [download here]

What's so good?

I’ve got some ear candy for you, and it’s not Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. It’s pop ambient from Robot Science, turned out in the form of a short but sweet instrumental synth track characterized by dreamy beeps and bops.

Robot Science is Charlie Yin, aka popular producer Giraffage. I’m stoked to find this IDM/instrumental electro project of his, much different than his recent remixes we’ve been devouring. All the songs on this EP Good Luck are pretty great, albeit quite similar in nature.

This featured track, “Inhale,” is probably my favorite so far; it’s full of buzz, like a champagne cork popping out of a bottle. You’ll be addicted to the fizzy beats.

You can listen to all of Good Luck on bandcamp. Definitely check out other works like Square and Doodads, and don’t forget to follow Charlie on Twitter. While there’s not much by way of Robot Science since 2011, there’s always a chance…

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1. Original post: Robot Science – Good Luck

2. Posted in: Electronic, ambient, indie, electro, idm

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

AZEKEL – No Ordinary Love

David Peter Simon — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:54:58 +0000

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Sounds like: Frank Ocean, JULIAN, One Room

Song: AZEKEL - No Ordinary Love [download here]

What's so good?

“No Ordinary Love” is a new slow jam from an up-and-coming London-based R&B artist AZEKEL, whose flow is beautifully disarming while his lyrics reveal an understated intensity. It reminds me a bit of Frank Ocean.

The track is about the relationship between a father and son, a twist on the more traditional R&B love ballad. I’m really digging the mellifluous vibes dancing along the Sade sample. It’s produced by Adelight, another British artist/songwriter who specialises in soulful grooves. Overall, this is a great production that you can download for free.

An EP is on its way for summer, to be released by THNDRLGHTNG Recording. Little is known about the artist himself, but he’s got another great track titled “That Feeling,” which you can check out on YouTube. AZEKEL is definitely someone to keep our eyes on; stay on top of his future announcements via his website.

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1. Original post: AZEKEL – No Ordinary Love

2. Posted in: R&B, rnb, mellow hip hop, frank ocean, chill hip hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Pablo Nouvelle – Winter in Helsinki

David Peter Simon — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:29:48 +0000

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Sounds like: Fama Eightyseven, Marvin Gaye, The xx

Song: Pablo Nouvelle - You Do Me Wrong [download here]

What's so good?

I was originally going to cover Pablo Nouvelle’s “Rolling in the Deep” remix, because, really now, who doesn’t love an Adele remix? Then I got addicted to this slo-mo glitch track “You Do Me Wrong,” and everything changed. I finally understood what Pablo meant when he described his music as a “mix of melancholic pop, modern soul and dance music.” The beats are expressive, the Marvin Gaye sample is hard-hitting.

Pablo Nouvelle – a name inspired by French architect Jean Nouvel and 60s Nouvelle Vauge films — is a Swiss DJ who is heavily influenced by soul from the 60s and 70s. You can hear it come across in all his music: lush cuts woven with arty electronica.

His debut, Winter in Helsinki, is a combination of previous releases with new tracks. They’re nostalgia-inducing tunes, reflective of a maturing artist. I recommend you give a few tracks a listen on SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Pablo Nouvelle – Winter in Helsinki

2. Posted in: Electronic, rnb, the xx, trip hop, beats

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Benin City – My Love

David Peter Simon — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:26:22 +0000

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Sounds like: Daedelus, Nicolasas van Reenen, WU LYF

Song: Benin City - My Love [download here]

What's so good?

These three are on the verge of exploding the scene with British Afro-dub blues — they’re seriously something special.

Benin City is London-based Theo Buckingham, Tom Leaper, and Joshua Idehen. An eclectic band named after a Nigerian capital, their verse is persuasive, their drums powerful and their sax energizing. This is hip-hop rich with rock’n'roll, with all the originality of James Blake or radicalness of WU LYF when each respectively burst onto the blogosphere.

It’s no surprise the Huffington Post called them “one of the UK’s most exciting new bands” and people are tweeting things like “Genuinely the best song I’ve heard all year.” I’m 100% on board with that. The repeated rhythm in “My Love” should be enough to make anyone swoon into admiration.

I’m sure their debut, Fires In The Park, will wreak havoc — perhaps even literally starting fires in parks like London Fields. We’ll see. Until then, you can download this track, with its remixes, on their website. Don’t miss the lo-fi handheld music video by Hackney-based artist Charlie Behrens. Some bewitching visuals along Regent’s Canal.

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1. Original post: Benin City – My Love

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electronic hip-hop, london, wu lyf, jazz-hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

YouYourself&i – PLASTICITY

David Peter Simon — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:44:49 +0000

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Sounds like: Daniel Johnston, M. Ward, The Mountain Goats, Phil Elverum

Song: YouYourself&i - PLASTICITY [download here]

What's so good?

Take a dash of Phil Elverum, a splash of Daniel Johnston, and maybe a hint of Broken Social Scene, and you cook up singer-songwriter Daniel Gélinas, the man behind lo-fi pop rock project YouYourself&i.

With his repetitive guitar strumming and soft whispers that almost sound like pillow chatter to ex-lovers, his work will hit you like yesterday’s longing. This featured song, PLASTICITY, is indicative of a ‘wealth of talent’ wrapped up in that Montreal indie goodness. As Zach Hart* over at We Listen for You explained,

“I’m guilty of great hyperbole, but I promise, no matter what type of music listener you are, if you give this collection your honest attention and time, a great reward awaits.”

Definitely agreed with that sentiment: this is music that sweetens with repeat listens. Just spend some time with his full 2011 release, Book of Questions. It’s spine-tingling. Right now, I’m all about the track Escalator, a vocal pairing with singer Veronica Charnley. Amazing.

You can listen to the TREACLE WELL, his recent two-part album where this featured track sits, on Bandcamp. Only four tracks from each section of that album are available for listening, but it’s enough to see what you’ve been missing.

*Hat tip to We Listen for You for the great post/share.

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1. Original post: YouYourself&i – PLASTICITY

2. Posted in: indie rock, experimental, folk, indie, acoustic

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

YungSatan – Out

David Peter Simon — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:10:39 +0000

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Sounds like: Sweater Beats, Soulection

Song: YungSa†an - Out [download here]

What's so good?

YungSa†an (aka Trevor Wilson) knows how to make a trap beat bounce. He’s the “middle child” of the M|O|D collective, alongside artists like Lil Texas, C.Z., Trap Arnold, and ReWrote. He’s also the newest addition to the admirable crew over at Soulection. If you were at Coachella, you may have seen him around. They say he killed it at the JBL Tent.

I’m really digging the trapstyle, with a touch of dark hip-hop, chopped up vocals, and synths that snake across claps that seemingly last for days. Luckily for you, this song is available for free download. I’ve been blasting it on repeat for the last hour and am already in trouble with a few coworkers seated nearby.

We look forward to checking out his Soulection debut later this year. Check out more trap goodness with tracks like “Hypergloss.”

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1. Original post: YungSatan – Out

2. Posted in: Electronic, electronic hip-hop, trap, sweater beats, soulection

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

D33J – Tide Songs

David Peter Simon — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:33 +0000

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Sounds like: Juj, Depakote, Black Moth Super Rainbow

Song: D33J - Park (Tape Version) [download here]

What's so good?

Here are some chilled out beats off label Anticon from Wedidit affiliate D33J. For those of you that don’t know, Anticon is the home of Baths and Wedidit boasts names like Juj and Shlohmo. D33j is in good company, and his debut EP reflects it.

This track, “Park (Tape Version),” is all about the beeps and bops, nicely paired with some lush vocals. Kinda like if Black Moth Super Rainbow and Aphex Twin had a beat baby. It’ll conjure images of driving down the coast on a sunny day — it’s definitely laid-back enough for the upcoming summer.

The EP drops via Anticon on April 30, and you can follow his remixes and refixes on SoundCloud. I particularly recommend his buzzing yet atmospheric version of Sigur Ros’s “Ekki Mukki.”

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1. Original post: D33J – Tide Songs

2. Posted in: hip-hop, beats, black moth super rainbow, instrumnetal hip-hop, wedidit

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Drake – Girls Love Beyonce Ft. James Fauntleroy

David Peter Simon — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:51:28 +0000

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Sounds like: The Weeknd, J. Cole, Lil' Wayne, Beyonce

Song: Drake - Girls Love Beyonce [download here]

What's so good?

Look, I know Drake is divisive. Some of you really don’t like him, and that’s cool. But I still think you can’t miss this smooth track. It’s a moody little ballad produced by Noah “40″ Shehib and features the silky voice of James Fauntleroy, the man responsible for much of JT’s The 20/20 Experience.

Typical Drake on the delivery: lyrics that melt into the beat with a backtrack that waxes and wanes. What really makes this track worthy of posting is how he twisted the legendary hook from Destiny Child’s “Say My Name.” I’m also digging the more melancholic and introspective side of his words; as always, he alludes to this ambiguous narrative that you can’t read. Either he’s totally self-absorbed with his life, or oddly unpretentious in sharing the ups and downs? I think you know where I stand.

No matter what you think, Drake’s on his way back, and we’re looking forward to covering the next album. There are a few tracks hinting an imminent release — check out the DJ Khaled/Rick Ross/Lil Wayne joint “No New Friends.” If interested, follow the ovo SoundCloud for more.

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1. Original post: Drake – Girls Love Beyonce Ft. James Fauntleroy

2. Posted in: hip-hop, R&B, rnb, rap, the weeknd

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Childish Gambino – Think of Me

David Peter Simon — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:31:14 +0000

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Sounds like: Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Drake, Chiddy Bang

Song: Childish Gambino - Think of Me [download here]

What's so good?

It’s been almost a year since Donald released his free mixtape Royalty, and two months since he produced Kilo Kish’s tracks. We’ve missed him. So, you can imagine how stoked we are to hear a new track like this — and, best of all, it’s a return to his Culdesac days, with tight world play and impressive flow. I’m loving his typical introspective lyrics; it’s always nice to hear a star share the mundane feelings of the everyday, especially when it’s over a sweet soul-style sample off Funk Master Flex’s tape, produced by Chemist.

Yeah, you read that right. Funk-fucking-Master Flex.

This track is on the DJ’s newest release, Who You Mad At? Me Or Yourself?. The legendary mixtape master dropped tracks that’ll remind you of the good ‘ole days – an homage to his 90s compilation series. The epic track list features big names like Cam’ron, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Fabolous, A$AP Rocky, among others. Seriously, the list goes on and on: it has almost 50 tracks. Damn.

This is a great album from FMF, with an amazing contribution by Childish. Check out the entire mixtape through his app. Didn’t have those back in the 90s…

We sincerely hope it won’t be another year until we see more pure Childish tracks. Stay on top of Donald news on the fan website forever Childish.

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1. Original post: Childish Gambino – Think of Me

2. Posted in: hip-hop, indie, rap, underground hip hop, kanye west

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Janet Jackson – Someone To Call My Lover (Giraffage Remix)

David Peter Simon — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:17:20 +0000

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Sounds like: XXYYXX, Siik, Majestic Casual, Blackbird Blackbird

Song: Janet Jackson - Someone To Call My Lover (Giraffage Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Here’s a killer Janet remix from SF-based producer Charlie Yin, a multi-instrumentalist who puts out sample-based R&B. This track is superb: slowed vocals with groovy beats served up just the way we like them. The claps around 1:54 will make your mouth water. Too delicious.

Last time we covered Giraffage was back in December, when he remixed The-Dream’s “Shawty is Da Shit.” Since then, he’s put out an excellent album on Bandcamp, called Needs. It has the typical electronic soul style, and if you dig this track, I promise you’ll love that entire thing. Don’t miss “All That Matters,” a heartfelt song featuring the old school hit “Number One Love.”

I highly recommend you download/buy the entire thing – all purchases go “straight towards funding his future musical endeavors.” Meanwhile, this Janet track is available for free download on SoundCloud.

Giraffage’s also been touring all over the world it seems. And in good company, too, with folks like TOKiMONSTA and Blackbird Blackbird. You can check out his upcoming tour schedule on his website. He’s hitting Europe in May, more dates coming soon. Stay connected with him to see if he’s coming to a city near you on Facebook.

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1. Original post: Janet Jackson – Someone To Call My Lover (Giraffage Remix)

2. Posted in: electronic remixes, R&B, chill, rnb, female vocalist remixes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Tuesday Born – Singing in the Dark EP

David Peter Simon — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:56:37 +0000

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Sounds like: JMSN, Majestic Casual, TOKiMONSTA, Juj, Shlohmo

Song: Tuesday Born - Sleep With Stars [download here]

What's so good?

I’m really digging this “Afro electronica” from London-based producer Gabriel Benn, aka Tuesday Born. It has percussive beats accompanied to spooky vocals that’ll make you perk your ears right up. I also highly recommend checking out the sweet lo-light music video that goes with the track.

Gabriel put this EP together after seven visits to Ghana, harmonizing a connection with the vibrancy that permeates that African capital in the form of memorable beats. It’s a wonderful hybrid of African influenced by popular electronic — or the other way around, depending on how you hear it. This music will kind of remind you of majestic casual, but sets itself apart for having an indelible real-world touch. “Sleep With Stars” is something else. And it’s only the first featured release from Gabriel.

The EP is now on Audio Doughnuts, an independent record label “born out of London’s colorful musical landscape.” You can download it on iTunes, and can follow Tuesday Born on his Facebook page.

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1. Original post: Tuesday Born – Singing in the Dark EP

2. Posted in: Electronic, beats, shlohmo, afro-beat, electronica

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Burn Water – I Just Want You Close (Forever)

David Peter Simon — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:52:52 +0000

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Sounds like: Sweater Beats, Majestic Casual, Alicia Keys

Song: Burn Water - I Just Want You (Forever) [download here]

What's so good?

Here’s some sensual lazy afternoon music. A twisted Alicia Key’s sample of “No One” repeated over some layered synths and a heavy dose of bass. Call it post-trap, according to the artist. We dig it — smooth R&B with large soul incorporating elements of trap.

Burn Water is an Australian producer releasing music under the name GoGoMusic. We covered his sweet glitch-hop Boyz II Men remix in December. Since then, there hasn’t been much, and apart from one release back in January, the artist’s been pretty silent. I’m really glad to see Burn Water back on the scene — hat tip me by to the first-class YouTube channel majestic casual, which posts a nice selection of electronic R&B, for uncovering the release.

You can download this track on Mediafire, and be sure to support the artist via Facebook. I’m looking forward to the next track. Just hope we don’t have to 3 months…

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1. Original post: Burn Water – I Just Want You Close (Forever)

2. Posted in: Electronic, soul, R&B, beats, sweater beats

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

PALERMO – Monochrom EP

David Peter Simon — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:16:24 +0000

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Sounds like: Former Ghosts, Tearist, Zola Jesus

Song: Palermo - Monochrom [download here]

What's so good?

Monochrom is a short and solemn experimental synth-pop EP from Prague artists Dominik Gajarsky and Roman Stetina, running under the name of PALERMO. It’s sharp and gut-wrenching, a bit like Former Ghosts when they first came out; I wasn’t surprised to see a Freddy Ruppert cover included. Most of the tunes are pretty eerie, with bleak lyrics sung like whispers in the dark for slow dances in the shadows.

PALERMO will release their debut LP, called Still Life, under the US label Crazy Iris Records in May. Until then, you can listen by downloading this EP on Bandcamp and follow their release on Facebook. I highly recommend checking out the “Book of Ethics” music video — an excellent hand-held one-shot that perfectly sums up how PALERMO balances calm and soothing with perturbed and storming.

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1. Original post: PALERMO – Monochrom EP

2. Posted in: experimental, synth-pop, alternative, post-punk, Experimental electronic

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Atu – Pictures on Silence

David Peter Simon — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:30:59 +0000

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Sounds like: dpat, Sango, BAHWEE, Soulection

Song: Atu - The Duo [download here]

What's so good?

It’s only March, but I’m certain “Pictures on Silence” will go down as one of my favorite releases of 2013. This is a future soul album from a producer who knows how to accurately punctuate his beats with silence. The layered vocal samples and tight beats here on ”The Duo” are only one example of Atu’s ability to mesh smooth R&B with that sense of stillness. Alicia Keys’ effervescent voice fades in and out, impeccably matching the continuous claps. It’s epic. And so is the lush black & white music video and album artwork.

This is the third time we’ve covered Atu, a 21-year-old Malawian producer from Ann Arbor, Michigan. This time he’s got a new full-length with collaborations from the likes of Sango and dpat, along with updated/remastered tracks like the popular “What You Like.” Definitely an album you don’t want to miss. Check out the subtle piano on “Let Me” — fucking perfect.

You can listen to all tracks on Bandcamp. Heads-up: all proceeds will go to EveryChild in hopes of providing some financial assistance to rural areas of Malawi. Future soul with a social bend: you can’t get any better than that.

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1. Original post: Atu – Pictures on Silence

2. Posted in: hip-hop, experimental, soul, R&B, funk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

IYES – Glow

David Peter Simon — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:04:36 +0000

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Sounds like: Active Child, How To Dress Well, Cemeteries, The xx, Purity Ring

Song: IYES - Glow [download here]

What's so good?

Two demo tracks and they’re already being called the next Purity Ring? Give a big welcome to the next big thing to hit the electro pop blogosphere: Brighton-based duo IYES.

Describing Josh Christopher and Melis Soyaslanova as exciting would be a restrained commentary. These two create passionate pop, stimulating synth filled with palpable atmosphere. Their uplifting melodies will make you want to get up and dance. I promise. Just one listen and you’ll be hooked.

IYES definitely deserves all this praise: their sound and style will remind you of The xx while their carefree lyrics are perfectly suited to the beach daze of Brighton. No wonder The Sunday Times is already claiming they’re going to “explode.” While they’re not in every single Virgin Record Store quite yet, you can check out their SoundCloud and follow their rise on Facebook. Get on it!

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1. Original post: IYES – Glow

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, electro pop, synth-pop, indie

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

CLOSE – Oscar

David Peter Simon — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 13:03:53 +0000

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Sounds like: Will Saul, atu, Ame, Motorcitysoul

Song: Close - OSCAR [download here]

What's so good?

Another web mystery slowly unraveled. Earlier this year, the blogs were a-buzz wondering who was behind the CLOSE project. It immediately reminded me of The Weeknd – music deeply steeped in visuals and an artist wrapped in anonymity. And while I’m not usually into deep house, when it’s this well-packaged, I had to keep following. I had to know what came next.

By now, it’s been revealed that CLOSE is the brainchild of Will Saul, DJ and owner of sister labels Simple/Aus Music (known for their roots in dub and techno). It’s typical club faire, a project that takes its inspiration from the intricate layers of early 90s techno and the physically intimate setting of such clubs. Will explains,

“I love the futuristic feeling of early Detroit techno – not just the fact that the music was all made on machines but the melancholic/introspective chord progressions combined with the machine driven funk created a quite a special end result and for me is the reason why this strain of dance music still retains its appeal … I wanted to attempt to write an album that you could listen to as a whole and something that you kept discovering layers of details within on repeat listens.”

And with each repeat listen, you do in fact discover and appreciate different layers of details. Try it with sound-cancelling headphones and on loudspeakers with a fat bass — two very different experiences.

CLOSE is an excellent cross-channel project that spans multiple mediums and uses the web as a driving force to build audience interest. It’s always refreshing to see a label use the Internet in a seductive way to entice listeners outside of typical social media marketing. If the website is any indication of what’s to come, you know this is only the beginning.

Visit Will’s Facebook page to stay on top of the next two releases. If you’re interested in learning more about Will or the project, check out his interview on Fabric’s blog.

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1. Original post: CLOSE – Oscar

2. Posted in: house, deep house, electro, techno, progressive house

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

J-Louis – Balanced EP

David Peter Simon — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:50:39 +0000

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Sounds like: Sango, Soulection

Song: J. Louis - Butterflies [download here]

What's so good?

These deep beats are just right — soulful future with personality. Soulection knows how to hook it up; this whole EP’s got perfectly tuned female vocals. A real tonal treat.

You can call J-Louis the new king of eclectic. This track, “Butterflies,” features an Alicia Keys sample from “Feeling U, Feeling Me,” while others spin a variety of sounds, like the more Spanish-laden “Suave.” As Soulection prescribes, they’re all perfect for those dreamy “after-hour late night drives with the windows down.” Get on it.

As always, Soulection has shared a new great and privileged us with a free download on Bandcamp. Show some love whatever way you can, and be sure to spread the word on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: J-Louis – Balanced EP

2. Posted in: female vocalist, experimental, soul, R&B, rnb

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Philip Grass – Onit

David Peter Simon — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 12:32:32 +0000

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Sounds like: Bahwee, Kastle

Song: Philip Grass - Onit [download here]

What's so good?

Came across some genre-bending beats that any electronic fan will appreciate it. They’re from Portland-based duo Philip Grass (aka Burton Schaber and Ben Durfee) and fall in the realm of “gritty forest beat” and “emo juke.” No idea really what that means, so let’s hear it in their words:

”This was one of the first songs that we made collaboratively. We had been working independently for some time so coming together on this track produced a lot of energy, which we think this song typifies. It was an attempt to blend a lot of different kinds of sounds together, so sonically, it’s a bit of a collage.”

A collage indeed. I’m really digging how well the raw and distorted vocals grind up against the heavy synth FX. This definitely characterizes gritty, underground hip-hop smashed with futuristic electronic.

This track comes off the first vinyl release curated by Dropping Gems, a label/collective in the Pacific Northwest founded by Aaron Meola. They’re also the same people behind recent Indie Shuffle favorite Natasha Kmeto. Only good stuff coming from them so far.

Gems Drops Three, the previously mentioned vinyl, will be out on April 16, 2013. Until then, stay on top of Dropping Gems via Facebook and SoundCloud. Highly recommend listening to Gumar and His Magical Midi Band’s “Sliding Down Rainbows” if you dig this fx+drums+distortion stuff. I’ve also heard whispers of a Jason Burns Kmeto remix. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open…

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1. Original post: Philip Grass – Onit

2. Posted in: experimental, electronic hip-hop, Experimental electronic, beats, bahwee

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

illstrtd – Torture

David Peter Simon — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:28:46 +0000

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Sounds like: Sango, Flume, Al Patron, Clams Casino, oOoOO

Song: Illstrtd - Torture [download here]

What's so good?

The kids in Oz sure know how to make sweet jams. Here’s one from upcoming producer illstrtd, just another 22-year-old making beats in his bedroom. While illstrtd hasn’t really hit the scene yet, he’s gotten exposure on blogs like the 405 and Crayon Beats. I thought 405 described him pretty well back in December with “Clams Casino meets Washed Out.” Take a listen and decide for yourself.

This track, “Torture,” is a great example of his hip-hop/chillwave concoction: darkly sweet vocals mixed to R&B beats that’ll serenade you into the most melancholic of moods. Just wait till 1:10, where drawn out and slow beats that explode with ethereal vocals and chill you right to the bone. Also of note is “Thank You,” which prominently features a Christina Aguilera sample and slightly reminds me of Jason Burns.

So, is illstrtd the next big producer out of Australia? He hasn’t put out a track in the last two months and there’s no word of an EP, so we don’t know his plans yet. I recommend you listen to more on SoundCloud then go show him some love over on Facebook and Twitter. Maybe it’ll give him that push to keep putting out wicked tracks like this. All it takes is a bit of support ~~to see the change you want to see~~ to hear more of the music you want to hear…

And you thought you couldn’t change the world. One like or follow makes a big difference. Serious face.

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1. Original post: illstrtd – Torture

2. Posted in: chillwave, instrumental, beats, washed out, flume

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Evil Needle – Ouverture

David Peter Simon — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:50:17 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: HW&W, Ta-ku

Song: Evil Needle - Ouverture [download here]

What's so good?

Evil Needle is more of the after after party variety. Watch out, this one might melt your walls.

This track has some serious synth action going on, melodious beats just right for kicking it after a long night out. No surprise people on SoundCloud are referring to it as babymakin’ music; it’s got those keys perfect to set the mood. Only the best slow jams from the crew over at HW&W…

Evil Needle’s got the neosoul on lock. The French beatmaker has got a great ear for making smooth tracks with great vibes. Check out pieces like Gliding in the Mist and For You on his SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Evil Needle – Ouverture

2. Posted in: hip-hop, beats, neo-soul, ta-ku, jazz-hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Sunday Night Chill: TOKiMONSTA, Shlohmo + More

David Peter Simon — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 01:48:14 +0000

Seems like we’re all just waiting for the weekend or the next big adventure. Just because. And when we get there? Gone in a flash. No pause, back to the routine. The grind.

Sometimes it can be hard to just take a moment and relax. To live outside your conception of time. I guess I’m thinking of something I recently read, from a guy named Mazzucchelli: ”To live is to exist within a conception of time. But to remember is to vacate the very notion of time.”

Take some time to remember. Vacate your notion of time and enjoy this week’s Sunday Night Chill with a heavy dose of nostalgia. Sit and rejoice with memories past. It’ll do you some good. Like coming up for air after a long time under.

1. Original post: Sunday Night Chill: TOKiMONSTA, Shlohmo + More

2. Posted in: Electronic, ambient, chillout, chill, Sunday Night Chill

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: dné - Reading, Then Eye Contact [Downloa d]

Song: myk. - I'm Not Lost [Downloa d]

Song: Owsey - We Are Your Friend (Asa Remix) [Downloa d]

Song: Burial - Shell of Light (Shlohmo Remix) [Downloa d]

Song: TOKiMONSTA - Almost Free [Downloa d]

Natasha Kmeto – Dirty Mind Melt

David Peter Simon — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:47:21 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: TOKiMONSTA, AbJo, Sweater Beats

Song: Natasha Kmeto - Dirty Mind Melt [download here]

What's so good?

Natasha Kmeto is like nothing else you’ve listened to yet; I can promise you that. The NorCal-bred producer combines grimy beats with atmospheric vocals to serve up a quality slice of contemporary electronic soul that’ll remind you of TOKiMONSTA. More “Bright Shadow” than “Moving Forward,” woozy beats best described as “futuristic soul.”

Seems like the electronic soul scene just continues to grow and grow, but I can’t pin down whether it’s what soul has ended up sounding like today, or rather some weird homage to days past in our own hip style. I thought FACT summed up that odd intersection Kmeto is stuck at pretty well…

“Natasha Kmeto is another artist who is either — depending on your perspective — exploring the soulful side of electronic music or the digital side of soul music.”

Kmeto’s a Portland-based singer/producer who combines a talent behind the boards with a gorgeous voice. Apparently her live show has been described as a “thinking-person’s visceral dance party which reaches levels of energy so high Natasha herself comes out to join her audience on the dance floor.” Sounds like my kind of party.

If you’re in the Portland area, I highly recommend you keep your eyes out for upcoming performances on her website. Luckily she just recently dropped a new EP, so you can enjoy all the R&B/bass sounds you like on Bandcamp. Pro tip: “Pleasure Delay” will mutilate your speakers. Perfect for your own thinking-person’s visceral dance party. God, I love that description…

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1. Original post: Natasha Kmeto – Dirty Mind Melt

2. Posted in: Electronic, hip-hop, experimental, R&B, rnb

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Cokiyu – Twinkle Way (Ft. Baths)

David Peter Simon — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:45:30 +0000

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Sounds like: Baths, aus, Haruku Nakamura, piana

Song: Cokiyu - Twinkle Way (featuring Baths) [download here]

What's so good?

Here’s another track for you to daydream to. Cokiyu’s soft-spoken voice pairs well with Baths’ otherworldy beats, and we’re loving the tender sound. Some are even calling it pitch-perfect.

Cute and whimsical (and very Japanese), this track somehow manages to stay away from the soft sound by introducing lively beats into the mix.

It’s a great to see these two recognized names coming together. Cokiyu is Yukiko Ito, a Japanese composer/singer who studied musicology and has worked with other Japanese artists like Aus. Baths, of course, is an artist known for blog favorites like “Maximalist.” Side note: have you read our interview with him?

Cokiyu has a forthcoming collaborative EP called Haku, featuring other artists like beatmakers Madegg, LASTorder & Geskia! It’ll drop this Monday, so until then, you can listen to cokiyu on SoundCloud. For more lullatone-esque, ambient sounds, check out her track Sorrow Waltz.

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1. Original post: Cokiyu – Twinkle Way (Ft. Baths)

2. Posted in: Electronic, ambient, downtempo, baths, mum

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Aaliyah – Rock The Boat (Salute Remix)

David Peter Simon — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 15:47:08 +0000

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Sounds like: Mariah Carey, Soulection, Bondax, XXYYXX

Song: Aaliyah - Rock The Boat (Salute Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

The “J Dilla revolution” will not be sold in stores. It’ll be self-produced by tons of young kids making remixes, refixes and beats in their bedrooms. Like this damn nice Aaliyah remix from a 16-year-old beatmaker out of Vienna named Felix Nyajo. It’s a speedy/soulful version of Aaliyah, like waves that crash on shore at night. Peaceful and soothing, but kinda scary with their energy.

Felix’s got a free EP, FIELDS, off of his own label, Take Care Recordings. Apparently the EP made Idol Mag’s Top 5, alongside James Blake and The Weeknd. Pretty good company to be keeping. Check out what they had to say:

“Full of warmth, Fields comprises of a beat that sounds like its tripping over itself (in a good way) and a relaxed trumpet that provides glimpses into a lazy summer’s day in the city. Although the internet currently has little on Salute himself, a quick listen through his Soundcloud reveals a varied portfolio of songs that certainly show a lot of promise.”

You can learn more about Salute on his Facebook page and listen to more of his soulful collection on SoundCloud. Also of note is his “Locked Up” remix and his instrumental tracks like “Lovelace.” I have to agree with Idol and The Urban Playlist - this kid shows lots promise, and is definitely on the forefront of the youth-led instrumental hip-hop movement.

Long live the Dilla sounds.

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1. Original post: Aaliyah – Rock The Boat (Salute Remix)

2. Posted in: Electronic, R&B, chillout, rnb, female vocalist remixes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Teedra Moses – Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Edition)

David Peter Simon — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:30:59 +0000

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Sounds like: Siik, Juj, Atu

Song: Teedra Moses - Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Edition) [download here]

What's so good?

There are a few remixes of Teedra Moses’ “Be Your Girl” floating around the Internet, but I think I just found my new favorite. It’s a downright sexy version, as opposed to, say, Siik’s smooth chillout remix.

Kaytranada is a producer from Montreal who combines electro with laid-back beats. Kinda like if JMSN and Slum Village started making music together. Some say Kaytranada’s “lo-fi harmonies have been known to melt panties right off.” Well then, maybe you should give this track a try on Valentine’s Day come Wednesday.

Teedra’s definitely what good love sounds like. You gotta dig her explicit lyrics. Like I said, a perfect piece for that upcoming Valentine’s Day “special moment.” Or if you’re all alone, then I guess you can listen to Kaytranada’s soothing Justin Timberlake “Cry Me A Riv er Remix.” Either way, you should be listening to more Kaytranada. Check him out via his SoundCloud page or give him a subscription on Facebook. Another producer worthy to keep your eyes on. Thanks to Majestic Casual for the share.

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1. Original post: Teedra Moses – Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Edition)

2. Posted in: Electronic, hip-hop, house, female vocalist remixes, Siik

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.