Indie Shuffle » atmosphere

Gangstagrass – Long Hard Times to Come (Ft. T.O.N.E-Z)

Philip Friedman — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 16:32:06 +0000

Sounds like: Atmosphere, Mumford and Sons, Steve Earle, Del the Funky Homosapien

Song: Gangstagrass - Long Hard Times to Come (Ft. T.O.N.E-Z) [download here]

What's so good?

You know when there are two types of food that shouldn’t go well together, but when you mix them it’s amazing? Kind of like potato chips and chocolate. On their own they’re great, but dip those same chips in chocolate and it’s amazing. That’s exactly what happens with bluegrass and hip-hop, at least in the hands of Gangstagrass.

Gangstagrass is the brain child of Brooklyn producer Rench and other various rappers and musicians who have come together to make something completely new. They have taken two American staples and created something original.

With two albums behind them, including 2010′s Lightning On the Strings, Thunder on the Mic and 2012′s Rappalachia, “Long Hard Times to Come,” was the track that really helped get things started. Tapped to be the opening theme for FX’s series Justified, and even leading to an Emmy nomination for Rench and T.O.N.E-Z, this was America’s introduction to a genre that can only be called by the group’s name: Ganstagrass.

Filled with banjos, slide guitar, drum machine, and T.O.N.E-Z’s rhymes, Gangstagrass makes the marriage of the two seemingly opposite sounds seamless and even natural. Something that only this group of guys could pull off.

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1. Original post: Gangstagrass – Long Hard Times to Come (Ft. T.O.N.E-Z)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, mashup, bluegrass, mumford & sons

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

Amtrac – Summer’s Over

Rachel Skotarczyk — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:32:51 +0000

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Sounds like: Cosmonaut Grechko, Kyogi, Moon Boots

Song: Amtrac - Summer's Over [download here]

What's so good?

Since the release of “Those Days,” I’ve been on an Amtrac binge. Reflecting on his production style, he’s left me both elated and annoyed, but I’m otherwise amazed at the scope of his talent.

“Annoyed” may be a strong word– there are definitely songs I don’t like, but I suppose that only humanizes him. Like any healthy relationship, you have to take the good with the bad. If you have foresight enough to be patient and persistent, the good will only get better. In real world relationships, that certainly is not a universal truth, but in the ideal world of musical love affairs, it most certainly is! Moving on…

One track that literally stopped me in my tracks was “Summer’s Over” off his completely free mixtape, Hey There Kiddo. No, I’m not gonna make some stupid cliché about how summer’s really over and stuff, so relax. I am going to tell you a little back story, though.

My mother listened to Karen and the Carpenters, heavily. As a youth, I really savored those moments, internally of course — at 11 or 12 years old, it was only cool to tell my mother how uncool she was. But who could argue with Karen’s silky voice, the way she perfectly hit every note, and how in every song a wealth of harmonics reverberated in your core, grossly emphasizing either the pit of her own sadness or the depth of feeling in each song? Oh God, look at me coming out of the Carpenters’ closet.

Lucky for me, I’m not alone. Seems Amtrac may have an affinity for her as well. Suddenly I feel pretty cool for liking the Carpenters. You still won’t catch me blasting them from my car stereo, straining my vocal chords with tears streaming down my face. No, I’m not quite there yet, but you better bet “Summer’s Over” is on constant repeat. And if you’re wondering, yeah, I can hit Karen’s notes pretty well (brushes nails on shirt). I’ma G.

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1. Original post: Amtrac – Summer’s Over

2. Posted in: Electronic, chillout, synth, flume, moon boots

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

Macklemore x Ryan Lewis – Thrift Shop (Ft. Wanz)

Devin Duckworth — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:50:48 +0000

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Sounds like: Blue Scholars, Atmosphere

Song: Macklemore x Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop (Ft. Wanz) [download here]

What's so good?

Poppin’ tags, being flat broke, and wearing your granddad’s clothes isn’t something that is typically discussed in rap tracks these days, but when an artist manages to stray away from the norm of materialism and sexual encounters to deliver something that is catchy and lyrically hilarious, you know you got something good goin’ on.

This Seattle-based emcee and his bud Ryan Lewis team up once again for a more lighthearted track titled “Thrift Shop,” which pokes fun at being poor and prolific. While the song attempts to make humorous jabs at mainstream rap, these dudes still aim to please with fun chorus lines, poor man swag, and silky saxophone loops.

“Thrift Shop” is off Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ upcoming album, The Heist, due out October 9. Peep the hilarious video below:

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1. Original post: Macklemore x Ryan Lewis – Thrift Shop (Ft. Wanz)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, atmosphere, underground rap

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

SelfSays – Comedy Rap (Prod. by Samiyam)

sweeneykovar — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:37:17 +0000

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Sounds like: Quelle, Samiyam, Atmosphere

Song: SelfSays - Comedy Rap [download here]

What's so good?

Michigan has been a breeding ground for some of the finest in hip-hop for decades. From MC Breed to J Dilla, from rhymes to beats, it’s trite by now to say there’s something in the water in the mitten. The tradition continues with MC SelfSays, coming straight out of Lansing.

While many rappers strive to emulate Scarface on wax, SelfSays probably sounds more like Larry David on tape. The cerebral, neurotic MC puts his personality under a microscope on his breakout Something Out Of Nothing EP that dropped a few years ago and caused many to take notice. Inserting his own particular experiences into a meter that was a bit unorthodox, and coupled with forward-thinking production (Devonwho, Knxwledge, Samiyam, and others), the EP got traction via word of mouth.

Picking up where that project left off, Self recently delivered APRIL, a short collection of newer works. It’s not a full new project but more of a teaser of upcoming tracks, a preview of the new and improved SelfSays. The cut we’re sharing with you today is “Comedy Rap,” a quirky trip down the rabbit hole that finds SS bouncing all around within his cerebral cortex, examining those incongruent thoughts that most dismiss.

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1. Original post: SelfSays – Comedy Rap (Prod. by Samiyam)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, underground hip hop, Los Angeles, detroit, Samiyam

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

Styles Of Beyond – Damn (Ft. Michael Bublé)

Jason Grishkoff — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:05:10 +0000

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Sounds like: Atmosphere, Brother Ali

Song: Styles Of Beyond - Damn (Ft. Michael Buble) [download here]

What's so good?

If you were wondering how to do a hip-hop hook right, look no further than Styles Of Beyond.

The LA-based hip-hop group just released this new track “Damn” featuring the sultry jazz vocals of two-time Grammy winner Michael Bublé.

Apparently the hook won’t actually be on their soon-to-be-released third album Reseda Beach — not entirely sure why — this shit is money!

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1. Original post: Styles Of Beyond – Damn (Ft. Michael Bublé)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, underground hip hop, atmosphere, brother ali, aesop rock

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

Atherton – No Threat

Sean O — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:23:39 +0000

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Sounds like: Brother Ali, Atmosphere, Grieves

Song: Atherton - No Threat [download here]

What's so good?

Atherton is a hip-hop emcee from Ottawa who threads a fine needle between absurdity and more sobering themes in his music as well as his live shows. For further proof, check out the man’s third official release, No Threat, which you can find on his Bandcamp.

A track like “No Threat” is just that, at first. Atherton is like a ninja on the mic, reminding me of Brother Ali and Atmosphere with his ability to shine up dark issues with a catchy beat and relatively harmless wordplay. He’s got a unique flow and this production still sounds fresh even after a dozen listens.

For me, hip-hop is only as strong as its message, which makes “No Threat” much more dangerous than a lot of the competition.

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1. Original post: Atherton – No Threat

2. Posted in: hip-hop, experimental hip hop, atmosphere, Alternative Rap, brother ali

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

Turquoise Memories – Saturday Sea

Ron Swanson — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:37:55 +0000

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Sounds like: CFCF, Kruder & Dorfmeister

Song: Turquoise Memories - Saturday Sea [download here]

What's so good?

Bedroom producers are finding a home on the front page for really the first time in history, thanks in part to the Internet. Much of the best of the bedroomers seems to be electronic/downtempo style music, which is understandable considering it’s a whole lot easier to make music in your bedroom than music that requires a full ensemble.

Turquoise Memories may be my new favorite bedroomer, and his downtempo, chilled out “Blisswaves” (as he likes to call it) provide an atmospheric of ambience that isn’t necessarily original, but is most certainly refreshing.

His latest work “Saturday Sea” is a prime example of how he operates. Give it a listen, support him on his Facebook and drift away for a bit.

------------------------ With countless sub-genres

1. Original post: Turquoise Memories – Saturday Sea

2. Posted in: ambient, indie, chillwave, dreamwave, atmosphere

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

Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson – Delicate Cycle

el gringo rico — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:06:25 +0000

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Sounds like: Aesop Rock, Kimya Dawson, Atmosphere

Song: Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson - Delicate Cycle [download here]

What's so good?

At first glance, you might question just what the hell a collaboration between Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson would sound like. He is a verifiable king of underground hip hop, one of the most thought-provoking and abstract lyricists of all time. Kimya, meanwhile, is a queen of female freak-folk, capable of seranading you to the verge of tears at any given moment.

One quick listen to “Delicate Cycle” and I understood pretty quickly that these two clearly share some sort of otherworldly musical bond. Their respective styles compliment each other perfectly. Kimya calmly tells us the profound story of her childhood, while Ace gently spits his status quo abstract rhymes, always open for interpretation. Behind the lyrics their genuine friendship and understanding for each other is also evident, as if we’re witnessing two new friends connect with each other about their pasts and the cyclical nature of life.

The upcoming album (no set release date yet) should be a giant leap for each of them. I’m excited to hear the results, somber and melancholic as they be. We’ll also be keeping an eye on Ace’s upcoming EP, Skelethon, set to drop in July.

------------------------ With countless sub-genres

1. Original post: Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson – Delicate Cycle

2. Posted in: female vocalist, hip-hop, indie, underground hip hop, experimental hip hop

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

Ohbijou – Mossy Lungs

Rachel Skotarczyk — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:01:00 +0000

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Sounds like: Mazzy Star, Grizzly Bear, Wooden Shjips, Lykke Li

Song: Ohbijou - Niagra [download here]

What's so good?

I’ve been sitting on this track for a couple days. It’s like I want to say more about it than words allow, or that “Mossy Lungs” says more about itself than the words let on. It’s the same feeling I get when I read a Haruki Murakami novel — the atmosphere is so encompassing, it’s like it creates its own world. Suddenly the sky has two moons and you’re left wondering what’s real and what is illusion. “Mossy Lungs” hints at this perspective that reality seems to miss — the unperceived, the unexplainable, or the unknown where anything is possible.

Ohbijou is a Toronto-based band that was originally the solo project of lead singer Casey Mecija. Now, members include Heather Kirby (bass, banjo), James Bunton (drums, trumpet), Anissa Hart (cello), Ryan Carley (piano, synth, glockenspiel, electric piano, harpsichord), and Jennifer Mecija (violin, harmochord, glockenspiel, melodica, vocals). Their third album, Metal Meets, is to be released in North America by Last Gang.

Metal Meets has been described as “their most thoughtful and experimental record.” Mecija’s vocals create a lush environment for the floating instrumentation. Thought-provoking and introspective, Ohbijou is the sound of dreams. “Mossy Lungs” is not part of the album, but it is an excellent preview of what is to come.

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1. Original post: Ohbijou – Mossy Lungs

2. Posted in: indie rock, female vocalist, ambient, lykke li, dreamscape

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

Dru B Shinin’ – Her Song (Ft. Luke Wade)

Jess Johnson — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:00:03 +0000

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Sounds like: XV, Atmosphere

Song: Dru B Shinin' - Her Song (Ft. Luke Wade) [download here]

What's so good?

I have been closely following Dru B Shinin’s work ever since he sent me his single “The Promise” over a year ago. That track is still a favorite of mine to this day, and he has only gotten better as an artist since then.

His latest release, The CleanUp, features some great production from EyeJay. My favorite track off the album is easily “Her Song” featuring Luke Wade. “Blue Skies” is in a close second.

The beat behind “Her Song” has a nice retro vibe to it, and as the title suggests, it is one for the ladies. Even so, I bet my money that most people will find it hard to resist the infectious hook sung by Luke Wade. By the end of the track, you’ll be singing along to it as well. I promise.

If you like what you hear, you can download Dru B Shinin’s The CleanUp for free here.

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1. Original post: Dru B Shinin’ – Her Song (Ft. Luke Wade)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, pop, underground hip hop, atmosphere, murs

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

Soundset 2011: Interviews with Blueprint, Brother Ali, & Grieves and Budo

Mike Madden — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:48:48 +0000

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Sounds like: Atmosphere, Dilated Peoples, Shad

Song: Blueprint - Radio-Inactive [download here]

What's so good?

Once a year for each of the last four years, Shakopee, Minnesota, has been home to one of the greatest hip-hop festivals on the planet: Soundset. Assembled by underground label Rhymesayers, this year’s show was about as comprehensive as a rap fest can be, including a group who’s now in their fourth decade of performing (De La Soul) and an emcee who isn’t old enough to drink legally (Mac Miller).

Indie Shuffle caught up with three of the event’s main stage acts — Blueprint, Brother Ali (pictured), and Grieves and Budo — following their respective sets. Read on for info regarding Ali’s forthcoming album, Blueprint’s extensive record collection, and much more.

Brother Ali

As a Rhymesayers artist and someone who spent part of his youth in Minnesota, how exciting is it to see Soundset become such a spectacle?
It’s amazing, and the growth of the event feels very natural. [Main attraction and closing act] Atmosphere helped with two things: they made it possible for a lot of these artists to do what they do, and they made a lot of these fans feel like they can like hip-hop, too.

Do all the questions about your background – about you being a legally blind, albino, Islamic rapper – bother you?
I’d have a hard life if they did.

Over the years, you’ve talked about your love of old-school emcees like Rakim and KRS-One. What have those artists and that particular era of rap taught you?
I started listening to rap in the mid ‘80s, and the one thing that all those guys taught me is that you have to know who you are and be who you are. But I’m a fan of hip-hop in general, so I also like guys like Lil Wayne, T.I., and Kanye West.

Your latest album, Us, featured Chuck D of Public Enemy on its opening track. What was it like to work with such a legend?
It was amazing. When I asked Chuck whether he wanted hear the album before it was released, he told me no, because if I believed in what I was doing, he would endorse it. That really touched me. I’ve met a lot of legendary rappers, but Chuck’s the only one who exceeded my expectations.

During your set, you briefly talked about a new album that you’re getting ready to record. What will separate this record from your previous output, if anything?
The biggest difference is that this one will be produced by Jake One, and most of my previous work was produced by my friend Anthony [Ant of Atmosphere]. A lot of the beats I’ll be using weren’t made with me in mind, so I’ll have to do my best to make them fit.

When might the album be released?
Hopefully this fall.

Grieves and Budo

How is your upcoming album, Together/Apart (released June 21) different from your last album, 88 Keys and Counting?
Grieves: This is easily the best-sounding album either of us have ever made. It’s a lot more melody-based, and there’s no sampling at all. It’s a very clear yet organic record.

Budo: It’s a very focused and very consistent album from beginning to end, but it goes off in different directions, too.

Grieves, you were on Black Clover Records before you switched to Rhymesayers last year. Is there anything that substantially differentiates the labels?
Grieves: They’re just two different entities. Black Clover felt like more of a crew, and a lot of the dynamics of a business weren’t really there. That’s not saying anything against Black Clover, but I do feel more free on Rhymesayers and I have more opportunities where I am now.

Grieves, you’ve said that in addition to hip-hop acts like the Wu-Tang Clan and Westside Connection, you’ve been a fan of artists as diverse as Carole King and NOFX. Do you think you’ll ever make any music besides hip-hop?
Grieves: Yeah! I want to make some sexy-ass baby-making music! [laughs]

Budo, during the set today you played a trumpet and electric guitar. What instruments do you play and when did you start playing music?
Budo: I started playing drums and trumpet when I was nine, and I also play guitar, keys, and I can really wail on a tambourine. [laughs]

You two will be spending a good chunk of this summer performing together on Warped Tour. Since Warped is mostly comprised of non-rap acts, are you going to approach the shows differently, and what are your expectations for the stint?
Grieves: I think the whole thing is going to work to our benefit. There’s going to be a lot of people there who just aren’t going to be into what we’re doing, because they’re into metal bands and stuff. But if they‘re not feeling us, there are 30 other bands they can go see.

Blueprint

As its title suggests, your latest album, Adventures in Counter-Culture, features a lot of lyrics about your distaste for the mainstream media. What’s responsible for your malcontent?
Well, I think most of what’s being played on the radio is bullshit. It’s very corporate, but it should be run by the people, by people who care about the music.

So if you were the CEO of a major label, what’s the first thing you would change?
I’d fire myself. [laughs]

You sampled the Who’s “Baba O’Riley” in your song “Dream Big.” Are you a big classic rock fan, and if so, what are some of your favorite classic rock acts?
Yeah, definitely. My favorite bands include the Moody Blues, the Doors, the Who, Parliament and Funkadelic. It’s hard to pick favorites, though, because I have a record collection of about 5,000 vinyl albums, so there’s a lot to choose from.

You’ve been very prolific over the last decade or so, releasing material with Soul Position, Greenhouse, and as a solo artist. Is there a particular era of your career or a particular release that you’re most proud of?
I always put 100% into whatever I’m doing, even when I only have 50% control, which is the case when I’m working with somebody else. So I’m proud of everything I’ve done.

Last October, your friend and fellow emcee Eyedea died suddenly at the age of 28. Since he performed at each of the Soundsets when he was alive, does this one feel different?
Yeah. It’s very sad. The first person I saw when I arrived today was Eyedea’s mother, Kathy, and the pain we’ve shared is fucked up. Hopefully we can carry the torch and keep the energy there.

------------------------ With countless sub-genres

1. Original post: Soundset 2011: Interviews with Blueprint, Brother Ali, & Grieves and Budo

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, atmosphere, brother ali, blueprint

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

Atmosphere – The Family Sign

Nicole Cifani — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 20:00:32 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: El-P, The Roots, 7L & Esoteric, Murs, Aesop Rock

Song: Atmosphere - She's Enough [download here]

What's so good?

Atmosphere returns with their seventh official studio album, The Family Sign, perhaps their most personal album to date.

As one of the most powerful storytellers in hip-hop today, MC Slug tackles issues close to the heart using past experiences to weave rhymes that are anything but superficial. Slug’s unmistakable voice describes losing friends, gaining new ones, and celebrating the people you love. The album reflects on larger concepts like life and death, love and loss, friendship, and knowing when to let go. Songs like “Bad Bad Daddy” take a dark turn, while singles like “She’s Enough” are upbeat and celebratory.

For those new to Atmosphere, the indie Minneapolis hip-hop group is comprised of Rhymesayers founding member MC Slug and producer Ant. On this record, they team up with keyboardist Erick Anderson and guitarist Nate Collis to give the album an edgy rock hybrid sound that’s definitely worth a listen. The album came out last week, so definitely be sure to check it out!

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1. Original post: Atmosphere – The Family Sign

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, underground hip hop, the roots, atmosphere

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

Kristoff Krane – Work (Feat. Slug of Atmosphere)

Jason Grishkoff — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:07:07 +0000

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Song: Kristoff Krane - Work (Feat. Slug of Atmosphere) [download here]

What's so good?

Kristoff Krane is a smaller name in hip-hop, having been a member of a handful of groups in and around Minneapolis. But he’s certainly a man who has paid his dues, touring his mid-western behind off since released his first solo album in 2008. In 2010 he’s released two albums: “Picking Flowers Next To Roadkill” and “Hunting For Father”.

Lacking any kind of major star power, “Work” succeeds on its own merit. Strange Matter produced an incredibly clear, bumping beat that acts perfectly as a canvas to Krane’s lyrical musings on labour. Guest emcee Slug (from Minneapolis group Atmosphere) contributes positively to the track as well. I haven’t checked out the rest of his albums yet, but this track makes me want to. – The Music Ninja

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1. Original post: Kristoff Krane – Work (Feat. Slug of Atmosphere)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, atmosphere

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

Atmosphere – Sunshine

Jason Grishkoff — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:18:45 +0000

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Song: Atmosphere - Sunshine [download here]

What's so good?

I still love some of the rap music that I started listening to as a kid, but much of it was a phase that I’ve since moved on from. Even after all this time though, I can still go back to Atmosphere albums like Overcast!, Seven’s Travels, or God Loves Ugly, and listen to it all the way through without feeling like I’ve given to some whim looking for cheap entertainment or a rhythmic background soundtrack.

Atmosphere songs range from simple to complex, and from introspective to outlandish…Sunshine is from his Sad Clown series, and has a classic lyric in his first verse that I absolutely love – Salacious Sound

------------------------ With countless sub-genres

1. Original post: Atmosphere – Sunshine

2. Posted in: hip-hop, atmosphere, slug

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