Indie Shuffle » Los Angeles

Classixx – Holding On

Rhett Flowers — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:30:03 +0000

Sounds like: Holy Ghost!, LCD Soundsystem, Little Daylight

Song: Classixx - Holding On [download here]

What's so good?

The L.A. DJ duo Classixx are about to release their debut album after previously getting a ton of accolades for remix work they did on songs by such artists as Phoenix, Yacht, and their New York counterparts Holy Ghost!

After a quick listen to a few tracks, I’d have to say it’s a very cool record — lots of slick production and electronic grooves. It might be one that doesn’t really connect as a whole, but the tracks can be put on in the background and it makes for a good time.

Check out single “Holding On” here, and enjoy!

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1. Original post: Classixx – Holding On

2. Posted in: Los Angeles, electro funk, toro y moi, lcd soundsystem, holy ghost!

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

Thundercat – Oh Sheit It’s X

sweeneykovar — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:25:06 +0000

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Sounds like: Flying Lotus, Knxwledge, Shafiq Husayn

Song: Thundercat - Oh Sheit It's X [download here]

What's so good?

Since learning that Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner was a reluctant solo artist on last years’ Golden Age of Apocalypse, I was expecting the next solo effort from the bass prodigy to come a few years down the line. I was wrong. Thundercat returns this June with Apocalypse, produced by Brainfeeder general Flying Lotus.

After a difficult year that included the loss of close friend and collaborator Austin Peralta, I would not have guessed a Thundercat album would sound like Apocalypse. The energy on Apocalypse makes its predecessor sound a bit meek. Thundercat is singing with more confidence, his voice has more of a presence in the mix and his personality shines through stronger than before in his lyrics and performance. Many of the songs are incredibly celebratory and the initial single, “Heartbreaks + Setbacks,” was downright poppy.

With musicians of Thundercat and Lotus’ pedigree, it would be inaccurate to call their first LP as a snoozer, but in the continuum they are creating the sound they presented on Golden Age was definitely in its infancy and is growing up on Apocalypse. The funk is fuller and the grooves are deeper. This is still music for music junkies, for the jazz heads and the beat aficionados, but you don’t need to be any of the previous to dig it.

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1. Original post: Thundercat – Oh Sheit It’s X

2. Posted in: funk, rnb, jazz, Los Angeles, electro funk

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

Quasimoto – Planned Attack

sweeneykovar — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:01:33 +0000

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Sounds like: Madlib, J Dilla, Knxwledge

Song: Quasimoto - Planned Attack [download here]

What's so good?

From the smokey, idiosyncratic mind of Madlib emerges Quasimoto. Crudely drawn, yellow (or blue) and constantly armed with either a blunt or a brick, this miscreant has run amok in various soundscapes over the last decade plus.

First emerging on white-label vinyl he made his full debut with The Unseen followed by The Further Adventures of Lord Quas, the ass-grabbing, 40 oz-drinking bully has been bugged out since birth. With a voice that sounds like Alvin and a perspective that’s more in line with NWA, it’s easy to see that Quas’ music is anything but ordinary. A psychedelic re-imagining of classic break beats and old school hip-hop, Quas is informed by the past but in no means a torch bearer, moreso an iconoclast. The Quas projects were always dense, heady experiences. Many folks, myself included, found an initial aversion to the helium-voiced character soon gave way to an odd fondness for him.

After years of die-hard fans salivating for new Lord Quas material, Stones Throw has just announced the upcoming release of Yessir…Whatever, a retrospective of sorts that will feature 12 tracks composed over 12 years. It should be made clear this is not a proper Quasimoto album, it seems to be more of a compilation. Some are cleaned up versions of hard to find vinyl cuts, others have leaked onto cyberspace in different (sometimes better) form but some of the material is unreleased. The LP will be satisfying to any Quas collector but at this time it doesn’t feel like it packs the punch of the first two weird classics. It’s not as meaty, it’s actually very accessible considering the parties involved.

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1. Original post: Quasimoto – Planned Attack

2. Posted in: hip-hop, underground hip hop, j dilla, Los Angeles, madlib

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.

Casey Veggies – Love=Hate, Ulterior Motives (ft. BJ the Chicago Kid)

Zach Connett — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:13:19 +0000

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Sounds like: Dom Kennedy, Rockie Fresh, Mac Miller, Joey Bada$$

Song: Casey Veggies - Love=Hate, Ulterior Motives (Ft. BJ the Chicago Kid) [download here]

What's so good?

“I know a lot of things, most of which are gon’ change, that comes just from growin’ up learnin’ love an hate is the same thing.”

Plato. Marcus Aurelius. Confucius. Casey Veggies?! Well… he may not be on that level, but Young Veggies is one cool cat. Wise beyond his years, this 90s baby is only 19 years old — but as one can quickly tell by his raps, he’s quite the old soul.

Hailing from Inglewood, CA, Casey’s most recent project Life Changes is a must-have for fans of the always evolving rap game. The project is a vastly improved follow-up to his breakout tape Customized Greatly 3, and has become one of my favorite mixtapes in recent memory.

There are a number of CV jams worthy of a post, but “Love=Hate, Ulterior Motives” gets the nod due to the tight flow, bouncy beat, vibe change (at about 3 minutes and 20 seconds in), and all around listen-ability. If this one so happens to spark your interest in the Veggies’ lifestyle, be sure to check out his most recent visuals for the song “Faces“ to get the full effect.

Casey may be West Coast at heart, but his sound is ubiquitous. The force is strong with this Young Jedi.

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1. Original post: Casey Veggies – Love=Hate, Ulterior Motives (ft. BJ the Chicago Kid)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, Los Angeles, west coast, joey bada$$

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

Digital Diamonds – Delirious

sweeneykovar — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:55:42 +0000

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Sounds like: Danny Brown, Jon Wayne, Scoop DeVille

Song: Digital Diamonds - Delirious [download here]

What's so good?

Scoop Deville is one of hip-hop’s hardest working producers. The son of pioneer L.A. MC Kid Frost is an 80s baby, and he’s already amassed a healthy stack of plaques for his work. Any kind sub-category you can imagine or think of — underground, commercial, experimental, “real” — Scoop’s in it.

Those of us with an ear to the pavement often get to see or hear about some of the biggest names in hip-hop being fans of the underground, like that time Alchemist made a bee-line towards Ras_G at Low End Theory to let him know he fucked with the Afrikan Space Program. But it is a ray of hope to see a producer who made his name crafting hits for Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar just as eager to break new talent and experiment with the fringes of what’s popular.

As “Poetic Justice” climbs the Billboard charts, Scoop scoops Stones Throw’s Jon Wayne and Chuck Inglish to form a crew dubbed Digital Diamonds. On “Delirious,” the trio’s only track thus far, all three take turns on the mic over one of Scoop’s straight-to-the-point bangers. That timeless L.A. bass booms as the MCs pay homage to MC Breed, oowoops and Amish mobsters.

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1. Original post: Digital Diamonds – Delirious

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electronic hip-hop, underground hip hop, Los Angeles, danny brown

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.

Mike Gao – Coming Off That High

John Matthew Simon — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:35:11 +0000

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Sounds like: Jel, Blockhead, RJD2, DJ Natural

Song: Mike Gao - Coming Off That High [download here]

What's so good?

Mike Gao has been making sensational beats for years. Most notably, for this long time listener, is the incredible sound he created for hip-hop MC Mestizo’s “Pick Up 52s” from their collaborative effort ”Blindfaith,” off Chicago’s infamous label Galapagos4.

What Mike Gao did then, and still does masterfully, is incorporate a wide range of samples that many producers would discard as waste and molds them into what amounts to a perfect mix — bungee chord dynamics. And what we get is music to move to, music that alters the course of an average day, turning it into a superb one.

With his latest record Beta World Peace, Gao manages to showcase why he should be throwing down with the best and fucking all the rest up. This record will bring a little ray of that hot Los Angeles sun to warm the hearts of those caught in a snow-filled winter.

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1. Original post: Mike Gao – Coming Off That High

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electronic hip-hop, beats, Los Angeles, tokimonsta

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

NO – Stay With Me

John Matthew Simon — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:50:40 +0000

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Sounds like: The National, Fanfarlo, Editors, Interpol, Arcade Fire

Song: NO - Stay With Me [download here]

What's so good?

Echo Park’s NO create an atmospheric indie rock reminiscent of a deep and embracing fog. With the track “Stay With Me” from their EP Don’t Worry, You’ll Be Here Forever, the band immediately reminds me of The National. However, NO manages seperate the muck and the mire by creating an enthusiastically built soundscape that grows exponentially.

This record is for the indie rock fan who feels it can only go dow hill from here after back-to-back Grammy wins for indie-minded artists Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons. Put your worry to rest, because NO will deliver with a romanticism that surely will abound.

We cannot wait to hear what is next in the maturation process for these guys!

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1. Original post: NO – Stay With Me

2. Posted in: indie rock, rock, Los Angeles, the national, interpol

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

D’angelo – Brown Sugar (Knxwledge TWRK)

sweeneykovar — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 15:46:22 +0000

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Sounds like: Teebs, Erykah Badu, Flying Lotus

Song: Knxwledge - Brown Sugar (Knxwledge TWRK) [download here]

What's so good?

Another day, another Knx remix. At the ripe old age of 24, the Jersey native and L.A. resident has released about as many Bandcamp projects, an All-City Records LP, toured three continents, and collaborated with a handful of MCs and vocalists. What have you done with your life?

The latest entry in his vast digital discography is Hexual.Sealings.Pt.4.b-side_. I don’t really know what else I could say at this point about the guy. Should I say he has the sweet tooth of a 9 year-old? Or that he takes his sock purchases very seriously? Maybe I should mention that he types on iChat the same way he titles his Bandcamp projects. Perhaps it’s enough to say that he continuously finds ways to re-arrange classic from our childhood or that his ear for sampling is far from ordinary.

This particular tune, a re-working of D’angelo’s pre-Voodoo classic, starts off smooth enough and then gets re-flipped halfway through… and yeah, that’s your wig on the ceiling. Go to the Bandcamp and spend some of that cash you were probably going to buy weed with.

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1. Original post: D’angelo – Brown Sugar (Knxwledge TWRK)

2. Posted in: remixes, electronic hip-hop, hip-hop remixes, Los Angeles, Flying Lotus

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

MED & Blu – Burgundy Whip Ft. Jimetta Rose

sweeneykovar — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:37:22 +0000

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Sounds like: Madlib, Quelle, Slum Village

Song: MED & Blu - Burgundy Whip Ft. Jimetta Rose [download here]

What's so good?

Roughly a year ago, Blu, the Charles Mingus of hip-hop (or is he the Thelonious Monk of rap?), took to a Bandcamp page to release an album entitled UCLA. It was a 14-track project over Madlib production, and the sound quality was smooth as sandpaper. It was pretty great, I think. As unceremoniously as it went up, it came down. The Madlib gatekeepers don’t play.

One could probably have had some safety in assuming that such a bold move would have barred young Barnes from ever officially rocking over Otis Jackson Jr.’s quirky compositions, but that seems to not be the case. Vaguely advertised as the first of several collaborations over Madlib production, longtime Stones Throw-affiliate MED, aka Medaphoar, recently announced The Burgundy EP, a joint project with Blu invading Madlib’s beat stash. The title cut was also on the UCLA project. The EP boasts three new cuts and a remix from Georgia Anne Muldrow as well as instrumental and acapellas.

I’m not mad about this at all.

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1. Original post: MED & Blu – Burgundy Whip Ft. Jimetta Rose

2. Posted in: hip-hop, underground hip hop, Los Angeles, madlib, Blu

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

J Dilla – Anthem

sweeneykovar — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:47:21 +0000

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Sounds like: House Shoes, Madlib, Samiyam

Song: J Dilla - Anthem [download here]

What's so good?

Jea! Right on time for Dilla month comes an announcement that the late great’s shelved major label debut album, originally titled Pay Jay, will now see commercial release in a few months, now bearing the name The Diary. Though a bootleg pressing of Pay Jay saw its way onto vinyl around 2008, this will be the first time the album will officially be on wax.

The first teaser is “Anthem,” a track featuring long-time Dilla collaborators Frank-N-Dank and originally titled “We F’ed Up” over a Kanye West beat. The new version is produced by Dilla and sounds as good or better than the ‘Ye version.

Read the details, courtesy of Rappcats:

“The Estate of James Yancey has revived PayJay as a functioning imprint, and is announcing its release of J Dilla’s long lost vocal album, The Diary. The first single “Anthem” b/w “Trucks” is now available as a pre-sale at rappcats.com and will be released on vinyl early this spring. Both “Anthem” and “Trucks” were produced, and feature complete vocal performances, by Dilla. The tracks come straight from multi-track masters found on 2-inch tape shortly after Dilla’s passing in 2006. These songs have been mixed by engineer Dave Cooley, who worked extensively with Dilla during his years in Los Angeles. Using Dilla’s original demo mixes as his guide, Cooley attempted to finalize Dilla’s vision for these tracks, while keeping all of the elements that Dilla had in place in his original demos present.

The Diary is an album of vocal performances recorded between in the early 2000s over production by the likes of Madlib, Pete Rock, Nottz, House Shoes, Karriem Riggins and others.”

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1. Original post: J Dilla – Anthem

2. Posted in: hip-hop, j dilla, Los Angeles, madlib, detroit

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

Skin Town – Ride

Anu — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:42:45 +0000

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Sounds like: The Weeknd, Little Dragon, Zola Jesus

Song: Skin Town - Ride [download here]

What's so good?

I feel like one of the self-appointed detectives in Searching for Sugarman (must-see by the way), except that I’ve maybe only been searching for half an hour.

First, I discovered Los Angeles’ Skin Town is a at least one female singer, in case you couldn’t already tell from listening; This fact was confirmed upon seeing her in this clip at a performance at ACE hotel in NYC. And if you pay attention to the details, like myself, you will notice that it was posted three weeks ago and this track was posted one month ago, which means, that I could assume that this lady/group is alive and kickin’.

Then, I came across a breakthrough. (Note: if you’re trying to stay mysterious, then you can be sure that your friends will keep that from happening.) Kim Free, said friend who also DJ’d at the ACE hotel gig, posted on her website that Skin Town is an R&B duo comprised of Grace and Nick Turco, who plays synth for Zola Jesus (along with violinist Kim). I don’t know if you know what that means, but it means that this rad track is no mistake, although I kind of wanted it to be.

I think The Weeknd might have finally met his female counterpart, at least on this track. Grace channels that same blatant sexuality with the support of minimal sultry synth and provactive percussion. I know you’re really concerned about hearing more, so don’t stress, you can head on over to SoundCloud where the pair has posted five tracks, which are heavier on the synth-driven ambience, for your listening pleasure.

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1. Original post: Skin Town – Ride

2. Posted in: female vocalist, electronic remixes, R&B, electronic hip-hop, rnb

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

Eagle Nebula – BLAST OFF!

sweeneykovar — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:21:41 +0000

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Sounds like: Ras_G, Zeroh, J Dilla

Song: Eagle Nebula - BLAST OFF! [download here]

What's so good?

Ras_G is one of the pickiest aliens I know when it comes to MCs. He cuts no slack for anyone. I guess I can’t blame him; if I came up in L.A. during the heyday of The Good Life Cafe/Freestyle Fellowship era and served as a DJ for the famed Project Blowed open mic in historic Leimert Park, I might also be a tad bit stringent on giving MCs a pass.

After spending many moons mastering the MPC and the SP-404, Ras_G’z US has slowly been embracing vocalists, but on his terms. Zeroh, Jeremiah Jae and Open Mike Eagle have laced _G’s beats with raps and for his latest endeavor into the world of rhymes _G hooks up with Eagle Nebula, a fierce MC from Inglewood.

The two join forces on “BLAST OFF!” a pulsating track that is trademark _G, rumbling bass with in-your-face synths brought together in a uniquely ghetto sci-fi manner. Eagle Nebs fits in perfectly. The CA wordsmith spent several years in Brooklyn collaborating with drummer Daru Jones on projects before returning to her home state. Aggressive, progressive and dope, she and _G are birds of a feather. “BLAST OFF!” is their first foray together but let’s hope it’s not the last.

Also be sure to press play on the visual incarnation of “BLAST OFF!” shot by Protius. The clip is short and sweet, featuring our two protagonists demonstrating in Leimert Park in front of a mural that locals will immediately recognize. Peep the Olmec homie making a cameo in the back! Airhorn!

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1. Original post: Eagle Nebula – BLAST OFF!

2. Posted in: female vocalist, hip-hop, underground hip hop, j dilla, Los Angeles

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

Mike The Poet – Endless Planets for Austin Peralta Ft. Kamasi Washington

sweeneykovar — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:54:02 +0000

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Sounds like: Robert Glasper, Shafiq Husayn, Thundercat

Song: Mike The Poet - Endless Planets for Austin Peralta [download here]

What's so good?

I never formally met Austin Peralta.

I recall seeing him in person once, about a year or so ago, in San Francisco. He was playing with Thundercat. He had long hair and clothes that seemed to accentuate his youth. He wore sunglasses (at night) that reminded me of the kind I’d often seen John Lennon wear in pictures. I seem to remember him laughing constantly.

I can’t even begin to express what his loss means to modern jazz, to music. You can go on YouTube and see clips of him at 15 dazzling audiences in Tokyo, playing with veterans more than twice his age. You can find testaments from Brainfeeder’s captain, Flying Lotus, admiring his ability. I am barely an infant myself in my understanding of the genre. I have no words big enough or wide enough to begin describing what he did or how he did it.

As an infinitesimally small honor to his talent and promise, I’d like to share this tribute by two other sons of Los Angeles, Mike The Poet and Kamasi Washington.

You can also read Mark McDermott’s moving written tribute to Austin Peralta recently published at LA Weekly.

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1. Original post: Mike The Poet – Endless Planets for Austin Peralta Ft. Kamasi Washington

2. Posted in: instrumental, jazz, Los Angeles, Brainfeeder, Nu Jazz

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

Cohenbeats – Arik

sweeneykovar — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:55:07 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Samiyam, Ras_G, Pete Rock

Song: Cohenbeats - Arik [download here]

What's so good?

Michael Cohen, aka Cohenbeats, recently relocated to Los Angeles from his native Tel Aviv, Israel to spend more energy on his craft of hip-hop production. After linking up with local heavyweights like Gaslamp Killer and Samiyam, young Cohen began to flourish, and the talent that was already there became more and more defined.

He recently finished and released a free, instrumental album called Milk and Honey, a reference to his homeland and the theme of the album. Almost all of the beats were composed from Israeli records, and he sprinkles the project with Israeli-related audio samples.

My absolute favorite beat on Milk and Honey is “Arik,” a sweet loop that Cohen managed to pluck and finesse just enough to create something I could listen to for much longer than the minute and some change the beat runs for.

Released through his homie’s label, Raw Tapes, here is what they have to say about the project:

“Cohenbeats (also one half of the rap group Cohen@Mushon) has always had a soft spot for Israeli samples, so this time he focused on 25 of his favorite beats sampled only from Israeli records from the 60′s up to the 80′s, 2 beats from Israeli related samples and many skits of Israeli people speaking half-ass English. We even went far enough to feature Hebrew writings on the cover, if you ever wondered what it looked like. We figured since all we hear in the news is political related, we needed someone to show us another side of the Middle East.”

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1. Original post: Cohenbeats – Arik

2. Posted in: Instrumental Hip Hop, Los Angeles, Samiyam, ras_g, cohenbeats

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

Waldo – Pick Your Own Poison

David Peter Simon — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:33:30 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Sango, Bahwee, Depakote, Ackryte

Song: Waldo - Poison [download here]

What's so good?

Another fantastic producer hailing from the Midwest. First, there was Sango. Then, αtμ. Now? Waldo, an MC from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Loving the emerging scene there.

This is a pretty fantastic EP overall — comfortable hip-hop featuring fantastic future beats produced by none other than Sango. In the artist’s own words, this album is “about finding your lane in life. Whether if the lane you choose to pursue is right or wrong it’s still the poison you chose. It’s also about my life and the poison I chose.” Personal favorites off the album are “There Goes the Neighborhood,” “Stranger,” and “Scars.” All of it is some pretty heavy shit, expressive lyrics paired to an eclectic mix of ambient/bass. Just another day in Waldo’s hood.

Seriously, this kid’s got the future on lock. He’s got a great flow that matches impeccably with Sango’s deep soul. As Soulection notes, “Keep in mind that Waldo is only 20 years old. He has so much potential to evolve into that man that we hear in him at this very moment. The future is infinite for him.” I’m following their advice. I’ve already enjoyed this free release, so now I need to spread it to everyone. I suggest you do the same.

You can download the album for free on Soulection’s Bandcamp, which, if you didn’t already frequent, is a supreme space for new music. As they say, “All for the love; quality & conscious music!” I can vouch for that — all their output is serious quality. Waldo is on most social networks, like Facebook and SoundCloud. Really looking forward to seeing what’s next for the adept artist.

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1. Original post: Waldo – Pick Your Own Poison

2. Posted in: hip-hop, experimental, ambient, soul, bass

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

Jon Wayne – Watching Me Ft. Quelle & Zeroh

sweeneykovar — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:38:48 +0000

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Sounds like: Quelle, Zeroh, Madlib

Song: Jon Wayne - Watching Me Ft. Quelle & Zeroh [download here]

What's so good?

Sometimes collaborations can suck. Today, creative folks can zap 1′s and 0′s over their digital computing machine to another creative person’s digital computing machine and, by virtue of technology, collaborate on a song while inhabiting two non-overlapping physical spaces. Sometimes that works fine, but so many times this produces tepid results. Lukewarm energy and mild magic. Hooray for those that still pride person-to-person chemistry and the inimitable magic that comes from it.

That is what (it sounds like) Jon Wayne did on his latest homeless musical ditty. The young MC that doesn’t sound young at all is readying himself for a full-length debut LP, to be released on Stones Throw in early 2013. In the countless hours spent in the studio preparing said debut, there’s sure to be lots of music that doesn’t make the cut, for whatever reason. On “Watching Me,” he calls in fellow up-and-coming rhymers Quelle and Zeroh for a breezy rap cut.

The chemistry between the three is apparent, although, to be fair, one can only decisively discern that Quelle was in the studio with Jon at the time of recording.

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1. Original post: Jon Wayne – Watching Me Ft. Quelle & Zeroh

2. Posted in: hip-hop, underground hip hop, Los Angeles, madlib, Quelle

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

The Cyclist – Visions

sweeneykovar — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:51:43 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Jon Wayne, Knxwledge, Dntel

Song: The Cyclist - Visions [download here]

What's so good?

Leaving Records has quietly grown into a highly creative and respectable endeavor. The L.A.-based label has issued their releases mostly in tape format, with the ocasional vinyl creeping in. The music is always an experiment and there isn’t a truly dominant genre among their nascent discography.

The imprint just secured select distribution through their L.A. neighbor Stones Throw, and to celebrate the union the duo will collaboratively release Dual Form, a compilation release of Leaving Records’ roster that will be pressed on tape, CD and vinyl.

According to the label:

“Leaving has never been a traditional label. It was born humble in a Highland Park garage to Matthewdavid and partner/visual director Jesselisa Moretti. They gave it their spare time, and the imprint grew starting with a late 2009 tape from local Dilla-phile Dak, who Matthewdavid discovered while engineering a web radio session for his day job with Dublab. The pair silk-screened slipcases by hand and made enough change to fund the next project. To this day, Leaving is still curated by gut, not by genre, and their family of contributors has grown to include folks as physically and stylistically far-flung as U.K. dance usurper the Cyclist, Moscow beat beast Lapti, Baltimore New Ageist Semya, Philly producer Knx, and Belgian collagist Ssaliva.”

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1. Original post: The Cyclist – Visions

2. Posted in: Electronic, experimental, minimal, Los Angeles, noise

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

Earl Sweatshirt – Chum

sweeneykovar — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 14:39:54 +0000

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Sounds like: Odd Future, Samiyam, MF Doom

Song: Earl Sweatshirt - Chum [download here]

What's so good?

Thank the Rap God for Earl Sweatshirt. The MC who still can’t drink at any venue in the country is a proverbial breath of fresh air. A part of the ubiquitous Odd Future collective, Earl is the only member who seems to be more than just a flavor of the now.

Since returning from a mandatory vacation in Samoa, Earl’s output has been minimal and relegated to features. A few days ago, the MC leaked the very first solo offering since EARL: the heartfelt “Chum.” Over a subdued piano loop and rap drums, the precocious rapper opens up about his contempt for the publications that outed his stay at Samoa’s Coral Reef Academy, missing his father and pre-OF days. All this is done with the malaise of the average teenager and the verbal dexterity of a rhyming veteran.

Let’s hope this means more is on the way from this young Jedi.

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1. Original post: Earl Sweatshirt – Chum

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

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

Scoop Deville X Biggie Smalls – The Recipe (Scoopaloop Remix)

sweeneykovar — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:15:03 +0000

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Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, Biggie, Dr. Dre

Song: Scoop Deville Ft. Kendrick Lamar & B.I.G. - The Recipe (Scoopaloop Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Scoop Deville has humbly been flying the flag for great music on a commercial level. He has a track record of working with major artists, and his collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre this year have truly set him apart as a producer. The release of good kid, m.A.A.d city and its two monster Scoop productions (“The Recipe” and “Poetic Justice”) show he’s capable of classic records.

Over the weekend, I caught up with Scoop and chatted a bit about his work with Kendrick, and he was gracious enough to share with us his own remix of “The Recipe,” as part of his Scoopaloops remix series. On the track, he extends his beat out, isolates elements, and brings in the late great B.I.G. for his own take on California’s magic “recipe.”

How did you start working with Kendrick Lamar?
I started working with TDE camp 2008. Jay Rock and I have always been super cool, and Kendrick truly stepped up to the plate with everything. It’s incredible to witness and be apart of such a special movement.

What was it like working with Kendrick on “The Recipe” and having it be the lead single for good kid, m.A.A.d city?
It was a great piece to set the tone for the record and a honor from all angles, from having Dr. Dre rap on it to the group that the actual sample comes from, who better than the Doc himself to showcase that sample properly? It couldn’t of been any other way.

How did you come across that vocal sample?
I was tuned in late at night to KCRW, listening to mixes and new indie artists. That record came on and just put me in a trance, I knew I had to freak that sample. So, I ended up finding it that same night and had it on repeat. When I got back from Atlanta, I went in my studio and came up with the beat. That was actually a year prior to linking up with Dre and TDE.

Explain what’s going on in this Scoop-a-loop remix. It sounds like a different version of the beat.
I wanted to break down the record and pretty much explain in sequence how I created it. The song and beat are still untouchable to me, I had to put something special together for the listeners and fans to vibe to.

Why did you incorporate that B.I.G. line? Was it a coincidence, or did you have that in mind when you originally made the beat?
I heard that song of B.I.G.’s talking about “going back to Cali stricky for the weather women and the weed sticky green.” Personally, I dont know if thats where Kendrick got his inspiration for the concept, but I just felt like it was special, as Biggie was taking to me about the recipe in that very moment. I had to somehow incorporate it with the breakdown of my beat.

How did “Poetic Justice” come to be?
That was another piece that Kendrick was really fucking with at the time, and so was everybody else involved. I didn’t know that Drake would have a feature, it’s unreal to see that record take off the way I always envisioned it. It’s really a timeless piece of art and one of the sexiest sample/original songs of our time — also, the fact that it was even cleared is huge to me.

Did you anticipate it having the impact it has? Folks have been trying to remake that beat and pass it along as the original.
Haha I cant be mad at that, when the smoke settles it’s all love. I always knew that was a special piece for whoever got their hands on it. I knew if it was the right artist and outlet it would certainly blow up.

Whose idea was it to chop up Janet Jackson?
I was vibing with Janet records with some some musician friends one night, and that song came on and the light bulb clicked. I had to freak the sample.

Finally, what should we be looking out for from Scoop Deville in the near future?
Be on the look out for more crazy features with some of the best artist in the hip-hop world and beyond. Also be on the lookout for more remixes, my groups and artist that I’m affiliated with. There is so much in store, it’s only the beginning! Thank you Sweeney Kovar & Indie Shuffle for doing this interview and premiering my Scoopaloops remix to “The Recipe” produced by yours truly!

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1. Original post: Scoop Deville X Biggie Smalls – The Recipe (Scoopaloop Remix)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, hip-hop remixes, Los Angeles, kendrick lamar, scoop deville

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

Live in Oakland: Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, Teebs + Jeremiah Jae

sweeneykovar — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:52:59 +0000

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Sounds like: Samiyam, Ras_G, Thundercat

Song: Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, Teebs + Jeremiah Jae - Flotus [download here]

What's so good?

Last night, the Brainfeeder crew invaded Oakland at the Fox Theater. The packed line-up was led by their captain, Flying Lotus, who brought along The Gaslamp Killer, Teebs and Jeremiah Jae to help him. The Fox Theater was an apropos venue, the intricate wall and ceiling architecture matched the ethereal vibes for the night.

Unfortunately, I missed Jeremiah Jae and walked in just as Teebs was closing out his set, a definite bummer. Jeremiah Jae is someone I’ve been meaning to look up, his hazy mix of cérébral and hood styles amalgamates into a very unique take on hip-hop. Teebs’ sound is so warm and intimate, and hearing it on such a large sound system is always an experience.

The mothefucking Gaslamp Killer was up next. A true character and performer, GLK immediately got in the groove dropping a carnage of bass, heavy synths and hard-hitting drums. His selection went from electronic to hip-hop, as well as choice tracks from the Brainfeeder crew and original music from Breakthrough, GLK’s own debut LP. Near the end of his set, GLK took to the mic, and in his own intense and earnest style voiced his respect for Oakland as a progressive, revolutionary community.

He did the usual “I’m done but not really” encore fake out but afterwards, in a moment of on-stage candor, realized he actually had more time to fill and added an impromptu extension to his set. This turned out to be a highlight of the night. He threw down brand-new GLK compositions and old classics in an off the cuff extended set.

There wasn’t much of a wait for the night’s headliner, Brainfeeder captain Flying Lotus. He played from behind an opaque screen where Dr. Strangeloop was projecting his mind-bending visuals. A few weeks ago, when he supported Animal Collective at the Hollywood Bowl, FlyLo’s stage set-up seemed meek on such a magnanimous stage, but last night at the Fox it was perfect. His screen took up a majority of the stage, the visuals were clear and vibrant from pretty much any angle in the venue, and the sound matched the performance.

His 60+ minute set was heavy on material from his latest album Until The Quiet Comes but it was also comprehensive of his work all the way back to his debut project, 1983. He also included his Frank Ocean remix, FlyLo live staples like his Mr. Oizo remix, and unreleased cult classics like the monster track “Flotus,” that we’re streaming today in reverence of last night’s event.

In the peak of his set, Lotus pulled a Jay Electronica and jumped into the crowd, celebrating the night’s energy with the people who came out to join him and his crew. He closed out with a personal favorite, “Physics for Everyone,” before coming back out to deliver a rousing 15-minute encore.

The 2800-capacity venue was mostly full by the time Lotus and his L.A.-comrades finished their assault. The crowd was captivated and galvanized, and it was clear that Brainfeeder is the champion sound.

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1. Original post: Live in Oakland: Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, Teebs + Jeremiah Jae

2. Posted in: Electronic, hip-hop, beats, Los Angeles, Flying Lotus

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

Haim – Don’t Save Me

Bri Guy — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:26:33 +0000

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Sounds like: Deep Time, Wild Belle, First Aid Kit, Ellie Goulding

Song: Haim - Don't Save Me [download here]

What's so good?

For anyone who may be unfamiliar, Haim is made up of three sisters making noise out of Los Angeles. Their debut EP Forever was released back in June to rave reviews, and they officially landed on Indie Shuffle’s homepage back in September with “Better Off.”

Well, Haim is back with the oh-so-beautiful “Don’t Save Me.” The track was released only a few days ago after it premiered on Zane Lowe’s BBC radio 1 show. I hope you enjoy the rich vocal harmony and guitar work!

I also personally hope that “Don’t Save Me” is a preview of what to expect from Haim on their first full-length LP. Until then feel free to explore the trio’s songs on SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Haim – Don’t Save Me

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, folk, Los Angeles, ellie goulding

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

Zeroh – 2slumbr

sweeneykovar — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:57:40 +0000

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Sounds like: Ras_G, Jon Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Knxwledge,

Song: Zeroh - 2slumbr [download here]

What's so good?

I’ve said it before: Zeroh is a beast. It’s almost overwhelming hearing him on a track. The dizzying wordplay, the esoteric and astral subject matter, and the commanding voice; you really gotta be ready as a listener to delve into this.

So far it seems Zeroh is still exploring himself and his sound. There are a few tapes floating around the Internet, but the young rhymer is still set to deliver a proper debut. Let’s hope that happens soon.

In the meantime, earthlings will have settle for whatever comes our way, like the track we’re steaming today, “2slumbr.” Armed with a Mndsgn beat that boasts a sweet string sample that sounds like it’s gone from tape to tape a dozen or so times, Zeroh serenades us for less than two minutes… and this shit is still deeper than some hypebeasts’ full tapes.

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1. Original post: Zeroh – 2slumbr

2. Posted in: hip-hop, experimental, Los Angeles, Knxwledge, ras_g

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

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

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.