Videos : Childish Gambino : Sober

As I figured out when I put together my list of last year’s 40 best music videos, Hiro Murai has arguably succeeded Nabil as the greatest director currently working in the music-video field. He made Flying Lotus’ “Never Catch Me,” my favorite video of the last year, and he was on that list more than any other director. One of his better videos from last year was the creature-feature clip for Childish Gambino’s “Telegraph Ave,” and now he’s reunited with Gambino to helm the clip for “Sober,” a non-rapped synth-funk track from Gambino’s recent Kauai EP.

In the video, we see a supremely intense and zonked-out Donald Glover doing whatever he can to impress a disinterested young lady in a diner. It’s a bit like Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” video, with the creepy undercurrents brought to the forefront. Great video, and Glover deserves a lot of credit for his physically intimidating performance and his alien facial expressions.

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Sources : Childish Gambino Photo | Sober Video | Sober Article

Singles : G-EAZY : I Might Ft. P-Lo & K Camp

Listen To : G-EAZY : I Might

Capping off what has easily been his biggest year to date, G-Eazy has surprised fans around the globe with the release of three brand new tracks.

You never know what to expect from Young Gerald, but on his latest collection of loosies the Bay Area rapper shares a darker, more aggressive side of his craft. The jazz-influenced sound that helped establish G as a unique voice in urban music has been replaced with thick synth and/or superstar production, but this is not necessarily a complaint. G has been evolving a lot over the last year, and these songs offer a glimpse at where he may be headed next. It’s not These Things Happen, but I don’t think these songs would sound the way they do without that record having been released.


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Sources : G-EAZY Photo | Listen To I Might | I Might Article

Singles : Twine : Mania

Listen To : Twine : Mania

Who Is Twine?
To say that Clark Robinson, aka Twine, has taken the bass scene by storm, is putting it lightly. His filthy, heart-stopping sounds have garnered attention and support from the likes of 12th Planet, Datsik, Protohype and Getter. After releasing his freshman EP, “The Absolute”, on Datsik’s heavy-hitting Firepower Records, Twine’s reputation as a bass music power-house has been solidified. With stops on Getter’s upcoming Gnartillery tour, you’ll want to keep a close eye on this vicious young producer. More than just an up-and-comer in the increasingly popular bass music scene, Twine is THE artist to watch.


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Sources : Twine Logo | Listen To Mania | Twine Biography

Singles : Erik Hassle : Pathetic f. Vince Staples

Erik Hassle (born 26 August 1988 in Katrineholm, Sweden) is a Swedish pop singer-songwriter. He signed with TEN Music Group in 2007 and through TEN Erik also signed with Roxy Recordings for Sweden, Island Records for Europe and Universal Republic for North America.

Hassle was raised in a rural village two hours south of Stockholm and originally aspired to be a professional footballer. He grew up listening to soul music and realised his love of music early after listening to Wilson Pickett. He attended Rytmus, a musical secondary school in Stockholm where famous Swedish singer Robyn trained. He signed a deal with the Swedish music company TEN Music Group. Later Erik also signed to Roxy Recordings for Sweden, Island Records for Europe and Universal Republic for North America.


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Sources : Erik Hassle Photo | Listen To Pathetic | Erik Hassle Biography

Singles : Broke For Free : And And

Listen To : Broke For Free : And And

Who Is Broke For Free?
"I recently graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a BA in Art & Music. I now work at GoPro in Half Moon Bay, California. You can see some of my canvases, photographs, prints and drawings by clicking on the tabs at the top of the page. I also make music under the moniker “Broke For Free.”


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Sources : Broke For Free Photo | Listen To And And | Broke For Free Biography

Singles : Stick Figure : Smokin' Love (f. Collie Buddz)

Listen To : Stick Figure : Smokin' Love (f. Collie Buddz)

Who Is Stick Figure?
Launched in Duxbury, Massachusetts, Stick Figure showcases the talents of multi-instrumentalist and producer Scott Woodruff. Stick Figure’s music has a unique style that creatively blends upbeat roots reggae with the reverberating echoes of dub. Often referred to as the “one man band,” Scott single-handedly created 4 full length albums from 2006-2012 (a fifth album, “Reprise Sessions,” was recorded with a full band and released in 2010), and has sold over 50,000 albums worldwide. Each of Stick Figure’s songs are created by recording instruments individually, layering tracks on top of one another in unison.

During the summer of 2009, Scott moved from East to West Coast, laying down roots in California, where he currently resides. In June of 2012, he released his most recent album, “Burial Ground,” arguably Stick Figure’s most extraordinary work to date. After hitting #1 on both iTunes and Billboard Reggae charts, Scott decided to bring the music to the people, putting together a live band and heading out on the road. The current lineup adds the creative, musical talents of Kevin Bong (Keyboards), Kevin Offitzer (Drums) and Tommy Suliman (Bass).

In the Fall of 2012, Stick Figure embarked on their first ever tour, linking up with The Green and performing 18 shows along the East Coast. Their debut tour ignited flames under both the band and dedicated fans who’ve been patiently waiting to hear Stick Figure’s music live. Stick Figure has since toured the nation with Tribal Seeds (Winter 2013), Passafire (Summer 2013), John Brown’s Body (Fall 2013), and The Expendables (Winter 2014) and also headlined their own tour in the Spring of 2013, boasting numerous sold out dates. With 5 full-length albums and a top-notch live performance, the Stick Figure sound has been elevated to new heights and is sure to leave you craving more.


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Sources : Stick Figure Photo | Listen To Smokin' Love | Stick Figure Biography

Singles : David Thulin : Light In Me (Feat. Nicole Croteau) (Maxem Remix) Listen To David Thulin : Light In Me (Feat. Nicole Croteau) (Maxem Remix)

Who Is David Thulin?
David (born David Morgan Thulin, June 17th 1983) grew up in Sweden in a musical family. He was always interested in a plethora of things. As a child he loved Legos and Micro Machines, as well as Nintendo. His family immigrated to the United States in 1991 to Vero Beach, FL. /// At age 12, David began to practice the piano "for serious," coming to idolize Swedish pianist and composer Robert Wells. But David was never satisfied with one interest. With a love for machines, anything with an engine really, David dreamed of one day being a pilot. In his mid-teens, he appeared to be all over the place starting with Photography, Flying Lessons, while continuing music. Working summer jobs, he paid for his first 35mm SLR camera (a Nikon N50) as well as logging about 7 hours of flight time in a Cessna 150. By the time David hit 20 years of age, he was a certified Commercial Pilot with Multi-Engine, Instrument, and Ground Instructor ratings. He was serious about his Photography, shooting mainly Landscapes, Sunsets, and Nature, though never hosting a gallery.

Having just married the love of his life, Racheal, the couple embarked on an adventure to Alaska. "Driving from Florida to Alaska was insane! It was over 5000 miles. But it was amazing as well! My wife had never been north of the Mason Dixon Line, so it was a crazy experience for her! We had so much fun!" David explains. They moved to look for work flying Wild Alaska. David eventually got hired as a First Officer with PenAir.

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Sources : David Thulin Logo | Listen To David Thulin : Light In Me (Feat. Nicole Croteau) (Maxem Remix) | David Thulin Biography

Singles : Sam Smith : Stay With Me

Listen To Sam Smith : Stay With Me

Meet Sam Smith, your newest British soul export and tomorrow night's musical guest on Saturday Night Live. His songs sound kind of like you're wandering through the sad part of an early-2000s rom-com? (Specifically, the Portobello Market scene in Notting Hill.) And there are obviously some Adele associations to make here. But he can sing, and you will probably be hearing more from him. Just FYI.


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Sources : Sam Smith Photo | Listen To Stay With Me | Sam Smith : Stay With Me Article

Singes : Blonde On Blonde : Weekend Behaviour Listen To : Blonde On Blonde : Weekend Behaviour

Who Is Blonde On Blonde?
Formed in the desolate playground known as the Fortitude Valley, Blonde on Blonde is intrinsically about psychedelic indie infused rock and roll.

The band played their first live show on February 5th 2010 to a sold out crowd at the now defunct Troubadour in Brisbane, launching their debut EP Tease. The EP received critical acclaim in street press and blogs around the country, and was named Single of the Week in Brisbane’s Time off Magazine.

In the following months Blonde on Blonde were handpicked by Tame Impala to open for them on their Brisbane leg of their Inner speaker tour, and their third show was supporting Australian rock legends Wolfmother. With Tease receiving airplay on Dom Alessio’s Home and Hosed program on Triple J, FBI ( Sydney) and RRR (Melbourne), the song Oh My Oh My went to number 1 on the 4ZZZ radio top 20 charts and stayed there for 2 weeks in a row. Blonde on Blonde also graced the cover of Brisbane news labelled as one of the city’s next big things.

The band followed up the success of Tease with the release of the double A side single Friends in Danger/ Are You Entertained. The release led to their first interstate shows in Melbourne and Sydney, as well as a tour with Dead Letter Circus and a local spot on the line up for the 2011 Big Day Out (alongside Tool and Iggy and the Stooges).

In 2012 the band signed with agent Damien Costin of Premier Artists, and headed out on their first headline east coast tour in support of their newly released single Act 1. The band started receiving heavy airplay on radio in the US, leading to them being invited to the annual MUSEXPO conference in Los Angeles, Also performing at legendary rock venue The Viper Room.

Upon their return to Australia, the band toured with rock legends INXS on their final headlining tour, as well as scoring support slots for Urge Overkill, Presidents of the United States of America, Violent Soho, Redcoats, Ballpark music, Sugar Army, British India, DZ Deathrays and Papa Vs Pretty.

In 2013 Blonde on Blonde joined the roster of Damien Costin’s newly formed 123 Agency alongside acts such as Stonefield, Kingswood, Ariela Jacobs, Cabins, Cairo Knife Fight, Calling All Cars, Dune, Ella Hooper, Katalyst and Owl Eyes.

In the latter half of 2013 the band released their next single Lucid which received great reviews by multiple Triple J presenters, leading to a high rotation position on Triple J Unearthed radio, as well as airplay on Triple J. Blonde on Blonde toured with Stonefield and She Rex on the east coast, and in support of Grinspoon at their final show before their indefinite hiatus.

The band kicked off the 2014 by supporting Kingswood and Calling all Cars on selected dates of their Life’s a Beach tour, as well as supporting Birds of Tokyo at OZ Fest on Australia day in Brisbane.


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Sources : Blonde On Blonde Photo | Listen To Weekend Behaviour | Blonde On Blonde Biography

Singles : Common : Kingdom f/ Vince Staples

Listen To : Common : Kingdom

Who Is Common?
Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (formerly Common Sense), is an American hip hop recording artist and actor from Chicago, Illinois. Common debuted in 1992, with the album Can I Borrow a Dollar? and maintained a significant underground following into the late 1990s, after which he gained notable mainstream success through his work with the Soulquarians. In 2011, Common launched Think Common Entertainment, his own record label imprint and in the past has released music under various other labels such as Relativity, Geffen and GOOD Music, among others.

Common's first major-label album Like Water for Chocolate, received widespread critical acclaim and tremendous commercial success. His first Grammy Awardwas in 2003, winning Best R&B Song for "Love of My Life", with Erykah Badu. Its popularity was matched by May 2005's Be, which was nominated for Best Rap Album, at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Common was awarded his second Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for "Southside" (featuring Kanye West), from his July 2007 album Finding Forever. His best-of album, Thisisme Then: The Best of Common, was released on November 27, 2007.

Common has also initiated a burgeoning acting career, starring significant roles in such films as Smokin' Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, Wanted,Terminator Salvation, Date Night, Just Wright, Happy Feet Two, and New Year's Eve. He also narrated the award-winning documentary Bouncing Cats, about one man's efforts to improve the lives of children in Uganda through hip-hop/b-boy culture. He currently stars as Elam Ferguson on the AMC western television series Hell on Wheels.


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Sources : Common Photo | Listen To Kingdom | Common Biography

Singles : Swim Deep : The Sea

Listen To : Swim Deep : The Sea

Who Is Swim Deep?
From humble beginnings come great things. For Swim Deep, their roots lie in chance meetings through part time jobs and in the clubs of their hometown of Birmingham. Fed up of stacking shelves in Morrisons , Austin Williams and Tom Higgins decided to stop chatting about music in the aisles of the supermarket and start making their own. Joined by their friend Wolfgang J Harte they made their way through a succession of “weirdo” drummers before eventually poaching Austin’s best friend Zach Robinson from local band Cajole Cajole.

“We played a gig with Cajole Cajole,” recalls Austin. “We thought it was a long shot but we’d just lost another drummer so we asked Zach if he wanted to join our band and he said yeah. That was one of the best things that happened, to be honest.”

A few months down the line, with more gigs under their collective belt and interest starting to grow, Wolfgang announced he was quitting the band. After continuing as a three piece for a while and experimenting with their live setup, Austin assumed the vacant position of frontman whilst they recruited Cavan McCarthy on bass.

“We met Cavan on the dancefloor,” exalains Austin. “We were out one night and I didn’t like the look of him and he didn’t like the look of me. But after a few drinks and a couple of hours of being together, we got on. I knew he couldn’t play bass and he’s never played any instrument but we asked him to join the band because he loves music so much.”

With their new line up and the release of their debut single ‘King City’, Swim Deep cemented their place amongst bands like Splashh and fellow Brummies Peace as one of the UK’s most exciting new bands. Following exhilarating appearances at festivals such as The Great Escape, Tramlines and Beacons over the summer, they upped their stock further, announcing a deal with Chess Club/Sony RCA.

“I can’t believe the amount of times I used to lie in bed as a kid thinking “imagine if you were in a signed band.” But signing is such a small part of it,” Austin says cautiously. “If you get signed and you’ve got shit tunes, you’re fucked. It’s all about the songwriting for us and having as much fun as we can whilst we’re doing it. We want this as a lifelong thing - I want to do it until I’m old. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop writing music.”

Invited to join besuited indie giants Spector on their extensive UK tour, Swim Deep don’t look likely to be stopping any time soon. Once their stint on the road is complete, they head off to Brussels to record their debut album. Working with Charlie Hugall, the producer who lent his magic touch to second single ‘Honey’, the band are looking forward to the experience.

“It’s gonna be a real bonding thing for us, all being together,” says Austin. “Since we’ve been signed we’ve met all these new people and we all end up at different parties. I’m really looking forward to making the album. It’s the first album, it can only be made once”.

Having moved away from the raw, punkier sound of early demos like ‘Santa Maria’ and ‘Isla Vista’, the band are now moving in a more pop-orientated vein but with their edge still firmly in tact. “I’ve got a massive idea [how the album will sound] but I would never be able to explain it,” explains their leader. “We just want to write good songs really. ‘Honey’ is a great example of how I want it to sound though. Really bright and sunny, feelgood, funky and just real cool.”

Looking further into the future, Swim Deep’s ambitions are grand but - with their talents and confidence - attainable. “I want to be something original,” says the singer. “There’s bands like One Direction who shut down cities when they go there and they’re putting out fun songs but it’s not groundbreaking at all. I can’t see anything that compares to us.”

“I want to have a massive influence on pop music. Not to be the biggest band necessarily - that can come too if it’s the right time and place - but I want to be the most influential. I want to be a band that someone wants to jam with, that someone looks up to.”

With all the tools in place to achieve those goals, now it’s up to Swim Deep to live up to their early promise. Whatever happens, 2013 looks set to be a lot brighter with these boys around.


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Sources : Swim Deep Photo | Listen To The Sea | Swim Deep Biography

Singles : Seven Lions : Worlds Apart

Listen To : Seven Lions : Worlds Apart

Who Is Seven Lions?
Jeff Montalvo, known professionally as Seven Lions, is an American record producer, remixer, instrumentalist and DJ from Santa Barbara, California. The name Seven Lions comes from a fantasy book called Latro In The Mist by Gene Wolfe. Seven Lions is a character in the book.

Montalvo’s interest in music production began at the age of 7 when his father came home with a Macintosh and keyboard. He grew up as a metal and punk-inclined drummer, but he eventually segued into electronic music production. Montalvo explains, “For me, it was the most accessible thing, to start picking up something like drums as opposed to something like electronic music. My transition out of playing with a band was because I got tired of waiting for my band all the time - I wanted to just start making music so I started composing electronic music by myself." He took the initiative, and after a friend gave him the program Fruity Loops, he was set to become a producer.

Influences
Montalvo states that he is a metal and fantasy fan, and inspired by Viking metal as well as his favorite band Opeth. Although he produces electronic music, he doesn't always listen to it. "I don’t listen to electronic music regularly, I still listen to metal honestly. I mean I only really listening to electronic music when I’m looking for songs, actively, to put in my set. I’m always into Viking Metal, I like folky stuff. I like stuff that really takes you out of somewhere you are and puts you somewhere else." His recommendations and favorite metal bands: "Ensiferum, Månegarm, obviously Opeth, Storm Corrosion, their side project with Steve Wilson, stuff like that."


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Sources : Seven Lions Logo | Listen To Worlds Apart | Seven Lions' Biography

Singles : Z-Ro : I'm Alive

Listen To Z-Ro : I'm Alive

Who Is Z-Ro?
Joseph Wayne McVey (born January 19, 1977), better known by his stage name Z-Ro, is an American rapper, singer and producer from Houston, Texas. He was named one of America's most underrated rappers by the New York Times.

Z-Ro was born Joseph Wayne McVey in Houston’s notorious South Park neighborhood on January 19, 1977. At age six his mother died, and he was shuttled from household to household in search of stability, eventually settling in the Ridgemont area of Missouri City in Southwest Houston. When Z-Ro reached his late teens he was unemployed and resorted to drug dealing and hustling on the streets. According to Z-Ro, listening to the music of 2Pac, Geto Boys, Street Military, K-Rino and Klondike Kat inspired him to work harder for his goal of leaving the streets. Z-Ro discovered his talent of freestyle rapping and after going through a couple of recording studios to make a demo, the CEO of a local label discovered and signed him.

In 1998, Z-Ro released his debut album, Look What You Did to Me. Z-Ro is also a member of the original Screwed Up Click, an assortment of rappers from Houston. He celebrated his 22nd birthday at DJ Screw's house, recording the "Blue 22" tape. All of these things helped to escalate Z-Ro’s popularity throughout the South and by 2002 his talent and hard work caught the attention of Rap-a-Lot’s founder and CEO James Prince, who offered him a deal.

In 2004, Z-Ro released his critically acclaimed Rap-a-Lot debut titled The Life of Joseph W. McVey. The record was a huge success and helped expand Z-Ro’s fan base beyond the South. In 2005, Z-Ro released Let the Truth Be Told, which was well received. Z-Ro's 2006 album I'm Still Livin' was released while he was imprisoned for drug possession, to positive reviews. It was called "a great album... powerful" but "relentlessly bleak" by The Village Voice and "one of the best rap albums to come out of Houston" by the Houston Chronicle. In 2010 he released his next album titled Heroin, which was followed by another new album titled Meth in 2011. (Read More)


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Sources :  Z-Ro Photo | Listen To I'm Alive | Z-Ro Biography