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Suphala’s upcoming recording, ‘Blueprint’ (Suphala Productions/ July 10th) features eclectic performances from a bevy of innovative and celebrated artists. Known as a world class tabla player as well as a progressive songwriter and producer, Suphala sought out surprising collaborations with a bevy of virtuoso artists for her upcoming album. Contributions on ‘Blueprint’ range from Edie Brickell’s ethereal vocals to Vernon Reid’s hip-hip and funk guitar riffs.
Tortoise producer/drummer/vibes player John McEntire teams up with two fellow Tortoise players, percussionist Dan Bitney, and drummer/keyboardist/vibes player John Herndon to create 23 instrumental percussion pieces, showcasing their rhythmical prowess in tracks ranging from straight funk rhythms to Brazilian/Latin flavors to more esoteric fare.
As members of Tortoise they helped infuse a new aesthetic into the indie rock scene of the 1990s. The group set itself apart by focusing on instrumental prowess and group interaction. Instead of the tried and true themes of familiar alternative and punk, Tortoise opened up their scope of influences to create a new musical vision – dubiously called “post rock” – incorporating styles from genres such as Krautrock, dub, avant-garde jazz, classical minimalism, ambient and space music, film music and British electronica.
One of indie rock’s most in-demand master producers of the last decade, McEntire has worked with a staggering number of artists as engineer, producer and remixer. With Bumps, he lends his talents toward pushing the boundaries of a typical break beat record, fusing influences from funk, Brazilian, Latin and Afrobeat music.
There is something to be said about the exposure you get from having your music featured in an Apple iTunes/iPod ad. The latest iTunes television ad features a song called "Mi Swing es Tropical" by Nickodemus. The song was originally released on his own label in 2005 and could be found on a couple of compilations as well. Last fall Nickodemus signed to ESL (Eighteenth Street Lounge Records.....Thievery Corporation's label) and they repackaged/reworked some songs and re-released "Endangered Species".
The release wasn't getting much traction, but with the new exposure from the Apple ad, ESL is once again making a marketing push and with much more success this time. It reminds me of Sia's album "Colour the Small One" that languished for a year before her song "Breathe Me" was featured in the finale of "Six Feet Under". Right away there was another big push for her album, a tour and "Breathe Me" became that song from Six Feet Under.
Check out the Apple/Nickodemus ad and song here:
We've been getting great feedback to the music we're listening to while we're sitting here coding and designing away on our Bossa platform. So, instead of just listing album artwork on the right side of our blog, we made a little music recommendation site with the help of Amazon. They call it aStore.......but we call it Bossa Records. It gives us a great resource to showcase what we like to listen to and write a little bit about the music as well. Not only that, we're now even buying more music since the store does a pretty good job of recommending new music too!
Check it out and let us know what you think.
A prolific DJ and radio show host, DJ SUN debuts as a recording artist with the EP Monday Drive. The release is reflective of his varied background; blending styles and nostalgic aesthetics into a down to midtempo sound. Warm, immediate and slightly scuffed, DJ SUN produces songs which retain the flavor of vintage vinyl. “Monday Drive” is just that—a hazy, winding dreamscape of sparkling keyboards and dusty beats. Presto, a veteran of downtempo and hip hop production, lends an Asian touch in the “Monday Drive” remix. “Marksonthekeys” is a collaboration with Mark Sound featuring lush keyboard and guitar work contrasted by a pushing drum track. Nappy G contributes a lively backbone of percussion to the haunting grooves of “Hello,” while emerging artists Karina Nistal and Jawwaad lend their vocals to this unorthodox duet. “Ten” is a nod to Massive Attack, which has been hugely influential to DJ SUN, and features Jessica Zweback (SkyBlue 72) and Mark Sound on keyboards. The track was included on the Scion CD11 compilation Label-Less Lifestyles, released last year. Exploring new terrain as well as old, the five tracks on the Monday Drive EP are guaranteed to keep you moving.
Six Degrees Records gets the party started right with this special compilation. With styles ranging from Asian Massive to Reggaeton, Afro- Beat to Arab-Beat, Global Dancefloor presents a variety of some of the label's most dance-friendly tracks including many songs that have never been available before on CD. The project's international cast of musicians includes, dj Cheb i Sabbah, Issa Bagayogo, Bombay Dub Orchestra, Niyaz, Karsh Kale and the Midival Punditz.
The multi-talented Dutch artists Kraak & Smaak shine in their unprecedented, soul-shaking compilation, The Remix Sessions. Kraak & Smaak take their crackling energy and infuse classic jams with their signature style. Hard-to-find tracks, many of which were only released on vinyl, join each other in this amazing showcase.
From the banging dance floor " Mimezine – Can’t get Enough (Kraak & Smaak Remix)," to funky, mid tempo "Jamiroquai – Electric Mistress (Kraak & Smaak Remix)" to eerie, internationally-infused "Skeewiff – Man of Constant Sorrow (Kraak & Smaak Remix)," Kraak & Smaak reveal their astounding vision for the possibilities of electronica. This beat-driven assembly is an invaluable resource for re-tracing the various pathways of this modern musical expression.
It has been over six years since Ulrich Schnauss introduced the world to his wonderful blend of electronic textures and shoegazer aesthetics featured on his debut album "Far Away Trains Passing By". It has also been four years since Ulrich’s last recorded testament "A Strangely Isolated Place" hit store shelves in his native Germany in 2003. The latter album cemented Ulrich’s place among the elite electronic artists. The album combined the early 90s’ sound of pioneering acts like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine with modern electronic tapestries.
Thankfully the Quicksand Memory EP is here to bring Ulrich’s musical drought to an end and to announce the arrival of Ulrich’s upcoming full length new album "Goodbye" out July 10th. The Quicksand Memory EP features two brand new tracks. “Look At The Sky” opens the EP with a song that translates Ulrich’s compositional vision with the unexpected help of a live band. The 2nd track “Medusa” is the EPs true gem which will also appear on the new album. The remaining tracks are Robin Guthrie’s (Cocteau Twins) reworking of two of Ulrich’s most celebrated songs, “Gone Forever” and the stunning “On My Own.”
Epo-555 is from Copenhagen, Denmark. The band has a unique and fascinating sound which combines such different genres as noise rock, alt country, low key electronica and bursting / catchy pop tunes with poetic and political lyrics. The result is refreshing, innovative and original.
Mafia is the sophmore album from epo-555. Perfecting their crisp boy/girl poptunes, they serve up a slightly more electronic sound than on their debut “Dexter Fox” but still crammed full of innovative ideas and sounds.