The latest Swedish export to hit our shores is a duo called Taped Rai. The wistful intro of debut single "Shadow of the Sun" wraps itself around you with heart-wrenchingly earnest vocals and a reflective piano bit that burns holes in your soul. Between the melodically pristine hook and the full-on solar eclipse of hands-in-the-lasers club levels in the climax, this could be a Top 40 smash had the duo followed a more traditional songwriting structure, but it's even more impressive that they haven't. From the audio to the video above, "Shadow of the Sun" is a cinematic accomplishment from a distant universe, like something out of Sound of Arrows' oeuvre as directed by Lars Von Trier. Beyond epic.
STREAM: "Shadow of The Sun (Acoustic Version)" - Taped Rai [exclusive]
HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY DOS & MY DON'TS.
The Jungle Giants are the latest Australian act to parachute onto our shores from halfway around the world. The Brisbane four-piece dropped their latest EP in the twilight of last summer and our favorite cut, "You've Got Something", is a hard-hitting clean sweep of Pacific heat. From the first lyrical punch, they're in your face like Two Door Cinema Club tangoing with The Wombats, and what starts with a slow simple construction quickly snowballs into a power-hungry Wolf Gang stadium-filler. Dear Jungle Giants, you've got something that everybody wants.MP3: "You've Got Something" - The Jungle Giants [exclusive]
THE SEA FEELS NOTHING LIKE A HOME.
We've been loving Mr. Little Jeans' debut album since she first sent us a secret preview of it late last year, and now she returns to publicly unveil our favorite track from it, "Oh Sailor", as her new single. A billowing youth anthem in waiting, Monica's wistful vocals drift in and out of your dreams, walking a delicate line between the whispered beauty of Lykke Li and the skyscraping uplift of The Naked & Famous' Alisa Xayalith. And when the ocean-sized chorus engulfs you with ageless harmonies from the Silverlake Conservatory Of Music Youth Chorale, it's like nothing else you've ever experienced in 2013. Truly perfect.
That huge new POPSHOP026: GHOST BEACH + MAGIC MAN
Hot on the heels of April's incredible Popshop throwdown last week, we're back to kickstart your summer with a May installment that promises to pick up right where last Thursday left off. Returning to the Popshop stage we've got NYC's finest, Ghost Beach, in the headline slot with direct support from our favorite new band of 2013, Magic Man, as they grace NYC for the first time since launching their new and improved full band live show. And rounding things out are LA's own dynamic duo, Wardell, stealing sunshine and warming up the stage early on. It's all going down Thursday May 2nd at Santos Party House, with doors at 9pm sharp and $10 advance tickets HERE. Come live the dream with us, New York.STREAM: "Been There Before" - Ghost Beach
DOWNLOAD: "Paris" - Magic Man
STREAM: "Opossum" - Wardell
HOW COLD IT'S BEEN.
Magic Man are quickly establishing themselves as one of the best new bands of 2013, and with phenomenal singles like "Paris" and "Texas" already under their belt, it feels like the sky is the limit for the Providence fivesome. Now they return with their debut remix offering, taking on Pacific Air's latest single "Lose My Mind" with true Ivy League swagger. They brandish the original hook, dip it in a futuristic palette of mountain-scaling synths and electronic heart flutters, and the result is a feverish blast of Atlantic gusto ready to sweep you off your feet.STREAM: "Lose My Mind" (Magic Man Remix) - Pacific Air [exclusive]
EVERYTHING I NEED.
We've been on the Ghost Loft train for a long minute, and now the LA shadow kid is back with new single "So High" sounding loftier than ever. All swirling ethereals, hazy-eyed vocals and slow-burning melodrama, the track comes across like the soft-spoken lovechild of The Weeknd and The Neighbourhood and picks up where the boundless promise of debut offering "Seconds" left off. Keep an eye out for Ghost Loft's debut EP and live shows this spring.
DOWNLOAD: "So High" - Ghost Loft
LET IT POUR OUT OF YR SOUL.
Little Daylight has been holding down the remix game for a minute now and after a pair of brilliant originals, we're here to talk about their treatment for The Mowgli's. Daylight spin their feel-good rock anthem "San Francisco" into an astrophysical exercise of electronic pop pushups and nu-disco pullups. It's an impossibly jubilant number that we can get behind any time of day. Catch Little Daylight LIVE tonight at Popshop, advance tickets still (barely) available HERE. And don't miss The Mowgli's first sold out NYC show tomorrow at Mercury Lounge.DOWNLOAD: "San Francisco" (Little Daylight Remix) - The Mowgli's
PRETENDING TO NOT FEEL ALONE.
You may remember Mandy Lee from that disco-knighted M83 "Midnight City" remix that The Knocks put out last February, but she's actually got a little project of her own called MISTERWIVES. Debut single "Vagabond" is a piano-riddled lovedrug of a folk song that flaunts its way through the midwest like Alex Winston's kid sister on a bullet train to the Heartland. If you were looking for a change of pace, here's a new starlet to get familiar with.DOWNLOAD: "Vagabond" - MISTERWIVES
SAILING THROUGH THE DARK.
Little Daylight swept the blogosphere like a fluorescent carpetbomb with their debut single "Overdose" earlier this year, and now the Brooklyn trio have released their second single "Name In Lights". The perfect complement to its predecessor, "Lights" drops in like mellow dynamite, a soft blow to your mind that you can't help but fall in love with. As the manic pixie dream-laced vocals seep in, the pensive gossamer synths play nicely alongside an angelic percussive patter, and with early offerings like these, it should come as no surprise that a label bidding war is currently hitting critical mass. Little Daylight will be making their NYC debut at Popshop this Thursday, and with advance tix still available HERE, you're gonna wanna lock yours up sooner rather than later. Trust us, this is not one to be missed. STREAM: "Name In Lights" - Little Daylight
ONLY YOU CAN SHOW ME.
Goldroom has been the sole purveyor of endless summery remixes for over a year now, and with his original tracks coming in just as hot these days, he's starting to inspire some pretty big time remixes. On The Room's newest, "Only You Can Show Me," The Knocks turn down the tropical atmos and turn up the club potential on a remix that finds the perfect middle ground between sunset and sunrise.
And in return, Goldroom has blessed The Knocks' forthcoming heater "Modern Hearts" (featuring the one and only St. Lucia) with a blissed out remix of his own. Catch the trailer for "Modern Hearts" above to help pass the time until the full length original and Goldroom mix roll out in the weeks to come, and don't miss Goldroom making his live debut at Popshop this Thursday (advance tix still available HERE).
DOWNLOAD: "Only You Can Show Me (The Knocks Remix)" - Goldroom
DOWNLOAD: "Only You Can Show Me (The Knocks Remix)" - Goldroom
MAYBE I'LL FIND SOMETHING REAL.
There's no denying that MS MR has been smashing it as of late on a very global scale (see: festival audiences in the thousands Down Under, a sold out run through the UK and Europe, and a massive sync on the latest Game of Thrones trailer). And with their newest single "Fantasy" quickly amassing an impressive remix package featuring the likes of Kele Okereke and Xaphoon Jones, MS MR's human drum machine himself, Zach Nicita, throws his hat in the ring with a thunderstealing mix of his own on a fantastic remix debut. Over a sidewinding bass line that just doesn't quit and a flickering percussive rhythm, it replaces the glittery innocence of the original with a shadowy ominousness that reimagines "Fantasy" in an entirely new light.MP3: "Fantasy" (NICITA Remix) - MS MR [exclusive]
POPSHOP025: ALEX METRIC + GOLDROOM
We've got one of our best and biggest Popshop lineups to date coming in hot this Thursday, and as if the bill alone wasn't enticing enough, we've brought our friends at Cutty Sark on board for a little open bar whiskey action to get the night started right. Between Alex Metric's first NYC headline and Goldroom bringing his new live set up east for the first time, plus Little Daylight making their New York live debut amidst a furious major label bidding war and Lovelife making their triumphant return to the Neon Gold stage, it's going to be a night for the ages. It's all going down from 9pm this Thursday at Santos, with open bar Cutty Sark whiskey from 9pm-10pm and $10 advance tickets going fast but still available HERE. And because we're never not feeling generous, we're also giving away a few pairs of free tickets via Gimme.io, enter HERE to win.STREAM: "September (Alex Metric Remix)" - St. Lucia
STREAM: "Only You Can Show Me (feat. Mereki)" - Goldroom
STREAM: "Overdose" - Little Daylight
DOWNLOAD: "Dying to Start Again" - Lovelife
POPSHOP WEST 009: BAD THINGS
Our next Popshop West is a blessed-coast blast of California sun. Getting things started we have sprightly LA songstress Cillie Barnes and local dream-surf favorites Cayucas, with Captain Cuts keeping things moving on the decks all night long, as per usual. Then in the main headline slot, we've got new kids on the block, Bad Things, stepping out from behind the veil in their worldwide live debut. And best of all, it's the one year anniversary of our Popshop West launch last spring and the perfect appetizer for a three-course weekend of Coachella bliss later that week. It's all going down Tuesday April 9th at our favorite home away from home, The Echo. $8 advance tickets are now available HERE, and we can't shake the feeling Bad Things might have a few surprises up their sleeve to make this a night to remember. So trust us when we tell you not to sleep on this one.STREAM: "Caught Inside" - Bad Things
DOWNLOAD: "High School Lover" - Cayucas
DOWNLOAD: "Brainwash" - Cillie Barnes
THE SKY WILL MELT IN TEARS.
With our next single release from HAERTS cresting over the horizon as we speak, we're stoked to unveil the B-side, a ferocious remix of "Wings" from our very own Wildcat! Wildcat!. After stripping away the '80s outerwear of the original, they space it out and shroud it in a technicolor cloak of invincibility, drawing out the dark undertones of the original with stunted synths and heightened vocals. Don't forget to preorder your own copy of the Wings 7" vinyl HERE, and be sure to get your tickets to their single launch party at Cameo next Tuesday night HERE before it's too late.STREAM: "Wings" (Wildcat! Wildcat! Remix) - HAERTS
REACH INSIDE YOUR MIND.
LA's been enjoying a sun-blessed pop renaissance for the past 18 months or so and shows no sign of letting up anytime soon. The latest newcomers to step into the spotlight are Bad Things, and though there's literally no information readily available about the band, their debut offering "Caught Inside" speaks for itself, and loudly. All blissed-out harmonies and sky-licking guitars, the winsome opening gives way to an avalanche of drums and soaring vocals on an absolute knockout double chorus as the song reaches its climax. The end product falls somewhere between Local Natives and Night Terrors of 1927, and coming out the gate with songs like this, Bad Things are destined to be all over alternative radio in the months to come. Expect great things.STREAM: "Caught Inside" - Bad Things [exclusive]
NEON GOLD PRESENTS: HAERTS
Brooklyn super troupe HAERTS step into the spotlight with the release of their debut single on Neon Gold next week, and to celebrate we're going big with a launch party at Cameo Gallery this Tuesday. Jumpstarting the night we've got local electropop outfit Future Screens, plus Boston's finest Gentleman Hall making their triumphant return to NYC for the first time since their massive Target sync during the Super Bowl. So join us next Tuesday April 2nd at 8pm as we look to welcome HAERTS into the world with a bang, tickets are going fast but still available HERE.DOWNLOAD: "Wings" - HAERTS
STREAM: "Sail Into The Sun" - Gentleman Hall
STREAM: "Don't Stop" - Future Screens
MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE.
Stop what you're doing, this is important. Until The Ribbon Breaks arrived under cover of darkness at the dawn of 2012 with his empire-toppling debut single "Pressure", but now it's getting a proper rollout with a killer new video (above) featuring an untouchable guest verse from Mr. MFN eXquire. From the soul-searching R&B vocals and candy-flipped 808s to the life-affirming pianos and emotional breakdown halfway through, it's possibly the year's most show-stopping single to date and one of the most promising debuts we've heard in ages. Newly signed to Universal Republic at the nexus of 2012 and 2013, Until The Ribbon Breaks is easily their best signing in a long minute and definitely one to watch in the months to come. Be warned, this is about to change your whole shit up.
STREAM: "Pressure" - Until The Ribbon Breaks
STREAM: "Pressure" - Until The Ribbon Breaks
POPSHOP BK 010: GOLDROOM
After taking last month off to observe the high holiday that is SXSW, Popshop Brooklyn storms back into action with another bang-up lineup next month. Headlining we've got Goldroom bringing his brand new live show to Brooklyn after debuting it at Popshop NYC the week prior, plus Michigan's own party godfathers Stepdad getting things started in a big way early. It's all going down at Brooklyn Bowl on April 13th at 11:30pm, $10 tickets now available HERE.STREAM: "Only You Can Show Me (feat. Mereki)" - Goldroom
STREAM: "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails" - Stepdad
WE COULD BE ANYWHERE YOU WANT.
Magic Man are on a serious winning streak. After dropping comeback single "Paris" last month, they're back with another massively promising taste of things to come on their latest offering, "Texas". Just when we thought SXSW and Austin were firmly in the rearview, Magic Man turn our sights southwards once again and establish themselves as an early band to watch at next year's festivities. But where "Paris" evoked shades of Passion Pit and Matt & Kim, "Texas" reveals a whole new side, as frontman Alex Caplow does his best Brandon Flowers while the band displays a penchant for Killer(s) hooks over triumphant adrenaline-rush synths and a driving instrumental. Calling it now: these kids have what it takes to go the distance.DOWNLOAD: "Texas" - Magic Man [exclusive]
NEON GOLD + POPGUN PRSNT: FLIGHT FACILITIES
Since the release of Flight Facilities' show-stopping debut single "Crave You" in 2010, Australia's sky captains of tomorrow have racking up frequent flier miles and shutting down clubs across the globe with their world class brand of high-flying disco. They've already graced our Popshop stage with stunning results last April, so we're very excited to be doing it all over again with our promo partners-in-crime Popgun at Le Poisson Rouge next Wednesday the 27th. Sharing the spotlight is Vampire Weekend's BAIO and our very own Popshop partystarter Friendly Greg, with doors at 10pm and $15 advance tickets available HERE. Tickets are flowing fast though, so act now before it's too late.STREAM: "Foreign Language" - Flight Facilities
STREAM: "Sunburn Modern" - BAIO
FEEL THE ENERGY.
Cillie Barnes first pirouetted across our radar via a showstealing How To Make It In America sync (for infectious early offering "Indian Hill") a few years back, but even then we had a feeling it wouldn't be the last we heard from her. Since then the LA-based singer-songwriter has since inked a deal with Universal imprint Loma Vista and her debut single proper "Brainwash" is every bit as heady as the name would suggest. Barnes' precious vocals moondance along an immensely entrancing piano line as you're overcome with the nightheat of fragrant horns and warm acoustics. It all comes off a bit like Phantom Planet or The Magnetic Zeroes fronted by that ex-girlfriend who got away, and it's one of the more endearing debuts you'll hear this year. Keep an eye out for Barnes to make her live NYC debut later this spring, hopefully coming to a Neon Gold stage near you soon.DOWNLOAD: "Brainwash" - Cillie Barnes
NEON GOLD PRESENTS: EVERYTHING EVERYTHING
Everything Everything's massive sophomore record is already one of the albums of the year (out now in the UK and barreling towards US shores as we speak), and this week they bless us with a triumphant return to New York for a very special Neon Gold Presents show at Brooklyn Bowl this Friday, March 22nd. Supporting them are our favorite UK hair band, Swim Deep (also making their NYC debut) and Brooklyn's own dance party upstarts Junior Prom. And with Everything Everything's Bowery Ballroom headline show next week already sold out, this is sure to be a hot ticket and one of the best shows we bring you all spring, so get your tickets HERE now.STREAM: "Kemosabe" - Everything Everything
STREAM: "Honey" - Swim Deep
DOWNLOAD: "Sheila Put The Knife Down" - Junior Prom
WE'RE ALL FUCKED UP SOME OTHER WAY.
Junior Prom is a new upstart Brooklyn duo quickly making rounds around the New York scene, and their debut EP standout "Sheila Put The Knife Down" has been having its way with us since its release last month. The first cut is the deepest, as the jilted vocals slice through with tempered vitriol while loss-of-innocence synths and flaring guitars keep you up all night, tossing and turning in the middle bunk between Brite Futures and Ghost Beach. Don't miss them live this Friday, opening up for the mighty Swim Deep and the legendary Everything Everything at Brooklyn Bowl.DOWNLOAD: "Sheila Put The Knife Down" - Junior Prom
ALL THINGS GOLD 018: BREAKBOT + HAERTS
Our next All Things Gold night in DC is popping off with monsieur Breakbot all the way from Paris, making his DC headline debut alongside our brand new Neon Gold darlings HAERTS. Never one to stray far from his partner-in-crime, Breakbot's got Irfane in tow to keep things moving between sets and contribute live vocals to his live set, and this is sure to be one of the better bills we've ever brought to the nation's capital. It’s all happening at U Street Music Hall on March 21st at 10pm sharp with advance tickets are available now HERE. Act fast though, as this one is already well on its way to selling out.STERAM: "Baby I'm Yours (ft. Irfane) - Breakbot
DOWNLOAD: "Wings" - HAERTS
POPSHOP025: ALEX METRIC + GOLDROOM
We've been feeling generous with all the free Popshops this year, but all free things must come to an end sooner or later. We wouldn't deign to jolt you back to reality if we didn't have a lineup worth its weight in gold though, and our next bill is one of our biggest and best yet. After Hurricane Sandy washed out his Popshop debut last November, Alex Metric makes his triumphant return as our DJ headliner, fresh off a massive NYC play earlier this month supporting Zedd at Webster Hall. Then, in the live headline slot we welcome back seasoned Popshop veteran Goldroom, as he unveils a brand new setup in his NYC live debut. Rounding out the bill we've got two of the brightest up and comers NYC and London have to offer, as Little Daylight and Lovelife start things off early. It’s all going down April 4th at Santos Party House at 9pm, grab your $10 advance tickets HERE before they jump to $15 at the door.STREAM: "September (Alex Metric Remix)" - St. Lucia
STREAM: "Only You Can Show Me (feat. Mereki)" - Goldroom
STREAM: "Overdose" - Little Daylight
DOWNLOAD: "Dying to Start Again" - Lovelife
POPSHOP SOUTH 001: ST. LUCIA + HAERTS
Our monthly club night, Popshop, has been patiently picking up steam in London and Paris and almost all corners of the North American diamond. And now, it's time for the next puzzle piece, Popshop South in the musical homestead of Nashville. Our starchild St. Lucia will headline The High Watt with sterling support from the lovely HAERTS and local party mavens, Future Unlimited. It's a guaranteed synth-filled night, and it's all going down next Monday at 8:30 sharp, with tix available HERE. It's history in the making, y'all.STREAM: "September" - St. Lucia
DOWNLOAD: "Wings" - HAERTS
STREAM: "Lightweight Eyes" - Future Unlimited
GOLD043: HAERTS
HAERTS have been our new favorite NYC band for a minute now, so we're very excited to announce their addition to the Neon Gold / Columbia family today as we ready their immaculate debut single "Wings" for release on Neon Gold next month. Featuring members hailing from Germany, England and the United States, HAERTS are a veritable United Nations of pop supremacy, with an irresistibly international sound that's impossible to pin down on any map. Featuring a brand new single mix from Michael Brauer and nigh-on flawless production from our beloved St. Lucia, "Wings" unfurls with boundless echoing percussion, as frontlady Nini Fabi's soaring vocals are showered in a waterfall of atmosphere and emotion. Then, on the flipside, we've got a nailbitingly handsome Wildcat! Wildcat! remix, as the LA three-piece and esteemed Neon Gold alums swing for the fences and then some on their first foray into the remix sphere.
The Wings 7" arrives April 2nd and hits digitally a week later on the 9th, but you can go ahead and get your preorder on HERE now. And to celebrate the occasion, we're throwing a single launch party the night of the 2nd at Cameo Gallery, with tickets available now HERE. It's rare to see a band garner so much attention on the back of only one song, but when said offering is this strong, it's not hard to see why. Rest assured though, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
DOWNLOAD: "Wings" - HEARTS
NEON GOLD SXSW 2013.
SXSW is coming in hot this week, so let's do this. The 2013 installment of our annual official SX showcase is our biggest yet, as we take over the main stage at Empire Autos on Friday night. On the bill, we've got Lovelife, Ghost Beach and Sir Sly, before HAERTS, Foxes and St. Lucia close out the night in style. On the decks, captain Xaphoon Jones will be keeping the night alive in the late night slot alongside open bar cocktails from 12:30-1:30, courtesy of Western Spirits. It's all popping off at 7pm, Friday March 15th at Empire Autos, conveniently located on the corner of Red River and E 7th Street. Let's go, Austin.08:00pm: Lovelife // DOWNLOAD: "Dying To Start Again"
08:45pm: Ghost Beach // STREAM: "Close Enough (Feat. Noosa)"
09:30pm: Sir Sly // STREAM: "Gold"
10:20pm: HAERTS // STREAM: "Wings"
11:10pm: Foxes // STREAM: "Warrior"
12:20am: St. Lucia // STREAM: "September"
01:10am: Xaphoon Jones // DL: "If You Love Me" (XJ + Grave Goods Remix)
NEW SHAPES SXSW 2013.
With SXSW around the corner, we're teaming up with Ultimate Ears to bring you yet another jam-packed New Shapes day party to get involved with. Last year, we had Charli XCX, St. Lucia, and HAIM to name but a few, and we're taking it back to the Red Eyed Fly for another two stage indoor/outdoor extravaganza again this year. Outside, we've got Kodaline, Wardell, Ambassadors, and Michael Kiwanuka, in addition to our very own HAERTS and the inimitable Sky Ferreira in the headline slot. Inside, we've got London's Jamie N Commons and Swim Deep, Canada's Half Moon Run and our beloved Neon Gold allstars Wildcat! Wildcat! and MØ rounding things out. Plus complimentary Vita Coco and open bar cocktails courtesy of Western Spirits ALL DAY LONG. It's all going down next Thursday, March 14th from 12-6 at the Red Eyed Fly, with RSVP now open HERE: http://newshap.es.OUTSIDE
12:15pm Wardell // STREAM: "Opossum"
1:15pm Kodaline // STREAM: "All I Want"
2:15pm Ambassadors // STREAM: "Unconsolable"
3:15pm Michael Kiwanuka // STREAM: "Home Again"
4:15pm HAERTS // STREAM: "Wings"
5:15pm Sky Ferreira // STREAM: "Everything Is Embarrassing"
INSIDE
12:45pm Half Moon Run // STREAM: "Full Circle"
1:45pm Jamie N Commons // STREAM: "Rumble and Sway"
2:45pm Wildcat! Wildcat! // DOWNLOAD: "Mr. Quiche"
3:45pm MØ // STREAM: "Pilgrim"
4:45pm Swim Deep // STREAM: "Honey"
THIS TWISTED AMERICAN DREAM.
New York's very own Jed Nayef is the name soon to be on everyone's lips. With a debut single as timelessly brilliant as "Freaks", Jed is positioning himself as a solo force to be reckoned with. It's fatalist pop at its finest, as talon-sharp electric guitars shred through the thumping bass pumps, and it doesn't hurt that his vocals stretch across like a disaffected cross between Julian Casablancas and Bowie. Be sure to keep a keen eye on this one in the months to come.STREAM: "Freaks" - Jed Nayef
NEED A QUEEN TO BE A KING.
French Horn Rebellion have been honing their craft in the kinetic party-disco limelight for years, so it comes as no surprise that their newest single, "Girls", is a masterclass in the art of partystarting. After a 90's flashback intro that snaps you back into the past, the heartwarming synths kick in over a cheerleading bassgroove that sashays back and forth as JD Samson's adoring vocals set the stage for Fat Tony's unrepentant flow of biblical proportions in the grand finale. It's a blossoming ode to their raison d'etre that spans several genres and generations and flourishes as the mission statement for French Horn's new life as a supergroup Party Ensemble.DOWNLOAD: "Girls (feat. JD Samson & Fat Tony)" - French Horn Rebellion
ANOTHER VOICE FROM THE AFTERLIFE.
CHVRCHES and St. Lucia, two of the finest practitioners of electronic pop in the western world, come together at last in holy remix matrimony as the Scottish power trio elevate St. L's "Before The Dive" to the glistening heavens and pack it full of angelfire fury, filtered echoes, and supercharged bass surges. Be sure to catch both acts stealing headlines at SXSW next week, and tide yourselves over with this oven fresh remix in the meantime.STREAM: "Before The Dive (CHVRCHES Remix)" - St. Lucia
FEEL YOU IN EVERY HEARTBEAT.
Whoa whoa whoa this song is perfect. BOY have been lighting up the charts overseas in mainland Europe for a minute now, but the US conquest is only just beginning. The Swiss-German duo made their NYC debut last week with a few intimate shows around town, and return later this month to headline Bowery Ballroom. "Little Numbers" is about as good as it gets in this world, like the most endearing possible summation of Icona Pop and Feist or perhaps even the "Call Me Maybe" of the indiesphere. It's love alright.
STREAM: "Little Numbers" - BOY
STREAM: "Little Numbers" - BOY
POPSHOP024: MØ + WATCH THE DUCK
Popshop returns for one final hurrah before SXSW next week with what just might be our most diverse lineup yet. First up are Atlanta's own Watch The Duck, recently signed to Epic by LA Reid and currently blowing up on the back of debut single "Poppin' Off" (seriously watch this video right now). With a supergroup live setup that incorporates breakdance and DJ elements alongside live electronics, it's bound to be one of the most exciting setups we've ever had. Then it's our shining star MØ taking over in the headline slot to celebrate the release of her debut 7" (out now on Neon Gold!) and continue her transatlantic takeover before blowing through SX the next week. And since we just can't get enough free these days, we're doing this free entry once again via RSVP through our friends at DoNYC HERE. It all pops off next Thursday March 7th at Santos Party House, 9pm sharp. First come first serve, come early to ensure entry.STREAM: "Pilgrim" - MØ
STREAM: "Poppin' Off"- Watch The Duck
I RUN BUT YOU FOLLOW.
We've been basking in Pacific Air's California sunshine since they first arrived on the scene as KO KO this time last year. Between their breezy debut EP and their initial remix offerings, they've put together a pretty pristine CV thus far, and today they add to that with this dreamweaving take on current tour partners Ra Ra Riot's "When I Dream". Misty and celestial like a connect-the-dots constellation, frontman Wes Miles' vocals curl up in Pacific Air's memory foam electronics as the remix unveils itself as a sleeper hit that takes you from the cradle to the dancefloor in no time at all. It's a four and a half minute dream within a dream, as Pacific Air further establish themselves as some of the most promising new remix talents around.DOWNLOAD: "When I Dream (Pacific Air Remix)" - Ra Ra Riot [exclusive]
IT'S NOT OUR HOME HERE.
Fyfe is London's newest nom de guerre vying for the lofty UK pop throne. As if overnight, power crooner Paul Dixon came from nowhere to turn heads at breakneck speed in the blogosphere and UK radio scene with a single debut titled "Solace". And now it gives us great pleasure to premiere his second offering, "St. Tropez". In a little over 3 minutes, Fyfe manages to stitch together the understated grandeur of a downbeat Miike Snow with the compound urgency of a young Rufus Wainwright. Even the viscous bass drawl and grinding horns get all toasty under his sunny disposition. The only downside is his last name isn't Dangerfield, but we can't hold it against him when the songs are this good. Cop "St. Tropez" below and be on the lookout for his debut EP out April 8th.STREAM: "St. Tropez" - Fyfe [exclusive]
LET ME LIVE THAT FANTASY.
Ella Yelich-O'Connor (street name Lorde) is only sixteen years old, but she's already been turning heads for a minute now in her native New Zealand, where her track "Royals" has been picking up serious steam on local airwaves. With all the buoyant leftfield charm of Kimbra and the laidback swagger and sway of Sleigh Bells' Alexis Krauss, Lorde shines bright like a diamond in the rough on debut EP, The Love Club. With regal harmonies and her own songwriting idiosyncrasies, Lorde takes us back to the first time we heard the teenage demos of Marina & The Diamonds and Charli XCX with their youthful vitality and endearing quirks. And for us, that's praise of just about the highest possible order.DOWNLOAD: "Royals" - Lorde
TRAPPED IN THESE HALLUCINATING TONES.
We first profiled Toronto's Nightbox in the summer of 2011, back when they had nothing more than an impressive EP and an ocean of potential to their name. Now nearly two years on, they're back with a debut album set for release later this year and a heater of a comeback single called "Burning". Produced once again by MSTRKRFT's Al-P and Sebastien Grainger, it's a tinderbox of flammable hooks and high octane energy that ultimately opens up into a technicolor chorus of cascading steelpan guitars and soaring vocals. Catch the exclusive premiere of "Burning" below and its accompanying video above, and be sure to keep an eye out for the band's NYC debut on the Neon Gold stage in the coming months.
DOWNLOAD: "Burning" - Nightbox [exclusive]
DOWNLOAD: "Burning" - Nightbox [exclusive]
YOU NEVER HAVE TO ASK.
Stop the presses, Magic Man are back in the headlines. Since self-releasing their debut album back in 2010, they've graduated college, relocated to Providence and evolved from two kids and a laptop into a five-person pop behemoth. Their first new offering in nearly three years arrived last week in the form of spellbinding new single "Paris", which picks up where the promise of their debut left off with opulent dewdrop piano chords that wash over you like a wistful nostalgia you just can't place. Then the synths drop in and it's off to the races, as the song dances a glorious line between the synthesized stomp of Passion Pit's "Take A Walk" and the pristine keys of Matt & Kim's "Daylight". We're only a few plays in and it's already one of our favorite songs of 2013, so get involved and thank us later. See below to play, s'il vous plaît.DOWNLOAD: "Paris" - Magic Man
GIVE ME A SECOND CHANCE.
Our in-house superstars MS MR first brought Ghost Loft to our attention on their first Track Addict compilation last summer, back when the Loft's debut offering "Seconds" was just an ominous whisper of truth. Now, as they ready their live show and debut EP for unveiling in the coming months, Ghost Loft is back with an amped up single version of "Seconds," retaining the entrancing startrails of the original but enhancing the atmospheric charm with larger-than-life bass surges and a fresh coat of dark polish. Then there's their enchanting debut video - brought to you by the lensmasters behind the short Neighbourhood films - which feels like a hedonistic Lost In Translation spliced with enough mood lighting and endearing interplay to seduce even the coldest among you. Consider us fully on board the Ghost Loft train.
DOWNLOAD: "Seconds" - Ghost Loft
DOWNLOAD: "Seconds" - Ghost Loft
EVERY KISS MAKES ME SICKER.
Electra Heart (also known as Marina & the Diamonds) is back. She may be one selfish bitch, but today she's found the good will in her heart to give away a brand new track called "E.V.O.L." for free. By flipping "love" around in the mirror mirror on the wall, the pop princess casts an "evol" shadow of brutal honesty that fits right in at her Heartbreak Hotel. Consider this the perfect anti-Valentine's treat.DOWNLOAD: "E.V.O.L." - Marina & the Diamonds
NEED YOU TO LET GO.
We've got nothing but love for Brooklyn's own tropical paradise, Ghost Beach, who are pushing the kind of pop that takes us back to the '80s childhood we wish we had. On their latest single, "Close Enough", frontman Josh Ocean's vocal acrobatics soar across a chopped-and-skewed vox sample before local lady sensation Noosa swoops down and crushes the guest feature like the world's greatest sidekick. Let's just call it a match made in Neon Gold heaven and leave it at that, guys.STREAM: "Close Enough (ft. Noosa)" - Ghost Beach
LET'S GO OUTSIDE SO WE CAN BREATHE.
To say that Atlas Genius had a great 2012 is a bit of an understatement. And now, with the release of their much-anticipated debut full-length When It Was Now on the horizon, we're very excited to treat y'all to the world premiere of their most synthesized effort yet, "Electric". The record's aptly-titled lead-off takes off with a truly hypnotic lead-in that leans in and charges forward with superpowered electronic chords and reassuring vocal surges. As the Jeffery boys conduct a hyperactive current of layered instrumentals that jolt you awake then aware, it resonates within you like an unstoppable heartbeat. When It Was Now is out next week (the 19th) and promises to be one of the year's most impressive debuts.STREAM: "Electric" - Atlas Genius [exclusive]
NEVER LOOK BACK NEVER GIVE UP.
With their latest offering, HAIM are now three releases deep, and as they continue to put the finishing touches on their impossibly-anticipated debut album, it seems people are finally starting to realize just how incredible this record will be. We won't get into that just yet, but if "Falling" is any indication - with its iridescent harmonies, caterwauling guitars, and ultra slick bass licks that sound as if they were express shipped directly from the handsome island of St. Lucia - they have something very special brewing indeed. It's a downward spiral of utmost brilliance, fall head over heels below.STREAM: "Falling" - HAIM
GOLD042: MØ
Our infatuation with Karen Marie Ørsted - or MØ on the streets - started late last year at CMJ and has since snowballed into something so much more. The Danish vixen commands this formidable collage of hip pop and electrosoul that sets her apart from literally everyone else in her class. Thus, it's with boundless excitement that we announce our next 7" release, as we team up with our UK brothers-in-arms Chess Club to bring MØ's Pilgrim into the world later this month."Pilgrim" arrives in an avalanche of bloodthirsty energy, armed to the teeth with hell-bent horns and brassy nonchalance. While Karen's impetuous voice clouds your judgment like a ghost on fire, the silhouetting harmonies provide a trustfall of clarity every time the crunch drops. On the flipside, MS MR come correct with a deep sløwburner of a remix delivered straight from the darkest recesses of our palest fantasies.
The Pilgrim 7" drops February 25th on Neon Gold in the US and Chess Club in the UK, but preorder is now available HERE. And be sure to check out MØ live next month, as she returns to our shores to hit Popshop NYC on March 7th and Popshop Brooklyn on March 9th, before taking her dazzling charms to Popshop West on March 12th and SXSW. Not. To. Be. Missed.
STREAM: "Pilgrim" - MØ
POPSHOP BK 009: HAERTS
Better great than never, consider this weekend's Popshop Brooklyn an early Valentine's Day present straight from the haert. Making their Brooklyn live debut we've got HAERTS in the headline, with London's own pop femme fatale Yadi kicking off this whole romantic affair in the support slot. It's all going down this Saturday at 11:30PM. If you don't have a date, hey, at least you have Popshop. STREAM: "Wings" - HAERTS
STREAM: "The Blow" - Yadi
TONIGHT I'LL GET THE STORY RIGHT.
You know when you swing by a friend of a friend's house for an hour but end up staying all night? That's San Antonio's Wild Party in essence, who take you to their best friend's house on LP highlight "Outright", going 'round the roundabout with rambunctious guitarlines, venomous vocals and pithy drums that ensnare you as the night wears on. The perfect midpoint between the striking wiles of The Wombats and Two Door Cinema Club, this is the sound of (twenty thir)teenage angst in the here and now.MP3: "Outright" - Wild Party [exclusive]
NEED YOU LIKE A DRUG.
New kids on the block, Little Daylight, turned heads throughout 2012 with remixes for such Neon Gold luminaries as Passion Pit, St. Lucia, and Penguin Prison. Now the trio have their eyes set on 2013, as they arrive with their debut original single "Overdose". The track finds our shadowy heroine singing over a heavy grind of vindictive synths and drums, almost like Sky Ferreira fronting The Naked & Famous with streaks of Blondfire and Passion Pit making their presence felt throughout. Are winter anthems a thing? Because if "Overdose" is any indication, they might be now.MP3: "Overdose" - Little Daylight
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