So, we know that those M83/I Break Horses 930 club shows have been sold out FOR FOREVER NOW. And rightfully so. Not only did M83 put out one of the most magical records of the last twelve months:
but I Break Horses is a fully fledged new BYT obsession (check out our SPRING/SUMMER music guide if you don’t believe us)
That whole night is going to be all sorts of magical.
And the bands know how much you love them so they just offered up a pair of tickets on the band list to the late show to one lucky (LUCKY) BYT reader.
What do you need to do to enter to win? Leave us a comment telling us which band is A BAND TO WATCH RIGHT NOW. youtube clips, elaborate explanations etc welcome. We’ll notify the winner by 9am on Friday morning.
cool? cool.
kudos! to the person that gave away DJANGO DJANGO its definitely a great band to watch this year some great stuff they got. but im going to go on a different direction now and im going to recommend DIIV, previously known as DIVE. a f*&$#ing great Brooklyn based ban, as usual, brooklyn always giving out their best (bear in heaven to be exacta, also amazing) take a listen to this really good track and lets hope for the best
http://soundcloud.com/ctracksbk/diiv-doused-1
PS. i really want those freaking tickets!!
St. Lucia is where it’s at. The band, not the sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Saw these guys open up for The Knocks and they absolutely tore it up. They’re a beautiful cross between M83 and Nick Drake, if you can buy that.
http://youtu.be/pZYM3XwgHwA
Steel drums, stretch arms, and a whole lot of HAIR. Something for everyone.
Boy & Bear. I won’t judge everyone for being late to their game.
i’m kind of loving Of Monsters and Men for having both an awesome name and some excellent tunes. Youtube it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFxN_DawtOw
The Wild Beasts. Their voices are incredible, their lyrics are intelligent, and overall, they are extremely captivating.
Not really a “band” but still SUPER AMAZING. The video is self explanatory as to why Swedish House Mafia are THE people to see.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYrFeo7efEY
I can’t stop spinning the new Harper Blynn album. The first track off their latest album entitled Busy Hands, “In Another Life”, is my alarm clock in the mornings and it never fails to “kick start my rockin’ rollin’ heart” to borrow a phrase. It’s a free download (FREE!) that was recommended via Twitter by two musical minds I trust implicitly. The R.O.I. is exponential. Harper Blynn also do some pretty smart covers, check out Youtube for their Dirty Projectors/Beyonce number.
Alabama Shakes
Their new album, Boys & Girls, is a great combination of Rock and Soul. The lead singer, Brittany, has an incredibly powerful voice that is enjoyable throughout the album. If nothing else, you should Google the band to check out the bassist, Zac Cockrell’s beard- very epic. It’s a shame they aren’t coming to DC this summer….
You can check out their SXSW performance at Stubb’s on NPR….
http://www.npr.org/event/music/148530119/alabama-shakes-live-in-concert-sxsw-2012
NPR First Listen:
http://www.npr.org/2012/04/01/148918546/first-listen-alabama-shakes-boys-and-girls
Music Video for Hold-On:
http://www.youtube.com/user/alabamashakes?v=Le-3MIBxQTw
Enjoy.
Tanlines! These guys just came by DC9 to play a sold out show last month and I have no doubt we’ll be hearing more from them. Their songs are just solid.
http://youtu.be/5xbg00xjJuE
Bastard above got it right with Friends. They are where it is at, or more correctly, where it will be. “I’m His Girl” is really good. As is, http://soundcloud.com/fatpossum/friends-mind-control
I suppose I have to pick somebody else so here we go. Wolf Gang has a bright future.
SBTRKT ALLLLLLLLLLLL THE WAY!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdUINbi4wSY
unicorn kid !
I think everyone should listen to this beautiful song, Baby by DakhaBrakha. DakhaBrakha is an ethnic Ukranian band consisting of three girls Nina Garenetska, Irina Kovalenko, Olena Tsybulska and frontman Marko Halanevych. They utilize a very eclectic mix of instruments from all over the world in their songs, making their music very original and transcendent.
http://youtu.be/bJvbC1MREuQ
Enjoy!
Perfume Genius.
I went to see them perform live in Arlington, and they are something not to miss.
Not only it is lovely to see him perform next to his boyfriend (they even play a song sitting them to each other), but the music and lyrics get to your heart, and have a sense of truthfulness and transparency to them. As if the artist is opening and laying his life out up for you to listen
http://youtu.be/5AN7wtvHEEc
http://youtu.be/6xvFxhkby7w
http://youtu.be/OOpkr8uNWpk
http://youtu.be/O5HwxhHrmTM
Man Without Country (http://manwithoutcountry.com/biography/)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFVg_jtbb2Y
Opening for Porcelain Raft on June 2 @ Red Palace
Poliça’s new album “Give You The Ghost” has a lot of bright emotive builds, the kind that make “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” so epic. Track 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvmb8oussWs
So fair warning, this song may have bad words in it. OK, so now that you’ve been warned, you have GOT to check out Nicky B and Bounce music. This shit is real. Straight outta New Orleans. Just saw Nicky B last week in NOLA and these dudes/ladies shake their asses better than anyone. We gotta bring Bounce to DC yo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qLEX_lEPTw
I simply cannot get enough of Allen Stone. Another export from the amazing music city of Seattle, he is a Brett Dennen look-a-like who is channeling serious amounts of Stevie Wonder, Prince and pure funkalicious groove all over the US. They are doing something like 200 shows this year and Allen refuses to sign with a label so that he can keep paying the band and keep the cash flow out of the big record companies. They are on their way up as they are doing some opening slots for Dave Matthews Band on the West Coast and getting serious internet love from people all over the world. I saw them in VA beach a couple months back and one gf/bf two-some drove from 6 hours to see the show so Allen stayed for a couple hours afterwards to chat with them. Super humble and wonderful guy whose band is totally deserving of where they are headed.
All of that and an insanely hot drummer who often plays shirtless to boot! But enough talk…….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Hy6kp5kIs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAjZbw4qPC8
I’m going to have to go with Blind Pilot. The lead singer’s got this voice that’s almost emo but holds back just enough to make the songs far more moving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGx4epnmnHk
P.S. This isn’t even for me – my guy would have a heart attack if I told him I somehow scored M83 tix!
the real mixenzies. I have no clue who they are, but they were on a flyer in Portland and everything in Portland is the next big thing, right?
I’m not aware of any upcoming shows in DC, but I like Django Django:
mix it up, mash it up, rip it up – delta rae brings a little gospel, a little folk, a little acoustic flair, and a lot of class and talent to life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bimam2j2gEg
I’m not sure if you have heard of this guy but I believe Kanye West is the next up and coming star! I mean seriously have you heard some of his music? It’ amazing.
I mean this music video by him basically explains it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E58qLXBfLrs&feature=related
Blue Foundation–(yes, another Brookyln dreampop duo) have their debut “In My Mind, I Am Free” coming out May 22. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRODyZdP7Ac&feature=youtu.be
http://youtu.be/gEIKTnaKZ10
CREEP–at the forefront of good witch house!
New indie pop band Friends are very good! Their debut LP comes out in June and it’s for sure gonna be awesome. Saw them at Red Palace and they were a lot of fun. Gonna see them again at Rock & Roll in July!
DIIV (Formerly known as Dive) Their debut album will be out in June!
http://youtu.be/ClfDZIt6XxE
http://youtu.be/Mg6HFwZjNqA
http://youtu.be/r-aMtH5ahDo
I was recently diagnosed as being Bipolar II…the hypomanias are intensely amazing but the dips into the dark deep caverns of depression are downright worth dying for at times: suicide and homicide ideation are no joke.
Lucky for me, a guardian angel “manned up” and begged me to see a psychiatrist (1 from Johns Hopkins, #1 Mental Health dpt in the world).
I’ve been on increasing levels of lactimal (a wonder drug for mood stabilization) and despite the rough side affects with each step up in dosage, I cannot remember a happier winter in 8 years or so and am finally excited to live a long life
))
Unfortunately 30% of “beepers” die of suicide and the number #1 contributing factor is a fear of being stigmatized and ostracized by their friends and society in general. So my bp2 story is slowly being spread publicly in hopes that my kindred kinetic cousins realize they aren’t alone in each day’s battle to smile, laugh and love life !!!
The Lumineers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEMBUvvotJk
Pssh to Mumford & Sons…Yeah, I said it…
I’ve been obsessed with Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs for a while now, but Tapes & Money is just pure gold. Big things coming from him!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgPIhGKNado&feature=youtu.be
Hodor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFwcA3Xqz8o
The band to watch right now is Kids These Days. Eclectic, funky, hop hop, rock, soul 7-piece with a damn fine horn section. Remember when bands had horn sections? Who killed horn sections? It might have been Van Halen’s first record, or the 1979 gas crisis (possibly because horns weighed down the tour van – damn you, Carter). A bunch of Chicago kids with an ear for melodies, male/female dueling and dancing vocal acrobatics, incredible rap verses and enough funk to share some with your roommate. The real question is, when these guys blow up, make two decades worth of mind blowing music, and carry their success into their late 30′s, will the band name seem ironic, clever, or off-putting?
(I have chosen to not make comparisons to The Roots, because that seems obvious. Fuck, I just did)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=MAopeQdGe8Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ObNOZuutqQ&feature=relmfu
Mesita is playful and good for all occasions! Light and airy and fun — perfect for Spring/Summer drinking.
Old video of awesomeness:
http://youtu.be/U5al-8s3i58
Newest song:
http://youtu.be/CukotaUmFWU
Cheers — gotta run and get me a gin & tonic now while I listen to Mesita!
Just got into XXYYXX. 16 year old kid has some skills.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG5aSZBAuPs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrpXSly9gHY
i’ve said it once and i’ll say it again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tc1xj7Nblc
magic disguised as music!
HAIM. Because how much fun is this song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgbEfvcuG3Q
And because they’re a sister trio who used to be part of a family band and sometimes still play with their parents… adorable.
And they killed it at Sweetlife.
And if you’re looking for more reasons, you can go download their EP for FREE on their website (http://haimtheband.com/). That should do it.
It seriously does NOT get any better than The Duce Coop!!! Local group of guys who are romantic & hilarious in their tunes…. BONUS: you can dance to it too!
http://www.purevolume.com/new/TheDuceCoop
Really no explanation needed because after hearing this song for 10 seconds, you know you’ll have it on repeat for the rest of the day. Motown meets indie. Electric Guest is incredible. Lead singer is the brother of the Lonely Island’s Jorma Taccone. Oh, almost forgot…and the album is produced by Danger Mouse.
Boom. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVSiwMVaKe4
Umm how about D.C.’s own GAYEST LEATHER-BEAR 80s synthpop band Glitterlust?
Sweaty synthy grimy synth-laden beats. Dancing plushie bears. A mix of New Order, Scissor Sisters, Marilyn Manson, and Goldfrapp!
http://glitterlust.bandcamp.com/
Facebook.com/Glitterlust
BYT, what a brilliant way to find new music…
I think you should listen to this track cause it’s fantastic:
http://folktoldme.bandcamp.com/track/gallows-pole-ltd
Gallows Pole (LTD)
by Jazz Lee ft Zubz (Favi / PO Box MIX)
My friend Kenya from Rochester NY is going to South Africa for five weeks to hang out with her god-sister Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, who’s part of a group called Folk Told Me.
From the bandcamp site, “This track was born in 2009 in Johannesburg South Africa. Jazz Lee of Folk Told Me collaborated with producers Favi and PO Box. Featuring Zim MC Zubz.”
Zambri is my favorite new thing!
Summer’s almost here & what better way to celebrate than with a pop, synth track that makes you want to dance?
Icona Pop, this Swedish duo, is definitely worth checking out. Their song, “I Love it,” is a perfect addition to a summer playlist. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxxajLWwzqY
(oh & fingers crossed for these tickets!)
Check out BRAIDS, art rock from Montreal. Think Animal Collective circa Feels with My Bloody Valentine or early Deerhunter sliced through the middle. Raphaelle Standell-Preston lets out these childlike yelps that belie the pretty profane stuff coming out of her mouth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwPZmcgUBJM
I saw these guys open last year for Baths and Toro y Moi; even with laryngitis she was completely mesmerizing. They’re working on a new album now and when all the kids are jamming into Merriwether you will want to be the people who were like, we totally wrote about them when they were opening RnR Hotel.
Rita Indiana y Los Misterios: Placebo meets Peaches meets Wilfrido Vargas…Also cos we gringos need to start looking beyond the borders of the US of A…
Talk to you on Friday..Cheerio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osi1cMtfQCU
Electric Guest. These guys are amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBZgHVXGyBg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBZgHVXGyBg&feature=youtube_gdata_player Electric Guest, good stuff
Rebecca and Fiona, from Sweden
I’m actually astounded that this duo hasn’t blown up yet. Their music is super catchy (Swedes, after all) and both girls are incredibly attractive. Not to mention that they’ve been featured on mixes by Tiesto and collaborated with Kaskade.
Actually, they’re playing Lima in DC tonight, and I would encourage everyone to go!
HANDS! This L.A band rocks it! It’s a pretty “young” band, they started to tour the U.S (but haven’t come to DC yet) I wouldn’t be surprise to see them becoming the new Beach House. Watch this and enjoy
myspace http://www.myspace.com/handssounds
I’m still surprised Long Walks on the Beach (a DC band) hasn’t made it big yet. “Metaphysical” is one of my favorite songs of theirs. quite dreamy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogkjgop_Oww
You should be watching out for Black Taxi—very fun live show, great music, etc. check em out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beIdC1SHgZo
winner has been notified! check your emails!