Chill.

Float On

Its been raining for over a week straight and I couldn't be happier. My inner introvert loves nothing more than to stay indoors and search for new music. Although the artist I am posting about today isn't necessarily new, I am really appreciating his tunes in this nostalgic weather. The San Franciscan artist Blackbird Blackbird produces some beautiful hazy tracks with soft vocals. He does some pretty incredible remixes that I have caught onto in the past and its been a pleasure watching him gain so much popularity in the blogosphere. Feast your eyes and ears:

Blackbird Blackbird-Float On (Modest Mouse Cover)
Blackbird Blackbird-Heartbeat
Blackbird Blackbird-Sunspray
Blackbird Blackbird-Left to Hurt

Reinstating Hope

I have been browsing around the internet for an hour or so listening for something half way decent to post. I have been a little skeptical and pessimistic in finding music that would be worth posting lately. Misiiko and Kuhmoo brought up my spirits and restored my faith in the search for talent. I always steer towards obscure, unknown artists with absolutely no bio or information. Oh well, its all about the music I suppose so my apologies that I have nothing else to write except that this is a dreamy, mellow duo from Chicago. Reminds me of a previous post I did on the artist Evenings. Unfortunately I only have two tracks to post (wish I had more) but they are pretty golden.

Misiiko and Kuhmoo- Lull
Misiiko and Kuhmoo- DTUJJJJ

Little Gem

Gem Club is soft simplicity at its best. Minimalistic (not in the electronic sense) and exceptionally enchanting, the Massachusetts duo serenades with only vocals, a piano and the occasional strings.

Gem Club-Acid and Everything
Holy Spirits and Gem Club-Fingertips

Gypsy Jazz

A continuation of my obsession for gypsy jazz, I introduce another bad ass guitarist from the Aix-en-Provence (France)- Paul "Tchan Tchou" Vidal. Vidal picked up the guitar from his father, and the legendary Django Reinhardt whom was a family friend. His music is a little more simple and mellow with a flamenco influence, but all the same beautiful and moving.

Familiar Folk

I forgot how draining it is to sift through music looking for actual talent. But alas, I found someone worth sharing that caught my interest. Kevin Echlin is a Canadian singer, guitarist and fellow ginger. You can hear the Beirut/Fionn Regan influence in his voice, which eagerly attracted me to his music. He also impressively plays the ukulele, accordion, mandolin, violin and oud. Exceptionally folk-y and refreshing, Echlin's music is likable and familiar to my ears, therefore making the strenuous search worth the find.

Kevin Echlin- The Shepard's Demise

I have really been enjoying his covers on youtube, and this Fionn Regan cover is remarkably similar to the original track.

Cloudy Days

Finally getting some winter weather here in LA and I couldnt be more pleased. With weather like this I always turn to certain artists that make things more nostalgic and beautiful as I stay warm inside and relax. Today has been a Beach House day. And so I thought I'd share a few of my Beach House favorites including a more upbeat remix that I more recently discovered.

Beach House- Lover of Mine
Beach House- Norway (Skinny Friedman Edit)

Anticipation

It has been difficult these past two weeks to look for new music considering my default internet browser has been virus infected and I am using good old internet explorer which moves at the speed of molasses. hooray. I have been kind of going nuts to the point where I have cut down on internet use dramatically- which may be a good thing. Either way, I thought I would just do a quick post to express my excitement for tonight's Daedelus show! Super estatic to see him along with Them Jeans, Gaslamp Killer and more. I am posting up a few of my favorite songs and remixes by Daedelus.

Daedelus- Order of the Golden Dawn
Daedelus- LA Nocturn
Daedelus- Make It So (XXXchange Remix)
Lymbyc System(Daedelus Remix)- ...So We Can Sleep

Bot'Ox

I am always late to the party. I just found out about the French duo Bot'Ox and thought I'd share them in case your like me and haven't stumbled across them. I was giddy to find out that one half of the duo is Benjamin Boguet, better known as a Cosmo Vitelli, whom produced one of my favorite tracks of all time- Rodian Electric Soca. Bot'Ox has an eerie futuristic sound thats mechanically mellow, sounding 80's with a newer touch.



Bot'Ox- Blue Steel Ft. Anna Jean
Bot'Ox- Grand Central
Bot'Ox- Rue de l'Aresnal (Yuksek Remix)
*2 minutes and 14 seconds in- golden.

Bowl of Beats

I apologize it has been almost two weeks since my last post. It has been a busy last two weeks but I am finally able to take the mental break to bring you some music. Rice the Beat Chef is a DJ and producer from Seattle with crisp trip hop and experimental beats. Some incredible bass lines beneath all the melodies and sounds. Take some time to listen and unwind.

Rice the Beat Chef- Europa
Rice the Beat Chef- Bootin Up My Mecha

Farewell Summer

I guess it is time to accept the fact that summer is over. Although, the heat is forever dragging on here in Los Angeles and it does not feel quite like fall. There is nothing like music to preserve the feeling of summer; for those living in a seasonal environment I give you Lay Bac, a producer from Austin TX with a niche for experimental chill out tracks. Reminisce contentedly with some Lay Bac tunes. Oh yeah and the best part is..he is giving away his album for free right HERE.

Lay Bac- Stay Out Tonight
Lay Bac-Wind Surfer Cross

Flashback

Feast your eyes and ears. An old video, but it always makes me smile.

Vimeo

Experience Experiments

What does a ping pong ball, wind-up toy, and duck tape have to do with classical music? Surprisingly these are different elements German composer Hauschka has used in creating new sounds to his composed orchestral music. With great similarity to that of Yann Tiersen, Hauschka brings playfully dark and somber components with romantic piano, music box melodies and profound strings. He adds an unusual touch, taping the piano chords or placing ping pong balls into the piano. Hauschka continues to experiment with different objects looking for new sounds to add to his compositions, making his live shows and tracks interesting to hear and see.



Hauschka-Ginsterweg

The Good, The Not So Bad, The Not So Ugly

I suppose I will follow up with yet another great collaboration. I am a little late on the train but hopefully this is a new band to some of my readers. The Good, The Bad & The Queen is composed of vocalist Damon Albarn (Gorillaz/The Blur), guitarist Simon Tong (The Verve), bassist Paul Simonon (The Clash), and drummer Tony Allen (Fela Kuti). Some seriously incredible musicians coming together to form elements of classic rock mixed with upbeat folk-y vibes. Not to mention their album was produced by Danger Mouse. Albarn brings the beautiful touch of vocals that once won me over with Gorillaz, catching my ears all over again.

Fantastic Foursome

Monsters of Folk consists of M. Ward, Yim Yames (Jim James from My Morning Jacket), Mike Mogis and the ever so nostalgic and depressing Conor Oberst. All four have collaborated to create some astonishingly wonderful tracks. The following track being one of my favorites:

Grecian Frequency

Absolutely infatuated with the artist CRSpace. Unfortunately my geography skills are not too keen, so I was a little taken back about finding an artist from Thessaloniki, Greece. I can't recall any impressionable artists from that general area, but CRSpace definitely takes the cake as of now. CRSpace produces and DJ's a lot of clean cut experimental, trip hop, space-y and electronic beats as well as some favorable dubstep sets. I suggest listening to all of the tracks with headphones so you can actually get the full production value.

crspace & tesla phenomena - unknown by crspace

Sub tropical (preview) by crspace

crspace - liveset - summer 2010 by crspace

Check out the rest of his tracks on his Soundcloud.

Sweden Sounds

After drinking two redbulls, I sped through music pages looking for some new artists to post up. Lissvik stopped me in my cracked out tracks. Lissvik- or some of you may know him as D. Lissvik- is one half of the incredible duo Studio. Lissvik is a Swedish producer whose tracks include experimental beats with a mixture of middle eastern sounds, New Order sounding guitar riffs, and disco-y drumlines. Basically a mix of everything; it varies depending on the track. He became a pretty big deal after his remix of Fever Ray's 'When I Grow Up', but I am going to go ahead and post up some equally awesome tracks.

Lissvik- B2
Lissvik- Practice

City Country River

It has been far, far too long since I have done a post. With the craziness of music events post midterms week, my brain has slowly turned to scholastic musical mush. Finally crawling out of my cave of books to find the time to share some newly sought after music. Unfortunately, these guys I have found are impossible to get hold of, and once again I fell in love with an artist that I can barely find ANY information on or tracks outside of myspace. Stadt Land Fluss, translated into "City, Country, River" is an acoustic duo from Berlin. Like many of my choice artists, they are completely instrumental. With beautiful, mellow riffs they tell stories with their fingers. I tried searching far and wide through the blogosphere and internet to find some sort of clip/video/track that I could put up. Apparently they had an album come out in 2007, no where to be found though. By searching one of the artists names I did discover a random youtube video that used their music- hooray! I highly reccommend actually going on their myspace and listening to all of their tracks with a cup of tea and an open mind. Enjoy.

Turbo Track

I have always been checking up on Turbotito ever since I saw him at Echoplex play one of the best DJ sets I have heard in awhile. Turbotito is a DJ/Producer from Copenhagen but currently stationed in Los Angeles. I am obsessed with this fairly new remixed track 'Lose Your Soul'. Very lounge-esque, and eerie.

Dead Man's Bones- Lose Your Soul (Turbotito Remix)

Sounds Right on Track

So I was really excited to do a post about my favorite movie soundtracks, but realized that my number kept growing to an unmanageable amount where I do not think any sane person would want to read about or listen to them all. I have narrowed down the selection to a good 5.Now the movies may or may not be to your liking, and I will admit I did not pick these films for the purpose of being great films,but for their great soundtracks. In no particular order...

1. Amelie.
All I can say is, Yann Tiersen- what a genius. One of my favorite composers of all time. Suggested albums (not to be confused with his rock music): Goodbye Lenin, Tabarly, Le Phare, and of course the soundtrack for Amelie. Highly suggested.

Yann Tiersen-Comtine D'un Autre Ete: L'apres Midi
Yann Tiersen-La Valse D'Amelie (piano version)
Yann Tiersen-LaValse Des Monstres



2. Pulp Fiction.
Hands down my favorite movie. The soundtrack is the cherry on top.



Al Green-Lets Stay Together
Dusty Springfield-Son of a Preacher Man

3. Lost in Translation.
An eclectic mix of drone-y grunge with some good classic artists like Phoenix, Air, and Sebastian Tellier.



Air- Alone in Kyoto
Kaze Wo Atsumete-Happy End

4. Factory Girl.
An awesome collection of songs from the 50's and 60's- a nice flashback of classic rock n roll.


Johnny Kidd and The Pirates- Shakin' All Over
Count Five- Psychotic Reaction

5. Inception.
Hans Zimmer and Johnny Marr (guitarist from The Smiths) set the perfect mood for quite the epic movie. Hans Zimmer is one of the greatest composers out there for films, and though I wanted to post some of his older scoring, I could not flinch away from Inception. Insanely good.

Past Treasures

My fascination with history will always haunt me. Haunt me in the sense that I wish so badly that I could live in a different time. I have the constant tendency to dream that I am living in Versailles (sigh), or roaming dirt roads on horseback and wandering into saloons. My obsession with finding things completely preserved as they were from their era always draws me to museums or old towns, noticing original buildings. Unfortunately nothing is ever precisely preserved to its original state that it existed in (although some very close). I often rely on music to bring me to the past, feeding my daydreaming. I have so much old music I want to share- and there are an endless amount of musical geniuses that span back to the 1800's, but I am going to stick to a few favorites of mine from different eras- mostly jazz and classical.
Django Reinhardt-When Day Is Done
Chopin-Nocturne in B flat minor Op.9, No.1 (Performed by Ivan Moravec)
Chet Baker- But Not For Me
Francisco Tarrega- Gran Vals (Performed by David Russel)
Louis Armstrong- Body and Soul
Franz Schubert- Adagio from Piano Sonata No.19

Anything But Violent

After several attempts to search thoroughly for information on Girl With The Gun, surprisingly the internet failed me. I considered contacting them for an interview, but I feel it has been too long since I have written here that I should not postpone it any longer. So what I do have for you, a duo from Lecce, Italy with a comforting sound created by female guitarist and vocalist Matilde Davoli and musician Andrea Mangia known as Populous. Girl With The Gun is very simple, mellow and positive. I suggest going on their myspace and listening to "Coast to Coast"-personal favorite.

You can purchase their music on itunes here.

Tuesday Blues Day

I am ultimately jealous of those who can play guitar like champs because I failed horribly in my attempt to pick it up (no pun intended). After continuing my search for some more new artists to share, I found Preston Reed, a blues style guitarist from New York. I was drawn to his music because it reminded me a lot of Kaki King, with the finger style and tapping. He has been around for quite some time now, and well known in the guitar world so I am a little skeptical to put up free tracks without his or the copyright owners permission. So I am just going to put up some videos for you to enjoy and if you like him, go ahead and purchase his music on itunes.

Interview with Chronik

I present to you my first interview on Music Does Wonders! My curiosity always pushes me to interview artists I don't know much about that I find fascinating. I came across Chronik after hearing one of his ambient songs in a beautiful video and was eager to find more tracks. His music is organic and atmospheric, with calming instrumentals. I couldn't gather much information online about the Berlin based artist, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and get my own questions answered.

How and when did you start making music?
I started 7 years ago like an experiment… I don’t think I was good at the beginning… I just tried to see how programs and hardware worked. Im a listener mostly and I try to put out everything I feel is worth listening to now.

What instruments, tools, etc do you use to create music?
I work on Ableton and various plug in programs…synth and acoustic recordings. But music is not about programs so much as the ideas.

Where do you find creativity to produce new songs?
From the people I love and the life I dream to have…Love is important for me.

What has been your biggest challenge so far with music and being a musician?
I think I started to feel bored to admire musicians and I thought to start admire myself somehow…hehe… there is a truth behind this “joke”.

What is the music scene down in Berlin like?
Berlin is popular and the best place for independent musicians to present their work. In Berlin everyone can play live…its so easy…so free…and so beautiful. The musicians are very open minded..much more than here in Greece for example. What I love in Berlin is that I can go for to shop clothes or drink my café..always with beautiful music in the air.
Berlin is not a paradise but can help many people to produce and create music.
Hmm… Maria club or Panorama stays always in my memory…

What influences has Berlin had on your style of music?
Many…From the people in the streets…the trees and the quietness I miss to have when im in Athens. Its very sexy city …But mostly the weather is one of the things that inspires me a lot!

What are some artists that you listened to when you were younger that may have or still influence your style?
I try not to get influence from musicians because im afraid that I wont have my own style to my music. Ir definitely helped a lot listening to musicians I love…like…Goldmund…Dictaphone…Arovane… etc..

Are then any local artists that have impacted your music?
Yes. Many… In general labels like C.C.O – Morr music.

I noticed multiple videos under your Vimeo account. Do you create these videos, or is it a collaboration with other cinematographers?
I love to collaborate with people whose work I admire- like Hemming. A few videos I have made by myself…but they are not so great I think…its just a reason for someone to listen my music.

What other cities or venues would you want to play in?
Europe if its possible… I don’t have something special in my mind about cities… I love any and all experiences…


What is your favorite track you have produced?
Difficult to answer, but “tape in my mind” is like my child.

Do you do have another job on the side besides making music? or any interesting hobbies?
I travel and I read books. Also I listen music every hour in my daily life… Another job at the moment no… I wanna work into music more now..

If you could collaborate with anyone- who would it be?
I collaborate with musicians and I am happy for that. But if u mean some famous artists… I would say many, but I prefer this to stay inside me as a dream and not reality… I have to work more and maybe after I can say..

Would you want to ever have your music used in film or television?
If so, what kind of shows or films?
I worked for 2 movies but in the future I will be part of David Stevenson Fisher’s Director of A&R Songs for Film & T.V. I am very happy about this.

What are you currently listening to? (maybe not right at this moment, but in general)?
Lot of music and many different styles…from electronic to classical and jazz music…For me music listenings are like studing music…

Any wisdom or advice for other musicians, or new musicians?
To let their heart free to fly.

Anything else you would like to share with us? Any new releases/new concert dates/etc?
My album will be released soon under the name of “Im a tree”… some dj sets and now I care mostly to finish my album together with Zinovia … Im happy to work with her and I am looking forward to collaborating more with her in the future.

after you came to me by chronik
fake girl with a.m. by chronik

Dada Life July Mix

Usually I save all my electronic music posts for the No Harm No Fowl blog, but what the hell, I will post it on here :)
Really excited Dada Life just posted a July Mix today! I love Dada Life. End of story. Dada Life mixes are always insanely good (the nov. mix being one of my favorites). I will spare you the usual description and just give you the damn thang. Make sure to download all their other mixes on their website.
Dada Life- July Mix 2010
Tracklist:
Etienne De Crecy – Hope (studio version)
Tom Staar – Two Tone Simms
Calvertron & Tim Healey – Back 2 The Ghetto
Sebastien Drums, Avicii – My Feelings For You (Angger Dimas Bambu Remix)
Kaskade – Dynasty (Dada Life Remix)
Sovnger – Breathless (Alex Gopher Day Remix)
Squeeze – Doop (Uppermost Remix)
Kylie Minogue – All The Lovers (Dada Life Remix)
Mr Blink – Gecko (Original Mix)
Boy 8-Bit – The Keep
Tiesto Feat. Diplo – C’Mon (Original Mix)
Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike & Dada Life – Tomorrow
Technotronic vs Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike – Pump Up The Jam (Crowd is Jumpin Mix)
Dada Life – Cookies With A Smile

Delayed Evenings

Is it bad that I get frustrated when I find an amazing artist only to discover I am the last person in the world to find out about them? I suppose its bound to happen with so many artists out today. All I want to do is bring you guys new music from artists completely unknown, that have the element of talent. I am excited to share with you the artist Evenings. After I heard the song 'Babe', I became instantly hooked and obsessed with finding more tracks. Lucky for me, and for you if you take a liking, the Virginian artist has given his North Dorm EP away for free (thank you for that man). It is an incredible EP, and I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy every track. Such a surprising treat. How to describe Evenings tracks..well imagine soft, subtle electronic themes mixed with beautiful, mellow rhythms. Tracks you can listen to any time of the day- waking up or falling asleep, that can provide you with some optimistic sensations. Immerse your ears.

Evenings-Babe
Evenings Vs Rxry- Thunder/Language (Evenings Remix)
Evenings- Still Young

Evenings Free EP- Download Here

Necessities

For all crowds, here are a few tracks that I think everyone should have. A mix of old and new tracks that are random genres or styles, that have more recently popped up into my playlists. I hope you will find at least one you can enjoy.

Unkle-Joy Factory(Feat. Autolux)
Air- African Velvet
Ocuban-Syndrone
PANTyRAID-Beba
Baba Black-Dirty Sheep
Trentemøller- Snowflake (Live Version)
Caribou-Odessa
dOP-Lighthouse (Youandewan Dub)

Swedish Melodies

I feel like a broken record, but for those who have not heard of Detektivbyrån, A Swedish brother duo, I highly suggest adding them to your music collection. Although not for all audiences, it may capture the hearts of those who love Yann Tiersen (Composed the soundtrack for Amelie) or 'soundtrack' type music. I like Detektivbyråns music because it speaks for itself. Their use and combination of Accordions, the Glockenspiel, Vibraphones, synthesizers and more, creates a foreign, nostalgic feel.

Detektivbyrån- Nattöppet
Detektivbyrån- Vanerhavet
Detektivbyrån- Neonland
Detektivbyrån- Dansbanan

Sleepy Tunes

I tend to gravitate towards more instrumental music, not that I have anything against lyrics and vocalists. There are just times when no words are needed; only sounds, melodies and, instruments creating unique moods within you. Funki Porcini provides just that. Funki Porcini is a DJ and producer from the UK-signed to Ninja Tune, one of my favorite labels. Porcini produces drifty trip hop, combining jazz beats with creative sampling. I cant recommend him enough to the lovers of Bonobo (another favorite). This music is great to put on headphones and fall asleep to. What a coincidence that the tracks I provide are from the album 'Fast Asleep', which ties so perfectly into the great slumber you will experience if you put Porcini on before bed.

Funki Porcini-Back Home
Funki Porcini-Sleepy


Heres a cool video with a track from his newest album, ON.

Spanish Heat

The afternoon is slowly dragging on today. I just don't care for Tuesdays. If anything, some good flamenco music is making the heat feel more like Spain and less like Los Angeles. Although I don't follow sports, news is Spain won against Portugal in one of the World Cup games- which strangely ties to my choice of music today. Biel Ballester- a guitarist and composer from Barcelona, has constantly turned hectic, stressful days into tension free days- helping me unwind from whatever is on my mind. Biel Ballester has his own band called Biel Ballester Trio that he usually performs with. Termed "Gypsy Jazz"- his bands music has been featured in one of my favorite movie soundtracks- 'Vicky Christina Barcelona' (more than appropriate for the atmosphere). End your day on a good note with Ballester's jazzy, authentic flamenco guitar while satisfying your need for some sounds of foreign culture.

Biel Ballester Trio- When I Was A Boy
Biel Ballester- Your Shining Eyes

We Will Meet Again

Is it strange that I had Deja Vu the second I heard Chi Limpiroj's voice? I just had to write a post about her. As always I am searching and scanning through all sorts of music and came across her. Her voice is like silk, and her lyrics are honest, poetic and vulnerable. Very similar sounding to Zee Avi,but more sensuous as her voice captivates and lulls simultaneously.
Chi Limpiroj (Pronounced Chee Lim-Pie-Ro) is a multi talented 19 year old from the UK. She plays guitar, bass, violin, ukulele (awesome), sings, and records all of her music in her own bedroom (again, awesome). For those who love heart-warming, simple folk, I highly recommend listening to Chi.

Chi Limpiroj- Love Is On Your Side
Chi Limpiroj- Dear Autumn

Dad's Day

Today is Fathers Day, and when it comes to music, nothing reminds me of him more than some rock n roll. So here you go Dad, my top pick of current rock. Happy Fathers Day!

Band Of Skulls- I Know What I Am



The Black Keys- Ten Cent Pistol




The Dead Weather- The Difference Between Us



Battles- Atlas

Language Barriers

For some strange reason I am attracted to French lyrics even though I have no idea what the heck they are singing about. Sometimes all you need is a solid melody and a beautiful voice to pull it off.
So I give you my collection of new and old songs sung in French.



Coeur De Pirate. This girl is a dream. She is only 19 years old and has been playing the piano since she was 3. She started composing her own songs about 3 years ago and sings along with the cutest voice that will make your heart melt. To make her even more enviable, she is probably the most beautiful girl I have seen behind a piano.

Coeur De Pirate-Comme Des Enfants
Coeur De Pirate-Comme Des Enfants (Le Matos Remix)

Next I present Julien Ribot. I apologize I dont have any tracks to post up. Its impossible to find this one song, but I found the video-which is equally as incredible.

To be continued...

Familiar Nostalgia

Doubting anyone will actually read this blog- I suppose it is more therapeutic for me to have an outlet for all my excitement with music. If you know me, at some point I have busted out the ipod and tried to share some new gem of a song to you in hopes you will enjoy. I feel some how it is my purpose in life to expose good music (especially artists or bands unheard of). For now, I have blogging.

For my first post I thought I would share Familiar Trees. I heard Familiar Trees when I was 15 years old browsing through random websites. I had completely forgot about them until a few months ago when I was trying to find some good, mellow, ambient music. Familiar Trees is composed of one guy on the piano, one breathy voicetress and session musicians on guitar, percussion and bass. Their elegant ambient sound will soothe you to sleep while taking you to a zoned out dream state.

Familiar Trees-Discreet Robots
Familiar Trees- Serum