FIESTA | bomba estereo

HAPPY PRIDE, everyone! Let the festivities begin.

The latest album release by Colombian group Bomba Estereo is an explosion of vibrant rhythm and sound. The track "Fiesta" is a good example of why their music has been described as "psychedelic cumbia." It combines the cultural characteristics of both into beautiful danceable music.

Press play, and find out for yourself.

Take a look at those visuals, those costumes, those colors! Imagine that at a music festival. I highly suggest they be on the line-up for next year's Coachella and/or Treasure Island Music Festival. They would be perfect.

For now, I will get to see them play at the New Parish in Oakland on Monday, July 20th. 

Happy PRIDE, from SF/OAKLAND.
<3

HYPNOTIZED | yanis

The story: I accidentally came across this track on Spotify while searching for something else. However, I am so glad this beautiful accident happened. "Hypnotized" by Yanis is amazing! It is such an eargasm.

Yanis is an up-and-coming artist from Paris. I fell in love with the track at first listen. I could not stop listening to it all weekend. I even woke up one morning with it playing in my head.

Then, I watched the video. The video shows Yanis and dancers dancing under hypnosis. Let go of your inhibitions and let the music move you.

Now, click play below and watch the music video for his debut track. Enjoy.

YELLOW FLICKER BEAT | lorde

"Yellow Flicker Beat" is beautiful. Lorde is a poet. She doesn't write songs, she sets poetry to music. It's art. Very much like Fiona Apple, Lorde knows how to write. I respect their talent for writing - and writing inventively. 

"This is the start of how it all ends
They used to shout my name, now they whisper it"

It is impressive the way Lorde describes Katniss's journey from her rise to fame and into infamy. From a first-person narration, Lorde articulates Katniss's strong, defiant personality. She gives words to Katniss's actions. Supported by the production, "Yellow Flicker Beat" captures the dark thoughts and emotions running through Katniss's head as she falls from grace.

The music video sees Lorde going into darker territory. But how could she not? This is the Hunger Games we are talking about. They're not rainbows and butterflies. Mortality is a constant reminder. 

I love that she is growing as an artist. #teamlorde 

FROOT | marina & the diamonds

Welcome the return of Marina and the Diamonds. After the death of Electra Heart last year, Marina Diamandis is back with FROOT. As evidenced by the titled-track, Marina is now moving into some new territory -- with a 70s disco-influenced sound.

"FROOT" serves as the leading single for her upcoming album (to be released April 6, 2015). At first listen, I was slow to like the track. However, it grows on you. By the 3-5 listen, I was singing and dancing along. Goodbye Electra Heart, hello new FROOTy Marina.

Earlier this week, Marina wrote on her Facebook page that she will be releasing a new track every month leading up to the album's release in April. I am most excited to hear "Blue,""probably my biggest sounding song" (TheLineOfBestFit). You know what else happens in April? Coachella! Is it too much to ask that she play at next year's Coachella?! 

What do you guys think of her new sound? Like it?

SOLO DANCING | indiana

Introducing: British singer-songwriter Lauren Henson, aka Indiana ("the girl not the state"). Thanks to my good friend Kat who sent me her track "Solo Dancing," I now have it on repeat. 

"Solo Dancing" builds up so perfectly. Her voice, the beats, the composition of it all work so well. There are moments in the song where I think of "Tick of the Clock" by the Chromatics. I love the build up in both tracks. You can call it hipster make-out music, if you want. Haha. What can I say? I love the build up.

Check out the video. There is so much solo dancing: choking the chicken, hitting the meat, petting the pussy, flicking the bean, and even flicking Mr. Bean himself. As suggested by the title and the music video in particular, the track is about wanking. Watch as Indiana plays with the metaphors below.

Sometimes, when you want the job done well, you have to do it yourself. As much as we can try, sometimes you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

HEAD UP HIGH | oh land

Danish singer Oh Land is back with a new hairdo and a new single. "Head Up High" is the lead single off her upcoming fourth studio album, Earth Sick, scheduled for an early November release. 

Written as encouragement for her close friend who was dealing with some romance woes, the track is a power anthem for keeping one's "head up high." Oh Land is back, stronger and more powerful than before.

Watch the music video for her new single below. 

Luckily, I was able to catch her perform at The Independent in San Francisco earlier this year while she was on tour promoting her previous album, Wishbone. Unsurprisingly, Oh Land is amazing live. My friend whom accompanied me left the show a fan. :-)

HIGH | FEMME

Introducing: Femme, British singer, songwriter, and producer whom you should be listening to right now. She just finished supporting Charli XCX on her tour, alongside Elliphant. Talk about girl power! With her pink hair, killer moves, and innovative electro-pop, Femme opened the show this past Saturday night at Slim's in San Francisco. 

Earlier this month, she released "High." Layered, upbeat, and fun, the track showcases her ability to beautifully blend together different sounds in an infectious harmony. Girl knows how to have fun, and how to infect that fun spirit into her music.

"Double Trouble" is a track from earlier in her career. You can hear the layering, see the pink, and feel the DIY attitude. You go Femme! I'm rooting for you.

 

Femme, I'm glad to have been able to see you perform at this stage of your career. You were great, and I see you only getting bigger. Keep doing what you do, because it is effin fantastic.

Love you girl,
FELIX | Aesthetic Aficionado

*fanboying my ass off, i know. guilty, as charged.

SLOW LOVE | MØ

MØ was one of my top three acts to see this past weekend at Treasure Island Music Festival, and she did not disappoint. Actually, she performed so well that she earned new fans. Despite suffering from an eye infection, she gave it her all. Her protective eye-patch fit in well with the theme of the festival: pirates, matey! 

"Slow Love" is one of my favorite tracks by her, and I was very happy when she started playing it this past Saturday afternoon. True to her sound, the track pairs her barely understandable voice (a la Grimes) singing over innovative electronic beats. MØ sings,

-\-\-\-

Let me love you
All night long to a slow beat
Singing our song

-\-\-\-

As suggested by the title, the track speaks of wanting to slow down love so as not to let it come to its inevitable end too quickly. MØ wants to enjoy the ride for as long as possible. She wants to make love last longer. It's beautiful to listen to her comparing love to a song --- a song so good that you don't ever want it to end. "Why is the rhythm always making me high?" she asks. 

Listen for yourself. Press play. And those visuals! All her background visuals during her TIMF performance resembled the one below. They were beautifully edited. My friends and I fell in love with them.
 

I'M IN LOVE | zhala

I can always rely on Sweden for some avant-garde pop music. They consistently produce music that defies popular categorization. Sweden has given us Robyn, Lykke Li, and The Knife to mention a few. These artists are innovative, genre-defying, and creative geniuses. Now, Stockholm native Zhala is continuing the Swedish tradition by releasing tracks that are experimental by design. 

Robyn's protege, Zhala, first released "Prophet" a few months ago. Below is the lyric video for the track. It's bizarre, yet captivating. Can you look away?

"I'm In Love" is her newest single to date. Press play and watch the magic that is Zhala. Both the track and its accompanying video are different, weird, and playful. I love it. Can you blame Robyn for signing her on to her label Konichiwa Records? Thank you, Sweden, Robyn, and Zhala. Keep the music coming.

ALL OUT | anna lunoe

I first came across Anna Lunoe in 2012 with her collaborative single "I Met You." The music video plays like an ad for H&M x Urban Outfitters. Now, the Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and deejay (I'm sure I missed more titles, sorry Anna) has released "All Out" from her forthcoming fall EP.

"All Out" is a bouncy feel good track about admitting to yourself that you are indeed in love. Anna is done with denying herself the sweetness that is love; she is surrendering to its power.

"I can't even say it's not love" 

She is "all out" of excuses and is letting go by giving in. When you feel good, you feel good. Let it be. Don't fight it. Let love in. 

Click play to listen.

#tbt | "it's not right but it's okay" covered by chvrches

On this edition of #tbt, we shall look back at a Whitney Houston classic through the Scottish band Chvrches. Though Lauren Mayberry, the lead singer of Chvrches, may not possess Whitney's voice, the electronic band manages to give "It's Not Right But It's Okay" an indie spin. Chvrches makes the track their own. Take a listen. 

Their cover may not convey the same attitude with which Whitney sang it, but we'll still sing and dance along to their interpretation of the tune. Their version is much more dance-oriented than the original. Now, without further ado, here's the woman herself.

single of the week | "break the fall" by laura welsh

Not all iTunes free Singles of the Week are created equal. Some weeks are good; other times they fall short. However, this week is worth a listen ... and a download. A free download! 

Earlier this month, I introduced British singer-songwriter Laura Welsh as she released her impressive self-titled EP (post here). Now, itunes has wisely selected her track "Break the Fall" for their free single of the week. 

Listen. Enjoy. Download. For free. And enjoy some more.

artist to watch | laura welsh

Introducing British singer-songwriter Laura Welsh. Just a few days ago, she released her self-titled EP. And, with just four songs on it, Welsh manages to provide us with an impressive debut. I gave myself a few days to digest her material, but her talent is recognizable on the first listen. 

"Ghosts" opens the EP with Welsh's strong vocals. The song itself is reminiscent of the sound of Adele with Florence + the Machine (a similar yet different Welch). Co-written with John Legend, "The Hardest Part" slows down to allow Welsh's voice to draw you in. This is my favorite song off her EP. With her emotive voice and its slow-tempo beats, the track is a beautiful confessional song about her vulnerability to that special someone. Trust me, and press play now.

"Break The Fall" resurfaces her strong vocals as she sings about her cynicism towards love.

"Cold Front" closes the EP with another example of her artistic versatility -- she doesn't have to sing alongside beating drums with every song. She can move you in more ways than one.

With her self-titled EP, Laura Welch successfully delivers a good collection of sultry, soulful pop songs. It is a work of beautiful, tasteful, and well-crafted adult pop confection. Thank you, Laura Welsh, for this impressive debut.

Her self-titled EP is available on itunes and all digital formats now.

new track tuesday | feel the "sound" of telepopmusik

The French electronic collective known as Télépopmusik have just released their new single "Sound." Featuring subtle vocals by Mark Gardener, the track's focus remains on the soft ambient effect it produces.

"Sound" is a fitting addition to their collection of work -- the beats, vocals, and production collectively re-create their moody downtempo aesthetic. The track serves as a reminder that Telepopmusik knows how to work with a minimalist sound. Like the lyrics say, "feel the sound."

Telepopmusik's new album is expected to be released later this fall.

Merci beaucoup, Telepopmusik.

#fbf | "russian kiss" by annie (NSFW)

SFPride is right around the corner. Tonight, in fact, I will be attending the Big Gay Birthday in SF hosted by The Bold Italic. "Big Gay Birthday is the pre-Pride party that also celebrates SF’s birthday (238 this year)." Happy SF Pride, and happy birthday to SF. 

However, as progressive as SF is and other places have become, let us not forget that is not the case everywhere. We can simply look back at the controversy surrounding the 2014 Sochi Olympics. 

In response to the politics at play in the games, Norwegian pop singer Annie released a politically-charged tune titled "Russian Kiss." Furthermore, the music video explicitly challenges the Putin administration's anti-LGBTQ position. The video plays like an ad for an American Apparel x Urban Outfitters collaboration. I mean no disrespect to the creative minds behind this brilliant video. I very much enjoy the fruits of their labor, and wish the song and video had received more airplay and attention. It is worth watching and listening to. 

-/-/-/-

Show your love for the lovers, the others, 

the fighters, outsiders,

people like you

-/-/-/- 

Press play, and let me know what you think. 

loreen | "we got the power" to love!

Happy pride month, everyone! 

Here, in Oakland, we are days away from SFPride. And, in honor of pride month, let's celebrate love! 

With her latest music video, Swedish pop-singer Loreen marches on to the beat of her heart -- reminding us that "we got the power" to love! #yala #youalwaysloveagain


Thank you, Loreen, for providing us with a good anthem to march to in the name of love.

Reminder: let's celebrate love; and, march on, lovers. march on to the rhythm of your beating hearts.

introducing | kwamie liv

Hailing from Copenhagen, Kwamie Liv first entered the music scene with her single "5 AM."

5 AM has been very much well received by music bloggers and critics alike. Can you blame them though? She does alt R&B so well. Her work on 5 AM sounds as if it were a collaboration between the Weeknd and BANKS. And, did you pick up on the Lana-esque of the song? I sure did.

Speaking of the Weeknd, Kwamie Liv even released a cover of "What you need."

Oh yeah, that right there is hipster baby-making music. 

Now, she is back with "Follow You."

The music video like the song is not over-thought - the magic lies in its simplicity. "Follow you" is a great follow-up single to 5 AM. I especially like when she breaks rhythm at 3:24, and serves a little freestyle. As she continues to experiment with her sound, Kwamie will further develop herself as an artist to watch. Keep your eyes and ears on her, people. 

Also, check out her style in that video. Girl is on point. She is beautiful and beautifully plays with the camera gaze. As the camera simply follows her walking through a tunnel in Copenhagen, Kwamie flirts with it. Even when her hair masks part of her face, she makes it look good. The video is all one take, after all.

Kwamie Liv is set to release her debut album later this fall.

for the kissers | "touch" by shura

It's Friday. Yay! Now, do yourself a favor and press play now. Please.

This one is for the kissers out there. :-)

That, my friends, was the music video for "Touch" by London-based producer and singer Shura. 

There's not much to disclose about Shura yet. She came out of nowhere. She simply released this song on her soundcloud page, and that was that. Like other music bloggers out there, I cannot seem to get enough of this song and its music video. It reminds me of another video I posted about earlier - "You and Me (Flume Remix) by Disclosure.

However, Shura's video takes the idea of focusing in on a kissing couple and multiplies it by a few more people. It's all about the kiss. Don't forget that, people.

As SF PRIDE nears, let's remember to celebrate LOVE!

Peace. 

fridays, i'm in love | "your love" by nicole scherzinger

TGIF! It's Friday, and I'm in L-O-V-E!

-/-/-/- 

I need you in the daytime
Especially in the night time
I'm never in my right mind when I'm with you 

-/-/-/- 

Nicole Scherzinger returns with "Your Love."

Unlike the artists featured on my previous posts who are talking about failed and unhealthy relationships, Scherzinger takes us to the beach to confess her love. 

Unfortunately for her and us (the listeners), the song's production makes her sound like she can't sing. And we all know she can - Nicole was the voice of the Pussycat Dolls (remember them?). The girl can sing. So why not let her? The song would greatly benefit from removing the auto-tune. There's no need for it. At times, this song feels like it can be a J Lo song. Also, the lyrics are not the best. But they are catchy. And I guess that's what mainstream pop is all about at times, right? 

-/-/-/-

Boy, your love makes me feel like
Roo-doo-doo-da-doo!
Roo-doo-doo-da-doo!

Roo-doo-doo-da-doo!
-/-/-/- 

Earlier this week, Scherzinger released the music video for "Your Love."

Click play, listen, and tell me what you think about it.

  

#tbt | "goodbye" by kristinia debarge

In this week's edition of #tbt, let's revisit "Goodbye" by Kristinia deBarge. This summer we have Ariana Grande's "Problem" and Blood Orange's "You're not good enough" - both of which tell their former lovers to piss off. In 2009, we had "Goodbye" by Kristinia deBarge. 

From the very beginning, "Goodbye" starts strong: strong beat accompanied by empowered lyrics:

-/-/-/-

Am I suppose to put my life on hold
Because you don't know how to act?
And you don't know where your life is going?
Am I suppose to be torn apart
Broken-hearted in a corner cryin'?
Pardon me if I don't show it

-/-/-/- 

Kristinia doesn't hold back, reminding that fool that she's done with him. She's just a girl who wants to have fun. The bad boyfriend didn't know how to treat her well, so she's leaving and moving on. Having said her "goodbye," she is now having the time of her life. Just watch below.

Simple. Direct. Catchy. The song was everywhere. Overplayed, at times. But we all still sang along.

Kristinia is even nice enough to offer some free advice.

-/-/-/-

"Take this final piece of advice and get yourself together
But either way, baby, I'm gone"
-/-/-/-

Even if he were to take her free advice and grow up, Kristinia is done with him. Done. #goodbye #1lessproblem (a la Ariana) #youwerentgoodenough (says Blood Orange)