Fresh Video from Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

Clearly we’re enamored with the playful sounds of Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (I even wrote about them HERE for SXSW). They definitely have an Australian sound, and it’s super apparent here…filled with that breathy vocal and guitars that ring circles in your head. Personally, I love how the band has this attitude of indifference, yet they survive by offering up an inherent joyousness; it’s even evident in the celebratory attitude of the accompanying video. These guys are one of the highlights of my upcoming SXSW plans, and if you won’t be here, that’s okay because you can grab The French Press EP on March 10th via Sub Pop.

ATX Spotlight: Brand New US Weekly

Listen up. US Weekly has been gradually building a huge following in Austin, and with the announcement of their debut album, they’re ready to break through to a larger audience. I love how you can feel singer Chris Nordahl stalking the stage with his vocal delivery, bringing the band’s live energy through on this recording. You’ll also get to hear the band disrupt your ears with discordant guitars and an underlying tension fueled by Kent’s drum rolls. Their full length album hits the streets on April 22nd via Night Moves, ready to take the rest of the country by storm!

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Chilled Pop Music from The Birthday Letters

Really enjoying the subtle vibes on this great pop hit from The Birthday Letters. There’s a casual opening bit that immediately slides you into the song; it’s mostly just vocals with faint instrumentation. Things pick up just a little bit as Joseph Hughes croons atop a slightly fuller sound, but there’s brilliant balance in the entire composition. It’s a song you’d likely play driving with the windows down, while on the flipside, you could easily have the song on late night listening rotations. This song pops up on the We Never Talk About Paradise (We Do God) EP.

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Stream Astrid Swan’s From the Bed and Beyond

It’s a shame that great art sometimes stems from personal pain, which seems to be the case with Finland’s Astrid Swan. After a battle with cancer, she got back to work, constructing a brilliant collection of the tunes that make up From the Bed and Beyond. It’s apparent in the lyrics that she’s had to confront and overcome some demons coming with such an ordeal. But, in seeing that, and delving deep into the record, you find that there’s an aura of positivity that arises from overcoming fears. I’m partial to the album’s closing number “Whos the Witch Now,” which seems to encompass the feelings mentioned above. The album will be available worldwide from Soliti Music.

Show Preview: The Ocean Party Comes to Cheer Up Charlies (2/28)

I encourage you all to head out tomorrow night to Cheer Up Charlies. There’s a huge line-up of great pop music, some of which I’ve had a hand in putting out on vinyl. For instance, we’ve helped The Ocean Party from Australia put out Light Weight in the US, and this might be one of the few chances you get to see the band live! Second, you’ll have Shivery Shakes and Summer Salt, both perennial pop powerhouses who we’ve released stuff from in the past (and present). Plus, you’ll get to hear Daphne, which is Santiago from Growl‘s other project, as well as Summer Swells. You won’t find a better bill in town, and it’s free, with donations highly encouraged to help out The Ocean Party while on tour in the States. Sample some tunes below, and see you tomorrow at 9 PM.

Moving Ballad from Ian William Craig

The tape hiss and warble from the opening moments drew me into this new Ian William Craig song. In the end, it was the powerful simplicity that made me press repeat, made me want to share it. There’s a starkness to this number, as Craig’s voice soars angelically and piano notes ring out. While that empty space serves a great purpose, the song blossoms as the recording crackles and light atmospherics swell behind Ian’s voice. Don’t be scared by the length of this tune; your time will be well spent! Slow Vessles will be released on May 5th, ready to strike at every emotional note you hold within yourself.

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Enjoying This New Tall Juan Jam

It should come as no surprise that Tall Juan, though hailing from Argentina, has found his living in New York. His work, from what I’ve heard, has this brattiness that encompasses a great deal of my old record collection. It’s energetic, filled with hooks and just enough bravado to make Juan endearing to listeners. Ultimately, the song’s just a lot of fun, and sometimes, no frills rock n’ roll just feels right, as it does here. Look for his debut Olden Goldies to hit via BUFU on May 5th. Probably doesn’t hurt that he hangs with Juan Waters and Mac DeMarco either.

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ATX Spotlight: Stream Tammaron’s New EP

Austin’s been offering up a lot of great tunes as of late, and while this was on my radar last week, I just didn’t get a chance to get it on the web. Tamarron is one of our favorite acts, and their Let’s Get Out EP. You’ll hear a great deal of psychedelic vibes on this four track jammer, but don’t forget the band’s ability to wrap it up in an accessible dosage of pop sensibility. The EP’s title track alone is remarkable, and begs to be listened to on repeat for days and days. Just as the weather gets a bit warmer, these guys kick out great warm vibes to take us into Spring.

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