New Tune from Dannika

Late last year we heard about Dannika, one of the latest acts to sign on to work with our friends at Osborne Again Music, and now there’s another single to share with you from the Melbourne bunch. I love the song’s natural bounce, both from the rhythm section and that lead guitar line; it builds up the immediate infectiousness that helps the song land in that sweet spot for the listener. Match that up with just a slightly deepened vocal, and you get this perfect little bit of pure pop magic. The band will release their new album Gems on January 29th!

Dannika Shares First Single from Gems LP

As always, I try to listen to the Aussie tip hotline, where I was pointed in the direction of Dannika, who just announced the forthcoming release of Gems, slated for release in January. For me, what I’ve found interesting on my repeated listens is how the song seems to straddle two varying styles. On one hand, the music has this casual pop feel that fans of the Melbourne scene will surely be familiar with; you know that I’m a fan! Still, the vocals, 95% of the time, feel like they might fit in with a Waxahatchee or Big Thief style; it definitely gives off a feel that’s slightly different than what I’ve come to expect from the region, which makes it refreshing. Figured it’s a nice way to get you started on this week! The LP drops on January 29th courtesy of Osborne Again/Spunk.

One More From GEMS

untitled (2)ATH approved band GEMS will be releasing their new album Kill the One You Love later this month on Carpark Records and the entire crew over here already loves the release.  Prior to the release date on October 30th the band is offering one more new single called “w/o u” shared below.  This one is for fans of synth heavy, chilled out, dream pop vibes.  Really I have nothing else to say about this band as the wealth of quality tunes now say everything I cannot.  Enjoy.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/227536922″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

GEMS Return With Another Hit

untitledA quick search for L.A. band GEMS on ATH will return many posts from just about every writer in our team.  Clearly such a show of affection for a band should tell you to expect a post and some love every time the group shares a new track.  Today I’m pleased to be bringing new song “Soak”, which is surely another stellar tune to add to the band’s repertoire.  We have yet again been treated to a dark, electro-pop hit sure to make some year end lists.  Play.  End.  Play again.

Gems will release Kill the One You Love on October 30th via Carpark Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/223829831″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dream Pop from Gems

gemsIn a few weeks we’ll be keeping our eyes on Hundred Waters as the much-hyped act comes into town.  But, I’ll be honest, I was rather underwhelmed by their SXSW performances, so I’m looking at the opener Gems to be the winner on the night.  The DC duo just released another single, with drifting melodies and nice bits of atmospheric production.  There’s no word on when they group will release something, but this track here should perk up your ears, and maybe even entice you to hit up their show at Red 7 on the 23rd.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/153897343″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Top Songs of 2013

best songs ath 2013We’ve put our pretty little heads together ladies and gentlemen to bring you our favorite songs from this past year.  It was a difficult task with our ever growing staff, but we feel like this list best represents the diverse taste of our staff.  Love it or hate it, it’s ours to call our own.  Hit play and put your head down or dance or shimmmy or drool or whatever works. Most of all we hope you hear something you missed, something you want to buy or something you want to see live.

Scroll past the playlist for full the run of the bestest songs ever this year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/15794740″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Read more

New Music From Gems

GEMSGEMS is a band that we’ve taken a liking to over the last year or so and I’m excited to share their new single with you “Sinking Stone”.  You can immediately hear what we love about this band with their dark pop tones and great female vocals providing the driving force throughout.  Me Gusta.

Stay tuned as we wait to hear more from this promising up and coming act.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/101021325″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

SxSW 2013: The Rest of the Showcase Pics

Nothing quite like figuring out that you still have 1600 shots to go through after six posts already up for SxSW…

Sorry, SxSW seems like a distant memory, but I may just rekindle some fond memories of the smaller shows that you should have gone to. Official SxSW stuff, I have already shared the shots of The Flaming Lips headlined party and Iggy and The Stooges. This gallery has shots of Mompox, Young Galaxy, Local Natives, Gold Fields, Shout Out Louds, Shout Out Out Out, GEMS and more. If you click, you will also get a few quick notes on winners and losers.

So do it. Sing with me, MEEEMMMOOOORRRIIIEESS!!!11!shift+1

Read more

ATH + SXSW: Father Daughter, Small Plates, & Gold Robot Showcase @ The Grackle (3/15)

SXSW2013_SPR-FD-GRR

You know it’s SXSW time right?  Well it is fools and ATH has gotten together with some fine folks all over the country to sponsor some incredible showcases here in Austin next week.  Today we’ll start off with a show we are helping sponsor with incredible national indie labels Father Daughter, Gold Robot, and Small Plates.  Here are some deets for what is sure to be the best day party you’ll ever hear about:

Date: Friday, March 15th

Time: Doors @ 11:30/music @ 12:15

Lineup (in order): Gems, Mutual Benefit, Body Parts, Night Panther, Monster Rally, Day Joy, Roman Ruins, Conveyor, Francisco the Man, and Levek

Location: The Grackle @ 1700 E 6th Street (MAP)

Free and open to the public for 21+ RSVP Here

Musical preview:

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Fever.mp3]

Download: Night Panther – Fever [MP3]

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/GEMS-All-I-Ever.mp3]

Download: GEMS – All I Ever [MP3]

More New Music From Gems

About a month ago B.Gray posted on a beauty of a song by indie pop band GEMS, and I’ve got another tasty little tune here for you today.  It’s definitely a bedroom pop song featuring some great female vocals from Lindsay Pitts.  You’d probably immediately compare the band to the likes of early Stars material, and I see that as a flattering comparison.  This song “All I Ever” is the latest single from the band which is only the second piece of recorded material we have.  Stay tuned in 2013 as we update you on their goings on.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/GEMS-All-I-Ever.mp3]

Download: GEMS – All I Ever [MP3]

1 2