We’re into the jangly beachside bedroom pop of Kingston ON musician Ben Morin a/k/a Sandals. Reminding a bit of bands like Hibou and even Real Estate, the very good “Dust Bowl” neatly balances great melody and with cool mood and atmosphere. We love it.
Sandals (Bandcamp)
B3 go-to producer Flamingosis goes retro-flamboyant with a funky instrumental mix of beats, 70’s lounge tv-sit-com vibe horn and synth infusions, and a rather catchy guitar groove on his recently-released charmer track “Frugal Living”; which also features B3 covered artist Ian Ewing (in October we liked Ian’s lustrous-toned playful-vibe beats-led eclectic beauty track called “Water”). If you’re as into the new track as much we are, look for it on Flamingosis’ soon-to-release “Great Hair EP” (out February 12th). Reviewed by Erin Shay.
New-to-B3 Parisian producer Thomas Fontana turns in an outstanding natural-hand-percussion-touched instrumentals-leaning lounge-y Brazilian-vibe beats track named “Somewhere”. Incredible song. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Groove out with Essex artist Rat Boy on his scratchy, sublimely intricate, instrumentals packed, rock influenced (Beastie Boys Hot Sauce Committee-styled) hip-hop masterpiece “Move”. Very cool vibes. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
LA-based producer Sad Money wows us with a superbly smooth down-tempo remix of “You’re Good But I’m Better”; a hype-worthy gem from B3 fave drone pop femme fatale Kill J (who has almost 500,000 Soundcloud hits in a few months on the track). Using perfect punctuating trap percussion and subtle-luminous synth effects Sad money excels in transforming Kill J’s daringly-feminist risqué incredible-vocals-led avant-pop mantra to something slightly more elevated and approachable. Amazing. We love how effectively Sad Money creates a sugary spin on Kill J’s beautifully brash lyrics. Excellent remix. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
This fall we got familiar with the distinct style of artist-talent Sensi Sye (a.k.a. Simon) and most recently featured his sparkling-delicate sweet-evocative effortless-natural hushed-hued enchanting-vibe percussion-permeated atmospheric remix of Mree track “Lift Me Up”. With that said, we are more than pleased to run across his latest trap-percussion-drenched falsetto-vocals-tinged ambient atmospheric melodic wonder “No Doubt”. Tune into its very excellent vocals. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
B3 featured Alaskan beat-maker Eets, who we showcased last week for his awesome nuance-tempered track “Sudan”, turns in a terrific melodic hip-hop diddy named “Flying High”, a short and sweet track which features swooning strings and playful vocal atmospherics amidst Eets’ trademark sultry beats. “Flying High” is part of Eets’ new 8 track EP of beats that is set to release in April. Great tune. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
For the last four months B3 fave instrumental electro producer Weird Inside has been creating his debut “As We Know” EP (set to release February 11th). In November, we covered its first track called “No More Heroes”, a beautifully subtle jazzy-slow-trickle-sensed instrumental with subtle dark-moody deep-scratchy synth-led atmospherics. We also really dig the EP’s second release (just out) called “Who Knows?” which is aptly described as an uplifting tone-tickled joy for the senses. Weird inside has a distinct talent for creating brightly spun melodic instrumental atmospheres and “Who Knows?” is his best yet. We love Weird Inside’s dynamic beats-based instrumental style and are more than excited to hear his much anticipated “As We Know” EP. Impeccable style. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Alberta, Canada multi-talent artist and Phantom Culture-affiliate Hero wows us with a smooth, soulful pop-hybrid r&b/hip-hop doused sound on vocals-led beauty “Crutch”; a track which entices our ears with its catchy poetic vocals. vibrant keyboard melody and some colorful retro-vibe synth embellishments. Good one! Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Albuquerque, NM electronic musician Bryce Fletcher, a.k.a Reighnbeau, who we premiered back in late July for his kaleidoscopic soft-touch rhythm-based electro track “Ghost” turns in new tune “Falling”. We adore the track’s mesmerizing blend of subtle scratchy atmospherics, dreamy melodic vocal touches and simmering range of effervescent beats and percussion. The very bright and lovely track “Falling” is out via Mind Rider Records. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
The high-flying SoCal singer/emcee Anderson Paak opens 2016 with a starmaking bit of soul-driven (Hi-Tek produced!) modern pop. Damn.
Buzzing Danes CHINAH are the recipient of a breezy new remix treatment from Stockholm production duo Jarami. The Swedes’ shimmery syncopated synths and a club-ready rhythm track are an ideal frame for CHINAH’s soulful A+ vocal stylings and a spotless new set of bars from fave emcee Skizzy Mars; an ace mix.
