Atlanta – New Music Jason’s Picks

The New Music I’m Listening To Aeronautically This Week, January 6 – 12, 2024:

Well, hi there! I hope everyone is doing well and taking good care. I, for one, am in such a great mood. I’ve got more than a handful of New Music to swim around in. Eight titles, of many styles. The temperature is perfect, won’t you join me?

A single to start this week’s findings comes from the Post-Radiohead unit known as The Smile. They are set to release their sophomore record at the end of the month, and their third teaser from the album is Friend Of A Friend. A thoughtful midtempo track in a jaunty 5/4 led by bass and piano and ornamented with horns and strings. Thom Yorke’s falsetto vocals dissolve into disorienting double-tracking at 1:45 that send the listener into Dream World.

The Smile – Friend Of A Friend

Another single this week comes from Toronto’s Wax Valley Records and it’s a burner🔥. DJ Joshua Carpenter brings Soca rhythms and mashes them with fiery guitar samples on Mr. Fete. Autotuned vocals and ecstatic drumming give it all a sense of urgency.

In the last couple of years I’ve been quite taken with a Subgenre of Punk that is known as Egg Punk. It’s essentially high-energy Synth Punk that uses vintage instruments in a gritty, lo-fi setting, sometimes utilizing vocal effects. Last year’s NMJ Prize Longlister Super Snööper from Nashville’s Snooper is a great example. So, too is the latest EP from Schleswig, Germany’s KLINT. Stark jumps out of the starting gate with Before New Dawn with its jittery beats and synth arpeggios. Six energetic tracks follow to get down to some serious but friendly moshing. Don’t forget to pick up your comrades when they fall.

My steady stream of Polish Egg Punk continues, thanks to the great microlabel Syf Records. BZDET is a band I’ve recommended a couple of times over the last couple of years and they’re back again with a new album. W PRACY is twelve tracks with bubbling guitar at the fore, and synthesized vocals. Funky bass riffs are making it a surprise hit with the Goth Kids who used fake ID to get into My Imaginary Nightclub.

A band from Leeds, UK (in fact, the “best band in the world, based in Leeds”) got my attention this week. A cassette Label from Leeds called Devil Town Tapes has just re-released Lots Of Hands third album, fantasy, which apparently came out last July. Nevertheless, I’ve found it now, and I’m glad. The thirteen tracks reveal a melancholy tone, with jangly guitar. Shiny production elements such as the incorporation of strings and synthesized elements make this a rewarding listening experience.

A dreamy Pop outfit that skews Experimental from Atlanta, Georgia has caught my ear. The introspective and wryly humorous human who goes by the name Burnout leads Psaltery’s EP Burnout Gets The Blues!. Through the four tracks you’re treated to gentle dissonant tones, 60’s-style Bubblegum, and Folky guitar work, all with creative melodies.

A Baltimore duo that doesn’t seem to have any interest in being easy to find online is back with an EP. @ follows up last years debut with five SynthPop songs. The title track of Are You There God? It’s Me, @ begins with the voices of Victoria Rose and Stone Filipzak lamenting, “I can’t feel you anymore, as long as you hide away I can’t see you in my dreams anymore.” Inventive harmonies make this a charming listen.

I’m pleased as punch to be woken up this morning with a new album from Detroit’s Bruiser Wolf. As part of Danny Brown’s Bruiser Brigade, the former Big Wolf is back with his second full-length. Wolf’s unique delivery is resplendent on My $tory Got $tories. With features from Brown, as well as Zelooperz (who also provides the cover art), Trinidad James and Fat Ray, Bruiser guides you through his street life with an earnest sense of humour. Feature Pick? You know it is.

Feels good, doesn’t it? Music is magic! Talk again soon!

The New Music I’m Listening To Egregiously This Week, November 11 – 17, 2023:

Wooohoooo! What a tremendous week in New Music! A glorious mix of “Hotly Anticipated,” and “New Surprises” to get my endorphins flowing.

We have fifteen(!) titles to deeply dig. No walls, only the bridge. My supper dish, my succotash wish! Sing it, baby!

A single to start this week’s findings comes from MC and Producer Deca. The NYC Artist preaches on the frustration of life during wartime on War. Who’s going to get peace, when they’re still getting a piece?

Deca – War

The week began with raised eyebrows at the news of an album from former OutKast member André 3000. The notoriously strange person has indeed dropped a new album, but it’s not what you’d expect. The completely instrumental New Blue Sun features Dre’s newfound love; his big wooden flute. Featuring production from Carlos Niño, the ninety-minute album contains 7 tracks featuring lengthy, expository titles like, “That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther And Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control…Sh¥t Was Wild”. New Age/Ambient, and quite meditative.

A multi-instrumentalist based in Iran has amassed an ensemble to create a lush and nuanced album. Arif Mirbaghi’s Mutual Occultation breathes new life in the household, with Chromatic Harmonica, flute, and Accordion providing much of the lead. Textured Production offers the listener much to explore, and begs for multiple listens.

Nicole Brady is a pianist and composer that is from Australia, but is based on Vancouver Island. Her debut album, Lost Palace, was made in conjunction with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The eight tracks are a delicious blend of Classical and modern beat-making.

*Nicole Brady, Royal Scottish National Orchestra – Lost Palace*

Directly from my BandCamp Wishlist, but more accurately from the swinging City of London, duo VÄLVĒ has released their sophomore album. On Tiny Pilots Chlöe Herington provides lead vocals along with an arsenal of instruments, whilst Emma Sullivan brings backing vocals and bass. It’s a very agreeable journey, where harp twists and turns around tight harmonies. Brilliant.

To Detroit we go now, to meet up with Zoos Of Berlin. The Indie quintet has released Busy With People; an eleven-track album that harkens to early New Wave with deep bass and Dance grooves.

The City of Barrie, Ontario was the closest City to where I was growing up, a 40-minute drive away. It was where you would move if you were too intimidated by Toronto, but wanted to assert some independence. My sister works at the McDonald’s in the Walmart. If you’re in town, say hi to Lorri. Meanwhile, check out this compilation from Barrie Label Tarantula Tapes. Tracknaphobia Vol. 3 contains twenty-four bands from Ontario, including Peterborough’s Garbageface, Newmarket’s Bilious, and Barrie’s own Angry Spells. Spanning sounds from Garage Pop, Hardcore Punk. Hip-Hop and beyond.

Alex Walton is a Songwriter and Producer from Boston, Mass, with a brash confessional streak. The Artist wears her heart on her sleeve throughout the twenty-three tracks of I WANT YOU TO KILL ME. Don’t let the title scare you away, because first of all, it rocks and requires full volume. Secondly, the album ends with the anthemic I Don’t Want To Kill Myself Anymore.

A band from Chicago that I recommended back in February is back with another EP. Cel Ray is a feisty Punk combo that is riling up the pit at My Imaginary Sweaty Dive Bar. Piss Park is four tracks, eight minutes, no messing around!

If you were to ask me to name a country that I think is cool, I would immediately respond Czechia. I’ve never been there, and it probably has its downside, but it seems to have, per capita, the largest population of forward-thinking and unique Artists and Musicians in the world. You can give thanks for that impression, in part, to the excellent Independent Label Korobushka Records. It’s not merely the home to my favourite living Artist, Petr Válek, but it seems that every release is inspired, and just to the left of normal. Take this week’s release from Brno’s sinks. born into this only to get through this is nine tracks of punchy, crooked guitar and catchy hooks. Vocals have a slightly Emo, and oddly American sound to them. Slightly like early U2, if Jonny Greenwood played guitar. Don’t sleep on the Czech Republic!

*sinks – born into this only to get through this*

An Artist and Producer from Baltimore has been releasing a series of remixes and mashups called his Trash Series. J.Robb’s sixth volume released this week and it runs the board in terms of style and substance. Jungle beats mix with Downtempo flips of current Club hits. #NoSampleSnitching

It’s an excellent week for conscious, intelligent and experimental Hip-Hop. Including André 3000, four of my favourite MCs are back to rock my world, and I’m also discovering new Artists that fit that mould. From Ninja Tune side-label Big Dada, H31R is a duo based in Brooklyn and New Jersey. Producer JWords and rapper/vocalist maassai combine to create the terrific HeadSpace. Positive courageous vibes.

Also from NYC is a Producer and DJ known as Blockhead. The reason I’m excited for The Aux, aside from the excellent Production, is the many featured MCs. Aesop Rock, Open Mike Eagle, Billy Woods, Danny Brown and Bruiser Wolf are just a few of the great rappers making their presence known. Drop the needle!

Brooklyn’s own Homeboy Sandman has been rocking my world these last few years. His ingenious rhymes and singsong delivery place him well above his peers. His work pace is also prolific, and evidenced by his new release. Last year, Sand released a collection of tracks that he’s unable to monetize for various reasons. This week, I Can’t Sell These Either follows it up, and if you don’t know, now you know.

*Homeboy Sandman – I Can’t Sell These Either*

No surprises here, but my Feature Pick for this week is Danny Brown’s new album. Quaranta. After I discovered Brown, via his features on his Bruiser Brigade label, I’ve been eagerly anticipating a new solo album. Danny is a very astute and funny MC, with a twisted view of life, and this album has him grappling age and sobriety with his trademark sense of humour. Also featuring is the mighty Bruiser Wolf, who could use a new album himself.

Groove is in the heart! And I truly couldn’t ask for another. What about you, friends!

Take care of yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To In An Orderly Fashion This Week, November 4 – 10, 2023:

Boy, I love Fridays! I don’t know if you get as excited as I do when I wake up in the morning and realize I have a huge bounty of New Music to dazzle and delight, but it makes me feel pretty darn good. (Typos and run-on sentences-the recipe for a successful blog! 😳🪴🫏)

After I plumbed the depths of all that is on offer I’ve been able to find ten titles to share with all my friends. Ready, friends?

A single from Brooklyn vocalist and Producer Yaeji starts this week’s Deep Plumbing. Her album With A Hammer is in contention for the 2023 New Music Jason Prize (scheduled to be awarded on Monday, January 1, 2024) and is back with easy breezy. It’s a lively and upbeat track with a Brazilian flair, led with acoustic guitar and deep bass. The vocals are exquisite, with charming harmonies and challenging production. I’m picturing the beaches of Rio: I’m wearing a Speedo and holding a delicious fruity cocktail that has a big hunk of pineapple sticking out. If you’re also picturing that, I apologize.

Yaeji – easy breezy

Another single that came out this week (and is, coincidentally, the same tempo as the previous one) comes from Atlanta. Revival Season is a Hip-Hop duo that has been releasing quality singles this year. They’ve announced a new full-length, due in February, but in the meantime they’ve dropped Pump. It’s a banger that cannot be denied, and it comes with a righteous remix by Skin Teeth. On the mic they’ve been joined by Shaheed Goodie for this Boom Bap joint.

Julia Holter is a Singer/Songwriter and a Producer based in Los Angeles. Her latest release is Sun Girl; an atmospheric Single that snares you in it’s beautiful web. Nearing six minutes, the track, with its enticing flute and entrancing vocals, takes you on a journey beyond Music. Soul-stirring stuff.

For an abrupt face of turn, we have a three-song EP from Canadian Punk Legends Fucked Up. The Toronto Band, led by Damian Abraham, has been shouting truth to power for over twenty years. Show Friends reveals they have no plans of slowing down. The songs show a complexity in their arrangements beyond that of “boom-twang-yell”, with grand harmonies on Spot The Difference and the off-kilter timing of What The Sun Saw. Support your local Punks!

While I was on My Imaginary Vacation to South America (and after the Brazilian authorities ask me to cover up or leave the country) I left Brazil and cruised up to Colombia, where I was introduced to a Label called Putivuelta, based out of Bogotá. They’ve released a new Various Artists compilation, featuring 28 Artists from Colombia and beyond. SIGNO DESTINO instantly signed up for an extended stay at My Imaginary Nightclub with its array of energetic beats and styles.

Back in Brooklyn there’s an Experimental Hip-Hop/R&B Artist named Dawuna that has released a BandCamp exclusive. Naya is lo-fi Funk that shines a light on missing Black Women in the US. Tasty guitar licks with emotional understated vocals are couched in grooves untold.

An Experimental Electronic Artist from Japan, known simply as foodman, first caught my attention back in 2021 with his album Yasuragi Land. He’s back with a new five song EP and Uchigawa Tankentai is playful synthetic sounds with quirky vocals and interesting twists and turns.

A twelve-piece Big Band from Belgium has just released their second album. Alpacas Collective is a refreshing a soulful mix of horns, percussion, keys, guitar, and sitar to give it an Eastern flavour. Big Words is eight tracks that spread out between Afrobeat, Hindustani Raga, and Funk. The arrangements are on point, and the Production is exemplary.

An album that I discovered in BandCamp a few weeks ago has a title I couldn’t get past, and I instantly added it to my Wishlist on its merit. Music Is A Victory Over Time is the fantastic title for New York four-piece Sunwatchers’ fifth album. Their sound is bigger than their size, with seven instrumental tracks that harken back to early-70’s Frank Zappa/Mothers with an Electronic sheen.

*Sunwatchers – Music Is A Victory Over Time*

My Feature Pick for this week is a trio based in Austin, Texas that is led by the sister duo of Sylvia and Erica Rodriguez. After moving North to Austin from the southern panhandle, they met up with Daniel Doyle and formed Wet Dip. Their debut album, Smell Of Money, opens with the the anxious Rollercoaster, with scratching guitar and edgy vocals. Somehow, magically, a sweaty mosh pit has emerged in the living room, which has transformed into My Imaginary Dive Bar. This kicks all kinds of ass.

Is that ten already? Well, it’s a hearty mix, I can assure you, full of protein. I hope your soul is nourished, and I’ll that I’ve been able to turn you onto something that makes you happy. Take care, my friends!

The New Music I’m Listening To Unilaterally This Week, October 7 – 13, 2023:

A good and great day to all of you, I’m happy you’ve chosen to land on this patch of the Internet. If we haven’t met before, I’m Jason, and I’m on a lifelong mission to find and subsequently recommend the finest, most interesting and audacious New Music from around the world. This is the part that I miss from my former life as a Music Store manager, and now it’s just my hobby. Although I would venture that it also does wonders for my mental health.

If you find something that catches you, and touches you in some way, I would love to hear from you!

As it stands , I’ve found eight titles that have been released this week. Three singles, and five Full-Lengths, so let’s get right to it!

Producer and Poet doseone is from Santa Fe, New Mexico. As A7PHA, he’s released a banger of a single in Many Headed. The title of the track is appropriate, as it features four guests, including legendary MCs Aesop Rock and Canada’s Buck 65. There are two versions of the song, the second being nearly a minute longer, but don’t sleep on the flip side, King Me, which demonstrates doseone spitting with fire.

A single from an Italian label is warming up the pretend crowd in My Imaginary Nightclub. From Uluru Records comes the debut from Rome Producer DJ Dibba. Big Time Driller/Stay Stoned (ULURU 012) is a combustible combination of Ska/Reggae and Hip-Hop. Props to the anonymous MC on the a-side, she is the star of the show. The flip side is a Rocksteady bop.

*DJ Dibba – Big Time Driller/Stay Stoned (ULURU 012)*

A label from France called Broc Recordz has released two tracks that are the result of a fascinating collaboration. German guitarist J.J. Whitefield and Russian drummer Igor Zhukovsky have joined forces for Two Tales For The Mind vol. 2. The two instrumental tracks start off with the groovy PsychRock of One hand clap, while the B-Side, Munich bells showcases Zhukovsky’s percussive prowess with funky effect.

*J.J. Whitefield & Igor Zhukovsky – TWO TALES FOR THE MIND vol.2*

Vacationer is the name for Philadelphia Singer/Songwriter Ken Vasoli’s recording and performing projects. On his second album Cherish he’s amassed a terrific ensemble to create a lush atmosphere. I’m a sucker for vibraphone, and there’s that in abundance. And there’s flute. Everyone loves flute. Vasoli’s voice is expressive and lovely, particularly on DIALOGUE. Recommended if your everyday Singer/Songwriters have gotten stale.

A Ten-piece ensemble from São Paulo, Brazil has created an instant party at mi casa. Bixiga 70 has been performing and recording for over a decade. Their latest album, Vapor, is horn-infused and funky fun, capturing the spirit of live performance in front of an audience that cannot help but dance.

A band from Atlanta that I recommended last year has returned with another blistering Punk record. Bite The Hand That Feeds is thirteen varied tracks that stretch from sludgy to frantic to Pixies-inspired. KT, on vocals, embodies the Punk-or-die spirit. Produced by my new friend Ty Segall.

Direct from the BandCamp Wishlist, and (more accurately) from the terrific Trouble In Mind Records, and (even more accurately) from Leipzig, Germany is ONYON. This Post-Punk band incorporates jangly guitars with angular fits and starts on their full-length debut, Last Days On Earth. Sci-Fi synths and aggressive vocals from Ilka Kellner make this a winner.

I don’t know how to describe this week’s Feature Pick. I can tell you that L’Rain is the Performing name for Brooklyn Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer Taja Cheek. She has returned after her widely acclaimed 2021 album Fatigue with the wonderfully-named I Killed Your Dog. The cheeky title masks the emotions portrayed within, and categorization is nigh on impossible. File it in the Not-Quite-Jazz-With-Shades-Of-R&B-And-Moody-ElectroFunk Section. It is a mood.

Thanks for stopping by! I post twice a week. Once on Tuesdays, in anticipation, and again on Fridays, with the results of my search.

Be kind to yourself!

Upcoming New Releases (To Wear Sunscreen) – Week Ending Friday September 29, 2023:

I hope this Tuesday finds everyone well and happy.

As September draws to an end there are a few big releases coming out. The Ginger Dynamo Ed Sheeran has a new record coming, as does Lil Wayne. Old hipsters will be happy to see New Music from Wilco and Animal Collective.

Animal Collective – Gem & I

There’s a bunch of stuff I’m anxious to hear this week. New titles from Oneohtrix Point Never, Armand Hammer, The Orb, Blonde Redhead, Oliver Tree and Becky G await.

Oneohtrix Point Never – A Barely Lit Path

My BandCamp Wishlist is sitting with nine titles on the verge of release. On Thursday, Spanish quartet Melenas is releasing their third album, Ahora. Dreamy SynthPop.

Melenas – Bang

Be good to yourself, and I’ll be back on Friday with what is sure to be a whole mess of New Music. Peace out!

The New Music I’m Listening To Unequivocally This Week, August 19 – 25, 2023:

Happy Friday to every one of you, my loved ones! The clouds bring a bit of a sense of gloom to the surroundings, but we can chase them away with the healing power of New Music.

I’ve got eight titles for you to chew on, so let’s get right down to it!

After a single back in May, Atlanta duo Revival Season is back with another banger. Everybody starts with a memorable refrain that I dare you to not join in on. Deep bass drives the song, which comes with a BandCamp exclusive remix.

Revival Season – Everybody

A new EP arrived from Aussie One-Piece Billiam. I discovered Billy “Gotta Go Fast” Twyford and his itchy brand of Pop-Punk last year, via a split EP with VOVOS. Now, a new three-track EP, Out On Medication!, has Billiam alone with three more catchy and fun songs to get your Pogo on.

Australia is always coming strong with energetic and exciting Rock & Roll; both of the sophisticated and the primitive sort. The Belair Lip Bombs are a quartet from Melbourne that marry the raw energy of Garage Rock with clever Pop hooks. Their most recent album, Lush Life is a rush of adrenaline.

A duo direct from my BandCamp Wishlist have released their debut collaboration. Chicago’s Sense is on the mic, and Kenautis Smith takes care of production on Wonderful Ones. There are no Features to pull focus away from this engaging MC (Master of Ceremonies? Mister Clean? Money Collector? Maxell Cassette?), with Smith dropping samples on the wheels of steel. 9 tracks, 17 minutes, no fat.

*Kenautis Smith x Sense – Wonderful Ones*

Zenzile is an Artist from France that has been creating House, Dub and Trip-Hop for over twenty years. His latest project is the four-track Dub Promozione, which gives us three new songs, and an alternate take of Amor y coning. The aforementioned song is a lazy Dub track, and the following doesn’t stray far from that tempo, but it is a mood to immerse yourself in.

Mello Music Group is an American Hip-Hop label that’s home to a number of quality Conscious Hip-Hop Artists. They’ve released a compilation album this week. Omakase showcases many on the label’s roster, including Marlowe, YUNGMORPHEUS and Apollo Brown on downtempo beats and heavy bass.

Stand-Up Comedian and MC Open Mike Eagle made an album in 2020 that caught my attention, and I’m pleased to see him return with another full-length. another triumph of ghetto engineering is a multi-Producer album, featuring the talents of Quelle Chris, Illingsworth, Kenny Segal and others. Eagle comes with bars both thoughtful and playful, with the deepest of depths.

*Open Mike Eagle – another triumph of ghetto engineering*

The Unicorns were a Cult favourite band out of Montreal that saw modest success in the early 2000’s. After their breakup, members Nicholas Thorburn and Jamie Thompson formed Islands and have gone on to release nine albums. Their latest, And That’s Why Dolphins Lost Their Legs is adventurous Indie Pop with glimmering Synth flourishes and glossy production. It’s my Feature Pick for the week.

*Islands – And That’s Why The Dolphins Lost Their Legs*

Doesn’t that feel better? I hope all this got your endorphins racing and put a big old stupid smile on your face. Have a great weekend, and be kind to yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To, This Scintillating and Titillating Week, May 13 – 19, 2023:

Great things are afoot! It’s a glorious day, and the New Releases are flowing like refreshing water from a spring. I have eleven titles on tap, so come and have a sip!

There appears to be a gaggle of duos making Music to my taste this week. A single to start my findings comes from a Producer and MC pairing from Atlanta known as Revival Season. Chop is released by Heavenly Recordings, and comes with two versions of the track. The second of which is a remix by Inner Space Quartet that stretches it out an extra ninety seconds. Get your freak on!

Revival Season – Chop

A husband-and-wife duo from Oakland that I recommended last September is back with another fifteen new songs, none longer than two minutes. Homelist continues the exciting pairing of unhinged screaming and pounding bass. Lead singer, Volly, needs a throat lozenge sponsorship, stat.

A long-distance partnership that began over twenty-five years ago between London’s Jason Cambridge and Auckland’s Nathan Haines has resulted in a new album. Recording as Sci-Clone, the pair mash up Drum & Bass and House beats with Jazzy melodies on Radio Therapy – Part One. From the much-lauded Electronic label Metalheadz.

The continent of Africa factors heavily in my recommendations for this week. The Saharan Tuareg Band Tinariwen has long been lauded, and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Their latest, Amatssou, features Canadian treasure Daniel Lanois on two tracks, and carries a moody resonance throughout.

A vocalist from Mali got my attention this week. Namian Sabidé has released a new album of eight stripped-down performances that are accompanied only by the acoustic guitar of her cousin. Emotional and heartfelt vocals on self-titled release make this a touching album.

Completing my African trek is a Ugandan group that is centred around a Xylophone-type instrument called an Embaire. Nakinembe Embaire Group have also released a self-titled debut. On the eight tracks, the wooden instrument is played in such a way that almost mimics Electronic Dance vibes. Get on your feet!

Hannah Jadagu is a Singer/Songwriter from California who’s 2021 debut EP What Is Going On? is a favourite of mine. While that was produced completely on her i-Telephone, she’s gone into a proper studio for her first full-length for Sub Pop Records. Aperture is a lush and fully-focused effort with slinky guitar and fantastic vocals.

Also from Oakland, California is a songwriter and producer who’s ep from 2020 was one of my favourites. Salami Rose Joe Louis is Lindsay Olsen, and her latest full-length is Akousmatikous. Bubbling wonky synths and tight beats drive Olsen’s dreamy voice.

A producer from Berlin struck my ear this morning. Blawan’s dark and edgy beats on Dismantled Into Juice are exploratory and funky fresh.

The Gaslamp Killer is William Bensussen. I haven’t solved a serial murder case, The Gaslamp Killer is his recording name. He’s recently collaborated with UK production ensemble The Heliocentrics. The Gaslamp Killer Meets The Heliocentrics is crazy beats and euphoric production.

*The Gaslamp Killer Meets The Heliocentrics*

My Feature Pick for this week is an album that was created with the skills and talents of over forty Artists. British comedian James Acaster amassed dozens of MCs, instrumentalists and singers to create, under the moniker Temps, PARTY GATOR PURGATORY. Among the ten tracks you’ll find contributions from Quelle Chris, Open Mic Eagle, Louis Theroux, Xenia Rubinos, and so many others, for a fully-immersive experience.

Aaah, refreshing! Now, doesn’t that taste good? Feel free to let me know what you think. I like a good chat.

Take care of yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To With Gratitude This Week, February 25 – March 3, 2023:

Happy March, friend-o’s! It’s a calm day around these parts, weather-wise, but the Music continues to rain down on us, with no sign of letting up.

I’ve got ten titles of sumptuous New Music for your listening holes to enter your soul.

A single to start our month out right comes from Athens, Georgia‘s LINQUA FRANQA. She made a great album that came out nearly a year ago that made the NMJ Prize Longlist. This week she released a fiery new track, leading the rallying call for debt cancellation. The Whole Bank lays plain the institutional control of keeping the masses in debt. The US has their people paying out of pocket for so many things that proper taxation, especially of the wealthy, should be taking care of. I endorse the coming Revolution.

A few weeks ago I was complaining that I haven’t been hearing very much in the way of Japanese Hip-Hop that suits my tastes. At the end of last week I received an email from a musician from Colorado. Anar Badalov is one-half of a duo, called Hourloupe. In his rounds of doing promotion for the upcoming release of their new album, he stumbled upon this humble page. He noted my sad lament, and very thoughtfully recommended an album from Poland. And he was spot-on.

IFS MA is a collaborative effort, combining IFS, a Polish duo of producers, and MA, a Tokyo-based rapper and vocalist. Their eight-track album REIFSMA is wonderfully-produced skittish and broken beats. MA deftly uses his verbal skills to tap-dance around the pockets of rhythmic exploration.

I’ll have more to say about Hourloupe in the weeks to come. Thanks again, Anar!

Also from Japan, but not Hip-Hop, comes an intriguing Pop album. 戯言 (Slick), by Inuwatari Ryosuke, features guitars, bass and drums played in mainly conventional ways, with Industrial beats thrown in for good measure. The well-crafted songs are ‘sung’ by AI software, called Vocaloid. The lyrics, which are typed, and then performed by the software, in not an emotionless way; in fact it’s surprisingly evocative.

An Artist Collective from London, that, according to their BandCamp bio, “works with audio & visual media to explore areas around identity and culture,” has released a new Charity Compilation album. Síbín’s (pronounced ‘shu-been’) Vol. 1 is ten tracks of collaborations of Experimental Electronic Music of varying styles, diving into deep bass,, Hip-Hop, and glitchy and ecstatic beats. Proceeds support Black youth charities.

Lee Etherington is the founder of both Tusk Music and the related annual festival named after the label. Hailing from the northeast coast of the UK, in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, he is a musician and producer. As Tibshelf, he creates broken and skewered beats with a “Sampladelic cut n splice” method, on his new five-track EP, Supreme Flounder. Nod ya head.

I discovered a Rapper and Producer from Atlanta that is blowing me away with his lyrical skill. Shame on me for not knowing Supastition, as he’s been around since the 90’s. In his time he has worked with KRS-One, Royce da 5’9”, Little Brooklyn, and others. This week he has released an EP, the first part of a two-part project. Every Last Word is six tracks that shows Supastition’s casual and captivating flow with competent and careful production.

A band from Toulouse, France is rocking my world this week. The Guilty Pleasures are a duo that are inspired by The B-52’s and The White Stripes. Their third album, Proto Lazer Music, combines dirty Garage Punk, with analog synths, and colourful male-female lead vocals. It’s full of cheeky songs like Dan Thomas Is Dead, wherein the deceased still owed the singer money, and sums up the feeling with the chorus, “Life is unfair.”

*The Guilty Pleasures – Proto Lazer Music*

I’m pleased as punch to be adding Kate NV’s new album to my life. The fascinating and probably brilliant Musician and Producer from Russia continues to delight and surprise. WOW is eleven tracks of playful Synthpop, incorporating clarinet and viola with Björk-like weirdness. A portion of the proceeds go to War Child.

I discovered this week a Vocalist and Songwriter based in New York that caught my heart. Vivienne Aerts’ musical heritage is Jazz, and her latest album, Typuhthâng wears these clothes, but in a similar way to how Joni Mitchell wore them in the Seventies. The nine-track album was made in collaboration with Original Beans Chocolate, to endeavour to help female cacao farmers in Congo, and to regrow the rainforest. It begins with a gorgeous acapella piece, Just Go, featuring a 100-woman choir.

Yazmin Lacey hails from Nottingham, England, and began performing Music in public in 2014. After releasing a handful of EPs, she has at last released her debut album. Voice Notes showcases Lacey’s cool and steady vocals, atop Electronic R&B/Jazz Production. Confessional lyrics and the ‘less-is-more’ approach make this my Feature Pick.

Hey! So, don’t be afraid to send me a note about what you’re listening to these days. I really could use some more friend-o’s. Take care of yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To For Me, You, And Your Mama This Week, September 24 – 30, 2022:

As today (September 30) is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I’d like to hereby acknowledge and share my gratitude that I am on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. My city is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land promised to Six Nations, which includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Let’s give it back!

It’s a fantastic Friday at the NMJ* abode, full of wondrous New Music and palpable excitement. If you want to know what I’ll be listening to tonight, put this in your ears, at full volume.

*I’m cool enough to have an acronym, no?

Otoboke Beaver –
Don’t Light My Fire (Live at SXSW 2021)

As I’m anxiously awaiting my first Club Gig in 3-4 years, I have eleven new titles to share with all my friends. Let’s get right down to it!

This week’s single to whet your whistle comes from British Rapper and Singer M.I.A. Beep is a Dancefloor bop. Can’t have too many of those.

M.I.A. – Beep

A solo Electronic Producer from Japan who goes by GuruConnect has released a terrific 8-song EP. Illness was created during, and chronicles a hospital stay, due to a Diabetes emergency. Clocking in at nearly 25 minutes of what one may label as “Experimental Instrumental Hip Hop.” The artist makes ingenious use of loops of traditional instruments, fortified by clever Production. Don’t worry. They’re fine, I presume.

I’m happy to be able to recommend Mamalarky’s second album, Pocket Fantasy. The Austin band, now based in Los Angeles, has outdone itself with inventive melodies and charming vocals from lead singer Livvy Bennett.

As I mentioned on Tuesday, I had a album in my BandCamp Wishlist released this week by a very similarly-named band, and it’s made the cut. Mamaleek hail from San Francisco, and their particular brand of noise utilizes elements Jazz, Noise, and Thrash Metal. The resultant concoction on the seven-song full-length, Diner Coffee, is a surprising brew filled with many tangy flavours.

This week is seemingly full of coincidences. Yeah Yeah Yeahs have released their first album in nearly a decade (which I can’t, in good faith, recommend), but a One-Man Band called Weird Crush has released his second album, Yeah Yeah Yippie Yippie Yah. Otherwise, they don’t have much in common. The latter is a London musician “with too many guitars and too much spare time,” and the record in filled with ten tracks with whip smart pop hooks, and ingenious chord progressions. As a vocalist, he conjures Damon Albarn and Robert Smith. In a parallel universe, this is huge.

Weird Crush –
Yeah Yeah Yippee Yippee Yah

To the best of my recollection, I’m visiting the Nation of Hungary for the first time in my musical journeys. From the beautiful City Of Budapest I give you the Progressive Punk sound of Palánta. Their debut, five-song Demo jumps out of the speakers with manic lo-fi glory, accentuated by keyboards and punishing drums, perfectly performed with wild abandon.

A quintet from Atlanta is rocking my world this week. The band with the charming name Upchuck has been around since 2018, and they’ve released their debut album, Sense Yourself. It’s aggressive and fierce, with moments of great sludge. If you think Amyl & The Sniffers are too poppy, this should more than suffice.

OK, so I won’t bury the lede any further. I can now officially recommend Björk’s New Album. It thrills me that fossora is every bit the adventurous and daring album I hoped it would be. No words, just listen.

My favourite Country to which I’ve never before been factors into this week’s picks. Rafael de Toledo Pedroso is from Ponta Grossa, Brazil. He’s an Experimental Electronic Artist, and his latest project is Eu não cheguei tão longe pra existir agora, which translates to, “I did not come this far to exist now” (a clever turn of phrase). It is twenty-four tracks of Field Recordings, Noise, Hip Hop and great lo-fi production.

Rafael de Toledo Pedroso –
Eu não cheguei tão longe pra existir agora

For the first time this week I get to recommend something that comes from artists of Iranian descent. NY-based brothers, known only as Muhammad and Mehdi, record and perform together as Saint Abdullah. Their new album is a collaboration with Ian MacDonald, better known as Eomac. Patience Of A Traitor is a lovely mix of Electronic production, harsh noise, Jazz samples, and traditional vocals.

*Saint Abdullah & Eomac –*
*Patience Of A Traitor*

My Feature Pick this week comes from Beatmaker and DJ Enver Göyken. Based in London, Göyken is of Turkish descent. On his second full-length “beat tape,” Ozan, he lays out twenty-one tracks immersed in Turkish Rock, traditional instruments, and Club grooves. It is glorious.

I’m sure I’ll have no problems with staying awake for my concert tonight, but wish me luck that the same holds true while driving home early tomorrow morning after the show. If I play the music loud enough, and roll down all the windows, I should make it.

Be kind to yourself, and I’ll talk to you again on Sunday, for Jason’s New Music Heroes, Chapter Four – MuchMusic. Ta!