Aurgasm

funk // turntablism

Armed with two saxophones, trumpet, trombone, drums, bass and turntables, nine Israeli funksters leave unforgettable impression. Keeping the crowd dripping with sweat from non-stop ecstatic dancing and jumping, The Apples mix everything from adrenalized funk to exciting elements of jungle and drum’n’bass, and certain touches of traditional Jewish Klezmer. Packed with funky energy from beginning to end, the instrumental blend of soul-jazz and excellent scratch routines of their album Attention!, sounds spontaneous, adventurous and dangerously addictive.

“Consumption may cause uncontrollable body movements.”
The Apples – Attention!
The Apples – Natri Ba Makom
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dream pop // laptop folk

Sophie Michalitsianos was born in England, studied contemporary composition and orchestration in Sydney, Australia, and currently is New York based singer-songwriter, a professional pianist and cellist. Her debut as Sol Seppy, The Bells Of 1 2 (2006), embodies gentle and dreamy folkly melodies, Goldfrapp-ish electro-pop tendencies, fuzzy electronic beats and gorgeous vocals. Sophie’s music varies from simple to odd and complex tunes, yet never overly eclectic.

Precious songs.
Sol Seppy – Farewell Your Heart
Sol Seppy – Move
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swing-jazz // balkan // swedish hiphop

“Django guitar, windy street swing; music for both art directors and for your mother” is how MOVITS! describe their sound. Well-known in Sweden, but unheard of elsewhere, they fold together elements of 1930’s big band swing, roma swing and rhythm & blues, then drop hiphop vocals on top for some serious energetic firepower. The ability to seamlessly interweave a number of genres reminds me of The Cat Empire, but while MOVITS! could relax on their catchy beats, they expertly drop variations (i.e. 2:00 in the video above) that’ll keep you smiling throughout the song.

Music for art directors and your mother
MOVITS! – Äppelknyckarjazz
MOVITS! – Swing För Hyresgästföreningen
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northern rock

Whether digging country roots or rocking guitars, these hearty rascals from Greenwich, NY produce incredibly appealing tight rhythms, choral elation and rollicking stomp. Eastbound Jesus has a vibe I cherish at bluegrass festivals: kids running freely, families sharing meals, camping areas for jamming all night, and tents for free lessons. People are real and their good nature is alive. Thoroughly uplifting, Holy Smokes instills a sense of everything being alright even if you’re far from it. Songs reveal boyhood girl troubles, the workingman’s plight, and helpful lore with a refreshing dash of revolt. Open your windows and doors; feel sun-fueled air kite stymie issues. Hang laundry, clean dishes – dance, sing, paint! Let pieces puzzle together as you lead where life takes you.

Folksy romp with humble foundations.
Eastbound Jesus – For the Ride
Eastbound Jesus – Without You
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français-africain // pop nouveau

Originating from Western Sahara in Algeria, growing up in a multi-cultural environment, Soha blends a variety of styles in her work. Mixing musical traditions from around the world, the prominent Cuban, Latin, jazz and soul influences, Soha gives an appealing vivacity to her sound. The soulful beats and warm equatorial flavours of “Tourbillon (Serre-Moi Fort Si Tu M’aimes)” contain a seductive quality, while “C’est Bien Mieux Comme Ça” creates a festive yet relaxed pace.

Pulsing with passion and energy.
Soha – Tourbillon (Serre-Moi Fort Si Tu M’aimes)
Soha – C’est Bien Mieux Comme Ça
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cabaret // folk pop // singer-songwriter

If you think that April Smith and the Great Picture Show sounds like the name of some 1930s vaudeville act — well, you wouldn’t be so far off. The upbeat and retro stylings of April Smith and her band bring to mind cabaret acts, jazz, and swing with an indie twist. As we saw at SXSW, there’s a swagger to her live set as well as the band’s recordings. April’s brassy vocals are well matched by the myriad of instruments backing her, including piano, upright bass, horns, accordion, drums, guitar and even a ukulele. Her album, Songs For A Sinking Ship, was a true-blue grassroots effort, financed by her fans on Kickstarter.com and the result is stunning, quirky and lively. This is burlesque with a swagger… and a heart. Take a listen to “Colors” and “Movie Loves A Screen” below and just try to refrain from clapping along.

Boisterous indie pop meets swingin’ cabaret.
April Smith and the Great Picture Show – Colors
April Smith and the Great Picture Show – Movie Loves A Screen
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trip hop // vocal downtempo

Inga Liljeström is Australian with Scandinavian roots and beautiful name (the ‘j’ is pronounced as a ‘y’ sound). And as the title of her recent album Elk (2005) indicates to the cold far north too, one could not expect icy landscapes surrounded by warm latin melodies. That’s how eclectic and rich the record is. It is captivating with its subtle beats, lush orchestrated music and cinematic atmosphere. The comparisons vary from Björk to Lamb and early Goldfrapp, but her own diverse experiences and knowledge of aesthetics in music industry distinguish her.

Movie-like, powerful and mesmerizing.
Inga Liljestrom – Phoenix
Inga Liljestrom – Bullet
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retro-pop // french // lounge

Cheery. Poppy. Light ‘n fluffy. This track bounces off of the Paris Lounge 4 compliation. There bassline is full and deep, but yet it makes you want to act like a playboy.
Perfect for your next cocktail party when your girl starts swiveling her hips with drinks in her dainty hands.

The Lovers – Crick Crack

dynamic indie electronica

David Edwards, the man behind Minotaur Shock, comes across as a geeky soccer-dad. However, his music bears no relation to his looks and comes at you with such dynamicism and polish that you’d think a collective of eight Berklee grads was behind it. His sound has been in demand, last year being commissioned for the remix of Bloc Party’s ‘Tulips’ – a keeper for hipster DJs everywhere. Minotaur Shock’s upcoming release on Melodic, Maritime, is a impressive array of solid tracks – ‘Vigo Bay’ is one of the standouts with a jilted guitar line licked by a bouncy pop rock beat. [Think Junior Boys meets Ratatat] If you want the more emcompassing tweeky twitter ambient electronica, sample his remix of Hint’s ‘Count Your Blessings’, one of my favourite clear-my-mind deep-breath tracks.

Minotaur Shock – Vigo Bay
Hint – Count Your Blessings (Minotaur Shock Remix)
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acoustic // dreamtempo

Ethereal beauty preciously sewn from misty morning drops of dew; each wee sound held secret inside. New life, new day – blessed spell of flowers’ bloom; so hush their reverent chanting. Friendly trees begin to whisper in serene approach of Sun’s affection. Soft wings flutter above why and through clouds of gathered wisdom – adoring gazes abound. The bumble of bees a mere murmur as nestled hearts awake to unfettered confessions in Earth’s exhale.

Keys to a secret garden.
RF and Lili De La Mora – Fences
RF and Lili De La Mora – Eleven Continents
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