February 4, 2012 | New Music | by Nils Clauss |

Farewells tells the story of on old couple that found the key to eternal life by vivisecting special fluids from insects. The problem, however, is that one of the two always is in a sort of coma while the other one prepares the shot needed to extend life. This means they can stay alive separately, but never share their love again. The old lady in the end decides to not go on with the procedure. She puts the shot aside and lays her head on her husband’s chest before they die together. The video was directed by Max von Lux, a master student at the University Of Arts in Linz, Austria.

February 4, 2012 | New Music | by Josh Atlas |

Mitchmatic’s Why Don’t You Know? is syrupy sweet Canadian Hip Hop with a beat straight out of a 1940′s education video. Oh, and it sounds like he might be a stalker.

February 3, 2012 | New Music | by Dijana Necovski |

Having supported The Decemberists on their last tour, don’t be surprised when you fall in love with the voices of Mountain Man after their very first verse on any track. On this one, you’ll find yourself singing: ‘Please Mister Moon, don’t tell on me’. Girls, we think you’re doing just fine.

February 3, 2012 | New Music | by Marius D. Hagen from Team Me |

Captain Credible is from Norway. That makes me proud. I once saw him perform in a small tent at this festival and was blown away by his presence and his ‘circuit bending skills’. He modifies (circuit bends) old keyboards, game consoles and toys, then he creates music with it. Circuit bending allows you to make your old Casio keyboard sound like an apocalypse.

February 3, 2012 | New Music | by Marius D. Hagen from Team Me |

Efterklang from Denmark are one of my favorite bands. Their music is amazing and challenging, their live performances are always something unique, and their artwork and music videos are always so freakin’ good. This song is from their album Parades and the video was made by two people who call themselves Hvass & Hannibal.

February 3, 2012 | New Music | by Louise Mills from Frogg |

These young gentlemen make anyone want to pick up an electric guitar or a pair of drum sticks and just go for it, whatever the cost. Inspiring, raw and real music expression. In ya face. I’m hooked.

February 2, 2012 | New Music | by Jesca Teale |

Mike Jaggerr. Hip Hop extraordinaire. The name is insanely similar to rock and roll legend, Mick Jagger, which leads to a bit of confusion with new fans. But, just like Mick, once you listen to a sample of Mike Jaggerr’s music, you’ll become an instant fan. His melodies are unique, his voice is alluring, and his rhymes are captivating. His new album, the Eleventh Hour, is brutally honest, romantic, and most of all, innovative.

February 2, 2012 | New Music | by Jesca Teale |

Godly MC, a young emcee hailing from the Washington D.C. area, is a witty lyricist, rhyming over well mixed beats. In a world where rap has become so commercialized and shallow, this guy gets back to the roots of true Hip Hop. He gives us his story, his dreams, and even his shortcomings, using clever word play, bringing us back to a time where Hip Hop wasn’t about just girls, cars, and money.

February 1, 2012 | New Music | by Mary Chiaramonte |

The Seattle based singer-songwriter Sera Cahoone has a beautifully lulling voice, sleepy and dusky. I was able to see her in Chapel Hill and spoke with the band members for a while. Super fun, sweet people, altogether a wonderful night rapt in fantastic music.

New Music / Live at the Soul Dayer: live sound system mix from 1980s

February 1, 2012 | New Music | by Sunil Pawar |

Sound system culture in the UK is what Hip Hop Block Parties were to the US. In the eighties, these sounds took on American and Jamaican influences and gave them an English twist with explosive results. Although too young to go to the soundclashes at the time, Live at the Soul Dayer was a live album which was a MASSIVE influence on me while growing up. It’s an amazing piece of history pressed onto vinyl: a live recording of England’s finest soul and Hip Hop sound systems, including Main Attraction, TNT and Beatfreak. Read more

January 31, 2012 | New Music | by K Anders |

Vinyl Jacket deservedly attracted a whole lot of attention in the UK last year, and are set to make people take notice again with their latest super-catchy single, Red Light. Their unique, dance-inspired pop sound is accompanied by a striking video, set on an eerie desert island inhabited by black-lit tribeswomen who can’t help but dance. Highly recommended.

January 31, 2012 | New Music | by Milan Topalovic |

Here is an astounding performance of Shake it Out: captivating, breathtaking and beautiful. I have surrendered my initial apprehension due to Florence Welch’s face-shattering voice and instead embraced it with open arms. I wish to marry her one day.

January 31, 2012 | New Music | by Troy Mattison Hicks |

The video for Honeydrum’s new song, Traci’s on the Phone, is sort of a warped 80′s k-hole of that era’s graphics and fashion. It’s cheesy neon bliss for the masses, taken from the EP from AMDiscs called Pleasures of the Sun.

January 28, 2012 | New Music | by Gerry Mak |

I really wish noise musician/sound artist Randy Yau would do more stuff. His performance of the above piece in Beijing back in about 2003 or so really ripped my face off. It was awesome.

January 28, 2012 | New Music | by Gerry Mak |

I am such a child of the ’90s. I’ve been reminiscing particularly hard over ’90s hip-hop lately, and I stumbled upon this track by Lords of the Underground featuring Marley Marl and De’1. I love how stuff from back then managed to be gritty and raw yet fun at the same time.