Who Knew @ MySpace
mánudagur, mars 29, 2010
fimmtudagur, mars 25, 2010
"I love Icelandic music" is taking a break
On my way to Iceland to enjoy some good Icelandic music, nature, drinks & food in the capital area & West Fjords.Going to dig for gold, oil & Mugison's Útbrot.
Back with more posts about
the Icelandic music scene on 7. April 2010.
Or I'll see you @ Músíktilraunir, @ Aldrei, @ Sódóma Reykjavík, @ Karamba, @ Grillhúsið, @ Sea Baron, @ Volcano Show, etc.
Aldrei Festival
Músíktilraunir
miðvikudagur, mars 24, 2010
Line-Up of Aldrei for ég suður 2010 Festival will be announced Tomorrow
Never went south 2010
Tomorrow the total line-up of this year's festival will be announced @ Aldrei fór ég suður website.Already confirmed to perform @ Ísafjörður, West Fjord are:
Urmull
Bloodgroup
Hjaltalín
Sólinn frá Sandgerði
Morðingjarnir
Rúnar Þór
Dikta
Mið-Ísland
Pollapönk
Ólöf Arnalds
Hudson Wayne
Yohanna "Butterflies & Elvis" Live @ Reykjavik
Yohanna & Icelandic Symphony Orchestra
"Butterflies & Elvis"
The song was written by Lee Horrocks & Jóhanna Guðrún.
www.youtube.com/v/A8XlKt0eSYc&hl&fmt=18
Yohanna @ MySpace
"Butterflies & Elvis"
The song was written by Lee Horrocks & Jóhanna Guðrún.
www.youtube.com/v/A8XlKt0eSYc&hl&fmt=18
Yohanna @ MySpace
þriðjudagur, mars 23, 2010
Reason To Believe, We Made God & Nögl @ Rock Bar Dillon Thursday 25. March 2010
Reason To Believe, We Made God & Nögl @ Rock Bar DillonThursday 25. March 2010 @ 22:00
Admission: 500 IKR
Mugison in the Spotlight @ IMX
Mugison - Return Of The Mugician
Mugison Live @ Drake, Toronto 10. March 2010
www.youtube.com/v/XT9KlZ67-lc&hl&fmt=18
Mugison makes music that ranges from gentle laptop pop to heavy, flamboyant rock. He started recording songs on his laptop in 2001 and in 2003 released the experimental glitch-pop album "Lonely Mountain", which was released on Matthew Herbert's Accidental label.
That same year Mugison and his father (Papamugs) founded the Aldrei fór ég suður (AFS) festival, and Mugison recorded the soundtrack to Friðrik Þór Friðriksson's 2004 film ”Niceland” in a church in his hometown, Ísafjörður.
In 2005 he released "Mugimama, Is This Monkey Music?", which won five Icelandic Music Awards that year (including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for "Murr Murr"). For his next album, "Mugiboogie", Mugison traded the whimsical electronics for more bandmembers and a bluesy rock & roll sound.
As the 7th installment of AFS looms on the horizon, we catch up with the Mugi Master to talk about the festival, self-made instruments and a new solo album…
Interview with Mugison by Iceland Music Export (IMX):
Where are you right now and what did you do today?
I just arrived in Toronto today, and I’m doing this event to promote Icelandic culture and food with a company called Iceland Nature. I’m having a lot of fun with the chef, Þór. We’ve done two shows at the Drake Hotel here.
What have you been doing since the release of Mugiboogie?
Well I’ve done a lot of shows. 2008 was pretty much packed. 2009 was about spending time with the family, doing a few gigs and working on a new album. Oh, and I made a new instrument too.
Did all the touring with Mugiboogie take your career to new levels in some ways?
In some places of the world it got me further. For example Germany was a territory where not much had been going on before, but it is a bit now. On the other hand places like France don’t really like the rock & roll, I used to be relatively popular there, then started fading out. Recently I’ve been doing some one man shows and again it’s easier! It’s all ups and downs.
What were the highlights and lowlights of your time on tour in 2009?
The highlight for 2009 was playing Five Burroughs in one day in New York. That was in August and I felt more like an athlete than a musician, but it was great fun and I met a lot of really nice people. I was very proud of that. The lowlights – I probably played a few shows a bit too drunk maybe, but I can’t specifically remember which ones…
Were the Stateside dates good times in general?
I like playing the States. It’s a territory I haven’t concentrated on so much as it’s huge and you need a lot of money, but myself and Davíð Þór and my producer Biggi drove through America a bit and we loved it. It was such an experience to do a gig a day like that, sometimes driving 20 hours to play in front of only 20-30 people…it’s a lot of work but an amazing thing. It was probably one of my favourite trips ever, being with the boys and having fun. But really it needs more work and money if its gonna happen properly. You need PR people and planes. People need to know you have a show there, and that just costs money.
You've just released a live album - what can you tell us about that?
At the beginning of last year I realized that the band I was playing with, which was five of us, was coming to an end. We were done playing the Mugiboogie shows and I wanted to capture our thing before we went out own ways. So we went into the studio, had some good food and a few beers and jammed for a bit. I’m really happy we captured it, it’s good to have it as a document. That combination of loudness, sweat and eye contact can be a great thing.
You've also been busy with other musical projects in the last few months – what’s up the Mugi sleeve!?
There are a few things. I’ve made this instrument with a friend of mine, a great artist and a sound maniac. It took a long time but it’s ready and we’re going to make an album with it. I’ve also been doing this side project making some Icelandic songs for an Icelandic album. And myself and Davíð Þór are also working on an album, a soundtrack to no particular movie. The idea is to have an album’s worth of music that indie filmmakers with no budget can use without having to clear the rights and pay lots of money. There’s more but it’s probably not wise to say too much now, as some things take time.
Is the line up fixed for Aldrei? Any anecdotes about this year's preparations?
I’ve been touring since November, including Iceland and Europe last December and February 2010, and also the States this month (March). So I’ve only sent in my request list and it’s really in the hands of other, good folks like Kristján Feyr from Reykjavik!, my dad and the Rock & Roll Chief who’s kind of in charge. The list I saw recently had lots of good, popular bands and some very interesting newcomers. We’re really excited.
Have any Icelandic artists made a big impression on you in the last few months?
I like some of the tracks on a compilation called Weirdcore. I also like this band Foreign Monkeys, their album is good.
How do you describe the event to folk who have never been to Iceland or heard of the festival before?
It’s an interesting festival in one of the most remote parts of Iceland. Very few tourists bother going, so it’s only a special type of person that takes the time to check it out. Usually people are amazed. The festival is over Easter too, which makes it even harder to get there, because of weather and stuff. If you can make it, it’s special. We have a few funny rules, like everyone plays for 20 minutes and now more; there are no sound checks; it’s free admission; no one gets paid; and everyone is welcome. The crowd is really from 7 to 700 years old. It’s a great little secret we've got up there.
What do you personally love most about AFS?
I love it when it all clicks, when the music and people all work…there’s a togetherness about it I can’t describe. A lot of hard work is put into it and there’s this joy…we don’t have the concept of money there, and when you take money out of any equation you get fun.
What other plans are there for 2010?
I want to spend time with my kids back home, finish the new album. If I finish it mid or late 2010, then maybe I’ll do some touring.
What’s your biggest wish for 2010 in general?
I want people to have opportunities and to be safe in Iceland. The crisis has been scary here. The majority are safe and some are happy but it seems like our politicians are blocked and I’m scared that the health and education systems will be harmed. I hope our politicians will grow up, take some responsibility and kick some ass - show what they’re made of and at least take a step towards the future. Half of me is a hippy so I also want peace and happiness for everyone in general.
Source: IMX
R.I.P. Batteríið
I'm on fire 2 - Not only the volcanoes are damaging Iceland these days
Venue Batteríið @ Hafnarstræti 1-3 has gone in flames last night. Nobody got injured.
Once again a music venue burnt down downtown 101, just like the venues Tunglið, Rosenberg & Pravda (previous called Berlin and Astro Bar).
Also nextdoors venue Sódóma Reykjavík (previous Gaukurinn and Tunglið) @ Tryggvagata is temporarily closed 'cause of damage. Upcoming gigs for this weekend were cancelled.
Select: All, Read, None
Show:AllUnread
Concert of Mikael Lind & Co on Thursday 25. April was Cancelled
Concert of Útidúr, Rökkurró & Retro Stefson on Friday 26. April Not Cancelled - Other Venue @ Venue called "Venue" (next to Glaumbar): Doors @ 22:00 - Start @ 23:00
Venue Batteríið @ Hafnarstræti 1-3 has gone in flames last night. Nobody got injured.
Once again a music venue burnt down downtown 101, just like the venues Tunglið, Rosenberg & Pravda (previous called Berlin and Astro Bar).
Also nextdoors venue Sódóma Reykjavík (previous Gaukurinn and Tunglið) @ Tryggvagata is temporarily closed 'cause of damage. Upcoming gigs for this weekend were cancelled.
Select: All, Read, None
Show:AllUnread
Concert of Mikael Lind & Co on Thursday 25. April was Cancelled
Concert of Útidúr, Rökkurró & Retro Stefson on Friday 26. April Not Cancelled - Other Venue @ Venue called "Venue" (next to Glaumbar): Doors @ 22:00 - Start @ 23:00
mánudagur, mars 22, 2010
Stafrænn Hákon "Sanitas" Released by Kimi Records in April 2010
Stafrænn Hákon's "Sanitas" Album to be released on Icelandic Kimi Records Label in April 2010Stafrænn Hákon's new album contains 12 new songs by Ólafur Josephsson & band
The Album will be released in the USA on Darla Records & in Asia on Happy Prince Label.
Ólafur Josephsson had been living in Denmark for 1 years, but he has settled again in Iceland.
Stafrænn Hákon plays @ next Duplex Concert on 31. March downtown 101.
Villi Naglbítur & Andrea Gylfa @ Café Rosenberg, Reykjavik 24. March 2010
Félag Tónskálda & Textahöfunda (FTT) & Reykjavík Grapevine
present
Fuglabúr #5: Villi Naglbítur & Andrea Gylfa
present
Fuglabúr #5: Villi Naglbítur & Andrea Gylfa
Vilhelm „Naglbítur“ Anton Jónsson & Andrea Gylfadóttir
@ Café Rósenberg, Klapparstígur
24. March 2010 @ 21:00
Admission: 1500 IKR@ Café Rósenberg, Klapparstígur
24. March 2010 @ 21:00
Tickets @ MIDI
Andrea Gylfadóttir of Todmobile & Grafík fame
Vilhelm Anton Jónsson of 200.000 Naglbítar fame
Útidúr, Rökkurró & Retro Stefson @ Sódóma Reykjavik 26. March 2010
Útidúr, Rökkurró & Retro Stefson
Friday 26. March 2010
@ Sódóma Reykjavik
Admission: 1000 IKR
To support the making of our first Útidúr record to be released October 2010
"Mind your stay"Friday 26. March 2010
@ Sódóma Reykjavik
Admission: 1000 IKR
To support the making of our first Útidúr record to be released October 2010
www.youtube.com/v/X5yRpOmktEQ&hl&fmt=18
Útidúr @ MySpace
Ólöf Arnalds Live @ Paris 28. March 2010
Ólöf Arnalds @ Paris
@ Théâtre de la Cité internationale
@ Théâtre de la Cité internationale
28. March 2010 @ 17h30
17, Boulevard Jourdan
75014 Paris
RER Cité-Universitaire. A côté du parc Montsouris
Admission: € 14
Théâtre de la Cité internationale
Ólöf @ Cambridge, MA Bookstore17, Boulevard Jourdan
75014 Paris
RER Cité-Universitaire. A côté du parc Montsouris
Admission: € 14
Théâtre de la Cité internationale
www.youtube.com/v/EwRca_RoUXU&hl&fmt=18
Ólöf Arnalds @ MySpace
Song of the 156. Week is Sindri Eldon's "The Ugly Truth"
156. Song of the Week is "The Ugly Truth" of Sindri Eldon Þórsson, the son of Björk & guitarist/poet Thor (Þór) Eldon. He was born on 8. June 1986, also the date that Smekkleysa saw the daylight.
Sindri is recording some solo stuff, but he's also a member of the band Dynamo Fog. Previous he played in the bands Desidia & Dáðadrengir (rap/rock band who won the Músíktilraunir competition in 2003).
Sindri Eldon @ MySpace
sunnudagur, mars 21, 2010
Feldberg "Dreamin'" Live @ Kastljós
Feldberg (Duo Rósa Birgitta Ísfeld (singer of Sometime btw) & Einar Tönsberg aka Eberg) Live on Icelandic TV Show Kastljós (Spotlight)
"Dreamin'" was voted the Song of the Year @ Icelandic Music Awards 2009
www.youtube.com/v/IYecHA59A50&hl&fmt=18
Feldberg @ MySpace
"Dreamin'" was voted the Song of the Year @ Icelandic Music Awards 2009
www.youtube.com/v/IYecHA59A50&hl&fmt=18
Feldberg @ MySpace
Jónsi goes MGMT @ BBC Radio 1
Jónsi covered MGMT's"Time to pretend" @ BBC Radio 1
Listen to the Radio Interview hereListen to the Cover @
www.youtube.com/v/pdBYv4e5XlU&hl&fmt=18
Jónsi
Emiliana Torrini goes Brel: If you go away
"Ne me quitte pas" à la Emiliana Torrini
"If you go away"
www.youtube.com/v/LWgDkwjjFSY&hl&fmt=18
Emiliana Torrini
"If you go away"
www.youtube.com/v/LWgDkwjjFSY&hl&fmt=18
Emiliana Torrini
"I'm on fire" - Volcanic Eruption started on 20. March 2010
Last night a volcanic eruption started @ Fimmvörduhals, a passager between the 2 glaciers Eyjafjallajökull & Mýrdalsjökull in the south of Iceland.www.youtube.com/v/VwdOH9GayVw&hl&fmt=18
"One Day" by Björk
one day
it will happen
one day, one day
it will all come true
one day
when you're resdy
one day, one day
when you're up to it
the atmosphere
will get lighter
and two suns ready
to shine just for you
i can feel it
one day
it will happen
one day. one day
it will all make sense
one day, one day
you will blossom
one day, one day
when you're ready
an aeroplane
will curve gracefully
around the volcano
with the eruption that never lets you down
i can feel it
and the beautifullest
fireworks are burning
in the sky just for you
i can feel it
one day
one day
www.youtube.com/v/OyxnzCCqfTs&hl&fmt=18
"I'm on fire" by Mugison
Photograph: Morgunblaðið
An Alternative Video for Eberg's song "Inside Your Head"
Eberg
"Inside Your Head", a song of the Album "Voff Voff"
This Alternative Video was made by Erica Cruz from the Philippines & was a winner & the 1st Machinima Film Festival in the Philippines in 2009.
www.youtube.com/v/RJonoxmNEl0&hl&fmt=18
The official video by Soffia
www.youtube.com/v/iwgDECVwAb4&hl&fmt=18
Eberg @ MySpace
"Inside Your Head", a song of the Album "Voff Voff"
This Alternative Video was made by Erica Cruz from the Philippines & was a winner & the 1st Machinima Film Festival in the Philippines in 2009.
www.youtube.com/v/RJonoxmNEl0&hl&fmt=18
The official video by Soffia
www.youtube.com/v/iwgDECVwAb4&hl&fmt=18
Eberg @ MySpace
laugardagur, mars 20, 2010
Cosmic Call "Lightbulbs" Live @ Kastljós TV Show
The first performance on TV (Kastljós/Spotlight) for Cosmic Call, a band from Akranes.
They played a song of their first EP, which was recorded by Sigurður I. Þorvaldsson & mastered by grammy award winning engineer Richard Dodd (Kings of Leon, Greenday, Red Hot Chilli Peppers). The album was released on 24. July 2009. A limited hand sewed edition of 1000 copies made by the band members, their friends & family.
"Lightbulbs"
www.youtube.com/v/P9tkYp8s3mE&hl&fmt=18
Cosmic Call @ MySpace
They played a song of their first EP, which was recorded by Sigurður I. Þorvaldsson & mastered by grammy award winning engineer Richard Dodd (Kings of Leon, Greenday, Red Hot Chilli Peppers). The album was released on 24. July 2009. A limited hand sewed edition of 1000 copies made by the band members, their friends & family.
"Lightbulbs"
www.youtube.com/v/P9tkYp8s3mE&hl&fmt=18
Cosmic Call @ MySpace
The Weird Girls Project # 9: "Transilvania" Crookers feat. Steed Lord
The Weird Girls Project
Episode 9: Goth Moths
"Transilvania" by Crookers feat. Steed Lord
Crookers
The Weird Girls Project
Producer, Concept Artist and Artistic Direction: Kitty Von-Sometime
Filmed on 4. January 2010
Director, Cinematography, Editing, Composition and grading: Chris Rowe
Director of Photography, Cinematography and Lighting: Hrafn Garðasson
Lighting: Ari Bjarnason
Assistant: Hildur Hlíf Hilmarsdóttir
Head Runner: Fríða Einarsdóttir
Runners: Erla Gisladóttir, Anne Walsh
Make up: Flóra Buenano, Berglind Rögnvaldsdóttir and Alma Ösp Arnórsdóttir
Official Photographer: Juliana Espana Keller
Official Behind the Scenes Photographer: Sara Johanna
Music: Transilvania by Crookers feat. Steed Lord
Costumes: Svanhvit Arnadóttir, Kitty Von-Sometime and Judy Wu
CG weird girl modeling and rigging Christophe Brebion Key grip: Jonathan Rigaud
Episode 9: Goth Moths
"Transilvania" by Crookers feat. Steed Lord
Crookers
The Weird Girls Project
Producer, Concept Artist and Artistic Direction: Kitty Von-Sometime
Filmed on 4. January 2010
Director, Cinematography, Editing, Composition and grading: Chris Rowe
Director of Photography, Cinematography and Lighting: Hrafn Garðasson
Lighting: Ari Bjarnason
Assistant: Hildur Hlíf Hilmarsdóttir
Head Runner: Fríða Einarsdóttir
Runners: Erla Gisladóttir, Anne Walsh
Make up: Flóra Buenano, Berglind Rögnvaldsdóttir and Alma Ösp Arnórsdóttir
Official Photographer: Juliana Espana Keller
Official Behind the Scenes Photographer: Sara Johanna
Music: Transilvania by Crookers feat. Steed Lord
Costumes: Svanhvit Arnadóttir, Kitty Von-Sometime and Judy Wu
CG weird girl modeling and rigging Christophe Brebion Key grip: Jonathan Rigaud
múm "Marmelade Fires" Live
múm Live
"Marmelade Fires", a song of the Album "Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy"
www.youtube.com/v/2Za7P7pNoKs&hl&fmt=18
múm
"Marmelade Fires", a song of the Album "Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy"
www.youtube.com/v/2Za7P7pNoKs&hl&fmt=18
múm
Skyndiskyssur: The Debut Album of Loji
Logi Höskuldsson aka Loji is the guitarist/vocalist of the band Sudden Weather Change. The band got the brightest hope award/“Bjartasta vonin” @ latest Icelandic Music Awards.Six years ago he participated with the band We Painted The Walls in the Músíktilraunir (Battle of the Bands/Musical Experiments) Competition.
"Skyndiskyssur" is Loji’s debut album contains sketches which he has recorded @ home over the years. Some of the material found a place in songs of Sudden Weather Change. Skyndiskyssur is a soft and warm lo-fi record released on Brak Records.
Brak Records
Love Story from the Mountains: Free Concert of Egill Ólafsson & Caput @ Gerðuberg Arts Centre 21. March 2010
Tomorrow Sunday 21. March 2010 there is a free concert of Icelandic musician Egill Ólafsson together with the Caput Ensemble @ the Gerðuberg Arts/Culture Center, Gerðuberg 3-5, 111 Reykjavík @ 14:00-15:00. They are going to play a composition based on A Giant Love Story by Gudrún Helgadóttir: "Love Story from the Mountains" (Ástarsögu úr fjöllunum).
The concert is part of the Gerðuberg Tóney concert series.
Egill Ólafsson
Caput
Gerðuberg
The concert is part of the Gerðuberg Tóney concert series.
Egill Ólafsson
Caput
Gerðuberg
Emiliana Torrini "Birds" Live @ St. James' Church, Dingle (Kerry), Ireland
Emiliana Torrini Live @ St. James' Church, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland (Other Voices Video)
"Birds"
www.youtube.com/v/GpJJEf2YDI0&hl&fmt=18
Emiliana Torrini
"Birds"
www.youtube.com/v/GpJJEf2YDI0&hl&fmt=18
Emiliana Torrini
Icelandic Musicians @ Donau Festival 2010 @ Krems
Iceland Hits Danube Musicians @ Austria's Donau Festival 29. April - 8. May 2010
A serie of showcases with a focus on Iceland
Concerts, DJs, performances, interventions by and featuring representatives of the internationally well-connected music and art scene from the volcanic island in the North Atlantic with just under 320,000 inhabitants.
“Icelandic Hits Danube” reflects on its incredible, creative power, visualising the variety of different genres and inter-collaborations across all borders – advanced pop, electronic music, avant-rock, experimental noise, ambient, dark drone, outer limits as well as poetry and audiovisual performances by:
Magnús Árnason
Anna Ceeh & AUXPAN?
Stilluppsteypa
Ingólfur Arnarsson
BJ Nilsen & Franz Graf
Kría Brekkan
Bryndís Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir?
Snorri Ásmundsson
Ghostigital
Ghostigital & Finnbogi Pétursson
Reptilicus
Hildur Guðnadóttir & BJ Nilsen
Gunnhildur Hauksdóttir & Jóhann Eiríksson?
Howie B & Húbert Nói feat. Borgar Magnason & Pomassl?
Kristján Guðmundsson
múm
Bedroom Community’s Whale Watching Tour (featuring Valgeir Sigurðsson, Ben Frost and Nico Muhly as well as long-time Björk-companions Matmos as special guests)
Source: IMX
"Crusher of Bones" by Reptilicus
www.youtube.com/v/KxFd8bkrjrE&hl&fmt=18
Ghostigital & Finnbogi Pétursson @ Nýlistasafn (Nýlo Museum, Reykjavik, Museum Celebrated its 32 years anniversary) on 27. February 2010
www.youtube.com/v/3gfadt3i3Vw&hl&fmt=18
"32x32x32x60"
32 Hz tónn og 32 bútar af white noise á einni mínútu
www.youtube.com/v/4rxriJ0Thpw&hl&fmt=18
A serie of showcases with a focus on Iceland
Concerts, DJs, performances, interventions by and featuring representatives of the internationally well-connected music and art scene from the volcanic island in the North Atlantic with just under 320,000 inhabitants.
“Icelandic Hits Danube” reflects on its incredible, creative power, visualising the variety of different genres and inter-collaborations across all borders – advanced pop, electronic music, avant-rock, experimental noise, ambient, dark drone, outer limits as well as poetry and audiovisual performances by:
Magnús Árnason
Anna Ceeh & AUXPAN?
Stilluppsteypa
Ingólfur Arnarsson
BJ Nilsen & Franz Graf
Kría Brekkan
Bryndís Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir?
Snorri Ásmundsson
Ghostigital
Ghostigital & Finnbogi Pétursson
Reptilicus
Hildur Guðnadóttir & BJ Nilsen
Gunnhildur Hauksdóttir & Jóhann Eiríksson?
Howie B & Húbert Nói feat. Borgar Magnason & Pomassl?
Kristján Guðmundsson
múm
Bedroom Community’s Whale Watching Tour (featuring Valgeir Sigurðsson, Ben Frost and Nico Muhly as well as long-time Björk-companions Matmos as special guests)
Source: IMX
"Crusher of Bones" by Reptilicus
www.youtube.com/v/KxFd8bkrjrE&hl&fmt=18
Ghostigital & Finnbogi Pétursson @ Nýlistasafn (Nýlo Museum, Reykjavik, Museum Celebrated its 32 years anniversary) on 27. February 2010
www.youtube.com/v/3gfadt3i3Vw&hl&fmt=18
"32x32x32x60"
32 Hz tónn og 32 bútar af white noise á einni mínútu
www.youtube.com/v/4rxriJ0Thpw&hl&fmt=18
Dikta Live @ NASA 27. March 2010
Dikta @ NASA @ Austurvöllur
27. March 2010
Supporting Acts: Pétur Ben & Mammút
Doors @ 22:00
Start @ 23:00
Admission: 1500 IKR
Tickets @ MIDI
27. March 2010
Supporting Acts: Pétur Ben & Mammút
Doors @ 22:00
Start @ 23:00
Admission: 1500 IKR
Tickets @ MIDI
föstudagur, mars 19, 2010
Hjálmar @ Aldrei 2010 Festival
Iceland's most popular Reggae band Hjálmar will perform on Friday @ the upcoming Aldrei fór ég suður (I Never Went South) Festival @ Ísafjörður , West Fjords, 2-3. April 2010.
"Hærra ég og þú"of the Album "IV"
www.youtube.com/v/v16CxxmA3aU&hl&fmt=18
"Lýsi ljós" @ Jamaica, where they recorded part of "IV" Album
www.youtube.com/v/7H0QhFLH0HQ&hl&fmt=18
Interview with Mugison, the organizer of Aldrei Festival by Iceland Naturally @ Boston
www.youtube.com/v/lmyyZxnSXFQ&hl&fmt=18
Aldrei 2010
Hjálmar @ MySpace
"Hærra ég og þú"of the Album "IV"
www.youtube.com/v/v16CxxmA3aU&hl&fmt=18
"Lýsi ljós" @ Jamaica, where they recorded part of "IV" Album
www.youtube.com/v/7H0QhFLH0HQ&hl&fmt=18
Interview with Mugison, the organizer of Aldrei Festival by Iceland Naturally @ Boston
www.youtube.com/v/lmyyZxnSXFQ&hl&fmt=18
Aldrei 2010
Hjálmar @ MySpace
AMFJ & Me, The Slumbering Napoleon @ Havarí 20. March 2010
AMFJ & Me, The Slumbering Napoleon@ HAVARÍ, Austurstræti 6
Saturday 20. March 2010
@ 16:00 - 18:00
Saturday 20. March 2010
@ 16:00 - 18:00
fimmtudagur, mars 18, 2010
Bróðir Svartúlfs, Vicky, Cliff Clavin & For a Minor Reflection @ Sódóma 20. March 2010
Rokk Tónleikar @ Sódómain collaboration with
Reykjavík Fashion Festival
20. March 2010
Bróðir Svartúlfs
Vicky
Cliff Clavin
For a Minor Reflection
Admission: 500 IKRCliff Clavin
For a Minor Reflection
Doors @ 21:00
Start @ 22:00
Cliff Clavin
"Midnight getaways"
www.youtube.com/v/9K0_y55UgJg&hl&fmt=18
miðvikudagur, mars 17, 2010
Article about Apparat Organ Quartet
An article by Ben H. Murray about the band Apparat Organ Quartet, published in the 2009 winter issue of Iceland Review – IR 47.04. A part is now published on the website of Iceland Review.
Working on a second album, but no release to be expected soon.
Working on a second album, but no release to be expected soon.
Bloodgroup "How do we know" Live @ Akureyri 6. March 2010
Bloodgroup @ Græni Hatturinn, Akureyri on 6. March 2010.
"How do we know"
www.youtube.com/v/XYWbs3TSiz8&hl&fmt=18
Bloodgroup @ MySpace
"How do we know"
www.youtube.com/v/XYWbs3TSiz8&hl&fmt=18
Bloodgroup @ MySpace
Ja Ja Ja @ Lexington, London January 2010 Music Video
Sudden Weather Change & Leaves (with new member Elli)@ Ja Ja Ja Music
Interviewed by Haukur S. Magnússon of Iceland Music Export/Grapevine Magazine/Reykjavik! fame
Ja Ja Ja Music @ Lexington, London
Interviewed by Haukur S. Magnússon of Iceland Music Export/Grapevine Magazine/Reykjavik! fame
Ja Ja Ja Music @ Lexington, London
Jónsi interviewed by Drowned in Sound/BeatCast TV
Jónsi interviewed by Drowned in Sound/BeatCast TV
Part 1
www.youtube.com/v/FknyodmtA6U&hl&fmt=18
Jónsi's Official Site
Part 1
www.youtube.com/v/FknyodmtA6U&hl&fmt=18
Jónsi's Official Site
þriðjudagur, mars 16, 2010
Björk & Michel Gondry Reunite
Björk & Gondry will be working together again on a music projectMichel Gondry described the video endeavor as "a very ambitious project, a sort of scientific musical... maybe more for museums. Like a 40-minute IMAX project in 3D".
Source: Hitfix
"Declare Independence"
www.youtube.com/v/igOWR_-BXJU&hl&fmt=18
mánudagur, mars 15, 2010
Grapevine Grassroots 18-21. March 2010
Grapevine Grassroots Festival18-20. March 2010
@ Hemmi & Valdi, Laugavegur, Reykjavik
Thursday 18. March - Enter the dragon @ Hemmi & Valdi, Laugavegur, Reykjavik
20:00
Official screening of Zoom Boom Boom - Erling Bang & Jón Atli Guðjónsson's most excellent docudrama detailing the inspiring career of Iceland's best rockstar, Vignir Snæ.
21:30
Felonius Monk - Hestbak - ThiZone
Friday 19. March - The Reckoning
21:00
Arnljótur - NOLO- Pascal Pinon
Saturday 20. March - This time it's personal
21:00
AMFJ - DLX ATX - Bárujárn
How to put music blogs on the MAP
Today Guardian published an article about the blog collective Music Alliance Pact (MAP). This month Israel joined, so 36 blogs from around the world.I'm collaborating since the beginning back in October 2008:
Guardian
Who Knew Debut Album "Bits and Pieces of a Major Spectacle" on 21. May 2010 Released in Europe
"Bits and pieces of a major spectacle"
Who Knew Album Released in Europe 21. May 2010
German Tour Dates
| Hafen2 | Offenbach, Hessen | ||||
| Bang Bang Club | Berlin, Berlin | ||||
| Lunatic Festival | Lüneburg, Niedersachsen | ||||
| 21:0 | Astrastube | Hamburg, Hamburg |
www.youtube.com/v/NcipLnuIRjU&hl&fmt=18
Who Knew @ MySpace
Song of the 155. Week: "Softship" by Seabear
The 155. Song of the Week is Seabear's song "Softship", featured on their Second Album "We built a fire" (Morr Music, 2010). Enjoy this good indie tune.
Seabear's Website
Seabear @ MySpace
If you want to read a Popmatters interview with Sindri of Seabear, click here.
Music Alliance Pact (MAP) # 18 (March 2010)
It's time for the 18th I love Icelandic music contribution to an international initiative, the Music Alliance Pact, aka MAP. I take part in this Blog Alliance since the start 1 year ago in October 2008. On a monthly basis music bloggers from around the globe select a track from their country which is then posted collectively and simultaneously on those blogs - giving each nation's track international exposure.
A trip around the world in 36 songs, with a take off in Iceland:
This month I contributed "Heart of Spades", a song of the debut album "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" of Sometime for Iceland.
Sometime, a band formed by Icelandic music veterans, puts catchy dance infused songs on the menu. Ingredients are the strong voice of frontwoman Diva De La Rosa plus the inventive drums of TheDanni, flavoured by turntable whizzkid DJ Moonshine and manipulated by Oculus. You can taste it while listening to the single Heart of spades of the album Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Official Video
www.youtube.com/v/iRoVUT5-Nas&hl&fmt=18
"Heart of Spades" Acoustic - A Home Video
www.youtube.com/v/YGFTyTF-JTk&hl&fmt=18
"Heart of Spades" Live @ Icelandic TV (in 2007 with founding member Curver Thoroddsen)
www.youtube.com/v/9c95Y30_u5I&hl&fmt=18
Sometime @ MySpace
ARGENTINA: Zonaindie
Modular - Femme Fatale
Listening to Modular's music is like a journey back to a time when lounge and space-age pop were present on almost every soundtrack and TV show. This track is their own rendition of the great song Femme Fatale by The Velvet Underground, taken from a recent free EP called Yoga Para Extraterrestres (which you can download from here). Don't miss Requiem Para Robert Moog, another great track from this EP.
AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?
Otouto - Astronauts
Exciting new trio Otouto from Melbourne have released a new single called Astronauts on their own artist collective label Two Bright Lakes. You may recognise singer Hazel Brown's voice from Whitley's song Killer. So catchy.
BRAZIL: Meio Desligado
Eddie - Gafieira No Avenida
One of the founders of the mangue beat movement in northeast Brazil in the 90s, Eddie play a mixture of frevo (a kind of folk music usually related to carnival), rock and jazz. Gafieira No Avenida is taken from the band's latest album, Carnaval No Inferno ("Carnival In Hell") and highlights some of Eddie's influences, such as Fela Kuti and Lee Perry.
CANADA: I(Heart)Music
Yukon Blonde - Rather Be With You
There are all kinds of great power-pop bands from decades past that could be referenced when talking about Yukon Blonde. But you know what? As songs like Rather Be With You show, Yukon Blonde are a lot more than their influences, and it's not hard to imagine that it won't be long before future bands are referencing them as an influence.
CHILE: Super 45
Inverness - Nubes
Inverness has its heart divided between Santiago and England. The band flirts a lot with shoegaze revivalism but succeeds in avoiding a lame emulation of the sound, instead delivering a rich, lyrical world full of dreamy scenes. Their second album Illuminaciones was inspired by the far-away landscapes of southern Chile and received massive critical acceptance last year. The band faces the challenge of doing it again for the release of their next album this year.
CHINA: Wooozy
PB33 - Dance With Me
Formed in 2005, PB33 independently released their first album Disco Boys & Girls Night Out. It's about youth, happiness, love, life, friendship and party. They are a band with a punk attitude. Are you ready for them?
COLOMBIA: Colombia Urbana
ChocQuibTown - En Circulo (Sa Rissa)
ChocQuibTown is the most successful urban fusion group in Colombia with two Latin Grammy nominations. The band try to mix hip hop music with native sounds of the Pacific coast. Their new album Oro has just been released.
DENMARK: All Scandinavian
The Bronson Brothers - Ancient Land
Pop, decadence, France and the 1960s are keywords when it comes to Clyde and Ted Bronson's musical universe. The excellent Ancient Land is taken from the duo's freshly-released debut album The Melody Bronson, the title a nod to the 1971 concept album Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg, who is also found among The Bronson Brothers' influences.
ENGLAND: The Daily Growl
Stairs To Korea - All Of Your Friends
The awesome one-man band and king of the offbeat tweets, Stairs To Korea is a battery of lo-fi electronic effects, good tunes, wry lyrics and ace guitar solos. And behind his bushy beard there's a reluctant rock god edging his way out. His new single All Of Your Friends, on the excellent Brainlove Records, is another in the gradual drip-feed of fine releases which should eventually see him with one of the best singles compilations of 2012.
ESTONIA: Popop
Honey Power - Get Country
This light, fresh and melodic indie tune from four-piece Honey Power carries a real country vibe and, as an early taste of the Tartu-based band's long-anticipated second album, demonstrates good taste and an impeccable arrangement.
FINLAND: Glue
Flannelmouth - Sharp Paper
Sharp Paper gently opens Flannelmouth's second album and leads the Helsinki indie band into a collection of intense and diverse pop songs, with intelligent arrangements and a good sense of melody, underlined by the dominant voice of vocalist Tuomo Kuusi. Rather than limiting themselves to the classic four or five-piece band template, Flannelmouth draw their songs with a diverse palette including subtle sounds of ukulele, pedal steel and a variety of other instruments to build an addictive romanticism.
FRANCE: ZikNation
Saycet - Easy
Saycet is a French electronic artist made famous by his album One Day At Home in 2006. Pierre Lefeuvre, the man behind Saycet, is a daydream music specialist. His songs carry the listener away in a cocoon universe where nothing can hurt you and every little noise is a delight.
GERMANY: Blogpartei
Kissogram - Rubber And Meat
The death of German indie labels continues. This month Berlin-based Louisville closed its doors, leaving a bunch of the most influential and significant German bands on their own. One of these is Kissogram, whose last album Rubber And Meat got a lot of positive reviews. To bid a fond farewell to Louisville, we are able to present its title track exclusively. Thanks for all the music!
GREECE: Mouxlaloulouda
Electric Litany - February
Preferring patience and restraint over explosive blasts of atmospheric wailing, Electric Litany slowly build up tunes that glimmer with hauntingly melodic ideas and climax with rhythms that capture the traditional musical heritage of Eastern European countries. Their debut album, How To Be A Child & Win The War, offers a sonically cinematic experience that will leave you feeling both elated and emotionally drained. Gorgeous sounds are pulled from within the deepest recesses of the human soul, while vocals full of intuitive swells and fades rise over piano, synths and tremolo guitars. A work of mesmerising beauty, like a tender touch on a sad day.
ICELAND: I Love Icelandic Music
Sometime - Heart Of Spades
Sometime, a band formed by Icelandic music veterans, puts catchy dance-infused songs on the menu. Ingredients are the strong voice of frontwoman Diva De La Rosa plus the inventive drums of TheDanni, flavoured by turntable whizzkid DJ Moonshine and manipulated by Oculus. You can taste it while listening to the single Heart Of Spades from the album Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
INDIA: Indiecision
The Circus - FOPS
The Circus are an alternative rock act from New Delhi. The band's music is Incubus-inspired, effects-driven fuzz that makes no bones about what it is and where it finds its roots. FOPS (an abbreviation of Full On Party Scene) comes from soon-to-be-released debut album From Space. It's wholesome, angular alternative music executed without much fuss. Turn it up, get your party started.
INDONESIA: Deathrockstar
Sajama Cut - Paintings/Pantings
Sajama Cut are praised for their lyrics and unusual songs arrangements, with influences ranging from Echo & The Bunnymen, The Beach Boys, Guided By Voices, R.E.M. and tons of obscure singer-songwriters. Paintings/Pantings comes from their new album Manimals, a record which has a varied approach in songwriting, with most of the lyrics taken from Marcel Thee's journal.
IRELAND: Nialler9
The Cast Of Cheers - Derp
The Cast Of Cheers came from nowhere last month and quickly became Nialler9's favourite new band. Their downloadable album (get it for free here) is a fully-formed 33-minute blast of post-punk, looping post-rock, tightly-wound songs with echoes of Battles, Foals and Death From Above 1979.
ISRAEL: Metal Israel
Orphaned Land - Sapari
Orphaned Land's latest album The Never Ending Way Of ORWarriOR is a sonic tapestry that flies a completely different path than the usual Western metal fare of Europe and the States, though there are common threads. The influence of acts such as Paradise Lost, Iron Maiden and The Beatles are evident, but Orphaned Land weave elements together that run the gamut from blacker-than-black demonic intensity to let-the-sunshine-in hippie flamboyance. The band categorizes itself as Middle Eastern progressive metal with dreams of instilling peace through their music.
ITALY: Polaroid
Heike Has The Giggles - Robot
Before you ask, the name comes from a character in an English grammar book the band used to read at high school. Heike Has The Giggles are three young kids who play sharp and dry rock 'n' roll in the vein of PJ Harvey and early Gossip. They just released Sh!, their forceful debut album, and you can't listen to it without starting to dance and play air guitar.
JAPAN: JPOP Lover
Omodaka - Kyoteizinc (Video Mix)
Known as an electro/techno artist, Soichi Terada teamed up with a few visual directors and has started the collaborative music project Omodaka. Omodaka's sound is characterized by the seamless mixture of Japanese traditional Geisha songs and electro music. Omodaka will appear live at the Japan Nite showcase at this month's SXSW and will also go on tour the US with Red Bacteria Vacuum and Okamoto's.
MEXICO: Red Bull PanameriKa
Los Macuanos - Pueblo Muerto (feat. Scout Klas)
Is there such a thing as ethno-dubstep? London's urban soundscape has been well charted by dubstep - how about Tijuana's? Los Macuanos are a duo formed by Moises "Moih" Horta and Moises Lopez, and this is their nu-electronic post-nortec mix of blurry Mexican folkloric crumbs with cyclic dubstep. Pueblo Muerto was recorded by Moih and gloomy artist Scout Klas (from Sweden via Vietnam) in his recent visit to the Red Bull Music Academy in London. The song portraits the hypnotic fumes spreading from ghost town Tijuana to the whole stratosphere.
NETHERLANDS: Amsterdam Event Guide
The Stutters - Starlight Love
Top musicians as well as first-class artists, this three-piece group have it all going for them in 2010: new songs, more gigs, screaming fans and some very fancy dancing. After the critically-acclaimed first EP back in 2008, their 2010 release Viva La Stutters has got a lot of people excited. First listens see the trio go for a slightly heavier feel than their previous singles but they still stay true to their indie-rock sensibilities, keeping it very rock 'n' roll and danceable. Make sure you catch them on their European tour scheduled for early June - we'll be at the front!
NEW ZEALAND: Counting The Beat
An Emerald City - Seizuretron
An Emerald City's first album Circa Scaria is the stuff of legend, being recorded in a cave on a storm-swept coast. Even without that back story their music is memorable for combining a traditional rock line-up with lute, violin, tablas, violin and sitar. Their songs start off quiet then build in scale and grandeur to create huge Eastern-influenced instrumental soundscapes. Surprisingly, Circa Scaria reached the New Zealand top 40. After a few months in Berlin, An Emerald City have released Seizuretron as a taster for their forthcoming second album.
NORWAY: Eardrums
Solvor Vermeer - Final Hour
Three years ago, I stumbled upon Solvor Vermeer's music. I was amazed by the delicate and fragile beauty she managed to create with only her voice and the piano as her tools. Since then, Vermeer has developed her sound. She has a rare gift for composing and can make something really complex become catchy and accessible. On her upcoming four-track debut EP, her sound is richer and more orchestrated, with her musician friends having added strings, horns, layered vocals, glockenspiel, etc. The EP will be released this spring on her own Bloksberg Music label in partnership with UK-based Lazy Acre Records.
PERU: SoTB
Pipe Villaran - Sinnerman
When members of the band Los Fuckin Sombreros went their separate ways, Pipe Villaran began to compose new songs, preparing for what would be his new project, called Long Player. His style is still rock 'n' roll, to which he has devoted his whole life, influenced by classic rock and some blues touches. Sinnerman is a preview of the direction his new band will take when their debut record is launched in May.
PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?
Peltzer - A Story To Tell Me
Peltzer used to be Rui Gaio's one-man band. Today, there are more members but they continue with their electronic sound and cite the new wave movement, Mercury Rev and The Flaming Lips as their influences. They have released tracks digitally and on three Portuguese compilations. A Story To Tell Me, from their new Outdated EP, is an exclusive MAP download.
ROMANIA: Babylon Noise
Hot Casandra - Chroma
Hot Casandra is a new project behind which we can find Paul Ballo (the drummer of last month's featured band, Kumm). It's a personal playground, where no compromises will be made and everything will sound as wanted. The first song, Chroma, is a dark electro track with beautiful, haunting vocals.
SCOTLAND: The Pop Cop
Admiral Fallow - Squealing Pigs
It's hard to say what Admiral Fallow's greatest strength is. It could be the luscious melodies which burst out of their songs, or the thick Scottish brogue that defines Louis Abbott's strikingly unhurried delivery, or perhaps it's the fact they have the sort of craft and invention their peers could only dream of. MAP exclusive download Squealing Pigs whisks through the speakers with a bundle of verve and is taken from the band's forthcoming debut album Boots Met My Face, which at times sounds a lot like Elbow.
SINGAPORE: I'm Waking Up To...
Sidd & His Self-Esteem - Occupation
I've been informed that the frontman of Sidd & His Self-Esteem is a nervous individual, so much so that it inspired the naming of the band. Well, if Sidd finds his solace in the sheer gregariousness of his other band members, then this must surely be a case of strength in numbers. All inhibitions seemingly fall away as they deliver brilliantly on this stellar Led Zeppelin-esque track, with confidence swelling in each instrument and the vocals deliberate and full of conviction. Occupation pays homage to lo-fi garage rock, with the mix perfectly balanced for your ears to take in everything.
SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!
Will Mono - Seks Vir Plesier
What Will Mono does when making music is slightly different to most - he collaborates with other artists by adding their vocals to his music. In this case Will Mono worked with Jan Joknie and Seks Vir Plesier was born. It is Afrikaans electro-pop at its best. Draw conclusions where you will with regards to the content but as for the song as a whole, it's catchy electro genius.
SOUTH KOREA: Indieful ROK
3rd Line Butterfly - Nine Days
3rd Line Butterfly has been one of the most loved Korean indie-rock bands since 2002, when their music became known through drama series Ruler Of Your Own World. Following the release of their third album in 2004, the band went on a long hiatus, returning only late last year. Earlier this month, their out-of-print albums were re-released in remastered versions, but Nine Days is a beautiful, melancholic Americana-style folk track from new EP Nine Days Or A Million.
SPAIN: Oscuro Magazine
The Closers - Come Down
The Closers are an industrial rock band from Zaragoza similar to Nine Inch Nails or Filter. Their first work was called The End and is a preview of four songs from their forthcoming debut album. It is a very catchy and addictive work that could make a real impact beyond our borders. Come Down has touches of Primal Scream, but the powerful guitars and killer choruses are more like the best works of Trent Reznor.
SWEDEN: Swedesplease
Holy Family - Whatever There's To Know
Holy Family is an electronica trio from Goteborg. The fuzzy beats and glowering vocals on their song Meathooks remind me of some of the heavy industrial music from the late 80s and early 90s, while the lighter, more accessible sounds on Whatever There's To Know hint at a band that could expand their sound and possibly cross over.
UNITED STATES: I Guess I'm Floating
Javelin - Vibrationz
Javelin are an eclectic duo currently residing in Brooklyn by way of Providence, Rhode Island. Their electronic jams have been turning heads for quite some time, yet their upcoming LP, No Mas, and tour dates with Yeasayer will catapult this funky duo to the forefront of independent acclaim.
VENEZUELA: Barquisimento
Los Paranoias - No Sueltes Al Murcielago
Los Paranoias have a sound that resembles the 80s post-punk and 60s Britpop scenes. No Sueltes Al Murcielago is the second single from their album Aqui Fue, which was inspired by the troubled times our country is going through. The song is a happy rock 'n' roll tune with a contagious rhythm - a symbol of Venezuelan optimism.
To download all 36 songs in one file click here
A trip around the world in 36 songs, with a take off in Iceland:
This month I contributed "Heart of Spades", a song of the debut album "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" of Sometime for Iceland.
Sometime, a band formed by Icelandic music veterans, puts catchy dance infused songs on the menu. Ingredients are the strong voice of frontwoman Diva De La Rosa plus the inventive drums of TheDanni, flavoured by turntable whizzkid DJ Moonshine and manipulated by Oculus. You can taste it while listening to the single Heart of spades of the album Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Official Video
www.youtube.com/v/iRoVUT5-Nas&hl&fmt=18
"Heart of Spades" Acoustic - A Home Video
www.youtube.com/v/YGFTyTF-JTk&hl&fmt=18
"Heart of Spades" Live @ Icelandic TV (in 2007 with founding member Curver Thoroddsen)
www.youtube.com/v/9c95Y30_u5I&hl&fmt=18
Sometime @ MySpace
ARGENTINA: Zonaindie
Modular - Femme Fatale
Listening to Modular's music is like a journey back to a time when lounge and space-age pop were present on almost every soundtrack and TV show. This track is their own rendition of the great song Femme Fatale by The Velvet Underground, taken from a recent free EP called Yoga Para Extraterrestres (which you can download from here). Don't miss Requiem Para Robert Moog, another great track from this EP.
AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?
Otouto - Astronauts
Exciting new trio Otouto from Melbourne have released a new single called Astronauts on their own artist collective label Two Bright Lakes. You may recognise singer Hazel Brown's voice from Whitley's song Killer. So catchy.
BRAZIL: Meio Desligado
Eddie - Gafieira No Avenida
One of the founders of the mangue beat movement in northeast Brazil in the 90s, Eddie play a mixture of frevo (a kind of folk music usually related to carnival), rock and jazz. Gafieira No Avenida is taken from the band's latest album, Carnaval No Inferno ("Carnival In Hell") and highlights some of Eddie's influences, such as Fela Kuti and Lee Perry.
CANADA: I(Heart)Music
Yukon Blonde - Rather Be With You
There are all kinds of great power-pop bands from decades past that could be referenced when talking about Yukon Blonde. But you know what? As songs like Rather Be With You show, Yukon Blonde are a lot more than their influences, and it's not hard to imagine that it won't be long before future bands are referencing them as an influence.
CHILE: Super 45
Inverness - Nubes
Inverness has its heart divided between Santiago and England. The band flirts a lot with shoegaze revivalism but succeeds in avoiding a lame emulation of the sound, instead delivering a rich, lyrical world full of dreamy scenes. Their second album Illuminaciones was inspired by the far-away landscapes of southern Chile and received massive critical acceptance last year. The band faces the challenge of doing it again for the release of their next album this year.
CHINA: Wooozy
PB33 - Dance With Me
Formed in 2005, PB33 independently released their first album Disco Boys & Girls Night Out. It's about youth, happiness, love, life, friendship and party. They are a band with a punk attitude. Are you ready for them?
COLOMBIA: Colombia Urbana
ChocQuibTown - En Circulo (Sa Rissa)
ChocQuibTown is the most successful urban fusion group in Colombia with two Latin Grammy nominations. The band try to mix hip hop music with native sounds of the Pacific coast. Their new album Oro has just been released.
DENMARK: All Scandinavian
The Bronson Brothers - Ancient Land
Pop, decadence, France and the 1960s are keywords when it comes to Clyde and Ted Bronson's musical universe. The excellent Ancient Land is taken from the duo's freshly-released debut album The Melody Bronson, the title a nod to the 1971 concept album Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg, who is also found among The Bronson Brothers' influences.
ENGLAND: The Daily Growl
Stairs To Korea - All Of Your Friends
The awesome one-man band and king of the offbeat tweets, Stairs To Korea is a battery of lo-fi electronic effects, good tunes, wry lyrics and ace guitar solos. And behind his bushy beard there's a reluctant rock god edging his way out. His new single All Of Your Friends, on the excellent Brainlove Records, is another in the gradual drip-feed of fine releases which should eventually see him with one of the best singles compilations of 2012.
ESTONIA: Popop
Honey Power - Get Country
This light, fresh and melodic indie tune from four-piece Honey Power carries a real country vibe and, as an early taste of the Tartu-based band's long-anticipated second album, demonstrates good taste and an impeccable arrangement.
FINLAND: Glue
Flannelmouth - Sharp Paper
Sharp Paper gently opens Flannelmouth's second album and leads the Helsinki indie band into a collection of intense and diverse pop songs, with intelligent arrangements and a good sense of melody, underlined by the dominant voice of vocalist Tuomo Kuusi. Rather than limiting themselves to the classic four or five-piece band template, Flannelmouth draw their songs with a diverse palette including subtle sounds of ukulele, pedal steel and a variety of other instruments to build an addictive romanticism.
FRANCE: ZikNation
Saycet - Easy
Saycet is a French electronic artist made famous by his album One Day At Home in 2006. Pierre Lefeuvre, the man behind Saycet, is a daydream music specialist. His songs carry the listener away in a cocoon universe where nothing can hurt you and every little noise is a delight.
GERMANY: Blogpartei
Kissogram - Rubber And Meat
The death of German indie labels continues. This month Berlin-based Louisville closed its doors, leaving a bunch of the most influential and significant German bands on their own. One of these is Kissogram, whose last album Rubber And Meat got a lot of positive reviews. To bid a fond farewell to Louisville, we are able to present its title track exclusively. Thanks for all the music!
GREECE: Mouxlaloulouda
Electric Litany - February
Preferring patience and restraint over explosive blasts of atmospheric wailing, Electric Litany slowly build up tunes that glimmer with hauntingly melodic ideas and climax with rhythms that capture the traditional musical heritage of Eastern European countries. Their debut album, How To Be A Child & Win The War, offers a sonically cinematic experience that will leave you feeling both elated and emotionally drained. Gorgeous sounds are pulled from within the deepest recesses of the human soul, while vocals full of intuitive swells and fades rise over piano, synths and tremolo guitars. A work of mesmerising beauty, like a tender touch on a sad day.
ICELAND: I Love Icelandic Music
Sometime - Heart Of Spades
Sometime, a band formed by Icelandic music veterans, puts catchy dance-infused songs on the menu. Ingredients are the strong voice of frontwoman Diva De La Rosa plus the inventive drums of TheDanni, flavoured by turntable whizzkid DJ Moonshine and manipulated by Oculus. You can taste it while listening to the single Heart Of Spades from the album Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
INDIA: Indiecision
The Circus - FOPS
The Circus are an alternative rock act from New Delhi. The band's music is Incubus-inspired, effects-driven fuzz that makes no bones about what it is and where it finds its roots. FOPS (an abbreviation of Full On Party Scene) comes from soon-to-be-released debut album From Space. It's wholesome, angular alternative music executed without much fuss. Turn it up, get your party started.
INDONESIA: Deathrockstar
Sajama Cut - Paintings/Pantings
Sajama Cut are praised for their lyrics and unusual songs arrangements, with influences ranging from Echo & The Bunnymen, The Beach Boys, Guided By Voices, R.E.M. and tons of obscure singer-songwriters. Paintings/Pantings comes from their new album Manimals, a record which has a varied approach in songwriting, with most of the lyrics taken from Marcel Thee's journal.
IRELAND: Nialler9
The Cast Of Cheers - Derp
The Cast Of Cheers came from nowhere last month and quickly became Nialler9's favourite new band. Their downloadable album (get it for free here) is a fully-formed 33-minute blast of post-punk, looping post-rock, tightly-wound songs with echoes of Battles, Foals and Death From Above 1979.
ISRAEL: Metal Israel
Orphaned Land - Sapari
Orphaned Land's latest album The Never Ending Way Of ORWarriOR is a sonic tapestry that flies a completely different path than the usual Western metal fare of Europe and the States, though there are common threads. The influence of acts such as Paradise Lost, Iron Maiden and The Beatles are evident, but Orphaned Land weave elements together that run the gamut from blacker-than-black demonic intensity to let-the-sunshine-in hippie flamboyance. The band categorizes itself as Middle Eastern progressive metal with dreams of instilling peace through their music.
ITALY: Polaroid
Heike Has The Giggles - Robot
Before you ask, the name comes from a character in an English grammar book the band used to read at high school. Heike Has The Giggles are three young kids who play sharp and dry rock 'n' roll in the vein of PJ Harvey and early Gossip. They just released Sh!, their forceful debut album, and you can't listen to it without starting to dance and play air guitar.
JAPAN: JPOP Lover
Omodaka - Kyoteizinc (Video Mix)
Known as an electro/techno artist, Soichi Terada teamed up with a few visual directors and has started the collaborative music project Omodaka. Omodaka's sound is characterized by the seamless mixture of Japanese traditional Geisha songs and electro music. Omodaka will appear live at the Japan Nite showcase at this month's SXSW and will also go on tour the US with Red Bacteria Vacuum and Okamoto's.
MEXICO: Red Bull PanameriKa
Los Macuanos - Pueblo Muerto (feat. Scout Klas)
Is there such a thing as ethno-dubstep? London's urban soundscape has been well charted by dubstep - how about Tijuana's? Los Macuanos are a duo formed by Moises "Moih" Horta and Moises Lopez, and this is their nu-electronic post-nortec mix of blurry Mexican folkloric crumbs with cyclic dubstep. Pueblo Muerto was recorded by Moih and gloomy artist Scout Klas (from Sweden via Vietnam) in his recent visit to the Red Bull Music Academy in London. The song portraits the hypnotic fumes spreading from ghost town Tijuana to the whole stratosphere.
NETHERLANDS: Amsterdam Event Guide
The Stutters - Starlight Love
Top musicians as well as first-class artists, this three-piece group have it all going for them in 2010: new songs, more gigs, screaming fans and some very fancy dancing. After the critically-acclaimed first EP back in 2008, their 2010 release Viva La Stutters has got a lot of people excited. First listens see the trio go for a slightly heavier feel than their previous singles but they still stay true to their indie-rock sensibilities, keeping it very rock 'n' roll and danceable. Make sure you catch them on their European tour scheduled for early June - we'll be at the front!
NEW ZEALAND: Counting The Beat
An Emerald City - Seizuretron
An Emerald City's first album Circa Scaria is the stuff of legend, being recorded in a cave on a storm-swept coast. Even without that back story their music is memorable for combining a traditional rock line-up with lute, violin, tablas, violin and sitar. Their songs start off quiet then build in scale and grandeur to create huge Eastern-influenced instrumental soundscapes. Surprisingly, Circa Scaria reached the New Zealand top 40. After a few months in Berlin, An Emerald City have released Seizuretron as a taster for their forthcoming second album.
NORWAY: Eardrums
Solvor Vermeer - Final Hour
Three years ago, I stumbled upon Solvor Vermeer's music. I was amazed by the delicate and fragile beauty she managed to create with only her voice and the piano as her tools. Since then, Vermeer has developed her sound. She has a rare gift for composing and can make something really complex become catchy and accessible. On her upcoming four-track debut EP, her sound is richer and more orchestrated, with her musician friends having added strings, horns, layered vocals, glockenspiel, etc. The EP will be released this spring on her own Bloksberg Music label in partnership with UK-based Lazy Acre Records.
PERU: SoTB
Pipe Villaran - Sinnerman
When members of the band Los Fuckin Sombreros went their separate ways, Pipe Villaran began to compose new songs, preparing for what would be his new project, called Long Player. His style is still rock 'n' roll, to which he has devoted his whole life, influenced by classic rock and some blues touches. Sinnerman is a preview of the direction his new band will take when their debut record is launched in May.
PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?
Peltzer - A Story To Tell Me
Peltzer used to be Rui Gaio's one-man band. Today, there are more members but they continue with their electronic sound and cite the new wave movement, Mercury Rev and The Flaming Lips as their influences. They have released tracks digitally and on three Portuguese compilations. A Story To Tell Me, from their new Outdated EP, is an exclusive MAP download.
ROMANIA: Babylon Noise
Hot Casandra - Chroma
Hot Casandra is a new project behind which we can find Paul Ballo (the drummer of last month's featured band, Kumm). It's a personal playground, where no compromises will be made and everything will sound as wanted. The first song, Chroma, is a dark electro track with beautiful, haunting vocals.
SCOTLAND: The Pop Cop
Admiral Fallow - Squealing Pigs
It's hard to say what Admiral Fallow's greatest strength is. It could be the luscious melodies which burst out of their songs, or the thick Scottish brogue that defines Louis Abbott's strikingly unhurried delivery, or perhaps it's the fact they have the sort of craft and invention their peers could only dream of. MAP exclusive download Squealing Pigs whisks through the speakers with a bundle of verve and is taken from the band's forthcoming debut album Boots Met My Face, which at times sounds a lot like Elbow.
SINGAPORE: I'm Waking Up To...
Sidd & His Self-Esteem - Occupation
I've been informed that the frontman of Sidd & His Self-Esteem is a nervous individual, so much so that it inspired the naming of the band. Well, if Sidd finds his solace in the sheer gregariousness of his other band members, then this must surely be a case of strength in numbers. All inhibitions seemingly fall away as they deliver brilliantly on this stellar Led Zeppelin-esque track, with confidence swelling in each instrument and the vocals deliberate and full of conviction. Occupation pays homage to lo-fi garage rock, with the mix perfectly balanced for your ears to take in everything.
SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!
Will Mono - Seks Vir Plesier
What Will Mono does when making music is slightly different to most - he collaborates with other artists by adding their vocals to his music. In this case Will Mono worked with Jan Joknie and Seks Vir Plesier was born. It is Afrikaans electro-pop at its best. Draw conclusions where you will with regards to the content but as for the song as a whole, it's catchy electro genius.
SOUTH KOREA: Indieful ROK
3rd Line Butterfly - Nine Days
3rd Line Butterfly has been one of the most loved Korean indie-rock bands since 2002, when their music became known through drama series Ruler Of Your Own World. Following the release of their third album in 2004, the band went on a long hiatus, returning only late last year. Earlier this month, their out-of-print albums were re-released in remastered versions, but Nine Days is a beautiful, melancholic Americana-style folk track from new EP Nine Days Or A Million.
SPAIN: Oscuro Magazine
The Closers - Come Down
The Closers are an industrial rock band from Zaragoza similar to Nine Inch Nails or Filter. Their first work was called The End and is a preview of four songs from their forthcoming debut album. It is a very catchy and addictive work that could make a real impact beyond our borders. Come Down has touches of Primal Scream, but the powerful guitars and killer choruses are more like the best works of Trent Reznor.
SWEDEN: Swedesplease
Holy Family - Whatever There's To Know
Holy Family is an electronica trio from Goteborg. The fuzzy beats and glowering vocals on their song Meathooks remind me of some of the heavy industrial music from the late 80s and early 90s, while the lighter, more accessible sounds on Whatever There's To Know hint at a band that could expand their sound and possibly cross over.
UNITED STATES: I Guess I'm Floating
Javelin - Vibrationz
Javelin are an eclectic duo currently residing in Brooklyn by way of Providence, Rhode Island. Their electronic jams have been turning heads for quite some time, yet their upcoming LP, No Mas, and tour dates with Yeasayer will catapult this funky duo to the forefront of independent acclaim.
VENEZUELA: Barquisimento
Los Paranoias - No Sueltes Al Murcielago
Los Paranoias have a sound that resembles the 80s post-punk and 60s Britpop scenes. No Sueltes Al Murcielago is the second single from their album Aqui Fue, which was inspired by the troubled times our country is going through. The song is a happy rock 'n' roll tune with a contagious rhythm - a symbol of Venezuelan optimism.
To download all 36 songs in one file click here
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