Now Playing: Kishi Bashi

A little over a month ago I randomly stumbled upon Kishi Bashi on Spotify. Kishi Bashi is actually the pseudonym for Seattle born singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter K Ishibashi.  You might have heard Ishibashi before on tour with of Montreal or as a part of NYC based band Jupiter One (of which he is a founding member).

I was instantly grabbed by the richness of his voice, the focus on violin as the key instrument throughout the album and his ability to construct layers of sound using different techniques (plucking and traditionally playing) and with using his own voice (singing, beat boxing).  Since the album is a bit of an experimental project there is great variety of sound.  My favorite track Manchester is a slow but uplifting track. Conversations at the End of the World is somber but beautiful in a painful kind of way.  Bright Whites is a happy little track that makes me smile.  Quite of a few of these tracks are now a part of my regular rotation.

Earlier this month I saw Kishi Bashi perform at Webster Hall - he was the opening act for of Montreal, but I couldn't help but wish that he becomes the main event soon because a scant 4 songs weren't nearly enough to satiate my appetite.  His debut album 151a just debuted on April 10, 2012 and the digital download is available online for just $8.

Go: KEXP Radio Live

With CMJ coming up this week the city is flooded with hundreds of music showcases but those badges to attend don’t come cheap and start at $149!  But thanks to the lovely folks at Seattle Based KEXP Radio you can check out live recording sessions for free if you can escape the office during the day.  From October 19-21 there will be sets throughout the day in the lobby of the Ace Hotel from some great rising stars in music.  October 19th in particular features Zola Jesus and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!

Maniac from CYHSY on Vimeo.

If you can’t make it out during the day DJs will be spinning every night until the early morning.  Full Schedule & deets here.

Now Playing: Austra

Who: Austra
Recommended if you like: Florence and the Machine, Braids, Cults, Ladyhawke

Austra, the Toronto based band provides that strange juxtaposition of sound that is both eerily dark but bright, soft but dangerous, creepy yet beautiful.  Electronic synth based melodies weave with powerful surreal voice to create songs that are difficult to forget.  “Lose It” has made its way to the top of my playlist in the past month. I also am partial to The Villain and Hate Crime.

Their debut album , Feel It Break, was released just this past May.  The members of the band include Katie Stelmanis, Maya Postepski and Dorian Wolf.  When I tried to catch the free show they had at River Rocks a few weeks ago, the NYC masses proved to be challenging, so I hit the High Line instead and checked out a few tunes in a more relaxed manner before heading home.  Austra will be performing one more show in NYC this Saturday at the Bowery Ballroom before heading on their European Tour. Unfortunately the show is sold out.

Austra–Lose It

Download a free MP3 of the Beat and the Pulse or check out the rest of the album on Grooveshark.com.

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Now Listening: Down by the Water

Ever since I first heard the song “Down by the Water” by the Brooklyn based band The Drums a couple months ago it keeps finding it’s way back into my head.  Fortunately for me it’s not in that typically pop that you kind of hate but can’t stop kind of way.  It sort of hits a note of nostalgia that tugs at my heart in a way that I don’t completely understand.  Deep love, longing, sadness…but at the same time I feel like I want to wrap the song around me like a warm blanket.  Hope that you enjoy it as much as I have.

Now Listening: Blip Blip Bleep

Artist: Blip Blip Bleep

Recommended If You Like: The Postal Service, LCD Soundsystem, Stars, Metric, The Bird and the Bee

I first heard of Blip Blip Bleep because a friend of mine had a brief stint in the band during their 2nd EP, Alarm Clock, Snooze Bar, Get Up. However, I soon found myself listening to the catchy electro tunes on repeat and knew that even had my friend not been in the band, I would still gladly attend their shows and listen to the music. The Brooklyn based trio consist of immensely talented producer Sean Han, singer/keyboardist Alexa Danner and drummer Jojo Schwarz.

Their debut LP, Like Track Stars just came out on June 29, 2010. And while I haven't had chance to check out the whole album yet, but I've been stuck on Freak You Out the past few weeks. While this may be Blip Blip Bleep's very first official music video but the simple concept was well done and definitely memorable. To hear more, you can stream tracks on myspace.com/blipblipbleep or click to download a free mp3 of Freak You Out.

For you New Yorkers to keep in mind, Blip Blip Bleep will be performing alongside Team Genius and Tenderbox at Mercury Lounge on September 9, 2010. PS. They are pretty adorable & awesome live!

Now Playing: Dancing On My Own

Maybe you're already a fan of Swedish pop star Robyn. Personally I've enjoyed some of her songs in the past but really I think it's this one that has captured my heart. Dancing On My Own is a track hot off her new album Body Talk PT 1 that was released on June 14, 2010.

She describes it as a song inspired by her "love of inherently sad, gay disco anthems such as Ultravox’s Dancing With Tears in My Eyes, Sylvester and Donna Summer. I just know that not only is this track dancable but the lyrics are totally relatable. I'm sure that this song is bound to become one of my fave new tracks this summer!

You can stream her whole album here myspace.com/robynmyspace

Hope you enjoy!

Better than Love. Hurts.

A departure from my usual girly music I've been finding myself listening to Hurts. If you're missing the melancholic melodies of the 80s, Hurts, debut single Better Than Love will completely fill that void! The stylish duo, Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson, who hail from Manchester, UK released the track only a few days ago but they have already landed themselves on the BBC Sound of 2010 poll along with my recent personal fave Ellie Goulding. I have to say that I love their sleek sophistication as much as I like their sound.

You can check them out through myspace.com/ithurts, their youtube channel or download their single for free here.

Starry Eyed for Ellie Goulding

Artist: Ellie Goulding
Recommended if you like: Marina and the Diamonds, Little Boots, Florence + the Machine

Perhaps I am having a very Brit moment, after megadoses of Marina and the Diamonds for the last couple months, Ellie Goulding has creeped into my daily playlist for the last few weeks. Maybe you haven't heard of her yet, but she is definitely headed to blow up! She topped the BBC Sound of 2010 poll and won the Critics Choice Award at the 2010 BRIT Awards following in the footsteps of last years winner, Adele.

The upbeat dancey melodies, her soft but commanding voice and honestly innocent lyrics are a winning combination. While Lani is a friend of the track Underneath the Sheets, I'm personally hooked on Starry Eyed, Guns and Horses and The Writer.

Her debut album Lights was released on March 1, 2010. You can check out some of her songs on
myspace.com/elliegoulding. For a free MP3 of Wish I Stayed click here.

Zac Posen for Target Pop-Up Store

As the Zac Posen for Target Collection reach nears it's launch date on April 25, 2010, New Yorkers can once again have the opportunity to shop the collection early during a 24 hour Pop-Up shop. Unlike previous pop-up stores run by Target this one will not last days but it will be a 24 hour party featuring performances by The Like and live DJs.

Check out The Like, decked out in the Zac Posen for Target collection in a new video directed by Gia Coppola playing their hit song "Fair Game". Coppola and Posen met years ago when he was first starting out in fashion, while Coppola and members of the girl group have been friends since high school. Inspired by old footage of “The Beatles” in their hotel room, the video shows the girls primping for a show.

Can't wait for this collection to hit stores as it's priced from $17.99 to $199.99. I personally want the gold dress, gold bikini and Tiger Print dress!

Who: Zac Posen for Target Pop-Up
What: 24 Hr Shopping event before the collection before it hits stores nationwide on April 25th. Will include performances by The Like and DJs Kid America, Luisiul, The Other Will
When: April 15-16, 2010. Thurs 11pm to Fri 11pm
Where: 481 8th Ave (at 34th St)

Audio Obsession: Marina and the Diamonds

Artist: Marina and the Diamonds
Recommended If You Like: Little Boots, Dragonette, Annie, I Blame Coco

My most recent audio obsession has been Marina and the the Diamonds, who have been on repeat all this week ever since my friend Nick introduced her to me by telling me that her's was a MANDATORY concert. Unfortunately, I missed the concert and now I am hoping that she returns to NYC soon but looks like it will be a while. However anyone going to SXSW I highly recommend as she'll be performing both March 19 & 20th!

Marina and the Diamonds is the stage name of Marina Diamandis, a London based half Greek half Welsh solo artist. Her debut album The Family Jewels was just released on February 22, 2010 in the UK but won't be released stateside until May 25, 2010. Honestly, I think it's one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. The catchy electropop tunes and strong vocals will have you dancing in your chair at work! My fave tracks are Hollywood, I am Not a Robot, Mowgli's Road, Obsessions, Shampain and Are you Satisfied. You can download a Remix of her song Hollywood for free here, stream from her myspace.com/marinaandthediamonds or for the most tracks, check out her YouTube channel.

Now Listening: Tight Pants / Body Rolls

As you probably noticed my usual taste in music is for most part pretty girly. Perhaps this is the exact opposite? My friend Nick introduced me to Leslie and the Lys the other day and the song "Tight Pants / Body Rolls" has become a total guilty pleasure of mine. Perhaps it's one of those rare cases where slightly disturbing = kind of amazing? The more I've listened the more I'm hooked. I'm a little sad that I missed her NYC concert as I hear she's even more awesome live but she's still touring cities around the country. Hope you enjoy too!

Perhaps it serves as another friendly reminder that leggings are not pants ;)

Now Listening: Chasing Pirates

Most of the music that I tend to love tends to be pretty energetic or pretty girly. Today, perhaps still girly but I felt like slowing things down. I'm sure you all know Norah Jones, queen of soft soothing folk based tunes that melt your heart and your stress. Just had to share this song, Chasing Pirates, off her new album The Fall is my recent addiction. My cousin MGK shared it with me a while back but guess it's just capturing my mood today as I've been listening to it on repeat. For some reason the song actually starts 26 seconds into this clip...Hope you enjoy!

Now Playing: Sissy Wish

Artist: Sissy Wish
Recommend if you like: Lykke Li, Tegan and Sara, Blonde Redhead, Asobi Seksu, Yeasayer

Siri Wålber the Norwegian pop star behind Sissy Wish released her 3rd Album “Beauties Never Die” in Norway in 2007 but only released last month stateside. Her pop-y slightly quirky electronic sound paired with her cartoon voice have got me listening on repeat. Some music reviews have even dubbed her the new Lykke Li...a sounds to live up to? But Siri really works it! Her slightly Karen O-esque looks plus her great sense of style are sure to get her noticed in more ways than one.

You can check out her streaming on myspace.com/sissywish
One Track Mind offers a free MP3 download of DWTS. Check out Float the track that initally got my attention:

Music for the Weekend

1. "aNYway", Duck Sauce
I've been obsessed with this song ever since I heard it on a disco yacht party this past summer. Armand Van Helden and A-Trak released that first video just a couple weeks ago, and earlier this week, A-Trak posted the Surface to Air version to his Vimeo and YouTube. God, I love the French.


2. "Sweet Dreams", Beyonce
I'm not a fan of the video, but the beat is so sick. It makes me want to hit the dance floor and maybe rub up on a hottie.

3. "Shelter (Them Jeans Drum Edit)", The XX
I love the original of this song, but I've had this edit on loop for weeks. It's just so sexy. Side note about The XX, I feel like they became the hot band of the moment out of nowhere in the past couple of weeks, and now I'm kicking myself for not buying tickets to their show sooner. Ugh, sold out. Oh well, they'll be back...

4. "11th Dimension", Julian Casablancas
The new single from Stokes' front man, I'm into it! It's a fun pop rock track. It makes me want to put on my boots and hit the bars for drunken dancing with my besties.

5. "Lisztomania (Classixx remix)", Phoenix
I've been listening to this remix a lot at work - and after work too now that I think about it. It's just such a beautiful song, and Classixx's edit gives it a nice chill vibe, perfect for brainstorming and unwinding.

Let me know what you've been listening to, and have a great weekend!

Going to See Kylie Minogue Tonight!

I can't wait! My friend Rosalin and I are going to see Kylie Minogue at Hammerstein Ballroom tonight. I've written before about how much I love her, so I'm sure you can imagine my giddiness right now. In spirit of tonight's show, here's Kylie's video for "Slow".

Mary J. Blige & I Have the Same Haircut

If you watch TV (or stream video), you've probably caught Mary J Blige's new single "The One" in the AT&T commercial. I was starting to get sick of the song until I saw the music video with Drake. She looks amazing! I love her style, her walk, her swagga...!
I especially love her statement jewelry - the bold chain necklace with the black tube and the giant piece in the scenes with Drake. Oh, and the embellished one-shoulder dress - hot!

In thinking about Mary J. Blige, I Googled her and came across this picture and realized we have the same haircut!
This amusing find totally made my day. I'm not sure how old this picture is, but it would have been handy when I was getting my hair cut back in February. My friend Steven Chu cut my hair based on some rudimentary sketches I drew for him on a couple post its.

Weekend Getaway

Three day weekend! Oh my gosh, I am so excited. I was originally planning on a weekend getaway, but I've got too much to take care at home and the idea of traveling was stressing me out, which would defeat the whole purpose of leaving the city!

In thinking about the three day weekend, I started making a mix and this song from Via Audio came to mind. I first heard "Developing Active People" back in 2004 when it was just a demo and would stream it all the time on PureVolume.com freshman year of college. Since then, they released an album, Say Something, on SideCho Records and have been touring the East Coast.

What is everyone up to this Labor Day weekend?

James Yuill

Artist: James Yuill
Recommended If You Like: Miike Snow, The Whitest Boy Alive, Faded Paper Figures, Passion Pit

As Lani was saying on her Little post, I do have a tendency to go for Super Girly Music! I won't deny it, I love the sound of female vocals. But I do appreciate the sound of a talented male artist.

James Yuill the self-taught Brit musician makes modern folk songs with an electronica heart. My personal fave has got to be the track No Pins Allowed. But you can check out more of his sound on myspace.com/James Yuill or download some free tracks/re-mixes. He just launched his debut album Turning Down Water for Air in the US on iTunes.

No Pins Allowed

Party in the USA

A bunch of flamboyant gay boys dancing around Fire Island and lip syncing to Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA", amazing.

Uploaded just Monday, it's already been tweeted by Miley Cyrus and covered by a handful of media blogs including the New York Times. I think the most noteworthy (and slightly surprising) part of the story is that the President of the Disney Channel, Rich Ross, called to tell the boys he loved it. Would Disney support a super gay video? If it can help album sales, oh hell yes.

Miley Cyrus and cute boys, happy Friday!

I Love This Little Lady

Artist: Little
Recommended If You Like: Regina Spektor, Corinne Bailey Rae, Keren Ann, The Bird & The Bee

The other day I was talking to Erin about how she listens to super girly music. Yes, I listen to chick tunes too, but I think Erin's taste is heavier on the cutesy side (e.g., Lisa Mitchell, Polly Scatterwood). This conversation reminded me of an artist that I found a couple years ago.

The artist I was thinking of was Little, born Aurelie Nguyen. It took me a some time to find her because her name is not search engine-friendly! Perhaps because I can't read French, but I can't really find any information on her. I vaguely remember reading about her when I first found her music; my French was better then. If my memory serves me correctly, she's Parisian and of Vietnamese descent. She is (or was) signed to Source etc; her YouTube channel says she's independent.

Little's songs are melodic and charming; her voice adorable. And it certainly doesn't hurt that she sings entirely in French! I have a weakness for anything French. Listening to her music again just reminded me how much I love her and how badly I need to get my hands on her album! It's only available on the French iTunes and Amazon.

You can stream songs from her debut album on her website, littlemusic.fr, and a couple demos on her MySpace. And below, a cute little promo from 2008.