Olympic Ayres - Episode III EP

It's finally here! Olympic Ayres just released their Episode III EP. Joking referred to as "Revenge of the Synth" Olympic Ayres is quickly becoming one of the top tier Indie Pop bands. We got a preview last month with "Magic" and now we get the other two amazing tracks from Episode III. In my previous post I mentioned how all of this great music is coming from Australia or Sweden, well, Olympic Ayres...Sydney. Point! You can purchase the EP HERE or you can download for free, but I strongly suggest supporting the band. The music is totally worth it.

San Cisco - Fred Astaire

It's only the 1st of the month and I think I already found my favorite track of the month. This is fun, upbeat, indie-pop at it's best. The vocals and lyrics are amazing, all of the instrumentation is spot on, and then they throw in some awesome synth work to put a cherry on top of this delicious indie sundae. This is the first time I've ever heard from the quartet but I wasn't surprised to find that they were Australian. It seems these days, if it's indie-pop and I love it, it's either from Australia or Sweden. "Fred Astaire" seems to be available on both their self-titled album and their Awkward EP, both of which came out last year. I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up buying both.

Sunni Colón - Crème De La Crème 神 Flowers

Back in June, I posted "Karma" from Sunni Colón and this month we get his first EP. Other than "Karma" of course, the standout track for me had to be "Crème De La Crème 神 Flowers". If I'm not mistaken, "Crème De La Crème" and "Flowers" are two separate songs that fit together too well not to link them together. At around the 3:24 mark, you'll get into "Flowers" and thats really where I knew I would be posting this song as the standout. The first track is great and definitely shows more of the RnB side of Sunni and then when you get to "Flowers" you're able to really see his versatility as an artist. With this EP, Sunni Colón lit the fuse, it's only a matter of time before he blows. You can DOWNLOAD The Els' Flowers EP for FREE HERE.

K.Flay - Rawks

New music from K.Flay is never a bad thing. The Cali resident recently dropped a single from her upcoming What If It Is EP due out on August 6th. Haven't heard anything else from the EP but if this is a sign of things to come, you can expect her to really be stepping out of her comfort zone production wise. She seems to be experimenting with a style that I've never heard from her music. Although, experimenting isn't really a surprise. Going back through her discography, no two releases sound the same. She has steadily and effectively evolved through each release and the end result has never been anything short of awesome. Can't wait to get a new EP from my favorite artist. Yeah, I said it, favorite.

Saint Motel - My Type

I literally jumped off of my couch and screamed "YEAH!!!" when I saw that Saint Motel had a new track. If you don't know Saint Motel, do yourself a favor and buy their debut album "Voyeur" from last year. Hands down the best album of 2012. "My Type" sees the return of the awesome LA band and they seem to only be getting better. Great production, great lyrics, and horns! I'm a sucker for horns. They're so awesome, they even made it a FREE DOWNLOAD but this is definitely the kind of music I'd gladly through my money at.

Kid Karate - Heart

Hearing this track on the same day as their EP was released was perfect timing. I didn't have to wait at all to hear more music from this incredible Dublin-duo. When the track first started up, I was actually expecting Kid CuDi to come out and start doing his WZRD thing. Instead, I was greeted with one of the best opening lines in, "If I had a heart, I would love you..." From there, I knew it was getting blogged. Kid Karate's "Lights Out EP" was released today on iTunes in North America so make sure to pick it up. And if you're too cheap to do that, they've made "Heart" a free download on their SoundCloud.

Postcards - Oh The Places We Will Go

Oh. Man. If indie-folk is your favorite genre, you're about to have a new favorite band. Beirut based band, Postcards, puts together the type of folk ballad that you'd see in an indie movie and upon leaving the theater you're not thinking about the movie, you're thinking "man, I have to find out what song that was." Seems like this is the only song from Postcards at the moment which is unfortunate but at least we get this much to enjoy. I would say to keep an eye out for Postcards but I'm sure they'll be blowing up very soon if they continue to make music this awesome.

CHVRCHES - Falling (Haim Cover - Live Lounge Late)

Just a few days after posting HAIM's "Falling", we get an awesome live cover of it by one my favorite bands, CHVRCHES. I think they did an amazing job and I have no idea how they would do this live. They really inject more of the electronic sound that we've all come to expect from them, into a track that was already pretty fantastic. Do I feel weird that when I'm showering I'll hear this song and two songs later I'll hear the original version? Nope. Now my showers are just going to take that much longer because I'll have to dance to this song twice.

TV Girl - Easier To Cry

Don't let the title fool you, this is actually a pretty happy sounding song about a very damaged woman. It's great. San Diego's TV Girl does a wonderful job of examining the life of the girl who "used" to have it all, but time hasn't been good to her. One of those songs you'd love to play for an ex-girlfriend in a pretty condescending way. "Easier to Cry" is on TV Girl's "Lonely Women EP" available now on their Bandcamp.

Haim - Falling

I feel like I'm late to the Haim party. After releasing an EP last year and garnering plenty of attention, Haim released this track about 5 months ago. I love how many influences this track seems to draw from. Kind of seems like Prince and Stevie Nicks made babies in the 80's and this is the music we get in 2013. My introduction to the trio of sisters (Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim) came from their track on Kid CuDi's "Red Eye" track from his most recent album, "Indicud". Thank god for that song because who knows how much longer my life would have been missing this music. Earlier this year they signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation Management and are slated to release their debut album this September.

American Authors - Believer (Kulkid Remix)

By now I'm sure you've heard of Brooklyn band, American Authors, but I'm sure you never heard them like this. French producer, Kulkid, tries his hand at remixing the bands biggest single, "Believer". The track takes about a minute to really get into the song but to compensate, Kulkid adds an awesome banjo. The track ends up being a awesome mix of indie-rock/electronic/pop all fused together and wonderfully mixed. I also love the fact that Kulkid took the opportunity to give the vocals a much cleaner mix-down which adds a very nice finished touch to the track. This tracks a great way to start any day.

Jaymes Young - Fragments

Brand new track from an artist that is quickly climbing the ranks of my favorite indie artists, Jaymes Young. Fragments is a bit more down-tempo than most of the music on TOTR but what it lacks in energy, it more than makes up for in sentiment. I think what makes Jaymes Young so compelling is that while he definitely has the makings of an artist that is going to be huge, he never sacrifices content for a hit. Every track bleeds of personality and heartfelt history but never feels inaccessible to a new listener. "Fragments" will appear on Young's self-titled mixtape, due out on August 20th.

The Colourist - Little Games (Yeasayer Remix)

After hearing this I had to go find out what the original track sounded like and it was awesome! I figured, I can save that post for another day and in the meantime give you guys this sweet Yeasayer remix of The Colourist's, "Little Games". While Yeasayer has been on my radar for a while, this was my first time hearing from The Colourist and after hearing just a couple of tracks from them, I am super stoked to hear more. The track is only 2:43 which is great because I love when bands keep it short and sweet, but at the same time, you won't want a track this great to end so soon. Indie-pop at it's finest

Smallpools - Smallpools EP

After dropping their awesome single, "Dreaming" last month, Smallpools just dropped their self-titled EP today! You can stream it below and pick it up on iTunes HERE. These guys did a great job on their 4 track debut and if this is a sign of things to come, these guys will be making a big splash soon.

Kings Dead - Revenge of the Beast (FreeLP)

Before my hiatus, The Dean's List was one of my favorite upcoming hip hop acts so when I got back to blogging, I was searching for anything new from them. As it turns out, the Boston natives also took a hiatus and decided to make their return as the new and improved, Kings Dead and released this awesome FreeLP, "Revenge of the Beast". There isn't a lot of hip hop right now to get excited about, but these guys are definitely one of the few groups that I will go out of my way for. Even the intro is super dope. Tracks like "My New Shit", "The Chase", "Shooting Star" are just a few of the tracks that I'm sure will end up on one of your playlists. Assisted by the lovely, Alexus Lee on several tracks, Kings Dead definitely show that they've really worked on their ability to craft good SONGS, something many hip hop artists seem to lack. We'll definitely be keeping an eye on these guys going forward and I'm sure after listening to this, you will as well.

Andy Bull - Baby I Am Nobody Now

"Baby I Am Nobody Now" was my introduction to the extremely impressive, Andy Bull. Another upcoming star from Australia, Andy Bull is not only an awesome singer/songwriter, but he's also an incredible producer with a very unique sound. "Baby I Am Nobody Now" looks to be one of the singles off of his upcoming sophomore album. This guy has to blow up here in the states soon because music like this is just too good to be kept a secret.

Banks - Warm Water (Snakehips Remix)

I'm always a sucker for tracks like this. Smooth vocals and cool upbeat yet chill production is always a recipe for success. Haven't heard the original yet but Snakehips does an excellent job of crafting an excellent remix for the LA-based, Banks. Definitely a track for your "Classy Party" playlist. Plus, this track is available for FREE DOWNLOAD HERE.

Babeshadow - Lonely Morning

Oh. Man. If you're looking for a feel good summer song that'll strike a Zooey Deschanel-esque chord of joy, this is that song. The new London based act does an uncanny ability of capturing that California Surf Pop sound. The first thing I thought of when the song started was that wonderful feeling I had whenever I woke up in Downtown San Diego. For that, I thank you, Babeshadow.

Bondax - Giving It All

The more I hear music like this, the happier I am about the current state of music. It's new, yet old. It's fun, yet meaningful. Most of all, it's just really good music. This track is definitely going to be playing in my retail store immediately. As of now, this track is only available via SoundCloud with no current release date. Enjoy.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones - Broken Bones and Pocket Change

I couldn't believe this track was made in this decade. St. Paul and the Broken Bones are a new Soul/Blues band from Birmingham, Alabama and I'll be damned if they're not the best Soul/Blues band I've ever heard. Granted, I haven't heard many but I know good music when I hear it. I was already sold on this band when I heard the first 4 bars. When the horns come in, you'll find yourself wanting nothing more than to see this band live. I know I do. If you'd like to purchase this track, just head over to their Bandcamp.

Avicii - Wake Me Up ft. Aloe Blacc

I've just gained a whole new level of respect for Avicii. Not only does he link up with Aloe Blacc (who's amazing!) but he totally steps out his comfort zone on this track fusing some Folk and House music to create what has to be one of the best singles I've heard all summer. This is a MUST LISTEN. "Wake Me Up" is available on iTunes now!

Joywave - Tongues (ft. Kopps) (RAC Mix)

Joywave was putting out some amazing music before my hiatus from blogging so it's no surprise they've only gotten better. While I'm a big fan of Joywave, I'm also a pretty big fan of RAC remixes . The thought of an RAC remix of Joywave track almost my head explode from sheer awesomeness. You can snag the whole "88888" mixtape from Joywave for FREE here and you can download this awesome remix from the the SoundCloud link below.

Canopy Climbers - Souvenir

When I found out "Souvenir" was off this trio's 2nd album, I was shocked that music this good has eluded me for so long. The Arkansas act that seems to draw many comparisons to Death Cab for Cutie (although much happier and upbeat), released their sophomore album, "Miles" back on June 18, 2013. If you like this track and want to pick up the album, you can purchase it HERE.

Little Daylight - Glitter and Gold

What you get when you mix a little MGMT, Naked and Famous, and CHVRCHES? You get Brooklyn band, Little Daylight and a new track to tell everyone you know about. I think hearing a band like this totally validates all the time spent sifting through awful music. In the end, you end up with a new band that you'll end up following and supporting for years. "Glitter and Gold" will be on available on iTunes on 7/9/13 while their new EP, "Tunnel Vision" will be available 8/6/13.

Clean Bandit - Dust Clears

UK Band, Clean Bandit is gearing up to release their next EP, "Dust Clears" and have released the title track. The song starts off with a catchy, head-nodding beat and turns into this gorgeous symphony at the chorus. I'm kind of bummed out that they only have this track and a few remixes on their EP but I'm really excited to get a full length release from these guys.

Tim Fitz - Hospital

Tim Fitz may be the Electro/Indie-Pop artist I'm most excited to hear more from. The Sydney based, 23 year-old crafts an impressive and incredibly layered track with Hospital that will have you excited the entire way through. While a good amount of Electronic music has taken to the minimalist approach, Fitz seems to just want to add more to his music. You can purchase "Hospital" from Tim's Bandcamp.

Robby Hunter Band - Treat You Right ft. GhostWridah

Be prepared to have a new favorite Soul/Funk/RnB artist. Robby Hunter Band is a new Miami based act that seems to embrace the vibe Mayer Hawthorne created and then really expands on it. They even enlist fellow Miami artist, GhostWridah (who's previously been featured on TOTR) and he definitely helps add a bit more flavor to an already delicious track. The track is currently available on iTunes HERE.

Portugal, The Man - Atomic Man

Who doesn't love some new Danger Mouse produced pop? Portugal, The Man's newest album, "Evil Friends" is his latest venture and this "Atomic Man" track is everything you'd expect to hear from the acclaimed producer. "Evil Friends" is available now.

Olympic Ayres - Magic

Another track from the awesome Olympic Ayres. On "Magic", you hear Olympic Ayres take a turn for Chromeo which plays out fantastically. Perfect summer song and a great upbeat track to get your day (or night) started. "Magic" will be on Episode III due out soon. Make sure you grab this track for a FREE DOWNLOAD HERE.

The Royal Concept - On Our Way (Song x Video)

The Royal Concept is honestly one of the reasons I decided to get back to posting on TOTR. Music this good has to be shared. Period. If you haven't yet, make sure you pick up their self-titled EP available now. And make sure to check out the sweet lyric video below.

Sailor & I - Tough Love

Almost made it all day without discovering a new artist I HAD to share. Almost...Thankfully, I came across Stockholm based, Sailor & I. "Tough Love" provides a beautiful melancholic ballad about a relationship on it's way down. The music itself incorporates a variety of orchestra instruments while the vocals have been engineered to reflect the depth and solitude of lyrics. If Bon Iver sounded like this, I'd be a fan. Just followed Sailor & I on twitter only to find out they have like 62 followers. Help share awesome music like this.

Phil Ade - Much More (Freestyle Video)

Just realized I haven't posted any Phil Ade since returning to blogging. Time to right that wrong. Phil just dropped this about 20 minutes ago and I'm posting it right before I have to leave for work. Nice to start my day off with some Phil Ade and a classic Dilla beat (from De La Soul's "The Grind Date" album).

Alan Wilkis - More Than Normal ft. Childish Gambino

Brooklyn producer, Alan Wilkis (1 half of Big Data) recently teamed up with Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover) to bring us "More Than Normal". Glover does an excellent job of rapping over Wilkis' more electronic/pop beat while Alan sings the chorus. Tracks like this make me happy that I decided to start do this blog again. This is exactly the kind of stuff I want to help get out there and share with everybody. Plus, this track is FREE.

Olympic Ayres - Daylight

Olympic Ayres compose an impressive track with "Daylight". Not only is their a beautiful build up but as the song continues, more and more instruments which catapults this track into one of the best produced tracks of the year. The vocals are entertaining while the lyrics will keep you captivated for the entire duration. Definitely one of the better bands I've recently come across. With 2 Free EP's (available at their BandCamp), Olympic Ayres seems like they will be a band that only continues to climb to the status of premier Indie-Pop. Oh yea, this track is FREE as well.

Tuxedo - Do It

It's definitely not every day that I hear a song with this much Funk. This track is everything you'd want out of a Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Chromeo, and Mayer Hawthorne collaboration. That's saying something. I can't really find out much about these guys (or guy. Not really sure.) other than they are from the West Coast (of course!) and they have less than 500 followers on Twitter. What the hell is wrong with people. Check this track out and tell everybody you know that you just came across audio porn. Oh yea, and it's totally FREE to download.

Grouplove - Ways to Go

Grouplove dropped their first single off of their sophomore album, Spreading Rumours, available 9/17/13. "Ways to Go" shows some growth and development from the Indie-Pop band that brought us "Tongue Tied" a couple of years ago. Always excited when I see that these guys have new music. How could you not be in a good mood listening to this?

Jaymes Young - Dark Star

Back-to-back Jaymes Young posts? Yup! I can't get enough of this track. Honestly, I wish I could be more articulate in this description but all I could think of is "how is this not a hit?" I'm sure it will be in due time. I'm really looking forward to more music from Jaymes Young.

Jaymes Young - What Is Love? (Haddaway Cover)

I never would have thought it was possible to turn the song from "A Night at the Roxbury" into this serious, emotional song. Jaymes Young does a great job of stripping the song down and bringing an emphasis to the lyrics while creating a heartfelt backdrop. Bravo, sir.

This Frontier Needs Heroes - George Clooney

Brooklyn Brother/Sister duo, Brad and Jessica Lauretti, team up to bring us "George Clooney". Their description of the track was so beautiful that not reposting it, would be doing a disservice to both them and the track. "George Clooney” is a charmingly plainspoken ballad about the ubiquity of loneliness and the attendant desire for escapism, but the necessity to resist. It was inspired by reading an article about how George Clooney was arrested for standing up for what he believes in. (taken from SoundCloud) Best part of all, this track is FREE.

MØ - Waste of Time (Video)

And now for accompanying visuals to the awesome track from Denmark's, MØ. "Waste of Time" will be available on July 7, 2013.

Knxwledge - strtdfrmthebttm [TWRK] (Video)

Producer Knxwledge recently release his 5th installment of WrapTaypes with "strtdfrmthebttm" being the lead single off of it. I don't post a lot of instrumental-esque stuff but Knxwledge is a beast and I can't get this track out of my head. Here he chops up Drake's "Started From the Bottom" and makes a far more enjoyable track out of it. You can purchase this track and the rest of WrapTaypes HERE.

Lorde - Tennis Court

More awesome music from New Zealand. This time it comes from 16 year old Lorde. Kind of hard to categorize what type of music it is, blending elements of RnB, Minimalism, and Pop, "Tennis Court" features production that sounds like an updated Sade while her vocals are pretty unique. Even minors in New Zealand are making better music than most in the states. Just sayin...

Milky Chance - Flashed Junk Mind

And now for a post from obscurity. Essentially this track was Kid CuDi's "Pursuit of Happiness" (Steve Aoki Remix) meets Indie-Folk/Pop. Off of Milky's debut album, Sadnecessary which is available on iTunes and Amazon at the moment, "Flashed Junk Mind" is one of those songs you know will stick with you for the rest of your life and reflect a combination of everything you loved in the past and everything you may hope to obtain again. I could barely find any info about this artist but it appears he's based out of Germany and damn it if he doesn't make some awesome music. Buy this track HERE.

Pear Shape - Carousel

More music from Australia? Of course. They just know how to make great music. Pear Shape brings us an upbeat and happy (notice a pattern hear) track that will easily make any summer playlist. Make sure you check this one out!

Robyn - Dancing On My Own

Honestly, my first thought when I heard this song was "Drive Soundtrack." This track should have been on the Drive OST. Swedish Pop star, Robyn, brings an updated 80's Electro sound that seems like the perfect type of song to ride around at night to. When she drops an album, she's got my money.

Parade of Lights - We're the Kids

This was my first time hearing a track from the L.A. based band, Parade of Lights. This track seems to be one of the next songs to really be a hit with anybody who was a fan of .Fun or MGMT. They've essentially crafted one of the better Pop songs infused with a ton of awesome electronic elements and a catchy chorus that you can totally see a crowd of people singing every word to. I'm a sucker for music like this and they will most likely have found a customer for life.

The Neighbourhood - No Grey

Last May, I came across a little band called The Neighbourhood who had one song on their soundcloud, "Sweater Weather". Fast forward a year and it seems like everybody and their mom has heard that song. Well guess what. Bet you haven't heard "No Grey" because they just released this track like 2 days ago. Pretty dope song that fulfills expectations of a new track from The Neighbourhood. Make sure you either pick up their LP or their EP. 

Gentlemen Hall - Sail into the Sun (RAC Mix)

This track is one of those "Perfect for Summer" tracks. RAC does a wonderful job of capitalizing on an already wonderful track from the indie band out of Boston and adding a layer of chill to it. Plus, FREE DOWNLOAD! Who doesn't like those?!?

Goldroom - Only You Can Show Me ft. Mereki

Goldroom has been an artist I've been super excited to hear new music from since last May. This song is every reason why I would be excited. Teaming up with Mereki, Goldroom brings us a feel good Nu-Disco/Indie Pop/Electro/Whatever you want to call good music track in "Only You Can Show Me". There's a little bit of a build up at the beginning but once you're in it, you're in it. Make sure to keep an eye on Goldroom in 2013.

Rilo Kiley - Breakin' Up (Unofficial Video)

Totally random. Maybe. Still awesome though. I was going through and re-listening to Rilo Kiley's 2007 Under the Blacklight album and this was definitely the song that jumped out at me. Just thought I'd share some of this awesomeness with you. Sorry about the unofficial video. Buy the track HERE.

French Horn Rebellion - Dancing Out ft. Jody Watley & Young Empires

This track comes from a a pair of brothers from where? That's right, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Weren't expecting that were you? These two brothers crafted a pretty wonderful upbeat track with the help of Jody Watley & Young Empires. Now based out of Brooklyn (naturally), these guys are looking to make a major impact on the Electro-Pop scene.

Sunni Colón - 五 Karma

This track was my introduction to Sunni Colón and he really made one hell of a first impression. Everything that we were initially excited for when we first heard artists like Drake and Frank Ocean, Sunni seems to not only embrace it, but also completely re-brands it as his own sound. I don't know where this guy has been but I know where he's going; right into the hearts of bloggers and listeners everywhere. Corny? Maybe. That doesn't make it false.

Fyfe - Conversations

I've made it no secret that I have an affinity for the London music scene. Artists like Fyfe are exactly the reason why. "Conversations" sees the young artist effortlessly blending genres and starkly contrasting vocals to provide one the more unique and captivating songs of the year. The only other song that seemed to do anything similar was Jai Paul's BTSTU track from last year. No word yet on an album but we'll be eagerly waiting.

The Aston Shuffle - Can't Stop Now

The duo from Australia dropped their first single "Can't Stop Now" off of their upcoming sophomore album. This track is really Electronic/Pop music in all it's glory. This song will have to end up in a commercial or movie or something. Make sure you check it out!