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.