Hollow & Akimbo

There is something quite binding about place. I have found that if I share a similar place with another person, or musician in this case, that I end up creating a stronger interest in and/or understanding of those people or things. In considering this, I wonder if my fascination with this band is due to a similar upbringing in the Great Lakes State or to the simple fact that they rock. Did that make sense?

Hollow & Akimbo is an electronic pop duo based out of Ann Arbor, MI. Members Jonathan Visger and Brian Konicek work to create that airy elusive yet full bodied sound that their name attempts to encapsulate. Lead singer Visger offers  the introspective lyrics and open-ended song structures that he has developed in both his solo work under moniker Absofacto and in his former band  Mason Proper. This project offers Visger a chance to blend both organic and inorganic sounds/compositions equally. Together this talented duo, wrote, recorded, mixed and mastered their first EP, PsuedoScience, released back in October. Since then Hollow & Akimbo have produced a full length self-titled album that is set to release on February 11th. The first single exemplify's the aesthetic Visger and Konicek are constantly working to design. 

The Dirty Projectors [Socialites Remixes]

The contrast between David Longstreth's deep strained vocals and Amber Coffman's delicate harmonics are what create the uniquely evident sound of The Dirty Projectors. While you can't have one without the other, I've personally always favorited the tracks that highlight Coffman's voice. Perhaps the track that captures the most honest and raw sound of her voice is that of The Socialites, a track off the bands most recent LP.
Since the album's release last summer, the track has been remixed by many different artists —birthing a small compilation of sorts. Each variation offers a different atmosphere, all of which I completely dig.

As long as Coffman's vocals are present... so am I. Take a listen.

 original song:

Ultraísta

sorry for the delay..
today i have a good one for you though, i promise!

Ultraísta is an indie electro pop project of producer Nigel Godrich, singer Laura Bettinson, and multi-instrumentalist Joey Waronker. The trio focuses their collaborative efforts on creating a sound that mirrors the creative potential of the conscious mind, putting emphasis on equivocal lyrics and sounds.

When choosing their name, they were looking for something that reflected their sound. Their name, Ultraísta is a reference to the early-20th century Spanish literary movement, ultraísmo which emphasized much of the same ideals they hoped would be reflected in their music.

The story of their name should be enough to capture your attention, now take a listen.

The bands first full length LP, Ultraísta, is set to be released on October 2nd. Until then, you can stream the album in it's entirety on NPR's First Listen:

Peter and Kerry

This London duo formed when Tape Club Records labelmates Kerry Leatham and Peter Lyons decided to collaborate on a six-track EP in 2011.

"Clothes, Friends, Photos EP" received quite a bit of buzz on blogs, radio stations and zines. This attention led the two to continue collaborating in an effort that would eventually produce the indie pop duo's first full length "La Trimouille" released on July 16th.

Mahogany Session:

First track off La Trimouille:

  

  

just when i thought they couldn't get better i found this cover of Amerie's "One Thing". taking me back...

Ellie Goulding

After special ordering her album Bright Lights from the UK in 2010 it was quite clear that I had become addicted to Ellie Goulding's music. The first thing that caught my attention was her voice: light and delicate but still holding a course quality around the edges; it was unlike any voice I'd heard before. Even more unique is the amount of control she has over it. The second thing? her lyrics: intricately metaphorical while remaining personable and honest. Third thing, she is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. Plus, the girl is gorgeous.

From an acoustic folk background Ellie eventually found herself in the electronic pop genre after connecting and collaborating with electronic producers such as Starsmith who went on to help produce her debut album Lights that came out in the UK in March of 2010. After the release of her album Lights in the US in 2011, Ellie continued to tour in support of an album that was a year old back in the UK and her older fans had to await the release of her second studio album. Well, soon the wait will be over. Goulding just announced the October 9th release of her follow-up entitled Halcyon.

 

I've always appreciated the intimate quality of her stripped down acoustic sets. It's what got my attention to begin with and what continues to hold it.

Here are a few examples:

My favorite Ellie song performed mic-less:

"You can fall if you want to It's just a matter of how far. You've treasured your home town but you've forgotten where you are"

new* fthrsn

fthrsn is out with a new track for the start of the summer; a light track with some heavy breathing. take a listen!

Passion Pit announces album release date

Passion Pit is an electronic pop band from Cambridge, MA comprised of singer songwriter keyboardist Michael Angelakos; keyboardist, guitarist Ian Hultquist; synthesizer, sampler Ayad Al Adhamy; bassist Jeff Apruzzese; and drummer Nate Donmoyer. These gentlemen produce a sound that may even outdo their extensive light show.

Passion Pit just announced the release of their upcoming album GOSSAMER, due out July 24th! After being blown away by Manners in 2009, I am looking forward to hearing what the boys have in store for us this time around!

Until then, enjoy an nontraditional performance of their well-known song Sleepyhead.