Article Series

Song of the Day: Kyla La Grange – Been Better

Posted on by Ricky in Song of the Day | Leave a comment

Toronto – This here track is the second single from UK singer-songwriter Kyla La Grange, a new artist who we have written about before on this blog. This new single is due out July 11th and much like her previous single Walk Through Walls, Been Better is a track that displays much more maturity then one would expect for an artist who is only releasing her second track. Almost sounding like something that Stevie Nicks would have written, Been Better is a track about independence and has a thunderous chorus. Kyla La Grange is, one of the better new artists of 2011, in my opinion. Check out this tune.

Song of the Day: Architecture in Helsinki – Desert Island

Posted on by Ricky in Song of the Day | 1 Comment

Toronto – Australian band Architecture in Helsinki has had quite a spring. First off, the Melbourne five piece released an absolutely amazing cover of Cut Copy’s “Need You Now,” then they followed that up with releasing a lovely summertime album with Moment Bends. Now they are about to bring their sun kissed indie dance pop tunes over here to North America, where it seems to be perpetually raining (seriously, what is up with that?).

“Desert Island” is the first track off Moment Bends, the forth album from the group. Featuring synthesizers, pan flutes and a gentle dreamy 80s laid back vibe, it’s a great preview for the overall upbeat feeling that is the album. Definitely check it out.

Tour Dates:
06/01 Henry Fonda Theater – Los Angeles, CA
06/02 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
06/03 Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
06/04 Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
06/05 Venue – Vancouver, BC
06/06 Neumo’s – Seattle, WA
06/09 Varsity Theatre – Minneapolis, MN
06/10 Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
06/11 The Mod Club – Toronto, ON
06/12 La Tulipe – Montreal, QC
06/13 Paradise – Boston, MA
06/16 Webster Hall – New York, NY
06/17 Black Cat – Washington DC
06/18 World Cafe – Philadelphia, PA

Song of the Day: Digitalism – 2 Hearts

Posted on by Ricky in Song of the Day | Leave a comment

Toronto – I first became a fan of Digitalism a few years back when I heard the single Zdarlight. That instrumental track, armed with a pulsating beat and a life altering crescendo quickly became one of my favorite electronic tunes. It’s been a good four years since the German duo have released an a album, but they are back in 2011 with I Love You, Dude a new record which surprisingly enough, is not a soundtrack to an Ashton Kutcher movie. 2 Hearts is the first single off the album, due out June 20th. No, it is not a Kylie cover, yes it’s got a great dance beat. Unlike Zdarlight, this track features the duo singing, which I guess is often a progression for electronic acts. It’s a pretty catchy tune and hopefully a good preview of what’s to come. Have a listen.

Digitalism plays the following tour dates:

8/3 – SEATTLE, WA – Showbox
8/4 – PORTLAND, OR – Roseland
8/5 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Fox Theater
8/6 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Hard Fest
8/9 – DALLAS, TX – Granada
8/10 – AUSTIN, TX – Stubb’s
8/12 – CHICAGO, IL – Congress Theater
8/13 – TORONTO, ON – World Electronic Music Festival
8/14 – MONTREAL, PQ – Metropolis
8/16 – BOSTON, MA – House of Blues
8/17 – BALTIMORE, MD – Bourbon Street
8/18 – WASHINGTON, DC – Fur Nightclub
8/19 – PHILADELPHIA, PA – Electric Factory
8/20 – NEW YORK, NY – Terminal 5

Song of the Day: Doctors & Dealers – Trouble

Posted on by Ricky in Song of the Day | Leave a comment

Toronto – It’s rather odd to write about a Swedish act that’s not signed to Labrador, but Doctors & Dealers is a one person band out of Stockholm. Sparrow Lindgren’s music is not your typical Swedish twee material, but rather dances along the lines of cabaret meets Regina Spektor meets the black of night. What does that even mean? I don’t know. Her third album, Every Sinner Has A Future will be released June 28th off Bluesong records and is produced by Gordon Raphael, the man behind the Strokes. This track, titled Trouble, a track off the album and was previously on an EP titled Trouble. Featuring pianos, saxophones, tuba and Sparrow’s soft, playful voice it’s got a great unique sound to it. Reminds me of the scene from season one of Gossip Girl where Blair strips and dances in a burlesque bar. Check it out