Director and documentary filmmaker Eugene Jarecki (Why We Fight, Move Your Money) returned to Sundance once again this year and left a Grand Jury Prize Winner. His feature doc, The House I Live In, tackles America’s War on Drugs and its effects on impoverished communities both here and abroad (with a heavy focus on African-American communities). The film argues that this “war” isn’t working for anyone, with over a trillion dollars spent since its inception and little results other than overfilled prisons; instead, we should be considering the issue of drug abuse and addiction in our society. Continue reading →
Artist: Hannah Cohen Listen: “Child Bride” From: New York Label:Bella Union Sounds like: Extremely soulful, polished, indie-folk. This song in particular features emotional lyrics and vocals over swelling strings and guitar. Reason to listen: You won’t be able to resist Hannah’s hauntingly beautiful voice. She has worked with producer Thomas Bartlett (The National, Anthony and the Johnsons). Plus, she’s a model and a photographer. More:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hannah-Cohen/247034815337526
Artist: Kuedo Listen: “Scissors”
From: Berlin, Germany Label:Planet Mu Sounds like: Dubstep, electronic music a la Araabmuzik Reason to listen: He sampled Carly Simon (watch original video here) without sounding ridiculous. More:http://kuedo.tumblr.com/
Artist: Hookworms Listen:Hookworms EP
From: Leeds, UK Label:Gringo Records/Faux Discx Sounds like: psych rock, Wooden Shjips meets Peaking lights Reason to listen: Hookworms is made of members of two other Leeds-based bands: Spectrals and Idea Shower. Their debut EP was released on Gringo Records/Faux Discx – you should get it! More:http://parasiticnematode.blogspot.com/
Since we labeled Tall Tall Trees a band to see at CMJ, our video interview has been long over due! We caught up with them a few months back at Mike Savino’s (the lead singer’s) apartment to talk about their new album moment. Check out what the guys had to say and pre-order their album HERE.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live a different life? What it would be like to lose the one you love? Director and actor Mark Webber explores both of these questions in his second directorial effort, The End of Love. I’ve gotta shamefully admit something: I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Webber ever since he appeared as “Designated Dave” in the ’99 chick flick Drive Me Crazy (a seriously guilty pleasure of mine). In addition to the Webber-appeal, the film features cameos from actors Jason Ritter, Shannyn Sossamon, and Michael Cera. Let’s just say these names piqued my interest. Continue reading →
Artist: Yellow Ostrich Listen: “Marathon Runner” From: New York City & Wisconsin Label:Barsuk (New Album Strange Land out March 6th) Sounds like: Indie Rock a la Dirty Projectors meets The Dodos meets Mister Heavenly. Reason to listen: They’ve shared the stage with Ra Ra Riot and Mates of State plus their drummer drummed for We Are Scientists and Bishop Allen. But the real star is front man, Alex Schaaf, who’s been known to perform the bass parts with his feet by sampling himself and then switch between keyboard and guitar all while singing. Quite the multitasker! Shows: Mercury Lounge in NYC on April 12 More: http://www.yellowostrich.com
Artist: Father John Misty Listen: “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” From: Los Angeles, USA Label:Sub Pop/Bella Union Sounds like: Indie Folk Reason to listen: Father John Misty is the new project from, J Tillman, ex drummer of Fleet Foxes. The debut album Fear Fun is to be released on the May 1st. More: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Father-John-Misty/124916000949326
Artist: Spoek Mathambo Listen: “Let Them Talk” Download and listen HERE From: Johannesburg, South Africa Label:Sub Pop Sounds like: Afro Pop/ Township Tech / Post Dubstep Reason to listen: Spoek Mathambo’s sophmore album Father Creeper due out March 12th took shape while he toured the US, Europe, and South America on his darker debut album Mshini Wam. Plus he appeared in the award-winning south african sci-fi novel Zoo City by Lauren Beukes. More:http://www.spoekmathambo.com/
Azaelia Banks is the fresh, fast-talkin’ youngster that’s been selling out shows in Europe and creeping her way onto “Artists to Watch in 2012″ lists. Though her budding fame has taken root in the UK, she’s a Harlem native who’s been singing professionally since age 10! She attended (but dropped out of) the world renowned LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts (you know, the real-life “Fame”). Something tells me, you’re gonna remember Azealia Banks’ name. She can rap, she can sing, she can act, she’s gorgeous, she’s young, she just got signed to Universal…there’s really nothing stopping this girl from blowing up. Continue reading →
Artist:Novella Listen: “Oh Brian” From: London, UK Label:Marshall Teller Records Sounds Like: Veronica Falls, Dum Dum Girls with a MBV thing going on. Reason to listen: Those three girls have only been playing together for a few months and have already been seen supporting Dum Dum Girls, Gross Magic, etc. Check out their split EP with Echo Lake and The History of Apple pie via Marshall Teller. More:http://www.novellaband.com/
Artist: Alt-J Listen: “Fitzpleasure” From: Cambridge, UK Label:Infectious (Local Natives, These New Puritans) Sounds Like: Unique indie electronica with quirky vocals that are both chanty and tribal at times. Reason to listen: Alt-J are in many ‘Bands to watch in 2012’ list, whether you want it or not, you’re going to hear about them! More:http://www.facebook.com/altJ.band?sk=wall
Director and documentary filmmaker Eugene Jarecki (Why We Fight, Move Your Money) returned to Sundance once again this year and left a Grand Jury Prize Winner. His feature doc, The House I Live In, tackles America’s War on Drugs and its effects on impoverished communities both here and abroad (with a heavy focus on African-American communities). The film argues that this “war” isn’t working for anyone, with over a trillion dollars spent since its inception and little results other than overfilled prisons; instead, we should be considering the issue of drug abuse and addiction in our society. Continue reading 
100-Down
Dorian Tocker
Alec Henninger
Sarrrah
leahshore
lchill
