Mélange

So some of these songs have been sitting around for a bit waiting to be posted. Poor little guys. Thought I'd finally share them, and keep it short. I've really enjoyed them all for different reasons. Quite a few have been my favorites all summer, being on repeat repeatedly (that makes sense). If you haven't already, take a gander and see if they spark your ears, too.

Song: Happy
Artist: C2C feat D. Martin
Mood: HAPPY JIG (Isn't it obvious?)

Song: Make This Leap
Artist: The Hunts
Mood: light



Song: High
Artist: Young Rising Sons
Mood: SING SONG

Song: Changes
Artist: Faul & Wad Ad vs. Pnau
Mood: TOE TAPPIN', AIR SAXIN'

Song: A+E
Artist: Clean Bandit
Mood: HEAD TUTTING



Song: Whoa Whoa Whoa
Artist: Watsky
Mood: "THUG" (the air quotes are a necessity, because let's be real... it's not for when you feel OG)

Song: The Ego
Artist: Nicolas Jaar
Mood: TRIP

Song: Clair De Lune
Artist: Flight Facilities feat. Christine Hoberg
Mood: MELONS (melancholy, of course)



Song: Don't You Find
Artist: Jamie T
Mood: Wanting to listen to something called "a little more traditional" by Alt-J's Thom Green; but he loves it anyway. (Are you telling me you've never been in this mood??)

Song: Berlin
Artist: RY X
Mood: BON IVER

Song: Work Song
Artist: Hozier
Mood: SOOUUUL


Song: Here For You
Artist: Gorgon City feat. Laura Welsh
Mood: Does it really matter? You really should just check out all of these no matter what.

With love to your ears,
-K.JOHN

Kangas and Koalas.

Photo from @chetfaker.

From the country that brought us Vegemite. Weet-Bix. Wombats. Boomerangs.
Also comes a man of Soul. Funk. Electro. Groove.

Have you guessed yet? I mentioned him briefly before in my Trek Sounds playlist post.

Chet Faker. 

I meant to write more about Chet Faker back when his album Built on Glass came out in April. But if we account for travel time from Australia... I'm just in time, right?

I will start by saying that I'm a huge fan of the new EDM-R&B trend on the rise. Chet uses the contemporary electronica twist to enhance his soulful voice, and it totally works. He also knows how to do a winning collaboration - as we have already seen with one of his many excellent collabs with fellow Australian musician, Flume, in "Drop the Game" (if you need a refresher, click the link to the playlist mentioned above).

Listen to "Melt (ft. Kilo Kish)":


His newest album, Built on Glass, continues to provide us with beats reminiscent of R&B, deep bass, the classic sexy sax, and vocal licks you can't just get out of your head. On the opposite end, some his music can start to seem melancholy and his songs less distinguishable. But sometimes that's what you want.

Watch "Talk is Cheap":

An added bonus: Chet sure knows how to grow fantastic facial hair! He's starting to resemble the dancing bearded head on the side of the page...

Check out these other ear pleasers:
1998
Gold

I'm Into You
Drop the Game

To listen to more of Chet Faker, visit his SoundCloud.
Gotta have it? Download Chet's creations from iTunes here.

Long Live the Heart

From needtobreathe.com

I'm going to go ahead and make this a twofer. NEEDTOBREATHE released their newest CD officially on April 15, and recently started their Rivers in the Wasteland World Tour on May 1, with one of its first stops in Los Angeles at The Wiltern. So why not a concert + CD review?! Any objections? Good. (Go ahead and shout, because I'm not going to hear you. This is happening.)

Rivers in the Wasteland had been an album in the works for a couple years prior to the release. Not because it took that long for the music to flow, but because of some sibling bickering that many of us are all too familiar with. After some threats of breaking up, Bo and Bear Rinehart finally got over it, and the band got together and worked their magic.

This new album is not much different than any other creation that Needtobreathe signs its name to. Not in the way that a band might just release albums that all sound the same.  No.  It's the kind of stuff that you want in every album.  For Needtobreathe, it's in the fact that they are always full of catchy, smart, soulful, foot-stomping, body-swaying sound and raw, wise, soul-bearing lyrics that reach your core. The kind of music where you find yourself with your eyes closed, head moving to the beat, and your heart saying "Mmmm..."

Listen to "The Heart": 

Listen to "Difference Maker":

Rivers in the Wasteland World Tour - Los Angeles, May 6, 2014

From needtobreathe.com

When I found out that Needtobreathe would be performing at The Wiltern, I was more than ready to join the party. Every concert of theirs is different, and they never cease to impress. Long sets, sweat flying off the stage (and out of the crowd), banjo, mandolin, harmonica... need I say more? I can. And I will...

After singing every new song and many of their classic hits (plus a small tribute cover of "Float On" by Modest Mouse), the audience did not second guess their need for an encore. Some of the foolish left... But as expected, the whole band came back out after a few minutes and closed with a couple of their singles that they hadn't yet played. Then alas, it was over. Our voices were gone, we were hungry, but we we weren't done with them! Neither was anyone else. Another deserved eternity of applause and cheering continued. Some more people left (bad choice). But I had to stick to my rule: NEVER LEAVE BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO ON. Now here's a first for me: A SECOND ENCORE. The boys came out and created a more intimate performance (even with a packed theatre) of "More Heart, Less Attack."

[Click to enlarge]

One more thing that I love about Needtobreathe is that whenever people ask me what genre they are, I have a hard time putting them into one. I'm always giving answers like southern-, folk-, bluegrass-, gospel-inspired rock. They continually make me realize that you shouldn't have to put a band in a box. Lots of artists have ideas and music that is far too big to contain. Let it go. Let it be free, flowing through your ears. Your body will thank you.

So go on, fulfill that curiosity... (Because it really only made the cat smarter. And cooler.) Listen to some more!

Want to get your groove on?

The Heart

Feet, Don't Fail Me Now
Oh, Carolina

Want to be inspired?

Difference Maker*
Rise Again
Brother
More Heart, Less Attack

*I think it's best listened to and watched live. I highly recommend it. This is one of the best videos I've found of what you get when you see them live.

To listen to more of NEEDTOBREATHE, visit their YouTube Channel.

Dig what you hear? Download the songs and/or album from iTunes here.

Trek Sounds

After my recent trek to Europe and a family visit to Washington, of course I came back with a long list of songs that I needed to get my hands on as soon as I got home, or at least give them some more ear-time. (See what I did there?) I thought I'd share a few of them here with you. Not all of these songs are new, but they were all new to me, and if you haven't heard them before, take a listen!

Note: I've also included some little facts that could possibly be used as trivia if you are ever in the need to get ready for a high stakes musical trivial pursuit game. Because it just might happen. And if it does, know these facts and you WILL walk away with all your limbs still in tact... and definitely the confidence that only comes from being called The Honorable Master of All-That-Is-Clearly-Important Knowledge.


Bernhoft - "C'mon Talk"

Bernhoft is a Norwegian artist living here in the good ol' U.S. of A. He first appeared on The Ellen DeGenerous Show back in 2011, and then on Conan in 2013. Seems like he's been pretty good at staying under the radar. But no more! How could you not love his soulful voice, beatboxing and remixing, and the looping? Also, did I mention he is Norwegian? ;)

Bernhoft also just released a new single on February 14 called "Come Around" and his new album, Islander, will be released April 28 followed by some US Shows in June. Jump on the Bernhoft train quick, and maybe we'll catch the cheaper shows before he gets expensively big! (Hope to see you at The Troubadour in June!)

More of Bernhoft's music can be found on Embassy of Music's YouTube Channel.

Milky Chance - "Stolen Dance"


So this music video is quite awful, and I'd rather not ruin the song for you by making you observe it. My friend told me, "This kind of music is really big in Switzerland now. We like the chill music now." This gave me a good laugh. Sounded like I was getting the "This is what the kids listen to nowadays!" line. I'm glad that the Swiss enjoy music that just goes perfectly with a cold drink and warm sun beaming down on your face. Milky Chance's folky (folksy?) voice and smooth arpeggios take me to another place when I close my eyes. And that, to me, is the essence of a good song.

If you liked that, also check out Milky's "Down By the River."

Flume & Chet Faker - "Drop the Game"

Probably one of my favorites on this list, this song reminds me of a slow jam of Rudimental & John Newman collabs. And these dance moves are reminiscent of my friends during a Saturday night living room dance off. A couple of electronica connoisseurs, Flume and Chet Faker both hail from Australian. Chet Faker (birthed as Nicholas Murphy) did a cover of "No Diggity" that you might recognize from a 2013 Superbowl Commercial. It's quite a classy cover. Flume (more recently born as Harley Streten) has only released his self-titled debut  album and is already topping charts and winning awards in Australia for his notable production, mixes, and collabs.

Visit Flume's SoundCloud here.

Visit Chet Faker's SoundCloud here.

Disclosure - "You & Me" (Flume Remix)


Say hello to another work of Flume; this time a remix. Disclosure consists of two English bros (as in truly related brothers). Without the remix, this song sounds more like the typical Euro electro-pop songs. In my opinion, Flume did it a favor. So another Flume Fact! Only twenty-two years old, his music career is off to a great start, winning multiple ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Gold and Platinum awards.


We the Wild - "Body Electric (Blue)"

A little bit of electronic. A little bit of rock. A little bit of ballad. A little bit of blue. UK band We the Wild tries to get us to understand the body in electric blue. Still not sure what they mean, but I'll take the song, if at least for its bridge.

You can visit We the Wild's SoundCloud here.

Stromae - "Papaoutai"

Have an annoying song stuck in your head and need to get it out? Just listen to this.
Want French hip-hop dance lessons? Just watch this.
Need some fashion inspiration? Just take notes.
10 million trivial pursuit points for knowing what Papaoutai means!

Ok, I already did the research for you. "Papaoutai" is actually "Papa, où t'es?" which means, "Papa, where are you?" in French. Let's thank Louis for that valuable, game-winning information. According to those that edit Wikipedia, Stromae revealed that this was inspired by his longing for his Rwandan father who was killed in the Rwandan Genocide.

Remember "Alors on Danse?"

Visit Stromae's SoundCloud here.

Boy & Bear - "Rabbit Song"

If it there was a three-way love child from Alt-J, Fleet Foxes, and Noah and the Whale, Boy & Bear would be it. This Australian indie band knows how to blend the folk, electronic rock, and vocal styles of their ancestors. Boy & Bear has won five ARIA awards. Keep an eye on them, because they are sure to pop up in your life soon. Maybe even in your kitchen. Serving up some Vegemite on toast and Weet-bix. Because Australians love those high-fiber cardboard squares. All good things come from Australia (except Weet-bix). ... Is that a saying yet??

Visit Boy & Bear's YouTube Channel here.

I hope you enjoyed at least one of these songs. If not, at least you are that much closer to being The Honorable Master of All-That-Is-Clearly-Important Knowledge in your next musical trivial pursuit game. Which might be tomorrow. You never know. So be ready.


Peace.
-K.JOHN

"I listen to color." (Yeah, that's normal.)

From the wonderful magic of science and technology, the Eyeborg was created to help a colorblind man to hear color.

Huh? This is a real thing? My thoughts exactly!

Before he teamed up with Adam Montandon and some friends to develop the Eyeborg, Neil Harbisson could only see in black and white. The Eyeborg, a device implanted in his brain, now transforms the light waves of different colors into sound waves so he can hear color. His ability to perceive color gives him a sixth sense of hearing the visuals of the world.

Harbisson talks about the Eyeborg and his experience in this TED Talk:

Basically, it works like this:

Is there any better way to be more literal with the phrase Hear.Art.Beat. than to be Harbisson hearing the sounds colors make? When he looks at faces of friends, his dinner, and artwork, he hears music.

Check out the music your foods and household products secretly make right under our noses:

If only children knew how exciting fruits and veggies were! And chores! It all can make music! I would have gladly eaten every bite of steamed spinach forced upon me as a child if I could hear the musical notes it made.

In reverse, by hearing a song, Harbisson can create art with the colors that would make the music. Examples of Mozart and Justin Beiber were given in his TED Talk. The following piece of art is from the first 100 notes of Beethoven’s Fur Elise.

Harbisson has used his handicap to create some spectacular new ways to see the relationship between color and the world. I suggest poking around his website to see more of his videos and art. (Link provided at the bottom.)

Sonochromatic portrait:

To me, this is all so inspirational for many reasons.

First, this guy couldn’t see color, and he came up with the Eyeborg. He didn’t just think of a way to fix his eyes to see colors. That would have been the first obvious thought, I’m sure. “I can’t see color. How can I fix it so I can see color?” Instead, he thought outside of the box and came up with a whole new way to perceive color. “Forget seeing color… I want to hear color!” He changed up the verb to find a unique solution. (Take note, inspiration seekers.)

Second, after having the technology of the Eyeborg, Harbisson didn’t just stick to using it only to hear colors himself. He played with the sounds he heard and created music with different color combinations. (He really doesn’t like to be limited to the proverbial “Box” we all tend to like to think inside of.)

Lastly, I see so many possibilities that come from this kind of thinking and creation. Near the end of the TED Talk, Harbisson talks about extending our senses with technology. Seeing and perceiving things we couldn’t normally. Allowing technology to excite our lives and better our living. I like the idea of extending our senses and creating perceptions. I think it opens so many doors to so much creativity! I hope one day, I can somehow incorporate this idea into whatever I do.

A MUST: Listen to Neil Harbisson's music of the world on his Soundcloud here.
Want to see/hear more? Visit Neil's webpage here.

The Heist World Tour - San Diego, December 4, 2013

From macklemore.com.

If you haven't heard these names at least once every week since last October, then you haven't been awake (or at least jammin'). Since The Heist album release party in October of 2012, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have been non-stop touring around the world. Last week, I finally was graced with a second chance to see them in San Diego, one of their last few stops in the states for The Heist tour...

Here's the back story:
I almost went to the release party when I was living in Washington, but I missed out because it sold out before I had the money to buy a ticket. That was NOT happening this time. Fate was on my side and I didn't even know it.
My options to see the duo were the much closer Staples Center or drive 3+ hours to San Diego to see the show there. My friend and I looked up the tickets and the Staples Center General Admission tickets were all gone and all that was left were nosebleeds that would cost me my left hand and dancing room (no dancing room is "so not in" at a M&RL concert... or any concert!). We checked the San Diego tickets: same price for General Admission, which was still available! We decided that it was totally worth the hassle and the price was worth the experience we had been craving. But we still didn't buy the tickets yet! We had to make sure our schedules worked out with it.
The DAY BEFORE the concert, we knew for sure we were around. Still... we would wait until the morning to buy the tickets. Remember how I said fate was on our side? There were still GA tickets! We were on it. Threw down the money (totaled to $69.60 with fees and day of pricing) and somehow got a crew together.
As recent college grads with jobs, we were trying to decide between being responsible and living life. We realized we could do both, and so we did.

LET THE SHOW BEGIN!
I have to admit, I was unimpressed and a little put off by the opening acts: Big K.R.I.T. and Talib Kweli. Their showmanship was lacking and their lyrics were shallow. Singing about rims, trunks, and other car parts (along with lady parts) was not making them a new fan or psyching me up for the concert. I expected Macklemore to choose a couple performers with a little more depth or creativity, and the ability to entertain and perform better. The most exciting person to watch was the DJ in the background with the red hat. Obviously this is just my opinion, and maybe I was just so ready for the main show.

LET THE SHOW BEGIN! Finally.

The curtain drops to display The Heist flag and "M&RL" in bright lights above, while Lewis' soulful instrumental song, "Bom Bom," was playing. After the song ended, the band entered the stage along with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis accompanied by confetti shooting out of cannons. "WORTH IT!" That was my immediate thought. (Actually... I'm pretty sure I yelled it.) All the driving, the money, the last minute planning. I made the decision that quickly. That wasn't the last time the cannons were used. Throughout the show, there was more confetti, fireworks, giant balloons, and even twenty foot flame pillars. I think sometimes artists get caught up in how much they can make from ticket prices, they neglect to make the whole show an unforgettable experience for the audience. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis know how to involve the audience. They make their shows participatory. You're not just watching a concert, or at a concert... you are IN the concert celebration. Even his "Thrift Shop" wardrobe came from an audience member who was wearing a skillfully thrifted quality fur coat.

Smells like R. Kelly's sheets.

After sweating buckets in it while rapping and dancing along to his grammy nominated song, he passed the coat back to the fan who will now most likely never wash it again (would you?!).

After a year on the road, featured artists still tour with M&RL and perform at every concert. Mary Lambert walked out on the stage to perform the inspirational "Same Love," which you could see light up the faces of the warm-hearted lesbian couple next to us, along with all the straight fans (because that's what it's all about: same love). The song connected the hearts, minds, and arms of everyone through the lyrics and music. Perhaps that is why it was nominated for the Grammy Song of the Year. Macklemore has fun with a lot of his music, but he also knows the impact he can make with it, and is not afraid to speak his mind and make a stand. He addresses equality, materialism, struggles with drug use and sobriety, and more. He doesn't just rap; he performs, entertains, teaches, and feels it all.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis made sure to share their thanks and love to all who were there and part of their journey to success. M&RL are do-it-yourself musicians. They started with nothing, never signed with a label, and let the fans make them successful. Through their teamwork, marketing, music videos, and relevant music, their popularity grew exponentially so quickly. After writing a master's paper about their team, I can go on and on (and on we go), so I will stop myself there. You get the point: THEY'RE SUPERSTARS.

To end the night with an encore set that doubled as a cardio workout, we danced and celebrated and danced some more. That's what Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are all about.

Yes, you read right: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have multiple nominations for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards! SEVEN if you're counting. Don't worry, you're not the only one who feels like a proud mother... their moms do too. Okay, okay... and me! 

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' 56th Annual Grammy Nominations:

1. The Heist for Album of the Year

2. "Same Love (feat. Mary Lambert)" for Song of the Year

3. Best New Artist*

4. "Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)" for Best Rap Performance*

5. "Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)" for Best Rap Song*

6. The Heist for Best Rap Album*

7. "Can't Hold Us" for Best Music Video

*Edit: 2014 GRAMMY wins.

Check out more videos from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on their YouTube Channel.

Gotta have it? Download The Heist and more from iTunes here.

You Always Live Again

Y.A.L.A.

You always live again. This might be the new mantra of MIA's fourth studio album. Sounds like YOLO (You Only Live Once)? That's the point. MIA (Maya) still puts her two cents in about the slightly outdated, definitely overused phrase "YOLO!"

Is she a little late for that? Some might say yes, because of the delayed release of Matangi. But once you hear the song, you'll be happy you didn't YOLO yourself to death before it's release on November 5th. Y.A.L.A.'s catchy beats and chants will make you feel like you're running through the dirty streets of Bombay, barefoot and hyped up on whatever it is they smoke in India (yes, we all know Sri Lanka is not India, but they are neighbors).

Listen to "Y.A.L.A.":

While MIA maintains her signature cultural sounds of Sri Lanka, she follows the musical trends of today by incorporating more electronic pops and drags than before. Look back her 2008 major smash "Paper Planes," a perfect blend of traditional sounds (MIA's signature bells, vocal yips, and drums) and smooth beats. Compare it with the new release from Matangi, "Double Bubble Trouble," which maintains tradition, but also drops a sharp staccato-esque beat, something that can't be distinguished in her past work.

Unlike her album Maya (remember the controversial  "Born Free?"), MIA does not get as heavy with the lyrics and her messages. Although, you'll still find yourself shouting "Preach!" every once in a while. She does, however, get heavy with the beats.

I think it's safe to say that to "drop the bass" (a catch phrase used for electronica/dubstep music styles that have slowly integrated into modern dance and pop music), the music requires a certain sharpness. You can hear this similar style in "Matangi" as well. It sounds processed, like it was scrambled in the microwave. A bad thing? Definitely not! I've been told that only awesome things happen when you stick them in the microwave, especially this album. If you don't believe it, put a metal plate in your mom's microwave and watch the fireworks explode.

Listen to "Bring the Noize":

If it makes you want to hit the ground at the drop, it's relevant.

Check out some more of the favorites first:

Double Bubble Trouble

Bad Girls

Boom (Skit)

Exodus

To listen to more of Matangi, visit MIA's Matangi YouTube Channel.

Dig what you hear? Download the songs and/or album from iTunes here.