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catch the throne | catch the throne: the mixtape


Perhaps you heard of the HBO series Game of Thrones. And according to the shows popularity it isn’t for fanboys and fangirls anymore. It has reached the masses, some 14-million viewers tune in religiously. Cringe. And much to the chagrin of said fanboys and fangirls it isn’t an inside thing anymore, but it’s all good in the hood of Winterfell. Game of Thrones is cool now, and perhaps it always has been. The books are well written and utterly captivating. And if you haven’t caught GOT fever it may be just a matter of time. For each season the show, which began in 20111 and is adapted from the novels of the now living legend author rock star George R.R. Martin, is among the most anticipated shows in cable history (Second only to HBO’s The Sopranos). And make no mistake the GOT 2014 season premiere has fans going absolutely bonkers.
 

 
Now, you can bump Game of Thrones through your speakerbox way past 11. HBO in collaboration with Launch Point Records has released Catch The Throne, The Mixtape: Game of Thrones. Listen to some of the biggest names in hip hop show their collective love for all things Game of Thrones. The ATL’s Big Boi (OutKast) is not only a fan, but had this to say,

“Game of Thrones” is just not for nerds, you know, it’s for smart people. And if you like storytelling, then you can get into it. Once you get into the first season, you’re gonna be hooked, though.”

All tracks utilize samples from the Game of Thrones Original Soundtrack by Ramin Djawadi. The Game of Thrones season premiere is April 6th but I suspect you already knew that. Peace. Continue reading “catch the throne | catch the throne: the mixtape”

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kishi bashi | philosophize in it! chemicalize with it! | new single


 
Violinist, singer, and composer Kishi Bashi is slated to release his new album on May 13, 2014. The album entitled Lighght (pronounced “Light”) continues and expands the sound of his critically acclaimed debut, “151a” – which earned Kishi Bashi the title of “Best New Artist” by NPR. Since the profoundly successful release of “151a” two years ago, Kishi Bashi has toured relentlessly, captivating audiences across the globe with his loop-based live show, and fostering a groundswell of devotees. Peace. Continue reading “kishi bashi | philosophize in it! chemicalize with it! | new single”

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12 years a slave | best picture win | 86th oscars


 
And the best picture at the 86th Oscars goes to 12 Years A Slave. What an incredible night at the 86th Oscars. What an incredible night for director Steve McQueen, Shame (2011) and Hunger (2008). This wonderful man has been toiling away, non too quietly I might add, and tonight came with so much validation. Yes, he was nervous. Yes, he was shocked. And yes, he deserved it! And he has every right to be absolutely thrilled. 12YAS also nabbed Best Adapted Screenplay going to John Ridley.

But, the Oscar darling has got to go to the wonderful, beautiful, and class act known as Lupita Amondi Nyong’o for her win for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Coming in tonight Ms. Nyong’o was a definite and legitimate contender, and if you watched 12 Years A Slave then you understand why. Lupita gave us such a raw and emotionally charged performance, that to not be moved to tears would brand you an outcast from the human race. Take a bow Lupita. And her acceptance speech was so genuine and heartfelt. I love it when newbies win, and like always I typically root for the underdog.

And what about Ellen DeGerneres? Is this woman not the best Oscar host ever? Lady G (not Gaga) made the ofttimes hoity-toity Oscars feel like an house party or a family and friends get-together with her antics, i.e. taking selfies, ordering pizza, (then collecting money in Pharrell’s hat no doubt to pay for it). At last count her Tweet shared round the world has garnered an Oscar-worthy performance all it’s own for most retweeted selfie ever, so that was worth the price of admission alone.
 

 
And you got to give it up for one of my favorite films of the year Dallas Buyer’s Club. Jared Leto nailed his performance playing HIV-positive transgender woman Rayon, talk about transformation. And then there was Matthew McConaughey who without a doubt gave one of the most amazing performances of the 2013 film season. Mr. McConaughey also gave a great acceptance speech and his words, “”It’s a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates,” was priceless. Plus, he was one off the only married men up to win an Oscar to bring a black woman to the Oscars (Sucking my teeth). Anywho. What a great night of entertainment. Peace. Continue reading “12 years a slave | best picture win | 86th oscars”

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saintseneca | happy alone | video | tour dates


 
Saintseneca is led by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Zac Little who originally hails from rural Appalachia. The band evolved playing acoustic performances alongside an array of electrified punk and hardcore bands at DIY house shows. On their upcoming record they combine a wide range of acoustic instrumentation with synthesizers and electric guitars to create a seamless blend of soaring vocals and vibrant post-punk energy. Check out their live performance of Happy Alone courtesy of Bad Racket. And look for their forthcoming Dark Arc release out April 1st via Anti, Inc. Pre-order on iTunes. Upcoming tour dates after the jump. Peace. Continue reading “saintseneca | happy alone | video | tour dates”

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soak | blud | chvrches remix | video


 
SOAK is not only a great stage name for the 17-year old from Northern Ireland, but it also a state of being, in that Bridie Monds-Watson is absorbing the world around her and channeling those indelible impressions into sweetly spun music.

CHVRCHES has signed SOAK to their newly minted Goodbye Records, and perhaps in celebration offers a Remix of SOAK’s tenderly beautiful song Blud. Also, check after the jump for the accompanying video as well. Peace. Continue reading “soak | blud | chvrches remix | video”

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protomartyr | come & see


 
Protomartyr is more than a Detroit-based band. This is a band which embodies all the good and bad of a troubled city on the cusp of deliverance or economic irrelevancy. Their songs are raw and a bit schizophrenic to the opposite of anything resembling a fault. Yet, there exists beauty of an austere sort of nature. This is post-punk angst revitalized and resurrected from obscurity. Frontman Joe Casey’s dry ice vocals set the tone for the achingly raucous songs which occupy their forthcoming album Under Color of Official Right via Hardly Art Records. These are fast paced odes of pain wrapped with dirty bandages, and the fact that they don’t heal right only lends authenticity of character to an album that is an apt catharsis for despair. This album is an up-all-nighter for damn sure. Look for Under Color of Official Right to drop April 8th. Peace. Continue reading “protomartyr | come & see”

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the mary onettes // naive dream


 
Swedish band of four The Mary Onettes are known for making the stuff of the most pliant and docile dreamscapes and turning them into a reality you can swoon to. For fans of soughing winds and gurgling brooks the latest track Naive, from TMO’s fourthcoming release the mini-LP Portico, is the perfect magic mushroom to transport you to Never Never Land. The album Portico drops March 4th via Labrador Records. Continue reading “the mary onettes // naive dream”