Tag: Indie

New Ideas For Halloween

beetlejus

Every Halloween there seems to be a myriad of Wednesday Addams, Wes Anderson characters and cats. This year, why not try something different

Instead of being Wednesday Addams try Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice.

Her costume is fairly easy.  You just need a black dress (you can even find this at a thrift store), a floppy black hat and black shoes.  Add some dark makeup and you’re done!

https://i0.wp.com/cms.myspacecdn.com/cms/x/13/44/103013-sgg-beetle-400x.jpg
credit to myspace.com

Rather than being a Wes Anderson character like Suzy and Sam from Moonrise Kingdom, try being a camper from Wet Hot American Summer.  These costumes are fun and easy.  All you need are 80’s teenager basics, and these are easily found at American Apparel.  This is a great group costume too.

https://i0.wp.com/static01.nyt.com/images/2015/07/19/arts/19WETHOT2/19WETHOT2-articleLarge.jpg
Credit to the New York Times

Then comes the infamous cat, the costume teenage girls tend to gravitate to every year.  Lets try to leave the cat in the past and go with some cute woodland creatures.  Foxes and deer are oh so cute and make awesome costumes.  You can wear a cute and comfy dress and put on some makeup and you’re ready!

https://ovsjournalists.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/82b6b-diy_animal_ears.jpg
credit to Brit and co

That Song.

Yourcupatea1 Comment

Record Player.

I have recently become addicted to one song. When I say addicted I mean I have listened it on loop for over a week now. Believe me a song has to be pretty special for me not to get sick of it and  The Shins , “New Slang” is exactly that.

When I saw a Facebook status saying how excited my friend was for the new “Shins album” I thought I better give this band a listen and that’s exactly what I did. I logged on to Spotify, typed in The Shins and listened through their numerous albums. Little did I know that I had actually had listened to many of the songs before including “New Slang.”

It was so familiar to my ears and as I listened to it I recognized it strangely from the hit TV series Scrubs. It was one of those songs that you hear, love and search for, but can never find it on YouTube and other search tools.

So now that I know the title and band of  that song, I have not stopped listening and I am very excited to hear new material from this New Mexico indie group, The Shins.

Plan B.

Yourcupatea1 Comment

Plan B

Yes Plan B may be a name for the morning after pill but is also the name of a great and talented young rapper.

Plan B or Benjamin Drew is a 23 year old rapper, singer and song writer as well as actor from Great Britain. A talented man, Plan B has had two debut albums, gaining great success with the help of his adoring fans in the last few years.

Plan B is primarily known for his high pitched, soulful voice and strong powerful lyrics. A man who lived a rough and troubling childhood, he is not a person who holds back when talking about his abandoning father or his feelings of being a social outcast.

Plan B released his first album in 2006 “ Who Needs Actions When You Got Words” and then went on to release “The Defamation of Strickland Banks” in 2010 which went straight to number 1 in the UK Charts.

With the release of his second album Plan B’s success really began to peak. With people singing his songs on street corners, playing them in bars and clubs as well as shops he became quickly known. This success only grew after he reached out to a new crowd with his collaborations with Drum and Bass stars Chase & Status.

He is a rapper that is absurdly easy to relate to and likable. He does not try to put on a front to conform with other hip hop artists, instead he stays true to himself and that is why I like him so much.

So if you’re not usually a big hip hop fan but fancy listening to some soulful, rap, indie rock, give Plan B a listen.

El Camino.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

El Camino

The Black Keys are one of my all time favorites bands because they produce real, edgy, distinct music that is uplifting and empowering. They produce music that is different and unique, combining sounds of rock and indie with older tunes like blues.

The band consists of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney who come together to create and perform wonders. Forming in Akron, Ohio in 2001 the two came together after dropping out of college. Finding each other in similar situations the two began to make albums together. The pair fit perfectly together like piano keys and together they have created seven amazing albums.

The bands newest album has become my soundtrack for the winter season and the New Year. Named El Camino, the album was released in December 2011 displaying new sounds of rock and roll and soul with the help of producer Danger Mouse.

The album is suitable for any mood, whether it be rocking out in your car, angrily venting or just getting hyped up. So give The Black Keys a listen if you want to try something new and exciting.

jj

Yourcupatea1 Comment

jj

jj is an alternative indie group from Sweden who has been producing music since 2009. Consisting of duo Elin Kastlander and Joakim Benon the band released their debut album jj n ° 2 in early 2009 along with their first single jj n° 1.

jj

Now signed to American label Secretly Canadian the pair released jj n° 3 in Sweden and the U.S in March 2010. Their alternative sound consists of indie pop, electronic and hip-hop among other genres, mixing them together to create great songs.The mix of sounds accompanied  with the rusty voice of female, lead singer Elin Kastlanger and powerful lyrics, the work of jj is really something you have never heard before.

Although they have released many of their own songs they are also famous for their covers of current songs, many of which appear on their mix tape Kills. Their renditions range from all sorts of genres including The XX,The Game and Akon. They really are one of a kind.

So if you feel like giving something different a listen check out jj.

Junk of the Heart.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Waiting for an album from your favorite band to be released is always exciting. What sort of sound will they present? Will it be a disappointed? How can they possibly beat some of their old tracks? These are all questions we ask ourselves when purchasing that long-awaited album.

These are all questions that filled my head on Monday the 12th of September. As I carefully placed my headphones into my ears, scrolled down the music library, selected albums and finally sought out the chosen album I waited in anticipation as I carefully hit the play button on my iPod. Playing Junk Of The Heart (Happy) by The Kooks.

Yes, Indie band The Kooks are finally back. After a two-year break the Brighton band have finally returned with a new album, Junk of the Heart. A sequel to the hit album Konk, released in 2008, the new album has been highly anticipated by many adoring fans. Yet, it’s a little disappointing.

Ok, so I’ve only listened to it a couple of times but there are only really a few songs I like. The rusty voice of lead singer Luke Pritchard still remains but the music hasn’t got the acoustic rhythms and “Kookyness” of the past albums. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good album and I admire them for their efforts to develop their style and go outside the box but in my eyes it just doesn’t suit them.

Still, there are a few songs that the bands unique sound shines through and I’m sure as I continue to listen my opinion will change, and I will grow to love it. Despite my first opinion, one thing will always remain, I still love The Kooks.

Thao & Mirah.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Thao & Mirah
Sometimes I find myself searching for music that is both relaxing and fun. These two words rarely are put together to describe music, but in the new album, Thao & Mirah, these words describe the sounds perfectly.

Created by San Francisco-based solo artist Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn and alternative, rock singer and star of Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, Thao Nguyen, the album is truly unique. Using an array of sounds and tastes every song explores a different sound ranging from classic folk, to indie rock.

Released in April 2011, the collaboration of the two individual talents works perfectly. Full of great guitar and acoustic melodies mixed with delicate and rough vocals the album is perfect album to relax to but also sing along and dance to. I would recommend it to any one.

The XX.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

The XX

The XX are a musical group from London specializing in indie pop/rock. Formed in 2005, the group came together to create simple, but effective, music. Living up to the indie genre, the music they create is definitely individual, standing out in the music industry.

Releasing their first album “XX” in 2009 the group received much praise for their individuality and great music. In the same year they won the Mercury Music Prize and were ranked as “one of the best of year” in the Rolling Stone.

The XX’s sound works well because of the dual voices used. The males soothing deep tones compliment that of the females and accompanied by simple acoustics the music molds together perfectly.

The band’s music is simple but catchy with their warming tones creating the perfect ambience for a night by an open fire or a time of relaxation. Due to release an album this year, fans are excited see if the new material can triumph over that of the legendary “XX.” Lets just hope they don’t disappoint.

Foals.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Foals
Foals are an indie rock band from Oxford, England. Debuting in 2008 with their first album “Antidotes“, the band went on to releasing their second album, ”Total life forever” which was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize.

Their first album gained much success coming third in the UK album charts. Full of drumbeats and fast tempos the songs put the listener in a happy mood. Aimed at the indie scene the album emits the sense of summer frivolity and fun. With strong lyrics and pulsing melodies, the album makes a stand against the typical music one would classify as indie. Incorporating a range of instruments, the music stands out with its guitar rifts and use of the occasional synth.

“Red Sock Pugie,” the third track from the first album, “Antidotes“.

In comparison “Total life forever” is a mellower album focusing more on the vocals than on fast rhythms and tempos. Soothing, relaxing and calming the album allows the listener to unwind through the 25 tracks. Although still including the famous drumbeats the songs have a more peaceful nature, perfect for a car journey through the countryside.

The contrast of albums shows how over the years the band has developed. Unlike many bands that focus on the same “fail safe” sound they experiment using different tones, instruments and vocals.

Foals are a great band that, I’d recommend anyone to listen to.

“Blue Blood,” the opening track from the second album, “Total life Forever“.

Warpaint.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Warpaint.

Warpaint is a 4-piece girl band from Los Angeles. I’m guessing that when you hear the word girl band you automatically think: poppy, fake, materialized rubbish. This is definitely not the case with Warpaint.

Warpaint are an experimental art, rock group who formed in 2004. Although primarily indie, the girls describe their genre as Ghettotech, Melodramatic Popular Song and Psychedelic.

The girls came together to create a different type of music and sound, they succeeded.

With melodic and peaceful symphonies mixed with rock and guitar leads, Warpaint have conquered a combination that works wonders. Their haunting sounds relax and entice, whilst contrasting beats adding flavor to the  melodic tones and harmonies.

Releasing their first album “The Fool” in October 2010, as well their debut single “Undertow” the band captured the attention of many music lovers.

The group is scheduled to play at several large festivals over the summer months including Coachella and Glastonbury.

Warpaint are an extremely unique band that I admire greatly. I hope they keep producing and playing great music!