BEHIND THE TRACKS: MOSAICC

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Being one of the better parts of my random bandcamp searches, I was instantly drawn into the lush, synth driven R&B esque sounds of 19 year old Virginia resident Bradd Haynes, aka Mosaicc, right from the start. His latest EP “What Happened” appealed to me on not only a musical level, but a personal level as well and soon after hearing it, I proceeded to try and get my ears on as much of his material as I could. This year started out kind of hectic for me and I was starting to think that I wouldn’t be able to do a BTT feature done for this month but regardless, here I am, and for the eighth installment in the series I was lucky enough to get in touch with Bradd and get to know a bit more about the guy behind the alias of Mosaicc. 

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Hold

Ruddyp & Taquwami -

Ruddyp & Taquwami-Hold

For a little bit over a month now, there’s been word floating around about the fresh new collective involving a few favorite producers of mine called Void Youth. It consists of Ruddyp, Hollow Pigeons, and Taquwami, which should let you know, if you’re familiar with their music, that it’s certainly something that’s fully deserving of your attention. I’d been waiting for something else to flourish from the label ever since Taquwami’s  Blurrywonder EP dropped and yesterday I got exactly what I’d been anticipating in the form of a collaborative track between Taquwami and Ruddyp titled “Hold”. Saturated in layers of dreamy effects, enveloped by a overall tranquil yet colorful atmosphere, and driven by a subtle “trillwave” style beat, the single is beautiful to say the least and it’s nothing short of what you’d come to expect from the two producers. You can stream the track from both of the artists’ individual soundcloud pages and grab it for yourselves by paying a “name your own” price over at Void Youth’s bandcamp page, where you can also pick up Blurrywonder for $3.

Never Loved U

imprintafter-Never Loved U

Music has always given me a special feeling that couldn’t be substituted by anything else and this becomes more and more evident with every new track or artist that I find myself enjoying. In this case, that artist would be LA producer Beckenson Avila who goes by the name of imprintafter. I’ve been spinning every track on his soundcloud for the better part of an hour now but the one that stuck out the most was his latest jam “Never Loved U”. The track kicks off with an incredibly smooth swagger that’s provided by a lustrous vocal loop and Avila’s flawless blend of ripe hip hop beats & subtle chillwave elements and it doesn’t let up until the very end. You can download the song along with other material for free and expect imprintafter’s debut EP Kat Secks to drop in early September. Recommended for fans of Ruddyp, Giraffage, and Sango.

BEHIND THE TRACKS: TAQUWAMI

For my second behind the tracks feature of the month I decided to get in contact with a long time favorite producer of mine, Tokyo’s own Taquwami. My ears have been filled with quality dreamy pop magic ever since I heard his single “With You” and take it from me, you certainly don’t want to miss out on anything coming from this guy. He’s recently signed to the brand new label Void Youth and as of last week dropped his first EP Blurrywonder so this post couldn’t have happened at a better time. I’ve got to give him a huge thank you for helping me with this all the way from Japan and he couldn’t have been any nicer. So sit back and get to know the person behind Taquwami a little better.

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Cigs & Lean

Hollow Pigeons-Cigs & Lean

I just came across the infectious beats of Canadian producer Ryan Dela Cruz aka Hollow Pigeons and I’m just wondering how I never found this guy’s music sooner. While he’s just 16 years old, Cruz certainly has an impressive knack for creating music and if you listen to the debut EP Birthdays it just goes to show that this young producer is only just getting started. The magic of Hollow Pigeons lies in the fact that each track of his grabs a hold of the listener right from the get go. It then wraps them in a daze full of splendid imagination and lambent soundscapes that seem to pull from a diverse selection of genres. “Cigs & Lean” is a perfect example of that statement and if it doesn’t get you pumped and ready to raise hell then maybe you just need to listen to it a few more times and turn the volume up higher. Grab the Letters to Kiko EP for whatever price you choose along with Birthdays for free on bandcamp and don’t forget to check out the track “Blossom” on soundcloud as well. Hollow Pigeons is also working with Ruddyp and Taquwami on something called Void Youth so get stoked and like them on facebook for updates.

CASSETTE REWIND’S TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012 (PT.1) 2012 is already halfway over and with that being said this year has probably been one the best for music in awhile. Everyone (or mostly everyone) seems to be stepping up their game and for those artists that’re fresh on the scene, they’ve been coming out strong. While music is coming out left and right I’ve decided to sort through my library for the albums that I consider my favorites for this year so far. It was a hard decision but I somehow managed to narrow the numbers down to ten releases that stand out and deserve to be heard. Anyways, enough with the intro, let’s get to part one of my personal top ten albums for 2012 (in no certain order). *all albums are available for streaming through bandcamp or spotify 1. Bear In Heaven-I Love You, It’s Cool This album came as a complete surprise to me. Mainly because I’d never listened to Bear In Heaven before and I wasn’t sure what to expect. There are few albums that I thoroughly enjoy from start to finish but I Love You, It’s Cool never lets up until it’s over. With every track the band shows an awe-inspiring ability to craft songs that’re beautiful, majestic, and full of life. I went and checked out their two prior LPs after I heard this and while it was apparent how much the band has grown since their beginnings, it also confirmed the fact that in my eyes, this trio cannot make a bad record. TOP TRACKS (“Sinful Nature” & “Kiss Me Crazy”) 2. Teeel-University Heights Jim Smith came onto the scene strong with last year’s debut Amulet and back in February he came back even better with the dreamy, sci-fi sounds of University Heights. Inspired by italia disco and the 80’s, Teeel has always remained unique with his music. Unlike the ominous atmospheres heard on his prior album, Smith decided to focus on a slightly more upbeat style this time around that hints at themes of horror flicks, mythological creatures, and more. That retro feel is still there though and it’s also more polished so early fans surely won’t be disappointed while they’re moving their feet. TOP TRACKS (“Centauri” & “88mph”) 3. The Mars Volta-Noctourniquet  Before the chillwave and dream pop days I developed a special place in my heart for the progressive, experimental sounds of The Mars Volta. I’ve become more of a fan with every new album that this band has put out but I can honestly say that their sixth release Noctourniquet went beyond all of my expectations and completely blew me away. It’s a bit toned down from past material but it’s still a true Mars Volta record at it’s core. This may just be their most experimental and different album to date but that’s what makes it such a thrill to listen to. They’ve truly outdone themselves this year and I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that this isn’t the last hurrah in a series of greatness from the group. TOP TRACKS (“The Malkin Jewel” & “Zed and Two Naughts”) 4. XXYYXX/RUDDYP-Split EP I’m only recently getting into producer based material and I couldn’t have picked a better time to start than now. Two of the first artists that I was introduced to were XXYYXX and Ruddyp and both of them impressed me in their own separate ways. I never would’ve thought that they’d do a split release together but the these two are easily a perfect match musically. While they vibe off of each other fantastically on the track “Eclipse” both producers also seem to shine with exceptional talent on their own tracks as well. As far as I’m concerned this EP will never get old, no matter how many times that I listen to it. TOP TRACKS (“LUV U GRL” & “GOOD FOOD”) 5. Young Pharaohs-White Shadows I couldn’t make a top ten list without showing some love to Chill Mega Chill. Every artist on the label, whether solo or a duo, emits the finest quality of ear magic and I’m hooked without a doubt. One of CMC’s many releases this year comes from the smooth sounds of Young Pharaohs and their debut LP White Shadows. The group doesn’t disappoint at all, in fact they just might surprise you with their mysterious yet sensual  sound. They blend just the right amount of R&B with glittering electronics to captivate their listeners and leave them wanting more when it’s all over. Young Pharaohs is just getting started and I already know that the future holds amazing things for the duo. TOP TRACKS (“Put Your Love In My Hands” & “One With The World”) 6. TOPS-Tender Opposites If I could pick an album to live in then I’d most likely choose the debut release from Montreal four piece TOPS titled Tender Opposites. The LP is constructed of a lush, dreamy world that’s full of enough 80’s feel good vibes and hazy splendor to make any listener drift off to a place that’s far from reality. Not to mention that the female vocals carry a certain innocent charm to them which fits perfectly into the equation. Whether the mood is fun and upbeat or slowed down and sentimental, everything about Tender Opposites gives me a fuzzy feeling on the inside and I love every bit of it. TOP TRACKS (“Diamond Look” & “Rings of Saturn”) 7. DIIV-Oshin Chances are that if you’re familiar with Captured Tracks then you’re familiar with the beachy sounds of Beach Fossils and their live members as well. Bassist John Pena (Heavenly Beat) isn’t the only one who’s been busy lately because guitarist Zachary Cole Smith has knocked everyone on their feet with his dreamy, post punk brainchild known as DIIV. Their debut album Oshin has been receiving tons of buzz ever since it’s release last week and right from the beginning it’s pretty obvious why. If you thought you were in for a Beach Fossils offspring then prepared to be proven wrong. TOP TRACKS (“Follow” & “Doused”) 8. Novella-Novella EP Followers of this blog probably know by now that I’ve got a certain affinity for good sounding female vocals so of course when I come across a talented all girl group I definitely get excited. With that being said the London three piece known as Novella certainly won my heart back in May with their self-titled debut EP from Italian Beach Records. The first track that I heard from the group was “Don’t Believe In Ayn Rand” and I knew from then on that I was in for a real treat. This self-titled is a work of pure shoegaze and psychedelic pop bliss and I can’t possibly listen to it enough. The ladies of Novella know damn well how to create infectious songs that brim with excellence and after having such a notable debut release I’m positive that this group is here to stay for a very long time. TOP TRACKS (“Don’t Believe Ayn Rand” & “He’s My Morning”) 9. Lemonade-Diver This sophomore release from the San Francisco trio Lemonade should be something that’s in everyone’s music library. Diver is undeniably sexy from start to finish and if this album doesn’t get you moving then something could be wrong. The band changed course a little bit from their debut Pure Moods and while change can hurt some groups, it undoubtedly helped Lemonade. With deep lascivious atmospheres and elements of R&B and chillwave that go hand in hand, Diver is nothing short of a 10 out of 10 in my mind. TOP TRACKS (“Infinite Style” & “Eye Drops”) 10. Moonface-With Siinai: Heartbreaking Bravery Spencer Krug has been one of the hardest working frontmen in the indie scene for a good number of years now and he never fails to deliver no matter if it’s with Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade, or his latest project Moonface. He is certainly a man full of imagination and raw emotion and with such a unique voice there’s no way that I couldn’t be a huge fan. Krug took an interesting route with this album by choosing to get the help of Finnish progressive outfit Siinai and what a wonderful decision that was because musically this LP is absolutely beautiful in every way. Heartbreaking Bravery just might be the most tenebrous effort that we’ve heard from the singer/songwriter but that’s also what makes it possibly one of his finest releases to date. TOP TRACKS (“I’m Not The Phoenix Yet” & “Lay Your Cheek On Down”)

CASSETTE REWIND’S TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012 (PT.1)

2012 is already halfway over and with that being said this year has probably been one the best for music in awhile. Everyone (or mostly everyone) seems to be stepping up their game and for those artists that’re fresh on the scene, they’ve been coming out strong. While music is coming out left and right I’ve decided to sort through my library for the albums that I consider my favorites for this year so far. It was a hard decision but I somehow managed to narrow the numbers down to ten releases that stand out and deserve to be heard. Anyways, enough with the intro, let’s get to part one of my personal top ten albums for 2012 (in no certain order). *all albums are available for streaming through bandcamp or spotify

1. Bear In Heaven-I Love You, It’s Cool

This album came as a complete surprise to me. Mainly because I’d never listened to Bear In Heaven before and I wasn’t sure what to expect. There are few albums that I thoroughly enjoy from start to finish but I Love You, It’s Cool never lets up until it’s over. With every track the band shows an awe-inspiring ability to craft songs that’re beautiful, majestic, and full of life. I went and checked out their two prior LPs after I heard this and while it was apparent how much the band has grown since their beginnings, it also confirmed the fact that in my eyes, this trio cannot make a bad record. TOP TRACKS (“Sinful Nature” & “Kiss Me Crazy”)

2. Teeel-University Heights

Jim Smith came onto the scene strong with last year’s debut Amulet and back in February he came back even better with the dreamy, sci-fi sounds of University Heights. Inspired by italia disco and the 80’s, Teeel has always remained unique with his music. Unlike the ominous atmospheres heard on his prior album, Smith decided to focus on a slightly more upbeat style this time around that hints at themes of horror flicks, mythological creatures, and more. That retro feel is still there though and it’s also more polished so early fans surely won’t be disappointed while they’re moving their feet. TOP TRACKS (“Centauri” & “88mph”)

3. The Mars Volta-Noctourniquet 

Before the chillwave and dream pop days I developed a special place in my heart for the progressive, experimental sounds of The Mars Volta. I’ve become more of a fan with every new album that this band has put out but I can honestly say that their sixth release Noctourniquet went beyond all of my expectations and completely blew me away. It’s a bit toned down from past material but it’s still a true Mars Volta record at it’s core. This may just be their most experimental and different album to date but that’s what makes it such a thrill to listen to. They’ve truly outdone themselves this year and I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that this isn’t the last hurrah in a series of greatness from the group. TOP TRACKS (“The Malkin Jewel” & “Zed and Two Naughts”)

4. XXYYXX/RUDDYP-Split EP

I’m only recently getting into producer based material and I couldn’t have picked a better time to start than now. Two of the first artists that I was introduced to were XXYYXX and Ruddyp and both of them impressed me in their own separate ways. I never would’ve thought that they’d do a split release together but the these two are easily a perfect match musically. While they vibe off of each other fantastically on the track “Eclipse” both producers also seem to shine with exceptional talent on their own tracks as well. As far as I’m concerned this EP will never get old, no matter how many times that I listen to it. TOP TRACKS (“LUV U GRL” & “GOOD FOOD”)

5. Young Pharaohs-White Shadows

I couldn’t make a top ten list without showing some love to Chill Mega Chill. Every artist on the label, whether solo or a duo, emits the finest quality of ear magic and I’m hooked without a doubt. One of CMC’s many releases this year comes from the smooth sounds of Young Pharaohs and their debut LP White Shadows. The group doesn’t disappoint at all, in fact they just might surprise you with their mysterious yet sensual  sound. They blend just the right amount of R&B with glittering electronics to captivate their listeners and leave them wanting more when it’s all over. Young Pharaohs is just getting started and I already know that the future holds amazing things for the duo. TOP TRACKS (“Put Your Love In My Hands” & “One With The World”)

6. TOPS-Tender Opposites

If I could pick an album to live in then I’d most likely choose the debut release from Montreal four piece TOPS titled Tender Opposites. The LP is constructed of a lush, dreamy world that’s full of enough 80’s feel good vibes and hazy splendor to make any listener drift off to a place that’s far from reality. Not to mention that the female vocals carry a certain innocent charm to them which fits perfectly into the equation. Whether the mood is fun and upbeat or slowed down and sentimental, everything about Tender Opposites gives me a fuzzy feeling on the inside and I love every bit of it. TOP TRACKS (“Diamond Look” & “Rings of Saturn”)

7. DIIV-Oshin

Chances are that if you’re familiar with Captured Tracks then you’re familiar with the beachy sounds of Beach Fossils and their live members as well. Bassist John Pena (Heavenly Beat) isn’t the only one who’s been busy lately because guitarist Zachary Cole Smith has knocked everyone on their feet with his dreamy, post punk brainchild known as DIIV. Their debut album Oshin has been receiving tons of buzz ever since it’s release last week and right from the beginning it’s pretty obvious why. If you thought you were in for a Beach Fossils offspring then prepared to be proven wrong. TOP TRACKS (“Follow” & “Doused”)

8. Novella-Novella EP

Followers of this blog probably know by now that I’ve got a certain affinity for good sounding female vocals so of course when I come across a talented all girl group I definitely get excited. With that being said the London three piece known as Novella certainly won my heart back in May with their self-titled debut EP from Italian Beach Records. The first track that I heard from the group was “Don’t Believe In Ayn Rand” and I knew from then on that I was in for a real treat. This self-titled is a work of pure shoegaze and psychedelic pop bliss and I can’t possibly listen to it enough. The ladies of Novella know damn well how to create infectious songs that brim with excellence and after having such a notable debut release I’m positive that this group is here to stay for a very long time. TOP TRACKS (“Don’t Believe Ayn Rand” & “He’s My Morning”)

9. Lemonade-Diver

This sophomore release from the San Francisco trio Lemonade should be something that’s in everyone’s music library. Diver is undeniably sexy from start to finish and if this album doesn’t get you moving then something could be wrong. The band changed course a little bit from their debut Pure Moods and while change can hurt some groups, it undoubtedly helped Lemonade. With deep lascivious atmospheres and elements of R&B and chillwave that go hand in hand, Diver is nothing short of a 10 out of 10 in my mind. TOP TRACKS (“Infinite Style” & “Eye Drops”)

10. Moonface-With Siinai: Heartbreaking Bravery

Spencer Krug has been one of the hardest working frontmen in the indie scene for a good number of years now and he never fails to deliver no matter if it’s with Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade, or his latest project Moonface. He is certainly a man full of imagination and raw emotion and with such a unique voice there’s no way that I couldn’t be a huge fan. Krug took an interesting route with this album by choosing to get the help of Finnish progressive outfit Siinai and what a wonderful decision that was because musically this LP is absolutely beautiful in every way. Heartbreaking Bravery just might be the most tenebrous effort that we’ve heard from the singer/songwriter but that’s also what makes it possibly one of his finest releases to date. TOP TRACKS (“I’m Not The Phoenix Yet” & “Lay Your Cheek On Down”)