Posted in Indie Rock

Jamie xx Teams Up With Quayola for “Progress”


Producer Jamie xx teamed up with multimedia artist Quayola and his team, Abstract Birds, to create stunning visuals for a brand new track entitled “Progress”. Resembling a sort-of DNA strand, the video was created using two 15-meter HD screens and Partitura software as part of the ‘Structures’ project with Rizlab.

You can watch the video over at Rizlab’s webpage. More videos will be released as the week progresses, including recordings of Jamie xx and Quayola from a September 22nd live performance.

Foster The People Live on Saturday Night Live

Just in case you’re one of the very sheltered few who haven’t yet heard Foster The People‘s infectious single, “Pumped Up Kicks”, the Los Angeles trio dropped by Saturday Night Live to perform two songs – the other of which is “Houdini”. The performance also includes a guest appearance by Kenny G in the final horn section of “Pumped Up Kicks”.

Check out the two videos below.

“Pumped Up Kicks”:

“Houdini”:

Interview: The Calm Blue Sea

A couple of weeks ago I made a post-rock playlist for MiaoMix and included “Quiet” by The Calm Blue Sea. That was a song that really blew me away the first time I listened to it. I recently got the chance to talk with Steve (drummer) and Kyle (bassist) from the band. We talked about working on new material, the music scene in Austin, comparisons to other post-rock bands, and more. They were really nice guys and it was a pleasure to get the chance to talk with them. Steve started out the interview and then Kyle came in about halfway into the interview.

What are your names and specific roles in the band?

Steve: I’m Steve and I play drums and we all write.

So you and Kyle (bassist) were both there when the band started?

Steve: I guess I’m an original member and Kyle is not. He’s our 2nd or 3rd bass player, but he’s been with us since 2009 so I don’t think he’s going anywhere.

Why did you guys choose the name The Calm Blue Sea?

Steve: Okay, I have no explanation for that. Maybe Chris does, but they had it when I got in already. Continue reading →

Jupe Jupe Prepare New Album, ‘Reduction in Drag’

Seattle synth-rockers Jupe Jupe are currently finishing up their sophomore effort, Reduction in Drag, which will be self-released by the band on November 1. Anchored by layers of fuzzy, uplifting synth and guitar, Jupe Jupe tracks are appealing from the first moment they reach your ears. There’s no denying the ’80’s influences apparent in their composition and when coupled with the throbbing beats, the quartet create an sonic environment that is fit to rock a stadium.

Do yourself a favor and throw on some headphones while listening to the following two tracks, both taken from the band’s upcoming album.

MP3: Jupe Jupe – “Suspicion”

MP3: Jupe Jupe – “Once Around the Sun”

The Decemberists EP Details

On November 1, The Decemberists will be releasing a follow up EP to The King is Dead, which was released earlier in January this year. The EP is titled Long Live the King and will be released on Capitol. It will include songs written during the recording of The King is Dead, acoustic songs and a cover of “Row Jimmy” by the Grateful Dead. The cover for the EP is above and the tracklist is below:

1) E. Watson
2) Foregone
3) Burying Davy
4) I 4 U & U 4 Me
5) Row Jimmy (Grateful Dead cover)
6) Sonnet