Music

Frau: Starlit Carousel

To say that this girl blows my mind is a complete understatement. The first time I came across this artist was from an Aaahh Records blog. The voice behind this record is actually an Indonesian singer. Ironically, she has named herself after the German word for woman, Frau. Starlit Carousel is her first album and is a beautiful compilation that features English as well as Indonesian tracks. If you love broadway musicals and can sincerely appreciate gorgeous vocal work; then you should listen to this album. Even if you don't understand the Indonesian songs, you'll definitely appreciate it still. It's hard not to rave about this album because every single piece of pop, jazz, theater/broadway inspired track is simply lovely. Plus, the voice is stunning. Besides, who can resist that cool album cover anyway? Check it out for yourself.

Absent Feet: Soonrise

Relative newcomers, Absent Feet, has come out with their 5 track short album, Soonrise, through Jamendo. The album is filled with pop rock tracks that resound with slightly alternative pop vocals. Though they might look like the newest boyband on the block, the group's first foray into the indie music scene is actually worth checking out. Definitely an album that won't disappoint pop rockers out there.
Netlabelism cover

Netlabelism.com: 12/10 compilation

Want to hear the best of Hip Hop, House, Inditronic, and Dub without spending hours sampling music on the web? Well turn your speakers up because you are in the right place, at the right time. Netlabelism.com, an online magazine for quality netaudio, just released their next 12/10 compilation of the best tracks under the Creative Commons license. And it means that you can download it for free and share it with others as long as you give credit to the creators.

DK (Wayne Watts): 20 Something

Hip hop recording artist, DK aka Wayne Watts debuts his latest release, 20 Something. The album combines positive rap lyrics with great beats and a catchy hip hop vibe. The artist has collaborated with several prominent artists, both in the hip hop scene and outside. He has also recently opened for The All American Rejects. The artist has released several albums and mixes under his belt ever since he started out. Among his initial efforts, he released a full length album, That's My Boy (between 2003 to 2007.) He has also released other compilations like Tha Firelane Project (EP), his mixtape, While You Were Sleeping and this free digital download, 20 Something. This compilation is the most recent one Watts has to offer and it's definitely a solid collection of beats worth checking out.

The Night Terrors: Nasty

Hauntingly beautiful 4 track EP that's offered absolutely free. If you are a big fan of alternative indie Brit rock and equally love anything about the dark side, then this is a great EP to have. These 4 tracks from The Night Terrors will definitely send chills down your spine with its upbeat rockish tempo and hipster vibe. These Northern Londoners definitely know how to give out a good scare as well as great music to anyone that's up for a bit of good time.

Maria Rodes: Sin Tecnica (Without Art)

Spanish singer and songwriter, Maria Rodes, has released her latest album, Sin Tecnica. Now, I know that you might not want to listen to an album where English isn't the main language, but trust me, this is a worthy album. Maria Rodes creates folkpop indie acoustic tracks with a slightly alternative edge. Her voice is beautiful and her compositions and melodies are very pretty. Her tracks masquerade in simplicity yet are very rich and diverse.

John Q: Sunrise

John Q is not a single person but instead a collective of musicians who enjoy playing alternative pop rock and penning tunes that focus on songwriting and storytelling. With Sunrise, the group showcases what they are best at, creating alternative mellow tracks that people can relate to. Each cut on the album narrates a special story that helps listeners feel good and reflect on the lyrics. It's an album filled with easy listening tracks that are worth listening to.

The Wind Whistles: Animals Are People Too

The Wind Whistles is an amazing indie folk pop duo from Canada comes out with their sweet and dreamy second release, Animals are People Too, under indie netlabel, aaahh records. Known for catering to artists that create great acoustic folk pop, sure enough this duo falls under the same category. With their melodic acoustic guitar, poppy chants and harmonic vocals, this album is filled with luscious, soothing sounds that will take you away into some beautiful poppy field and leave you basking under the warm glow of the sun. Definitely an album you can't miss out if you love aaahh records' roster.

Rushus: Stories

Dreamy instrumental and experimental jazz from a Russian trio. Stories is a reflective compilation that is filled with whimsical melodies that makes you wish all instrumental music was created this way. Aptly described by one reviewer as "a fine collection of intelligent jazz tracks;" the compilation features experimental, progressive music with touches of blues and jazz. Rushus is primarily made up of Ilya Lipkin, guitar player extraordinaire. He's accompanied by two equally talented individuals, Evgeniy Tkachev on percussion and Vladimir Nikulin playing bass. Together, they create this sonic fusion of instrumental jazz that is filled with melodic rhythms and unconventional beats. Stories isn't just perfect for a Saturday night, it serves as great background music for almost any relaxing, quiet afternoon.