The S-25 Mix is short for The Sunday 25 Songs Mix, where we put together a mix of 25 tracks (sometimes more) we love from all genres and time periods of music. Over the past two weeks, we put out the Songs About Cars mixes, many of which were recommended by our readers.
But this Sunday, we’re putting out a mix that only includes indie songs from artists and bands that we never – and perhaps many of you never – heard before.
At South By Southwest earlier this month, there were hundreds of bands – easily – that we’d never heard of before. But thanks to friends, a whole bunch of free SXSW samplers, and the official SXSW site, we heard for the first time more than a couple of hundred artists performing at SXSW 2011 that we’d never heard before, otherwise known as “New To Us,” which is a familiar theme mix that we haven’t done a mix for in quite some time.
Beause SXSW is still somewhat fresh, we wanted to share some of the 200-plus bands that are new to us. Hopefully, most of you will dig even few of these bands for the first time – making it all that much more worth it. Additionally, some of these bands will be featured in upcoming Bands to Watch in 2011 features, and part of what determines which those will be depends on which songs you guys listen to and download the most from today’s mix.
For next Sunday’s mix, we’re going to continue with the Songs About Colors mix series. A few weeks ago, we put a “Red Songs” mix, in case you missed it. Any suggestions for “blue” songs? We already have a mix of about 200 songs that we need to drastically par down, but we’re also taking suggestions too. Remember, it does not have to be confined to indie music, even though today’s mix is, as an exception, and since it’s timely with the connection to SXSW.
Formed abruptly among friends in Vancouver in 2010, Dizzy Eyes were on an earlier roll, being signed to Hardly Art Records, when one of their band member’s citizen application was denied. While they’re currently on hold, Dizzy Eyes put out a 7″ that included three tracks, including this one, which is ironically titled, “Let’s Break Up The Band.”
“Let’s Break Up The Band” – Dizzy Eyes
Lo-fi, garage pop is the hallmark of Brunswick, Australia band, Twerps, who’s band name doesn’t match their decidedly rock sound. In the past year, they’ve opened for bands like Deerhunter, Yo La Tengo, and Thee Oh Sees. Keep your ears out for their debut LP coming soon.
“Black Eyes” – Twerps from Black Eyes single
Double-shot: “Bullies” – Twerps from The Ancient split single 7″
Everyone Everywhere is a Philadelphia indie rock band which has been turning heads wherever they show up in the past year and a half. Last May, the band released their debut, self-titled album, and are now working on the follow-up LP.
“Tiny Boat” – Everyone Everywhere from Everyone Everywhere (2010)
Check out Everyone Everywhere’s official website for more info.
“Wanderingfoot” – Everyone Everywhere from Everyone Everywhere (2010)
From Los Angeles, the indie rock trio, Foster The People, owe their recent recognition to The Hype Machine and their performances at SXSW. The addictive track, “Pumped Up Kids” made the Australia pop charts in 2010. Their LP, Torches, will be released on May 24th, from which the advanced single, “Helena Beat” is taken from.
“Helena Beat” – Foster The People from Torches – out May 24th
Double-shot: “Pumped Up Kicks” – Foster The People from Foster The People EP (2010)
From Mexico City, indie rock band Chikita Violenta made quite a splash at SXSW, thanks to their alternative rock sound that takes its influences from bands like Built to Spill, Sonic Youth and Pavement. In 2007, the band reached out to well-known producer Dave Newfield (Apostle of Hustle, Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals and Los Campesinos!) to record their second album is The Stars and Suns Sessions. They also worked with Newfield on their recently released 2011 album, Tre3s, which you may have heard about in one of our recent posts for Best New Releases series. We love this band, and hope you do too.
“Roni” – Chikita Violenta from Tre3s (2011)
From the Reims, France, the band The Bewitched Hands love lo-fi pop anthem-prone tracks, such as on the track, “Work,” from the band’s newest LP, Birds and Drums.
One of the buzz bands at SXSW was JEFF The Brotherhood, and for good reason. Their “kraut punk” mixed with “psychedelic grunge” and “noise pop” is alluring, catchy and provocative. The brothers from Nashville – on guitar and drums – have been touring the U.S. since 2006, bringing their unique blend of styles to venues across the States, and opening for bands like Sonic Youth, Jay Reatard and Battles.
“Bone Jam” – JEFF The Brotherhood
Right out of the gates, Santa Cruz, California indie pop musician, Ash Reiter, got our attention, and not just because she lives right down the road from here. When we first heard the track “Paper Diamonds” on a SXSW sampler, we love her yearning and imperfect vocals, not to mention a penchant for a really catchy tune. On her tour across the U.S. and around Canadian, she recruited talented musicians from town to town to accompany her onstage. She plans to go into the studio again soon with a group called The Power of Positive Thinking.
“Paper Diamonds” – Ash Reiter from
We like the track, “The Other Summer” from New York band MiniBoone, a lot, and will be looking forward to hearing more of their music in the near future. The floating, melodic track “Trampolines” found its way into our hearts for its lush beauty and syrupy snyth keys and shimmering guitar work that puts Yourself and The Air on our radar.
“The Other Summer” – MiniBoone
“Trampolines” – Yourself and The Air from Who’s Who in the Zoo
We have become recent following of the roster of Dirtnap Records. The label has an excellent knack for picking raw talented punk and garage rock bands who can belt out asphalt tearing two to three minute lo-fi gems. Some of our favorites include River City Tanlines, Mean Jeans, White Wires, High Tension Wires, The Steve Adamyk Band. In fact, you can check out more tracks from Dirtnap bands in one of our Recommended SXSW Showcases post a couple of weeks ago during SXSW. Definitely digging these bands – and they’re all ‘new to us.’
“Black Knight” – River City Tanlines from All 7 Inches Plus 2 More (2005)
“I’ll Take You Anywhere” – The Steve Adamyk Band from The Steven Adamyk Band (2010)
“When You Were Young” – Discover America from Future Paths
“Steve Don’t Party No More” – Mean Jeans from Are You Serious? (2009)
The White Wires, an Ottawa band, and Dirtnap recording artist, have quickly become a favorite city-wide garage pop trio over the past couple of years. The track featured here is from their sophomore LP, WWII, released last summer. They’re now in the process of recording WWIII, slated for release this summer.
“Did You Forget My Name?” – The White Wires from WWII
We love the dance beat synth infused indie pop delivery of WIN WIN‘s “Releaserpm” (whatever that means). The track sounds a bit like a Bjork tune if she did a bright and shinny dub-step single. The song’s overall warm effect could not have been accomplished without the vocal contribution of Gang Gang Dance band member Lizzie Bougatsos.
“Releaserpm (Feat. Lizzie Bougatsos)” – WIN WIN
The quirky, but engaging Boston band Hands and Knees would have to be one of our top ten favorites of new-to-us bands that we’ve heard for the first time over the past month. Plus, songs from The Torches, Mrenc, Karkwa and The Boat People.
“Sitting at the Piano Disappearing” – Hands and Knees
“My Body Stops” – Firs
“Mr. Vampire” – The Torches from Mr. Vampire 7″
“Dying Over You” – Mrenc from forthcoming debut album TBA
“Les Chemins De Verre” – Karkwa
“Under The Ocean” – The Boat People