If you haven't heard of Lorde by now...then let me just say, you're missing out on the next big thing. This New Zealander is only 16 years old and she has already begun to take the world by storm on both the alternative and pop charts with her amazing song, Royals.
Lorde - Royals
I first fell in love with her when I heard her song Tennis Court.
Lorde - Tennis Court
This girl has got it all. She's got the voice, infectious beats, and sassy lyrics. And since Lorde is only 16 we can only expect even more great things from her. Whether you're listening to Royals or Tennis Court, you will definitely find yourself singing Lorde for the rest of the day.
Be sure to download her EP, The Love Club, there is seriously not a song on there that I don't love (no pun intended). And from my research we can expect a full length album from her sometime in September. (September 30th, according to Wikipedia).
Follow Lorde on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated with news about her album, music, and tours.
If you're looking for something fresh this summer, the latest band Chvrches (and no that's not a typo - it's spelled with a V) are one that can't be missed this.
Chvrches are a Scottish band comprised of Iain Cook, Lauren Mayberry, and Marin Doherty. The band gained popularity in 2012 after opening for Passion Pit and will spend selected 2013 dates opening for the legendary Depeche Mode.
Check out their visually stunning music video for their single that's climbing the indie charts, Recover.
Chvrches - Recover
Their current EP, also titled Recover, has generated plenty of buzz on both blog playlists and Indie music radio stations. The EP features three songs: Recover, Now is Not the Time, and ZVVL. While also including two remixes for Recover.
Chvrches - Now is Not the Time
The cool sounds of electronic synth pop meets the 90s comeback of Chvrches are sure to be ones that stick out with music lovers this summer. Don't miss out on their EP which can be downloaded on ITunes. Become a fan of their Facebook and follow Chvrches on Twitter. And....If you happen to be one of the lucky ones seeing Depeche Mode, don't miss them on tour with them for selected dates!
Check out the entire Chvrches 2013 Tour Schedule by clicking here.
Take a female lead with a haunting and powerful voice and combine it with a producer that brings fresh style and music to the picture, and what do you get? MS MR.
It didn't take long for me to become fascinated with this New York-based duo after hearing their single, Fantasy. Consisting of female lead singer Lizzy Plapinger and producer Max Hershenow (what an awesome last name, I hope that's real), MS MR is quickly making their way onto the alternative scene.
MS MR - Fantasy
While it was their song and video for Fantasy that caught my attention, it was their latest single, Hurricane that kept it.
MS MR - Hurricane
After listening (and repeatedly watching the music video) for Hurricane, I immediately became more interested in this duo. With lyrics, such as, "Welcome to the inner working of my mind, so dark and foul I can't disguise" and an EP out titled Candy Bar Creep Show, this group may hit it off well with the alternative scene, but also have enough relatable lyrics and unique sound to become radio friendly!
Currently they have released three singles, Hurricane, Fantasy, and Bones. Their latest single Hurricane is already receiving positive feedback from the public as well as music critics and is already beginning to climb the charts in many countries. If you listen to their EP, it's no surprise why. MS MR has a unique vintage sound, with songs like Dark Doo Wop, complemented by Plapinger's beautiful (and reminiscent of Florence Welch) voice. Because of this combination, I think we can expect to see great things for MS MR in 2013.
MS MR - Dark Doo Wop
From heart aching and captivating lyrics (Hurricane) to a vintage throwback style (Dark Doo Wop), MS MR, has become one of my favorite new acts of 2013. Check out their EP Candy Bar Creep Show which is available on ITunes and other music outlets. The band also will release their debut album, Secondhand Rapture, on May 14, 2013.
Check out MS MR on Facebook as well as Twitter and click here for a list of their upcoming shows to see if they'll be playing in your area. Once again, I encourage you to download their EP, you won't be disappointed!
I've been wanting to write about this band for quite some time, however, finding any information about The Neighbourhood seems to be virtually impossible. You see, the band only just recently started revealing what they even look like. So while I can't tell you a whole lot about the band, I can tell you they are rooted from California and are easily one of my favorite bands of 2013.
Although they are a young group of guys (from what I've been able to find out) their music speaks of experiences with young love, like the catchy tune Sweater Weather, and even disdain of a personal home life, such as, Female Robbery.
The Neighbourhood - Female Robbery
But what I find most spectacular about this band is the way they've taken an alternative rock genre, added deep beats, and choruses that no one at concerts and shows will be able to resist to sing out loud. All the while adding the perfect combination of the lead singer's voice, who is finely tuned for the band's type style of music. Their influence in appearance may fall into the Hollywood retro style but their sound, I believe, is progressive enough to make them chart toppers on both the alternative, indie rock, and even pop charts.
Whether you are in the mood for something catchy, like their most recent single Sweater Weather, which is currently climbing the charts and can be heard on almost any alternative station, whether you are looking for something sultry, like the sexy tune A Little Death; The Neighbourhood has much to offer for all types of music fans.
The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather
The Neighbourhood's EPs' I'm Sorry... and Thank You, are available to buy now. Be sure to check out their debut album I Love You which will be available on April 23, 2013 in the United States. They are currently on tour, click The Neighbourhood on tour to see if they'll be coming to a city near you!
The 90s have officially made a comeback! And being a 90s' kid I surprisingly find myself enjoying the platformed sneakers and plaid skirts, and no one pulls this off better than Charli XCX.
I don't even know what genre to put her in. Alternative? Indie? Girl pop? Electronic? Why not all of them? Because she really does seem to spread herself throughout all genres. Which is what I find makes her music so interesting and fresh, if you'll pardon The Fresh Prince of Bel Air pun.
Her newest song 'You' is off her debut album 'True Romance' which is out next month in the UK. As if that isn't enough the girl has been busy touring with artists like Coldplay and will be touring with one of my personal favorites, Marina and the Diamonds, in May.
Charli XCX - You
The English singer-songwriter covers everything in her music from lying boys to Justin Bieber. Yes, I'm serious. Check it out for yourself.
Charli XCX - Dance 4 You
And for those who love electronic pop, she is also featured on the very radio friendly and super fun song 'I love It' by Icona Pop.
Icona Pop Feat. Charli XCX - I Love It
Charli XCX's style incorporates pop culture with relatable lyrics and her melodies will have your bass working overtime. Put her in whatever genre you like, there's no way around it. Charli XCX is fresh and fun but dark and meaningful at the same time. As a successful newcomer in 2012....2013 can offer nothing but great things for Charli XCX.
Check out her website to pre-order her album. And be sure to visit her YouTube page to hear remixes, mixtapes, and covers.
If there is one thing you can say about most of 2012 and 2013 so far, it's that Electronic Dance Music has taken the world by storm. It's no longer only being played a raves...it's being played EVERYWHERE. In the midst of all this trend I came across the fantastic artist Zedd. And when I say artist I actually mean producer who you might know as Anton Zaslavaski.
One of the wonderful things about Zedd's producing is that, while I don't think I've ever heard him actually speak, he's managed to put out some of the most heart felt songs out right now; and yet his fast-paced beat driven melodies stay true to EDM form. Like one of my favorites, Clarity featuring Foxes.
As fresh as his music is you maybe surprised to find out that he has done a great deal of behind the scenes work with musicians like Lady Gaga and Skrillex. And you know that Justin Bieber song, Beauty and a Beat, that you for some reason just can't get out of your head? Yeah, he was behind that smash hit by producing the track.
Zedd has found the happy medium in the Electronic Dance Music world. Not only do you get that loaded bass that you crave from dance music but also a song with heart.
Check out Zedd's latest album, Clarity, which features even more fantastic (and more than likely hit singles) like Hourglass.
