Valerie

Great Skies: [shhht_12]

If you stumbled across Great Skies' Summer Moments EP here in Frostclick and enjoyed it, then you might have a blast with this latest release from the artist. [shhht_12] (yes, that's the title) is a 4-track compilation that's filled with great electronic ambient tracks masterfully crafted by London producer, Matthew Wells aka Great Skies. This 20 year old has been crafting great ambient downtempo sounds fit for a relaxing little getaway. It's moody, atmospheric and definitely a great listen whether you're looking for a new artist to love or you just want something to serve as background for your moody afternoon.

SoulClap “SoulClap: The Beatape”

DJ and producer SoulClap is sharing his craft by offering a free Beat Tape to emcees, fans and general listeners. Filled with 12 instrumental beats, each track can be used for your own devices provided you credit back the artist, of course. SoulClap is actually a hip hop producer who manages his own recording studio back in Germany. Back in his country, he has produced music for various talented artists like Freeway, Smif N Wessun, Epsilon Project, Those Chosen, Dominique Larue and several other new artists. It's definitely a great compilation for those looking to try their hand at mixing and creating their own sound.

Salvador: Rite of Passage

There's hardly anything about Salvador online but sometimes you don't really need that much information to enjoy the music. Rite of Passage is a one man band headed by Omar Khan. A young acoustic folk pop musician who likes to sing about the quiet things in life. This short record is purely DIY. Omar produced, recorded, wrote the songs and played the instruments, save on percussion which was provided by Raphael Guirguis. The album is a warm, lo-fi acoustic folk record that makes me think of Elliott Smithand a subdued Bright Eyes in certain places. It's perfect for a quiet and relaxing afternoon where all that matters is your thoughts.

Bloody Lovely Audrey: Animal EP

If you love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and looking for an indie band alternative that comes close, Bloody Lovely Audrey should be first on your list. The band is made up of Sinead Curry - Vocals, Rob Cleary - Guitars, Andy Cavenagh - Bass and Seb Guajardo - Drums. In the words of their bassist, their sound would be the outcome "if Nirvana, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Queens of the Stone Age had a baby…and drank heavily during the pregnancy." This is quite accurate since their music is a great blend of stoner rock, slight hipster with female-led vocals. You'd imagine them as playing in some cool downtown club with plenty of rock lovin' from the crowd.

iSplume

If you're looking for a different type of balloon busting game, iSplume might just be the game to try out next. Originally offered for sale, the game is now available as a free download on the Mac App Store. This cool puzzle game from Flash Bang Studios has gained quite a lot of fans since its release. Unlike regular puzzle bobble types, this one makes use of quirky little creatures called splumes. The objective is a bit similar to the original though. You have to position at least three similar colored splumes in order for them to pop. Of course, there are additional sets of rules that help make this one a little bit more interesting than its counterparts.

Entertainment for the Braindead: Roadkill

Entertainment for the Braindead is a moniker taken on by Julia Kotowski, a one woman band hailing from Cologne, Germany. Roadkill is the 5th full compilation from the singer/songwriter/instrumentalist. Known for her gorgeous folk music, this latest album is no exception. The record was born out of the artists desire to explore a new instrument, particularly the banjo. Playing with sweet reverie, her songs are filled with the beautiful strings of this country style instrument. Julia has been releasing music since 2007. Her first album Hypersomnia along with all her other releases are licensed under a Creative Commons and offered for free.

Kidd Russell: Backyard Heroes

Kidd Russell's Backyard Heroes is an interesting mix of alternative hip hop that you might want to check out. A college football player by day, Kip "Kidd" Russell turns into a rap star by night and creates an eclectic mix of hip hop music. Citing influences like Tupac, Common and 90s alternative bands like 311; it's no surprise you'll get a whole hodge podge of sound from this artist. Backyard Heroes is Kidd's 3rd album and in a short time he's found himself thrust in the limelight; opening for artists like The Roots, Common, Christ Webby, Uncle Kracker and The FLOBOTS just to name a few.

Paper Tiger: Everyone Here

Paper Tiger is made up of two Dutch guys who have a penchant for creating upbeat, fun, acoustic indie pop songs deserving of a listen. This is the boys debut compilation and it was released under New Zealand netlabel (and home to glorious indie folk pop,) Beep Beep Back The Truck Up! Although the duo, Chris (Regtop) and Témy (Phem), have been friends since they were young; it wasn't until the last several years and after stints in punk as well as indie bands, did they decide to pursue their passion for indie pop with Paper Tiger. Together, they write songs about mundane things in life; accompanying it with gorgeous melodies and sometimes quirky lyrics.

netBloc Vol. 34: The Whitewash

After a short hiatus, blocSonic is now back on track in releasing their latest addition to their Netbloc compilations, Netbloc 34: The Whitewash. As expected, the 14-track record is a goldmine of new sound. Featuring relatively new and unknown artists from all over the world playing different genres, the album is quite an enjoyable record worth raving about. We've featured several of these compilations from the label right here on Frostclick. You can check them here and here. All of them are available as a free download and serves as a great way to discover new bands or new music in the CC licensed music world.