Valerie

Sleeping Sky: Remind the Past

Acoustic folk pop duo that makes you want to grab your pillow or cuddle up to the nearest couch. Sleeping Sky is a German based folk duo comprised of Desiree on vocals and Corinna on guitars. The duo creates dreamy and relaxing acoustic pop that will surely make you melt. Remind the Past is the duo's third release.

Shoot First

Described as an "co-op action roguelike" game, Shoot First, is a mix of Roguelike elements, retro graphics and RPG systems. As weird as this combination may sound, it's actually works great. Of course, instead of the typical sword and shield in RPG systems, you will be packing an automatic instead. Developed by Teknopants, the game allows you to play single or cooperative missions. Go on two player mode and fight off monsters, quests, score some loot and save a couple of trapped people in the process. This game certainly knows how to fuse weird elements together and make it work. If you play the game, expect a lot of dungeon crawling and monster killing goodness coming your way.

Cloud: Elephant Era

There's not much you can find about Cloud online. The thing is, Cloud is actually the artist name for New Yorker, Tyler Taormina. He's an up and coming musician that creates wonderful and enchanting music simply by singing and playing drums & piano simultaneously. This talented, young singer may not be a big name yet, but just by listening to his debut record; he's definitely got something up his sleeve. The compilation is composed of 11 tracks that incorporate indie pop rock and a hint of 80s synth sound. The record easily captures raw emotions and fleeting circumstances. Perfect for quiet moments or times when you just want to take a breather from everything around you. This is a nice album that's worth looking into. Go ahead, take a listen and fall in love with this artists' sound.

Dilly Dilly: Of Art and Intention

The voice and face behind Dilly Dilly is actually Erin Olivia Davidson. This talented artist hails from Maine and is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist as well as vocalist. Of Art and Intention is the first full length compilation for the artist and comprises of weird instruments, indie pop beats and Dilly Dilly's ukulele. The sound is eclectic but happy; definitely perfect for a goofy and quirky day. Throughout her musical career, Erin has played in countless bands, both as a musician and collaborator. She released her EP, akidleadivy, and took up the moniker, Dilly Dilly. It was released somewhere between 2005-2006 after Erin's hiatus with her band Cerberus Shoal. Currently, Dilly Dilly has released this debut by experimenting with various instruments as well as using a MIDI. The result is a cute and fun album that's poised to be the soundtrack to plenty of happy times.

Big Blood: Dark Country Magic

Big Blood has had a rich history. They have released a total of 9 full albums in their career as a group. Their latest record, Dark Country Magic, compiles 12 amazing tracks that exude that wonderfully psychedelic yet vibrant atmosphere. The raw and DIY quality of the tracks are lovely and very engaging. It's certainly worth checking out. Big Blood is made up of Colleen Kinsella and Caleb Mulkerin, which are also from Cerberus Shoal and Fire on Fire. The duo perfectly creates tracks that exude a hauntingly folkish and ethereal vibe. It's certainly an album worthy of a place in your everyday playlist. Go ahead and help out the band by purchasing their album. It's available in CD and Vinyl formats. Alternatively, it's also offered as a free download here and FMA. Give it a go.

Dubloon

If you love buccaneers or pirates, then you'll adore Dubloon. Created by Banov, the game is a huge point and click adventure. Don't be misled by the point and click gameplay though, because this one actually plays like a true blue RPG. You'll have items to collect and you can explore your world. Like any RPG, whenever you encounter an enemy you are transported into a different fighting scene accompanied with your stats and all. The premise is a bit typical. You're an ordinary person that happens upon a big treasure, so you go ahead and gather up a crew to make the treasure your own.

Then: Happy Cloud

Then is a Macedonia duo that's heavily influenced by shoegaze rock greats, My Bloody Valentine, The Telescopes and The Jesus and the Mary Chain to name a few. The duo has so far, released two short compilations, 2008's Dreams, Tapes, Hopes & Razorblades and Happy Cloud. Both records are available for free download. This unique group's sound focuses on a lot of spacey sounding tracks mixed in with plenty of reverb, feedback as well as quiet, almost whispered, vocals. Happy Cloud contains 5 cuts that range from alternative rock to uptempo, almost dancy pop cuts.

Shocker: The Electrifying Super Hero

Shocker: The Electrifying Super Hero is a cool puzzle game that's been getting plenty of rave reviews online since it came out last year. It's a neat game where you find yourself playing a superhero that's out to save the world from succumbing to a major technological disaster. Of course, your named Shocker because you are made of pure electricity. Your objective is to connect the blue blocks and make an exit without sliding out of the screen. Considered to be one of the top games created last year, this cool puzzle game features 10 exciting levels that are so much fun to play. There's also a level editor to customize the levels. The graphics are quite good and the whole gameplay experience is definitely one for the record books. One game you shouldn't miss out.

Poppy No Good and the Phantom Band: Poppy No Good

Finding out more about this group is tough. For one, most of their descriptions are in French and I don't speak the language, but nevertheless, their music is interesting enough to merit a listen. Poppy No Good is an eclectic 5 piece crew that love to blend unusual instruments, vocal work and an overall weird alternative, pop rock vibe. This is the group's latest release and it's filled with psychedelic good vibes. The group's name was actually derived from a song by Terry Riley. This record was released back in 2008 yet it still sounds up to date, much like any current Brit indie rock group floating in Wonderland. Give these a listen.