Downbeat

Cypria: Infinite Loop Vol. 1 (Indescribable Sounds)

Music and hip hop with a purpose; Infinite Loop Vol. 1 is an intense collection that's filled with crafty beats and interesting mixes. From the instrumentals to the R&B tinged tracks down to the occasional hip hop rhymes, the record is a great collection of random beats that's worth playing over and over again. The album is spearheaded by 19-year old UK producer, Cypria.

Tom Phonic: Good Luck Knowing

Filled with funky 8-bit style sounds and a host of futuristic beats, Good Luck Knowing is proving to be quite a record. Containing 8-tracks that were written and produced by Tom Phonic; most of the songs were created with friends as well as with specific inspiration in mind. The producer/DJ has been creating music for the past 12 years now. He's a St. Louis native but moved to the Big Apple in 2005. Here, he found a flourishing electronic underground scene that paved the way for his music to spring forth.

Sea Oleena: Sleeplessness

Released in September of 2011, Sleeplessness instantly brings to mind thoughts of calm and cheerful spring afternoons. Recorded by Canadian dream-folk singer, Sea Oleena; the album is what you'd hear in the background if you decided to go and soak up the sunshine in a day where everything seems destined to go right. This is the second compilation from the singer and like her debut self-titled record , this is also available at a pay-what-you-want option over at her BandCamp.

Sound Healers: Sound Healers Vol 1

If you want some smooth and eclectic semi-instrumental cuts to keep you company, Sound Healers Vol. 1 would be a great candidate. The album consists of 14 interesting tracks from various talented producers. Compiled by Leeds producer, Bambooman, it was done "to help shed light on some amazing forward thinking producers from across the globe." You'll find tracks from artists like Blank and Kytt, Deft, Zack Christ, Daneat, Sina, Rooflight, Kashmere, as well as Bambooman himself.

P.R: Introspection

Slowly but surely, Aussie producer/musician, Pedram Rouzbehani or better known as P.R, is paving his own little road in the music industry. Drawing inspiration from life and his cultural upbringing, he creates music that resonates with great hip hop and lounge beats. Introspection is his latest effort. Drumming together six relaxing and soothing instrumental tracks; the album is currently offered absolutely free over his BandCamp page and licensed under Creative Commons.

The City Streets: The Jazz Age

Don't be fooled by the album title, The Jazz Age, it isn't filled with sweet, soulful jazz music. Instead, what you'll get is a melancholic (sometimes energetic) compilation of alternative pop rock. The album is actually an open book of sorts for member, Rick Reid, as the album chronicles and narrates some of the worst times that has happened in his life. This is the third self-released album from the trio. Released under Clamour Records, it is laced with a beautiful story line about a love affair that didn't pan out and the hurt, frustration, anger and various emotions that come crashing in afterward.

Roughquest: Hybrid EP

Coming in as the 12th release from the Cut Records roster, Roughquest and its Hybrid EP is certainly living up to expectations. Hailing from Berlin, "James brings us some strong experimental bass-weight in the form of the three-track Hybrid EP." Exploring dub step, techno and infusing it with tribal as well as world music; the three-song EP is a hodge podge of grooves and synths inside out. You'll find plenty of interesting moments here.

Cult Classic Records Present: Friends and Family

One of the newest kids on the block, Cult Classic Record is an online netlabel that aims to share and promote new talent in the world of music. Mainly focusing on trip hop, jazz and ambient beats, the label has quite a few artists under their roster. Friends and Family is an attempt to compile some of the best tracks from these musicians, and showcase what they have to offer in just one place. It's offered absolutely free over BandCamp and is an awesome way to discover new artists in the genre.

Little Kid: Logic Songs

Logic Songs seems made for times in your life when you're feeling a little reflective; moments when you'd rather watch the morning sun or enjoy some quiet time for yourself. Little Kid is actually the moniker for Ontario-based musician, Kenny Boothby. He has released several records and demos under this name; defining his sound by incorporating subdued guitars, lo-fi recording as well as dreamy melodies. Apart from releasing the record for free digitally, there were also limited edition cassette tapes sold by the artist. Covers for both editions were handcrafted from two old books he found at the Salvation Army.