Music

The Belle Game: Inventing Letters EP

Making a name for themselves in the indie folk pop world, The Belle Game's music is tough to resist. In fact, their sound resonates with a familiarity, much like getting that comforting hug from an old friend. This Canadian crew have known each other for a long time. In fact, two of the members have been friends since they were 5 years old. With fate & circumstances guiding them to each other, the crew officially formed and created their first debut EP, Inventing Letters. This mini EP is about two years old but time hasn't diminished the band's capacity to enthrall its audience thanks to the lovely melodies and catchy laid-back beat they create.

George Watsky: A New Kind of Sexy

George Watsky is a winner of the Youth Speaks Poetry Grand Slam and the Brave New Voices National Slam championships. He has been a featured performer on Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry on HBO and one of three poets who performed live on FOX during the NAACP Image Awards, among (many, many) others. So why did it take me so long to find out about a guy who have already shared billing with icons such as Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, and Talib Kweli? Wish I knew, but I know that there is no reason why you should wait any longer to get to know him too.

Freakish Atlantic: Siren Songs

German band, Freakish Atlantic, specializes in mellow and dreamy electro indie pop that wraps around you like a comfortable hug on a cold winter morning. Filled with a fusion of electronica and folkish new wave, you wouldn't think to imagine that the entire EP was actually recorded right inside a bedroom one "rainy summer in 2011." Standing behind-the-scenes for the band are Berlin musicians, Marius Gutowski and Florian Sekula. Siren Songs is a 5 track compilation that can easily pass for a night capper or something you leave playing as you drift off to dreamland.

The District Attorneys: Waiting on the Calm Down, The Basement Sessions EP

Laid-back and charming, these two words can best described the sound of The District Attorneys. Waiting on the Calm Down: The Basement Sessions EP is a short compilation meant to introduce and haul in fans as they wait for the guys to release a full record. Consisting of a six-piece crew from Athens, GA; they first started back in 2009 playing their form of classic rock. From melodic rock ballads to uptempo indie surf rock affairs, you get a good mix from this little compilation. These boys know their way around music. From creating catchy hooks, tight lyrics and great instrument work, there's plenty of fun up ahead with this record.

Keep Tidy: Basement Mold EP

Keep Tidy is a Vancouver band that will satisfy your craving for hardcore, balls-on rock. With female-led vocals, the band reminds me of a cross between The Distillers and a very loud and uninhibited, Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They are made up of Brett, Dustin, Kyle and Shmoo; most of the members aren't new in the scene. They actually belonged to various other bands in the local Vancouver rock scene before coming together to create this fast paced, loud record that seems to be made up of nothing but a whirlwind of sound.

Deplasticoverde

I may not understand full sentences of Spanish but there's something about Deplasticoverde that's quite intriguing and special. Deplasticoverde is a special project spearheaded by Carolina Espinoza. A young Spanish artist that released her debut EP in 2010 under Ponk Records. Shaped by folk and pop influences, the album undulates with beautiful acoustic guitars and sweet singing from the artist. Her songs are simple but they abound with meaningful vocals and some spunky attitude which is enough to make you want to listen even if you have no clue what she's singing about.

I am Dive: Constellations

I Am Dive is an indie acoustic folk duo made up of Esteban Ruiz and Jose A. Perez. Together they generate a sound that is equal parts melodic, hypnotic and overall, contemplative. Although I Am Dive is a fairly new project, the men behind it aren't exactly newcomers to the industry. Perez has been a guitar player for Blacanova for a long time while Ruiz also serves as the vocals for Renochild and also plays for The Baltic Sea. Together, they create gorgeous music that emanates a string of beautiful melodies, tight songwriting and a clear, polished quality that's perfectly enjoyable.