free music

Be Shareful – Cologne Commons 3rd Compilation

There is "sharefulness" in the music biz again as Cologne Commons has released "Be Shareful," its third compilation of ambient music featuring electro-folk chillout sounds. The first and second Cologne Commons music compilations were well-received by music enthusiasts around the world, which makes this third issue a much awaited follow up. As in the past editions, this compilation is named after Cologne City in Germany, where a festival for free music is held every year.

Kadohadacho – free compilation release from Exponential Records & Friends

2010 SXSW might be over already, but you can still get some good free music from many labels. Exponential Records, Ninja Tune, Stones Throw, Daly City, Creaked, Innovative Leisure, and Fake Four have put together a 19-track compilation for you enjoyment and made is available as a free download to everyone. With tracks from all over the world and across many different genres everyone is destined to find something they will like.

Another Quiet Winter by NCThompson – Music for Quiet Moments

NCThompson, an American musician, officially steps into the online scene for the first time with an EP called “Another Quiet Winter.” From the title, one could easily expect an easy listening experience, perfect for a winter that is, well, quiet. Asked about his insights on his new EP, NCThompson says, “These songs just seem connected by the loneliness of looking up and seeing nothing but a cold gray sky; when all that’s left is a longing feeling for times once passed. And as depressing as that may sound, I think there’s something to be said for the kind of emotions that such longing can inspire.”

The Silent Ballet Volume XIV – compilation album from The Lost Children netlabel

The Lost Children Netlabel and The Silent Ballet have teamed up again to present some of the most talented but yet to be discovered musicians around the world. As the album's title says, they are now on "Volume XIV." There are 12 tracks in this compilation album of ambient-electronic music. The tracks are combination of relaxing and emotionally stimulating music, but it is predominantly trance. Some tracks have a far more intense energy than others, so I am not quite sure whether I'd be playing that as background music for a "quiet me time." Most tracks, however, are decidedly soothing.

Synthematik: Purple Fog Side – Project:Rentgen

Netlabel Synthematik is proud to present the result of a unique and brave experiment under the code name “PROJECT:RENTGEN” conducted by one of Russia's oldest and renowned gothic electro/darkwave bands PURPLE FOG SIDE. The idea of the experiment is quite simple: to produce an album in a real-time mode with each song created and recorded from scratch within as short as two days.

Zero-Project “Fairytale” – floating away in dreamy musicals

Fairytale by Zero Project is a dreamy music album filled with almost magical notes and dazzling instrumentals. It features 13 tracks which would surely remind you of your long lost childhood dreams which are comprised of pianos, strings, violins, glockenspiels, wind instruments and a whole lot more. Relive your own fairytales of a knight, a princess and a castle in the middle of a lush meadow filled with all things magical. This album is meant to make your dreams come true.

Fresh Body Shop: Draw The Circle

Draw The Circle is the latest album from Fresh Body Shop, the same French artist that gave us the impressive “The Ugly Army.” Fresh Body Shop still rocks and maintains its funky sound that is such a treat even to those who are rather ambivalent about indie rock. There are five tracks in this album, all of which features commendable lyrics and excellent rhythm. However, while the songs are great and really pleasant to the ears, the mix could use a little more improvement so the instruments would not drown the otherwise great vocals.

Bartois: Solo Piano

Bartois or Bart Knol has developed a deep love for his craft thanks to his encounters with revered contemporary composer of the 20th century, Philip Glass, as well as French composer and pianist, Eric Satie. Bartois’ solemn piano pieces remind you of a quiet soliloquy that people do when by themselves. These straightforward classical pieces fit in perfectly into the works of the masters. Although not as complex and engaging, they are enough to conjure some deep pensive thoughts. Music that perfectly fits “quiet evenings and peaceful mornings.”