It’s mid-week and we need a mood boosting song. Fear not, as self-proclaimed “midnight pop” musician Unknown Caller‘s new track “Sayonara” fits the bill exactly. Light as air, synth-fueled melodies dance around his high ranging vocals to make your heart melt in only the way Unknown Caller will eventually become known for. All we know is this track is perfect for a low key end of summer party, and would be absolutely gorgeous played over a dimly lit dance floor.
This playlist is the embodiment of Handsomebeast’s new musical and visual direction. We want to paint a picture in the way that some of our favorite films do: dangerously. In reflection of how dynamically eclectic the band is, these songs venture between exciting getaway tunes with high energy to slow burners that can melt anyone into the bedsheets.
With Tarintino-ish vibes from tunes like “Black Venom” from The Budos Band and Adrian Younge’s “Turn Down the Sound”, you could imagine this playlist playing during a well-executed heist (some of our favorite movie plots).
In the other direction lay the smooth after effects of such invigorating action: the love making (yeeeah). Smoke something with Houston’s UGK. Pour one up with Warren G. Grab your partner and slow dance to Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” or Liquid Monk’s “On the Rocks” before the feds bust in.
Some of these artists are huge influences on the band that stuck with us through the evolution of our personal sound, such as Gorillaz, James Brown, Talking Heads, and the Isley Brothers.
Baring in mind how musically diverse the band is, it’s no wonder this playlist ranges from Kendrick Lamar to early 60’s Peruvian Chicha pioneers Los Mirlos. Inspiration comes in many forms, but as long as it grooves, Handsomebeast will jam it.
This is Heist-Rock. This is Hip-Hop Noir. This is music For Robbin’ Banks & Makin’ Love After.
Check out Handsomebeast on one of their tour dates below!
9/13 – Hi-Tone Café – Memphis, TN
9/15 – Foggy Mountain Brew Pub – Asheville, NC
9/20 – Pianos – New York, NY
9/21 – Connie’s Ric Rac – Philadelphia, PA
9/22 – Gypsy Sally’s – Washington, DC
My new record releasing everywhere July 27 is called City Living. When I wrote it last April and all through the recording the working title was Summer Somewhere. After putting out a couple of records and a bunch of EPs that were really folky and ridiculously sad I wanted to create something fun and upbeat that felt like summer in New York City. The record turned out really awesome and it has the upbeat summertime party vibe I was chasing. Funny thing though, a lot of the lyrics are still pitch dark and brokenhearted, but you can dance to them! I’ve accepted that life has ups and downs and I like to write about emotions that skew to the bummer side of existence. I think there’s freedom in honesty and reflecting the world and life without trying to sand off the rough parts. I’m happy that the music on this record is more of a party and can draw listeners who aren’t necessarily showing up just for the lyrics. This playlist is a sample of the songs and records I was listening to for the six months leading up to recording City Living as well as the four singles I put out in advance of its release.
I create music to make people move and have fun. I appreciate any music that does the same. Since my favorite types of music are hip-hop/rap and EDM, this is a collection of some tracks that hit both vibes. Hard hitting beats, fun grooving synths, and some fire lyrics. That’ll get the people going. When you’re moving, you’re having fun!
Soothing, well-crafted, and moving. That’s what Sammy Strittmatter’s brand new track, “When She Sleeps” is. This new song will appear on Stritmatter’s upcoming record, Get Out of the City, dropping May 18 via Palo Santo Records. The Texas-bred, L.A.-based artist has clearly honed his craft, and it shines in “When She Sleeps”. This track is heaven for anyone needing some great acoustic guitar in their life. The chords perfectly accompany the confident yet soft vocals.
Says Strittmatter of his new track:
I first tracked this song while living in Arlington, TX. For about five years, I lived in a house that was built in 1916 for the Mayor. It was the first house built in the South Center Street Historic District. The house was all wood, so it had amazing acoustics in every room. Also, it had this stunningly tall stairwell, and I would place microphones at the very bottom, top, and in between, capturing a unique natural reverb. It was an inspiring place to think and create, which led to me writing the guitar part for this song.
“When She Sleeps” is not a track you’ll want to miss out on, so give it a listen today.
Watch for Get Out of the City, out May 18. Stay connected with Sammy Strittmatter: Bandcamp – Facebook – Soundcloud
Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Traces has been garnering critical acclaim left and right recently. Having premiered his very first single via Milk, he is now taking over the Spotify sound space with his new track “IDBH.” Smooth and alluring vocals stand at the forefront of this track – as we are sure will be the case with all of his future work – while heartbreaking lyrics and an interesting beat weave everything together seamlessly.
