Billions

Sasquatch Announces 2012 Lineup

mulder — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:52:32 +0000

The 2012 Sasquatch Festival lineup has been announced. Bon Iver will headline one night of the four day festival. Blitzen Trapper, Beirut, The Cave Singers, Explosions in the Sky, The Head and the Heart, Lord Huron, Pickwick, Poor Moon, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside, Shearwater, Silversun Pickups, Spiritualized, St. Vincent, and Yellow Ostrich will also perform.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 11. Sasquatch will be held over Memorial Day weekend, May 25 – 28 at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. Watch an animated video, which lists Sasquatch’s lineup below.

Bon Iver to Play Saturday Night Live

mulder — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:32:32 +0000

Bon Iver will be the musical guests on this weekend’s Saturday Night Live. The band will be performing “Beth/Rest” and “Holocene” from 2011′s Grammy-nominated album, Bon Iver, Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar). The episode will be hosted by actor Channing Tatum. Saturday Night Live airs on NBC at 11:30 pm/10:30 pm central.

Video: Bonnie Prince Billy’s Black Cab Session

allison — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:54:04 +0000

Bonnie Prince Billy was featured in the 100th episode of the Black Cab Sessions. The band performed “Black Captain,” from the recently released Wolfroy Goes To Town (Drag City), and the children’s song “My Nurse Smells Like Coconuts.” Watch the video here.

Billions Welcomes The Staves

allison — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:09:18 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents The Staves. Their debut album, due in 2012, was produced by the legendary Glyn and Ethan Johns. Londonist writes, “These three Watford sisters produce the kind of beautiful folk pop only a lifetime spent weaving knotted harmonies can produce.” Watch The Staves video for “Mexico” and see their interview with The Guardian’s Michael Hann here.

New Track: The Wedding Present – “You’re Dead”

mulder — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:05:32 +0000

The Wedding Present have released a new song, “You’re Dead.” The track is from the band’s upcoming album, Valentina, which will be released on March 20 via their own imprint, Scopitones. Listen to the song on SPIN’s website and see The Wedding Present on tour this spring.

Track List:

1. You’re Dead
2. You Jane
3. Meet Cute
4. Back A Bit… Stop
5. Stop Thief!
6. The Girl From The DDR
7. Deer Caught In The Headlights
8. 524 Fidelio
9. End Credits
10. Mystery Date

New Track: Bowerbirds – “In the Yard”

mulder — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:38:11 +0000

In advance of their upcoming album, Bowerbirds have released a new track, “In the Yard.” The song is from the band’s third album, The Clearing, which will be released on March 6 via Dead Oceans. Stream “In the Yard” via Pitchfork, and see Bowerbirds on tour this spring.

Video: The Pack A.D. – “Sirens”

mulder — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:45:27 +0000

The Pack A.D. have released a video for the song, “Sirens.” The song is the lead track from the duo’s recently released album, Unpersons (Mint Records). MTV calls it “the sound of two snarling, fearless women bashing out incendiary noise.” Watch the video here and see The Pack A.D. on tour with Elliot Brood.

Marketa Irglova on NPR’s World Café

allison — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:26 +0000

Marketa Irglova was recently featured on NPR’s World Café. Irglova spoke with host David Dye and played three songs from her solo album, Anar (Anti). Stream the interview and in-studio performances of “We Are Good,” “For Old Time’s Sake,” and “Go Back” here.

Video: Cheyenne Marie Mize on MOKB’s LaundroMatinee

mulder — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:06:06 +0000

Cheyenne Marie Mize recently recorded two songs for My Old Kentucky Blog’s LaundroMatinee Sessions. The band played “It Lingers” and “Wishing Well” from the recently released album, We Don’t Need (Yep Roc). Watch the videos here, and see Cheyenne Marie Mize on her current tour.

Video Premiere: Great Lake Swimmers – “Easy Come Easy Go”

mulder — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:17:15 +0000

Great Lake Swimmers have premiered a video for their song “Easy Come Easy Go” via Paste. The track is from the band’s upcoming album, New Wild Everywhere, which will be released by Nettwerk on April 3. Watch the video here and see Great Lake Swimmers on tour this spring with Cold Specks.

Video: Nat Baldwin – “Weights”

mulder — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:59:05 +0000

Nat Baldwin has released a video for the song, “Weights.” The track is from his 2011 debut album, People Changes (Western Vinyl). The video follows a talking horse as he sells some sentimental belongings at a garage sale. Watch the video here and see Nat Baldwin on his upcoming tour.

New Track: Yellow Ostrich – “Marathon Runner”

mulder — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:17:30 +0000

Yellow Ostrich have shared a brand new song, “Marathon Runner,” via SPIN. The track is the first single from the band’s upcoming album, Strange Land, which will be released on March 6 by Barsuk. Listen to “Marathon Runner” and see Yellow Ostrich on tour this spring.

Track List:
Elephant King
Daughter
Marathon Runner
I Got No Time for You
Stay at Home
I Want Yr Love
The Shakedown
Wear Suits
Up in the Mountains
When All is Dead

Fleet Foxes and Joanna Newsom to Play PBS’s Austin City Limits

allison — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:36:07 +0000

This weekend’s episode of PBS’s Austin City Limits features Fleet Foxes and Joanna Newsom. ACL writes, “Fleet Foxes’ inimitable blend of pastoral harmonies with vivid lyricism and gentle baroque instrumentation has clearly demonstrated the band’s ability to captivate a widespread audience.” Watch previews of the episode here.

Tune in to Austin City Limits on January 21 via your local PBS affiliate.

Video: Perfume Genius – “Hood”

allison — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:42:28 +0000

Perfume Genius have shared a video for the song “Hood.” The track is from the forthcoming album, Put Your Back N 2 It, out February 21 via Matador. Speaking to Pitchfork, Mike Hadreas said, “The song’s about how if someone knew you 100%, they would go away.” Watch the clip here and see Perfume Genius on tour this spring.

Oberhofer Announces New Album, Shares New Track

mulder — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:52:03 +0000

Oberhofer will release their highly anticipated debut album, Time Capsules II, via Glassnote on March 27. In advance of the album, the band has shared the piano-heavy, lead-off track, “HEART.” SPIN says the song “is a kaleidoscopic piece of chamber-pop…with Brad’s heartfelt vocal floating over the circus below.” Download “HEART” and watch a short in-studio documentary via SPIN. See Oberhofer on tour this spring.

Track List:
1. HEART
2. Landline
3. Away Frm U
4. I Could Go
5. Yr Face
6. oOoO
7. Cruisin’ FDR
8. Gold
9. Haus
10. Homebro

HEART – Oberhofer by Glassnotemusic

Billions Welcomes Poor Moon

allison — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:20:01 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Poor Moon. Poor Moon is Christian Wargo (Fleet Foxes, Crystal Skulls), Casey Wescott (Fleet Foxes), and brothers Ian and Peter Murray (The Christmas Cards). Sub Pop will release the band’s debut EP, Illusion, on March 27. Stream the first single, “People In Her Mind,” here and see Poor Moon on tour with Lost in the Trees this spring.

New Track: Dirty Three – “Rising Below”

mulder — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:40:21 +0000

Dirty Three have released a new track, “Rising Below.” The song is from their forthcoming album, Toward the Low Sun, which will be released by Drag City on February 28. Prefix writes, “The tune begins within a jazz-inflected cloud and slowly morphs into a beautiful folk din accented by heartfelt strings.” Listen to “Rising Below” here.

Dirty Three – Rising Below by Bella Union

Video: Blitzen Trapper – “Taking It Easy Too Long”

mulder — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:46:37 +0000

Blitzen Trapper have released a video for the song, “Taking It Easy Too Long.” The video was directed by the band’s drummer, Brian Koch. “Taking It Easy Too Long” is from their recently released album, American Goldwing (Sub Pop). Watch the video here, and see Blitzen Trapper on tour this spring.

St. Vincent to Perform on Conan Tonight

mulder — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:44:14 +0000

St. Vincent will be tonight’s musical guest on Conan. The band will play the song “Cheerleader” from this year’s critically acclaimed album, Strange Mercy (4AD). Conan airs on TBS at 11pm ET/PT. See St. Vincent on tour this spring.

Video: Death Cab for Cutie – “Underneath the Sycamore”

mulder — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:26:59 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie have released a video for the song, “Underneath the Sycamore.” Directed by Walter Robot, the animated video follows a detective on the hunt for a missing woman. “Underneath the Sycamore” is from the band’s latest album, Codes and Keys (Atlantic). Watch it here.

The Arcade Fire to Play PBS’s Austin City Limits

allison — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:00:49 +0000

This weekend’s episode of PBS’s Austin City Limits features The Arcade Fire. ACL writes, “With infectious melodies and introspective lyrics, Arcade Fire has won over the hearts of America with their harp-strumming, accordion-pumping, xylophone-tapping, songs that are undeniably brilliant.” Watch a preview of the episode here.

Tune in to Austin City Limits on January 14 via your local PBS affiliate.

New Track: Rosie Thomas – “Where Was I”

mulder — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:08:41 +0000

Rosie Thomas has shared a new song, “Where Was I.” Paste Magazine says “‘Where Was I’ is a sparse, piano-driven [song] that pulls Thomas’ more confident vocal approach to the front of the track.” Thomas’ new album, With Love, will be released on February 14 via Sing-A-Long Records. Listen to “Where Was I” and see Rosie Thomas on tour this spring.

Where Was I by Rosie Thomas

New Track: Bear In Heaven – “The Reflection of You”

mulder — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:41:27 +0000

Bear In Heaven have released a new song, “The Reflection of You.” The track comes in advance of their highly anticipated new album, I Love You, It’s Cool (Dead Oceans/Hometapes). Stream “The Reflection of You” here and see Bear In Heaven on tour this spring.

Track List:
01 Idle Heart
02 The Reflection Of You
03 Noon Moon
04 Sinful Nature
05 Cool Light
06 Kiss Me Crazy
07 World Of Freakout
08 Warm Water
09 Space Remains
10 Sweetness & Sickness

Bear In Heaven – The Reflection of You by Bear in Heaven

New Track: Disappears – “Replicate”

allison — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:05:38 +0000

Disappears have shared a new song, “Replicate.” The track comes in advance of the band’s third album, Pre Language, which will be released by Kranky on March 1. Stream the track and see Disappears on tour in February.

Track List:
01. Replicate
02. Pre Language
03. Hibernation Sickness
04. Minor Patterns
05. All Gone White
06. Joa
07. Fear of Darkness
08. Love Drug
09. Brother Joliene

disappears ‘replicate’ by kranky

New Track: Lost in the Trees – “Red”

allison — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:34:57 +0000

Lost in the Trees have shared a new song, “Red,” via NPR Music. The track is from their forthcoming album, A Church That Fits Our Needs, which will be release by Anti on March 20. Listen to “Red” here.

Track List:
01. Moment One
02. Neither Here Nor There
03. Red
04. Golden Eyelids
05. Icy River
06. Tall Ceilings
07. Moment Two
08. The Dead Bird Is Beautiful
09. Garden
10. Villain
11. An Artist’s Song
12. Vines

Billions Welcomes Wild Belle

allison — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:30:05 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Wild Belle. The Chicago-based duo is the new project from NOMO‘s Natalie and Elliot Bergman. Wild Belle marks the siblings’ first official collaboration, which is rooted in disco beats, island sounds, and rocksteady. Stream their new song, “Keep You,” here.

The track is Side A of their debut 12”, due February 7 on Sandhill Sounds.

Keep You . 12" Vinyl by Wild Belle

New Track: Great Lake Swimmers – “Easy Come Easy Go”

mulder — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:27:40 +0000

Great Lake Swimmers have released a new song, “Easy Come Easy Go.” The track comes in advance of the band’s new album, New Wild Everywhere, which will be released by Nettwerk on April 3. Listen to “Easy Come Easy Go” here, and see Great Lake Swimmers on tour with Cold Specks this spring.

Track List:

1. Think That You Might Be Wrong
2. New Wild Everywhere
3. The Great Exhale
4. The Knife
5. Changes with the Wind
6. Cornflower Blue
7. Easy Come Easy Go
8. Fields of Progeny
9. Ballad of a Fisherman’s Wife
10. Quiet Your Mind
11. Parkdale Blues
12. On the Water
13. Les Champs de Progéniture

Great Lake Swimmers – Easy Come Easy Go (radio edit) by nettwerkmusicgroup

The Head and the Heart to Play PBS’s Austin City Limits

allison — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:00:04 +0000

This weekend’s episode of PBS’s Austin City Limits features The Head and the Heart. ACL writes, “The Head and the Heart is a band for people who unabashedly sing and drum along on the steering wheel, and also for those who appreciate a well-crafted collection of songs that build into something.” Watch a preview of the episode, and see The Head and the Heart on tour this March.

Tune in to Austin City Limits on January 7 via your local PBS affiliate.

Video: Cold Specks Featured on The Guardian

mulder — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:49:25 +0000

The Guardian has posted an interview with Cold Specks. In the video, Al Spx sits down with Rebecca Nicholson to talk about her influences, touring, and more. The clip also includes a live performance of the new song “Heavy Hands.” Watch the video here.

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside on NPR’s World Cafe

allison — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:01:06 +0000

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside were featured on yesterday’s NPR program, World Cafe. The band spoke with host David Dye about the origins of the group and their debut release, Dirty Radio (Partisan Records). Hear the interview and in-studio performances of “I Swear,” “Against the Law,” and “Whole Wide World” here.

New Track: Dirty Three – “That Was Was”

mulder — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:14:37 +0000

Dirty Three have shared a new song, “That Was Was” via NPR Music. The track is from the band’s upcoming album, Toward the Low Sun, which will be released by Drag City on February 21. Stream “That Was Was” here.

Tracklisting:

01 Furnace Skies
02 Sometimes I Forget You’ve Gone
03 Moon on the Land
04 Rising Below
05 The Pier
06 Rain Song
07 That Was Was
08 Ashen Snow
09 You Greet Her Ghost

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three to Perform on Jools Holland’s NYE Hootenanny

allison — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:08:05 +0000

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three will be featured on Jools Holland’s New Year’s Eve Hootenanny. The show will air from 11pm GMT on December 31, 2011 until 1am GMT on January 1, 2012 on BBC Two.

New Track: Shearwater – “Animal Life”

allison — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:03:34 +0000

Shearwater have shared a new song, Animal Life, for NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered’ Winter Music Preview. The track is from their forthcoming album, Animal Joy, which will be released by Sub Pop on February 14. Stream the track and see Shearwater on tour in February.

American Songwriter’s Top 50 Songs of 2011

allison — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:39:37 +0000

Seven Billions artists are featured in American Songwriter’s Top 50 Songs of 2011. The list includes tracks by Abigail Washburn, Amy LaVere, Bill Callahan, Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Destroyer, and Mekons.

#12 – Fleet Foxes: “Grown Ocean”
#13 – Bon Iver: “Perth”
#22 – Abigail Washburn: “Burn Thru”
#24 – Bill Callahan: “Riding for the Feeling”
#39 – Destroyer: “Savage Night at the Opera”
#46 – Mekons: “I Fall Asleep”
#47 – Amy Lavere: “Damn Love Song”

See the list in its entirety here.

New Track: Blitzen Trapper – “Christmas Is Coming Soon”

mulder — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:57:31 +0000

Blitzen Trapper have shared an original Christmas song called “Christmas Is Coming Soon” via Rolling Stone. Frontman Eric Earley says the track is “about the real Santa Claus, who we all know lives in southern Oregon in a double wide trailer and drinks too much peppermint schnapps from a straw.” Listen to the song here.

Video: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings on VH1 DIVAS

allison — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:53:56 +0000

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings performed “He Said I Can” on VH1 DIVAS Celebrates Soul. The program aired Monday to “showcase the vast impact soul music has had on the 21st century’s music and pop culture landscape.” Watch the video here.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings also teamed up with Wanda Jackson to honor Amy Winehouse with a cover of “You Know I’m No Good.”

New Track: Cheyenne Marie Mize – “Wishing Well”

allison — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:47:59 +0000

Cheyenne Marie Mize has shared a new song, “Wishing Well,” via Consequence of Sound. The track is from her forthcoming EP, We Don’t Need, which will be released by Yep Roc on January 24. Stream the song and see Cheyenne on tour in January.

Track List:
1. Wishing Well
2. Call Me Beautiful
3. Going Under
4. Keep It
5. It Lingers
6. Back Around

Video: Colin Stetson – “Those Who Didn’t Run”

mulder — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:02:37 +0000

Colin Stetson has released a video for the song “Those Who Didn’t Run.” The Isaac Gale-directed clip depicts beautiful images of a running stream, rhinoceroses, and more. The song is the title track from his most recent EP on Constellation. Watch the video here.

Video: The Arcade Fire – “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”

mulder — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:43:49 +0000

The Arcade Fire have released two versions of a video for “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).” The first version is a “traditional” video following Régine Chassagne as she dances her way through a stark neighborhood. The second version is “interactive,” allowing the viewer to control the images through the use of a webcam. Watch both of the Vincent Morisset-directed clips here.

Pitchfork’s Top 50 Albums of 2011

mulder — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:53:57 +0000

Records by six Billions artists are featured on Pitchfork’s Top 50 Albums of 2011. The list includes releases by Bill Callahan, Bon Iver, Colin Stetson, Destroyer, Fleet Foxes, and St. Vincent. Bon Iver comes in at number one, and Destroyer at number two.

#1 – Bon Iver – Bon Iver, Bon Iver

#2 – Destroyer – Kaputt

#11 – St. Vincent – Strange Mercy

#15 – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

#23 – Bill Callahan – Apocalypse

#44 – Colin Stetson – New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges

See the list in its entirety here.

Bear in Heaven Signs to Dead Oceans/Hometapes

mulder — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:13:50 +0000

Bear in Heaven will release their third album, I Love You, It’s Cool on April 3 via Dead Oceans/Hometapes. SPIN writes, “sonically, I Love You, It’s Cool is faster and more harmonious than the discordant Beast Rest [Forth Mouth].” See Bear in Heaven on tour this spring.

The band is currently streaming the album on their website slowed down 400,000% from it’s original speed. The record will play in its entirety one time between now and April 3rd.

The Swell Season Inspired Musical Moving To Broadway

allison — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:16:48 +0000

The Swell Season’s Academy Award-winning songs are featured in the musical adaptation of the film Once. The musical is currently running at the New York Theater Workshop and will move to Broadway on February 28. The Swell Season’s Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová starred in the film, won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original song for “Falling Slowly,” and received two Grammy Award nominations for the soundtrack.

Video: Cate Le Bon – “Fold The Cloth”

allison — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:31:10 +0000

Cate Le Bon has shared a video for the song, “Fold The Cloth.” The track is from her forthcoming album, CYRK, which will be release by The Control Group on January 17. The Welsh singer also recently stopped by Daytrotter to perform four songs. Watch the video, listen to the Daytrotter session, and see Cate Le Bon on tour in February.

Track List:
1. Falcon Eyed
2. Puts Me To Work
3. Cyrk
4. Julia
5. Greta
6. Fold The Cloth
7. The Man I Wanted
8. Through The Mill
9. Ploughing Out Part 1
10. Ploughing Out Part 2

Cate Le Bon “Fold The Cloth” official video from The Control Group on Vimeo.

Death Cab for Cutie to Play Jimmy Kimmel Live Tonight

allison — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:17:25 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie will be tonight’s musical guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The band will perform a song in support of their latest release, Codes and Keys (Atlantic). Jimmy Kimmel Live airs at 12:05 am/11:05 pm central on ABC.

Billions Welcomes Fort Lean

mulder — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:41:30 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Fort Lean. The Brooklyn-based artists have received early acclaim from Spin, NPR and Stereogum. The New York Times says, “Fort Lean is already a standout. The frontman, Keenan Mitchell, has a huge, glorious voice — washed out but not sleazy, embodying hope and triumph.”

Fort Lean self-released their EP via Bandcamp, and will release a new 7-inch on Neon Gold in February. Watch the video for “Beach Holiday” via Spin.

Video: Niki & the Dove – “Mother Protect”

mulder — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:53:23 +0000

Niki & the Dove have released a video for the song “Mother Protect.” The clip follows singer Malin Dahlstrom as she dances her way through a dark forest. “Mother Protect” is from the band’s EP, The Drummer, which was released earlier this year by Sub Pop.

Blitzen Trapper to Play Letterman Tonight

allison — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:31:51 +0000

Blitzen Trapper will be tonight’s musical guests on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will perform “Might Find it Cheap” from their recent album, American Goldwing (Sub Pop). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Blitzen Trapper also just released a new video for “Might Find It Cheap.” Watch it here.

Video: Spiritualized Perform New Songs

allison — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:36:03 +0000

The Guardian has posted live video of Spiritualized performing two new songs from their forthcoming album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light. The footage comes from Other Voices festival, where the band played “Hey Jane” and “So Long You Pretty Things.” The album will be released via Fat Possum in the US and Double Six in the UK March 19.

Tracks:
1 Hey Jane
2 Little Girl
3 Get What You
4 Too Late
5 Heading for the Top
6 Freedom
7 I Am What I Am
8 Mary
9 Life Is a Problem
10 So Long You Pretty Things

Five Billions Artists Named in NPR Music’s Favorite Albums of 2011

allison — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:59:27 +0000

Beirut, Bon Iver, Colin Stetson, St. Vincent, and Wye Oak have been featured in NPR Music’s 50 Favorite Albums of 2011. NPR describes their choices as “the albums that opened our ears to something new, ones that we enjoyed from beginning to end, ones that challenged us, ones we fought over and treasured quietly.” Stream the songs and read more about each album here.

New Track: Shearwater – “Breaking the Yearlings”

allison — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:19:53 +0000

Shearwater have shared a new song, “Breaking the Yearlings.” The track is from their forthcoming album, Animal Joy, which will be released by Sub Pop on February 14. Spin writes, “This is Shearwater at their grittiest.” Stream the track and see Shearwater on tour in February.

Track List:

1. Animal Life
2. Breaking the Yearlings
3. Dread Sovereign
4. You as You Were
5. Insolence
6. Immaculate
7. Open Your Houses (Basilisk)
8. Run the Banner Down
9. Pushing the River
10. Believing Makes It Easy
11. Star of the Age

New Track: Perfume Genius – “All Waters”

mulder — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:50:20 +0000

Perfume Genius have released a brand new song, “All Waters.” The track comes in advance of the band’s second full-length album, Put Your Back N 2 It (Matador). Download “All Waters” now, and see Perfume Genius on tour.

Track list:

1. Awol Marine
2. Normal Song
3. No Tear
4. 17
5. Take Me Home
6. Dirge
7. Dark Parts
8. All Waters
9. Hood
10. Put Your Back N2 It
11. Floating Spit
12. Sister Song

New Track: Plants and Animals – “Lightshow”

mulder — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:51:45 +0000

Plants and Animals have shared a new song, “Lightshow.” The track comes in advance of the band’s third full-length album, The End of That, which will be released via Secret City Records on February 28th. Download “Lightshow,” and see Plants and Animals on tour.

Five Billions Artists Nominated for a Combined 11 Grammy Awards

mulder — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:39:59 +0000

Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, Death Cab for Cutie, Fleet Foxes, and The Arcade Fire have received a combined 11 Grammy Award nominations. Both Bon Iver and Mumford & Sons have been nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Bon Iver: Best New Artist; Best Alternative Music Album – Bon Iver, Bon Iver; Record of the Year, Song of the Year – “Holocene”

Mumford & Sons: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song – “The Cave”

Death Cab for Cutie: Best Alternative Music Album – Codes And Keys

Fleet Foxes: Best Folk Album – Helplessness Blues

The Arcade Fire: Best Recording Package – Scenes from the Suburbs

See the full list of nominees here. The 54th Annual Grammy Awards will air February 12th on CBS.

New Track: Bowerbirds – “Tuck the Darkness In”

mulder — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:48:45 +0000

Bowerbirds have shared the opening track from their new album, The Clearing. Stereogum calls “Tuck the Darkness In” “an earthy chug with some seriously gorgeous harmonies.” The Clearing will be released on March 6 by Dead Oceans. Download the song and see Bowerbirds on tour this spring.

The Clearing:

01 Tuck the Darkness In
02 In the Yard
03 Walk the Furrows
04 Stitch the Hem
05 This Year
06 Brave World
07 Hush
08 Overcome With Light
09 Sweet Moment
10 Death Wish
11 Now We Hurry On

New Track: The Head and the Heart – “When I Fall Asleep”

allison — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:54:14 +0000

The Head and the Heart have shared a new song, “When I Fall Asleep,” via Spin. The song is from the band’s iTunes Sessions EP, released this week. Listen to the track here and see The Head and the Heart on tour.

The Dodos and Neko Case Play Fallon Tonight

shira — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:16:36 +0000

The Dodos are tonight’s musical guests on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. The band will perform “Don’t Try And Hide It” with the help of Neko Case, who contributed backing vocals to multiple tracks on No Color (Frenchkiss). Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC at 12:35/11:35 PM central.

NPR Song of the Day: Mekons – “Space in Your Face”

mulder — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:45:22 +0000

Mekons‘ track “Space in Your Face” is NPR‘s Song of the Day. “‘Space in Your Face’ is both a perfect pop song and a boldly stated cautionary tale, all threaded together by the ecstatic refrain, ‘I was tempted to believe.’” – NPR Music.

Video: Stornoway’s Take Away Show for La Blogotheque

allison — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:40:04 +0000

La Blogotheque recently captured Stornoway’s “When You Touch Down From Outer Space” for its Take Away Show series. The performance was filmed during this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival Paris. Watch the video here.

Watch “Just Another River” here.

Scott H. Biram is currently on tour. Check out tour dates here.

Video: The Pack A.D. – “Haunt You”

shira — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:21:43 +0000

The Pack A.D. have released the second video from their 2011 release, Unpersons. Out just in time for Halloween, the eerie video for “Haunt You” features dark, other-worldly characters. Watch it here. Unpersons is out now on Mint Records.

Video: The Dirt Daubers – “Angel Along The Tracks”

mulder — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:53:54 +0000

The Dirt Daubers have released a new video for the song, “Angel Along The Tracks.” The track is from the trio’s album, Wake Up, Sinners (Colonel Knowledge/Thirty Tigers). Watch the video here, and see The Dirt Daubers on tour with Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers and Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three this fall.

The Head and the Heart to Play Letterman Tonight

mulder — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:19:56 +0000

The Head and the Heart will be tonight’s musical guests on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will perform a song from their self-titled album, which is out now on Sup Pop. The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. See The Head and the Heart on tour.

Video: St. Vincent’s 4AD Session

mulder — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:58:10 +0000

The latest 4AD Session features St. Vincent performing material from her critically acclaimed third album, Strange Mercy (4AD). Recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Brooklyn, the session features live versions of “Chloe In The Afternoon,” “Surgeon,” “Strange Mercy,” and “Year Of The Tiger.” Check out the video here, and see St. Vincent on tour.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin on Daytrotter

mulder — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:29:43 +0000

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin recently stopped by Daytrotter to record four tracks. The band played “Yellow Missing Signs” and “Letter Divine” from Tape Club (Polyvinyl), as well as “Critical Drain” and “Sink/Let it Sway.” Download the tracks via Daytrotter now, and see Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin on tour.

Video: Blitzen Trapper Perform on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

shira — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:16:22 +0000

Last night Blitzen Trapper performed “Love The Way You Walk Away” on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The song is on American Goldwing, which was released by Sub Pop earlier this fall. Watch the performance here. Blitzen Trapper are on tour now with Dawes.

Billions Welcomes Cold Specks

shira — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:50:58 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Cold Specks. The 23-year-old Al Spx’s self-described “doom soul” has received early praise from NME, The Toronto Star, and My Old Kentucky Blog, among others. Cold Specks’ debut single was released earlier this month in limited quantities via Transgressive Records‘ imprint label, ParadYse.

Video: Arcade Fire Live at The Bridge School Benefit

mulder — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:17:42 +0000

Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons performed at Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit Concert this weekend. Now in it’s 25th year, the event raises money for The Bridge School, which aids individuals with severe speech and physical impairments to participate more fully in their communities. Arcade Fire’s set is streaming via Youtube, and includes a performance of the song “Helpless” with Neil Young.

Beirut to Play Fallon Tonight

mulder — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:59:52 +0000

Beirut will be tonight’s music act on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band will play a track from their latest album, The Rip Tide (Pompeii Records). Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central.

Blitzen Trapper on NPR’s Favorite Sessions Series

mulder — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:45:44 +0000

Blitzen Trapper recently stopped by NPR to talk with KUT‘s Matt Reilly and play songs from their album, American Goldwing (Sub Pop). Listen to “Astronaut,” “Love the Way You Walk Away,” and “American Goldwing” via NPR. See Blitzen Trapper on tour.

Video: Future Islands – “Give Us the Wind”

mulder — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:05:39 +0000

Future Islands have released a video for the song, “Give Us the Wind.” The track is from their latest album, On The Water (Thrill Jockey). The vintage-looking black and white clip was directed by Mike Anderson. Watch the video here, and see Future Islands on tour this fall.

New Video: Two Gallants – Live in Chicago

shira — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:51:17 +0000

Vice has posted live video of Two Gallants‘ recent sold out Chicago show as part of its Noisey series. Watch behind-the scenes footage and performances of “Winter’s Youth,” “Steady Rollin,” “Despite What You’ve Been Told,” and “Broken Eyes” here.

New Video: Hollerado – “Good Day At The Races”

shira — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:20:50 +0000

Hollerado have shared a new video for the song “Good Day At The Races,” which follows band members as they race Ostriches. “Good Day At The Races” is off Hollerado’s new single on Royal Mountain Records. Watch the video, and see Hollerado on tour this fall.

New Video: My Brightest Diamond – “We Added It Up”

shira — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:40:40 +0000

My Brightest Diamond‘s new video for the song “We Added It Up” is streaming now on Pitchfork. “We Added It Up” is the lead-off track on All Things Unwind, which hit stores today via Asthmatic Kitty. The video was directed by Murat Eyuboglu. See My Brightest Diamond on tour this fall.

Video: Beirut on David Letterman

mulder — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:44:19 +0000

On Friday night, Beirut performed on CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman. The band played the song, “East Harlem” from the recent album, The Rip Tide (Pompeii Records). Watch the performance here.

Video: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – “Senator”

mulder — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:38:29 +0000

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks have released a video for their single, “Senator.” The track is from the band’s recently released album, Mirror Traffic (Matador). The video features Jack Black as a cattle prod-wielding senator who’s running for re-election. Watch the video here, and see Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks on tour.

Video: Timber Timbre – “Do I Have Power”

mulder — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:29:58 +0000

Timber Timbre have released a video for the song, “Do I Have Power.” The track is from their recent album, Creep On Creepin’ On (Arts & Crafts). The animated clip follows a skeleton man’s internal struggles as he journeys through a mysterious forest. Check out the video here, and see Timber Timbre on tour.

Billions Welcomes Zulu Winter

shira — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:29:37 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Zulu Winter. The London-based artists have received advanced praise from The Guardian, Pitchfork’s Altered Zones, NME, and The Line of Best Fit for their Never Leave 7-inch, which will be out on Double Denim later this year. Watch Zulu Winter’s video for “Never Leave,” which debuted today via Pitchfork.

Marketa Irglova Streams New Album, Releases Video

shira — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:54:25 +0000

The Swell Season‘s Marketa Irglova has released the first music video from her solo debut, Anar, via Rollling Stone. The video for “Crossroads” was filmed in Irglova’s native Czech Republic. Rolling Stone is also streaming the new album in full. Anar is out now on Anti. See Marketa Irglova on tour this fall.

Anar Track List:
01. Your Company
02. We Are Good
03. Crossroads
04. Wings Of Desire
05. Only In Your Head
06. Diving Timing
07. Go Back
08. Let Me Fall In Love
09. For Old Times’ Sake
10. Last Fall
11. Dokhtar Goochani
12. Now You Know

NPR First Listen: My Brightest Diamond – ‘All Things Will Unwind’

mulder — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:01:06 +0000

My Brightest Diamond‘s All Things Will Unwind is streaming in full via NPR. “Acoustic instruments bloom under human touch, and that’s what My Brightest Diamond is all about,” writes NPR. Asthmatic Kitty will release All Things Will Unwind on October 18. Stream the album here, and see My Brightest Diamond on tour.

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears to Play PBS’s Austin City Limits

mulder — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:16:01 +0000

This weekend’s episode of PBS’s Austin City Limits features Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears. ACL writes, “Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears are the real deal, and represent a revival in powerful soul music that is both cohesive and artfully crafted.” Watch a preview of the episode, and see Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears on tour.

Tune in to Austin City Limits on October 8 via your local PBS affiliate.

Watch the full episode. See more Austin City Limits.

New Video: Junior Boys – “Banana Ripple”

mulder — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:43:23 +0000

Junior Boys have released a video for the song, “Banana Ripple.” The nine-minute album-closer is from the band’s recently released album, It’s All True (Domino). The colorful video was directed by Rollo Jackson. Check it out here, and see Junior Boys on their current tour.

New Video: Scott H. Biram – “I Want My Mojo Back”

mulder — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:09:54 +0000

Paste Magazine has premiered a video for Scott H. Biram‘s song, “I Want My Mojo Back.” The track is from Biram’s upcoming album, Bad Ingredients, which will be released via Bloodshot Records on October 11th. Check out the video here, and see Scott H. Biram on tour.

Stream Crooked Fingers’ New Album In Full

shira — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:21:16 +0000

Crooked Fingers‘ new album, Breaks in the Armor, has premiered via SPIN. The magazine describes it as a “gorgeous, toothy record from indie rock’s most refreshingly unpretentious auteur.” Merge will release Breaks in the Armor on October 11th. See Crooked Fingers on tour with Strand of Oaks this fall.

New Video: Lord Huron – “Mighty”

shira — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:11:02 +0000

Lord Huron has released a new video for the song ”Mighty.” The video features old found footage of a cheetah family, life at sea, and a chorus line woven together by director Yuki Aizawa. “Mighty” is the lead-off track from Lord Huron’s self-released EP. Watch the video here, and see Lord Huron on tour this fall.

Video: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks on Pitchfork’s ‘Don’t Look Down’ Series

mulder — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:33:10 +0000

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks recently performed on a New York City rooftop for Pitchfork.tv’s Don’t Look Down series. The band played “Tigers,” “Senator,” “Forever 28,” and “Tune Grief” from the new album, Mirror Traffic (Matador). Watch the videos here, and see Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks on their current tour.

NPR First Listen: Future Islands – ‘On The Water’

mulder — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:30:50 +0000

NPR is streaming Future Islands‘ new album, On The Water (Thrill Jockey), in advance of it’s October 11th release. NPR writes, “Future Islands succeed on their latest release…which trades (most of) the band’s dance-floor catharsis for heart-tugging slow-burners.” See Future Islands on their upcoming tour.

Mumford & Sons to Play Season Premiere of PBS’s Austin City Limits

mulder — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:10:00 +0000

The season premiere of PBS’s Austin City Limits will feature a performance from Mumford & Sons. The band will play songs from their debut album, Sigh No More (Glassnote), and talk about their inspirations, writing, touring, and folk music. Watch a preview of the episode featuring a performance of “The Cave,” and tune in to Austin City Limits on October 1 via your local PBS affiliate.

Death Cab for Cutie to Play Letterman Tonight

mulder — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:20:53 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie will be tonight’s musical guests on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will play a song from the recently released album, Codes and Keys (Atlantic). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in tonight, and see Death Cab for Cutie on their current tour.

Watch the recently released video for “Stay Young, Go Dancing” below.

Scattered Trees on Daytrotter

allison — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:35:07 +0000

Scattered Trees recently stopped by Daytrotter to record four songs: “A Conversation (About Death On New Year’s Eve),” “Love and Leave,” “Four Days Straight” and “Where You Came From.” Download the session here and see Scattered Trees on tour this fall.

New Track: Cate Le Bon – “Puts Me To Work”

allison — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:55:51 +0000

Cate Le Bon has shared a new song, “Puts Me To Work,” via Stereogum. The track is from her forthcoming album, CYRK, due in 2012 from The Control Group. See Cate Le Bon on tour with St. Vincent this fall.

Stream Ohbijou’s ‘Metal Meets’ in Full

shira — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:38:44 +0000

Ohbijou‘s new album, Metal Meets, is streaming in full at Exclaim. ”Despite [the band's] maturation, the album retains singer Casey Mecija’s knack for ethereal love songs,” writes Exclaim. Metal Meets is out today on Last Gang Records. See Ohbijou on tour with Julie Doiron

New Video: Young Galaxy – “Peripheral Visionaries”

shira — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:59:41 +0000

Young Galaxy have released a video for the song “Peripheral Visionaries” via Stereogum. The video is the second half of a series created by visual artist Sinbad Richardson. ”Peripheral Visionaries” is off the band’s recent album, Shapeshifting (Paper Bag Records). See Young Galaxy on tour this fall.

Fleet Foxes to Play Letterman Tonight

mulder — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:59:55 +0000

Fleet Foxes will be tonight’s musical guests on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will play the song, “Grown Ocean” from the critically acclaimed album, Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in tonight, and see Fleet Foxes on their current tour.

Video: Beirut’s Tiny Desk Concert on NPR

shira — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:59:10 +0000

Beirut recently performed at the desk of Bob Boilen for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. The band played “East Harlem” and “Santa Fe” from their new album, The Rip Tide, as well as the traditional song ”Serbian Cocek.” NPR calls The Riptide “worldy” and “inspired.” Watch the video here.

New Video: Warm Ghost – “G.T.W.S.”

mulder — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:14:32 +0000

Warm Ghost have released a video for their song, “G.T.W.S.” The track is from their debut full-length album, Narrows (Partisan), which will be released on September 27th. Arts collective A Story Told Well directed the colorful video. See Warm Ghost live this fall.

Telekinesis to Play Fallon Tonight

mulder — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:17:31 +0000

Telekinesis will make their television debut tonight as the musical guests on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. The band will play the song, “Please Ask for Help” from their latest release, 12 Desperate Straight Lines (Merge). Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central.

See Telekinesis on tour this fall with Death Cab for Cutie and The New Pornographers.

Billions Welcomes The Pack A.D.

shira — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:01:34 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents The Pack A.D. The Vancouver duo’s new album, Unpersons, is out now on Mint Records. The Vancouver Sun calls Unpersons “destructive and urgent,” while Exclaim writes, “the album is a solid soundtrack to a bad break-up and a giant middle finger to anybody who’s wronged these girls in the last little while.”

My Brightest Diamond Shares New Video, New Song

shira — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:17:28 +0000

My Brightest Diamond has premiered a new video for the song “Be Brave” today via Stereogum, which the blog describes as “a slow-burning, operatic piece of chamber pop.” Fans can also download the new track, “Reaching Through To The Other Side.”

My Brightest Diamond’s new album, All Things Will Unwind, comes out October 18th via Asthmatic Kitty.

Arcade Fire Win Polaris Music Prize

shira — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:29:48 +0000

Arcade Fire have won the 2011 Polaris Music Prize for Canadian album of the year with The Suburbs (Merge). The Prize is based solely on artistic merit. Judges hailed the album as “beautifully composed” and “evocative and powerful.” In addition to this new accolade, The Suburbs has won a Grammy, a Brit Award and a Juno award for album of the year.

New Video: Liam Finn – “Jump Your Bones”

mulder — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:14:23 +0000

Liam Finn has shared a new video for his song, “Jump Your Bones.” The slow-motion video shows Finn embracing the strange faces he makes on stage. “Jump Your Bones” is from Finn’s recent album, FOMO (Yep Roc). Watch the video via Rolling Stone, and see Liam Finn on his current tour.

New Video: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – “Critical Drain”

mulder — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:51:18 +0000

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin have released a new video via mtvU for their song, “Critical Drain.” The video captures the band getting dragged by their heels all over town. “Critical Drain” is from the band’s album, Let it Sway (Polyvinyl). See Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin on their upcoming tour, and watch the video here.

New Video: Bonnie Prince Billy – “Quail and Dumplings”

mulder — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:47:54 +0000

Bonnie Prince Billy has released video for the song “Quail and Dumplings.” The video depicts a story of a man who is washed up onto the shores of a desolate island, then cared for by a group of natives. Wolfroy Goes to Town is due out on October 4 via Drag City. See Bonnie Prince Billy on tour this fall.

Video: Yellow Ostrich – “WHALE”

allison — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:31:57 +0000

Yellow Ostrich have premiered a video for the song “WHALE,” from their debut album, The Mistress (Barsuk Records). Directed by Eric Gross, the video follows protagonist Alex Schaaf as he tries to escape unknown pursuers in the forest. See Yellow Ostrich on tour this fall with The Antlers and Ra Ra Riot.

Video: Little Scream’s Take Away Show for La Blogotheque

shira — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:53:41 +0000

La Blogotheque recently captured Little Scream for its Take Away Show series. Little Scream performs songs “Cannons” and “Boatman” as they walk through Toronto’s Trinity-Bellwoods Park. Both songs are on 2011′s The Golden Record (Secretly Canadian). Watch the session, and see Little Scream on tour this fall.

New Video: Reading Rainbow – “Dead End”

mulder — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:51:25 +0000

Reading Rainbow have premiered a video via Stereogum for their new song, “Dead End.” The fuzzy clip was directed by Taryn Jones, and inspired by music videos and short films of the 80′s and 90′s. Watch the video, and download “Dead End” from Stereogum. See Reading Rainbow on their current tour.

New Video: Beirut – “Santa Fe”

mulder — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:39:54 +0000

Beirut have premiered a new video via The Guardian for their song, “Santa Fe.” The video follows the story of a man who loses his girlfriend and his dog, then struggles to recover. Watch the video here. “Santa Fe” is the second single from Beirut’s new album, The Rip Tide (Ba Da Bing).

New Tracks: Tokyo Police Club – “10 Days, 10 Covers, 10 Years”

mulder — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:04:46 +0000

Tokyo Police Club recently completed a cover song project, recording 10 songs from the years 2001-2010 over the course of 10 days. The covers include songs by Moby, M83, Phoenix, LCD Soundsystem, Jimmy Eat World, and more. Stream all 10 of the the tracks here.

The full compilation will be released on October 4th. See Tokyo Police Club on tour.

1. 2001′s “Southside” by Moby feat. Gwen Stefani w/Morgan Kibby from M83
2. 2002′s “Sweetness” by Jimmy Eat World w/Michael Angelakos from Passion Pit
3. 2003′s “Under Control” by The Strokes
4. 2004′s “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
5. 2005′s “Little Sister” by Queens of the Stone Age w/Orianthi
6. 2006′s “Long Distance Call” by Phoenix w/Ray Suen from Mariachi El Bronx
7. 2007′s “All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem
8. 2008′s “Kim & Jessie” by M83 w/Jamie Jackson from Hot As Sun
9. 2009′s “Strictly Game” by Harlem Shakes
10. 2010′s “Party in the U.S.A” by Miley Cyrus

Tokyo Police Club: 10 Days, 10 Covers, 10 Years by TokyoPoliceClub

Video: Wye Oak – “Holy Holy”

allison — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:26:30 +0000

Wye Oak have shared a video for their song “Holy Holy” from Civilian (Merge Records). Directed by Jeremy Johnstone, the video features the duo spending a day at Coney Island. Watch the clip here, and see the band on tour this fall with Okkervil River then Explosions in the Sky.

Video: The Dirt Daubers – “Wake Up, Sinners”

shira — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:48:03 +0000

The Dirt Daubers have released a new video for the song “Wake Up, Sinners.” The trio’s debut full-length album by the same name will be released on September 13th via Colonel Knowledge/Thirty Tigers. Watch the video here, and see The Dirt Daubers on tour this fall.

NPR First Listen: St. Vincent – ‘Strange Mercy’

shira — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:52:03 +0000

St. Vincent‘s Strange Mercy is streaming in full via NPR. “For all that’s been said about her beguiling vocals and her knack for fearlessly creative compositions, what shines is Clark’s guitar work…She manipulates and contorts and totally shreds on the guitar, creating a full arsenal of textures that provide the backbone of St. Vincent’s third and best album so far.” – NPR.

Strange Mercy will be released via 4AD on September 13th. Stream the album here, and see St. Vincent on tour this fall.

Billions Welcomes Pickwick

shira — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:32:08 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Pickwick. KEXP called the Seattle band’s sound “a juggernaut of 60′s soul-inspired rock fusion that tears away from its roots and soars ever higher.” Watch Pickwick live on KEXP here. Pickwick are playing Bumbershoot Festival this weekend, and plan to release their debut full-length album in 2012.

Video: Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside – “Cage”

allison — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:56:41 +0000

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside have premiered a video for “Cage” on the IFC website. The video features shadow puppets and a marionette created by Sallie’s father, renowned puppeteer, Hobey Ford. The track is from Dirty Radio (Partisan Records). Watch the clip here and see Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside on tour now.

Video: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

allison — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:01:03 +0000

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks were last night’s music act on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band performed “Surreal Teenagers” from their new album, Mirror Traffic (Matador). Watch the clip here, and see Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks on their upcoming tour.

Video: Future Islands – “Balance”

shira — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:41:32 +0000

Future Islands have released a video for the new song “Balance.” The video, directed by Jay Buim, follows two young teens hitchhiking for a day. “Balance” is the first single from On The Water, which will be out October 11th via Thrill Jockey. See Future Islands on tour this fall.

New Video: Timber Timbre – “Too Old To Die Young”

mulder — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:54:01 +0000

Timber Timbre have released a new video for the song, “Too Old To Die Young.” The track is from their 2011 album, Creep on Creepin’ On (Arts & Crafts). The animated video was created by Canadian artist, Jesi the Elder. Check out the video here, and see Timber Timbre on tour this fall.

St. Vincent to Play Letterman Tonight

mulder — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:25:34 +0000

St. Vincent will be tonight’s musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will play the song, “Cruel” from the forthcoming album, Strange Mercy (4AD). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in tonight, and see St. Vincent on tour this fall.

Watch the recently released video for “Cruel” below.

New Track: Oberhofer – “Gotta Go”

mulder — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:38:56 +0000

Oberhofer has released a new song, “Gotta Go.” The single has been released digitally by White Iris Records, and will see a physical release on October 4th. They have signed with Glassnote Entertainment Group, and are busy at work on their debut full-length album. Download “Gotta Go” from Stereogum.

Video Premiere: St. Vincent – “Cruel”

shira — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:36:40 +0000

The Huffington Post has premiered the first video for a song off the forthcoming St. Vincent album, Strange Mercy. The video for “Cruel” follows Annie Clark’s abduction by a bereaved family, her inability to conform to their family life, and subsequently being buried alive. Read Clark’s description of the process and watch the video here. St. Vincent is on tour this fall.

New Track: Crooked Fingers – “Typhoon”

mulder — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:44:20 +0000

Crooked Fingers have shared a new song called “Typhoon.” The track is from their forthcoming album, Breaks in the Armor, which will be released on October 11 via Merge. Download “Typhoon” from Stereogum, and see Crooked Fingers on their upcoming tour with Strand of Oaks.

Video: Junior Boys – “Playtime”

shira — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:09:34 +0000

A treatment of Junior Boys performing the song “Playtime” is the latest video in Pitchfork.tv’s Surveillance series. The song is off their new album, It’s All True (Domino). See Junior Boys on tour with Young Galaxy in September.

Amy LaVere Featured on NPR’s All Things Considered

mulder — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:20:04 +0000

Amy LaVere recently sat down with Laura Sullivan for NPR’s All Things Considered. LaVere talked about performing live, relationship troubles, and the creation of her recently released album, Stranger Me (Archer Records). Stream the interview and two songs from Stranger Me here. See Amy LaVere on tour this fall.

New Track: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – “Yellow Missing Signs”

mulder — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:10:26 +0000

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin have released a new song, “Yellow Missing Signs.” The track is part of a new double-album, Tape Club, comprised of 26 previously unreleased songs. The album will be released via Polyvinyl on October 18th. Download “Yellow Missing Signs” from Rolling Stone, and see the band on tour this fall.

Video: Bon Iver – “Holocene”

allison — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:51:50 +0000

Bon Iver has premiered a new video for “Holocene” via National Geographic. The song is off Bon Iver, Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar). Directed by Nabil Elderkin, the video follows a young boy as he explores the beautiful Icelandic landscape. See Bon Iver on tour this fall.

Video: The Gift – “Race Is Long”

allison — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:33:03 +0000

The Gift have released a new video for the track “Race is Long.” The song is from the Portuguese band’s upcoming release, Explode, out September 27 via La Folie. Watch the video here. The Gift will be at Culture Collide Festival this fall.

New Tracks: Okkervil River – “Your Past Life As a Blast,” “Gold Faces”

mulder — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:37:14 +0000

Okkervil River have released a new single, “Your Past Life As a Blast.” This is the third single from their recent album, I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar). The single’s B-side, “Gold Faces” is streaming via Pitchfork now. See Okkervil River on their current tour, and download “Your Past Life As a Blast” via Stereogum.

Video: Diamond Rings – “Wait and See”

shira — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:01:34 +0000

Diamond Rings‘ “Wait and See” is the latest video in Pitchfork.tv’s Surveillance series. The video follows Diamond Rings’ John O. through a series of hidden and security cameras placed throughout a hotel and in his room. See Diamond Rings on tour this fall.

NPR First Listen: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – ‘Mirror Traffic’

mulder — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:07:37 +0000

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks‘ new album, Mirror Traffic (Matador) is streaming in full via NPR. “Mirror Traffic, out Aug. 23, is about as brutally forward and honest as Malkmus has ever sounded, revealing a new side to the enigmatic songwriter,” writes NPR. See Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks on their upcoming tour.

Video: Miracle Fortress on MOKB’s LaundroMatinee

mulder — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:29:47 +0000

Miracle Fortress recently recorded two songs for My Old Kentucky Blog‘s LaundroMatinee Sessions. The band played “Miscalculations” and “Tracers” from their recent release, Was I the Wave? (Secret City). Miracle Fortress have also made two unreleased songs, “Tropic of Canada” and “Seabird” available for download. Download the two new tracks, and check out the videos here.

Video: Alex Winston – “Velvet Elvis”

mulder — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:37:57 +0000

Pitchfork has premiered a video for Alex Winston‘s song, “Velvet Elvis.” “Velvet Elvis” is the title track from Winston’s upcoming EP, which will be released by Heavy Roc Music on September 5th. Watch the colorful new video here.

New Track: Blitzen Trapper – “Love the Way You Walk Away”

mulder — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:07:47 +0000

Blitzen Trapper have shared a new track, “Love the Way You Walk Away.” The song is from their forthcoming album, American Goldwing, which will be released by Sub Pop on September 13th. Download “Love the Way You Walk Away” via TwentyFourBit, and see Blitzen Trapper on their upcoming tour.

New Track: Cuff the Duke – “Count On Me”

mulder — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:33:09 +0000

Cuff the Duke have made the song “Count On Me” available for download via their Facebook page. The track is from their new album, Morning Comes, which will be released by Paper Bag Records on October 4th. See Cuff the Duke on their upcoming tour, and check out “Count On Me” here.

Video: Colin Stetson – “The Stars In His Head (Dark Lights Remix)”

mulder — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:12:16 +0000

Colin Stetson has premiered a video for the song, “The Stars In His Head (Dark Lights Remix)” via Pitchfork. The track is from his recent album, New History Warfare – Judges, Vol. 2 (Constellation). The unsettling video was directed by Isaac Gale and Dan Huiting. Watch it here, and see Colin Stetson on tour this summer.

NPR First Listen: Beirut – ‘The Rip Tide’

shira — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:53:59 +0000

Beirut‘s new album, The Rip Tide, is streaming in full at NPR. “There’s plenty of melody and charm and cabaret on The Rip Tide, and with it, Condon has secured his place as one of indie music’s most compelling and creative artists,” writes NPR. The Rip Tide will be out on August 30th on Zach Condon’s own Pompeii Records.

KEXP Song of the Day: Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter – “Pleasuring The Divine”

mulder — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:26:04 +0000

Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter‘s “Pleasuring the Divine” is KEXP‘s Song of the Day. The track is from the band’s brand new album, Marble Son (Station Grey/Thirty Tigers). KEXP writes that it “takes listeners on a roller coaster ride between a sonic frenzy and cool, calm beauty to compliment Sykes’ powerful voice.” See Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter on tour this summer.

The band also recently stopped by KEXP to record a live in-studio performance. Listen here.

New Track: Cymbals Eat Guitars – “Definite Darkness”

shira — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:15:35 +0000

On Tuesday Cymbals Eat Guitars released “Definite Darkness” as a free download via Stereogum. The song is on Lenses Alien, which comes out August 30th on Barsuk. The band also sat down for Stereogum’s Progress Report series to talk about the new album. See Cymbals Eat Guitars on tour this fall.

Video: The Lonely Forest on Jimmy Kimmel Live

mulder — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:59:31 +0000

The Lonely Forest were last night’s musical guests on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. The band performed the song, “We Sing in Time” from their debut album, Arrows (Trans Records). Watch the video here, and see The Lonely Forest on tour this summer.

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside to Play Letterman Tonight

allison — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:22:39 +0000

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside will be tonight’s musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will perform the song, “Danger” from their new album, Dirty Radio (Partisan Records). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in, and see Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside live on tour this summer.

Explosions in the Sky to Perform on Letterman Tonight

allison — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:46:03 +0000

Explosions in the Sky are the musical guests on tonight’s Late Show with David Letterman. The band will perform a song off their new album, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care (Temporary Residence). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in, and see Explosions in the Sky live on tour this fall.

The Arcade Fire Announce Live Broadcast, Free Pop Montreal Show

shira — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:54:26 +0000

On Thursday, September 22nd, The Arcade Fire will play a free show at Pop Montreal that will be broadcast live across North America via SiriusXM Canada. “Our band couldn’t exist without Montreal…we hoped to play a free outside show, on the very last day of summer as a big ‘Thank you’ to the beautiful city we love so much,” said The Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassagne.

The show will coincide with the French release of Tracey Kidder’s book Mountains Beyond Mountains (Soulever les montagnes), which documents the story of one of the founders of the Haitian charity organization Partners In Health. The Arcade Fire have worked extensively with Partners in Health via Kanpe, its Montreal-based partner organization.

The show will be broadcast live via Sirius XM on Sirius channels 152 and 161, and XM channel 151.

Hear Sets from Billions Artists at The Newport Folk Festival

mulder — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three, The Cave Singers, and The Head and the Heart all performed at The Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island this past weekend. Check out a review of each performance, and stream or download NPR’s recordings for free here.

New Tracks: The Arcade Fire – “Culture War,” “Speaking in Tongues”

mulder — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:41:07 +0000

The Arcade Fire will release a deluxe edition of their Grammy-winning album, The Suburbs (Merge), on August 2nd. The deluxe edition will feature two unreleased songs, “Culture War,” and “Speaking in Tongues” featuring David Byrne. Listen to the entire album now via The Daily Beast.

Also included is an extended version of the track, “Wasted Hours,” the Spike Jonze-directed short film, and an 80 page behind-the-scenes booklet.

Video: Crooked Fingers Releases Album Trailer

shira — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:22:09 +0000

Crooked Fingers‘ new album, Breaks in the Armor, will be out on Merge Records on October 11th. In advance of the release, Eric Bachmann has directed a video trailer for fans. Watch it here.

Tracklist:

01 Typhoon
02 Bad Blood
03 The Hatchet
04 The Counterfeiter
05 Heavy Hours
06 Black Candles
07 Went to the City
08 Your Apocalypse
09 War Horses
10 She Toes the Line
11 Our New Favorite

Video: The Mountain Goats – “Estate Sale Sign”

mulder — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:20:31 +0000

The Mountain Goats have premiered a video via Pitchfork for the song, “Estate Sale Sign.” The Awesome and Modest-created video depicts two continuously evolving characters vying for a magical snow globe. “Estate Sale Sign” is from the band’s recent album, All Eternals Deck (Merge). Check out the video here, and see The Mountain Goats on their current tour.

Video: The Deer Tracks – “Fra Ro Raa / Ro Ra Fraa”

mulder — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:41:58 +0000

The Deer Tracks have released a new video for the song, “Fra Ro Raa / Ro Ra Fraa.” The track is from the Swedish duo’s recently released LP, The Archer Trilogy Pt. 2 (Control Group). The video features the band frantically running through the woods, trying to escape from a mysterious disease. Watch the clip here.

Billions Welcomes Strand of Oaks

shira — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:24:39 +0000

We are proud to announce that Billions now represents Strand of Oaks. Pitchfork described 2010′s Pope Killdragon (eMusic Select) as an “astoundingly original twist on the loner-folk template,” and Consequence of Sound called it “strangely fresh in nearly every sense.” Listen to Strand of Oaks’ Daytrotter session here.

Video: Young Galaxy – “Blown Minded”

shira — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:16:13 +0000

Young Galaxy have premiered their video for the song “Blown Minded” today via Gorilla vs. Bear. The track is off Shapeshifting (Paper Bag Records). Filmmaker Carine Khalifé used oil-based paints on glass to create the textured, semi-translucent images. See Young Galaxy on tour with Junior Boys in September.

City of Milwaukee Celebrates Official Bon Iver Day

shira — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:00:58 +0000

The Mayor of Milwaukee has proclaimed today Bon Iver Day throughout the city. Bon Iver’s nearly sold-out summer tour starts tonight in Milwaukee. See the proclamation here, and watch the video for the new song, “Calgary.” Bon Iver, Bon Iver is out now via Jagjaguwar.

Videos: David Bazan Satellite Sets Presented by ACL (Live)

mulder — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:41:55 +0000

David Bazan recently recorded a live performance for ACL Presents Satellite Sets. The series is presented by KLRU-TV, which also produces Austin City Limits. The band played several songs including, “Wolves At the Door,” “Eating Paper,” “Magazine,” “Strange Negotiations,” and “Bless This Mess.” Watch the videos here.

Watch “Wolves At the Door” below, and check out the rest of the videos via Satellite Sets.

Watch the full episode. See more ACL presents Satellite Sets.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings to Perform on This Evening’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno

allison — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:09:29 +0000

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings are tonight’s musical guests on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The band will perform a special rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings will be joined by fellow Daptone artist Charles Bradley and friend Grace Potter. The Tonight Show airs at 11:35/10:35 p.m. central on NBC.

Video: Warm Ghost – “Claws Overhead”

mulder — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:15:56 +0000

Warm Ghost have shared a video for the song, “Claws Overhead.” The Steven Grisé-directed video depicts close-ups of mouths layered with female silhouettes. Warm Ghost will release their debut album, Narrows, via Partisan on September 27th. Watch the video here.

Narrows:
G.T.W.S.
I Will Return
Once One
Myths On Rotting Ships
Ply7
Inside And Out
Mariana
Splay Of Road
An Absolute Light

St. Vincent Offers ‘Strange Mercy’ Track, Video Trailers, via Twitter

shira — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:14:50 +0000

St. Vincent is asking fans to tweet using the hashtag #strangemercy to unlock a series of video trailers and a new track from the forthcoming album. So far, one trailer video, which features a few seconds of purported audio from the new album, has been unlocked at strangemercy.com. Strange Mercy will be out on September 13th on 4AD. Help unlock the new track, and see St. Vincent on tour this fall.

Strange Mercy Track List:

01 Chloe in the Afternoon
02 Cruel
03 Cheerleader
04 Surgeon
05 Northern Lights
06 Strange Mercy
07 Neutered Fruit
08 Champagne Year
09 Dilettante
10 Hysterical Strength
11 Year of the Tiger

Wye Oak Perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Tonight

mulder — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:56:38 +0000

Wye Oak will make their television debut tonight as the musical guests on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. The duo will play the song, “Holy Holy” from their latest release, Civilian (Merge). Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central. See Wye Oak on tour this summer.

New Track: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – “Tigers”

shira — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:54:41 +0000

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks‘ new album, Mirror Traffic, will be released on Domino in the UK and Matador in the US on August 22nd and 23rd, respectively. In advance of the release, “Tigers,” the album’s lead-off track, is available now as a free download. See Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks on tour this fall.

NPR First Listen: Amy LaVere – ‘Stranger Me’

shira — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:09:54 +0000

Amy LaVere‘s new album Stranger Me (Archer Records) is streaming in full via NPR prior to it’s release next week. NPR describes the album as “the sound of a songwriter struggling with love and loss, and emerging more confident in her own abilities.” See Amy LaVere on tour this summer.

NPR First Listen: Pokey LaFarge And The South City Three – ‘Middle of Everywhere’

shira — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:46:19 +0000

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three‘s new album, Middle of Everywhere, is streaming in full on NPR. Middle of Everywhere will be out July 19 via Free Dirt Records. NPR writes, “LaFarge directs his old-fashioned sensibilities in the service of sharp, infectious new material.” See Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three on tour this summer.

Billions Welcomes Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter

mulder — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:45:56 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter. The Seattle quartet will release their fourth full-length album, Marble Son, on August 2nd via Station Grey Records/Thirty Tigers. The band has toured with artist such as Black Mountain, Iron and Wine, Bright Eyes, and more. See Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter on tour this summer.

“Spellbound music, rapt in fatalism and sorrow” – The New York Times

“Terrific…A roaring, psychedelic tempest ” – UNCUT

New Track: Ohbijou – “Niagara”

shira — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:39:35 +0000

Ohbijou‘s third album, Metal Meets, doesn’t come out until late September, but the band just premiered the first track, “Niagara,” via Interview Magazine. Interview writes, “pair strong, heavy guitar lines with frontwoman Casey Mecija’s vocals—as high, sweet, and eerie as Joanna Newsom’s—and throw in some delicate string arrangements for good measure, and you may have a hit on your hands.”

Download the track here. Metal Meets will be out on Last Gang Records on September 27th.

Metal Meets Track List:

Niagara

Balikbayan

Metal Meets

Iron and Ore

Sligo

Anser

Obsidian

Scalpel Blade

Turquoise Lake

The Dreaming

The Arcade Fire, Destroyer, Colin Stetson, & Timber Timbre Make Polaris Music Prize Short List

mulder — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:13:37 +0000

Records from The Arcade Fire, Destroyer, Colin Stetson, and Timber Timbre are among the final ten nominees for the Polaris Music Prize’s Best Canadian Album of 2011. A jury of 227 Canadian music industry professionals created the Short List and a small delegation will make the final selection at The Polaris Music Prize gala on September 19th.

The event will be broadcast live on Sirius Satellite Radio Canada’s Channel 152 And CBC Radio 3.

The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (Merge)

Destroyer – Kaputt (Merge)

Colin Stetson – New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges (Constellation)

Timber Timbre – Creep On Creepin’ On (Arts & Crafts)

New Track: Mumford & Sons – “Home”

mulder — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:44:07 +0000

Mumford & Sons have shared a new track, tentatively titled “Home,” via Colorado’s KBCO. The band stopped by the station’s studio to record the song live while on tour this summer. Paste says the song is “filled with Marcus’ heartfelt, growling vocals, sharp harmonies and expert instrumentals—all of which are promising of another successful record by these U.K. favorites.” Listen to the track here.

Mumford & Sons – “Home/Untitled” (Live on KBCO) by TwentyFourBit.com

Video: Plants and Animals on La Blogotheque

mulder — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:11:36 +0000

La Blogotheque has shared a video of Plants and Animals performing for its Les Soirées de Poche series. The video features the band playing “Kon Tiki,” “The Mama Papa,” “Bye Bye Bye,” and “Faerie Dance” as well as a brand new song to a small audience in a Paris apartment. Watch the video here, and see Plants and Animals on tour this summer.

Video: Six Organs of Admittance – “Light of the Light”

mulder — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:08:52 +0000

Six Organs of Admittance has released a video for the song, “Light of the Light.” The track is from the 2011 album, Asleep on the Floodplain (Drag City). The Cam Archer-directed video features clips of fuzzy surveillance camera footage. Watch the video here, and see Six Organs of Admittance on tour this summer.

Video: Herman Dune – “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know”

shira — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:06:07 +0000

Herman Dune recently shared a music video for the new song, “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know.” The video, directed by Toben Seymour, charts the adventures of Jon Hamm and a young blue yeti. Watch it here. Herman Dune’s new album, Strange Moosic, will be out in the U.S. in 2012.

Billions Welcomes The Gift

shira — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:50:57 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents The Gift. The Portuguese quartet’s sixth studio album, Explode, debuted at #1 on Portuguese charts in March. Explode will be out on the band’s own label in the U.S. this September. You Aint No Picasso streamed the track “Made For You,” calling it “a blissful union of psych-pop and wide-sighted composition.”

Video: The Lonely Forest Live on KEXP

shira — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:09:09 +0000

The Lonely Forest stopped by KEXP recently for an in-studio session. Watch live versions of “Coyote,” “(I am) The Love Addict,” “Live There,” and “We Sing In Time.” The band’s self-titled EP is available via Trans. See The Lonely Forest on tour in September.

Billions Welcomes Bare Mutants

mulder — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:13:13 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Bare Mutants. The Chicago-based quintet is the new project from The Ponys‘ Jered Gummere, and includes members of The 1900′s and Mannequin Men.

New Track: Nick Cave & Neko Case – “She’s Not There” Zombies Cover

mulder — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:24:56 +0000

Nick Cave and Neko Case have collaborated on a cover of The Zombies’ song, “She’s Not There.” The song will air during the season premiere of HBO’s True Blood. The series’ fourth season begins this Sunday, June 26 at 9pm/8pm central. See Neko Case on tour this summer, and stream “She’s Not There” now via KCRW.

Video: Sujan Stevens Creates ‘Age of Adz’ Concert Trailer

shira — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:47:49 +0000

Sufjan Stevens has created a video trailer for his upcoming Age of Adz shows in New York this August. The August dates mark the final Age of Adz shows after Stevens’ virtually sold-out tour last fall. The Age of Adz is out now on Asthmatic Kitty. Watch the trailer here.

New Track: Nurses – “Fever Dreams”

shira — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:51:05 +0000

Nurses have premiered the lead-off track to their newly-announced album, Dracula. Dracula was recorded along the Oregon coast this winter, and mixed by Gravelvoice Studios’ Scott Colburn and Julian Martlew. Dead Oceans will release the new album on September 20th. Download “Fever Dreams” here.

Dracula Track List:
1. Fever Dreams
2. You Lookin’ Twice
3. Extra Fast
4. Through The Window
5. So Sweet
6. Trying To Reach You
7. New Feelings
8. Wouldn’t Tell
9. Dancing Grass
10. Gold Jordan
11. Eternal Thrills

New Track: Mekons – “Space in Your Face”

mulder — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:20:59 +0000

Mekons will release their 26th record, Ancient & Modern, via their recently reformed Sin Record Label on September 27th. The band has shared the first single, “Space in Your Face,” which can be downloaded via Pitchfork. Rock critic Lester Bangs has called them “the most revolutionary group in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.”

Ancient & Modern
1. Warm Summer Sun
2. Space In Your Face
3. Geeshie
4. I Fall Asleep
5. Calling All Demons
6. Ugly Bethesda
7. Ancient & Modern
8. Afar & Forlorn
9. Honey Bear
10. The Devil at Rest
11. Arthur’s Angel

Stream Jolie Holland’s New Album in Full

shira — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:04:07 +0000

Jolie Holland‘s new album, Pint of Blood, doesn’t come out for another week, but Paste is streaming it in full now. Anti- will release Pint of Blood on June 28. Paste describes the first track: “It’s a chorus that simultaneously stuns and crushes, resonating as one of the year’s most poignant musical moments.” See Jolie Holland on tour this summer with Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside.

Pint of Blood Track List:

1. All Those Girls
2. Remember
3. Tender Mirror
4. Gold and Yellow
5. Wreckage
6. Littlest Birds
7. The Devil’s Sake
8. Honey Girl
9. Rex’s Blues

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings to Perform on Lopez Tonight

mulder — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:21:55 +0000

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings will be tonight’s musical guest on Lopez Tonight. The band will play the song, “Without a Heart” from their recent album, I Learned the Hard Way (Daptone). Lopez Tonight airs at 12/11 central on TBS. See Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings on their summer tour.

Bon Iver Makes Multiple Late Night TV Appearances This Week

shira — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:58:57 +0000

Bon Iver‘s new album, Bon Iver, Bon Iver, comes out tomorrow via Jagjaguwar. In support of the release, the band is tonight’s musical guest on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report, which airs at 11:30 pm/ 10:30 pm central. On Tuesday, Bon Iver will play NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, which airs at 12:35 am/ 11:35 pm central. Tune in, and see Bon Iver on tour this summer.

Amy Lavere on NPR’s Mountain Stage

mulder — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:31:32 +0000

Amy Lavere will be on this week’s Mountain Stage, WVPN’s nationally syndicated live music show out of West Virginia. Tune into your local NPR affiliate this weekend, or check the show’s NPR site next week to stream the set. Lavere’s forthcoming album, Stranger Me (Archer Records) will be released on July 19th.

Billions Artists Nominated for 2011 Polaris Music Prize

mulder — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:48:58 +0000

The Polaris Music Prize jury have announced the Long List of nominees for best full-length Canadian album, judged solely on artistic merit. Nominees include The Arcade Fire, Black Mountain, Destroyer, Diamond Rings, Land of Talk, Little Scream, Miracle Fortress, Colin Stetson, Timber Timbre, and Young Galaxy.

The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (Merge)

Black Mountain – Wilderness Heart (Jagjaguwar)

Destroyer – Kaputt (Merge)

Diamond Rings – Special Affections (Astralwerks)

Land of Talk – Cloak and Cipher (Saddle Creek)

Little Scream – The Golden Record (Secretly Canadian)

Miracle Fortress – Was I The Wave? (Secret City)

Colin Stetson – New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges (Constellation)

Timber Timbre – Creep On Creepin’ On (Arts & Crafts)

Young Galaxy – Shapeshifting (Paper Bag)

The Polaris Jury will vote on the Long List titles to determine the ten-album Polaris Music Prize Short List, which will be revealed on July 6th.

Stream Liam Finn’s New Album In Full

shira — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:46:31 +0000

Liam Finn‘s new album, Fomo, is streaming in full prior to its release at Paste. Fomo comes out June 21st on YepRoc. “After ten-plus years of songwriting, Liam Finn’s work continues to result in album after album of compelling music” – Paste.

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside on Daytrotter

allison — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:19:54 +0000

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside recently stopped by the Daytrotter studios to record four tracks in support of her new album Dirty Radio (Partisan Records). Daytrotter’s Sean Moller writes, “Ford sticks to a mountain-like soulfulness that’s combined with an old-timey feeling, sock-hop sound that comes out as if it could have been on the same bill with Sam Cooke back in the 1960s.” Download the session here and see Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside on tour this summer with Jolie Holland and Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers.

New Track: The Deer Tracks – “Dark Passenger”

shira — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:57:30 +0000

The Deer Tracks‘ new song, “Dark Passenger,” is available now as a download via CMJ. The song is from The Archer Trilogy Pt. 2, which will be out on Control Group on July 5th. ”The track has a rhythm that is unexpected and exciting and yet completely right, and the hauntingly light vocals somehow have the force of a storm against the strategically-used heavy beats,” writes CMJ.

Deer Tracks – Dark Passenger by CMJ Network

New Track: Future Islands – “Before The Bridge”

shira — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:19:29 +0000

Yesterday, Future Islands premiered a new song, “Before The Bridge,” via Stereogum. The song will appear on a limited edition Thrill Jockey single on July 19th. “Future Islands is a great band, one that remains unduly overlooked and underrated,” writes Stereogum. See Future Islands on their current tour.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears to Perform on Letterman Tonight

shira — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:32:02 +0000

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears are the musical guests on tonight’s Late Show with David Letterman. The band will perform a song off their new album, Scandalous (Lost Highway). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in, and see Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears live on tour this summer.

Video: J. Tillman’s “Firstborn” Take Away Show for La Blogotheque

shira — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:05:25 +0000

A video of J. Tillman performing his song “First Born” with help from members of Fleet Foxes is today’s Take Away Show from La Blogotheque. The song is off Tillman’s fifth studio album, Vacilando Territory Blues (Western Vinyl). Watch the video here.

Video: Death Cab for Cutie Perform on Conan

allison — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:20:35 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie performed “You Are A Tourist” last night on Conan. The track is from their new album, Codes and Keys, out now on Atlantic. Watch the video and see Death Cab for Cutie on tour.

New Track: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – “Senator”

mulder — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:26:59 +0000

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks‘ new album, Mirror Traffic, will be out on August 23rd on Matador. In advance of the release, the band have shared the new song, “Senator.” Mirror Traffic was produced by Beck over the last two years and is Malkmus’ fifth album. Download “Senator” at Matablog.

Mirror Traffic Track Listing:

01 “Tigers”
02 “No One (Is As I Are Be)”
03 “Senator”
04 “Brain Gallop”
05 “Jumblegloss”
06 “Asking Price”
07 “Stick Figures in Love”
08 “Spazz”
09 “Long Hard Book”
10 “Share the Red”
11 “Tune Grief”
12 “Forever 28″
13 “All Over Gently”
14 “Fall Away”

New Track: Beirut – “East Harlem”

mulder — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:01:35 +0000

Beirut has released a new song called “East Harlem.” “East Harlem” is the first single from the band’s forthcoming album, The Rip Tide, which will be out on August 30th. Prefix writes, “There are affable melodies, ornate orchestrations, and jaunty rhythms like the best the band has to offer.” Listen to “East Harlem” here, and see the band live in Canada.

Beirut – East Harlem by Revolver USA

Bon Iver Featured in The New York Times Magazine

mulder — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:43:30 +0000

Bon Iver was featured in last weekend’s New York Times Magazine. In the article, Justin Vernon discusses everything from Kanye West to hunting season, and the forthcoming album, Bon Iver, Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar). The album will be streaming on the magazine’s blog, The 6th Floor starting on June 9th. See the band on their upcoming tour.

Hear Sets From Billions Artists at Sasquatch Music Festival

mulder — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:13:16 +0000

NPR is streaming over 40 live performances from this weekend’s Sasquatch Music Festival in George, WA. Hear sets from Death Cab for Cutie, The Head and the Heart, Wye Oak, Basia Bulat, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Black Mountain, and S. Carey. Check out reviews of each performance, and listen to the sets here.

Video: Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three – “So Long Honeybee, Goodbye”

allison — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:19:17 +0000

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three have premiered a video for “So Long Honeybee, Goodbye.” The track is from their forthcoming album, Middle of Everywhere, due July 19th on Free Dirt Records. Directed by Bill Streeter, the video showcases the band’s American roots style. See Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three on tour this summer.

The Cave Singers on NPR’s World Cafe

mulder — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:39:18 +0000

The Cave Singers were featured on yesterday’s NPR program, World Cafe. The band talked with host David Dye and played four songs from their recent album, No Witch (Jagjaguwar). NPR writes, “The stripped down arrangements evoke images of dreary skies, but also beautiful scenery.” Stream the show here, and see The Cave Singers on their current tour.

NPR Song Of The Day: Timber Timbre – “Lonesome Hunter”

allison — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:44:45 +0000

Timber Timbre‘s “Lonesome Hunter” was NPR’s Song Of The Day on Friday. The track is from the band’s recent release, Creep On Creepin’ On (Arts & Crafts). “There’s more to the song than just its haunting effects, grim lyrical references and ghoulish vocals. Under Taylor Kirk’s spell, zombies and witchcraft become metaphors for complex human emotions like love and longing.” – NPR. See Timber Timbre on tour this summer.

Death Cab for Cutie to appear on Vh1′s Storytellers Tonight

mulder — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:23:21 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie will be featured tonight on a new episode of Vh1′s Storytellers. On the show, artists perform both new and old material in front of a small audience, while giving some background on each song. Vh1 has shared a teaser of the band performing “You Are A Tourist,” from their upcoming album, Codes and Keys (Atlantic). Tune in tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT, and see Death Cab for Cutie on tour.

Death Cab For Cutie Storytellers |Death Cab For Cutie |Storytellers

Video: The Dodos – “Companions”

allison — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:09:47 +0000

The Dodos have premiered a video for “Companions,” a track from their recent album No Color (Frenchkiss Records). The video features frontman Meric Long taking an ominous nighttime drive. See The Dodos on tour this June with Gauntlet Hair.

Video: Colourmusic – “Beard”

allison — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:13:50 +0000

Colourmusic have premiered a video for the song “Beard” from their new album, My _____ is Pink (Memphis Industries). Guitarist Nick Turner directed the extreme close-up video with Neil Innes. See Colourmusic on tour this July with Royal Bangs and Morning Teleportation.

Video: Grinderman Short Film

mulder — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:06:04 +0000

Grinderman recently were the subject of a short film directed by John Hillcoat. In the video, Nick Cave talks about Grinderman’s approach to creating new music. The band has also shared a new video for the track, “Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man” from their latest album, Grinderman 2 (Anti).

Hillcoat also produced a series of trailers in advance of the album, and a video for the first single, “Heathen Child.”

Video: Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside – “I Swear”

allison — Tue, 24 May 2011 20:47:47 +0000

Yesterday, Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside‘s video for the song “I Swear” premiered on Mashable. Citing their timeless sound, director Matthew Ross portrayed the band throughout different eras of rock and roll. “I Swear” is the lead-off track on their new album, Dirty Radio (Partisan Records). See Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside on tour now.

Billions Artists Play “Our Concert Could Be Your Life”

allison — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:27:21 +0000

Five Billions artists participated in the celebration of Michael Azerrad’s book, Our Band Could Be Your Life, this past weekend in New York. Callers, Nat Baldwin, St. Vincent, Wye Oak, Yellow Ostrich and others paid tribute to iconic 80s indie rock bands. Stream the full concert via NPR.

Callers performed as Sonic Youth
Nat Baldwin, David Longstreth & Brian McOmber performed as Black Flag
St. Vincent performed as Big Black
Wye Oak performed as Dinosaur Jr
Yellow Ostrich performed as Beat Happening

Mumford & Sons Take Home Multiple Billboard Awards

mulder — Mon, 23 May 2011 21:35:21 +0000

Last night, Mumford & Sons were named Top Alternative Artist, Top Rock Album, and Top Alternative Album at The Billboard Music Awards for their 2010 release, Sigh No More (Glassnote). The awards are based on Billboard year-end statistics, and cover all genres. See Mumford & Sons on their upcoming summer tour.

Fleet Foxes Perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Tonight

allison — Fri, 20 May 2011 20:19:52 +0000

Fleet Foxes are tonight’s music act on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band will perform “Sim Sala Bim” from their sophomore album, Helplessness Blues, out now on Sub Pop. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central. Tune in, and see Fleet Foxes live on their current tour.

New Track: Nat Baldwin – “Lifted”

allison — Thu, 19 May 2011 22:25:55 +0000

Nat Baldwin has shared a new song, “Lifted,” via Pitchfork. The track is from his forthcoming solo effort, People Changes, out May 24 on Western Vinyl. The album’s sound reflects the serene New England surroundings in which it was recorded, while showcasing Baldwin’s free jazz influences. Baldwin will be on tour with Chad Vangaalen and Callers this summer.

New Video: Little Scream – “Red Hunting Jacket”

shira — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:01:08 +0000

Little Scream has released a new video for the song, “Red Hunting Jacket,” via Pitchfork. The video was directed by Rachel Granofsky. “Red Hunting Jacket” is on Little Scream’s new album, The Golden Record, which is out now on Secretly Canadian. See Little Scream on tour this spring with The Antlers.

The Head and the Heart to Perform Tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

allison — Wed, 18 May 2011 21:24:26 +0000

The Head and the Heart are tonight’s music act on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. They will perform “Lost in My Mind” from their self-titled release, out now on Sub Pop. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central. Tune in, and see The Head and the Heart live on tour with Iron and Wine.

Video: Chad VanGaalen – “Peace on the Rise”

allison — Tue, 17 May 2011 22:33:30 +0000

Chad VanGaalen has premiered a video for “Peace on the Rise.” The track is from his new album Diaper Island, which was released today by Sub Pop. VanGaalen is responsible for all of the artistic efforts that went into Diaper Island—from album art to music videos. This video showcases his imaginative drawings of creatures in another world. VanGaalen will be on tour in June.

Death Cab for Cutie Perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Tonight

allison — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:46:56 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie are tonight’s music act on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band will play a song from their upcoming full-length, Codes and Keys (Atlantic Records). Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central. Tune in, and see Death Cab for Cutie live on their current tour.

New Track: Bon Iver – “Calgary”

shira — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:33:32 +0000

Bon Iver is sharing a new track from the highly-anticipated full-length follow-up to 2007′s For Emma, Forever Ago. “Calgary” is the first song to be released from the new album. Stream the song or download it here via the band’s widget. Jagjaguwar will release Bon Iver, Bon Iver on June 21st. See Bon Iver on tour this summer.

Bon Iver, Bon Iver Track List:

A.
Perth
Minnesota, WI
Holocene
Towers
Michicant

B.
Hinnom, TX
Wash.
Calgary
Lisbon, OH
Beth/Rest

Video: Bill Callahan – “Riding for the Feeling”

allison — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:24:59 +0000

Bill Callahan has premiered a video for “Riding for the Feeling” via Vice. The track is from Callahan’s new album, Apocalypse, available now on Drag City. The minimalist video, based on the work of Max Galyon, features an animated ski jumper mid-air over a vast mountain range. See Callahan on tour this summer.

Okkervil River To Play Letterman Tonight

mulder — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:48:39 +0000

Okkervil River will be tonight’s musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will play the song, “Rider” from their newly released album, I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. See Okkervil River live on their upcoming tour with Titus Andronicus, Future Islands, NewVillager, and Julianna Barwick.

Lost in the Trees Featured on Last Call with Carson Daly

shira — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:20:16 +0000

NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly produced a feature on Lost in the Trees focusing on an interview with the band’s lead singer and composer Ari Picker. The intimate segment explores the origins and inspirations for Ari’s work. Their latest album All Alone in an Empty House is available now from Anti.

Video: Alex Winston – “Sister Wife”

mulder — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:47:24 +0000

Alex Winston has shared a new video for the title track from her recent EP, Sister Wife (Heavy Roc). The video features her in a windy apartment with a cat, a snake, and a mysterious old woman. Winston also recently recorded a Take-Away Show for La Blogotheque where she performs the songs, “Choice Notes” and “Locomotive.” Watch the videos here.

Video: Death Cab for Cutie – “Home Is A Fire”

allison — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:29:44 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie premiered a video via Boing Boing for “Home Is A Fire”, from the band’s forthcoming Codes and Keys album. DCFC bassist Nicholas Harmer co-directed the video with visual artist Shepard Fairey. Harmer stated, “It was a logical step in my mind to take a song about redefining familiar space and connect it to the visual artistic expression of street art, which also, to me, is rooted in artists redefining familiar spaces.”

Death Cab for Cutie is also streaming another new song, “Underneath The Sycamore” via Atlantic Records’ Soundcloud. The band is on tour now.

Death Cab for Cutie – Underneath The Sycamore by ATL REC

Liam Finn on Daytrotter

mulder — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:11:58 +0000

Liam Finn recently stopped by the Daytrotter studios to record four tracks. He performed “Honest Face” and “Won’t Change My Mind” from Champagne In Seashells (Yep Roc), as well as “Second Chance” and the title track from his album, I’ll Be Lightning. Download the tracks via Daytrotter now.

Video: Calexico on Jimmy Kimmel Live

mulder — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:48:13 +0000

Calexico was last night’s musical guest on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. The band performed the song, “Crystal Frontiers” from their latest album, Carried to Dust (Quarterstick). Watch the video here, and see Calexico on tour this summer.

New Track: Thao & Mirah – “Folks”

mulder — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:20:56 +0000

Thao & Mirah have shared a track from their recently released self-titled album via RCRD LBL. “They bury that brief straightforwardness beneath gorgeous, complex vocal harmonies, pitch-perfect percussion and a left-turn minor key bridge that all fits in perfectly with the song’s folk-blues framework,” writes Michael Miller. Listen to “Folks” here, and see Thao & Mirah on tour.

New Track: Elliott Brood – “Northern Air”

allison — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:25:52 +0000

Elliott Brood have shared a new single, “Northern Air” from their forthcoming Days into Years album. In addition to its inclusion on Days into Years, the track will also be included on a limited edition 7” available in mid-May. According to Exclaim, the 7″ vinyl will be given away for free at secret locations across Canada. Download the track at their Bandcamp site and see the band on tour this summer.

Video: The Cave Singers – “Black Leaf”

mulder — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:09:02 +0000

The Cave Singers have released a new video for the song “Black Leaf.” The track is from their recently released album, No Witch (Jagjaguwar). The video features three bike-riding kids and a massive paper mache monster in the snowy woods. See The Cave Singers on their current tour with Fleet Foxes, and watch the video here.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings to Perform on Craig Ferguson Tonight

mulder — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:28:02 +0000

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings will be the musical guests tonight on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. They will be playing the song, “Mama Don’t Like My Man” from their most recent album, I Learned the Hard Way (Daptone). The Late Late Show airs at 12:25/11:35 central on CBS. See Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings live on tour this spring with Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears.

New Track: David Bazan – “Wolves At The Door”

allison — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:42:32 +0000

David Bazan has shared the new song, “Wolves At The Door” via NPR. The track is from his forthcoming album, Strange Negotiations, to be released May 24 on Barsuk records. Bazan will tour this June in support of the new record. Listen to “Wolves At The Door” here.

Bill Callahan on Daytrotter, KEXP’s Song of The Day

shira — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:51:12 +0000

Bill Callahan‘s “Drover” is KEXP’s Song of the Day. The track is off his new album, Apocalypse (Drag City). Callahan’s recent Daytrotter session features earlier work, “Honeymoon Child,” River Guard,” and “Eid Ma Clack Shaw.” KEXP writes, “If you’re lucky enough to see Bill Callahan live, please do. His act is indescribable and his talent is without question.” See Bill Callahan on tour soon.

New Track: Junior Boys – “Banana Ripple”

mulder — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 22:28:38 +0000

Junior Boys are sharing a new song from their forthcoming album, It’s All True (Domino), which will be released on June 14. The album’s closer, “Banana Ripple,” will be released as a 12″ single on May 31. Listen to “Banana Ripple” here, and check out Junior Boys’ recently announced tour dates with Miracle Fortress.

Junior Boys – Banana Ripple by DominoRecordCo

Okkervil River to Debut New Album via Live Webcast Tonight

mulder — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:03:02 +0000

Okkervil River‘s new album, I Am Very Far, will be released by Jagjaguwar on May 10. Tonight, the band will perform the full album in Austin. NPR Music will stream live video of the entire show starting at 7PM ET. See Okkervil River on tour, and watch their recently released video for the song, “Wake and Be Fine.”

Lollapalooza Announces Lineup

shira — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:54:53 +0000

Lollapalooza has announced its full lineup. The three-day Chicago festival will include performances by Explosions in the Sky, Lord Huron, The Mountain Goats, Disappears, and Wye Oak. Lollapalooza takes place August 5-7 in Grant Park. Find the full lineup here.

NPR First Listen: Fleet Foxes – ‘Helplessness Blues’

mulder — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:36:51 +0000

Fleet Foxes‘ new album, Helplessness Blues, is streaming in full at NPR Music. NPR’s Andy Hess writes, “intricate folk songs with otherworldly harmonies…the results are outstanding.” Sub Pop will release Helplessness Blues on May 3. See Fleet Foxes on tour this spring.

New Tracks: Shearwater – ‘The Island Arc’

mulder — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:42:59 +0000

Shearwater is streaming The Island Arc, a new 10-song live album that was recorded from the band’s January 15th performance in Austin. Jonathan Meiburg is also sharing two songs that he wrote for a solo performance at a Charles Burchfield exhibition opening. Listen to The Island Arc and Meiburg’s solo work on Bandcamp.

Video: Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert

allison — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:59:42 +0000

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three recently performed at the NPR offices for a Tiny Desk Concert. Bob Boilen of NPR describes Pokey’s music as “honest and infused with respect for the era he loves… it feels fresh, fun and altogether outstanding.”

Watch the intimate set, comprised of songs “La La Blues,” “Pack It Up,” and “Head To Toe,” here. Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three are currently on tour.

The Head and the Heart to Perform on Conan Tonight

allison — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:08:37 +0000

The Head and the Heart are tonight’s musical guest on Conan. They will perform a song from their self-titled release, out now on Sub Pop. Conan airs on TBS at 11pm ET/PT. The Head and the Heart are on tour now and can be seen with Iron and Wine later this spring.

Video: Henry Wolfe – “Someone Else”

mulder — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:03:53 +0000

Henry Wolfe has released a video for the song, “Someone Else.” The track is from his recently released debut album, Linda Vista (Undermountain Records). The Aza Jacobs-directed video depicts a young couple’s relationship go sour once they move in together. See Henry Wolfe on tour this spring, and watch the video here.

“Someone Else” is also being used in the upcoming film, Terri, which stars actor John C. Reilly.

Bon Iver Announce New Album, Release Teaser Video

mulder — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:07:14 +0000

Bon Iver will release his new self-titled album on June 21 via Jagjaguwar. In advance of the album release, the band has posted a 50 second teaser video which features close up shots of the album art by Minnesota artist, Gregory Euclide. Watch the teaser video here.

Bon Iver:

01 Perth
02 Minnesota, WI
03 Holocene
04 Towers
05 Michicant
06 Hinnom, TX
07 Wash.
08 Calgary
09 Lisbon, OH
10 Beth/Rest

Untitled from Bon Iver on Vimeo.

Pickathon Line-Up Announced

allison — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:49:18 +0000

The Pickathon Indie Roots Music Festival has announced its 2011 line-up. The three-day festival will feature Bill Callahan, Black Mountain, Califone, Elliott Brood, Future Islands, Lightning Dust, Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three, Thao With The Get Down Stay Down, The Wilders, Wye Oak and many others. The festival runs August 5th to 7th at Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley, Oregon. Tickets are on sale now. The complete 2011 lineup can be viewed here.

Video Premiere: John Vanderslice – “Overcoat”

mulder — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:36:47 +0000

John Vanderslice has premiered a new video for the song, “Overcoat” via NPR. The track is from his recently released album, White Wilderness (Dead Oceans). The video captures the album’s studio sessions with the Magik*Magik Orchestra. NPR’s Robin Hilton calls White Wilderness “the most richly orchestrated album of his career.” Watch the video here, and see John Vanderslice on tour this spring.

Record Store Day Tomorrow

mulder — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:33:40 +0000

Tomorrow, April 16th, independent music retailers across the United States and abroad are celebrating Record Store Day. Over 700 independently-owned record stores in the U.S. and hundreds more internationally collaborate with artists to present free live performances and special releases. Over a dozen Billions artists are participating in this event.

Most releases are limited editions in honor of Record Store Day. Visit RecordStoreDay.com for a full list of participating record stores and releases.

Akron Family – BMBZ Vinyl

Blitzen Trapper – Maybe Baby B/W Soul Slinger 7” 45

Death Cab For Cutie – Atlantic Records Presents: Death Cab for Cutie In Living Stereo! (RSD Exclusive) 7” 45

Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues B/W Grown Ocean Vinyl

Grinderman – Evil Vinyl

Grinderman – Palaces of Montezuma Vinyl

Midlake/Will Self – Am I Going Insane – 12 Inch Vinyl

Mumford & Sons/Laura Marling – Dharohar Project 10” LP

Bear In Heaven/Lindstrom – Split 12 Inch

New Pornographers – Moves 7” 45

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – Broom Vinyl

The Submarines – Love Notes/Letter Bombs Vinyl

Blitzen Trapper, Fleet Foxes, Chad VanGaalen, and Niki & the Dove are included on Sub Pop’s Terminal Sales Vol: 4: Please to Enjoy

Liars are included on Mute Records‘ Mute Vorwärts

The Head and the Heart – The Head and the Heart (Sub Pop Re-issue)

Live in-store performances:

Sonic Boom Records (Seattle, WA) – The Moondoggies, Telekinesis, The Head and the Heart

Easy Street Records (Seattle, WA) – The Head and the Heart

Billions Welcomes Abigail Washburn

shira — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:13:11 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents the Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and clawhammer banjo player Abigail Washburn. Her new album, City of Refuge (Rounder), has received acclaim from sources as diverse as NPR, Paste, The New York Times, and The Onion, with The L.A. Times noting her “modestly incendiary instrumental prowess,” and The BBC describing the album as “extraordinary…original…highly recommended.”

Watch her recent NPR Tiny Desk Concert here, download her Daytrotter session, and see Abigail Washburn live on tour this spring.

Billions Welcomes Nat Baldwin

mulder — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:32:06 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Nat Baldwin. The double bassist/singer-songwriter will release his fourth full-length album, People Changes, via Western Vinyl on May 24. Pitchfork writes, “His musical imagination is expansive, while his lack of pretense is admirable.” Watch a video of Baldwin performing the song, “Weights” on a Brooklyn basketball court here.

Aside from his solo work, Baldwin has lent his talents to Vampire Weekend‘s Contra and Department of Eagles’ In Ear Pink, as well as playing bass full-time in Dirty Projectors.

See him on his current tour.

Nat Baldwin “Weights” from TERROREYES.TV on Vimeo.

KEXP Song of the Day: Generationals – “Ten-Twenty-Ten”

shira — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:53:53 +0000

Generationals‘ “Ten-Twenty-Ten” is KEXP‘s Song of the Day. “Ten-Twenty-Ten” is off the band’s recent release, Actor-Caster (Park The Van). KEXP writes, “The riffs are quick, the rhythm gallops, and the muttered vocals call to mind an impromptu performance atop a hill in summer.” See Generationals on their current tour.

Bill Callahan Streams New Album

mulder — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:57:36 +0000

Bill Callahan‘s new album, Apocalypse (Drag City), is streaming in full via Netherlands Public Radios’ 3VOOR12. Callahan was recently featured in both The New Yorker and The New York Times. The New York Times describes Callahan as “one of our best lyricists…a singer approaching excellence.” See Bill Callahan live on tour this summer.

New Track: Reading Rainbow – “Cover the Sky”

allison — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:54:01 +0000

Reading Rainbow have shared a stream of their new track, “Cover the Sky” via Hell Yes! The Italian label will release the one-sided 7″ on April 26th. The release is limited to 400 copies with “juke-box” labels. Reading Rainbow are on tour now.

READING RAINBOW “Cover The Sky” by HellYes

New Track and Video: Chad VanGaalen – “Sara”

mulder — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:23:25 +0000

Chad VanGaalen has premiered the single, “Sara” via Stereogum. The track is from VanGaalen’s fourth full-length album, Diaper Island, (Sub Pop) which will be released on May 17. VanGaalen also performed the song for Vice‘s VBS.TV, while giving a tour of his practice space and home-made instrument collection. Download “Sara” via Stereogum, and watch the video here.

Video: TIME Magazine Profiles Oberhofer’s Daytrotter Session

shira — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 21:04:24 +0000

Oberhofer is currently featured in a TIME Magazine video in conjunction with their new, unreleased Daytrotter session. The piece goes behind-the-scenes with the Iowa recording studio and features an unreleased Oberhofer song. Watch the video here.

Video: Owen Pallett – “The Great Elsewhere”

mulder — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:56:09 +0000

Owen Pallett has released a video for his song, “The Great Elsewhere,” from his 2010 album, Heartland (Domino). The video, directed by Yuula Benivolski and Geoffrey Pugen, features a woman walking through the forest and some unique shots of nature. Watch the video here.

Wire to Perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Tonight

shira — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:05:07 +0000

Wire are tonight’s musical guest on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. The band will play a song from their latest full-length, Red Barked Tree (Pink Flag). Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central. Tune in, and see Wire live on their current tour.

Video: Telekinesis – “Please Ask For Help”

mulder — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:03:58 +0000

Telekinesis have released a video for the song, “Please Ask For Help.” The track is from the band’s recently released album, 12 Desperate Straight Lines (Merge). The video depicts a paper mache-headed couple’s relationship troubles, as well as some live footage from Telekinesis’ recent North American tour. Check out the video here.

Video: Lord Huron – “The Stranger” (Live)

mulder — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:55:29 +0000

Lord Huron performed a handful of sets at this year’s SXSW Music Conference in Austin. Paste Magazine has shared a live clip of Lord Huron playing their song, “The Stranger,” from the band’s 2010 EP, Mighty. Watch the video here, and see Lord Huron on tour this spring.

Video: The Lonely Forest – “We Sing In Time”

allison — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:38:10 +0000

The Lonely Forest have premiered a new music video for the song “We Sing In Time” via MTVU. The track comes from the band’s recently released album, Arrows (Trans Records). MTV’s Buzzworthy Blog called the video “a powerful, visually striking work that’ll scare and sadden.” See The Lonely Forest on tour now.

Video: Fleet Foxes – “Grown Ocean”

mulder — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:29:12 +0000

Fleet Foxes have released a new video for the song, “Grown Ocean.” The track is from the band’s upcoming album, Helplessness Blues, which will be out on May 3rd via Sub Pop. The video was filmed by Sean Pecknold and features intimate shots of the band traveling and recording the new album. Watch it here, and see Fleet Foxes on tour this spring.

New Track: Death Cab for Cutie – “You Are A Tourist”

mulder — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:35:59 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie are sharing the first single, “You Are A Tourist,” from their forthcoming album, Codes And Keys (Atlantic). Next week, the band will live stream a new video for the song at the same time as it is being filmed. The stream will air on April 5th at 7PM ET via www.youareatourist.com. Codes And Keys will be released on May 31. Listen to the first single here, and check out Death Cab for Cutie on tour.

Billions Welcomes Scattered Trees

shira — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:22:59 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Scattered Trees. The Chicago quintet’s new full-length album, Sympathy, will be released April 5th via Roll Call Records/EMI. My Old Kentucky Blog wrote that Scattered Trees’ music “recalls Jeff Tweedy and Dean Wareham sharing a taxi in the wee small hours,” and The Chicago Tribune described it as “the perfect accompaniment to spring.” Watch the band’s Star Wars-inspired video for the song “Love and Leave” here.

Video: Diamond Rings – “It’s Not My Party”

mulder — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:03:59 +0000

Diamond Rings has released a new video for the song, “It’s Not My Party.” The track is from his 2010 full-length debut, Special Affections (Secret City). The Jeff Scheven-directed video depicts a fictional night out on the town for Diamond Rings. Check out the video here, and see Diamond Rings on tour this spring.

Tokyo Police Club and The Arcade Fire To Perform At The Juno Awards

allison — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:59:50 +0000

The Arcade Fire and Tokyo Police Club will both perform at the 40th annual Juno Awards on Sunday, March 27th. Canada’s Music Awards will air live on CTV, from the Air Canada Centre beginning at 8:00 pm ET. This year’s nominations include works by The Arcade Fire, Basia Bulat, Hollerado, Land of Talk, Owen Pallett, Shad and Tokyo Police Club. For the full list of nominees, see the Juno Awards site.

Billions Artists Contribute to Japan Relief Efforts

shira — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:52:51 +0000

Artists have organized a multitude of benefits in the wake of the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. Among those involved are Fleet Foxes, Chad VanGaalen, The Mountain Goats, Bear in Heaven, Akron/Family, Warm Ghost, James Blackshaw, and Shugo Tokumaru. Get details here.

Akron/Family, James Blackshaw, Bear in Heaven, and Warm Ghost have participated in Benefit for the Recovery in Japan, a 64-track compilation available through Antiopic via Thrill Jockey/Fina Music.

Chad VanGaalen is donating proceeds from his new EP, Your Tan Looks Supernatural, to the Red Cross.

Fleet Foxes are auctioning a vinyl test pressing of their forthcoming album Helplessness Blues to benefit the Japan Earthquake Relief fund.

The Mountain Goats are auctioning an unreleased song, “Eugene Sue,” on cassette to benefit Doctors Without Borders.

Shugo Tokumaru is donating proceeds from his new track, “Open a Bottle,” to support Japan.

New Track: Bill Callahan – “Baby’s Breath”

mulder — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:18:35 +0000

Bill Callahan has released a new song, “Baby’s Breath,” from his upcoming album, Apocalypse. Stereogum writes, “The tempo speeds up and slows underneath his beautifully rich voice while he picks out a hypnotic, sparse guitar melody. I could hear “Baby’s Breath” soundtracking some modern cowboy film, it’s so dry and evocative.” Drag City will release Apocalypse on April 19th. Download the track here.

Video: Akron/Family – “Island”

mulder — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:02:46 +0000

Akron/Family have released a video for the song, “Island” from their recently released album, S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT (Dead Oceans). Directed by Daniel Michael Gahr, the video features picturesque shots of a birds eye view of the coast. Watch the video here.

Video: Colin Stetson “The Stars in His Head (Dark Lights Remix)”

allison — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:15:45 +0000

PitchforkTV has posted a one-take video of Colin Stetson performing “The Stars in His Head (Dark Lights Remix)” from his recently released New History of Warfare Vol. 2: Judges (Constellation). The video was recorded in October 2010 by Radawan Moumneh and features Stetson on a deserted Montreal sidewalk.

Generationals Stream New Album

mulder — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:34:12 +0000

Generationals forthcoming album, Actor-Caster is now streaming at KCRW. KCRW writes, “It’s a pulsating ride that doesn’t ease up until the last note.” The album will be released on March 29th via Park The Van Records. See the Generationals on tour this spring, and listen to Actor-Caster here.

Callers on Daytrotter

allison — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:39:08 +0000

Callers recently stopped by the Daytrotter studios to record three tracks: “Roll,” “How You Hold Your Arms” and “Bloodless Ties”. Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller writes, “Callers live for the contradictions, for the down-tunings and the recognizably harsh music that’s always at odds with Lucas’ soaring and passionate vocal style.” Download the session here and see Callers on tour now.

Mumford & Sons to Tour in Vintage Railcars

allison — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:21:30 +0000

This spring, Mumford & Sons will travel and record in a line of fifteen vintage railcars accompanied by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show. The Railroad Revival Tour will last one week in April crossing the American Southwest. The entire experience will be the focus of a documentary that captures the spirit of the journey and gives intimate insights into the creative process.

Winston Marshall from Mumford & Sons is taking a humbled historical perspective on the tour, saying, “To misquote the great Woody Guthrie, this train is bound for disgrace. Glorious disgrace. Woody rode with his fellow drifters around North America; we get to do it with a bunch of other musicians, although not strangers, from different corners of the world. A dream come true to be on tour with them, a privilege we get to do it on a train.”

Tickets are available exclusively through the Railroad Revival Tour website. Each ticket will include an MP3 download of live recordings from the tour as well as a commemorative ticket custom-designed for each performance site, with no additional service fees.

Billions Artists at SXSW 2011

shira — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:20:01 +0000

In addition to the Billions and Ticketfly Day Party and our official showcase, Billions artists will play well over 150 sets at this week’s SXSW Music Conference in Austin. We have provided an (almost) comprehensive list of artists and their performances here.

Billions artists will be performing all over the city. See you in Austin!

Artist Date Set Time Venue

Alex Winston Wed 3/16 9:00 PM Bat Bar

Thu 3/17 1:00 PM Barbarella

Thu 3/17 4:00 PM The Mohawk

Thu 3/17 4:15 PM Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery

Fri 3/18 4:00 PM Lustre Pearl

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Tue 3/15 Continental Club

Thu 3/17 8:30 AM The Four Seasons

Thu 3/17 2:50 PM The Mohawk

Thu 3/17 5:00 PM Waterloo Records

Fri 3/18 1:00 PM Austin Convention Center

Fri 3/18 8:00 PM ACL Live at the Moody Theater

Sat 3/19 5:00 PM Jo’s Coffee on Congress

Cadence Weapon Wed 3/16 1:30 PM The Phoenix

Thu 3/17 1:30 PM Paradise Cafe

Thu 3/17 4:30 PM Beauty Bar

Fri 3/18 12:45 PM Alamo Ritz Drafthouse Cinema

Sat 3/19 Red Eyed Fly

Callers Thu 3/17 3:25 PM The Mohawk

Sat 3/19 1:30 PM Parkside

Sat 3/19 10:00 PM Lambert’s

Cheyenne Marie Mize Wed 3/16 9:00 PM Momo’s

Thu 3/17 Hole In The Wall

Fri 3/18 3:00 PM Agave

Colin Stetson Wed 3/16 9:00 PM Stephen F’s Bar (InterContinental Stephen F Austin Hotel)

Thu 3/17 12:30 PM The Parish

Fri 3/18 1:30 PM East Side Drive In

Fri 3/18 8:30 PM Daytrotter – Austin Location

Sat 3/19 3:00 PM End of An Ear

Sat 3/19 10:00 PM Club DeVille

Colourmusic Wed 3/16 9:00 PM Friends Bar

Fri 3/18 1:00 PM Guero’s

Diamond Rings Tue 3/15 12:00 AM Spill

Wed 3/16 4:20 PM Brush Square Park

Wed 3/16 6:45 PM Urban Outfitters

Thu 3/17 2:30 PM The Mohawk

Thu 3/17 11:15 PM Beauty Bar

Fri 3/18 2:00 PM East Side Drive In

Sat 3/19 4:30 PM The Crossing Resort

Generationals Wed 3/16 3:00 PM Red 7

Thu 3/17 2:00 PM Waterloo Records

Thu 3/17 5:15 PM Cheers on 6th

Fri 3/18 1:00 AM Mi Casa Catina

Fri 3/18 3:00 PM Red House Pizzeria

Fri 3/18 4:55 PM The Eastern

Fri 3/18 9:00 PM Cedar St Courtyard

Sat 3/19 12:00 PM Cactus Cafe

Henry Wolfe Thu 3/17 4:35 PM The Mohawk

Sat 3/19 10:00 PM Tap Room at Six

John Vanderslice Wed 3/16 3:30 PM Red Eyed Fly

Wed 3/16 10:35 PM Red 7

Thu 3/17 1:35 PM Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery

Thu 3/17 5:30 PM Stage on Sixth

Fri 3/18 2:30 PM French Legation Museum

Fri 3/18 6:30 PM Mellow Johnnys Bike Shop

Liam Finn Wed 3/16 6:00 PM Brush Square Park

Wed 3/16 11:00 PM Red Eyed Fly

Thu 3/17 12:00 AM Maggie Mae’s

Thu 3/17 1:05 PM The Mohawk

Fri 3/18 5:00 PM Lustre Pearl

Little Scream Wed 3/16 10:00 PM Red 7

Thu 3/17 2:00 PM The Liberty

Fri 3/18 12:40 PM Spill

Fri 3/18 Daytrotter – Austin Location

Sat 3/19 11:00 PM Spill

Lord Huron Wed 3/16 12:00 PM Red 7

Wed 3/16 2:30 PM Lambert’s

Wed 3/16 5:00 PM Stage on Sixth

Thu 3/17 12:30 PM East Side Drive In

Thu 3/17 3:15 PM Flamingo Cantina

Thu 3/17 9:00 PM Bat Bar

Fri 3/18 2:55 PM Home Slice Pizza

Sat 3/19 3:50 PM Headhunters

NewVillager Wed 3/16 8:00 PM Maggie Mae’s

Oberhofer Wed 3/16 2:15 PM Republic Square Park

Wed 3/16 11:30 PM Pure Volume House

Thu 3/17 12:30 PM The Mohawk

Thu 3/17 10:00 PM Bat Bar

Fri 3/18 4:00 PM Barbarella (formerly Encore)

Fri 3/18 9:00 PM Kiss and Fly

Sat 3/19 4:00 PM Urban Outfitters

Okkervil River Fri 3/18 1:00 AM Antone’s

Fri 3/18 5:00 PM Flamingo Cantina

Sat 3/19 2:00 PM The Mohawk

Sat 3/19 5:00 PM Lustre Pearl

Owen Pallett Thu 3/17 1:30 PM The Mohawk

Thu 3/17 4:00 PM Club DeVille

Thu 3/17 10:00 PM Emo’s

Fri 3/18 1:35 PM Flamingo Cantina

Fri 3/18 5:00 PM East Side Drive In

Sat 3/19 12:00 AM Pure Volume House

Reading Rainbow Thu 3/17 4:00 PM The Broken Neck

Thu 3/17 10:15 PM Cheer Up Charlie’s

Fri 3/18 6:30 PM Cheer Up Charlie’s

Fri 3/18 9:00 PM Antone’s

Sat 3/19 3:00 PM Urban Outfitters

Sat 3/19 10:00 PM 21st Street Co-op

Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside Thu 3/17 12:00 PM The Mohawk

Fri 3/18 2:00 PM Swan Dive

Fri 3/18 12:00 AM Creekside Lounge

Sat 3/19 4:00 PM Betsy’s Bar

Scott H. Biram Thu 3/17 1:00 AM Continental Club

Shad Sat 3/19 12:55 PM Paradise Cafe

Sat 3/19 5:50 PM Home Slice Pizza

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Thu 3/17 12:00 PM Jovita’s

Thu 3/17 5:10 PM The Mohawk

Fri 3/18 4:40 PM Home Slice Pizza

Sat 3/19 12:00 AM The Parish

Telekinesis Wed 3/16 6:00 PM Waterloo Records

Thu 3/17 2:00 PM The Mohawk

Fri 3/18 3:15 PM Flamingo Cantina

Fri 3/18 9:00 PM The Parish

Sat 3/19 4:40 PM Home Slice Pizza

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down Fri 3/18 12:30 PM Austin Convention Center

Fri 3/18 2:00 PM Austin Convention Center

Fri 3/18 3:45 PM Italo’s

Fri 3/18 5:50 PM Home Slice Pizza

Fri 3/18 11:00 PM Antone’s

Sat 3/19 12:00 PM Jovita’s

Sat 3/19 3:00 PM The Palm Door

Sat 3/19 5:00 PM ND 501 Studios

The Black Heart Procession Fri 3/18 4:30 PM Aquarium

Sat 3/19 1:00 AM Maggie Mae’s

Sat 3/19 5:30 PM Maria’s Taco Express

The Cave Singers Wed 3/16 11:35 PM Red 7

Thu 3/17 7:00 PM Hotel San Jose

Fri 3/18 4:05 PM Home Slice Pizza

The Deer Tracks Wed 3/16 3:30 PM Hotel Vegas

Thu 3/17 11:00 AM Cedar St Courtyard

Thu 3/17 8:30 PM The Rooftop (Swedish Chamber of Commerce)

Fri 3/18 8:00 PM Spider House Cafe / Art Authority

Sat 3/19 11:45 AM Antone’s

Sat 3/19 10:15 PM The Parish Underground

The Dodos Wed 3/16 1:00 AM The Parish

Wed 3/16 5:10 PM Red Eyed Fly

Thu 3/17 12:45 PM Flamingo Cantina

Thu 3/17 3:30 PM East Side Drive In

Fri 3/18 11:00 AM Austin Convention Center

Fri 3/18 5:00 PM Swan Dive

Fri 3/18 10:00 PM Cedar St Courtyard

Sat 3/19 4:15 PM Mess With Texas

The Head and the Heart Tue 3/15 11:00 PM Malverde

Wed 3/16 4:20 PM Lambert’s

Thu 3/17 4:00 PM Lustre Pearl

Fri 3/18 8:00 PM Antone’s

The Lonely Forest Tue 3/15 Pure Volume House

Thu 3/17 3:00 PM Klub Krucial

Thu 3/17 11:05 PM Maggie Mae’s

Fri 3/18 7:00 PM 138 Listening Lounge

Sat 3/19 1:00 PM Waterloo Records

Sat 3/19 5:00 PM Austin Convention Center

The Moondoggies Wed 3/16 4:30 PM Cheers on 6th

Wed 3/16 7:30 PM Trophy’s

Thu 3/17 2:00 PM Beauty Bar

Fri 3/18 12:00 PM Waterloo Records

Fri 3/18 4:30 PM Cheers on 6th

Fri 3/18 9:15 PM Red 7

Sat 3/19 1:00 PM Lustre Pearl

Sat 3/19 2:45 PM Domy Books

The Submarines Fri 3/18 12:00 AM Antone’s

Sat 3/19 5:15 PM Home Slice Pizza

Tokyo Police Club Wed 3/16 Club DeVille

Thu 3/17 The Mohawk

Fri 3/18 Emo’s

Sat 3/19 Austin Convention Center

Warm Ghost Wed 3/16 12:00 AM Soho Lounge

Wed 3/16 2:05 PM Red Eyed Fly

Fri 3/18 1:45 PM Barbarella (formerly Encore)

Sat 3/19 5:40 PM Parkside

Wye Oak Thu 3/17 6:00 PM Waterloo Records

Fri 3/18 12:00 AM The Parish

Fri 3/18 2:00 PM The Mohawk

Fri 3/18 4:00 PM Swan Dive

Sat 3/19 3:30 PM Home Slice Pizza

Yellow Ostrich Thu 3/17 8:45 PM Aquarium

Fri 3/18 1:00 PM Muzzle of Bees SXSW Party

Fri 3/18 10:00 PM Antone’s

New Track: Liam Finn – “The Struggle”

allison — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:05:47 +0000

Liam Finn has released a song, “The Struggle,” via Filter.com. The track is from Finn’s first new album in three years, FOMO, which will be released June 21st on Yep Roc. Finn recorded the album in his native New Zealand, performing all the pieces himself and producing it alongside Burke Reid. Liam Finn kicks off his North American tour next week in Austin.

New Track: Explosions In The Sky – “Trembling Hands”

shira — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:08:41 +0000

Explosions In The Sky have shared a new track from their forthcoming album, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. “It’s propulsive, headrushing, and huge” said Stereogum. The record will be released by Temporary Residence on April 26th with the band touring this spring. Listen to the track here.

Billions Welcomes Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three

shira — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:43:51 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three. The band’s Newport Folk Festival set received widespread critical acclaim, and their 2010 release, Riverboat Soul (Trade Root) made the top five on the Freeform American Roots Chart. Later this month, Jack White’s Third Man Records will release a Pokey LaFarge 45. “In short, Pokey kicks ass, and with his band, The South City Three, they are easily the best roots music band on the circuit.” – No Depression.

Billions Welcomes Niki & the Dove

shira — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:12:20 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Billions now represents Niki & the Dove. The Swedish duo’s first single, DJ, Ease My Mind/Under The Bridges (Moshi Moshi), garnered acclaim from The Sunday Times, who declared that the single was comprised of “the two greatest alt-pop songs of 2010.” Despite being only available through the band’s website, the band’s follow-up track, Mother Protect, was supported by Radio 1, NME, The Observer, and The Independent.

Fleet Foxes, Destroyer to Play Pitchfork Music Festival

mulder — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:10:52 +0000

Pitchfork Music Festival has announced the initial lineup that will play in Chicago’s Union Park, July 15 – 17. Fleet Foxes will close out the second day, July 16th. Destroyer will also be on Saturday’s bill. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased for $45 per day, or $110 for all three days at www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

Videos: Disappears – Live in New York, Live in France

mulder — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:54:24 +0000

Videos from two recent Disappears shows are streaming online; the band’s entire set set from La Route du Rock Festival in Saint-Malo, France, and songs from a recent show in Brooklyn captured for Pitchfork‘s Tunnelvision series. Watch the festival set, and Pitchfork’s footage of “Hive Mind ” and “Lux,” here.

Henry Wolfe to Play Jimmy Kimmel Live Tonight

mulder — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:56:36 +0000

Henry Wolfe will make his television debut tonight, March 2nd, on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Wolfe will perform the songs “Someone Else,” and “Stop the Train” from his forthcoming album, Linda Vista (Undermountain). Jimmy Kimmel Live airs at 12:05 am/11:05 pm central on ABC.

New Track: Thao & Mirah (ft. tUnE-yArDs) – “Eleven”

shira — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:53:10 +0000

Thao & Mirah will unite to release their self-titled debut as a duo on April 26 via Kill Rock Stars. tUnE-yArDs’ Merrill Garbus co-produced, guested, and wrote one song on the album. Stream “Eleven,” the album’s lead-off track, via Pitchfork.

Thao & Mirah:

01 Eleven
02 Folks
03 Little Cup
04 Rubies and Rocks
05 Teeth
06 Spaced Out Orbit
07 How Dare You
08 Sugar and Plastic
09 Likable Man
10 Hallelujah
11 Squareneck

NPR First Listen: Wye Oak – ‘Civilian’

mulder — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:18:39 +0000

Wye Oak‘s new album, Civilian, is streaming in full at NPR Music. Stephen Thompson writes, “Wye Oak’s records work on many levels: as rock music that billows majestically, as pop music that gets its hooks into you in more ways than one, and as fascinating and mysterious examinations of doomed romance.” Merge will release Civilian on March 8th. See Wye Oak on tour this spring.

Billions Welcomes The Deer Tracks

mulder — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:36:07 +0000

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Billions now represents The Deer Tracks. David Lehnberg and Elin Lindfors will release The Archer Trilogy Pt. 1 EP via The Control Group on March 15, and will make their U.S. debut at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin. Pop Matters writes, “The Deer Tracks are actually at their best when their sound builds to something overbearing, if not crushing,” and The Guardian remarks, “eerie prettiness…Deer Tracks combine folk-ishly delicate melodies with glitch techno techniques.” Listen to The Deer Tracks’ new song, “Ram Ram,” here.

“David Lehnberg and Elin Lindfors rise above any sort of cliché on the stunning ‘Yes This Is My Broken Shield’, which twinkles before bursting into a glorious geyser of sound.” – NME
The Deer Tracks – Ram Ram by Controlgroupco

New Tracks: Colin Stetson Streams New Album

shira — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:24:29 +0000

Colin Stetson‘s new album, New History Warfare Vol. 2 – Judges, is streaming in full via Spinner. Pitchfork described it as “disorienting and engrossing…even more unusual once you learn Stetson performed almost the whole thing by himself without overdubs or loops…It’s not just an artistic feat but a physical one as well.” New History Warfare Vol. 2 – Judges is out now on Constellation.

Billions and Ticketfly Announce Austin Day Party: Fat, Crooked, Unwound 2011

allison — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:00:28 +0000

The Billions Corporation and Ticketfly will present Fat, Crooked, Unwound on Thursday March 17th at The Mohawk in Austin. The free day party will feature Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, The Moondoggies, Owen Pallett, Telekinesis, Henry Wolfe, Diamond Rings, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Liam Finn, Oberhofer, and Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside playing live from 12-6 p.m. See you there!

We would like to thank Ticketfly for partnering with us, as well as Independence Brewing Company and Louie Mueller Barbecue for their sponsorship. Set times are below!

Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside: 12:00 pm

Oberhofer: 12:30 pm

Liam Finn: 1:05 pm

Owen Pallett: 1:40 pm

Telekinesis: 2:20 pm

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: 2:50 pm

The Moondoggies: 3:25 pm

Diamond Rings: 4:00 pm

Henry Wolfe: 4:35 pm

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin: 5:10 pm

Also, don’t forget to stop by our official SXSW Showcase on March 18!

The Mountain Goats To Play Letterman Tonight

mulder — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:46:47 +0000

The Mountain Goats will be tonight’s musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will play a song from their upcoming album, All Eternals Deck (Merge) which will be released on March 29. The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in, and see The Mountain Goats on their upcoming tour.

Destroyer Plays Tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

shira — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:41:18 +0000

Destroyer makes its television debut tonight as the musical guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The full 8-piece band will play a song from its recently released album, Kaputt (Merge). Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central. Tune in, and see Destroyer live on tour this spring.

Video: Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) “New Wonder,” ‘New Jerusalem’ Trailer

shira — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:40:41 +0000

Bonnie Prince Billy and The Cairo Gang have shared a music video for the song, “New Wonder,” directed by R. Alverson. “New Wonder” will be out tomorrow on a Drag City single that benefits EDGE Outreach, an organization providing clean water in Haiti. Will Oldham also stars in Alverson’s latest film, New Jerusalem, which will make its North American debut at SXSW.

New Track and Video: NewVillager – “Lighthouse”

shira — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:33:10 +0000

NewVillager have shared a new video for their song, “Lighthouse.” The track itself is also available as a download via Stereogum, and will be on the band’s self-titled IAMSOUND debut. Stereogum writes, “I love how the deep-voiced chorus contrasts with the lightness of the strings and reversed samples; the effect’s joyous, soulful.”

New Tracks: Cotton Jones – Sit Beside Your Vegitables EP

mulder — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:41:40 +0000

In advance of it’s February 22 release, Cotton Jones’ EP, Sit Beside Your Vegitables (Suicide Squeeze) is streaming via Bandcamp. The band will perform on tonight’s Conan O’Brien with Nicole Atkins. Conan airs on TBS at 11/10 PM central. See Cotton Jones on their current tour.

Billions Announces Official SXSW Showcase

shira — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:05:43 +0000

Billions will present one official showcase at this year’s SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas. This year’s Billions showcase will feature Okkervil River, Reading Rainbow, Yellow Ostrich, Thao with The Get Down Stay Down, The Submarines and The Head and The Heart.

Billions is also throwing a day party. Details for that event will be announced soon.

Official Billions SXSW Showcase – Friday, March 18 at Antone’s.

8 p.m. The Head and The Heart

The Head and The Heart play catchy piano melodies paired with a tight trio of harmonies and solid minimalist drums. Their eponymous first album was self-released at the end of June 2010. Since then, the band has signed with Sub Pop and played with Vampire Weekend and Dave Matthews Band.

9 p.m. Reading Rainbow

Reading Rainbow is a boy-girl outift that creates bashing beats, mesmerizing melodies, and an overall crushing display of songwriting simplicity done right. The Philadelphia duo’s sophomore album, Prism Eyes, was released late last year on Hozac Records, prompting Pitchfork to write, “Everton and Garcia have a tight grip on what makes indie pop tick– sincerity, enthusiasm, and a catchy chorus.”

10 p.m. Yellow Ostrich

Though Alex Schaaf has been recording under the Yellow Ostrich moniker for only a couple of years, he has already released 3 EPs, one 7-inch, and 3 full-lengths. KEXP writes, “Though The Mistress album coheres beautifully as a whole, every song seems to stand out on its own.” Yellow Ostrich is Alex Schaaf, Michael Tapper, and Jon Natchez.

11 p.m. Thao with The Get Down Stay Down

Following their breakout success and best-selling record of 2008 for Kill Rock Stars with “We Brave Bee Stings and All,” Thao Nyguyen and the ever-versatile Get Down Stay Down (Adam Thompson on bass, keys and additional guitar, and Willis Thompson on drums and percussion) returned with 2009’s “Know Better Learn Faster,” earning praise from critics as diverse as Spin Magazine, Pitchfork, The Wall Street Journal, and Elle.

12 a.m. The Submarines

Tracks from The Submarines’ 2008 release, Honeysuckle Weeks, appeared everywhere — from television (Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy) and film (Nick And Norah’s Infinite Playlist) to multiple spots for Apple’s iPhone. The band’s new album, LOVE NOTES / LETTER BOMBS, takes off where Honeysuckle Weeks left off, exploring the tensions, frustrations, and catharsis of love. LOVE NOTES / LETTER BOMBS will be out in April 6th.

1 a.m. Okkervil River

On May 10, Okkervil River will release their new album, ‘I Am Very Far,’ on JAGJAGUWAR. The follow-up to 2008′s ‘The Stand Ins,’ ‘I Am Very Far’ features eleven new songs, produced and arranged by frontman Will Sheff in Austin, New York City and Connecticut. Work on ‘I am Very Far’ started after a year spent on other projects. Sheff contributed vocals to The New Pornographers’ album ‘Together,’ wrote a song for Norah Jones’ ‘The Fall,’ produced an upcoming album for the Brooklyn-based band Bird of Youth, and helmed Roky Erickson’s acclaimed ‘True Love Cast Out All Evil’ with Okkervil River. Sheff was subsequently nominated for a 2011 GRAMMY for his liner notes to ‘True Love.’

Live Video: Sufjan Stevens at Sydney Opera House

allison — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:45:51 +0000

Sufjan Stevens performed at the Sydney Festival in Australia last month in support of his 2010 release, Age of Adz (Asthmatic Kitty). The Sydney Opera House captured the “absurdly colorful, choreography-heavy” (Pitchfork) performance and has released high-quality video of three songs.

Watch the exclusive videos of Sufjan performing “All Delighted People,” “Too Much,” and “Age of Adz” here.

New Track: Timber Timbre – “Black Water”

allison — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:12:45 +0000

Timber Timbre have released the track, “Black Water,” exclusively via Exclaim.ca. This is the first single from their forthcoming album, Creep On Creepin’ On, due April 5^th from Arts & Crafts. Timber Timbre will be on tour in March and April to support the new record.

Listen to “Black Water” here.

The Arcade Fire Win Album of The Year at Grammys

shira — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:50:11 +0000

The Arcade Fire pulled an upset at last night’s Grammys, confusing Barbra Streisand and beating out Lady Gaga and Eminem to win Album of The Year for The Suburbs. The Suburbs, which was released on Merge, was the only record in the ‘Album of The Year’ category that was released independently. “This award is for our record,” Win Butler said. “We really believe in records. When we make a record, we really put all of our soul into it.” Watch the band’s performances and the acceptance speech, here.

New Track: Warm Ghost – “Let My Angst Unfold In The Water Like A Hounds Tongue”

allison — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:28:01 +0000

Warm Ghost has premiered the single, “Let My Angst Unfold In The Water Like A Hounds Tongue” via Stereogum. This track is the longest on the forthcoming Uncut Diamond EP (Partisan Records), which will be released on February 15th. Stereogum writes, “the guys have a flare for icy drama… the Ghosts needed extra time for the hazy Witness Protection (Projection?) voices at the end.”

Listen to the track here.

New Track: Henry Wolfe – “The Third Act”

mulder — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:43:04 +0000

Henry Wolfe has shared a new song, “The Third Act.” Nylon describes the track as having, “bluesy piano chords, silly-sad lyrics, and bravely true vocals.” Wolfe’s debut album, Linda Vista, will be released on April 5 via Undermountain Records. Listen to “The Third Act” here.

“The Third Act” by Henry Wolfe by user3415501

Video: Little Scream – “The Heron and the Fox”

allison — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:24:30 +0000

Little Scream has released a live video of “The Heron and the Fox” from her new album, The Golden Record, due April 12th on Secretly Canadian. “Little Scream performs a beautifully stark and fragile rendition of ‘The Heron and the Fox’ in the back of a station wagon in the dead of Montreal’s bitter winter,” writes GorillaVsBear. The Golden Record is available for pre-order at SC Distribution. All pre-orders will receive an instant digital download delivered to their inbox. Little Scream will be on tour with Sharon Van Etten beginning in March.

Little Scream: “The Heron and The Fox” (live) from Secretly Jag on Vimeo.

Video: Akron/Family – “Silly Bears”

mulder — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:31:27 +0000

Akron/Family have released a new video for their song, “Silly Bear.” The track is from their new album, S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT (Dead Oceans). The colorful video features robots, teddy bears, and a pilot traveling through space. Watch the video here.

New Track: Okkervil River – “Mermaid”

shira — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:10:58 +0000

Okkervil River‘s new Mermaid 12-inch single was released yesterday. Stream the new song via Pitchfork. Pitchfork also interviewed lead singer Will Sheff about the band’s new full-length, I Am Very Far, which will be out May 10th via Jagjaguwar.

New Track: Generationals – “Greenleaf”

shira — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:08:32 +0000

Generationals have premiered a new song, “Greenleaf,” via Spin. Spin writes, “Greenleaf” is a delightfully springy tune, with a popping keyboard intro, a steady drum progression, and a handclap backdrop at the tail-end.” The track is on the band’s sophomore effort, Actor-Caster (Park The Van), which will be out March 29. Download it here.

Video: The New Pornographers – “Moves”

mulder — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:57:03 +0000

The New Pornographers have released a star studded video for the song “Moves.” The video features Jon Wurster, Ted Leo, and Horatio Sanz portraying The New Pornographers in a fictional movie trailer about the band’s career. “Moves” is from The New Pornographers’ 2010 release, Together (Matador). Watch the video here, and see the band on tour this spring.

Sasquatch Announces 2011 Lineup

mulder — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:08:19 +0000

The 2011 Sasquatch Festival lineup has been announced. Death Cab for Cutie will headline one night of the four day festival. Beach House, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, The Head and the Heart, Tokyo Police Club, Stornoway, Black Mountain, The Moondoggies, Wye Oak, S. Carey, Cotton Jones, and Basia Bulat will also perform. Four day passes are available now, and single day passes will be available on February 14.

Sasquatch will occur over Memorial Day weekend, May 27 – 30 at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. Watch an animated video, which lists Sasquatch’s lineup below.

Sasquatch 2011 Lineup from World Famous on Vimeo.

Video: Alex Winston – “Locomotive”

mulder — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:56:16 +0000

Alex Winston is sharing a new video. “Locomotive” is from her forthcoming release, Sister Wife (Heavy Roc Music). Winston was also featured as Vogue‘s Artist Of The Week. Vogue describes the album as having “a hidden depth, which…reveals Winston’s highly developed songwriting talents.” Check out the video for “Locomotive” here, and see Alex Winston on tour this spring.

Billions Welcomes Deradoorian

shira — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:05:35 +0000

We are pleased to announce that The Billions Corporation now represents Deradoorian. Angel Deradoorian has been playing piano, flute, and guitar since she was seven years old. Under The Radar called Deradoorian’s debut recording, The Mind Raft EP, “otherworldly, haunting, and soothing,” and Prefix wrote, ”The most arresting thing about Mind Raft has got to be the incredibly instinctive style that Deradoorian has created.”

Pitchfork Interviews Colin Stetson

allison — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:16:03 +0000

Pitchfork’s Ryan Dombal spoke with Colin Stetson about the recording of his second album, New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges. “I want to make albums that are like a Murakami novel or a Terrence Malick film– something that explicitly states its own world,” described Stetson. The article also streams two tracks from the forthcoming album out February 22 on Constellation.

Read the full interview and listen to the featured songs here.

Seven Billions Artists nominated for JUNO Awards

allison — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:56:16 +0000

The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musicians to acknowledge their artistic accomplishments. This year’s nominations include works by The Arcade Fire, Tokyo Police Club, Owen Pallett, Hollerado, Shad, Land of Talk, and Basia Bulat. The Arcade Fire will also perform at the ceremony on March 27. See the nominations after the jump.

Album of the Year: The Arcade Fire “The Suburbs”

Group of the Year: The Arcade Fire

New Artist of the Year: Basia Bulat

New Group of the Year: Hollerado

Songwriter of the Year: The Arcade Fire “Ready to Start”, “We Used to Wait”, “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”

Alternative Album of the Year: The Arcade Fire “The Suburbs”, Owen Pallett “Heartland”, Tokyo Police Club “Champ”

Rap Recording of the Year: Shad “TSOL”

Jack Richardson Producer of the Year: The Arcade Fire (co-producer Markus Dravs) “Ready to Start”, “We Used to Wait”

Recording Package of the Year: The Arcade Fire “The Suburbs” – Vincent Morisset (Art Director), Caroline Robert (Designer), Gabriel Jones (Photographer), Land of Talk “Cloak and Cipher” – Corri-Lynn Tetz (Art Director)

For the full list of nominees, see the Juno Awards site.

Video: Young Galaxy – “We Have Everything”

allison — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:45:38 +0000

Young Galaxy has premiered a video for “We Have Everything” from their new album, Shapeshifting. This animated short was created by Montreal-based visual artist Sinbad Richardson. “Starring a sad purple mall employee named Jennifer, the clip evokes some of the same kind of oddly moving surrealistic vibes as Radiohead’s classic ‘Paranoid Android’ vid,” writes GorillaVsBear. Young Galaxy will be on tour in March in support of their February 8 release from Paper Bag.

Video: Lord Huron – “The Stranger”

allison — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:12:45 +0000

Lord Huron offer a desolate, snowy video for “The Stranger” via PitchforkTV. The song comes from the self-released Mighty EP (November 2010). The band also shares a free download of the song “Mighty” from their bandcamp website. See Lord Huron on tour this February.

NPR First Listen: Telekinesis – ’12 Desperate Straight Lines’

mulder — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:26:21 +0000

Telekinesis‘ new album, 12 Desperate Straight Lines, is streaming in full at NPR Music. Robin Hilton writes, “I’ve always admired artists who can make darkness feel like sunshine, and Telekinesis does it better than most.” Merge will release 12 Desperate Straight Lines on February 15. See Telekinesis on tour this spring.

12 Desperate Straight Lines Track list:
1. You Turn Clear In The Sun
2. Please Ask For Help
3. 50 Ways
4. I Cannot Love You
5. Dirty Thing
6. Car Crash
7. Palm of Your Hand
8. I Got You
9. Fever Chill
10. Country Lane
11. Patterns
12. Gotta Get It Right Now

Video: The Dodos – “Trades & Tariffs” and “Men” (Live)

mulder — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:15:12 +0000

The Dodos headlined Sezio’s Four Day Weekend Festival this November. The band’s set was captured on film, and is now streaming as part of Pitchfork’s Tunnelvision series. The Dodos’ new album, No Color, will be released on March 15 via Frenchkiss. Watch the video here, and check them out on tour this spring.

New Track: Fleet Foxes – “Helplessness Blues”

mulder — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:22:38 +0000

Fleet Foxes‘ second album, Helplessness Blues, (Sub Pop) will be released on May 3. In advance of the release, fans can download the title track. See Fleet Foxes on tour this spring, and pre-order Helplessness Blues from Sub Pop.

Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues by subpop

NPR Song Of The Day: Wire – “Smash”

mulder — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:51:09 +0000

Wire‘s song, “Smash” was named yesterday’s Song Of The Day by NPR. The track is from the band’s twelfth studio album, Red Barked Tree (Pink Flag). “For all the harsh guitars hanging in the air, Newman’s words glide onto the hook like apple butter, sweet and smooth.” – NPR. See Wire on tour in April.

Video: Born Ruffians – “The Ballad of Moose Bruce”

shira — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:06:54 +0000

Born Ruffians have released a new video for their song, “The Ballad Of Moose Bruce.” The black-and-white, slow-motion wrestling video was directed by Brian Hamelin and Christian Kelley. Born Ruffians will be on tour in March in support of their 2010 release, Say It (Paper Bag Records).

New Track: Giant Sand – “Brand New Swamp Thing”

mulder — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:46:35 +0000

Giant Sand have shared the song, “Brand New Swamp Thing” via NPR. The track is from the band’s 2010 release, Blurry Blue Mountain (Fire Records). It is about “a roadside love story where the woman is unafraid to make the first move,” says NPR. Listen to “Brand New Swamp Thing” here.

Video: Basia Bulat on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series

shira — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:40:35 +0000

Basia Bulat recently performed at NPR offices for a Tiny Desk Concert. Watch the intimate set, comprised of songs, “The Shore,” “W Zielonym Zoo (In The Green Zoo),” “Heart of My Own,” and “In The Night,” here. Basia Bulat is currently on tour in Canada.

NPR Song Of The Day: John Vanderslice – “The Piano Lesson”

mulder — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:22:18 +0000

John Vanderslice‘s song, “The Piano Lesson,” is NPR‘s Song of the Day. “Vanderslice has a way with seemingly effortless and elastic melodies that overlap and accompany each other in simple but compelling ways.” – NPR Music. John Vanderslice’s new album, White Wilderness is out tomorrow on Dead Oceans.

Video: Warm Ghost – “Open The Wormhole In Your Heart”

mulder — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:04:43 +0000

Warm Ghost has premiered a new video for the song, “Open The Wormhole In Your Heart.” The video comes in advance of their upcoming EP, Uncut Diamond (Partisan), which will be released on February 15. The video depicts intimate shots of the human body lit by a black-light. Download the single, and watch the video.

Video: Disappears – “Superstition”

mulder — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:11:25 +0000

Disappears have premiered a new video for their song, “Superstition”.   The song is the lead off track from their second full-length album, Guider (Kranky). Watch the fuzzy, distorted video here, and download the track from Stereogum’s website.

Guider:

01 “Superstition”
02 “Not Romantic”
03 “Halo”
04 “Guider”
05 “New Fast”
06 “Revisting”

Disappears – “Superstition” Video (Stereogum Premiere) from stereogum on Vimeo.

New Track: The Mountain Goats – “Damn These Vampires”

mulder — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:01:53 +0000

The Mountain Goats have premiered a new track, “Damn These Vampires,” via Stereogum. The premiere comes in advance of their upcoming album, All Eternals Deck (Merge), which will be released on March 29. Download “Damn These Vampires” here, and see The Mountain Goats on tour this spring.

All Eternals Deck:

01 Damn These Vampires
02 Birth of Serpents
03 Estate Sale Sign
04 Age of Kings
05 The Autopsy Garland
06 Beautiful Gas Mask
07 High Hawk Season
08 Prowl Great Cain
09 Sourdoire Valley Song
10 Outer Scorpion Squadron
11 For Charles Bronson
12 Never Quite Free
13 Liza Forever Minnelli

Pavement to Appear on The Food Network’s ‘Ace of Cakes’

mulder — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:51:31 +0000

Pavement will appear on tonight’s episode of Ace of Cakes on The Food Network. During Pavement’s 2010 tour, Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes presented the band with a custom cake made in honor of the band. Watch a short clip of the episode here. Ace of Cakes airs at 10pm/9c.

Coachella Line-Up Announced

mulder — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:25:38 +0000

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival in Indio, California has announced its 2011 line-up. The Arcade Fire will headline Saturday night (April 16th). The three-day festival will also feature Mumford & Sons, The Tallest Man On Earth, The New Pornographers, Wire, The Swell Season, The Henry Clay People, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Thao with the Get Down Stay Down along with many others. The festival runs from April 15 to 17. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 21, 2011 10am pst.

Plants & Animals on Daytrotter

chadd — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:14:53 +0000

Plants & Animals recently stopped by the Daytrotter studios to record three tracks. Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller writes, “It feels as if there are some sweats going on in the songs ‘Game Shows’ and ‘Feed Back In The Field,’ taking us into some personal struggles, and they’re the kinds of sweats that make the coldness a little more tolerable”. Download the session here and see Plants & Animals on tour now.

Video: NewVillager- “Rich Doors”

chadd — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:55:28 +0000

NewVillager have premiered their video for “Rich Doors” on IFC. Taken from the 7” of the same name, the song’s video uses symbols to note all of the characters’ changes. IFC writes, “[NewVillager] wield a pop song like a scalpel to the dance center of your brain.”

Video: S. Carey- “In The Dirt”

chadd — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:43:55 +0000

S. Carey has premiered a video for the song “In The Dirt” off his debut album, All We Grow (Jagjaguwar). Spin reports that the footage was shot by two Swedish fans who sent the result to Carey’s manager. Carey was so touched by their work that it is now the official video for the song. See the video here and catch Carey on tour.

New Track: Little Scream – “The Heron and the Fox”

mulder — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:05:56 +0000

Little Scream will release her debut full-length, The Golden Record, on April 12 via Secretly Canadian. Download a track from the album, “The Heron and the Fox,” here. Little Scream will be on tour with Sharon Van Etten this spring.

Track listing:

1. The Lamb
2. Cannons
3. The Heron and the Fox
4. Your Radio
5. Black Cloud
6. Guyegaros
7. Boatman
8. People is Place
9. Red Hunting Jacket
10. Hallowed

Video: Joan as Police Woman – “The Magic”

mulder — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:08:57 +0000

Joan as Police Woman has released a video for her song, “The Magic.” The track is on Joan’s forthcoming album, The Deep Field, which will be out in the U.S. this spring via Pias. Watch the bizarre video, which features body builders, fish, and smoke, here, and download “The Magic” along with two other tracks for free from her website.

The Deep Field Track Listing:

1 Nervous
2 The Magic
3 The Action Man
4 Flash
5 Run For Love
6 Human Condition
7 Kiss The Specifics
8 Chemmie
9 Forever And A Year
10 I Was Everyone
11 It’s Possible*
12 Human Condition (Solo)*

* Vinyl format only

Video: Behind the Scenes With The Dodos

mulder — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:36:02 +0000

The Dodos will release their fourth album, No Color, via Frenchkiss on March 15. The record will feature collaborations with Neko Case on almost half of the album. Watch a behind the scenes video of The Dodos in the studio here.

Track listing:

01 Black Night
02 Going Under
03 Good
04 Sleep
05 Don’t Try and Hide It
06 When Will You Go
07 Hunting Season
08 Companions
09 Don’t Stop

New Track: Telekinesis – “You Turn Clear in the Sun”

shira — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:46:58 +0000

Telekinesis have premiered the song, “Your Turn Clear in the Sun” via NPR’s All Songs Considered. The track opens Telekinesis’ new album, 12 Desperate Straight Lines, which will be out February 15 via Merge. NPR’s Robin Hilton writes, “Michael Benjamin Lerner makes unabashedly joyful pop music…Even when Lerner sings about heartache and loss and longing, he manages to make it feel like a good ride.”

Stream the track here, and see Telekinesis on tour this spring.

The Swell Season’s Music Featured In Broadway Musical

chadd — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:31:09 +0000

The Swell Season’s Academy Award-winning songs will be featured in the upcoming Broadway musical adaptation of the film Once. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová starred in the film, won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original song for “Falling Slowly,” and received two Grammy Award nominations for the soundtrack. Glen and Markéta continue to write new music and tour as The Swell Season.

The musical is set to open on Broadway in fall of 2011. The rest of the creative team of the musical is as follows: award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh, the acclaimed Scottish director John Tiffany, five time Tony Award winning designer Bob Crowley, musical staging by Steven Hoggett, and Martin Lowe as the music director.

Billions Welcomes Yellow Ostrich

chadd — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 23:09:49 +0000

Billions is pleased to announce that we now represent Yellow Ostrich. Yellow Ostrich is the brainchild of Alex Schaaf. Though Schaaf has been recording under the Yellow Ostrich moniker for only a couple of years, he has already released 3 EPs, one 7-inch, and 3 full-lengths. Stream Yellow Ostrich’s latest album, The Mistress (Afternoon Records) via Bandcamp.   KEXP writes, “Though The Mistress coheres beautifully as a whole, every song seems to stand out on its own.”

Okkervil River to Perform on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

mulder — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:55:41 +0000

Okkervil River are tonight’s musical guest on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. The band will play two new songs, and will be joined by A.C. Newman and members of The Roots. Late Night With Jimmy Fallon airs nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central.

Video: Perfume Genius – “Dreem”

mulder — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 23:07:20 +0000

Perfume Genius recently recorded a live performance of “Dreem” for Pitchfork‘s Tunnelvision series at Different Fur Studios in San Francisco. The song is a bonus track on the special edition of Learning (Matador). Watch the video here.

Billions Welcomes Spiritualized

shira — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:17:34 +0000

It is with great pride and excitement that we announce that Billions now represents Spiritualized. For over two decades, J. Spaceman has been an irrefutable and influential force in music, receiving praise from critics, fans, and peers.

Reviews of past work from Spiritualized:

“Bolder than the term Britpop might suggest, more focused than the term psychedelic might imply, Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space is one of the great triumphs of the 70-plus-minute CD era. Alternately chaotic and meticulous, thundering and quivering, Ladies and Gentlemen finds power in conflict– between restraint and excess, addiction and isolation, and ultimately, love and hate. 10.0 ” – Pitchfork

“Spiritualized’s mind-expanding pharmaceutical rock is a layered, swirling mass of guitar worship” – SPIN

“[Songs in A&E is] the finest work of Pierce’s career, featuring his most moving songs performed with genuine soul and affection…Even the rockier numbers – the frazzled psychedelic maelstrom of “Yeah Yeah”, the Mary Chain cacophony of “You Lie You Cheat”, and the wailing raunch-rock of “I Gotta Fire” – have sly, self-deprecating charm…A great comeback album, in every sense.– The Independent

“Spiritualized staked out a common ground between minimalism and lush symphonics — while powered by simple, repetitious motifs, their songs simultaneously blossomed into rich, shimmering sonic panoramas inspired by the majestic studio wizardry of Phil Spector and Brian Wilson.” – AllMusic

Video: Destroyer – “Kaputt”

mulder — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:59:14 +0000

Destroyer has released a new video for the title track from his upcoming album. Directed by Dawn Garcia, the dream-like video features a nerdy teenage boy, an old man in the desert, and a whale floating from a balloon. Kaputt will be released on January 25 via Merge Records. Check out Destroyer’s recently announced spring tour, and watch the video.

Billions Welcomes Alex Winston

mulder — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:02:46 +0000

Billions is pleased to announce the addition of Alex Winston to our roster. The classically trained singer and multi-instrumentalist has played with Chuck Berry and The Electric Six, among others. NME describes her as “instantly the flyest, freshest, and most importantly, catchiest new artist I’d heard in ages,” and Pop Matters writes,”[Winston has] expansive vocal range; expertise with subtle shadings and textures, all contained within a seemingly simple little pop ditty.”

Download Winston’s free, self-produced EP, The Basement Covers, on which she reworks tracks from the likes of The Rolling Stones and Mumford & Sons.

New Track: Akron/Family – “So It Goes”

mulder — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:39:35 +0000

Akron/Family have released a new track from their upcoming album, S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT (Dead Oceans). In advance of the album’s February 8 release, Dead Oceans will host a free listening party via webcast this weekend. Listen to “So It Goes” here.

The webcast will air at 10 pm (PST) on January 8 here.

S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT Track listing:

01 Silly Bears
02 Island
03 A AAA O A WAY
04 So It Goes
05 Another Sky
06 Light Emerges
07 Cast a Net
08 Tatsuya Neon Purple Walkby
09 Fuji I (Global Dub)
10 Say What You Want To
11 Fuji II (Single Pane)
12 Canopy
13 Creator

New Track: Callers – “You Are an Arc”

shira — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:25:43 +0000

Callers‘ track, “You Are an Arc,” is streaming on Pitchfork. The song is from Callers’ sophomore release, 2010′s Life of Love (Western Vinyl). Pitchfork writes, “Life of Love proves another rich, rewarding listen from a quietly spectacular ensemble.” See Callers live on tour this spring with Wye Oak.

NPR First Listen: Wire – ‘Red Barked Tree’

shira — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:17:59 +0000

Wire‘s new album, Red Barked Tree, is streaming in full at NPR Music. NPR’s Bob Boilen writes, “[Wire] write timeless songs with wit and bite…It feels contemporary, not like the work of a band well into its fourth decade of recording.” Red Barked Tree will be released via the band’s own label, Pink Flag, on Jan. 11. See Wire on tour in April.

Mumford & Sons on NPR’s World Cafe

shira — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:27:48 +0000

Mumford & Sons were featured on yesterday’s NPR program, World Cafe. The London foursome talked with host David Dye about their release, Sigh No More, which recently went Gold in its 44th week. Hear the interview and in-studio performances of “White Blank Page,” “Timshel,” “Winter Winds,” and “Sister,” here.

Video: Beach House Special Presentation on Pitchfork.tv

shira — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:39:56 +0000

Beach House show off their fur-lined studio space and play a number of songs for Pitchfork.tv’s Special Presentation. In this series, the band shares the songs “Zebra,” “Norway,” “Walk in the Park,” and “Take Care,” from their critically acclaimed 2010 album, Teen Dream. Watch the videos here, and see Beach House live on tour in February.

Billions Welcomes Reading Rainbow

shira — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:37:53 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Reading Rainbow have joined the Billions roster. The Philadelphia duo’s sophomore album, Prism Eyes, was released earlier this year on Hozac Records. “Everton and Garcia have a tight grip on what makes indie pop tick– sincerity, enthusiasm, and a catchy chorus.” – Pitchfork.

Reading Rainbow will be on tour with Dum Dum girls in March. Listen to “Wasting Time,” Prism Eyes’ opening track, here, and watch videos for “Euphoria” and “Always on My Mind” below.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings to Perform on This Evening’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno

shira — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:38:08 +0000

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings are the musical guests on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In time for Christmas, the band will perform “Ain’t No Chimneys in the Projects” from their Daptone Records holiday 45. The Tonight Show airs at 11:35/10:35 p.m. central on NBC. See Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings on tour in the new year.

Video: Suckers – “It Gets Your Body Movin”

shira — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:01:26 +0000

Suckers have premiered their new video for “It Gets Your Body Movin,” via Pitchfork.tv. “It Gets Your Body Movin” is on the band’s self-titled EP, as well as their debut full length, Wild Smile, which is out now on Frenchkiss. Watch the video here.

Pitchfork’s Top 50 Albums of 2010

mulder — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:17:56 +0000

Records by six Billions artists are featured on Pitchfork’s Top 50 Albums of 2010. The list includes releases by Beach House, Vampire Weekend, Joanna Newsom, The Arcade Fire, Sufjan Stevens, and The Tallest Man On Earth.

#5 – Beach House – Teen Dream

#6 – Vampire Weekend – Contra

#7 – Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me

#11 – The Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

#25 – Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz

#33 – The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt

See the list in it’s entirety here.

Video: Grinderman – “Evil”

mulder — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:57:01 +0000

Grinderman has released a video for the song, “Evil” from their recent album, Grinderman 2 (Anti). Directed by John Hillcoat, the video features close up shots of a bird and a vampire squid. Hillcoat also produced a series of trailers in advance of the album, and a video for the first single, “Heathen Child”.

Twelve Billions Artists Named in NPR’s All Songs Considered Year-End Polls

shira — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:48:01 +0000

Eleven Billions artists’ albums were named in All Songs Considered‘s Listener Poll for Best Albums of 2010, and five were in the top ten. All Songs Considered‘s staff also named four Billions artists in their Top 10 lists.

All Songs Considered Listener Poll: The Best Albums of 2010:

1 Arcade Fire: The Suburbs
4 Mumford & Sons: Sigh No More
7 Vampire Weekend: Contra
8 Sufjan Stevens: The Age Of Adz
9 Beach House: Teen Dream
16 The Tallest Man On Earth: The Wild Hunt
22 New Pornographers: Together
24 Joanna Newsom: Have One On Me
27 Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings: I Learned The Hard Way
79 Blitzen Trapper: Destroyer of the Void
91 Owen Pallett: Heartland

Lost in the Trees, The Tallest Man on Earth, Sufjan Stevens, and Joanna Newsom were named on All Songs Considered staff top 10 lists.

Billions Welcomes Henry Wolfe

mulder — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:30:07 +0000

We are excited to announce that Henry Wolfe has joined the Billions roster. His first full length album, Linda Vista, will be released in March 2011. LA Record writes, “The Henry Wolfe experience can uplift or crush you like one of those epiphanies that transform the heart from a blood-pumping organ into a hallmark illustration.”

Billions Welcomes NewVillager

mulder — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:03:20 +0000

The Billions Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of NewVillager to our roster. In 2009 the bi-coastal, multi-media duo released their debut 7″, “Rich Doors” through Twosyllable Records. The single was critically acclaimed by Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and NME amongst others. In 2011, NewVillager will release their first full-length album via IAMSOUND.

“Rich Doors” starts with clanging Hot 97 percussion and shape-shifting electronics, then drags the whole thing through drifting, effects-soaked translucence.” – Pitchfork

“Pop shaman taking meticulous steps towards a mysterious, musical nirvana” -NME

“Listen to “Rich Doors” and feel the weight of a snowy world lift from your shoulders. Watch as your feet start to tap and your hips sway gently from side to side. Feel the love as a smile glides across your face.” - Irish Times

Joanna Newsom to Perform on Tonight’s Late Show with David Letterman

shira — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:11:01 +0000

Joanna Newsom is tonight’s musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. Newsom will perform a song from her latest album, Have One on Me (Drag City). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT.

Oberhofer’s Daytrotter Session

mulder — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:55:42 +0000

Oberhofer recently recorded four unreleased songs for Daytrotter. Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller writes, “The music that Oberhofer makes to support theories of love’s resiliency is that of hurdy gurdy indie rock…jumpy and intelligent at the same time.” Download the session here, and see Oberhofer on tour this January and February.

Billions Welcomes Little Scream

shira — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 19:31:35 +0000

We are proud to announce that Little Scream has joined the Billions roster. Montreal-based Laurel Sprengelmeyer has shared the stage with the likes of Atlas Sound, Stars, The Sea and Cake, and Handsome Furs. On her forthcoming debut, The Golden Record, Sprengelmeyer plays guitar, violin, and keyboard, and sings.

Early Reviews for Little Scream:

“Just when you thought Montreal was tapped out on its music talent, along comes LittleScream.” – Brooklyn Vegan

“A really terrific set of quietly noisy, phosphorescent songs” — Said the Gramophone

“Like a petite mort, Little Scream will make the hair on your neck stand up in excitement” — Pop Montreal

“…the singer-songwriter has a raw banshee energy that’s absolutely mesmerizing. She’s an artist in the same vein as Scout Niblett, Patti Smith, and Cat Power — a ferocious singer who uses her voice as an amorphous instrument, shifting from tenderly soulful purring into wordless cries that serve as sharp punctuation marks in her melodies.” — CBC

“Thankfully…Montreal’s Little Scream is there to quell my fears with her celestial, mantra-like lullabies. At times, her whispers morph into throbbing yodels as she squashes her distortion pedal, unleashing a hailstorm of grimy riffs while stomping along with her right foot. Her style is intimately raw, but this lovely Luddite makes hearts flutter nevertheless.” — eyeweekly.com

“…far more compelling and unsettling than the ‘girl with an acoustic guitar’ descriptor might imply” — Virgin Music Blog

Video: Perfume Genius – “Lookout, Lookout”

mulder — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:15:18 +0000

Perfume Genius has released a video for the song, “Lookout, Lookout” from his album, Learning (Matador). Directed by Patrick Sher, the video was shot at a Portland motel. Matador has recently re-released a special edition of Learning which includes three bonus tracks, and new album artwork. Watch the video here.

Video: Owen Pallett Scores Actors’ Short Films for New York Times

shira — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:05:18 +0000

The New York Times Magazine’s Fourteen Actors Acting, a video gallery of actors exploring classic screen archetypes in black and white short films, was scored by Owen Pallett. Watch the videos, which include Natalie Portman, Michael Douglas, James Franco, Jess Eisenberg, and Robert Duvall, here.

The musical scores were performed by the Czech FILMharmonic Orchestra.

Diamond Rings on Daytrotter

mulder — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:13:50 +0000

Daytrotter has posted a new session with Diamond Rings. The session was recorded during a break from the POP Montreal festival in October, and features songs from his debut album, Special Affections (Secret City). Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller writes, “The songs, when they are bare and shivering as they are here, with stark instrumentation…are bleeding and pulsing examples of hypersensitivity and of a narrator who has been to some dark places.” Listen to the songs, here.

New Track: Wye Oak – “Civilian”

mulder — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:17:00 +0000

Wye Oak have released a new track from their upcoming album, Civilian (Merge). The record was recorded with engineer, John Congleton (St. Vincent, Shearwater, Swan Lake) and is set to be released March 8th. Wye Oak have also recently announced winter and spring tours. Check out the dates here. Download the title track, “Civilian” via Stereogum.

Track listing:
1. Two Small Deaths
2. The Alter
3. Holy Holy
4. Dogs Eyes
5. Civilian
6. Fish
7. Plains
8. Hot as Day
9. We Were Wealth
10. Doubt

NPR Music’s Song of the Day: The Moondoggies – “What Took So Long”

shira — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:53:42 +0000

The Moondoggies‘ track “What Took So Long” is NPR‘s song of the day. “With its dark notions rolled up in a murky, cathartic haze, “What Took So Long” is perfect for a solitary, overcast afternoon.” - NPR Music. See the band on tour in support of their recent release, Tidelands (Hardly Art).

New Track: Young Galaxy – “Cover Your Tracks”

shira — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:42:16 +0000

Young Galaxy have premiered a new song, “Cover Your Tracks,” via Gorilla vs. Bear. “Cover Your Tracks” is on the band’s forthcoming album, Shapeshifting, which will be out in February via Paper Bag . Gorillla vs. Bear writes, “Like the stunning first single “Peripheral Visionaries,” “Cover Your Tracks” was shaped into a mesmerizing, celestial slo-mo disco mini-epic.”

Billions Artists Featured on NPR Music’s 50 Favorite Albums of 2010

mulder — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:35:21 +0000

Four Billions artists have been featured in NPR’s 50 Favorite Albums of 2010; The Arcade Fire, Owen Pallett, Sufjan Stevens, and The Tallest Man On Earth. NPR describes these artists’ albums as “the ones that inspired us, surprised us and stayed with us more than any others.” Check out the rest of the list, here.

New Track: Howe Gelb – “All Done In”

mulder — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:27:34 +0000

Howe Gelb has shared a new track from his album, Melted Wires. “All Done In” is the first track on the digital release, which is available to stream or download here. Melted Wires features guest appearances from members of Calexico and Giant Sand. Read Howe’s album introduction on his website.

Six Billions Artists Nominated for a Combined 9 Grammys

shira — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:12:21 +0000

The Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons, Vampire Weekend, Justin Roberts, Oh No Ono and members of Antibalas have received a combined nine Grammy Award nominations. The Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs has been nominated for Album of the Year.

Grammy nominations are listed below by artist. Congratulations!

Mumford & Sons: Best New Artist; Best Rock Song – “Little Lion Man”

The Arcade Fire: Album of the Year – The Suburbs; Best Alternative Music Album- The Suburbs ; Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals – “Ready to Start”

Vampire Weekend: Best Alternative Music Album – Contra

Justin Roberts: Best Musical Album For Children – Jungle Gym

Antibalas - Best Musical Show Album: FELA! (Antibalas member and FELA! musical director Aaron Johnson)

Oh No Ono: Best Recording Package – Eggs

See the full list of nominees here. The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards will air February 13th on CBS.

S. Carey on Daytrotter

mulder — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:57:10 +0000

Daytrotter has posted a new session with S. Carey. Carey performed three songs, “Move”, “In the Dirt”, and the title track from his recent album, All We Grow (Jagjaguwar). The songs are available to stream or download via the Daytrotter website. See S. Carey live on tour this winter.

New Track: The Cave Singers – “Swim Club”

shira — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:17:42 +0000

The Cave Singers have premiered “Swim Club,” the second track from their forthcoming album, No Witch. Stereogum writes, ““Swim Club” builds on warm instrumental and vocal harmonies. Singer Pete Quirk’s voice is raspy as ever, and it has a brittle, vulnerable quality.” Download the track here, and see The Cave Singers on tour in December with Cold War Kids.

No Witch comes out February 22 via Jagjaguwar.

Tracklist:

01 Gifts and the Raft
02 Swim Club
03 Black Leaf
04 Falls
05 Outer Realms
06 Haller Lake
07 All Land Crabs and Divinity Ghosts
08 Clever Creatures
09 Haystacks
10 Distant Sures
11 Faze Wave
12 No Prosecution If We Bail

Billions Welcomes Lord Huron

shira — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:55:33 +0000

We are proud to announce that Lord Huron has joined the Billions roster. The LA-based band self-released its second EP, “Mighty,” earlier this month. Listen to NPR Music’s recent feature of Lord Huron on World Cafe that was recorded in October.

The L.A. Times writes, “The band’s self-released “Mighty” EP is full of lush acoustic guitars and Midwestern-accented harmonies as warm as a winter fireplace, but it’s the Caribbean-influenced percussion that fans Lord Huron’s folk sound into flame.”

“And yet, trying to box in Mighty only highlights what makes it an invigorating listen. It’s something like a stylistic superball, bouncing off any wall you put around it…no matter how far into the clouds he gets, beneath it all is gut-level, emotive songwriting that hits directly and honestly.” – Pitchfork

“The band’s lush harmonies are backed by a hazy whirlpool of poly-rhythmic tropical drums and folk guitars” – NPR Music

Einstuerzende Neubauten Have to Cancel North American Thirtieth Anniversary Shows

shira — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:00:38 +0000

It is with great regret that Einstürzende Neubauten announce the cancellation of their planned thirtieth anniversary appearances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto and New York. While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did issue approvals for the band’s visas, it was not done in time to secure the appointments at the overseas embassies and consulates that represent the necessary final step in the process.

The band members are tremendously disappointed by this turn of events and wish to thank all those fans who purchased tickets for these performances for their support. The band would have loved to do the tour and meet their overseas fans. Because this tour was a time-sensitive production, it will not be rescheduled. Ticket holders can obtain refunds from their point of purchase.

New Tracks: Cadence Weapon – ‘TRON LEGACY: The Mixtape’

shira — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:34:39 +0000

Cadence Weapon has digitally released a new, pay-what-you-want album, Tron Legacy: The Mixtape (Upper Class). The 40-minute collection includes Cadence Weapon rapping over his favorite songs as of late, including tracks from Gucci Mane, The Arcade Fire, Big Boi, Sleigh Bells, and Jay-Z, among others. Download it here.

Tron Legacy: The Mixtape Tracklist:
01 Tron
02 Holla I’m Good
03 F*** That Hipster S***
04 Always Strapped (ft. Buck 65)
05 I Eat My Rider
06 Cadence Weapon Speaks
07 The Suburbs
08 The Weedman (ft. Giovanni Marks)
09 On With A +1 (ft. Derek_from_Northcliffe)
10 G20 Swag
11 A Note On The ECCA
12 Two Pistols (ft.Birdapres)
13 Colours
14 Lemonade (ft. The Joe, Mitchmatic and Mikey Maybe)
15 Twitter
16 10 Bricks (ft. Kazmega)
17 Baby I’m Yours (ft. Shad)
18 Flower Girl

New Track: Destroyer – “Chinatown”

shira — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:57:53 +0000

Destroyer‘s new LP won’t be out until late January, but Dan Bejar has shared the album’s lead-off track, “Chinatown.” Download the song here. “With smoky saxophone and dollops of back-alley atmospherics, the song finds Destroyer taking a groovy soft-rock turn.” – Pitchfork. Merge will release Kaputt on January 25th.

Kaputt Tracklist:

01 “Chinatown”
02 “Blue Eyes”
03 “Savage Night at the Opera”
04 “Suicide Demo for Kara Walker”
05 “Poor in Love”
06 “Kaputt”
07 “Downtown”
08 “Song for America”
09 “Bay of Pigs” (detail)
10 “The Laziest River” (20 minute vinyl-only bonus track)

Video: Sufjan Stevens – “Too Much”

shira — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:12:34 +0000

Sufjan Stevens has released a new video for the track “Too Much,” off his latest release, The Age of Adz (Asthmatic Kitty). Deborah Johnson directed the video, which uses stop motion, neon colors, and a lot of dancing. Portions of the video were shown on Sufjan’s recent tour.

Video: Mirah – “The Forest”

josh — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:23:07 +0000

Mirah has shared a new video for the song, “The Forest” from her 2009 K Records release, (a)spera. “It’s full of surprises and fantasy, synchronized dancing, shredding on the docks,” explains K Records. The Lauren Siegel-directed video was filmed on Mirah’s family farm in Pennsylvania.

Director: Lauryn Siegel
Producer: Charlie Dibe
Choreographer: Faye Driscoll
Director of Photography: Ava Berkofsky
2nd AC: Kira Murdock
Production Coordinator: Jocelyn Jacobs
Editing: Hedia Maron
Assistant Editor: Isabel Freeman
Costumes: Lesley Wolf & Hayden Dunham
VFX: David Lucido & Jay Liquori
Colorist: Evan Stalker
Props: Beth Flatley & Tiny Favorite
Directorial Assistance: Gigi Nicolas
Transportation Captain: Jenna Weiss-Berman
Hair & Make-Up: Andrea Grande-Capone

Billions Welcomes Callers

shira — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:05:13 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Callers have joined the Billions roster. The New York three-piece’s album, Life of Love, is out now on Western Vinyl. NPR describes Callers as, “…soulful music…hauntingly beautiful…confident…” Watch the video for their song, “How You Hold Your Arms,” and a short trailer for the band’s album release show, here.

“…I actually had to shut it off because it got to be too much. And of course, that’s meant as high praise.” – Pitchfork.

“…a powerful, yet brief statement that seems to linger just long enough to
make a great impression.” – Foxy Digitalis

Video: The Arcade Fire – “The Suburbs”

mulder — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:22:50 +0000

The Arcade Fire have released a brand new video for the title track from their chart-topping album, The Suburbs (Merge). The Spike Jonze directed video follows a group of bike-riding suburban teenagers grappling with friendship, authority, and love. Watch the video here.

Sufjan Stevens to Perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

mulder — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:49:44 +0000

Right on the heels of his sold out North American tour, Sufjan Stevens will perform on tonight’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Sufjan will play a song from his recent release, The Age of Adz, which is out now on Asthmatic Kitty. The show airs nationwide at 12:35/11:35 central.

The Frames To Perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

shira — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:27:19 +0000

The Frames are tonight’s musical guests on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band will perform a song off of their deluxe, expanded reissue of Dance the Devil.  Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central. See The Frames on their upcoming U.S. tour.

New Track: John Vanderslice – “Sea Salt”

mulder — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:54:50 +0000

John Vanderslice has been featured on the latest edition of NPR’s All Songs Considered. The show includes “Sea Salt” from Vanderslice’s upcoming album, White Wilderness (Dead Oceans). NPR calls the track, “lushly orchestrated”. Bob Boilen says it might be the best thing he’s heard from John Vanderslice. Stream the song on NPR.com.

White Wilderness is a collaboration with The Magik*Magik Orchestra, and will be released on January 25.

Video: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Perform on Conan

shira — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:09:46 +0000

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings performed on Conan O’Brien’s new late-night TBS show yesterday. The band played “If You Call” from their recent release, I Learned The Hard Way (Daptone). “This performance showed how [Sharon Jones] can go from a belting soul diva to a hushed introspective crooner in the space of a heartbeat.” – Prefix. See Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings on tour this winter.

Video: Grinderman Perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

shira — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:30:34 +0000

Grinderman performed on Monday’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, one day after their sold out show at New York’s Best Buy Theater. The band played “Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man” from their latest release, Grinderman 2 (Anti). Grinderman’s North American tour continues this week.

The Arcade Fire to Play Saturday Night Live

mulder — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:17:32 +0000

The Arcade Fire will return to Saturday Night Live this Saturday, November 13. The band will perform a song from their recent chart topping album, The Suburbs (Merge). The episode will be hosted by Scarlett Johansson. Saturday Night Live airs on NBC at 11:30 pm/10:30 pm central.

New Track: Telekinesis – “Car Crash”

mulder — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:56:46 +0000

Telekinesis have released a new track in advance of the upcoming 2011 release, 12 Desperate Straight Lines (Merge). “‘Car Crash’ packs the same sugary punch of the band’s debut, juxtaposing singer-songwriter Michael Lerner’s buoyant hooks with contemplative lyrics,” writes Spin. The band has also announced a winter tour which kicks off in February. Check out the dates here, and stream or download “Car Crash” on Spin.com.

Adam Haworth Stephens and Lost in the Trees on NPR’s Mountain Stage

shira — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:11:18 +0000

Adam Haworth Stephens and Lost in the Trees will be on this week’s Mountain Stage, WVPN’s nationally syndicated live music show out of West Virginia. The program airs this weekend, starting Friday, via local NPR affiliates.

Billions Welcomes Warm Ghost

mulder — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:33:15 +0000

The Billions Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of Warm Ghost to our roster. The electronic duo released their debut EP, Claws Overhead (Geographic North) in May and have since signed with Partisan Records. Warm Ghost have collaborated with artists such as Bear In Heaven, Grizzly Bear, and Helado Negro. Listen to their single, “Open the Wormhole In Your Heart” here.

KEXP Song of the Day: Diamond Rings – “Something Else”

shira — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:58:58 +0000

Diamond Rings’ “Something Else” is KEXP’s Song of the Day. The track is on the Diamond Rings debut, Special Affections (Secret City Records). “His music combines simple Casio keyboards and vintage synth sounds with an irresistible pop/dance twist and his charming vocals.” – KEXP. Listen to the song here, and see Diamond Rings on tour later this month.

Video: Grinderman “Worm Tamer”

shira — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:02:58 +0000

Grinderman‘s new video for their second single, “Worm Tamer,” captures a September session at RAK Studios in London. It was directed by British artists Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard. Mute will release the single on colored vinyl and download in the U.K. later this month. Grinderman’s North American tour starts on Thursday.

Video: The Tallest Man on Earth – “Love Is All”

mulder — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:43:20 +0000

The Tallest Man on Earth has released a new video for the song “Love Is All” from his album, The Wild Hunt (Dead Oceans). The video features vintage footage of a family vacationing in the mountains. The Tallest Man on Earth’s track, “Like the Wheel” was also featured by Seattle’s KEXP as yesterday’s song of the day. Watch the video for “Love Is All” here.

New Track: NOMO – “Upside Down”

mulder — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:45:38 +0000

NOMO will release a 7″ single featuring the songs “Upside Down” and “Nocturne,” that will be available exclusively on their November tour with Iron and Wine. Listen to “Upside Down” here. The track features the band’s label-mate Shawn Lee on drums, bass, and steel drums.

NOMO and Shawn Lee – Upside Down by Ubiquity Records

St. Vincent To Appear with Kid Cudi Tonight on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

mulder — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:10:30 +0000

St. Vincent is set to perform tonight on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon with Kid Cudi. They will be performing a new single, “Maniac” from Kid Cudi’s upcoming album. The song samples St. Vincent’s track, “The Strangers” from her 2009 release, Actor (4AD). The show airs nationwide at 12:35/11:35 PM central.

New Track: Destroyer – “Archer on the Beach” (Feat. Tim Hecker)

shira — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:24:42 +0000

Destroyer‘s Dan Bejar and electronic musician Tim Hecker have joined forces to release the “Archer On The Beach” 12-inch (Merge), a two-song collaboration inspired by electronic/ambient music. Listen to the new track via Stereogum.“’Archer on the Beach’ is promising evidence that Bejar is, conceptually, continuing to do what he does best: destroying.” – Pitchfork.

Billions Welcomes Hollerado

shira — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:02:54 +0000

The Billions Corporation is proud to welcome Hollerado to our roster. The four-piece Canadian rock outfit’s self-released debut, Record in a Bag, is out now via Royal Mountain Records. Hollerado has played with the likes of The Dead Weather, The Black Lips, Girl Talk, and Andrew W.K. Watch their ‘live human 8-bit video’ for the song, “Americanarama,” here.

Hollerado is currently on tour in the U.S. with Free Energy.

Billions Welcomes Broken Records

mulder — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:06:58 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Broken Records have joined the Billions roster. Broken Records formed in 2007 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and have toured with bands such as The National, Editors, and Idlewild. “It is an elegant and, quite frankly, utterly beautiful record,” writes NME.

Below is a sample of the reviews for Broken Records’ second album, Let Me Come Home (4AD). The record was released on October 25 in the UK, and will be out in North America on January 19.

“It’s exciting, not self-indulgent; real, not affected. Far from being removed or pretentious, these are songs that pierce the centre of the hearts that they’ve sprung from, songs which turn the personal universal and the universal personal, songs which – especially in the pleading nostalgia of closer Home – linger like the sadness of burying a best friend and having to say goodbye for the final time.” – BBC

“Heart wrenching, hair lifting, eye welling moments of total despair greeted by gloriously uplifting, inspiring and hopeful turns in pace are what make Broken Records second album ‘Let Me Come Home’.” – Virgin

“…it is an album that revels in the restorative healing power of music and song. It is also beautifully written and performed and deserves to be up there with this year’s best.” – Music OMH

Learn more at Billions.com/BrokenRecords.

Video: Winter Gloves – “Trap The Mouse”

shira — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:21:18 +0000

Winter Gloves have debuted a new video for “Trap The Mouse,” a song off their sophomore release, All Red (Paper Bag Records). Filter premiered the video today, calling the song, “an upbeat, indie-pop ditty with slick synth grooves and rich guitar licks.” Winter Gloves is on tour in November.

Billions Welcomes The Head and the Heart

mulder — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:35:57 +0000

The Billions Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of The Head and the Heart to our roster. “There’s a cohesion, confidence and craft displayed in the songs that sounds more like something a seasoned band nit-picked at for years than it sounds like a debut album” says Sound On The Sound. The Head and the Heart recently supported Vampire Weekend, and have confirmed tours with Stornoway and Dr. Dog for this winter.

Listen to more songs from The Head and the Heart on their Myspace, and watch an interview with the band from The Seattle Times below.

Video: Generationals – “Trust”

mulder — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:02:07 +0000

Generationals have released a new video for the title track from their upcoming EP, Trust (Park the Van). The record will be released digitally via iTunes on November 9, and through all other digital stores on November 16. Watch the video now on My Old Kentucky Blog, and catch them on tour this fall.

Video: Perfume Genius Plays New Song, “Dreem” on the CBC

shira — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:59:09 +0000

Perfume Genius recently performed an unreleased new song, “Dreem” for the CBC program, Q. Pitchfork calls the new track, “painfully beautiful.” Watch the in-studio performance here. Learning, the debut album from Perfume Genius, is out now on Matador.

Video: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – “Let It Sway”

mulder — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:56:19 +0000

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin have released a video for the song, “Sink/Let It Sway” from their recent album, Let It Sway (Polyvinyl). Director Brook Linder filmed the band wreaking havoc on their hometown of Springfield, MO as they steal babies, light cars on fire, and set off fireworks. Watch the video via NME.

Check out Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin on tour this fall with The Lonely Forest.

Cheyenne Marie Mize’s Daytrotter Session

mulder — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:01:05 +0000

Cheyenne Marie Mize recently stopped by Daytrotter to perform songs from her recent release, Before Lately (SonaBLAST!). Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller says, “Mize sings with a tantalizing sweetness, a tone that allows you to stretch your head back to that last great and true love that you experienced”.

Download or stream the session from Daytrotter, and catch Cheyenne on tour this fall.

New Tracks: Dntel – “After Parties,” “Flares”

shira — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:43:18 +0000

On Dec. 7th, Dntel will release a pair of EPs, After Parties 1 and After Parties 2. The EPs will be compromised of eight new minimalist, experimental tracks. Download two new songs, “After Parties” and “Flares,” here. The all-instrumental EPs will be available digitally and on vinyl via Sub Pop.

New Track: The Heavy – “That Kind of Man (1.1)”

shira — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:10:05 +0000

The Heavy have released a new track in conjunction with their new EP, How You Like Me Now? Stream “That Kind of Man (1.1)” via Rolling Stone. The new EP boats two versions of the hit single – one featuring the Dap-Kings horn section, and is out now on Counter/+ 1 Records.

See The Heavy on their current tour.

Erin McKeown to Webcast ‘Distillation’ 10th Anniversary Show From Chicago

shira — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:27:30 +0000

Erin McKeown is presenting a live webcast of tomorrow night’s concert from Lincoln Hall in Chicago. The show will feature one set of McKeown’s debut album, Distillation, in full, and a second set of requests from the webcast audience. Fans can watch the concert live, access behind-the-scenes footage from the tour, and receive limited, signed merchandise. Access one of four unique packages here.

Ben Gibbard to Sing National Anthem at Today’s NLCS Baseball Game

shira — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:15:59 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie‘s Ben Gibbard will sing the National Anthem at today’s postseason game between the Giants and the Phillies in San Francisco. This third game of the National League Championship Series will be broadcast nationally on Fox television, and via local ESPN radio stations. Coverage starts at 1PM PT / 4PM ET.

Video: The Jesus Lizard – “Puss” (Live)

shira — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:17:05 +0000

For one week, fans can watch The Jesus Lizard‘s live concert DVD from Boston’s Venus De Milo club in 1994, via Pitchfork.tv. Watch a performance of “Puss” here. ““This is almost perfect for anyone looking to ante up their Lizard live experience beyond Show.” —Kory Grow, CMJ.”

New Track: Wire – “Two Minutes”

mulder — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:48:48 +0000

Wire have released a new track from their upcoming album, Red Barked Tree (Pink Flag). Listen to “Two Minutes” which is streaming on Pitchfork now. The new album is Wire’s first recording since their 2008 album Object 47. Red Barked Tree is set to be released on January 10.

Video: Diamond Rings – “Something Else”

shira — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:25:24 +0000

Diamond Rings has released a new, sparse video for the song “Something Else.” The track will be available on Diamond Rings’ debut album, Special Affections (Secret City Records), which comes out on October 25. Watch the video here.

Video: Blitzen Trapper – “The Tree”

shira — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:19:16 +0000

Blitzen Trapper have released a new music video for “The Tree.” The song is off the band’s latest album, Destroyer of the Void (Sub Pop). The Daniel Elkayam-directed video shows a family growing older as they climb a magical tree. Watch it here. Blitzen Trapper are currently on tour.

New Track: I Was A King – “Nightwalking”

shira — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:15:02 +0000

I Was A King have premiered the song “Nightwalking” from their forthcoming album, Old Friends. Download the track via Stereogum. Old Friends will be out in the U.S. on January 25th via Sounds Familyre.

Video: The Apples in stereo – “Time Pilot”

shira — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:52:46 +0000

The Apples in stereo have released a new video for their song, “Time Pilot.” In the stop-animation video, a formally-attired ape travels through time and space via a Victorian-era time machine. “Time Pilot” is on the band’s latest album, Travelers in Space and Time (Yep Roc/Simian/Elephant 6).

See The Apples in stereo on their current tour with Fol Chen.

New Track: Born Ruffians – “First Date Kid” (Feat. Tokyo Police Club’s David Monks)

shira — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:29:05 +0000

Born Ruffians have released Plinky Plonk EP, which is available physically on their current tour, and digitally via Warp in mid November. The song, “First Date Kid,” features Tokyo Police Club‘s David Monks. Stream “First Date Kid” here (via Stereogum).

Plinky Plonk EP Track Listing:
01 Plinky Plonky
02 Like When You
03 First Date Kid
04 Retard Canard II
05 Pool Party Fun
06 What To Say (VOWLS Remix)
07 Nova-Leigh (Acorn Remix)

Video: Black Mountain – “The Hair Song”

shira — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 21:51:20 +0000

Black Mountain have released a new video for “The Hair Song,” from their new album, Wilderness Heart (Jagjaguwar). The video was directed by Zoe Bower & Simon Chan. Watch the video here, and see Black Mountain on their upcoming tour with The Black Angels.

New Track: Southern Culture on the Skids – “Pig Pickin’”

shira — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:32:29 +0000

Southern Culture on the Skids‘ new album, The Kudzu Ranch, is out now on the band’s own Kudzu Records. Fans can download one of the album’s new tracks, “Pig Pickin,’” via the band’s website. The Kudzu Ranch marks the first self-release from SCOTS and their first release since 2007. See Southern Culture on the Skids on their current tour.

NPR Streams Live Concert from The Tallest Man On Earth and S. Carey

mulder — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:31:20 +0000

NPR Music recorded and interviewed The Tallest Man On Earth and S. Carey at The 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. this past weekend. NPR‘s Robin Hilton describes The Tallest Man On Earth’s voice as, “one of the boldest, most captivating voices around”, and S. Carey’s album, All We Grow, as “carefully crafted piano lines, sweet harmonies and lots of moody ambiance.”

Stream the interview below and listen to both artist’s sets here

The Moondoggies Stream New Album, Premiere Video

shira — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:09:58 +0000

The Moondoggies are streaming their new album, Tidelands (Hardly Art) on Facebook before its official release on October 12th. The band has also premiered an official video for the track, “Empress of the North.” The video was animated by Drew Christie.

See The Moondoggies on their current tour.

Interview: The Arcade Fire Discuss ‘The Suburbs’

shira — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:44:17 +0000

The Arcade Fire‘s Win and Will Butler recently talked with Pitchfork to discuss their new album, The Suburbs (Merge). Win and Will discussed the band’s ambition, record labels, and songs off the new album. The Arcade Fire are currently on tour with Colin Stetson.

New Track: Tokyo Police Club – “Wait Up (Boots of Danger) (Boys Like Us Remix)”

mulder — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:50:03 +0000

Tokyo Police Club have premiered a new remix of the track, “Wait Up (Boots of Danger)” from Boys Like Us. Boys Like Us is the moniker for Vampire Weekend‘s Rostam Batmanglij. The original song is from Tokyo Police Club’s recent release, Champ (Mom and Pop).

Listen to the track on Pitchfork here, and catch them on tour this fall.

New Track: Wildbirds & Peacedrums Premiere “The Well (The Field Remix)”

mulder — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:15:18 +0000

Wildbirds & Peacedrums have released a remix of the track, “The Well” from their recent album, Rivers (The Control Group). Rivers combines two previously released EP’s, Retina and Iris. Download “The Well (The Field Remix)” from Stereogum here.

David Bazan’s Daily Tour Video Series

shira — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:15:27 +0000

David Bazan will be posting a new video each day of his current tour. The videos, presented by No Depression, will capture intimate backstage performances from coast to coast. Watch a recent installment featuring “Please Baby Please” here.

David Bazan is on tour this fall with The Mynabirds and Wye Oak.

Born Ruffians’ Daytrotter Session

shira — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:48:13 +0000

Born Ruffians‘ recent Daytrotter session includes live renditions four songs off Say It, the band’s latest release from Paper Bag Records/Warp Records. Download versions of “Retard Canard,” “Higher and Higher,” “Oh Man,” and “The Ballad of Moose Bruce” here.

Vampire Weekend on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ Today

shira — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:27:27 +0000

Vampire Weekend appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show today for a performance of “Holiday.” While on the set, the band also played “Cousins.” Watch “Cousins” here. The program airs today. Check your local Warner Brothers affiliate for air times.

Vampire Weekend are currently on tour with Beach House.

NPR First Listen: Sufjan Stevens – ‘The Age of Adz’

shira — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:47:13 +0000

Sufjan Stevens‘ new album, The Age of Adz, is streaming in full at NPRMusic.org. “Magnificently orchestrated, [the album] shows an inspired artist deconstructing his sound and rebuilding it with grace and flair…Stevens retains his gift for crafting songs that are both epic and intimate.” – NPR‘s Robin Hilton

The Age of Adz will be out on October 12th via Asthmatic Kitty.

Video: Grinderman Perform “Worm Tamer” on ‘Later with Jools Holland’

shira — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 21:07:38 +0000

Grinderman recently performed “Worm Tamer,” the second single off their new album, Grinderman 2, on The BBC’s Later with Jools Holland. Grinderman 2 (Anti) debuted on the U.S. Top 40 charts. Watch the video here, and see Grinderman on tour this fall.

Video: Lost in the Trees on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series

shira — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:43:36 +0000

Lost in the Trees were recently featured on NPR Music‘s Tiny Desk Concert series. NPR’s Bob Boilen writes, “This is my favorite new band of 2010…Lost in the Trees creates a cinematic blend of storytelling and strings.” Watch the Tiny Desk Concert here. Lost in the Trees are currently on tour.

Video: Cheyenne Marie Mize – “Friend”

shira — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:12:27 +0000

Cheyenne Marie Mize has premiered a new, eerie video for the song, “Friend.” Filmed in Mize’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, the video features giant puppets, courtesy of Squallis Puppeteers. Cheyenne’s debut solo release, Before Lately, will be out October 12th via sonaBLAST! Records.

See Cheyenne Marie Mize on tour this October.

Cymbals Eat Guitars Preview New Songs

shira — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:58:14 +0000

Cymbals Eat Guitars are sharing four new tracks that will appear on their follow-up to 2009′s Why There Are Mountains. The band recorded “Wavelengths,” “Plainclothes,” “Tunguska,” and “Definite Darkness” live during a recent visit to BBC 6 Radio. Stream or download the songs now.

See Cymbals Eat Guitars on tour this fall with The Thermals.

Billions Welcomes Colin Stetson

shira — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:04:15 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Colin Stetson has joined the Billions roster. An accomplished soloist on bass saxophone and other reed and brass instruments in his own right, Stetson has also played on records by Tom Waits, TV On The Radio, The Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Bell Orchestre, Yeasayer and many others.

“This needs to be said up front: Colin Stetson is an absolute master of the saxophone. He has formidable breath control and circular breathing technique, a great sense of dynamics, and extremely impressive control over multiphonics and timbral changes: he can basically do anything that can be done with a saxophone (and maybe some things that can’t).” – Allmusic.com

Constellation Records will release his 7-inch this November, and a solo album in early 2011.

See Colin Stetson on tour with The Arcade Fire in October.

Pavement to Perform on Late Night Television This Week

shira — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:03:01 +0000

Pavement are the musical guests on The Colbert Report tonight, which airs at 11:30 p.m./10:30 central on Comedy Central. The band will also perform on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon this Thursday. Pavement will be joined on Thursday by the winning guitarist from the ‘Play with Pavement‘ contest.

See Pavement on their current tour.

Video: Shad – “We, Myself & I”

mulder — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:50:06 +0000

Shad has released a video for his new single, “We, Myself & I,” which was directed by Chris Mills. The song is from his third full-length album, TSOL (Black Box Music), which is a contender for the Polaris Music Prize’s Best Canadian Album of 2010. Check Shad out on tour this fall.

Video: Sharon Jones on Daryl Hall’s ‘Live From Daryl’s House’

shira — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:50:34 +0000

Sharon Jones recently joined Daryl Hall for Live From Daryl’s House. In the episode, the performers play “100 Days,” “Uncanny,” “I Learned the Hard Way,” and other songs, before sharing a meal together. Watch the musicians perform “100 Days,” and see Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings on their current tour.

John Vanderslice Releases Free EP

shira — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:53:51 +0000

John Vanderslice has released free six-song EP, titled Green Grow The Rushes. “The lead track, ‘Thule Fog’ is nicely sung and spare, an expertly produced mix of quirked synths, drunken strings plucked and muted.” – Stereogum. Download the EP here, and see John Vanderslice on his upcoming tour.

Video: Suckers – “A Mind I Knew”

shira — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:53:33 +0000

Suckers have released the first in a series of videos for the song, “A Mind I Knew.” Sucker’s drummer Brian Aiken directed the video; other band members will release subsequent versions in the coming weeks. “A Mind I Knew” is on the band’s debut record, Wild Smile, which is out now via (Frenchkiss).

See Suckers on their current tour with Menomena.

Video: The Lonely Forest – “Turn Off This Song and Go Outside”

shira — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:07:41 +0000

The Lonely Forest have released a new video for the song, “Turn Off This Song and Go Outside.” The video, directed by Tony Fulgham, was shot in the band’s hometown, Anacortes, WA. “Turn Off This Song and Go Outside” is off The Lonely Forest’s self-titled EP, which is out today via Trans. See them on tour this fall.

The Lonely Forest |MTV Music

Video: Midlake – “Rulers, Ruling All Things”

shira — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:06:03 +0000

Midlake have premiered a new video for the song, “Rulers, Ruling All Things.” Lead singer Tim Smith shot the footage on Super 8 while the band was on tour in Holland. The track is off Midlake’s recent release, The Courage of Others (Bella Union). See Midlake on their upcoming tour.

Watch the video for “Rulers, Ruling All Things” below, via Stereogum.

Einstürzende Neubauten Announce 30th Anniversary Performances in North America

shira — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:01:11 +0000

Einstürzende Neubauten, Berlin’s storied and essential leading edge of the international avant-garde music scene, will celebrate thirty years of live performance with a very select group of appearances in North America and Europe. In North America, four US cities and one Canadian city have been selected for the band’s first dates on these shores in over six years. In each, the band will present two events on two consecutive days. One will be a traditional, full-length concert by the entire group with a repertoire spanning the length of their career. The second, however, will present fans with a uniquely-expanded opportunity to connect with the band members and further facets of their work.

!

Among the elements involved:

Q & A with Fans: regarding the band’s history, the various stages of creative development, work with the “supporters” of the neubauten.org project (phase 1-3), and about the future.

Workshops / Lectures: regarding the band’s connection with Berlin culture from the 1980s to today.

Films: documenting the inner workings and public image of the band during the 30 years of their existence.

Band documentaries:

- HÖR MIT SCHMERZEN (2000) by Christian Beetz, a documentation of the band’s first 20 years
- LIEBESLIEDER (1993) by Klaus Maeck, a 100-minute compilation of the years 1980-93,
consisting primarily of live material.
- ON TOUR WITH NEUBAUTEN.ORG (2005) by Danielle de Picciotto, a documentation about
“neubauten.org,” the band’s Internet project.
- HALBER MENSCH (1985), an artistic collaboration with the Japanese filmmaker Sogo Ishii.

Films whose soundtracks involved Neubauten:
- BERLIN BABYLON (DVD) 2002, by Hubertus Siegert, about the rebuilding and reorganization of the city of Berlin after the fall of the Wall.

Films that were produced by the Band themselves:
- GRUNDSTUECK (2005), the film of the “Supporter Concert” in the Palast der Republik, never shown publicly, which was originally only available to supporters of the Internet project.
- PALAST DER REPUBLIK (2006), the band’s official concert in the partially torn down GDR Palast der Republik.

Solo Performances: presenting individual band members’ solo projects in the form of readings, musical performance and DJ sets

Photos: exhibiting fine photography related to the band

Full Set of North American Dates:
12/01/2010 The Music Box Los Angeles CA *
12/02/2010 The Echoplex Los Angeles CA ^
12/03/2010 The Fillmore San Francisco CA *
12/04/2010 Slim’s San Francisco CA ^
12/08/2010 Vic Theatre Chicago IL*
12/09/2010 Metro Chicago IL ^
12/11/2010 Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto ON *
12/12/2010 Lee’s Palace Toronto ON ^
12/14/2010 Webster Hall New York NY *
12/15/2010 Bowery Ballroom New York NY ^

* Full-length concert
^ Intimate Multi-Disciplinary experience

Stream Grinderman’s New Album in Full

mulder — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:28:18 +0000

Grinderman‘s highly anticipated new album, Grinderman 2, will be out on September 14th via Anti. In advance of their sophomore release, the band is streaming the album on Myspace. Watch the previously released video for the first single, “Heathenchild”, and two trailers for the album here.

Catch Grinderman on tour this fall.

Video: Aterciopelados – “Bandera”

shira — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:16:51 +0000

Aterciopelados have shared a new video for “Bandera,” the anthem off their GRAMMY-nominated album, Rio (Nacional Records). NPR Music described the Diego Peñuelaas-directed video as a “gorgeous and provocative animated commentary about the immigrant’s plight.”

Stornoway’s 4AD Session

josh — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:20:34 +0000

The latest 4AD Session features Stornoway playing unplugged at The Rotunda, an historic site in their hometown of Oxford, England. The video, directed by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, features four songs from the group’s debut album, Beachcomber’s Windowsill (4AD).

The Billions Corporation and Constant Artists Touring Announce Merger

shira — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:00:50 +0000

The Billions Corporation and Constant Artists Touring are pleased to announce they have merged and will begin new operations with principal offices in Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles.

Chicago-headquartered Billions is in its twenty-third year of operation and now houses a total of ten agents. In addition to those working out of its principal offices, the company has agents located in Toronto ON, Portland OR, and Bloomington IN. Among its exclusive clients are The Arcade Fire, Death Cab For Cutie, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Sufjan Stevens, Vampire Weekend, Bon Iver, Neko Case, Silversun Pickups, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Fleet Foxes, and The Swell Season.

Los Angeles-based Constant Artists Touring was launched in 2007 by veteran agent and manager Ben Dickey. The eight-artist roster he brings to Billions includes Explosions in the Sky, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Okkervil River and Suckers.

“I’ve always respected the way Billions does business,” says Ben Dickey. “Their honest, artist-centric approach has consistently provided unique opportunities for their clients, and their commitment to developing quality, career artists is a priority we’ve always shared.” Billions President David T. Viecelli concurs, “Ben’s self-made reputation speaks for itself. His integrity and artist-driven, no-nonsense approach mesh perfectly with the environment we’ve built here.”

The merger will be effective almost immediately with Ben Dickey beginning work under the Billions banner on Monday, September 13. A portion of the existing Constant Artists office in The Wiltern Theatre building will become the new Los Angeles office of The Billions Corporation. As of September 13, Ben Dickey can be reached for agency business at 312-997-9999 x8250 and via email at ben(at)billions.com.

Video: Bear in Heaven on Pitchfork.tv’s ‘Don’t Look Down’ Series

shira — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:17:49 +0000

Bear in Heaven are featured on Pitchfork.tv‘s recent installment of its Don’t Look Down series. The band performs “Beast in Place,” “You Do You,” and “Lovesick Teenagers” behind a New York skyline. Watch the performance, and see Bear in Heaven on their current tour.

Billions Welcomes Diamond Rings

josh — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:00:12 +0000

The Billions Corporation is pleased to welcome Diamond Rings to our roster. Toronto-based multiplatform artist John O began using the pseudonym in the summer of 2009 with a series of singles and videos which quickly seized public attention. Pitchfork Media, an early champion of Diamonds Rings, features the artist in the latest episode of Tunnelvision.

Telekinesis Release EP, Video for New Song

shira — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:59:14 +0000

Telekinesis have released a new EP, Parallel Seismic Conspiracies, via Merge Records.   The band has also put out a video for the EP’s opening track, “Dirty Thing.” Preview the new EP, watch the video, and see Telekinesis on their current tour with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

New Video: The Acorn – “Restoration”

shira — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:48:12 +0000

The Acorn have released a video for “Restoration,” the second single off of their recent album, No Ghost (Paper Bag). The video, directed by Exploding Motor Car, uses time-lapse imagery to capture an outdoor barbecue and night-time forest scenes. See The Acorn on tour this fall.

The Mynabirds’ Daytrotter Session

shira — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:39:33 +0000

Daytrotter‘s Sean Moeller writes, “[The Mynabirds' Laura Burhenn] made a record of treacherous recollection…She sings like a seasoned country songbird.” Download the session, which features songs from The Mynabirds’ debut, What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood (Saddle Creek).

See The Mynabirds on tour with David Bazan and Crooked Fingers.

Video: Califone – “Giving Away The Bride”

shira — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:21:23 +0000

Califone have premiered a new video for their song, “Giving Away The Bride.” Directed by Amy Cargill, the video weaves together a collage of test signals, grainy video clips, animations, textures, sculptures, and patterns. “Giving Away The Bride” is the lead-off track on the band’s recent album, All My Friends Are Funeral Singers (Dead Oceans).

Video: Wildbirds & Peacedrums’ Take Away Show for La Blogotheque

josh — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:34:47 +0000

French video blog, La Blogotheque has unveiled a stunning live video of Wildbirds & Peacedrums playing two songs unplugged in a Brooklyn boxing gym. Vincent Moon directed the video which features the songs, “My Heart” and “Today-Tomorrow”. The Swedish duo just released a new full-length, Rivers, via The Control Group.

The video was recorded at the oldest boxing gym in the United States, Gleason’s Gym

Take Away Show #110 _ WILDBIRDS & PEACEDRUMS from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Outtake:

Take Away Show #110 _ WILDBIRDS & PEACEDRUMS (outtake) from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Black Mountain to Play Tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

josh — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:41:30 +0000

Tonight, August 31st, Black Mountain will be the musical guest on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band will be touring this fall in support of a new album, Wilderness Heart (Jagjaguwar). They will be joined on the road by The Black Angels. The episode airs at 12:35/11:35 central.

Video: Arcade Fire – “We Used To Wait”

mulder — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:41:39 +0000

The Arcade Fire have premiered an interactive video experience for their song, “We Used to Wait”. The video, directed by Chris Milk, incorporates the viewer’s personal childhood home by using Google Street View. Watch it here. “We Used To Wait” is from The Arcade Fire’s recent release, The Suburbs (Merge).

KEXP Song of The Day: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band – “Leaving Trails”

shira — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:01:40 +0000

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band‘s “Leaving Trails” is KEXP’s Song of The Day. The track is off Where The Messengers Meet, which is out now on Dead Oceans. “Leaving Trails” is more textured underneath Benjamin Verdoes’ always compelling guitar work,” – KEXP. See the band on tour this fall.

Sufjan Stevens Previews “I Walked” From New Album

shira — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:18:47 +0000

Just days after Sufjan Stevens released a new EP, he’s announced that a new full-length album, The Age of Adz, will be out on October 12th via Asthmatic Kitty. Preview “I Walked,” a track from the new album, and see Sufjan on tour this fall.

Pitchfork describes “I Walked” as “a beat-heavy, dub-leaning mid-tempo cut, complete with soaring vocals and some added guitar lines, as well as Sufjan’s always-nimble vocals. Sufjan fans, go forth!” Pre-order The Age of Adz (pronounced “odds”), here.

The Age of Adz track list:

01. Futile Devices
02. Too Much
03. Age of Adz
04. I Walked
05. Now That I’m Older
06. Get Real Get Right
07. Bad Communication
08. Vesuvius
09. All for Myself
10. I Want To Be Well
11. Impossible Soul

Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Erin McKeown, Jon Langford, Mirah, and Thao Nguyen Contribute to ‘Dear New Orleans’

shira — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:10:18 +0000

Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Erin McKeown, Jon Langford, Mirah, and Thao Nguyen have contributed to Dear New Orleans, a benefit album marking the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Preview the album here.

Proceeds from the album will go to New Orleans-based nonprofits working to support the region’s musical and cultural traditions, and to protect and restore environmental and community resources.

New Video: Tokyo Police Club – “Bambi”

shira — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:14:16 +0000

Tokyo Police Club have released a colorful new video for the song “Bambi,” directed by Niel Innes and Nick Turner. “Bambi” is from the band’s latest album, Champ (Mom + Pop). Watch the video here, and see Tokyo Police Club live on their upcoming tour.

New Track: Beach House – “White Moon”

shira — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:17:49 +0000

Beach House‘s new iTunes Session EP consists of five previously released tracks that the band has re-worked, and one new song, “White Moon.” Pitchfork premiered the new song, which can be heard here. See Beach House on tour this fall with Vampire Weekend.

Alex Scally told Pitchfork, “During the week or two of sound-checks leading up to the recording, we worked through the songs and attempted to rewrite them with fewer and different tones.”

iTunes Session EP track list:

1. Walk in the Park
2. White Moon
3. Norway
4. Silver Soul
5. Gila
6. Real Love

NPR Exclusive First Listen: James Blackshaw – ‘All Is Falling’

mulder — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:50:00 +0000

James Blackshaw‘s new album, All Is Falling, is streaming in full at NPR.org in advance of its August 24th release on Young God Records. NPR’s Lars Gotrich writes, “Exhilarating…this is transcendental chamber music that divebombs into the sublime as much as it reaches the heavens.”

Listen to the album in full below, or by individual track on NPR.

Sufjan Stevens Streams New EP

shira — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:25:38 +0000

Sufjan Stevens is streaming his new EP, All Delighted People, now. The EP includes two versions of the title track, and six new songs. Fans can purchase the EP digitally today via BandCamp, from other digital outlets on August 23rd, or on CD or vinyl later this year. See Sufjan Stevens on tour this fall.

All Delighted People tracklist:

1. All Delighted People (Original Version)
2. Enchanting Ghost
3. Heirloom
4. From the Mouth of Gabriel
5. The Owl and the Tanager
6. All Delighted People (Classic Rock Version)
7. Arnika
8. Djohariah

KEXP Song of The Day: The Lonely Forest – “Live There”

shira — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:39:48 +0000

The Lonely Forest‘s “Live There” is KEXP‘s Song of The Day. The track is off the band’s self-titled EP, which will be out on September 14th via Trans-Records. KEXP writes, “The song, short and sweet, cascades over your senses.” Listen to the song here, and see The Lonely Forest live on tour this fall.
Track list:

01 “Turn Off This And Go Outside”
02 “Ramshackle House”
03 “Live There”
04 “Let It Go”
05 “Turn Off This Song And Go Outside (Acoustic)”

Oh No Ono on Daytrotter

shira — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:05:22 +0000

Oh No Ono recently performed songs from their latest album, Eggs (Friendly Fire) for Daytrotter. “It’s taking the pinnacle points of a summer vacation, the chill of a crispy autumn day and the delusional parts of a blizzard-produced whiteout and turning it into an essential feeling that means everything,” says Sean Moeller of Daytrotter.

Download the session here.

Land of Talk’s New Album Streaming in Full

shira — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:27:58 +0000

Land of Talk‘s new album, Cloak and Cipher, will be out on August 24th via Saddle Creek. In advance of the release, singer/guitarist Elizabeth Powell and The Ampersand are streaming the album track-by track, with commentary by Powell. Cloak and Cipher includes contributions from Patrick Watson and members of Stars, Arcade Fire, Wintersleep and The Besnard Lakes.

Listen to the stream here and see Land of Talk on tour in September.

NPR Exclusive First Listen: S. Carey – ‘All We Grow’

mulder — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:46:13 +0000

S. Carey‘s debut solo album is streaming in its entirety at NPR.org. The album, All We Grow, will be released on August 24th on Jagjaguwar. NPR’s Robin Hilton says, “Carey has a gift for crafting expansive, cinematic pieces that unfold and bloom slowly and delicately.” Catch S. Carey on tour this fall.

New Track: Winter Gloves – “Plastic Slides”

mulder — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:23:17 +0000

Winter Gloves have released a new song, “Plastic Slides” from their upcoming sophomore album, All Red (Paper Bag Records). Download the new track here. The band has also posted a behind-the-scenes video from the studio for the upcoming album. Watch the video here.

All Red will be released on September 7th. Catch them on tour this fall.

Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) Collaborates with Kanye West

josh — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:47:29 +0000

Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and pop superstar Kanye West recently told the press about recording together in Hawaii for West’s forthcoming album. Vernon described working on “at least 10 songs” in an interview with Pitchfork. West told Rolling Stone, “I called [Vernon] and we ended up becoming like really good friends, playing basketball together everyday, and going into the back studio and just record his parts.”

Read Justin Vernon’s interview with Pitchfork here and Kanye West’s quotes for Rolling Stone here.

The Arcade Fire Announce Fall North American Tour

shira — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:13:36 +0000

In the wake of The Suburbs’ #1 chart debut, The Arcade Fire have confirmed another leg of dates stretching from Minnesota to Mexico. The next installation of North American dates will begin September 22 at the Roy Wilkins Arena in St. Paul MN, swinging through western Canada, the pacific northwestern U.S., and California before concluding October 12 at Monterrey, Mexico’s Banamex Theater. Tour dates are here.

Following that and prior to the band’s return to North America, Arcade Fire will make a select number of UK and European appearances, including headline stands at the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK.

ARCADE FIRE ON TOUR FALL 2010:

WED    9/22/2010    St. Paul, MN    Roy Wilkins Arena
THU 9/23/2010    Winnipeg, MB    MTS Centre
SAT    9/25/2010    Saskatoon, SK    Credit Union Centre
SUN 9/26/2010    Calgary, AB    Stampede Corral
TUE    9/28/2010    Vancouver, BC    Pacific Coliseum
WED 9/29/2010    Seattle, WA    Key Arena
THU    9/30/2010    Portland, OR Memorial Coliseum
SAT    10/2/2010    Berkeley, CA    Greek Theatre
TUE    10/5/2010    Big Sur, CA    Henry Miller Library
THU    10/7/2010    Los Angeles, CA    Shrine Auditorium
FRI 10/8/2010    Los Angeles, CA    Shrine Auditorium
SUN    10/10/2010    Mexico City (MX)    Palacio de los Deportes
TUE    10/12/2010    Monterrey (MX)    Banamex Theater

The Arcade Fire to Perform Tonight on The Daily Show

nick — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:28:35 +0000

Though The Daily Show rarely includes musical guests, tonight The Arcade Fire will perform “Ready to Start” from their third album, The Suburbs (Merge), which is currently topping the Billboard charts. The Daily Show airs at 11pm / 10c on Comedy Central.

New Track: Wildbirds & Peacedrums – “The Drop”

shira — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:06:30 +0000

Wildbirds & Peacedrums‘ new track, “The Drop,” comes in advance of the band’s full-length album, Rivers, which will be released digitally and as a double-CD on August 24th via The Control Group. Rivers combines two previously released EPs, Retina and Iris. Download the track here.

Rivers Tracklist:

Retina:
01 “Bleed Like There Was No Other Flood”
02 “Tiny Holes In This World”
03 “Under Land And Over Sea”
04 “Fight For Me”
05 “Peeling Off The Layers”

Iris:
06 “The Wave”
07 “The Drop”
08 “The Course”
09 “The Lake”
10 “The Well”

Billions Welcomes Cheyenne Marie Mize

shira — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:57:23 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Cheyenne Marie Mize has joined the Billions roster. Her recent collaboration with Bonnie Prince Billy, Among The Gold, is available now as a free download. “One track in, and Mize’s honeyed voice, soulful poetry, and haunting folk-blues melodies already win you over,” writes Performer Magazine.

See Cheyenne Marie Mize on her current tour.

Joanna Newsom to Play Jimmy Kimmel Live Tonight

mulder — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:49:37 +0000

Joanna Newsom will perform tonight, August 11th, on Jimmy Kimmel Live. She will play a song from her three disc release, Have One On Me (Drag City). Jimmy Kimmel Live airs at 12:05 am/11:05 pm central on ABC.

The Arcade Fire’s ‘The Suburbs’ Tops U.S., U.K. Charts

shira — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:22:35 +0000

The Arcade Fire‘s third album, The Suburbs (Merge), has reached #1 on the Billboard Charts, selling over 156,000 copies in its first week. The Suburbs is also the top-selling album in the U.K. This is the third independently-distributed album to reach No. 1 on Billboard this year.

Portland Cello Project on Daytrotter

nick — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:15:30 +0000

“These cellos have minds of their own…implying that they aren’t as sweet as we originally considered them to be,” Daytrotter‘s Sean Moeller writes. Download Portland Cello Project‘s haunting session, that includes “Turkish Wine,” “Remedy,” and the Halo 3 theme song rendition, here.

Live Video: The Tallest Man on Earth – “My Journey to the Sky”

shira — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:09:13 +0000

The Tallest Man on Earth performed a cover of gospel pioneer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s, “My Journey to the Sky.” The session was filmed by Yours Truly for Pitchfork.tv during last month’s Pitchfork Music Festival. See The Tallest Man on Earth on tour in September with S. Carey.

Video: Grinderman – “Heathen Child”

mulder — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:57:52 +0000

Grinderman have premiered a new video for the song, “Heathen Child” today. The video was directed by John Hillcoat, who has also produced trailers for the new album. The track will be on Grinderman 2, which will be released on September 14th via Anti-.

See Grinderman on tour this fall.

Vampire Weekend to Perform on Craig Ferguson Tonight

mulder — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:50:04 +0000

Vampire Weekend will be the musical guests tonight, August 9th on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The band will be playing a song from their most recent album, Contra (XL Recordings). The Late Late Show airs at 12:35 am/11:35 pm central time on CBS.

Catch Vampire Weekend on tour with Beach House this fall.

Videos: The Arcade Fire Live from Madison Square Garden

josh — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:03:30 +0000

Last night the Arcade Fire performed to thousands at Madison Square Garden and countless more over the internet with an innovative webcast directed by Terry Gilliam (Brazil, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 12 Monkeys). You can watch highlights including three songs from the brand new album, The Suburbs (Merge), and behind-the-scenes footage via YouTube and Vevo.

Check out the band’s tour itinerary here.

Pre-Show behind the scenes:

UPDATE

Video of the whole concert is streaming thanks to YouTube.

New Track: The Lonely Forest – “Live There”

nick — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:17:00 +0000

The Lonely Forest will release a self-titled EP on September 14th via Trans, Chris Walla‘s new imprint label. Stereogum has premiered “Live There,” one of the 5 tracks from the upcoming Lonely Forest EP. Download the song now.

See The Lonely Forest live on tour with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s this fall.

The Lonely Forest EP‘ track list:

01 “Turn Off This And Go Outside”
02 “Ramshackle House”
03 “Live There”
04 “Let It Go”
05 “Turn Off This Song And Go Outside (Acoustic)”

Theresa Andersson Featured on MTV’s ‘The Real World’

shira — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:39:13 +0000

Theresa Andersson was recently featured on MTV’s The Real World New Orleans. In the episode, Andersson’s live performance rekindles a Real World cast member’s interest in musical performance, and the two sit down, sing together, and talk about careers in music. Watch the two clips here.

Hear Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings, The Swell Season, Calexico, & Blitzen Trapper Live from The Newport Folk Festival

mulder — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:54:36 +0000

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, The Swell Season, Calexico, and Blitzen Trapper all performed at The Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island this past weekend. Check out a review of each performance, and stream or download NPR’s recordings for free here.

Video: Stornoway – “Watching Birds”

shira — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:34:10 +0000

Stornoway has released a new video for the song, “Watching Birds.” “Watching Birds” is on the band’s debut, Beachcomber’s Windowsill, which will be out in the U.S. on August 10th via 4AD.

Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus featured on Public Radio’s Sound Opinions

mulder — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:42:37 +0000

Pavement‘s Stephen Malkmus was featured on this weekend’s Sound Opinions for a live interview with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. The three discussed Pavement’s influences, history, and current tour. Stream the episode or download the podcast here.

See Pavement on tour this fall.

Grinderman Reveal New Album Trailers, Fall Tour

shira — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:16:25 +0000

Grinderman are sharing two more trailers in advance of their forthcoming album, Grinderman 2. The new videos, directed by John Hilcoat, were released in conjunction with the band’s fall U.S. tour announcement. Grinderman 2 will be out in the U.S. on Anti- on September 14th.

Watch the new trailer below and the other on Grinderman’s site. Grinderman’s fall U.S. tour starts November 11th.

NPR’s World Cafe Features Plants And Animals

shira — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:24:18 +0000

Plants and Animals were featured yesterday on NPR’s World Cafe. The band played songs from their recent release, La La Land, and talked about its sound with host David Dye. NPR writes, “The album is heavier and tighter than its predecessor, but it’s still driven by frenetic, jam-savvy musicianship and lush soundscapes.”

La La Land is out on Secret City Records. See Plants and Animals on their current tour, or this fall with Frightened Rabbit.

Video: Fleet Foxes Share Robin Pecknold Tour Documentary

shira — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:47:37 +0000

Fleet Foxes are sharing a black and white documentary of lead singer Robin Pecknold on his current tour with Joanna Newsom. The film was shot by Robin’s brother, Sean Pecknold, and features the singer playing traditional folk songs as well as Fleet Foxes’ “Blue Spotted Tail.” Robin Pecknold and Joanna Newsom’s tour continues on the West Coast.

The Arcade Fire to Webcast Madison Square Garden Concert

shira — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:56:30 +0000

The Arcade Fire‘s August 5th show at Madison Square Garden in New York will be broadcast live online. Filmmaker Terry Gilliam (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Brazil, 12 Monkeys), will direct the webcast. Watch the trailer here. The band was also recently featured in The New York Times.

See The Arcade Fire live on tour in August.

UPDATE: The webcast is now available from YouTube:

Woven Bones Sign to Hardly Art, Stream Two New Tracks

shira — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:33:33 +0000

Woven Bones have signed to Hardly Art. The Seattle-based label will release a Woven Bones 7-inch on August 10th with two new tracks, “I’ve Gotta Get” and “Hey Kid.” Stream both songs here, and see Woven Bones on tour this fall.

New Track: J. Tillman – “Three Sisters”

shira — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:27:51 +0000

J. Tillman‘s new album, Singing Ax, will be out on September 14th via Western Vinyl. In advance of the release, fans can stream the forthcoming album’s first track, “Three Sisters.” Singing Ax is Tillman’s 7th album. Listen to the new song here, and see J. Tillman on his current tour with Phosphorescent.

NPR Exclusive First Listen: Lost In the Trees – ‘All Alone In an Empty House’

josh — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:22:41 +0000

Lost in the Trees’ debut album is streaming in its entirety at NPR.org in advance of the August 10th re-release on Anti. NPR’s Bob Boilen calls it, “…my surprise album of the year. I’d never heard of Lost in the Trees, didn’t know what I was in for, but in just one listen I knew I’d found a new friend.”

You can listen to the album here.

New Track: Grinderman – “Heathen Child”

josh — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:11:22 +0000

Listen to the first single from Grinderman 2 here. “Heathen Child” will be released September 14th on the group’s second full-length and as a single on limited edition 12″ colored vinyl September 6th (both via Anti). Grinderman was formed by Nick Cave and a small team of Bad Seeds members in 2004. Read more here.

Heathen Child by MuteRecords

Live Video: St. Vincent – “Actor Out of Work”

shira — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:54:19 +0000

Pitchfork filmed St. Vincent performing “Actor Out of Work” at last weekend’s Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago. While in town, Annie Clark also played an acoustic version of the song next to Chicago’s “L” tracks for local public radio station, WBEZ. Watch both sessions here.

“Actor Out of Work” is from 2009’s critically-acclaimed album, Actor (4AD).

Giant Sand Sign to Fire Records; Announce Extensive Re-Issues

shira — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:36:19 +0000

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Valley of Rain, Giant Sand‘s debut album, Fire Records will reissue roughly thirty Howe Gelb and Giant Sand records. Both Gelb and Giant Sand will also have new albums out this fall.

In the wake of this announcement, The Quietus published a feature on Howe Gelb. “Labelling Howe Gelb ‘the godfather of alt. country’ is to damn him with faint praise.” -Stewart Smith (The Quietus). The Read the full feature here.

Video: Fol Chen – “The Holograms”

shira — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:47:05 +0000

Fol Chen have premiered a new video for the song, “The Holograms.” Keith Musil directed the video, which depicts a woman encountering bizarre characters in various dark settings. “The Holograms” is the lead track on the band’s sophomore album, Part II: The New December (Asthmatic Kitty).

Watch the video below, via Pitchfork.tv, and see Fol Chen on tour this fall.

New Track: Darker My Love Share “Split Minute” from New Album

shira — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:10:10 +0000

Darker My Love will release their third LP, Alive As You Are, on August 17th. In advance of the album’s street date, fans can download the song “Split Minute,” now from Dangerbird. See Darker My Love on tour with Band of Horses this fall.

Alive As You Are Tracklisting:
1. Backseat
2. Split Minute
3. 18th Street Shuffle
4. New America
5. Rain Party
6. Maple Day Getaway
7. Trail The Line
8. June Bloom
9. Dear Author
10. A Lovely Game
11. Cry On Me Woman

Video: The New Pornographers on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic

shira — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:44:35 +0000

The New Pornographers performed live at KCRW studios yesterday for the Santa Monica station’s Morning Becomes Eclectic program. The band played songs from their latest album, Together (Matador). Stream or watch the complete session here. The New Pornographers are currently on tour with The Dodos.

Liars on Daytrotter

mulder — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:41:55 +0000

Liars recently recorded a Daytrotter session which is available to download for free. “They continue to be one of the rawest and most interesting bands alive” writes Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller. The download includes the tracks “The Overachievers,” “Scissor,” “Scarecrows On a Killer Slant,” and “Proud Evolution.”

Catch them on their current tour.

Calexico Offer Free Download of ‘Live in Nuremberg’ Concert LP

shira — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:20:12 +0000

To celebrate the beginning of a new tour, Calexico have released a free recording of their 2009 concert in Nuremberg, Germany. Fans can stream and download the album in full here. See Calexico live on their current tour.

Calexico, Live in Nuremberg by cashmusic

The Swell Season to Perform This Evening on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

shira — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:20:39 +0000

The Swell Season is the musical guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno this evening. The band will perform a song from their latest album, Strict Joy. The Tonight Show airs at 11:35/10:35 central on NBC. Tune in, and see The Swell Season live on tour this summer.

The Henry Clay People Share a New Track, New Video from New Album

shira — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:10:15 +0000

The Henry Clay People‘s new album, Somewhere on the Golden Coast, is available now on TBD Records. The L.A. Times writes, “Unpolished and unpretentious…HCP value the straight-forward over the esoteric and in the process realize an accidental profundity. The slow-burning wisdom gleaned from empty bottles and rambling conversations.” Download the single, “Slow Burn,” and watch the video for “Your Famous Friends.”

Watch the video below and see The Henry Clay People on tour with Silversun Pickups.

New Tracks: Owen Pallett – ‘Lewis Takes Off His Shirt’ EP

mulder — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:44:12 +0000

Owen Pallett‘s “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt EP” is now available as a free download from Domino Records. The EP features remixes from Dan Deacon, Benoît Pioulard, and others. “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” is the first single off of his full length album, Heartland, which was released earlier this year.

You can catch Owen on tour this summer with The Arcade Fire, Dirty Projectors, and The National.

The Arcade Fire Pledge One Million Dollars in Aid to Haiti

shira — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:18:42 +0000

The Arcade Fire have pledged to match up to one million Canadian dollars in donations to support Haiti relief efforts. Fans can donate $5.00 to the effort by texting “STAND” to 30333. Lead singer Régine Chassagne sits on the board of directors of the non-profit organization Kanpe, (“To Stand” in Haitian Creole), which seeks to put an end to the cycle of poverty in Haiti by encouraging financial independence.

Learn more here, and see The Arcade Fire on tour this summer.

Video: The Heavy on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic

shira — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:29:32 +0000

The Heavy performed live at KCRW’s studios yesterday for the Santa Monica station’s Morning Becomes Eclectic program. KCRW described the performance as, “a blazing hot session with The Heavy as they tear through a fiery set of blues and funk-tinged tracks.” Watch or listen to the show in full here.

Video: Tokyo Police Club – “Wait Up (Boots Of Danger)”

mulder — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:58:41 +0000

Tokyo Police Club have shared a video for their first single, “Wait Up (Boots Of Danger)” off of their new album, Champ (Mom and Pop). Directed by Mike Juneau, the video showcases the band’s love for dogs. All of the proceeds from the video are being donated to the ASPCA. Watch the video here, and check them out on tour all summer.

New Track: Adam H. Stephens – “The Cities That You’ve Burned”

shira — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:40:38 +0000

Adam H. Stephens‘ new album, We Live On Cliffs, will be out September 28th via Saddle Creek. The new album features appearances from members of My Morning Jacket, Whiskeytown, and Vetiver.  Download or stream the first single, “The Cities That You’ve Burned,” here.

This is the Two Gallants member’s first solo release. See Adam H. Stephens on his upcoming tour.

Video: The Mynabirds – “Let The Record Go”

shira — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:38:58 +0000

The Mynabirds have a new video for “Let The Record Go” from What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood (Saddle Creek). Stereogum writes, ““Let The Record Go” is sort of a Motown stomp, with Burhenn’s smoky voice lending it additional power…[the video] fits the song: A little cold, a little vintage, etc. But it ends in a full-on cake fight.”

Watch the video below, and see The Mynabirds live on their current tour.

Aterciopelados’ Andrea Echeverri Featured on NPR’s ‘Women Who Rock – In Spanish’

shira — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:06:23 +0000

The latest episode of NPR’s Alt.Latino program features a segment with Aterciopelados‘ lead singer Andrea Echeverri, in which she’s asked to highlight her favorite women in rock music. “Aterciopelados is a symbol of Latin alternative music, and Andrea is an icon of women in Spanish-speaking rock…Columbia’s queen of Latin Alternative.” – NPR’s Alt.Latino.

See Aterciopelados on their current tour.

New Track: Dent May – “That Feeling”

shira — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:42:35 +0000

Dent May is now streaming a new track, titled “That Feeling.” The song will be on the next Forest Family 7″ and will also appear on Dent’s forthcoming Paw Tracks LP. Listen to “That Feeling” here.

Videos: Perfume Genius’ Intimate Studio Session

shira — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:15:35 +0000

Perfume Genius has filmed intimate studio performances of “Mr Peterson,” “Learning,” “Never Did” and “Lookout, Lookout,” from his new album, Learning (Matador). The videos were filmed earlier this month in Seattle and produced by Jason Reid, Darren Lund, and Ian Connors. Watch the full session here.

See Perfume Genius live in New York this month.

Wye Oak Featured on NPR’s Morning Edition

shira — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:35:16 +0000

Wye Oak was featured on NPR’s Morning Edition yesterday, in advance of the new EP, My Neighbor/My Creator. Stream the piece and the EP’s two title tracks here. My Neighbor/My Creator will be in stores tomorrow via Merge.

This is the first time that the duo has worked with outside producers.

See Wye Oak live on their current tour.

Owen Pallett and Shad Make Polaris Music Prize Short List

shira — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:29:21 +0000

Records from Owen Pallett and Shad are among the final ten nominees for the Polaris Music Prize’s Best Canadian Album of 2010.   A jury of 198 Canadian music industry professionals created the Short List and a small delegation will make the final selection at a Gala on September 20th.

Both Owen Pallett and Shad have made the Short List in previous years. Pallet also won the Prize in 2006 with his album, He Poos Clouds.

Owen Pallett – Heartland (Domino)

Shad – TSOL (Black Box Recording)

The Gala to announce the prize winner will be broadcast live to North America on SIRIUS Satellite Radio 86 and to the world on CBC Radio 3. It will be webcast live on MuchMusic.com and broadcast on MuchMusic, Saturday, Sept. 25th at 9 p.m. and midnight ET.

Video: Stornoway – “Zorbing”

shira — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:22:17 +0000

Stornoway have released a new video for the song, “Zorbing,” the opening track off the band’s debut album, Beachcomber’s Windowsill. The album will be out in the U.S. on August 10th via 4AD. Stornoway will play two shows in New York this week.

New Track: Young Galaxy – “Queen Drum”

shira — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:22:19 +0000

Young Galaxy‘s latest full-length release, Invisible Republic, is coming to the U.S. on July 27th via Paper Bag Records. In advance of the release, the band is making the single “Queen Drum” available for download. See Young Galaxy on their upcoming tour.

Invisible Republic track listing:

01. Long Live the Fallen World
02. Oh Sister
03. Destroyer
04. Pathos
05. Light Years
06. Disposable Times
07. Dreams
08. Queen Drum
09. Smoke and Mirror Show
10. Firestruck
11. Invisible Republic (bonus track)
12. Flux (bonus track)

New Track: Portland Cello Project – “Denmark”

shira — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:59:06 +0000

Portland Cello Project will release their third album, Thousand Words, on July 20th. In advance of the release, fans can stream the opening track, “Denmark,” here. Thousand Words features collaborations with Rachel Blumberg (Norfolk & Western, M. Ward) and New York beatboxer Adam Matta.

See Portland Cell Project perform new songs live on their summer tour.

Video: The Apples in stereo – “Hey Elevator”

shira — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:12:37 +0000

The Apples in stereo have released a new impromptu video for the song, “Hey Elevator.” Fans can also download the free track here. “Hey Elevator” is off Travelers in Space and Time, which is out now on Yep Roc/Simian/Elephant 6.

Billions Welcomes Oberhofer

shira — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:18:30 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Oberhofer have joined the Billions roster. “There’s nervousness in his voice– bolstered by ramshackle guitars and a sugar-rushed drum beat that build to an inescapably joyous climax,” writes Pitchfork. Oberhofer’s self-released 7 inch, o0O0o0O0o, will be out August 3rd. Listen to the song “AWY FRM U” here.

“Oberhofer combines the delicately layered shouts of Animal Collective, the drugged-out guitarwork of Real Estate, and the thrashy percussions of The Dodos” – Flavorpill

“Despite the kaleidoscopic whirl, there’s an emphasis on straightforward lyrics; it’s almost as if he’s a 19-year-old kid who started writing music as a competitive freestyle rapper in the fifth grade, recently moved to New York after his family home in Tacoma burned down, and has songs bursting to get out of him.” L Magazine: 8 NYC Bands You Need To Hear

“Oberhofer make engaging indie rock à la Surfer Blood; they are spastic—with yelping screams and screeches reminiscent of bird calls (or Ezra Koenig), accompanied by loud, clashing drums and guitars, and softer instruments like toy piano and glockenspiel.” Beyond Race Magazine

“…specialises in deliriously catchy, lo-fi guitar pop the somehow manages to mix youthful exuberance, that slacker ‘yeah, like, whatever’ attitude with a weirdly accelerated neurosis” – Dazed and Confused

The New Pornographers Perform Tonight on The Late Show with David Letterman

shira — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:57:42 +0000

The New Pornographers will be tonight’s musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will play “Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk” from their latest album, Together (Matador). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in, and see The New Pornographers on tour this summer with The Dodos.

Billions Welcomes Thao with the Get Down Stay Down

shira — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:49:45 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Thao with the Get Down Stay Down has joined the Billions roster. Since their formation in 2003, the band has played with Rilo Kiley and Xiu Xiu, and collaborated with Andrew Bird and Portland Cello Project. Their 2009 release, Know Better Learn Faster (Kill Rock Stars) earned praise from critics as diverse as Spin Magazine, Pitchfork, The Wall Street Journal, and Elle.

“Captivating…her songs are raw and infectious, her voice has a distinctive swagger, and she’s a remarkably nimble guitarist.” – NPR Music

“Packs a subtle punch, sweet but not sappy.” – Spin

“Elliptical lyrics, bright guitar work.” – The Wall Street Journal

“Worn down by the endless pitfalls of romance? Thao Nguyen most definitely is not.” – Time Out New York

“Like tea and honey spiked with a healthy shot of whiskey.” – Elle

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings to Perform on Craig Ferguson Tonight

nick — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:04:36 +0000

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings will be the musical guests tonight on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. They will be playing a song from their most recent album, I Learned the Hard Way (Daptone). The Late Late Show airs at 12:25/11:35 central on CBS. See Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings live on tour this summer.

Artist	Date	Set Time	Venue
Alex Winston	Wed 3/16	9:00 PM	Bat Bar
	Thu 3/17	1:00 PM	Barbarella
	Thu 3/17	4:00 PM	The Mohawk
	Thu 3/17	4:15 PM	Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery
	Fri 3/18	4:00 PM	Lustre Pearl
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears	Tue 3/15		Continental Club
	Thu 3/17	8:30 AM	The Four Seasons
	Thu 3/17	2:50 PM	The Mohawk
	Thu 3/17	5:00 PM	Waterloo Records
	Fri 3/18	1:00 PM	Austin Convention Center
	Fri 3/18	8:00 PM	ACL Live at the Moody Theater
	Sat 3/19	5:00 PM	Jo’s Coffee on Congress
Cadence Weapon	Wed 3/16	1:30 PM	The Phoenix
	Thu 3/17	1:30 PM	Paradise Cafe
	Thu 3/17	4:30 PM	Beauty Bar
	Fri 3/18	12:45 PM	Alamo Ritz Drafthouse Cinema
	Sat 3/19		Red Eyed Fly
Callers	Thu 3/17	3:25 PM	The Mohawk
	Sat 3/19	1:30 PM	Parkside
	Sat 3/19	10:00 PM	Lambert’s
Cheyenne Marie Mize	Wed 3/16	9:00 PM	Momo’s
	Thu 3/17		Hole In The Wall
	Fri 3/18	3:00 PM	Agave
Colin Stetson	Wed 3/16	9:00 PM	Stephen F’s Bar (InterContinental Stephen F Austin Hotel)
	Thu 3/17	12:30 PM	The Parish
	Fri 3/18	1:30 PM	East Side Drive In
	Fri 3/18	8:30 PM	Daytrotter – Austin Location
	Sat 3/19	3:00 PM	End of An Ear
	Sat 3/19	10:00 PM	Club DeVille
Colourmusic	Wed 3/16	9:00 PM	Friends Bar
	Fri 3/18	1:00 PM	Guero’s
Diamond Rings	Tue 3/15	12:00 AM	Spill
	Wed 3/16	4:20 PM	Brush Square Park
	Wed 3/16	6:45 PM	Urban Outfitters
	Thu 3/17	2:30 PM	The Mohawk
	Thu 3/17	11:15 PM	Beauty Bar
	Fri 3/18	2:00 PM	East Side Drive In
	Sat 3/19	4:30 PM	The Crossing Resort
Generationals	Wed 3/16	3:00 PM	Red 7
	Thu 3/17	2:00 PM	Waterloo Records
	Thu 3/17	5:15 PM	Cheers on 6th
	Fri 3/18	1:00 AM	Mi Casa Catina
	Fri 3/18	3:00 PM	Red House Pizzeria
	Fri 3/18	4:55 PM	The Eastern
	Fri 3/18	9:00 PM	Cedar St Courtyard
	Sat 3/19	12:00 PM	Cactus Cafe
Henry Wolfe	Thu 3/17	4:35 PM	The Mohawk
	Sat 3/19	10:00 PM	Tap Room at Six
John Vanderslice	Wed 3/16	3:30 PM	Red Eyed Fly
	Wed 3/16	10:35 PM	Red 7
	Thu 3/17	1:35 PM	Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery
	Thu 3/17	5:30 PM	Stage on Sixth
	Fri 3/18	2:30 PM	French Legation Museum
	Fri 3/18	6:30 PM	Mellow Johnnys Bike Shop
Liam Finn	Wed 3/16	6:00 PM	Brush Square Park
	Wed 3/16	11:00 PM	Red Eyed Fly
	Thu 3/17	12:00 AM	Maggie Mae’s
	Thu 3/17	1:05 PM	The Mohawk
	Fri 3/18	5:00 PM	Lustre Pearl
Little Scream	Wed 3/16	10:00 PM	Red 7
	Thu 3/17	2:00 PM	The Liberty
	Fri 3/18	12:40 PM	Spill
	Fri 3/18		Daytrotter – Austin Location
	Sat 3/19	11:00 PM	Spill
Lord Huron	Wed 3/16	12:00 PM	Red 7
	Wed 3/16	2:30 PM	Lambert’s
	Wed 3/16	5:00 PM	Stage on Sixth
	Thu 3/17	12:30 PM	East Side Drive In
	Thu 3/17	3:15 PM	Flamingo Cantina
	Thu 3/17	9:00 PM	Bat Bar
	Fri 3/18	2:55 PM	Home Slice Pizza
	Sat 3/19	3:50 PM	Headhunters
NewVillager	Wed 3/16	8:00 PM	Maggie Mae’s
Oberhofer	Wed 3/16	2:15 PM	Republic Square Park
	Wed 3/16	11:30 PM	Pure Volume House
	Thu 3/17	12:30 PM	The Mohawk
	Thu 3/17	10:00 PM	Bat Bar
	Fri 3/18	4:00 PM	Barbarella (formerly Encore)
	Fri 3/18	9:00 PM	Kiss and Fly
	Sat 3/19	4:00 PM	Urban Outfitters
Okkervil River	Fri 3/18	1:00 AM	Antone’s
	Fri 3/18	5:00 PM	Flamingo Cantina
	Sat 3/19	2:00 PM	The Mohawk
	Sat 3/19	5:00 PM	Lustre Pearl
Owen Pallett	Thu 3/17	1:30 PM	The Mohawk
	Thu 3/17	4:00 PM	Club DeVille
	Thu 3/17	10:00 PM	Emo’s
	Fri 3/18	1:35 PM	Flamingo Cantina
	Fri 3/18	5:00 PM	East Side Drive In
	Sat 3/19	12:00 AM	Pure Volume House
Reading Rainbow	Thu 3/17	4:00 PM	The Broken Neck
	Thu 3/17	10:15 PM	Cheer Up Charlie’s
	Fri 3/18	6:30 PM	Cheer Up Charlie’s
	Fri 3/18	9:00 PM	Antone’s
	Sat 3/19	3:00 PM	Urban Outfitters
	Sat 3/19	10:00 PM	21st Street Co-op
Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside	Thu 3/17	12:00 PM	The Mohawk
	Fri 3/18	2:00 PM	Swan Dive
	Fri 3/18	12:00 AM	Creekside Lounge
	Sat 3/19	4:00 PM	Betsy’s Bar
Scott H. Biram	Thu 3/17	1:00 AM	Continental Club
Shad	Sat 3/19	12:55 PM	Paradise Cafe
	Sat 3/19	5:50 PM	Home Slice Pizza
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin	Thu 3/17	12:00 PM	Jovita’s
	Thu 3/17	5:10 PM	The Mohawk
	Fri 3/18	4:40 PM	Home Slice Pizza
	Sat 3/19	12:00 AM	The Parish
Telekinesis	Wed 3/16	6:00 PM	Waterloo Records
	Thu 3/17	2:00 PM	The Mohawk
	Fri 3/18	3:15 PM	Flamingo Cantina
	Fri 3/18	9:00 PM	The Parish
	Sat 3/19	4:40 PM	Home Slice Pizza
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down	Fri 3/18	12:30 PM	Austin Convention Center
	Fri 3/18	2:00 PM	Austin Convention Center
	Fri 3/18	3:45 PM	Italo’s
	Fri 3/18	5:50 PM	Home Slice Pizza
	Fri 3/18	11:00 PM	Antone’s
	Sat 3/19	12:00 PM	Jovita’s
	Sat 3/19	3:00 PM	The Palm Door
	Sat 3/19	5:00 PM	ND 501 Studios
The Black Heart Procession	Fri 3/18	4:30 PM	Aquarium
	Sat 3/19	1:00 AM	Maggie Mae’s
	Sat 3/19	5:30 PM	Maria’s Taco Express
The Cave Singers	Wed 3/16	11:35 PM	Red 7
	Thu 3/17	7:00 PM	Hotel San Jose
	Fri 3/18	4:05 PM	Home Slice Pizza
The Deer Tracks	Wed 3/16	3:30 PM	Hotel Vegas
	Thu 3/17	11:00 AM	Cedar St Courtyard
	Thu 3/17	8:30 PM	The Rooftop (Swedish Chamber of Commerce)
	Fri 3/18	8:00 PM	Spider House Cafe / Art Authority
	Sat 3/19	11:45 AM	Antone’s
	Sat 3/19	10:15 PM	The Parish Underground
The Dodos	Wed 3/16	1:00 AM	The Parish
	Wed 3/16	5:10 PM	Red Eyed Fly
	Thu 3/17	12:45 PM	Flamingo Cantina
	Thu 3/17	3:30 PM	East Side Drive In
	Fri 3/18	11:00 AM	Austin Convention Center
	Fri 3/18	5:00 PM	Swan Dive
	Fri 3/18	10:00 PM	Cedar St Courtyard
	Sat 3/19	4:15 PM	Mess With Texas
The Head and the Heart	Tue 3/15	11:00 PM	Malverde
	Wed 3/16	4:20 PM	Lambert’s
	Thu 3/17	4:00 PM	Lustre Pearl
	Fri 3/18	8:00 PM	Antone’s
The Lonely Forest	Tue 3/15		Pure Volume House
	Thu 3/17	3:00 PM	Klub Krucial
	Thu 3/17	11:05 PM	Maggie Mae’s
	Fri 3/18	7:00 PM	138 Listening Lounge
	Sat 3/19	1:00 PM	Waterloo Records
	Sat 3/19	5:00 PM	Austin Convention Center
The Moondoggies	Wed 3/16	4:30 PM	Cheers on 6th
	Wed 3/16	7:30 PM	Trophy’s
	Thu 3/17	2:00 PM	Beauty Bar
	Fri 3/18	12:00 PM	Waterloo Records
	Fri 3/18	4:30 PM	Cheers on 6th
	Fri 3/18	9:15 PM	Red 7
	Sat 3/19	1:00 PM	Lustre Pearl
	Sat 3/19	2:45 PM	Domy Books
The Submarines	Fri 3/18	12:00 AM	Antone’s
	Sat 3/19	5:15 PM	Home Slice Pizza
Tokyo Police Club	Wed 3/16		Club DeVille
	Thu 3/17		The Mohawk
	Fri 3/18		Emo’s
	Sat 3/19		Austin Convention Center
Warm Ghost	Wed 3/16	12:00 AM	Soho Lounge
	Wed 3/16	2:05 PM	Red Eyed Fly
	Fri 3/18	1:45 PM	Barbarella (formerly Encore)
	Sat 3/19	5:40 PM	Parkside
Wye Oak	Thu 3/17	6:00 PM	Waterloo Records
	Fri 3/18	12:00 AM	The Parish
	Fri 3/18	2:00 PM	The Mohawk
	Fri 3/18	4:00 PM	Swan Dive
	Sat 3/19	3:30 PM	Home Slice Pizza
Yellow Ostrich	Thu 3/17	8:45 PM	Aquarium
	Fri 3/18	1:00 PM	Muzzle of Bees SXSW Party
	Fri 3/18	10:00 PM	Antone’s