December is here and what a fantastic year 2012 has been. With the holiday season in full effect, I’m going to do my best and give you the gift of something you haven’t heard before.
1) Moon Mirror
Moon Mirror a solo producer, musician, and performer from Portland, Oregon. A moon mirror is described as a device which opens a portal to another dimension, or a parallel universe. When asked to describe her sound she classified herself as “fantasy based synth moods” or “a soundtrack of dreams.” After listening to Moon’s music you’d have to agree with her description.
Besides working on her solo project, she’s also worked alongside fellow synth lovers Slow Head (Image Circle) and BL/\CK CEILING (THAT WAS THEN THIS IS NOW). She’s currently working on an LP which will bring us more of the ominous synth grooves she’s known for.
Facebook, Twitter, SoundColud, Tumblr
2) Jezzy and the Belles
Jezzy and the Belles is the project of singer/songwriter Jessica Eisenberg. She is accompanied by different band mates from time to time but the melancholy vocals and serious lyrics are all her own. The Brooklyn native’s song style has already been compared to bands such as Beirut.
Jessica started out as an orchestral violinist. An avid practitioner of non-verbal communication, Jezzy really enjoys connecting with others through music playing strings (guitar and or violin) for multiple bands including Soft, The Wifebeaters, and Panadar. Slightly whimsical folk rock with a serious undertone best describes Jezzy and the Belles. Press play and see what I mean.
Facebok, Twitter, Bandcamp
3) Amusement
Synth-pop coming to you by way of Croydon, London, Amusement are definitely a band people have been talking about lately. Initially starting out as the duo of Andrew Smith and Joe Sigee they decided to focus on improving live performances after using iPhones to play back tracks during live gigs and added drummer Ulysses Alvarez and bass player Holly Hardy.
Their dreamy, euphoric sound has already gotten rave reviews from NME, The Line of Best Fit, Abeano, among many other outlets. Chill synth-pop with distorted vocals that only add to the calming melodies and the 80’s inspired sound seem to be all the rage nowadays, but no one is doing it quite like Amusement.
Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Tumblr
4) OnCue
OnCue is a Brooklyn based rapper by way of Connecticut. His flow is pretty solid and he sings his own hooks. OnCue really makes every track EXTREMELY personal and relatable. Recovering from heartbreak, struggling to make a name for yourself in a stereotyped world, and the comings of age of a man are all popular topics.
There are a lot of pop and rock samples in his music (not of the ordinary, but done differently) and he must be a fan of the songs which is ALWAYS a good thing around here. When asked about his music, OnCue stated he’s a fan of “Honest and emotional music” and likes to make the same. Listen to any of his tracks and you won’t second guess the validity in this statement.
Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud
5) Psycho – Horses
Psycho- Horses are a band from Paris, France. It’s pretty hard to classify them but I think their sound is somewhere in between psych rock and garage pop.
They have been featured on One for the People on more than one instance and have been making quite the name for themselves in France. Their music is loud and aggressive with a beach party vibe that is almost impossible not to like. Information on these guys is pretty limited so all I can say for now is enjoy the music and I’ll do my best to try and get an interview with these guys.
Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud
That’s gonna do it for this edition guys! Thanks for reading!
Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter. PLUS, be sure to like the brand-new Lifeoflito Facebook page and stay up to date with all the cool stuff going on!
Let me be the first to wish you guys a very Merry Christmas filled with happiness and good vibes. Have a Happy New Year as well and let’s make 2013 even better than 2012.
Thanks guys! I love you all
Lito