A Quick Word from the Authors:
This might be our completely subjective POV, but it seems like this week in music was full of “wtf” moments. From Pharell putting his infamous Grammys hat up for grabs on eBay (who knows, maybe it holds his priceless fountain of youth powers?) to Bonnaroo letting bygones be bygones and announcing former performer Kanye West as headliner (backstory: his disastrous 2008 show resulted in some all-caps rants by the rapper – but what else is new) to Pussy Riot being literally pummeled and pepper-sprayed by Sochi police (don't worry they're using the footage in a music video) – and the rumored possibility of Miley Cyrus dating Jared Leto? Suffice it to say, we’ve been adequately entertained by way of pop culture.
But on a more indie note, apparently 50 Cent is leaving Interscope Records, his home of the past 12 years, to release his next album on Caroline. To be fair, it’s a division of Capitol Records, and part of the Universal Music Group family so he’s still showing the major labels some love.
While the big buzz around Bonnaroo is/has always been the headlining acts, we’re looking at the fine print at the bottom–as us indie darlings do. Because as we all know, sometimes it’s those stage sideshows that are the best festival experiences/glimpse of what's to come, and we can look back and say “I saw them when…”
And with that obnoxiously hipster statement, we’ll give you our top picks for the past week (or maybe month or two if we think they could still use some love).
– Aaron Thomas & Anna Murphy
The Bees Knees
We don't make you work to separate the milk from the cream
The Pasture: Inspired & the Sheep – "Fly Low"
The Kindle: Betty Who – "Heartbreak Dream"
The Tryptophan: Grizfolk – "The Struggle" (RAC Mix)
The Indie Gift Basket
Overview
- The Pasture Less is more — slow-churned nights need a soundtrack too, and relaxation is underrated.
- The Kindle represents a peak of accessibility where the masses will be drawn to the raw energy exposed throughout.
- Lastly, in The Tryptophan indie gets plugged. What ups the ante more than experimental electronics and synths?
The Pasture
Drawing from hushed textures the intersection between folk and translucent melodies can surprisingly be seamlessly navigated. So kick back, chill out or fall asleep – but be sure to stream the easy-going tracks below for the epitome of mellow. Highlights include Arthur Beatrice's gorgeous haunting yet bouyant track "Singles" and an unexpectedly awesome, piano-heavy Robyn cover from indie folk band Folly & The Hunter.
The Kindle
