This holiday weekend, we are kicking off the round up with a remix perfect for your festival road trip or beach time playlist. Look no further than checking out this latest release from The Morning Birds. “Indian Summer Bloom (Dimond Saints Remix)” is a mix of jazz and funk, with a splash of deep house, catering to the music palettes of many. Listen below and get in the mood to soak up those summer heat waves!
The original track won’t be released until The Morning Birds drop their new upcoming EP ‘Bloom’, out August 12th. The album is a collaborative concept project with one original song remixed by five different global DJs from around the world, reflecting the changing seasons of the year. Look for ‘Bloom’ come mid-August!
Next up is someone you may know him from his hit single “White Lies”, released last spring – but Max Frost, a singer, songwriter and guitarist, has been involved in the music scene since a young age. The Austin native released his debut EP ‘Low High Low’ in October, and has since been gaining fans and listeners from left and right. Combining various styles of music, from blues and funk to electro and pop, Max Frost has fused together an audience of fans who love all types of music.
Now on tour with Fitz and the Tantrums and Holychild, Max Frost is traveling around the States performing and pleasing crowds with his signature soul and funk style. We had the opportunity to catch up with Max Frost before he makes his way to Pittsburgh this Saturday to perform at Stage AE. Get inside Max Frost‘s head and get to know this artist on the rise!
How did you first get your start in music?
It has forever and always been an obsession since I was a child. I started playing instruments when I was eight and writing songs when I was 14. I’ve been gigging and working it ever since then!
Who are some of your musical influences?
Mostly old school stuff like The Beatles, Isley Brothers, Allman Brothers, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Sly and the Family Stone and Led Zeppelin. Then I got into some Eminem and Outkast when I was a little older. Some Eryka Badu and J.Dilla too!
If you could work with anyone in the industry, who would it be?
Prince!
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Staying on the road and meeting people who have been listening to my music – it really is a dream come true!
What is your favorite city to perform in, or where are you most looking forward to performing?
Kansas City has really had my back from the beginning. Shows there always have the most energy, and I can’t wait to get back there every time I leave!
What are your upcoming plans in regards to releases, more touring, studio sessions, etc?
Currently on tour with Fitz and the Tantrums, which should continue through the fall, then I’m planning on releasing another EP wading up to my album release which will probably be next year.
What’s currently on your summer jam playlist?
We jam a lot of Eminem in the van. Some random selects from there: Frank Ocean, Hair, WIlco, Rafael Sadiiq.
What has been your most memorable experience while touring?
Last year in Boston, I was on tour with Gary Clark Jr. I got my van window busted out by this pimp who was trying to get money from us. He got arrested and we drove to the next four or five shows without a window in the middle of winter in the Northeast! It was pretty hardcore and forever a memorable experience because it has made me appreciate a warm, clean and dry van ever since.
Anything else you would like to add?
On my website, I am going to start offering some ways for other producers and songwriters to collaborate with me on songs. It’s not currently on my site now, but it’s coming soon! Look out for it – I always love finding undiscovered talented people.
For more information on Max Frost and continuous news, be sure to visit www.maxfrost.net – and catch the talented singer, songwriter and guitarist on tour this summer with Fitz and the Tantrums and Holychild in a city near you!
Rising from London, Max Rael has debuted his electronic alternative dance project, Raelism, with the EP release of ‘Freedom Within The Prison’. Rael, who is known for his work in the experimental black metal group The Meads of Asphodel – among many other projects varying in ambient, goth, electro, synth pop and indie rock genres of music – created the brain child of Raelism to “create instrumental music with a narrative whilst exploring catchy melodies, harmony, counterpoint and saucy beats”.
The Raelism project has gained much respect and the likings of many music gurus around the globe. For the project, Rael works on the keyboards and programming, with the help of Pete Maher in the mastering of the production. While listening to ‘Freedom Within The Prison’, I slipped into a state of trance with the continuous beats and synths. The music sounds a bit more spacey compared to what I am used to listening to electronic music wise, but I enjoyed the repetitiveness, really putting me in an instate feeling of focus. For those who are fans of the funky beats LCD Soundsystem, Gorillaz, Royksopp and Daft Punk provide their fans and listeners, you are sure to love the new work of Max Rael with his Raelism project.
Take a listen to what Raelism is like below, and be sure to check out more from Max Rael on www.maxrael.net, and look for more to come from Max Rael and his Raelism project.
Finally, we will round up this week with some new music from The Grand Undoing. The new single “Cross Over Now” was just premiered on The Vinyl District and available on Soundcloud. If you’re in search for some relaxing and psychedelic rock & roll, look no further than checking out Seth Goodman’s musical project The Grand Undoing.
The Grand Undoing has a distinctive sound – “somewhere between the art pop of David Bowie and the psychedelic inspired punk rock of The Damned,” a recent press release described Goodman’s quirky work. The artist is releasing a follow up to his debut album ‘Appeasing the Sick’ by dropping ‘White Space Flavors come mid-August.
The Grand Undoing‘s new release ‘White Space Flavors’ is set to be released on August 14th, but you can listen to the latest single “Cross Over Now” below!