[Hip-Hop] Frank Ocean – Blue Whale

Frank Ocean‘s stellar debut album, Channel ORANGE, elevated him to the top echelon of artists in the eyes of many music fans. On his first release since the album, Ocean shows off his versatility delivering his unique brand of songwriting in rap form. Although mostly known for his singing voice, the Odd Future affiliate has already demonstrated his abilities as an emcee on tracks like Tyler, the Creator‘s “She” and on “Blue Whale” he perfectly compliments a smooth instrumental, which maintains the sound consistent with his work as of late. There are few better ways to kick off your week than some new Frankie O. Enjoy it below!

’Frank Ocean – Blue Whale’
Related items:

[HOT] Lana Del Rey – Blue Velvet

Sultry pop vixen Lana Del Rey is back with a stunning cover of the 1950s favourite “Blue Velvet” as part of her promo work for clothing giant H&M. The song was used in David Lynch‘s 1986 film Blue Velvet, and the advertising spot is suitably surreal and disorientating in homage to Lynch’s film-making style. Lana’s on fine form here, with her lower-register vocals taking a hypnotic and dark turn to create a very individual twist on a classic. Check out the commercial clip, followed by the full track below. As a bonus, listen to another of Lana’s newly surfaced tracks, the electronica-infused “Backfire.”

’Lana Del Rey – Blue Velvet’

’Lana Del Rey – Backfire (Unreleased)’
Related items:

[Acoustic] Patrick Wolf – Born To Die (Lana Del Rey Cover)

Patrick wolf born to die Lana del Rey

Patrick Wolf is arguably the UK’s most innovative artist, and his musical career has seen him constantly experimenting with and altering his sound from record to record in order to create something new and fresh. So, it seems only natural that Wolf would cover “Born To Die,” by the eccentric pop princess Lana Del Rey. Wolf’s approach is far folkier than the original, and sees him pour all his energy into delivering heartfelt vocals accompanied by some gorgeous strings. If you’ve loved this track (and face it, why wouldn’t you?), then don’t miss Patrick’s new album Sundark And Riverlight, out October 15.

’Patrick Wolf – Born To Die (Lana Del Rey Cover)’
Related items:

Johnny Cash – Hurt (8Bit Cover)

BULLW∆CK, as dirty as it sounds, does tend submerge himself in some of the most filthiest electronic sounds on the internet. Last month he debuted a track called “The Clangers” merging grimmy dubstep wobbles at a seductive bass heavy moombahton beat that almost take you back to the 2006 uk dubstep scene. Today, however, he has released one of the most exciting 8Bit electronic covers to date. Taking on inspiration from Johnny Cash’s take on “Hurt” (originally created by Trent Reznor), BULLW∆CK takes us into the super Nintendo World of bright melodies yet he is able to produce a tune just as somber as the original.

’Johnny Cash – Hurt (8Bit Cover)’
Related items:

[Hip-Hop] Jez Dior – Candles

Jez Dior is one of the hottest up and coming hip-hop stars out there, and his first ever release “Candles,” show exactly why you should be excited. Not only does Dior sample a track by Daughter (one of our favourite artists), he also adds melody to his raps, creating a beautiful contrast of tough and soft. Jez’s ambition for this cut is matched only by his talent, and we’re expecting great things from him on Scarlett Sage, his forthcoming mixtape.

’Jez Dior – Candles’
Related items:

[Folk] Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Midnight City (M83 cover)

Last week we brought you TRAILS AND WAYS‘ dubbed out M83 rework, and this week it’s Music Ninja favorite Benjamin Francis Leftwich’s turn to take on “Midnight City” and make it his own. Stripping the track back to basics, Benjamin rebuilds M83’s futuristic electro around his breathy vocals and reverb-laden guitar, taking it out of the city center and into the festival fields.

’Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Midnight City (M83 Cover)’

Grab a free download of Benjamin Francis Leftwich’s M83 cover as-well as a stunning cover of Frightened Rabbit’s “Swim Until You Can’t See Land” on his official website.

’Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Swim Until You Cant See Land (Frightened Rabbit Cover)’
Related items:

[Folk] Javier Dunn – Call Your Girlfriend (Robyn Cover)

LA-based songwriter Javier Dunn picked up the guitar at the age of 10, and since then he’s never looked back. He’s worked with Sara Bareilles, and has put out several EPs since his debut in 2006. One of our favourite tracks from Dunn is this gorgeous acoustic cover of Scandinavian pop princess Robyn’s ‘Call Your Girlfriend’. Dunn has re-worked the lyrics to reflect a male perspective, and his simple guitar accompaniment makes an for incredibly emotional creation. Javier is currently recording another album, so stay tuned for more news.

’Javier Dunn – Call Your Girlfriend (Robyn cover)’
Related items: