Latest Synth-pop Posts

[Event Review] Porches & Japanese Breakfast @ The Larimer Lounge – Denver, CO – 9/26

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 29, 2016
’Porches – Be Apart’
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In the relatively short expanse of two years or so, Aaron Maine’s Porches project has undergone quite a rapid transition in nearly every facet of singing, songwriting and production development (such a rapid acceleration of prowess in fact, that Maine also recently released the first wave of Pool demos, as a completely separate LP entitled Water, just a few months back). Just one listen from both 2014’s Slow Dance in the Cosmos to this year’s excellently crafted Pool, and it’s clear that the New York based Maine & co. have caught lightning in a bottle with their current iteration. In the process of constant evolution, Porches have become a magnetic live presence as well, gaining the notice of discerning listeners, critics, and labels alike, and this past Monday we were able to witness them in live glory at one of our favorite intimate indie venues in Denver, the Larimer Lounge.

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[Denver Event Preview/Ticket Giveaway] TMN Presents: Dance Yourself Clean – ‘An Indie-Pop Dance Party’

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 28, 2016

It’s that time again Denver! The amazing Seattle/L.A. club night turned nationally touring dance party, Dance Yourself Clean, is touching down again this Saturday, October 1st at the Larimer Lounge, as part of their Fall ’16 tour,and we’re beyond prepped & stoked for yet another raucous night of depravity, beautiful people and plenty of amazing tunes. For our friends that were out for DYC’s first ever Denver stop earlier this Spring at the Marquis Theater, they can surely attest to the truly positive, palpably sweaty, and infectiously frenetic energy generated by the foggy, laser-filled indie-pop party. Bringing back the indie-dance-punk-pop days with a beautiful vengeance, DYC patrons are typically seen singing along on the dance floor, slow dancing to the latest Blood Orange or jumping up and down to their favorite LCD Soundsystem song. In their own words: “Anything goes at Dance Yourself Clean, all we ask is that you leave your expectations and inhibitions at the door, come in take a shot and get on the floor.” That sounds just about right, and we are chomping at the bit to be a part of the latest Dance Yourself Clean festivities.

So, in great anticipation for DYC’s latest Denver iteration, we’ve teamed up with the DYC crew and put together quite the tasteful little playlist in anticipation of Saturday’s party. Not to mention! We will be giving away not one but TWO pairs of tickets, simply by clicking on the header of this post, and commenting with your favorite indie-pop track that you think should receive a rinse at Dance Yourself Clean. That’s it! And for those Ninjas who’d rather not try their luck and just want to have their tickets in hand, you can pick them up for just $12.00 here, and more event info can be found here as well.

There are a few rules, of course:
– The event is 21+ S, be of age, and be sure to tell all of your friends to increase chance of winning!
– You are responsible for your own transportation.
– You must bring a valid form of ID to pick up your tickets at the Larimer Lounge door.

Check out our preview playlist featuring selections from some of the artists listed, start commenting below, and best of luck ninjas!

Dance Yourself Clean, Featuring Music Inspired by: LCD Soundsystem | CHVRCHES | Miike Snow | Haim | Charli XCX | MØ | Empire of The Sun | Purity Ring | Twin Shadow | Icona Pop | Grimes | Bag Raiders | Kate Boy | Holy Ghost! | Cut Copy | Neon Indian | Capital Cities | The Knife | St. Lucia | French Horn Rebellion | Goldroom | Cherub | STRFKR | Is Tropical | RAC | Beat Connection | Sleigh Bells | Miami Horror | Tigertown | Blood Orange | Roosevelt | Penguin Prison | Chromeo | Holychild | and many, many more.

’LCD Soundsystem – Dance Yrself Clean (Radio Version)’
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’MØ – Pilgrim’
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’Cut Copy – Need You Now’
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’Holy Ghost – Do It Again’
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’Bag Raiders – Shooting Stars (Club Mix)’
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’Robyn – Dancing On My Own’
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’Neon Indian – Polish Girl’
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’Twin Shadow – Five Seconds’
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’RAC ft. Matthew Koma – Cheap Sunglasses’
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’Little Dragon – Ritual Union’
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[Music Video] Ella On The Run – Walk Away

Posted by Will Rowe-Parr - August 11, 2016
Ella On The Run
Walk Away
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When we caught up with Ella On The Run earlier this year, she had released her incredible EP ‘Undone’, featuring tracks such as ‘Walk Away’, and her unique version of ‘All that she wants’ by Ace of Base. Her sultry alt/ pop sound consists of infectious beats and melodies, and spacious, alluring lyrics, which have crowned her “queen of of the alt-pop block”, according to Wonderland.

Now, having been working with award winning video director Rafe Gibbon, (recently notable for Will Joseph Cook’s ‘Take Me Dancing’ video), Ella On The Run has released her mesmerising new music video ‘Walk Away’. Questioning forbidden love and temptation – “Could we be lovers, more than friends?”, she conveys a hypnotically intriguing story and image of colour and pattern, which combines perfectly with these complex beats and alternative synth sounds. The mirrored profile of Ella On The Run singing, cleverly interlinks with the harmonies within ‘Walk Away’, as if conveying two separate voices, questioning her internal desire and passion. This theme is carried through the verses and pre-chorus until the track throws us into an up-beat chorus of fervent synths, accentuated by distorted patterns and manipulated images.

Be sure to check out this video for ‘Walk away’ below, and to familiarise yourselves with her formidable EP!

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Benny Benassi Shares What Songs Inspire Him [TMN EXCLUSIVE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - August 10, 2016

Benny Benassi’s songs have undoubtedly inspired millions across the globe. From hard hitting, energetic tracks like “Satisfaction,” to uplifting vocal tracks like “Cinema” and “Paradise,” you won’t have to look long and hard to find someone who holds a track from this storied artist near and dear to their heart. Yet, as much as we associate our own musical journies with our favorite tracks, we often forget that artists are the exact same way. Songs throughout their upbringing and career inspired them and continued to influence their art, just as they have for us.

With that in mind, we wanted to ask our Resident Artist for ten songs that inspired him at some point in his life. From new wave, to disco, to progressive house, Benny dialed up an eclectic collection for your listening enjoyment. Press play below and get a deeper understanding of everyone’s favorite Italian producer/DJ.

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[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (July 2016 Round #2)

Posted by Allegra Azzopardi - July 12, 2016

indie-dojo-music-ninjaIn the midst of all the chaos, music sometimes provides a little relief, even if only temporary. Sometimes it’s necessary to kick back, relax and lose yourself in some indie goodness for a while. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Hit play on the Indie Dojo and let your mind travel to a more peaceful place, wherever that may be.

’Super Massive – POWER’
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’Polar Bears Can Dance – Light and Sound’
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’The Migrant – Belly of a Man’
Buy
’Simen Mitlid – Sleeping’
Download
’Tom Speight – Falling’
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’Matt Sucich – Montauk’
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’Mesa Luna – Don’t Let Go’
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’Sweet Jean – Everything Changes’
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’Benjamin Longman – Steady’
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’Fields – I’m On Fire (Cover – Live Acoustic from Coffee Hill Studios)’
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[Indie Dance] E C H E L A N – Perspective (feat. Logan Swirsky)

Posted by Jordan Coburn - July 7, 2016
E C H E L Ä N
Perspective (feat. Logan Swirsky)
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San Diego-based electronic group E C H E L A N showed their colors for the first time since their creation this week with their debut single “Perspective (feat. Logan Swirsky).” It’s a great summer tune that shows maturity in vocals and composition alike, leading us to believe that this won’t be the last track from them that we really dig.

The track combines a Flume-like production of synth and vocal manipulation while integrating an airy guitar that’s reminiscent of an indie rock sound you’d expect out of their hometown—a sound that leaves you feeling ready for a whole lot of chilling. Logan Swirsky’s vocal talent is certainly a key part of this track, and we hope to hear her on more tracks in the future. The finesse of her tonality is both pleasing to the ears and calming to the soul, and since we could describe the production of the instrumental parts of this song similarly, they really come together as the perfect pair.

E C H E L A N just brought on a very successful first release, and we’ll definitely be following them to see what they bring next.

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[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (July 2016 Round #1)

Posted by Allegra Azzopardi - July 5, 2016

indie-dojo-music-ninja

For some of us, the harsh reality of the end of a long weekend will hit us really hard today. May we suggest easing into it with a new Indie Dojo? We know it’s not another day off, but it’s definitely better than nothing.

’Wild – Silver & Gold’
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’Softer Still – New Age’
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’Chain Wallet – Shade’
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’Toulouse – Hurtin”
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’Bo Rocha – Hold My Gaze’
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’Daniel Spaleniak – Back Home Feat. Katarzyna Kowalczyk’
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’Avid Walker – Who’s Your Lover’
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’Merival – Alay Alas’
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