Latest Synth-pop Posts

[Pop] Swim Deep- Hotel California

Posted by Jake Balbes - April 16, 2015

SWIM DEEP
Hotel California

After selling out their first UK tour in almost two years, Swim Deep continues to roll now with new music. ‘Hotel California’ is the b-side to recent single ‘To My Brother‘, soon to be available digitally and on 7” via Chess Club Records. Spinning for nearly five and a half minutes, this new tune strengthens with time. It will be an excellent addition to their live set with its intricate structure and euphoric chorus. Swim Deep has taken their sound to an exciting level with these new releases. Both were recorded at London’s The Church studios under the guidance of Dreamtrak and mixed by David Wrench (Caribou, FKA Twigs, Kate Tempest). Expect a lot of attention on this five piece in next few months as they seriously impress here.

Synth-pop

[Alt-Pop] The Japanese House- Teeth

Posted by Jake Balbes - April 13, 2015

The Japanese House
Teeth

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London-based 19-year-old Amber Bain is The Japanese House. She recently teamed up with fellow Dirty Hit Records comrades George Daniel & Matthew Healy of The 1975 for production on ‘Teeth’- the third release from her debut EP. Available April 27th, Pools to Bathe In is an intimate, personal play from this young and exciting songstress truly pushing the boundaries of listeners. The layering of her vocals on this record creates a distinct energy sure to test those who may stumble upon it. Her first two singles are available on Soundcloud for your pleasure and also be sure to pre-order the Pools to Bathe In EP on iTunes.

Synth-pop

[Indie Pop] Day Wave – Drag

Posted by Ivan Chung - April 9, 2015

Day Wave
Drag

Soundcloud

In the age of electronic music, many indie acts could struggle to appeal to the masses. Oakland-based musician Jackson Phillips a.k.a Day Wave once again proved otherwise with the release of “Drag”, a track that possesses an organic sound that is supported by the lo-fi vocals. The quick drums complement the clever guitar melodies, as the sustained vocals further bring out the uplifting vibe of the track. It’s one of those songs you’ll catch yourself singing along to after a couple of listens.

With only three tracks under his belt, Day Wave showcases his ability to create music with endless mellow melodies. As he continues to put out hits after hits, we simply can’t wait for what’s next for the talented musician.

[Event Recap] SXSW – The Highs and Lows of our Week in Austin, Texas

Posted by TMN Staff - April 6, 2015

Another SXSW is in the books, and as we look back with aching feet, muddy clothes wrapped in plastic bags, and a phone full of video clips and pictures, we’re slowly trying to process everything that went on during this intensely crazy week. It was one to be remembered, that’s for sure, providing ample amounts of “Only at SXSW” surprises, newly discovered artists, and, of course, plenty of BBQ.

In lieu of a lengthy, play-by-play recap of everything we experienced, we’re going to change it up and just cover some of the high and low lights. Our hopes are such that you will not only put some acts on your list for this upcoming year’s touring season, but also learn how to SXSW better and more effectively in the years to come.

THE HIGHS

Our dance card was admittedly jam packed, as you would expect from us. Since we don’t focus on a particular genre, our schedule often looked like a game of Tetris, numerous colored blocks stacking on top of each other quicker than we could anticipate. With that in mind, we tried to divide and conquer, leaving certain ninjas to review their favorite genres.

Mew: We’ve been waiting to see Mew for the better part of a decade. If you could peek into our all-time play count on Spotify, you would notice that “Am I Wry? No” has garnered an absurd amount of plays. Our adoration goes further back than Spotify days though, discovering this act long, long ago.

Their live set was absolutely flawless, with Jonas’ vocals echoing what we’ve heard through our headphones in so many walks around our college campus. It was truly one of those life-affirming shows, reminding us of exactly why we started doing this.

’Satellites (Acoustic)’

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ELEL: This band of relative newcomers stole our hearts, and did so in one of the hardest venues to do so. We caught them in a small hall, that was less than forgiving acoustically. Their ability to overcome that, and still get a crowd of people to dance and smile was notable. “40 Watt” particularly shone bright, giving us a glimpse of their unique harmonic abilities. We can’t wait to catch them on tour, as we’re sure they’ll be bringing this seven-piece to every major city really soon.

’40 Watt’

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[Event Preview/Denver Giveaway] Bag Raiders w/ Action 52 & Rose Quartz- 4/10 – The Bluebird Theater

Posted by Matthew Bloss - April 6, 2015

Kimbra
Miracle (Bag Raiders Remix) + Denver ticket giveaway!

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Australia’s Bag Raiders have brilliantly maintained a coveted spot between the staunchest of electronic and dance aficionados, and full-fledged mainstream success in a way so few acts have the ability, yet countless artists aspire to. The duo behind indie-dance gems like “Shooting Stars”, and “Nairobi” are bringing their skills behind the DJ booth for a special DJ Set this Friday at Denver’s Bluebird Theater, and we’ve teamed up with our friends at AEG & Global Dance Music to give away a pair of tickets for one lucky winner. Rounding out the bill are a pair of TMN darlings out of the burgeoning indie scene of Denver, CO: Action 52 & Rose Quartz.

Fresh off of a superbly composed and wonderfully executed EP: Axis of Love, Rose Quartz has been sharing their sound all over the contiguous U.S. lately, behind a nationwide tour with Generationals and Ishi; and never come close to disappointing anyone in attendance for one of their hometown shows. Finally, kicking things off will be the underground tipping, fun loving house music of Action 52, who last landed on these hallowed pages with their take on Ludacris’ “How Low”. Needless to say, we’re getting positively jazzed up for this one, and as always, it just wouldn’t be half as fun without a couple of our Ninja friends in attendance as well. Entering this one is a cinch. Just “like” The Music Ninja Facebook page here, and comment with your favorite Bag Raiders tune below in the comments section for guaranteed entry. We’re announcing our winner on the day of the show, so stay tuned for the reveal!

There are a few rules, of course:
– The event is all ages, so tell all your friends to increase your odds of winning!
– You are responsible for your own transportation.
– You must bring a valid form of ID to pick up your tickets at the Bluebird Theater box office.
– You must find a TMN representative and let them buy you a shot (or Red Bull for our non legal friends)
Good luck Ninjas!

[Event Preview] The Underground Music Showcase – 7/23-7/26 – Denver, CO

Posted by Matthew Bloss - April 6, 2015

After the raucous and discovery laden journey that was last year’s Underground Music Showcase in Denver, CO; we are once again gearing up for another edition of our favorite music festival in Denver. One of the few remaining music gatherings in our the fair city of Denver to eschew the typical smattering of major label festival fare, The UMS has dropped the first glimpse into a lineup boasting over 1,500+ acts strewn across various shops and bars dotting Denver’s South Broadway district, and we’ve already got stars in our widening Ninja eyes as a result. Buoyed by the gleaming synth-pop of Portland, OR’s STRFKR and the psych induced dream-rock of Brooklyn trio DIIV, as well as TMN Favorites Rose Quartz, Wild High and The Epilogues, this year’s UMS looks to be as top heavy as ever without skimping on any of the underground qualities which brought it to prominence in the first place. Grab your tickets here, and quite honestly, for our friends in Denver, $50.00 for a four-day paradisaical dip into some of the best atmosphere and music (of an absurd number of genres as well, mind you) the Mile High City has to offer is what we like to call in the industry… “a steal”.

Check out our 2014 coverage of The UMS here, stream our mini-playlist featuring a tune from each aforementioned act to stoke your UMS fire, and read the full lineup of announced artists thus far for the 2015 installment of The Underground Music Showcase below.

UMS 2015 first lineup announcement:

STRFKR, Diiv, Milo Greene, Brick + Mortar, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Mac McCaughan (Superchunk), Moon Hooch, Until The Ribbon Breaks, Accordion Crimes, Beginners, Bud Bronson and the Good Timers, Colfax Speed Queen, Dragondeer, The Epilogues, Eros & the Eschaton, Gabriel, Garzón-Montano, In the Whale, The Knew, Land Lines, The Lonely Wild, Ned Garthe Explosion, Plum, Rose Quartz, Ryan Chrys and the Roughcuts, Shady Elders, South of France, SPELLS, Wild High, Wiredogs, The Yawpers.

’Golden Light’

’Doused’

’Leaving Now’

’Tidal’

’Hunting Season’

[Synth-Pop] Golden Coast – Take You Away

Posted by Clayton Warwick - April 2, 2015

Golden Coast
Take You Away

Soundcloud

As the weather begins to shift toward warmer temperatures, the mood everywhere becomes lighter and those feel-good tunes that you discover are just that much better. Synth-pop duo Golden Coast have been on our radar since their first release last year, and they seem to have this innate ability to soak in the LA sun and translate it into summery, danceable jams. While we sit on the edge of the summer months, the hybrid act release their fifth offering, “Take You Away,” to start the momentum in April and propel us straight ahead into three months of bliss.

In typical Golden Coast fashion, “Take You Away” begins with a luscious guitar riff before glittering synth chords take the lead and the duo’s vocals swoop in to give the track their pop infusion every one knows and loves. The duo know that LA’s weather is hard to beat, and their latest tune spreads the Southern California area’s good vibes for everyone to enjoy. For when pool party season starts up, keep this one in your back pocket and I promise you people will thank you for making the party just a little bit warmer with the vibes of Golden Coast.

Synth-pop