SoundClouds of the Underground: Holiday Party Edition


ABOVE: HANNAH DIAMOND.

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures–some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough. 

The year is winding down, which means that companies around the world are bringing out champagne and hors d’oeuvres for their respective holiday bashes. Music is key when carrying out a work party–the right track can quickly turn things from painfully awkward to downright crazy–so below are three tracks to keep in your back pocket whilst attending your company soiree. When the time is right, plug in the aux cord and blast these songs to impress your co-workers and take things to the next level.

Hannah Diamond: “Every Night”

Who: This year the music spotlight has spent a great deal of time on PC Music, home to producers like A.G. Cook and the elusive SOPHIE, whose glitchy hyper-pop has captured many with songs like “Lemonade.” Perhaps the most personable of the bunch is Hannah Diamond, whose adorably blunt British vocals perfectly fit in with PC Music’s bubblegum sound.

The Song: “Every Night” is bright and sunny like most of Diamond’s tracks, the production sounding a bit like La Bouche if they were overexcited cyborgs. “I want to see you every night, and feel your hand be next to mine,” Diamond coos, almost sounding like a little girl. It’s perfectly adorable and danceable at the same time, and acts as further proof that Hannah Diamond and the PC Music crew may be one of the most original collectives in music. 

Current Project: Stay updated on Hannah Diamond via her Facebook.

We Chief: “Blaze It Up” (Jus Now Remix) 

Who: Brookyln-based group We Chief are the pioneers of a genre that they dubbed “Reggaetronic,” an electronic, reggae, dancehall-inclined hybrid that is influenced by “The Drum, The Bass” and the almighty booty.

The Song: Although the track is a remix, producer Jus Now stays true to the Reggaetronic aesthetic, crafting a hard-hitting track that centers on some dance-inducing commands. When the vocals erupt with a demand to “Smack the bass,” there’s no doubt you’ll be doing just that in whatever way you choose to interpret it.

Current Project: Keep up with We Chief on their website.

Nicki Minaj and Trey Songz: “Touchin, Lovin” (90s Nick Edit)

Who: 90s Nick first drummed up some attention in the SoundCloud scene thanks to Chicago DJ, Producer, and Party-thrower Teen Witch, who spotlighted Nick’s club-ready take on Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” via his Area 69 page. Since then Nick has followed up with tracks that will make you simultaneously smile and sing, like his choice blend of Nguzunguzu and Trina

The Song: With “Touchin, Lovin” Nick takes an otherwise bland B-side by Songz and Minaj and gives it a much needed facelift, turning up the tempo and adding a flurry of percussion. If there’s confetti at your function, whip it out during this track.

Current Project: Stay up to date with Nick on his SoundCloud.

SoundClouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.