Soundclouds of the Underground: Steppin’ Out Edition


ABOVE: SAINT PEPSI

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.

On most days, we count on music to push us out the door and ready us for our experiences in the outside world. Oftentimes the right song will help make that Monday morning commute a little less painful, while in other instances there may be a certain track that gets you excited to spruce yourself up and hit the town (or whatever the kids call it these days). Regardless of the time, place, and reason, the right sound is a great motivator. This week, we selected three distinct cuts that are sure to aid you as you’re stepping out.

Saint Pepsi: “Fiona Coyne”

Who: A talented producer who perfectly melds disco, pop, and soul into something timely, nostalgic, and new, Saint Pepsi has experienced a fast rise to relevance. Tracks like his jubilant breakout jam “Mr. Wonderful” (which manages to sample Aretha Franklin and Nintendo 64 in one fell swoop) and the euphoric “Unhappy” have put the Long Islander in a league of his own.

The Song: Named after a character who’s appeared in recent seasons of Canadian high school drama Degrassi, “Fiona Coyne” (along with its wonderfully quirky video) is a happy-go-lucky track that also introduces Saint Pepsi as a vocalist, his smooth vocal riding nicely on top of the rhythm guitar riff and peppy drums. Perfect for a sunny day or starry night, Saint Pepsi’s track is sure to put a smile on your face.

Current Project: Get the 411 on Saint Pepsi via his Facebook page

Rochelle Jordan: Back In The Day (Prod. KLSH)

Who: Rochelle Jordan’s name has been one consistently brought up in conversations of R&B’s new guard, whether it’s a mention of underappreciated tracks like 2012’s “Losing” or her more recent work, like this year’s charmingly hazy “Follow Me.” With both, it’s easy to see why Jordan’s smooth vocal often gets compared to Aaliyah, who Jordan pays homage to with the fantastic “King A” tribute.

The Song: A cut off DJ Kitty Cash’s upcoming Love The Free Vol. II, and produced by Jordan’s longtime collaborator KLSH, “Back In The Day” has a cool, calm sex appeal that’s undeniable in its delivery. The sultry singer’s dedication to melody and harmony layer the track, and whether you’re strutting through the streets towards the corner bodega or on your way to a big date, “Back In The Day” sets the mood.

Current Project: Keep up with Rochelle on her Facebook page.

Saint: “Saki Bomb” feat. Cakes Da Killa (Saint Remix)

Who: A producer who’s been incessant in his climb to the top of the EDM totem pole, L.A.’s Saint has crafted an exciting hybrid sound that sits somewhere between industrial trap and the sounds of DJ Mustard. His ass-shaking remixes and edits (which tend to reflect his ’90s-era and pop diva influences) of tracks like Fergie’s “London Bridge” and TLC’s “No Scrubs” bring the perfect amount of nostalgia into something entirely new.

The Song: Another pioneering aspect of Saint’s burgeoning career is his decision to remix his own songs (as he did with the epic club banger “Tamagotchi” featuring NYC rhymesmith Dai Burger). Here his edit of “Saki Bomb,” a collaboration with Cakes Da Killa, finds the track being transformed from an aggressive anthem to a synth-heavy slapper that evokes a more Cali sound.

Current Project: Saint’s debut album, Immaculate, is dropping soon—stay updated via his Facebook page.

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