Soundclouds of the Underground: Staycation Edition

ABOVE: ODESZA

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.

Sometimes the outside world gets to be a bit too much, and the best possible thing you can do is seek refuge in some really good music (maybe throw in some snacks and a Snuggie for good measure). So sit back, relax, forgot about all those nagging responsibilities, and ease into these tantalizing tracks.

Odesza: “If There’s Time”

Who: Odesza is Catacombkid and BeachesBeaches, a production duo who stand strong on their own but together create an unstoppable force of ambient electro awesomeness. Songs like “Without You,” which samples Gotye’s super-hit “Somebody That I Used To Know,” are dreamy, dynamic, and anything but ordinary.

Song: Laying around and doing nothing all day is one of the great pleasures of life, but this rigorous activity is almost always amplified with the right music. Cue “If There’s Time,” a song with bangin’ backbeat, trippy vocal samples, and staccato synths.

Current Project: The group’s new EP My Friends Never Die came out this week, and they are about to go on tour with Michael Menert through October—check their website for more info.

Jessy Lanza: “Keep Moving” 

Who: Lanza’s airy vocals might seem fit for something more indie-pop upon the first few seconds of listening, but the artist has a true knack for R&B, and her breathy belt and inventive beats giving her a very interesting (and wonderfully entertaining) edge.

Song: Lanza leans into her funky side with “Keep Moving,” its subtle guitar slaps and big piano chords adding to an already sexy equation. The singer seems to have one foot in the disco past and another in the soulful future; “Just wanna make you turn around,” she sings over the snare snaps. You don’t have to say it twice, Ms. Lanza—this track already had us doing 360s.

Current Project: Keep up with all things Jessy Lanza by logging onto her Facebook page.

Dai Burger: “Soufflé”

Who: Known in many circles as one of the most engaging rappers and dancers on the scene, New York-based bad girl Dai Burger is multi-talented beauty whose lyrics shock and impress simultaneously.

Song: Burger’s at her best on “Soufflé”—fun, flirty, and a bit risqué, the talent’s flow fits perfectly over the busty beat supplied by Shane Augustus. WIth power punchlines and a great chorus (the arguable highlight of the track is the rapper’s singing voice, which is sexy and sultry as her 16s), Burger will have you doing a Risky Business-style saunter through your apartment whilst enjoying your Mental Health Day.

Current Project: Keep up with DB by checking in with her Facebook page.

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