Soundclouds of the Underground: Back to School Edition

ABOVE: FELIX SNOW

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.

Whether you’re headed to your hallowed high-school halls, a packed college lecture hall, a new job, or the same old spot, chances are you’ve noticed that August has come to an abrupt close, opening up the floodgates for fall. To many, this means more of the same, with the added excitement of wearing extra layers with your look. For the rest, it simply signifies the death of summer 2013, a season where homework, exams, and being on time were things forgotten, if only just for a little while. Find below three tracks that (in one way or another) remind us of the summer past.

Felix Snow: “This Pool Party Feels Like A Funeral” (feat. Various Cruelties)

Who: Snow is in no way imprisoned to a particular genre. A recent signee of Warner Chappell, Snow’s crafted radio-ready bangers for artists like rap legend Eve and has his hands in the indie world, having been responsible for “Julia,” a song by TDE’s rare R&B bird SZA.

The Song: Felix supplies the funk in this sleek and sexy track (its title being a perfect signifier of summer’s last shimmering moments) with vocals by Various Cruelties. A far cry from “Julia,” one thing remains a constant in Snow’s work: a powerful and focused energy, which anchors this drum-heavy hit all the way to the dance floor.

Current Project: Snow has his hands full with a number of upcoming projects—stay in tune via his Facebook page.

Agua Roja: “Summer Ends”

Who: November (vocals), Benjamin Porraz (guitar), and Clement Roussel (keyboards) make up this Paris-based project. Airy, emotional, and nostalgia-inducing, the band has generated much hype despite only having one song.

The Song:
The hype is deserved. “Summer Ends” gives November the spotlight, and boy does she deliver—her vocals are a thing of true beauty, triggering thoughts of long, sun-kissed summer nights.

Current Project:
Agua Roja only just debuted this past August, so keep checking into their Facebook page to stay updated on their next step.

: “XXX 88” (Featuring Diplo)

Who: Calling Copenhagen her hometown, MØ (real name, Karen Marie Ørsted) is a clear pro at pop music: her voice is impressive, expanding into big melodic movements and pulling back at the perfect times. She’s effortlessly in vogue and possesses a perfect clash of pop, rap, dance, electro and the like—a sure winner for 2013.

The Song:
It only makes sense that Diplo (half of supergroup Major Lazer and head of Mad Decent, a label known for seeking out the crème de la crème of cool) would collaborate with the singer, the result being a summer-friendly pop hit that can act as the perfect transition from walking to the beach to walking to class.

Current Project: The singer is signed to Sony/Chess Club with a debut EP on the way—keep an eye on her Tumblr as more details arise.

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