Soundclouds of the Underground: Snooze Button Edition

ABOVE: DIFFERENT SLEEP

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.

It’s almost March, but the ludicrously cold weather clearly thinks it’s smack-dab in the middle of December, which makes it all the more difficult to go about your daily business. We’ve found ourselves hitting the snooze button on more than one occasion, inspired to do nothing but lay motionless on our beds with the heaters on high. Here, we’ve picked out three serene yet stimulating tracks to play while we’re savoring that last bit of sleep before the day begins, in the hopes that they will inspire us all to keep on keeping on despite the arctic temperatures.

Different Sleep: “Damage”

Who: Different Sleep boasts a charming blend of smooth and soulful genres, including chillwave, R&B, and pop. The Chicago- based, California-bred performer carries a distinct tone, managing his style within a soft-spoken spectrum. As evident from tracks like the Drake-sampling “Get Ahead,” DS’s approach generates an epic, gradual sound.

Song: If the antiquated debate on whether or not electronic music is real music still exists, Different Sleep could easily change naysayers’ minds—”Damage” is made up of digital, contemporary parts, but produces an entrancing groove that could go up against the best of jam bands. Sit back, relax, and let the track take you somewhere awesome.

Current Project: Different Sleep’s upcoming EP, Conflict, will be released via Friends of Friends on April 22nd. For now, head to his Facebook page for more on the emerging act.

Bosco: “Slippin”

Who: Atlanta’s Bosco is somewhat of an enigma—with only two songs on her Soundcloud, the gifted singer is also known for her 2011 Pacer EP, a collaboration alongside Washed Out’s live keyboardist Dog Bite. Undeniably current, with songwriting skills that evoke a pop sensibility, Bosco’s sound is as catchy as it is poignant.

Song: Produced by Atlanta’s NEVR, “Slippin” obtains the silky sexiness of “That’s The Way Love Goes”-era Janet Jackson, simultaneously competing with innovative R&B acts of the moment like Alunageorge and SZA. Bosco’s sweet falsetto rides over the big beat (which vaguely reminds us of a sped-up version of Keri Hilson’s “Slow Dance“), accompanied by harmonic hums.

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

Liz: “Do I Like U”

Who: A longtime favorite of our column, cool-pop princess Liz is finally getting the shine she deserves, via a brand new EP, Just Like You, which she’s been slowly unveiling on her Soundcloud page. First there was the properly ’90s “Y2K” (which alludes to offbeat bangers like Jordan Knight’s “Give It To You“), then the CZ-produced “Say You Would,” and, most recently, a Bay Area-inspired banger/ballad hybrid featuring rapper Tyga entitled “Don’t Say.”

Song: “Do I Like U” is an eclectic pop record that spotlights its producers (Yung Oji, r.i.c. volta, and Swørd). The summery track transitions from subtle, slowed-up trap to a booty-bounce hook complete with ’90s R&B house-esque piano chords. Fun fact: Liz co-wrote the track with none other than former ‘NSYNC member JC Chasez, which surely influences its wonderfully nostalgic sound.

Current Project: Liz will join Riff Raff, Major Lazer, and more on the Mad Decent Boat Party starting November 12th. For info on this and more, head to Liz’s Facebook page.

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