Soundclouds of the Underground: The Lazy River Edition
ABOVE: KALEIDA
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.
While some people find the bitter chill of New York fall to be endearing, we wish we were somewhere else, specifically one of those lazy rivers at an all-inclusive resort (really, anywhere warm with a heated pool would suffice). For those of you also looking to slip away from your frigid walk to work, we found three songs that might help provide a hotter happy place, at least mentally. So put on your headphones, close your eyes, and float on—just don’t let your boss catch you sleeping.
Chandeliers: “Its Own Small Breathing”
Who: According to the band’s bio, Chandeliers (made up of John Whitney, Mark Rothko, Syd Mead, Karl Gerstner, and Robert Anton Wilson) put “a danceable twist on art rock,” and we’d have to agree. Melodic and uniquely textured, the Chicago-based outfit find a space between eerie electronic and catchy rock-pop and make it their home.
Song: “Its Own Small Breathing” takes a beautifully orchestrated synth melody and backs it with the light banging of drums, a soft falsetto swinging in and out of the track. The second half of the song unveils collision of strange sounds, turning the track from easy-going to more explorative.
Current Project: Keep up with the group via their Facebook page.
Kaleida: “Think”
Who: Vocalist Christina Wood and keyboradist/producer Cicely Goulder are Kaleida, a talented UK-based duo whose minimalistic, sultry sound is sure to get them plenty of attention.
Song: Originally a YouTube single that racked up 230,000 views, “Think” is a smooth, sexy hit that proves you don’t need a lot of noise to make a big sound. The track relies solely on Goulder’s instrumentation and Wood’s sensual coo, a smart move considering the ladies have more than enough talent to carry out such a vulnerable track.
Current Project: The duo plays at London’s The Nest on November 23–if you can’t make it, check in with Kaleida here.
The Landing: “Anxieties”
Who: Not much is known about the identity behind The Landing, except that the genre-bending, enigmatic act (which infuses ambient indie and electro pop with some gorgeous harmonies for good measure) is based out of New York.
Song: The Landing classifies this track as “Space-Pop” on its Soundcloud page, which seems an apt description. Celestial and subtle without slipping into an extremely weird, unattainable space, the track captures distinctness while still staying catchy.
Current Project: Find out more about The Landing via their website.
Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.
