Soundclouds of the Underground: Worker Bee Edition

ABOVE: 100s

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 most new and 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 deep 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. 

As the weather gets nicer and the temptation to flee from one’s cubicle, desk, etc. becomes more intense, it may be time to implement some focus-maintaining strategies—motivational music, perhaps? Whether that means tracks whose steady sound keep your attention towards the task at hand, or just something really loud, we gathered three songs that will hopefully keep you sane while the sun peeks in from your boss’s lavish corner office.

Delroy Edwards: “MAXWELL”

Who: A young talent who’s spent time working at A1 Records with L.I.E.S.’s Ron Morelli (his stunning 2012 effort 4 Club Use Only was released on the label), Edwards takes his moniker from the famed drug dealer of the same name. His sound seems rooted in old-school Chicago house, although it is by no means unvaried. His pulsing grooves are fun, fast and impossible to resist.

The Song: Sampling suave R&B crooner Maxwell’s “Matrimony: Maybe You,” Edwards speeds the track up, adding a funky disco-dance backbeat for good measure. The song’s euphoric feel could certainly help one get in good spirits, even when you might be chained to your desk for hours on end.

Current Project: Check out Edwards’ repertoire via his Discogs page.

100s: “1999”

Who: One look at the cover of 100s’ Ice Cold Perm mixtape (a homage to Snoop Dogg’s album art for The Doggfather) and its clear the Berkley rapper is one bad dude. Following in the footsteps of west coast legends like Snoop, 100s’ style is pimp rap with an energetic edge—his flow can carry the blunt charisma of Too $hort’s, while at the same time maintaining a laid-back aesthetic.

The Song: “1999” finds 100s rocking out over a smooth Joe Wax-produced beat, the song appropriately titled given its throwback feel. Perhaps inspired by Prince’s own anthem of the same name, the rapper implores his listeners to shake their behinds “like it’s 1999″—if feeling like a pimp (and thereby brushing your shoulders off) is what you need to get through another day at the office, this guy’s for you.

Current Project: Recently signed to club king A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold label, expect much more from 100s. For now, check out his video for the aforementioned track here, and if that’s not enough, head to his Facebook page.

Lumerians: “Dogon Genesis”

Who: Spacerock seems like a genre long untapped—or at least ignored—but the Lumerians (who’ve fittingly named themselves after a humanoid species on Star Trek) have given it some fresh shine. Fully committed to their psychedelic sound, prog-rock jamming, chillingly echoed vocals, and obscure synth organs are all elements of the five-man band’s trippy sound.

The Song: “Dogon Genesis” is a song to get lost in—it sounds like something that could soundtrack the Beatles infamous meeting with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The song’s hypnotizing sound is prime for finding your zen before dealing with what the workday has in store.

Current Project: For more info on the band, take a gander at their Facebook page.

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