Fresh Daily -

Fresh Daily has a knack for approaching topics that verge on cliché without seeming counterfeit. His rhymes are original, natural, and sometimes very romantic (again, in a way that is disarming and not unattractive). Underneath his talented lyricisms we find sexy, classy grooves that add to Fresh Daily’s allover thoughtfulness. Even in his most abrasive moments he has more tact than most, an attribute that won’t be lost on his audiences.

Gizmo -

A formidable front-runner in the neo-jazz/neo-soul scene, Gizmo’s impressive resume and classical training are obvious in his song writing and production, but never the focal point. Instead his music captures innovation and modernity that combine his array of influences- dub, jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop all have prevalent roles in his recent full-length release. This is something for classicalists and progressives alike to appreciate as a remarkable representation of what music can become, a stimulating performance for sure.

Mariami –

Mariami’s music is sophisticated and soulful, heavily steeped in R&B and Pop with some Jazz and Soul influences. At her most Pop she reminds me of Katy B, even though their influences are so different. It’s the vocals and the song structure more than anything, and it’s what makes Mariami accessible beyond fans of modern R&B. Her music, like her, is a unique combination of global influences in a gorgeous and emotive package.

Elevation Theory -

Wow- there is some seriously intense Soul going on here. Unabashed emotion, amazing instrumentation, and when there are lyrics present they are both perfectly simple and evocative. At times showing elements that sound like a Timberlake produced track transformed to horns and drums, Elevation Theory is both modern and fun without losing track of traditional music forms and throwing back to eras fifty years gone. This will be a lively and rewarding display of musicianship, not to be missed!

-Rick Marcello
Follow me on Twitter, @kaoticrick, or subscribe to my playlists on Spotify.

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Postman by Melissa Laveaux

The guitar line in this track is awesome, and when the bass drops about halfway through it becomes even more irresistible. Also, can we talk about that voice? Definitely the kind of song that makes you feel like a badass.

-RICK
Follow me on Twitter, @kaoticrick, or subscribe to my playlists on Spotify.

E=MC2 by Giorgio Moroder

Come for Giorgio’s bubbly italo-disco grooves, stay for the ridiculous 2-minute vocoder outro that lists everyone who worked on programming the synths on the album.

-ALEX

Not Giving In by Rudimental

I absolutely love love love this song. Rudimental is a group from the UK (obviously) who create amazing dance music. This song will tickle your eardrums and get your feet moving. It’s perfect for summer. Happy Listening!

-DANIE

Add It Up by Violent Femmes

I saw Violent Femmes once with my dad, at a weird festival in San Jose. Everyone was middle-aged and sitting down and probably stoned, and the band was all wrinkly and old, and I was like, “Dad, is this that band with the blister song?” He told me to be quiet and eat my cotton candy, so I did. That’s all I really remember.

-TORI
[Follow my band crushes here.]

The post What We’re Listening To – May 21, 2013 appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder

The mid 80’s saw its share of amazing white-guy Reggae hits: UB40’s Red Red Wine, 10cc’s Dreadlock Holiday and this synthy masterpiece, Matthew Wilder’s Break My Stride. Look past (or embrace) the ridiculous choreography and the fact that Matthew looks like Super Mario in space to find that this is actually the best song of the 80’s, if not all time.

-ALEX

Red Lines by S O H N

This track has a great downtempo beat, and some sweet warbly wailing. Really interesting production too.

-MATTHEW
Follow me on twitter @coolmattymatt.

Crush by Skinny Dream

“I’m not a ”Hipster”, but I REALLY LOOOOOOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HIPSTER SONGS♥”
-Youtuber papupita1999

-TORI
[Follow my band crushes here.]

Kites by Geographer

I LOVE THIS BAND. Hailing from San Francisco Geographer combines lyrical almost classical music mashed with electronic beats.
Happy Listening!

-DANIE

The post What We’re Listening To – May 14, 2013 appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Paperhaus -

Paperhaus is a DC DIY band with a passion for music as an independent and communal experience. This has allowed the band, comprised of four musically diverse gents, to inhabit a sort of dichotomous world; one where they can be a Dream Pop/Alt Rock band that dabbles in Blues and Funk, sometimes reminiscent of The Smiths. Top it off with smart, moving lyrics and original, thoughtful musicianship and you get a group that reminds us of a time when artists did what felt right and not what everyone else was doing.

Electric People -

Electric People is Rock ‘n Roll to the bones; it’s electrifying. Garnering comparisons to The Velvet Underground and Jesus & Mary Chain, their style of rocking out is fundamentally sexy (in that way that made 17 year old girls go crazy in the 70s). It’s no bullshit, straight up, served with a side of ‘rock your pants off’- prepare for total exhilaration.

The Nuclears –

The Nuclears are as original as they are traditional, and they’re giving us exhilarating, masculine rock n’ roll that requires no more classification. Their style is melodic and honest and uncannily similar to The Dictators. Both artists possess that intoxicating rock n roll attitude (as in guys who make sweet love to their instruments and get off with the crowd).

Youthquake -

Unique, strange (sometimes downright confusing), and blissfully entertaining, Youthquake is like a post-punk band from the 80s/90s that would have raided the airwaves back in the day. Their songs have inescapable hooks and original lyrics, all combined into a delightfully gender bending presentation.

-Rick Marcello
Follow me on Twitter, @kaoticrick, or subscribe to my playlists on Spotify.

The post Show Preview: Paperhaus, Electric People, The Nuclears, Youthquake appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

SOHN – Bloodflows

Delicious electro-R&B a la James Blake.

-RICK
Follow me on Twitter, @kaoticrick, or subscribe to my playlists on Spotify.

Charli XCX – Stay Away

This whole record is great, but I think this song has the most restraint, while still delivering on a killer hook.

-MATTHEW
Follow me on twitter @coolmattymatt.

Buddy Holly – Rave On

“This is not only a great song its one of the standards played by later great bands like the Beatles since most people under 25 dont know who Buddy Holly or The Beatles are their taste in music leaves much to be desired. Hipsters only like what other hipsters are listening to you know like right now its Elvis Costello, Pixies and the Velvet Underground Banana album, at some point they will figure out that Buddy Holly actually lived, as well as Bo Diddley and jump on that Trendy bus.”
-YouTube user TheAstrius

-TORI
Follow my band crushes here.

A Little While by Langhorne Slim

Ah Americana! Its starting to warm up and I always feel like Langhorne Slim puts me in the mood for warm weather and spiked iced tea. Happy listening!

-DANIE

The post What We’re Listening To – May 7, 2013 appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

L Train -

L Train captures the diversity of New York City’s population in a unified and original
fashion, offering a Rock persona with genuinely funky songs. It’s their punk edge
that changes everything- this is the kind of music that makes you feel like a badass,
and certainly their live show will also exhibit this trait. With a sound strongly
influenced by Led Zeppelin and No Doubt, it’s no wonder that the lead singer
Crystalla Gonzales has enough of an electric energy and voice to give an entire
stadium cardiac arrest.

Hey Guy-

Hey Guy is infectious modern Rock that’s ready for radio yet down to earth enough
for an intriguing and exciting live show. Their style is melodic but intense, fun yet
complex. The guitars, drums, and vocals, that all feel so 2000s Rock, hit a spot that
Incubus may have touched for many of us back in the day, but with a much needed
revamp. I’d say this is a band to watch out for, and a must-see performance.

The Glorious Veins-

At its softest frontman Paul Pangman’s voice brings to mind David Byrne’s
distinguished style, and even further The Glorious Veins demonstrate many
qualities in common with The Talking Heads: the funk, the global influences, and the
avant-garde post-punk rock. It’s incredibly refreshing to hear a modern band doing
something so enjoyable yet still unique, and doing it so well. With melodies that
rival Phoneix in catchiness, the Glorious Veins have the potential to raise themselves
to similar global recognition with their unbelievable guitar playing, spot on
percussion, and break-out vocals.

-Rick Marcello
Follow me on Twitter, @kaoticrick, or subscribe to my playlists on Spotify.

The post May 25th Show Preview: L Train with Hey Guy, The Glorious Veins appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

“Postcard” by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

I think electronic music might be the wave of the future, guys.

-Tori
[Follow my band crushes here.]

“Kronos” by Keaton Henson

This guy is really, really, really, really, really, really sad.

-Matt
Follow me on twitter @coolmattymatt.

“Scream and Shout” by Will.I.Am and Britney Spears

I love this song. It’s certainly my guilty pleasure. This song is the perfect “get ready for the night” tune to put in the mood of getting crazy and making bad decisions. Happy Listening!

-Danie

“Berling Lovers” by Still Corners

The first single from Still Corners’ sophomore effort, Strange Pleasures, is a retro-futurist delight. Tessa Murray’s vocals lend an ethereal beauty to the captivating synth bass and otherwise simplistic composition, making this the perfect dreampop track for the beginning of a new season. Look for the record out May 7th, it’s sure to be on rotation this summer.

-Rick
Follow me on Twitter, @kaoticrick, or subscribe to my playlists on Spotify.

The post What We’re Listening To – May 2, 2013 appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Clementine and the Galaxy

Clementine and the Galaxy are serving polished, powerful, space-age synth pop tailor made for lovers. Fantastic lyrics, stellar vocals, and awesome dance beats come together for an incredible finished product comparable to Chairlift and Goldfrapp at their best and most accessibly pop. There are some intensely strong dance ballads in their repertoire that will move audiences (emotionally and physically). This is one incredible duo, with the talent and poise to deliver an invigorating live performance.

Phebe Starr

Phebe Starr embodies her name- she is quite literally shooting like a star to the top of the bunch with her own brand of feminine power pop. It’s rich in palpable emotions and thoughtfully decorated with synths while all the facets perfectly frame her chilling voice. Somewhere between Lykke Li and Marina & The Diamonds, it’s relatable and melodic yet deep and brooding, and her Pop ballads surpass many of her contemporaries (Florence Welch, Sia)- come catch this rising star at the beginning of her career!

Bob & Martha

These two ‘old souls’ from Brooklyn have crafted their own niche of psychedelic pop. They’ve incorporated complex guitar riffs, eastern influences, and their own quirkiness to deliver something between Bjork and the Doors. Don’t let the categorization of psychedelic dissuade you- they are anything but your typical jam band, and while their sound is particular, their audience should be broader.

-Rick Marcello
Follow me on Twitter, @kaoticrick, or subscribe to my playlists on Spotify.

The post Show Preview: Phebe Starr appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Ninjasonik

Old school meets new school in this unique and innovative trio; Hip Hop, Punk, and funk are part of the genre spectrum, highlighted by delectable beats. The samples Ninjasonik uses are relatable while cutting edge (often sampling their buds’ Matt & Kim’s catchy pop songs). While they have their own unique style, a lot of the beats bring to mind the Cataracs -what both those acts have in common is their natural ability to move a crowd to get down!

Unstoppable Death Machines

Unstoppable Death Machines are just that- unstoppable assaults on your ears and your senses. Side effects include head banging, intense bouts of anxiety, and at times an elevated state of being. It’s definitely exciting, and it’s some of the most energized punk rock you’ll hear. What this duo is really known for however are their interactive and provocative live shows (performance art if you will), that at times can turn into a group jam with the audience. Sounds pretty damn awesome.

Show You Suck

Show You Suck is really carving out a place for himself in the hip-hop world. His verses are unique and original, and while they have cheeky references and titles (often about food), it’s really just a step away from the thoughtful cultural commentary that lies underneath. Without even mentioning how sexy and classically hip hop the beats and instrumentals are, Show You Suck already makes an impact. This emcee is likely one of the most original lyricists around. Did I mention he has some traits reminiscent of A Tribe Called Quest?

DJ Fake Money

Fake Money is bringing the beats, and they are thick as hell. With catchy one-liners and incredible production, this is the kind of guy who is ready to DJ the house down. Leave your inhibitions at the door and prepare for a world-class dance party, with everything from Latin infused dance beats to old school R&B and hip-hop. Of course he also implements modern dub and dance at every turn. Even with these many influences Fake Money never strays from being a downright dance-fest. You’ll get exactly what you want here, so wear your boogy shoes!

-Rick Marcello
Follow me on Twitter, @kaoticrick, or subscribe to my playlists on Spotify.

The post Show Preview: May 4th Late Show with Ninjasonik appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

“Cold World” by Jon E.K.

I am obsessed, OBSESSED with this guy. Jon E.K is an electro pop indie artist who is just barely getting noticed right now (literally he has under 100 likes on facebook), He’s a true hidden gem and I promise you in 6 months he’s going to blow up! In fact this song was on Grey’s Anatomy last week. I’m in love!!! Happy Listening!

-DANIELLE

“Fall Over” by Banks

These vocals are wild, almost off, but really satisfying. I love that kind of track that sounds wrong the first time, but super right every time after that.

-MATT
Follow me on twitter @coolmattymatt.

“Why Would You” by Blood Sister

This is a ‘new’ band with members of ‘old’ bands (Night Manager and Ganglians, who are also pretty cool). Lo-fi garage stuff at its best. Hoping they will one day have more than two songs on their bandcamp.

-TORI
[Follow my band crushes here.]

The post What We’re Listening To – April 22, 2013 appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.