Dapa Don –

Brooklyn native Dapa Don lives up to his name, in that New York street style sense of the word ‘dapper’ (personally I’d call it classy swag). He’s a true representative of the legacy of his hometown, bringing classic hip-hop to the foreground once more with his intelligent and original rhymes. It’s not a far fetch to compare him to the greats before him- Biggie and Nas are clearly influences (and both should be proud).

Eddie Caine –

Eddie Caine’s refined style is evident in his beats as well as his lyrics. Focusing on the subject of women, many of his songs manage to be both flattering and cutting to them, painting pictures of people we’ve encountered, situations we’ve experienced, and heartbreak for which we search to place blame. He brings to mind Ghostface Killah’s style of thoughtfully directed frustration, surrounded by a feeling of violent beauty.

Joella Deville –

Joella Deville inhabits that beautiful space between masterfully produced and excitingly raw pop music. It’s almost too easy to use the word fierce as a descriptor, but it’s inevitable: from her killer voice to her edgy digs, her attitude, her hair, and even her sensual dance moves, she exudes confidence. With a sound that shouts out to Wynter Gordon (with even more club ready beats), Deville is poised to give you your pop diva fix.

Wes –

Wes combines Toro Y Moi style production with old school Jagged Edge style hooks and rhymes. It makes for a damned delicious combination: a sultry style, complimented by a unique sounding voice, excellent rhymes, and catchy hooks.

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

The post Show Preview: HIS-ST0RY feat. Dapa Don with Eddie Caine, DRUG, Joella Deville, Wes appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Luke Rathborne

Like Luke’s mullet and pigeon toed doc martins, his sound is perfectly vintage and hip. His collections of songs are the kind of pop that suspends the limits of time and space for a deliciously fun and escapist experience. The playful synths and relentless bass are the best reprieve from this summer heat, and his 90s brit pop influence brings us a new sound that has Luke poised for huge success.

Boy Toy

It really is obvious when summer comes around- suddenly our ears are swarmed with deceitfully upbeat and melodic songs, that underneath hold nostalgic and introspective feelings. Isn’t that just like summer- to be completely fun and carefree with endless underlying insecurities and lessons? Boy Toy captures this so well with their garage rock sound, almost a grungier, fuzzier, (and more original) version of Best Coast.

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

The post Show Preview: Luke Rathborne and Boytoy appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Here are some great tracks we’ve been listening to recently at The Paper Box!

Bibio – Dye the Water Green

This song, from Bibio’s latest record Silver Wilkinson, steers away the techno vibe of his more recent work in favor of the soft, sparse vocals and droney acoustic guitars that characterize his earlier stuff. A breath of fresh air for old-school Bibio purists. Perhaps I’m the only one…

-ALEX

Fyfe – Solace

Fyfe is still new on the block, but his minimalist RnB Pop and simple yet captivating lyrics are sure to rocket him to success in the coming years.

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

Mozart’s Sister – Mozart’s Sister

Yeah, the song is the same as the band name, but don’t let that put you off. This hook rules, and the vocals are thick and strong and delightful over a happy little beat, and the lyrics are some smart jealous introspection. Summer jamz! Give me a margarita!

-MATTHEW
Follow me on twitter @coolmattymatt.

Calvin Harris and Florence Welch – Sweet Nothing

I love summer jams. This song is from last summer but its still perfection. Happy listening!

-DANIE

The Dark, Dark Internet

Danie and I are in a most-annoying-song contest. I think she’s winning.
-TORI
[Follow my band crushes here.]

The post Song of the Week – June 4, 2013 appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Jimkata –

Gleaming and genuine, Jimkata navigates the ambiguous land between Electronic and Rock music beautifully, incorporating the best of both worlds into their delectable sound. They range from synth driven pop choruses to intense rock guitar moments without seeming contradictory. Instead we have a band that is definitive of Electro-Rock, with thoughtful lyrics and certain melodies. At times they’re reminiscent of Cold Blood Club’s style of fusing rock and electronic pop, but there is a distinct polished component here that other acts have been missing.

Mun –

It’s obvious that Mun comes from a background in improv, with their funky grooves emanating so naturally that they seem almost completely spontaneous. There’s a hugeness to their sound at times, evoking an almost rock-opera aura, but their down to earth psychedelic rock and cheeky incorporation of other genres are entirely unique and awesomely fun.

DELTAnine -

Multicultural electronic artists DELTAnine are full of different electronic styles, from dub step to shimmery synths, to funky 80s analog and full beautiful beats. Their song titles are curiously geological, hinting at an interest in the make-up of earth, space, and humanity. This sentiment is not lost in the music itself, evoking something larger than itself with tasteful confidence. If you enjoy artists like Gold Panda, this would be the perfect show for you.

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

The post Show Preview: Jimkata, Mun, DELTAnine appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Honeydrum -

Old school funk and even some disco make their way into Honeydrum’s shoegaze aesthetic. At times like the soundtrack to Twin Peaks, Honeydrum is delicate and unassuming and then droning and enveloping, remaining unexpected and exciting. Varying between indistinguishable noise and perfect clarity, there is an artful production to this sound and balance, one that will surely translate beautifully to the stage.

Slow Warm Death –

Lo-fi, Fuzz and Blues come together for a lively and engaging performance from a fine group of guys. Their songs range from boyishly nervous to aggressively frightening, and frontman John Galm’s vocals inhabit both spheres seamlessly. The hard hitting drums and the awesome guitar riffs and fuzz are what make this a concert worth attending, even if it needs to go down with a drink.

Mannequin Pussy -

Mannequin Pussy is heavy garage rock; distorted yet raw it taps into an incredibly satisfying contradiction with the fuzzy guitars and the lead vocalist’s clear, light and feminine voice. Think She & Him meets Le Tigre meets fuzzy shitpunk.

Wolves -

Wolves are a relatively new Brooklyn band, but you wouldn’t know it by their sound or their live performance. With buried vocals that come through at just the right moment and all that garage fuzz, we’ll definitely be hearing a lot more of these guys in the coming months.

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

The post Slow Warm Death, Honeydrum, Mannequin Pussy, Wolves appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Always this song when it rains.

-TORI
[Follow my band crushes here.]

White Arrows – Roll Forever

White Arrows is an LA-based band whose music sounds like summertime sunshine. Happy Listening!

-DANIE

Beatrice Eli – Violent Silence

This is pop gold and I love everything about it.

-MATTHEW
Follow me on twitter @coolmattymatt.

Ms Henrik – Mark

Swedish gender bender Ms Henrik hit the scene with a single back in January (“Doing it for the Man”). The track generated some attention, but it’s on this second EP where he really becomes an artist to follow. This grimey prog-pop track is a great example of why.

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

The post What We’re Listening To – May 28, 2013 appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

Clemm Rishad -

Rishad is the kind of man who has the perfect amount of arrogance. This attitude, along with his unbelievably fly verses and great 90s tracks, bring to mind the great Jay-Z, a comparison that comes with a lot of weight. Beyond RIshad’s platinum song-writing credits, his career as a solo artist is incredibly promising. He is both throwing shade and offering inspiration all at once, and he backs it up: possibly a future hip-hop icon.

Will Jordan -

Collaborator and friend of Rishad’s, Jordan is an artist all on his own. With a retro sexiness to his music he is ultramodern, pushing trends and fusions between hip-hop and electro-R&B. Some of his base tracks even remind me of Jai Paul and his released/unreleased record. Needless to say, it’s chic and still down to earth. These guys are going to turn Tacoma into the next music hot spot.

Kevo Star -

With Electronica and Pop elements, Kevo Star is hoping to reach a broad audience, and his style promises possibility. His music could easily find itself on top 40 radio, even if it is a little edgier than most music in that sphere. The tracks are unbelievably dance worthy, sometimes in the style of Prodigy (remember the MTV banned video for Smack My Bitch Up?), with vocals that are reminiscent of Jason Derulo (although with better song writing).

Malibu Mitch -

In this small and sexy package comes an enormous personality and ‘don’t fuck with me’ attitude. Malibu Miitch is playing games, but they’re the kind you need to take seriously. Her bass is commanding and irresistible and her rhymes are unique and relentless- not to be underestimated, you better come to her show, and you better get down (really, you don’t want to make her mad).

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

The post Show Preview: Clemm Rishad, Will Jordan, Kevo Star, Maliibu Mitch, Skotch Davis, Speed AutoBahn, Joey G, D10 & Interstate Snake appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

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.

The post Bushwick Film Festival SPRING JUKE appeared first on The Paper Box | Brooklyn, NYC.

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.