Take a break from holiday music

Needless to say I have been a major slacker at updating this blog. Nevertheless, I have a new favorite song I want everyone to put on their latest Spotify Playlist or what have you. It's called "No Sleep No Dream" by seventeen year old Arizona native, Zella Day.

Zella Day's voice sounds very soft and innocent in the song; however, the instruments keep it upbeat, making me want to listen to it over and over again. She's a singer/songwriter, reminding me of an artist like Sarah Jaffe, whom you should also check out if you haven't already!

Another song of Zella Day's to check out is her version of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army". Rather than the fun rock version I am accustomed to, Zella Day gives the song a touch of folk rock with an acoustic guitar. Check out her official video here or watch below!

One more thing, while writing this entry, I learned that you can purchase Zella Day's EP "Cynics vs. Dreamers" on iTunes. Enjoy!

A new band to check out

Milo Greene just released their debut self-titled album last month. This pop-folk band delivers harmonious tracks that I love to listen to over and over again. If you like bands like Fleet Foxes, The Head and the Heart, or Delta Spirit, then you can't miss out on this LA-based band!

You should definitely listen to the entire album but the songs you can't miss are: "1957," "Don't Give Up on Me," and "What's the Matter."

I would love to see them in a chill setting—at an outdoors venue or music festival. I am very disappointed because I just found out that they will be at Stubbs (Outdoors) on Oct. 13th (ACL Saturday) with Civil Wars and there is no way I will make an ACL Aftershow, seriously, it's impossible. I don't know how people do it.... maybe they will see how awesome Stubbs is and come back to Austin on a headlining tour! A girl can only dream.

I LOVE IT

Icona Pop's single "I LOVE IT" is my new favorite song to listen to when I'm in the mood to get pumped up or party. It's been on my radar for about 2 months now, thanks to Sirius XMU, but I finally found it on Spotify and therefore listen to it all of the time! 

My favorite line: "You're from the 70's but I'm a 90's bitch! I don't care. I love it!" - I love it!

This band is just another reason why I love what Scandinavia has produced (music-wise) — i.e., Lykke Li, Of Monsters & Men, ROBYN, Peter Bjorn & John, Royksopp, Bjork, Ace of Bass ;)

If you haven't checked out some of those bands before, they're definitely worth your time! Royksopp and Bjork are a little out there but most of the others have some mainstream songs that most people can enjoy. 

I'm leaving you with a classic for all of you "90's bitches" — Ace of Base "The Sign."

You are welcome.

2012 ACL Lineup Release

The 2012 ACL Lineup was announced today, and while I have seen many of these bands in the past year, I'm still very excited that I went ahead and purchased my early bird pass! 

My must see bands so far (before checking out any that I do not recognize) are—

The Black Keys

Florence + the Machine

AVICII - I'm just excited to see everyone rage at this show

The Shins - They released an amazing album this year "Port of Morrow"

Gotye - What's that one song he sings again?? ;)

M83 - Saw them at Stubbs last week, I loved them!! I know you've heard "Midnight City"

Thievery Corporation - A fun hippie band to check out

Crystal Castles - Another dance party to attend

Andrew Bird - Although I haven't really heard any of his new music

Metric

Band of Skulls

Alabama Shakes - They were amazing at SXSW

Delta Spirit - They put on a great show at Emo's East last month

M. Ward

The War on Drugs - I was sad I missed them at SXSW

Bombay Bicycle Club - "Shuffle" has been one of my favorite songs this year

Oberhofer

POLICA

Tennis - Another band I unfortunately missed at SXSW

Zola Jesus

Los Campesinos!

Freelance Whales - Maybe his brother who's on Glee will show up?? Celeb-spotting?? Probably not.

The Lumineers - I really love their song "Ho Hey"

First Aid Kit - Love this folk music sister duo

Caveman

Also, A-Trak and Kimbra will be there, I wonder if they will play their new hit "Warrior"  that they did with Mark Foster (Foster the People).... I would love to see that performance! (fun fact: you can get this song for free here)