The Strokes :: Reality Awaits

 

Indie NYC legends The Strokes recently announced the arrival of new album 'Reality Awaits' landing June the 26th. It's their first new album since 2020's 'The New Abnormal'. The first taste we've gotten so far from it is new single "Going Shopping". Although I am not a huge fan of the auto-tune on the track I am a huge fan of The Strokes and am excited to see what else is in store for us in the album. They have also been busy performing at this years Coachella and planning a tour that will bring them to our neck of the woods in Hollywood at the Hard Rock Live on September the 13th! Might wanna look into getting some tickets for that!

Check out their new single "Going Shopping".

Monterrey :: Make Me Feel (New Single/Video)

Miami electronic musician Monterrey is getting ready to release a new EP Elapse. Our first taste from the EP comes in the form of lead single "Make Me Feel". A loopy electronic pop tune that paints a minimalistic landscape soaked in colorful synths. As per Monterrey "The repetition in the vocals is key to the concept which is inspired by the crescendos of being in love. It is also the inner turmoil experienced by a computer attempting to assimilate to human emotion." Take your pick, or both, it can be both. The band will be performing Live Friday, June the 15th at Tigermilk, Miami's monthly Brit-Pop/Indie party held at Las Rosas. Can't wait to check out their set!

With no further ado check out Monterrey's new single/video for "Make You Feel".

BayRan :: Taps (Premiere)

We are happy to be premiering the new single "Taps" by Miami electronic artist BayRan. It's a great looping instrumental electronic track that we are digging!

We asked BayRan what this track is all about, and here is what he had to say ::

"Taps" is about the hypnotic redundancy that occurs at various points throughout our lives. By using short repetitions, I wanted to create a feeling that doesn’t necessarily evolve or change as expected. It was challenging to commit to certain elements, but I felt that there is a lack of self reflection and ambiguity in modern music. It might not be easily digested, but I really tried to instill a sense of anxiety and entranse the listener using traditional elements of songwriting in unconventional ways" 

With no further ado check out that excellent new track "Taps" which he is giving away as a free download for OTR readers! Yes! Best grab that quick before he changes his mind.

Jaialai :: Chariot

Miami band Jaialai who we wrote about their excellent debut single "Pink Motion" last year here sent us their new single "Chariot". It's a cool shoegazey tune and it features a sweet 360' video for it. They recorded the song earlier this year with Carlos Imperatori (Fabulosos Cadillacs producer) and it features Didi Gutman from Brazilian Girls on keyboards. Lead singer Oscar tells us "The song is about finding happiness after being disillusioned". You know, shit most people can relate too.

Check out that video/tune below...

Retrasoft :: Sun Daze (Premiere)

Miami's own Retrasoft just released a sexy vaporfunk track called "Sun Daze". It's got a great hypnotic grooving loop and some cool sampled vocals from an old japanese disco tune. Best part is he's letting OTR readers be the first ones to get a free download of the track! That's right, best grab that quick & press play... Stay in touch with him on insta or twitter. Happy Friday!!!

Astari Nite :: Lovesick (Premiere)

In what's become a yearly tradition our friends in Miami darkwave band Astari Nite are releasing new music for Christmas. This year they are releasing new single "Lovesick" and we are happy to be premiering it on OTR. It is a big tune reminiscent of the new wave/post punk days of yore. Complete with big catchy choruses and slick guitar/drum work. It was produced by Rees Bridges who has worked with Dirty Vegas, Pete Doherty and Tears for Fears and mastered by Emily Lazar "The Lodge" who has worked with such legendary acts as David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Foo Fighters and Sonic Youth. That's a hell of a pedigree. 

Check out "Lovesick" below, and if you like what you hear you can download the track from their bandcamp Christmas Day.

Jaialai :: Pink Motion

Miami indie/psych band Jaialai (love the name) sent us their debut single "Pink Motion" and we are loving it! Real catchy tune with some nice breaks. It gives me the vibe of early Verve stuff. Seems they are busy working on their Debut EP which will be seeing the light of day this coming spring. Can't wait for that, in the meantime check out that first single which if you like can be downloaded for free.

Millionyoung's Home Drive Sunrise :: Exclusive Playlist for HOC

Miami's own and personal friend of OTR Millionyoung made an Exclusive Spotify Playlist for the folks over at House of Creatives in honor of their upcoming festival in which he will be performing and which has also added even more acts (check out the updated flyer above). The playlist is called Home Drive Sunrise and features Millionyoung's favorite tracks to listen to on his way home from a long night out. Very chill/cool stuff!

Check out that playlist below, and if you haven't already done so now is your last chance to purchase the Early Bird Passes for $99 here.    

Monterrey :: Neon

Miami artist Monterrey is getting ready to release his debut 2 track EP entitled Neon today (9/25) and it is smoking! Some amazing synthwave sounds which I can easily picture being played on a show like Stranger Things or the movie Drive, particularly the tilte track "Neon". All you retrowave lovers like myself are gonna love it!

Check out "Neon" and "Round and Round" below. You can also check out his tunes on spotify or purchase them on iTunes or bandcamp. 

Happy Sunday!!

Brika :: You

Miami's Brika (who we're big fans of) is back with another soulful single "You" being released this Friday (6/17). As the name implies the track is all about you, and how much you mean to her. Let us count the ways...

Check out the goodness below. We are told even more music is on the way, perhaps a new album?! Can't wait!

Astari Nite :: Engagement Ceremony (Premiere)

Miami dark wave band Astari Nite sent us their new single "Engagement Ceremony" to premiere for you guys from their upcoming second album Until the End of the Moon which is being released on (lucky) Friday the 13th in May. It's a cool dark atmospheric track with a real nice break around the 3:24 mark.

Check out "Engagement Ceremony" below, and if you're in the South Florida area be sure to check out one of their two album release parties (both featuring a Live Performance). First one's on Saturday May the 7th at Respectable Street in West Palm Beach and the second one's on Friday, May the 13th at Kill Your Idol on South Beach. (The latter of which your humble author will also be DJ'ing at, OTR Represent!!!)



The rest of their tour schedule is as follows ::

UNTIL THE END OF THE MOON - TOUR DATES
May 18th- (Jacksonville, FL.) ASTARI NITE with special guests Ursula Ruffians at Jack Rabbits
May 20th - (Brooklyn, NY.) Astari Nite / Weep / Turbo Goth / Autodrone at The Gateway
May 21st- (Brooklyn, NY.) Dinowalrus / Heaven / Astari Nite / Baby Acid at SUNNYVALE
May 22nd- (Philadelphia, PA.) TBA
May 24th- (Virginia, VA.) TBA
May 25th- (Charlotte, NC.) ASTARI NITE + ASTREA CORP + TENDERLASH + IIOIOIOII @ The Milestone on WEDNESDAY, MAY 25th 2016
May 26th- (Grenville, SC.) Air Wolves w/ Astari Nite and People of Mars at The Radio Room
May 27th- (St.Petersburg, FL.) COMMUNION AFTER DARK presents ASTARI NITE with special guests GHOSTFEEDER & DJ MAUS at THE AMSTERDAM
May 28th- (Orlando, FL.) ASTARI NITE // Ars Phoenix // Ghostfeeder // DJ Nick M // DJ LAVIDICUS at Will's Pub

Bella Luz :: Summer Breeze ft Maryell Epps

Miami's own Bella Luz is getting ready to release a new EP soon. They sent over the first track from it "Summer Breeze" ft Maryell Epps and it is excellent! A solid piece of dark synthpop deliciousness. Gil's vocals are on point and the beats by Jean Espiritusanto and pulsating synths are bumping, like totally jumping out of your speakers. Can't wait to play this out at one of the darker parties I DJ at. It will fit in perfectly.

Check out "Summer Breeze" below and be on the lookout for the video coming soon, plus the rest of that EP which I'm sure will not disappoint. If you live in South Florida I highly recommend catching one (or more) of their live shows. Totally worth it! Next one's on the 28th at Churchill's.

House of Creatives :: Brazilian Girls + Miami Beach with a Flask Playlist by Jay Thomas of Bluejay

Excited to be a part of this great collaborative event called House of Creatives going on Friday November the 6th from 5-10 pm at North Beach Bandshell on Miami Beach. Not only does it feature a Live Performance by the totally awesome Brazilian Girls, but they also incorporated a great line up of local Miami talent like : The Hongs, Millionyoung, Bluejay and the Grey 8's.

In addition to the bands performances there will also be art installations and DJ Sets, including one by yours truly representing Off the Radar, Aramis Lorie from PopLife and Patrick Walsh from Klangbox. They also got a bunch of cool local independent businesses/blogs/shops & WVUM to get on board, which is pretty cool!

To get you psyched for the event we got Jay Thomas of Bluejay to put together a little playlist which he titled 'Miami Beach with a Flask', featuring some of his favorite tracks by other Miami bands/artists, including some which will be performing at this event. It's a Miami love fest!

Check out that playlist below, as well as his comments regarding each of his selections.

The Facebook invite for the event is over here. Tickets available here.   

Millionyoung - Lovin
"Lovin those dance moves!"

Krisp - Mamani Vice
"Krisp! They absolutely killed it at III Points."

WOMANMAY - Her Touch
"I adore the psychedelic pockets of WOMANMAY's music and voice. She just moved from Miami to NYC so NYC peeps show her some love"

Afrobeta - Dream About You
"The newest single by one of Miami's favorite electro-pop duos. Lovely song!"

Emily Sheila - If You Want
"Emily Sheila lives music and contributes a lot to Miami's music scene and community. Her passion can come through a ukulele, a full band show, or an electronic track like this!"

Bluejay - Love Me
"This song is about fear of anal sex and commitment."

Virgo - Tides of Neptune
"Virgo is like a dance club in the depths of the ocean. Her spell is strong."

Seafoam Walls - PROGR4M.wav
"Jayan, who is also a member of Kazoots and a bunch of other projects, is a talented musician and a brilliant thinker. I'm a fan of it all."

The Hongs - Giv it All
"This is such a gorgeous song!"

Grey 8s - Eye to Eye
"We love these boys. Eye to Eye is epic and haunted, the way I like it."

The Jesus and Mary Chain LIVE at Olympia Theater Friday 10/2

Legendary alternative band The Jesus and Mary Chain will be in town this weekend Friday, October the 2nd at 9 PM at the beautiful Olympia Theater in downtown Miami. I was just at the Olympia Theater this past Tuesday to see the Kraftwerk 3D show and it's a lovely theater! I remember seeing Dead Can Dance perform there back in the 90's.

For this tour Jesus and Mary Chain are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of their amazing debut record Psycho Candy, so they will be playing that entire album, as well as an opening set of greatest hits! How amazing is that!? Can't wait to hear "Head On", and one of the prettiest songs ever made "Just Like Honey". My mind may explode!!! Check out those two videos below.

If you still haven't scored tix's there are some available on Olympia's site here.  

Clovis Points :: Razz

One door closes and another opens, that is the case with our buddy Oscar (formerly of Crown Company) and his new band Clovis Points which features Kasey Varga on drums, Roger Del Pino of Miami electronic duo, Monterrey on bass and Oscar Sardinia on guitar and vocals. They sent over their first track "Razz" and we are digging it! It has a distinctive 90's alternative rock sound like the one's we grew up listening to. It would be great to get a resurgence of that style. Love Oscar's vocals! Can't wait to hear what else they come up with. They are a brand new band after all.

Check out first track "Razz" which if you like, they are giving away as a free download.

Senf & Madrigal :: SM-001

Our friends are cooler than yours! Loving this amazing new electronic dance collaboration by two of our best buds Alex Senf & Aramis Lorie, which they are calling Senf & Madrigal. Their first release SM-001 was just released and it is deep dark pulsating deliciousness. Amazing minimal electronic dance music with a little darkness and just the right amount of samples, so yea of course we love it!

The three tracks from the release are titled "Beautiful", "Echoes" & "Kairos". So far "Beautiful" and "Echoes" are our early favorites, but don't make us choose from there or we might be awhile.

If you like what you hear you can buy the release on iTunes for $2.99. A bargain we say!

RetroWave :: Miami Summer Playlist

Here's a little RetroWave playlist we put together with some of the tracks we've been jamming to obsessively this summer. Thought we'd put it together on soundcloud so you can jam to it at work/home/parties as well ;)  Not all the tracks are new, it's a mixture of old and new jams, but we think they fit together nicely. If you dig it be sure to like/share it with your friends. Love OTR.

Trevor Something :: Do It Again

One of my favorite singers in the whole RetroWave genre is Trevor Something, who I just found out happens to live in Miami! Our own hometown. How amazing is that?! Anyways he just put out another excellent single called "Do It Again" and it is another exquisite jam! This guy can do no wrong.

Check out the tune below and if you like what you hear he is offering the track as a pay what you like option on bandcamp. I'd grab that pronto and check out more of his stuff there. He's excellent!



As a bonus here's another of my favorite tracks from him "Summer Love". Sooo good! Play this tons. Hopefully we'll have a video for this out soon. Heard it might be in the works. 

Pompeya :: Pasadena (Amtrac Remix)

Big fans of Pompeya and Amtrac on OTR, so we got pretty excited when Amtrac's reps sent over his latest remix for Pompeya's "Pasadena". He did an excellent job! Totally slowed down the track into a groovy vibe and made it his own. Check out the goodness below.

P.S. If you live in South Florida Pompeya will be performing at Grand Central Thursday, September 3rd along with WhoMadeWho and one of my favorite local bands Krisp. That's a hell of a line-up! You best check that out. Facebook invites over here and you can get more info on Grand Central's site here.

ArtDance :: Saturday (8/8) Eons Release Party at The Annex

This Saturday (8/8) we got the third installment of our monthly series ArtDance at The Annex. For this one our good friends Eons will be celebrating their Release Party for their New EP Serene Machine. Covered these guys tons on OTR. Love their smooth dreamwave/electro-pop sound! Really glad to have them joining us. They will also be premiering their new video for "Like a Dream" from the EP right before their performance at Midnight (their first live show in over 6 months)!

In addition on this night our good friend Carmel Ophir (The Vagabond/Back Door Bamby) will be joining us behind the decks for an opening set. If you know Carmel you know how much he loves good music. So I am sure he will be rocking, and get us shaking it on the dancefloor early! Who knows he may even join Josh and myself later in the night as well for a little APT 407 reunion.

Finally after the band Joshy Josh and Ray Milian bring you the indie dance jams! From the hits we grew up with to the hits of today, we mix it up. Keeping it fun and jumping till 4 am under the big top!

The party starts at 10 PM and there's No Cover. They also have a full kitchen that's open all night if you get the munchies. Love that outdoor Annex space. Sure will will too!

Finally wanted to share a couple Eons tracks just in case you weren't familiar with their sound. Here is "Like a Dream" from their new EP, "Moonlight" which is one of my early favorites (free download), plus their video for  "Molecules" (also from the new EP). The Facebook invite is over here.

Enjoy and see you Saturday Night!!! As The Cars would say "Let the Good Times Roll!"