Welcome to the next edition of the not-so-weekly music fix. This week in music, The Smashing Pumpkins announced a new album and then Aussie rockers Jet broke up. Put your hand up if you were aware that Jet were still a band. Thought so. These other things happened as well:
New Music From Brandi Carlile
Good news, Brandi fans. A US radio station is streaming a slightly angsty new piano heavy track called “That Wasn’t Me”. I’ve listened to this song more times this week than I’ve accidentally referred to Brandi as Belinda in the past few years, which is a lot. Let me know what you think!
Brandi’s fourth studio album is Bear Creek, which is the name of the studio barn she recorded it in. It will be out June 5. Soon after Brandi will be playing some shows around the US, check out the dates here.
New Music from Azealia Banks
Azaelia Banks, the young emcee who doesn’t live on anyone’s terms, has dropped a new track called “F*ck Up The Fun.” It’s produced by Diplo and is about b*tches on social networks and such. Have a listen.
You should probably definitely watch this video that a reader linked me to, it’s of cute kids reviewing Azealia’s hit “212”.
Tegan & Sara Watch
From the month-old newsdesk: Tegan and Sara have started recording their new album!
Still no word on what the album will be called or when it’s gonna be out, but here’s a tip from Tegan on what to expect:
“Sara and I are trying to step outside of our comfort zones and push ourselves to the extreme with this one so get ready for a whole new T+S sound! We strive to keep things fresh and exciting with each new record and I definitely feel like we’re accomplishing that so far.”
In case you’ve missed it, Tegan & Sara have started an online web series called “Carpool Confessional,” which documents the car ride to and from the studio each day. Banter guaranteed. Check out latest below.
A Look At Ladyhawke’s New Album
New Zealand singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ladyhawke has put out a video preview of her upcoming album, Anxiety (out late May). It features snippets from a heap of new tracks including “Black, White & Blue” and has made me very excited about the future.
On Tour: Missy Higgins and Gotye
Two Australians who do good overseas, Missy Higgins and Gotye, will be playing some shows together in April, one in Los Angeles and one in San Francisco. The reason I’m mentioning this tour specifically and not every other tour that’s happening right now is because I really really want one of you to go along and report back. K?
The Making Of “Bad Girls”
Ever wondered how M.I.A made all of those crazy stunts happen in her “Bad Girls” clip? This 13-minute ‘making of’ video doesn’t really go into the specifics, but it’s an interesting watch nonetheless. It turns out that ‘drifting‘ is a really big thing in Saudi Arabia and inspiration for the music video came from youtube clips of people drinking tea and smoking hookahs as their car speeds on two wheels. The more you know, huh.
Get Behind Record Store Day
April 21 is Record Store Day! The special day where everyone around the world is encouraged to go visit their old friend, the local independent record store, and purchase a CD/record like they used to in the olden days.
On Record Store Day you can pick up some great exclusive releases from your favorite artists, including but not limited to Arcade Fire, Amanda Palmer, St Vincent, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Florence + The Machine, Foster The People, Garbage, Kimbra, Regina Spektor and Sara Bareilles. You can even get your hands on a vinyl version of Tegan & Sara’s Get Along, if you want.
Visit the Record Store Day website for the full list of exclusive releases and participating stores.
