This has been the most successful year for us yet, and we cannot wait to introduce you to more amazing artists and alternative culture. To kick off our celebration, we're giving you the gift of a New Music Friday Obsession Mixtape! Consider it some stellar birthday cake to jump start your weekend.
Second on our Anniversary Mixtape is a brand new track from Los Angeles natives Sympathetic Frequencies. This is a truly a group we have been obsessed with since we first stumbled upon their music. Though not explicit in their sound, something about their general vibe reminds me of the Byrne/Eno track Strange Overtones; maybe it's their name or their well-constructed layering in their songs, both providing an innovative texture to their exploratory indie aesthetic. Wake Up is a perfect example of this: they quilt together charming, covetous, and soaring vocals with alluringly revolving instrumentals, complete with a confident driving beat. It captures very much a Silverlake night-life authenticity, in its infinite pursuit of experience. Reminiscent of both Grizzly Bear and Night Terrors of 1927, this soulful and sympathetic indie rock is simply invigorating.
Rounding out our mix is a new track from Seattle based solo artist Sea Salt. Producer Kurtis Roy just released his latest EP under this project name last month, and now he is back with a new dynamic single entitled Sleep Walker. With incredible cadence and energy packed in this song, it reminisces a spirit of early Mumford & Sons and influences The Decemberists and Darwin Deez, but with a unique and more personal essence. His endearing acoustic alt-pop vibe is intricately crafted with wit and communal character. Every song on his Same EP has a unique twist, yet carries his defined individual creativity. We expect great things for Sea Salt--but don't take our word for it, let his EP speak for itself.