The Sifting Pan

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Jungle - Jungle


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Best Albums of 2014 #7.) Jungle – Jungle

Jungle - Jungle

released in July 2014 via XL Recordings

Deciding to take a chance on British electronic funksters Jungle turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made in 2014. In the realm of online music buzz these guys were being held up as a bright and creative beam of light, in what early on might have seemed like a slow beginning for our year in music. So after much avoidance (Because honestly I don’t usually care much for psychedelic dance music) I finally took a gamble and oh my did it ever pay off. Jump right into Busy Earnin’ and you will have trouble denying that there is something special going on here.

Jungle’s self-title debut contains a gorgeous cascade of many sounds, but with some that are most likely not made by any instrument that you or I posses any familiarity with. I highly suggest you go into this album open minded and ready for anything, because it will get weird. Not the uncomfortable kind of weird where you’ll want to leave the situation, but that certain kind that might spark a unknown curiosity inside you. There are some true gems on this album that stand out, but I highly recommend giving the whole record a spin before nitpicking.

Favorite Tracks:
Time
Julia
Busy Earnin'
Crumbler
Lemonade Lake

Twitter Handle: n/a
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jungle4eva
Spotify:  Jungle


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INTERVIEW: Dominique – [It’s Only You]

Dominique - It's Only You

Introducing Dominique, an up and coming poptress of the NYC scene

DOMINIQUE – It’s Only You:

I’m not quite sure if there are enough superlatives to describe the majesticness that Dominique brings to the table. Which for starters is distinguished, yet simple pop music that lacerates the soul. A combination of raw talent and a solid grasp of the fundamentals of pop shall enable her to be enamored by and woo the world with ease. Just you wait and see!

To me, It’s Only You provokes the ghost of a past lover who can’t help but to haunt you. The fragments of whom remain vivid in the mind and still jab at the heart. Dominique’s voice is an ethereal beauty that manifests itself as a collection of reminiscences.  The story may be simple, and we very well may have heard it many times before, but that could never take away from the intrinsic magnificence she brings to this tale. All of this mixed perfectly with lolling beats and an array whimsical tones to achieve wonderful results.

The truth is some people are destined for greatest, and I just happen to believe Dominique is one of them. Which means we are most definitely in store for something truly magical with the impending release of her upcoming EP Chains. No doubt a mixture of excitement and impatience shall plague me until it becomes available for auditory pleasure.

I’m overly delighted and grateful that The Sifting Pan was able to ask Dominique a few questions about her aspiring music career as a pop star. Thanks again for sharing with us!

How long ago did you decide that you wanted to jump into the crazy world of pop music?

 I used to write and perform a little in high school, but I stopped for a few years. I started back up almost a year ago.

Was there something particular that finally pushed you in this direction?

I didn’t choose the pop life, the pop life chose me.

No, but really, I always tend to write pop music whether I’m trying to or not.  Pop fascinates me. I’m obsessed with analyzing the melody lines and production of popular music every time I listen to it, and I think this affects me when I sit down to write a song.

Can you share some of your inspirations for writing It’s Only You and your upcoming Chains E.P.?

I was going through a heartbreak, obsessing over lost love. I wanted Chains to tell my story of that. 

Is there any new music out there you just can’t get enough of at the moment?

I’m really crazy about that song “Hideaway” that HANAH just put out. I also LOVE Laleh’s new EP.

Finally, if you could collaborate with any other artist on future projects who would you want that to be?

I have always really wanted to work with Charli XCX. She is such a talented songwriter and has been a huge inspiration to me. 

Thank you, once again, Dominique  for taking the time to share with The Sifting Pan!

If Dominique continues to create such stellar pop songs, a Charli XCX collaboration may very well become a reality. One that I would personally love to see come to true fruition.

Twitter Handle: @dom_n_que
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/D0MINIQUEMUSIC
Spotify: DOMINIQUE


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Josef Salvat – [Open Season] + [Shoot and Run]

Josef Salvat - Open Season + Shoot and Run

Josef Salvat is an Australian artist based out of London

Josef Salvat – Open Season:

Josef Salvat has proven himself more than capable of producing alternative pop music that is tremendously expansive in scope. Last year, he stunned the world with his haunting and wholesome song This Life. Now on his latest single, Open Season, Mr. Salvat seeks to push his creative boundaries to the very brink. This time by the provocation of heart swells and an overwhelming sense of invigoration. Yanking those heartstrings of yours into a steady rhythmic dance of self empowerment.

In fact, Josef Salvat’s entire new In Your Prime – EP echos this sensory entrancement. I’d say you’re quite likely to find yourself captured by the serenity and elation of it all. That’s because there is never a dull moment to be found on this four track slice of delectable experimental pop pie. Just be careful not to drown as you become awash in the overwhelming sultriness of Shoot and Run.

Josef Salvat – Shoot and Run:

Twitter Handle: @josefsalvat
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JosefSalvatMusic
Spotify: Josef Salvat


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Gold Fields – [Hold Me]

Gold Fields - Hold Me

Gold Fields bring us their unique blend of electro dance rock all the way from Australia

Gold Fields – Hold Me:

I hope you brought your towel along because this new Gold Fields track is dripping with euphonious beats. While Hold Me would find itself right at home at your local indie dance club (cause we’re all lucky enough to have one of those, right?), it would not be out of the question to hear this motion inducing masterpiece blaring at an H&M or other “trendy” department store. Cause lets cut right to the chase here, this song is fucking hip!

A new album is expected from Gold Fields before the year closes out. So keep your eyes and ears fixed on these talented gentlemen for more hot sounds.

Twitter Handle: @goldfields
Facbook Page: http://www.facebook.com/goldfieldsmusic
Spotify:  Gold Fields


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INTERVIEW: Mesita – [The Villain] + [Astoria/Fallen]

Mesita - The Villain + Astoria/Fallen

Mesita, a.k.a James Cooley, in the flesh (photo credit: Samantha Hylla)

Mesita – The Villain:

So waaaaay back in July I had the pleasure of being able to ask Colorado based experimental indie rocker James Cooley a few questions about his outstanding song The Villain, and his upcoming album Infinity Sky Deluxe. It should be known that James prefers to release his music under the moniker of Mesita, and has been doing so since making his debut in 2008.

Now we are more than half a decade later, approaching album number five, and there appear to be no signs of easing up on the output of high quality tunes for Mr. Cooley. It seems Mesita is preparing to unload a massive weight of creativity unto us, which is clearly evident by a heavy hitter like The Villian. It’s a burden I shall graciously accept while blasting this gritty, gutsy, brooding rock single over and over on repeat. You’d be wise to follow suit and indulge in the oh-so satisfying Meista madness.

Without further ado, here are the intelligent and wonderful responses that Mesita was happy to provide for The Sifting Pan:

  1. Can you share with us some of the many inspirations behind creating your single The Villain?

It’s about a few different things. Trying to get out and meet new people, break into the young professional crowd, finding myself slipping into some negative stuff, overcompensating for my flaws, losing parts of who I am in order to please strangers who shouldn’t give a damn about me. To make people jealous sharing some artificial view of what great life I have, all for that warm satisfaction of feeling more important than I really am. False humility. Trying to grow, sometimes your equilibrium gets messed and you lose a few steps in the process, find yourself acting in a way you always fought against. Turning bitter, you gotta get your center of gravity back, be there for people who have been there for you because we’re all struggling.

  1. Is there a special mindset you have going into the writing of your upcoming fifth album ‘Infinity Sky Deluxe’?

I started working on new stuff right after the last album in late October, to go full force into making a minimal electro soul album, strip the whole thing down and just have sparse reverb snaps and warm synth and like a single falsetto vocal track in the center. But getting through Chicago’s coldest winter, I had to sit back and really think about the right direction to go, why I’m making music in the first place. So a lot of soul-searching and resting up mentally. Music’s been my outlet, and loud beats and guitars are what I’ve always loved, so do what you love.

  1. Finally, can you recommend a fresh indie gem that you were quite pleased to have come across recently?

I haven’t been listening too much lately, but that new Black Keys album floored me. I wasn’t expecting it to some reason, but it hit so hard. Dangermouse nailed it. And Hamilton Leithauser’s solo album is fantastic. Just saw A Sunny Day In Glasgow has a new one, so I gotta check that one out too. Ashes Grammar was the jam.

 — — — — — — — — —

Mesita released his latest track, Astoria/Fallen, early last month. Truly a hint of the many great things in store for our ears, and hearts, on the new album. I must say this tune is brimming with that fulfilling Mesita sound we all know and love. Varying levels of real emotion spread out over nearly six minutes that culminate into pure tranquility. Give it a good listen and you shall reach a state of peace with your inner demons. Who needs medication or meditation when you have Mesita?

Mesita – Astoria/Fallen: [REMOVED]

All of Mesita’s current music is available at http://mesita.bandcamp.com/

Twitter Handle: @mesitamusic
Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/mesitamusic
Spotify: Mesita

 And thanks again Mesita for taking the time to share with The Sifting Pan!