The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

Tag Archives: Music


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Kid Astray – [Diver]

Kid Astray Diver

Meet Kid Astray the fun-fueled sextet from Oslo, Norway

Kid Astray – Diver:

Take a deep breath and dive in with me! This electropoptastic tune by Scandinavian six piece Kid Astray is just what your summer has been waiting for. Take those summer feel-good vibes to the next level with all the luscious layers of my current obsession, Diver.

When I say that I can’t get enough of this truly uplifting track… I darn well mean it! If Diver was like a grand hotel’s Jacuzzi, I would have far surpassed the maximum time allowed in one use. I’m beginning to think my musical brain is prunning up from the prolonged exposure to this satisfying indie pop.

And to think, I used to believe the repeat button didn’t have a purpose…

Twitter Handle: @KidAstray
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kidastray
Spotify: Kid Astray


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SOAK – Sea Creatures

SOAK - Sea Creatures

The young indie solo act SOAK hails from Northen Ireland

SOAK – Sea Creatures:

Here’s a nautical music adventure that will surely bring a smile to your face, and fill your stomach with butterflies of youthful bliss. Sea Creatures is awash in glowy feel-good vibes that will transport you to a moment of oceanic serenity. Life’s problems just seem to melt away under the influence of this lovely gem. After all, it’s hard to be mad at anything when your insides have been reduced to a goopy mess of positivity and joy.

SOAK is the solo work of a young and talented female singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland. At only 18 years old Bridie Monds-Watson is making some serious waves internationally with her heartfelt tunes that celebrate, albeit toned down, life and love. I’m sure a well crafted debut album is on the horizon for us all, but only more anticipation shall grow in its absence. Until that day comes, I’m perfectly content drifting away on the serene voyage that is Sea Creatures.

Twitter Handle: @Soakofficial
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Soak0fficial
Spotify:  SOAK


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Marian Hill – [Wasted] + [Lips]

Marian Hill - Wasted + Lips

Meet impressive Philadelphia based electronic pop duo Marian Hill.

Marian Hill – Wasted:

Marian Hill are a standout American duo that blend elements of jazz into sultry electronic music. Talented producer Jeremy Lloyd helps give life to the delightful vocals of Samantha Gongol that pierce across every track. One bite from any one of the tempting apples these two have concocted might leave one inoculated with their fresh brand of seductive indie pop. Wasted was the fruit of my downfall, and I suggest that you indulge into it as well.

Lips is another great example of the riptide allure the pair bring to the table. Combining delicious hooks with such a creative free flow of production is sure to gain them some well deserved attention. I just hope that listeners in the States are more prone to Marian Hill’s music than their similar sounding cousin’s across the pond AlunaGeorge. One listen of their newly released Sway EP and somehow I’m not that worried about anyone missing out. All seven tracks carry a special charm that can easily be enjoyed by us all.

Marian Hill – Lips:

Shout out to my local free format radio station 91.5 WPRK for introducing me to this lovely pair and their undeniable grip.

Twitter Handle: @MarianHillMusic
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MarianHillMusic
Spotify:  Marian Hill

Big Data - Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)


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Big Data – [Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)]

Big Data - Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)

Big Data operates out of New York

Big Data – Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo):

Big Data, the brain child of producer extraordinaire Alan Wilkis, is finally ready to grace us with another killer track, and it’s pretty much as dirty and glitch ridden as it gets. Snowed In is an electro thrash romper that infiltrates the body prompting rhythmic spasms of dance throughout. Obviously the title is a reference to NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden and is consistent with Big Data’s themes of mass surveillance and social media saturation, but we all know it wasn’t poignant politics that shot Big Data to top of the alternative charts last year.

That deliciously noxious beat isn’t the only wonderful thing this future banger has going on for it. Rivers Cuomo, lead signer and front man of Weezer, has lent his notable vocal talents to Big Data’s heavy arsenal. This collaboration is an outrageously intelligent decision, and a well executed one to boot. Cuomo’s vocals are just the stability needed to tame the erratic electronic production now widely known to pervade Big Data’s music.

Along with the release of Snowed In, Big Data has finally announced the release date and track listing for his upcoming debut album, simply titled 2.0. The highly anticipated album should be released on March 24th, and according to the track list we are in for some out of this world collaborations. Take a gander for yourself:

01 The Business of Emotion (Feat. White Sea)
02 Dangerous (Feat. Joywave)
03 Clean (Feat. Jamie Lidell)
04 The Glow (Feat. Kimbra)
05 Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)
06 Big Dater
07 Automatic (Feat. Jenn Wasner)
08 Get Some Freedom (ft. Dragonette)
09 Sick For Me (Feat. Bear Hands)
10 Perfect Holiday (Feat. Twin Shadow)

To say I am stoked for the coming release of 2.0 is an understatement beyond belief…

Twitter Handle: @BigDataBigData
Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/BigDataBigData
Spotify:  Big Data


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FMLYBND – [Letting Go]

FMLYBND - Letting Go

FMLYBND have quite the positive reputation back home at Isla Vista, CA

FMLYBND – Letting Go:

FMLYBND might not be a name you recognize at the moment, but I urge you to pay close attention to the wonderful music these mega talented synth rockers are pumping out. Releasing jam after to jam over the last two years, it’s definitely safe to say this six piece is poised to go big places. I’m already stumped as to what’s taking everyone so long to catch on, but, like usual, these hidden gems take awhile to surface into the mainstream. I doubt that will be a problem in 2015 as FMLYBND has made the ultimate promise to their fans, and the world, to release a new single every month. So keep an eye on their Soundcloud!

Letting Go is FMYLBND’s chillingly delightful release for the month of January. So much allure to be found in the heart pumping synth hook that laces its way throughout the track. Which rests only to give the other lovely elements, that are indeed crucial to the song’s success, a chance to shine. If this is the appeasing direction and fulfilling sound that the band is heading towards, than I am going to go ahead and double down on my level excitement for these consummate Californians. I tremble before the idea of a full album.

Speaking of excitement, FMLYBND have announced they will be playing the 2nd annual Big Guava Music Festival (May 8th-9th) located in Tampa, Florida. So of course I went ahead and bought a pre-sale ticket, and I tell no lies when I say that FMLYBND being on the bill was a huge push in making the early purchase. I had no idea this amazing group would be finding their way to my humble state so soon. I just couldn’t pass on this perfect opportunity, and I can’t wait to see you wonderful lot make my day come this May!

Twitter Handle: @fmlybnd
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FMLYBND
Spotify:   FMLYBND