Alas, the day is upon us to write the last edition of Press Shuffle. As a way to close off our run of musical exploration, we’ve decided to compile our personal favorites from all our previous playlists and put them together here”take a listen at your leisure. We hope you enjoyed our trip into the OurStage vaults as much as we did, and we hope to see you soon!
“Rule The World Freestyle” – Jae Apollo: This song is a great example of traditional rhyme schemes in hip hop; working with the last word of a phrase, the vocalist adapts phonetics to fit his purpose. Proficiently executed, Jae Apollo’s track represents the path modern hip hop has been taking in the last couple years.
“Aheste” – Fahir Atakoglu: Tinged with Middle-Eastern harmonies and colors that reflect the composer’s background, this wonderful fusion tune brings the early Brecker Brothers recordings to mind, yet the track is incredibly successful in maintaining its own identity, which makes it a personal favorite.
“Colorado Rain” – Fiske and Herrera: A song about travel and discovery, it reminds us that life is about living. As simple as it sounds, many forget this simple tenet. To know where you’re going, you need to be aware of where you’ve been.
“Complicated Rhythm” – Bella Ruse: Is that a typewriter? By golly it is! It’s been stated before that this author has a soft spot for happiness-infused folksy duos and their feel-good, lovey-dovey lyrics, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this incredibly talented act is included in this list. Besides, singer Kay Gillette’s vocals are so invitingly playful that she draws you deep into her musical world in mere seconds.
“Something Insanely Clever” – Ellen Cherry: Ellen Cherry’s incredibly soothing voice is but one of the highlights of this track. The contrast between the rhythmic guitar strumming and the ethereal texture of the strings give the song’s form a perfectly cohesive structure and just the right amount of tension it needs.
“Peace Of Mind” – Zebulun: If peace of mind is hard for you to find, then music is what you’re missing. The use of reggae as a tool for protest has always been powerful, and this song is an excellent example of the voice of the people.
“No Funeral” – Revocation: Whether you feel like being being pounded by a relentless assault of drums, have your face melted off by Dave Davidson (who we recently had a chat with) and his shreddy guitar parts or just enjoy pure, unadulterated energy pumping into your ears, this song is for you.
“Veda” – Grannada: Driven by late-century alternative rock, Grannada bring hard-hitting riffs and a Cerati-reminiscing vocal melody from Panama. If your thing is hard rock, then this song is for you.
Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Let us know by dropping a comment!
Listen to previous Press Shuffle playlists over at 8tracks.com.
Pop music always makes us feel good so why not start out the new year with a playlist of music that will cheer you up, chill you out or get you through a tough time. There are many other genre influences throughout our list, including indie, country and R&B, so be sure to listen closely and see what you can hear. Keep an ear out for these acts: they’ll be hitting the charts hard in 2012!
Keep Talking – Hannah Rae Beale: This soothing pop ballad is tinged with country and very reminiscent of Colbie Caillat‘s Realize. While the lyrics are somber, the overall vibe of the tune is relaxing. It’s perfect for a chilly evening indoors by the fire, snuggled up on a couch!
Take Me Home “ Alexandria Maillot: This recent addition to her catalog is bound to grab some attention. It layers a cute, kitschy piano track with punchy, clear vocals and even some tambourine. Fans of Florence and the Machine and Lenka will appreciate this vibrant tune that’s perfect for walking to class or just lounging around.
Everyone knows that the stars of OurStage are the artists. We would be nothing without them! However, there are plenty of unsung heroes working behind the scenes to make sure the wheels keep turning and everything is running smoothly. We are the OurStage Community Team; Co-Op students who work tirelessly answering emails, writing blogs and reviewing the songs entered into competitions. We’ve been working here for the past six months, but now it’s time to move on to new frontiers. Still, the experience we’ve had here has been amazing, and our parting gift to you is a playlist of some great OurStage music that has either flown under the radar, or is just so great that it merits a second listen. So kick back, put on your headphones and check out some of the best we think OurStage has to offer. You can listen to the full playlist right here!
The Well Reds
Cara: I spent the past six months writing Live Wired, and when I wasn’t spending the majority of my free time at venues around Boston, I discovered tons of great music while working at OurStage! My picks for the playlist include finalists The Well Reds from The OurStage Panel, who I was lucky enough to see perform, and tunes from Marie Hines, Talain Rayne and Cooper Brown”these are sure to make you smile. Enjoy!
The riff. All of the greatest rock songs are fueled by great riffs. Riffs are the columns that hold up the world of rock and roll, so it’s only apt that we dedicate a day just to them. Whether they are technically difficult arpeggios or just straight up chugs doesn’t matter: all that matters is that they’re memorable. Ahead is a list of some of the greatest riffs in OurStage taken from the Hard Rock, Modern Rock, and Metal Channels.
“Fondo” – Grannada: These rockers from Panama have a riffer-madness style mixed with hard hitting ’90s rock. Huge riff to a great song.
“1,2,3… Ralph Macheo” – His Name Was Iron: Chaotic and intense, this is the perfect example of calculated madness. This riff is as heavy as they come, and will get your head bobbing in no time.
“Breathe Again” – Taperedmind: With a groovy riff, pounding rhythm section and catchy chorus, Taperedmind create radio-friendly tunes with an edge.
“Justice” – Danforth: Is there a better description than “Enormous slamming riffs followed by ravaging beat down slams?” We know what these Frenchmen bring to the party, and we can’t wait for more.
“Madhater’s Tea” – Spiralpl: This alternative band from Poland have a remarkable résumé in their home country thanks to airplay on multiple mainstream radio stations and perfromance slots at the country’s biggest festivals. The contrast between the high female vocals and the driving riff make this song stand out in its category.
“Thirty Years At Sea” – Hearts Alive: Turn to this Swedish metal outfit Hearts Alive for clenched-fist fury and crushing chug riffs. You will not be disappointed.
“Devil In Her Eyes” – The Malibu Knights: Bearing the banner of modern rock, The Malibu Knights have opened for multiple acts (including Bon Jovi) and have played hundreds of shows in support of their album. Not surprising: their feelgood lyrics and driving riffs are as catchy as they come. You have to check it out!
Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Want a theme in particular to be Shuffled? Let us know by dropping a comment!
Listen to previous Press Shuffle playlists over at 8tracks.com.
Each year, as the months wind down, you tune into your favorite holiday radio station to listen to your favorite holiday songs. Inevitably, as the days go by, you hear the same twenty songs you heard the day before. And the week before. And the year before. Don’t get us wrong: those twenty songs are near and dear to our hearts. But let’s face it, it’s time for a change. We know you’re yearning to end the year with a fresh batch of tracks to keep you in the holiday spirit, and we’ve got what you need to get you out of that end-of-year slump. So, enjoy this playlist of cover songs and original tunes with your loved ones during this special time of year!
“Angel For Christmas” – Rose Ranger: A soft, jazzy ballad highlighting how important the company of loved ones is during the holiday season.
“Holiday Time” – Pamela Tessmann: This sax and vocal quintet brings a sensual air to the usual Christmas magic.
“You For Christmas” – Karmina: This being such a family-centric time of year, it is only natural that we miss our loved ones when they’re away.
“Joy To The World” – John D Morgan: A beautifully executed instrumental version of the holiday classic “Joy To The World”.
“Lord Let The Angels Sing” – Johnny Rodgers Band: As this song reminds us, the holidays are a time of reflection, introspection and healing so we may face a new year and become better versions of ourselves.
“To The Best Time Of The Year” – Copperhead: This is a happy, upbeat shuffle that reflects just the right type of energy in the best time of the year.
“The Christmas Eve Shoppers” – Christmas Steve: When holiday shopping comes around, we all scramble around for last minute gifts. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.
Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Want a particular theme to be Shuffled? Let us know by dropping a comment!
Listen to previous Press Shuffle playlists over at 8tracks.com.
Halloween has its fair share of spooky tracks and ghastly anthems. Christmas not only has carols, but also offers dozens of best-selling albums from the likes of Mariah Carey and Louis Armstrong. As the holiday sandwiched between the Halloween and Christmas celebrations, Thanksgiving can be easily overlooked when it comes to music. Thankfully, we’re here to give it the proper recognition it deserves. With a little of everything, this playlist is sure to get you in the Thanksgiving spirit.
“Hap-Happy Thanksgiving” – Sara Lindsay and Greg Dolmage: A song about the magic of Thanksgiving. Just hearing that list of food should be enough to make you hungry!
“Food Is Fun” – Dave Taylor: Simply put: “A warning of the things you shouldn’t do with food.” Or should you?
“Chocolate” – Amy Kuney: Oh, the power of chocolate.
“November” – Jesse Lafaser: The crisp wind is blowing, the leaves are turning, the merry holiday spirit in the air… what’s there not to like about November?
“Dear Sister, Your Brother” – Talain Rayne: Thanksgiving is the time to see your family again: why not make a point of reconnecting with a sibling or cousin which you haven’t talked to in a while?
“Thankyou Haters” – Khalil Ismail: Now that you’re giving thanks, make sure you don’t leave anyone out. Haters make you famous.
“Way Too Expensive” – Murali Coryell: Which is why you need to start getting ready for Black Friday shopping, right?
Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Want a theme in particular to be Shuffled? Let us know by dropping a comment!
Listen to previous Press Shuffle playlists over at 8tracks.com.