The theme song for this week comes from a YouTube star who will really blow your mind with her original song inspired by Dexter Morgan. Trust me when I say this tune is perfect, mysterious and just on the verge of moody, just like the famed vigilante serial killer.
With over 170 videos, 120,000 subscribers, and god knows how many total views (hint: A LOT), I’m seriously surprised that this charismatic and humble singer and songwriter hasn’t found herself smack dab in the middle of her own fame. However, there is nothing wrong with flying under the radar, especially when it comes to an artist who is as dedicated and creative as Daniela Andrade. She has her own active Tumblr tag, so she counts as famous to me.
Listen to more of Daniela’s work; you won’t be disappointed. And let me know your opinion on her Dexter inspired tune. Appropriately dark and alluring?
The theme song for this week comes from a 16 year-old girl with a song that you probably have heard already and found yourself humming all day, without even realizing it. We’re talking about New Zealand popstress Lorde, who is quickly convincing the masses that she could be the next princess of pop.
With a truly perfect grasp on a modern pop sound that is refreshing without being too cliché, Lorde has an EP that boasts originality and even a little bit of swag. Which is ironic, when you listen to her current hit single “Royals”, a perfect ballad to the generation of youth that are tired of “Cristal, Maybach” and “diamonds on your time piece”. Throw away all of your possessions and stop worrying so much about having the next best thing with a pop singer who claims she’s never even “seen a diamond in the flesh.”
Well, she is only sixteen. I’d be very impressed if she had a Maybach and a diamond encrusted watch at that age. Though these days, the youth are the rich, now aren’t they? Either way, Lorde isn’t preoccupied with these materialistic music ideals, and the result is a jam that almost anyone can truly relate to. Top it all off with her uncanny ability for lyrics wise beyond her years, and a voice that sounds more mature jazz maven than precocious teenager, and Lorde is sure to become something big in the states.
Check out the video for “Royals” and let me know what you think! I can’t stop listening. Seriously…someone get the replay button away from me.
If you were looking forward to seeing up and coming indie darlings Atlas Genius and platinum-selling Imagine Dragons perform live this year, you might have to wait until next season — seeing as how the bands have currently sold out 19 dates on their tour. But there may be one more chance for Southern California to enjoy these two acts live…
Imagine Dragons performing live in Orlando. Photo courtesy Facebook
I don’t think I could have predicted the amount of sold out dates on the Atlas Genius and Imagine Dragons tour this year, but it’s quite shocking. Hearing that the House of Blues San Diego was sold out made since: the venue really isn’t that big and these two bands are quickly outgrowing the smaller digs that they’ve selected for their tour. But upon further inspection, one will find that the bands have also sold out at least 19 dates, including shows in Boston, Portland, Anaheim, Canada and two dates in Chicago. Yowsa!
Tickets are still floating about on ticket resellers such as StubHub, which is great if you have anywhere between $114 to $350 to spare on one ticket alone. For most of us, that’s a little too steep for one night of fun, regardless of how much buzz these bands have generated. These resellers bring up the question of ticket scalping, making me wonder if this is some sort of inside job to monopolize the indie market on these bands. Ticket scalping is infamous for targeting big acts and major sporting events, but for two indie bands? It seems a little improbable. Or maybe that is my conspiracy theory side getting the best of me.
Regardless of all of this, there are still at least two chances for the Southern California crowd to see Imagine Dragons and Atlas Genius sometime before 2014. Tickets are still currently available for Santa Barbara and Bakersfield tour dates — and at the regular, face value price. That is, if you want to drive the approximate three hours to see them perform. (Honestly…I would and just might!)
But if those dates will turn out anything like the beginning of their tour, the tickets are sure to be gone very quickly.
In the meantime, there’s always the internet to quench your indie thirst for these two great acts. And with today’s release of Atlas Genius’ well anticipated full length album When It Was Now, you have all new goodies from this band, just waiting to be devoured.
Let us know in the comments below if you plan on attending one of the tour dates for Atlas Genius and Imagine Dragons!
The Indie 