POPSHOP WEST 009: BAD THINGS

Our next Popshop West is a blessed-coast blast of California sun. Getting things started we have sprightly LA songstress Cillie Barnes and local dream-surf favorites Cayucas, with Captain Cuts keeping things moving on the decks all night long, as per usual. Then in the main headline slot, we've got new kids on the block, Bad Things, stepping out from behind the veil in their worldwide live debut. And best of all, it's the one year anniversary of our Popshop West launch last spring and the perfect appetizer for a three-course weekend of Coachella bliss later that week. It's all going down Tuesday April 9th at our favorite home away from home, The Echo. $8 advance tickets are now available HERE, and we can't shake the feeling Bad Things might have a few surprises up their sleeve to make this a night to remember. So trust us when we tell you not to sleep on this one.

STREAM: "Caught Inside" - Bad Things

DOWNLOAD: "High School Lover" - Cayucas

DOWNLOAD: "Brainwash" - Cillie Barnes

THE SKY WILL MELT IN TEARS.

With our next single release from HAERTS cresting over the horizon as we speak, we're stoked to unveil the B-side, a ferocious remix of "Wings" from our very own Wildcat! Wildcat!. After stripping away the '80s outerwear of the original, they space it out and shroud it in a technicolor cloak of invincibility, drawing out the dark undertones of the original with stunted synths and heightened vocals. Don't forget to preorder your own copy of the Wings 7" vinyl HERE, and be sure to get your tickets to their single launch party at Cameo next Tuesday night HERE before it's too late.

STREAM: "Wings" (Wildcat! Wildcat! Remix) - HAERTS

REACH INSIDE YOUR MIND.

LA's been enjoying a sun-blessed pop renaissance for the past 18 months or so and shows no sign of letting up anytime soon. The latest newcomers to step into the spotlight are Bad Things, and though there's literally no information readily available about the band, their debut offering "Caught Inside" speaks for itself, and loudly. All blissed-out harmonies and sky-licking guitars, the winsome opening gives way to an avalanche of drums and soaring vocals on an absolute knockout double chorus as the song reaches its climax. The end product falls somewhere between Local Natives and Night Terrors of 1927, and coming out the gate with songs like this, Bad Things are destined to be all over alternative radio in the months to come. Expect great things.

STREAM: "Caught Inside" - Bad Things [exclusive]

NEON GOLD PRESENTS: HAERTS

Brooklyn super troupe HAERTS step into the spotlight with the release of their debut single on Neon Gold next week, and to celebrate we're going big with a launch party at Cameo Gallery this Tuesday. Jumpstarting the night we've got local electropop outfit Future Screens, plus Boston's finest Gentleman Hall making their triumphant return to NYC for the first time since their massive Target sync during the Super Bowl. So join us next Tuesday April 2nd at 8pm as we look to welcome HAERTS into the world with a bang, tickets are going fast but still available HERE.

DOWNLOAD: "Wings" - HAERTS

STREAM: "Sail Into The Sun" - Gentleman Hall

STREAM: "Don't Stop" - Future Screens

MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE.

Stop what you're doing, this is important. Until The Ribbon Breaks arrived under cover of darkness at the dawn of 2012 with his empire-toppling debut single "Pressure", but now it's getting a proper rollout with a killer new video (above) featuring an untouchable guest verse from Mr. MFN eXquire. From the soul-searching R&B vocals and candy-flipped 808s to the life-affirming pianos and emotional breakdown halfway through, it's possibly the year's most show-stopping single to date and one of the most promising debuts we've heard in ages. Newly signed to Universal Republic at the nexus of 2012 and 2013, Until The Ribbon Breaks is easily their best signing in a long minute and definitely one to watch in the months to come. Be warned, this is about to change your whole shit up.

STREAM: "Pressure" - Until The Ribbon Breaks

POPSHOP BK 010: GOLDROOM

After taking last month off to observe the high holiday that is SXSW, Popshop Brooklyn storms back into action with another bang-up lineup next month. Headlining we've got Goldroom bringing his brand new live show to Brooklyn after debuting it at Popshop NYC the week prior, plus Michigan's own party godfathers Stepdad getting things started in a big way early. It's all going down at Brooklyn Bowl on April 13th at 11:30pm, $10 tickets now available HERE.

STREAM: "Only You Can Show Me (feat. Mereki)" - Goldroom

STREAM: "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails" - Stepdad

WE COULD BE ANYWHERE YOU WANT.

Magic Man are on a serious winning streak. After dropping comeback single "Paris" last month, they're back with another massively promising taste of things to come on their latest offering, "Texas". Just when we thought SXSW and Austin were firmly in the rearview, Magic Man turn our sights southwards once again and establish themselves as an early band to watch at next year's festivities. But where "Paris" evoked shades of Passion Pit and Matt & Kim, "Texas" reveals a whole new side, as frontman Alex Caplow does his best Brandon Flowers while the band displays a penchant for Killer(s) hooks over triumphant adrenaline-rush synths and a driving instrumental. Calling it now: these kids have what it takes to go the distance.

DOWNLOAD: "Texas" - Magic Man [exclusive]

NEON GOLD + POPGUN PRSNT: FLIGHT FACILITIES

Since the release of Flight Facilities' show-stopping debut single "Crave You" in 2010, Australia's sky captains of tomorrow have racking up frequent flier miles and shutting down clubs across the globe with their world class brand of high-flying disco. They've already graced our Popshop stage with stunning results last April, so we're very excited to be doing it all over again with our promo partners-in-crime Popgun at Le Poisson Rouge next Wednesday the 27th. Sharing the spotlight is Vampire Weekend's BAIO and our very own Popshop partystarter Friendly Greg, with doors at 10pm and $15 advance tickets available HERE. Tickets are flowing fast though, so act now before it's too late.

STREAM: "Foreign Language" - Flight Facilities

STREAM: "Sunburn Modern" - BAIO

FEEL THE ENERGY.

Cillie Barnes first pirouetted across our radar via a showstealing How To Make It In America sync (for infectious early offering "Indian Hill") a few years back, but even then we had a feeling it wouldn't be the last we heard from her. Since then the LA-based singer-songwriter has since inked a deal with Universal imprint Loma Vista and her debut single proper "Brainwash" is every bit as heady as the name would suggest. Barnes' precious vocals moondance along an immensely entrancing piano line as you're overcome with the nightheat of fragrant horns and warm acoustics. It all comes off a bit like Phantom Planet or The Magnetic Zeroes fronted by that ex-girlfriend who got away, and it's one of the more endearing debuts you'll hear this year. Keep an eye out for Barnes to make her live NYC debut later this spring, hopefully coming to a Neon Gold stage near you soon.

DOWNLOAD: "Brainwash" - Cillie Barnes

NEON GOLD PRESENTS: EVERYTHING EVERYTHING

Everything Everything's massive sophomore record is already one of the albums of the year (out now in the UK and barreling towards US shores as we speak), and this week they bless us with a triumphant return to New York for a very special Neon Gold Presents show at Brooklyn Bowl this Friday, March 22nd. Supporting them are our favorite UK hair band, Swim Deep (also making their NYC debut) and Brooklyn's own dance party upstarts Junior Prom. And with Everything Everything's Bowery Ballroom headline show next week already sold out, this is sure to be a hot ticket and one of the best shows we bring you all spring, so get your tickets HERE now.

STREAM: "Kemosabe" - Everything Everything

STREAM: "Honey" - Swim Deep

DOWNLOAD: "Sheila Put The Knife Down" - Junior Prom

WE'RE ALL FUCKED UP SOME OTHER WAY.

Junior Prom is a new upstart Brooklyn duo quickly making rounds around the New York scene, and their debut EP standout "Sheila Put The Knife Down" has been having its way with us since its release last month. The first cut is the deepest, as the jilted vocals slice through with tempered vitriol while loss-of-innocence synths and flaring guitars keep you up all night, tossing and turning in the middle bunk between Brite Futures and Ghost Beach. Don't miss them live this Friday, opening up for the mighty Swim Deep and the legendary Everything Everything at Brooklyn Bowl.

DOWNLOAD: "Sheila Put The Knife Down" - Junior Prom

ALL THINGS GOLD 018: BREAKBOT + HAERTS

Our next All Things Gold night in DC is popping off with monsieur Breakbot all the way from Paris, making his DC headline debut alongside our brand new Neon Gold darlings HAERTS. Never one to stray far from his partner-in-crime, Breakbot's got Irfane in tow to keep things moving between sets and contribute live vocals to his live set, and this is sure to be one of the better bills we've ever brought to the nation's capital. It’s all happening at U Street Music Hall on March 21st at 10pm sharp with advance tickets are available now HERE. Act fast though, as this one is already well on its way to selling out.

STERAM: "Baby I'm Yours (ft. Irfane) - Breakbot

DOWNLOAD: "Wings" - HAERTS

POPSHOP025: ALEX METRIC + GOLDROOM

 We've been feeling generous with all the free Popshops this year, but all free things must come to an end sooner or later. We wouldn't deign to jolt you back to reality if we didn't have a lineup worth its weight in gold though, and our next bill is one of our biggest and best yet. After Hurricane Sandy washed out his Popshop debut last November, Alex Metric makes his triumphant return as our DJ headliner, fresh off a massive NYC play earlier this month supporting Zedd at Webster Hall. Then, in the live headline slot we welcome back seasoned Popshop veteran Goldroom, as he unveils a brand new setup in his NYC live debut. Rounding out the bill we've got two of the brightest up and comers NYC and London have to offer, as Little Daylight and Lovelife start things off early. It’s all going down April 4th at Santos Party House at 9pm, grab your $10 advance tickets HERE before they jump to $15 at the door.

STREAM: "September (Alex Metric Remix)" - St. Lucia

STREAM: "Only You Can Show Me (feat. Mereki)" - Goldroom

STREAM: "Overdose" - Little Daylight

DOWNLOAD: "Dying to Start Again" - Lovelife

POPSHOP SOUTH 001: ST. LUCIA + HAERTS

Our monthly club night, Popshop, has been patiently picking up steam in London and Paris and almost all corners of the North American diamond. And now, it's time for the next puzzle piece, Popshop South in the musical homestead of Nashville. Our starchild St. Lucia will headline The High Watt with sterling support from the lovely HAERTS and local party mavens, Future Unlimited. It's a guaranteed synth-filled night, and it's all going down next Monday at 8:30 sharp, with tix available HERE. It's history in the making, y'all.

STREAM: "September" - St. Lucia

DOWNLOAD: "Wings" - HAERTS

STREAM: "Lightweight Eyes" - Future Unlimited

GOLD043: HAERTS

HAERTS have been our new favorite NYC band for a minute now, so we're very excited to announce their addition to the Neon Gold / Columbia family today as we ready their immaculate debut single "Wings" for release on Neon Gold next month. Featuring members hailing from Germany, England and the United States, HAERTS are a veritable United Nations of pop supremacy, with an irresistibly international sound that's impossible to pin down on any map.

Featuring a brand new single mix from Michael Brauer and nigh-on flawless production from our beloved St. Lucia, "Wings" unfurls with boundless echoing percussion, as frontlady Nini Fabi's soaring vocals are showered in a waterfall of atmosphere and emotion. Then, on the flipside, we've got a nailbitingly handsome Wildcat! Wildcat! remix, as the LA three-piece and esteemed Neon Gold alums swing for the fences and then some on their first foray into the remix sphere.

The Wings 7" arrives April 2nd and hits digitally a week later on the 9th, but you can go ahead and get your preorder on HERE now. And to celebrate the occasion, we're throwing a single launch party the night of the 2nd at Cameo Gallery, with tickets available now HERE. It's rare to see a band garner so much attention on the back of only one song, but when said offering is this strong, it's not hard to see why. Rest assured though, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

DOWNLOAD: "Wings" - HEARTS

NEON GOLD SXSW 2013.

SXSW is coming in hot this week, so let's do this. The 2013 installment of our annual official SX showcase is our biggest yet, as we take over the main stage at Empire Autos on Friday night. On the bill, we've got Lovelife, Ghost Beach and Sir Sly, before HAERTS, Foxes and St. Lucia close out the night in style. On the decks, captain Xaphoon Jones will be keeping the night alive in the late night slot alongside open bar cocktails from 12:30-1:30, courtesy of Western Spirits. It's all popping off at 7pm, Friday March 15th at Empire Autos, conveniently located on the corner of Red River and E 7th Street. Let's go, Austin.

08:00pm: Lovelife // DOWNLOAD: "Dying To Start Again"

08:45pm: Ghost Beach // STREAM: "Close Enough (Feat. Noosa)"

09:30pm: Sir Sly // STREAM: "Gold"

10:20pm: HAERTS // STREAM: "Wings"

11:10pm: Foxes // STREAM: "Warrior"

12:20am: St. Lucia // STREAM: "September"

01:10am: Xaphoon Jones // DL: "If You Love Me" (XJ + Grave Goods Remix)

NEW SHAPES SXSW 2013.

With SXSW around the corner, we're teaming up with Ultimate Ears to bring you yet another jam-packed New Shapes day party to get involved with. Last year, we had Charli XCX, St. Lucia, and HAIM to name but a few, and we're taking it back to the Red Eyed Fly for another two stage indoor/outdoor extravaganza again this year. Outside, we've got Kodaline, Wardell, Ambassadors, and Michael Kiwanuka, in addition to our very own HAERTS and the inimitable Sky Ferreira in the headline slot. Inside, we've got London's Jamie N Commons and Swim Deep, Canada's Half Moon Run and our beloved Neon Gold allstars Wildcat! Wildcat! and MØ rounding things out. Plus complimentary Vita Coco and open bar cocktails courtesy of Western Spirits ALL DAY LONG. It's all going down next Thursday, March 14th from 12-6 at the Red Eyed Fly, with RSVP now open HERE: http://newshap.es.

OUTSIDE
12:15pm Wardell // STREAM: "Opossum"

1:15pm Kodaline // STREAM: "All I Want"

2:15pm Ambassadors // STREAM: "Unconsolable"

3:15pm Michael Kiwanuka // STREAM: "Home Again"

4:15pm HAERTS // STREAM: "Wings"

5:15pm Sky Ferreira // STREAM: "Everything Is Embarrassing"


INSIDE
12:45pm Half Moon Run // STREAM: "Full Circle"

1:45pm Jamie N Commons // STREAM: "Rumble and Sway"

2:45pm Wildcat! Wildcat! // DOWNLOAD: "Mr. Quiche"

3:45pm MØ // STREAM: "Pilgrim"

4:45pm Swim Deep // STREAM: "Honey"

THIS TWISTED AMERICAN DREAM.

New York's very own Jed Nayef is the name soon to be on everyone's lips. With a debut single as timelessly brilliant as "Freaks", Jed is positioning himself as a solo force to be reckoned with. It's fatalist pop at its finest, as talon-sharp electric guitars shred through the thumping bass pumps, and it doesn't hurt that his vocals stretch across like a disaffected cross between Julian Casablancas and Bowie. Be sure to keep a keen eye on this one in the months to come.

STREAM: "Freaks" - Jed Nayef

NEED A QUEEN TO BE A KING.

French Horn Rebellion have been honing their craft in the kinetic party-disco limelight for years, so it comes as no surprise that their newest single, "Girls", is a masterclass in the art of partystarting. After a 90's flashback intro that snaps you back into the past, the heartwarming synths kick in over a cheerleading bassgroove that sashays back and forth as JD Samson's adoring vocals set the stage for Fat Tony's unrepentant flow of biblical proportions in the grand finale. It's a blossoming ode to their raison d'etre that spans several genres and generations and flourishes as the mission statement for French Horn's new life as a supergroup Party Ensemble.

DOWNLOAD: "Girls (feat. JD Samson & Fat Tony)" - French Horn Rebellion

ANOTHER VOICE FROM THE AFTERLIFE.

CHVRCHES and St. Lucia, two of the finest practitioners of electronic pop in the western world, come together at last in holy remix matrimony as the Scottish power trio elevate St. L's "Before The Dive" to the glistening heavens and pack it full of angelfire fury, filtered echoes, and supercharged bass surges. Be sure to catch both acts stealing headlines at SXSW next week, and tide yourselves over with this oven fresh remix in the meantime.

STREAM: "Before The Dive (CHVRCHES Remix)" - St. Lucia

FEEL YOU IN EVERY HEARTBEAT.

Whoa whoa whoa this song is perfect. BOY have been lighting up the charts overseas in mainland Europe for a minute now, but the US conquest is only just beginning. The Swiss-German duo made their NYC debut last week with a few intimate shows around town, and return later this month to headline Bowery Ballroom. "Little Numbers" is about as good as it gets in this world, like the most endearing possible summation of Icona Pop and Feist or perhaps even the "Call Me Maybe" of the indiesphere. It's love alright.

STREAM: "Little Numbers" - BOY