Soundclouds of the Underground: Alarm Clock Edition

ABOVE: REWROTE. IMAGE COURTESY OF CHUCK KWOK

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the most new and exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes deep into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.

Waking up is, like, really hard, and an alarm is crucial to the process. Although having your iPhone set to bark like a dog at 7:30 am, or using a flat, beeping noise to will yourself out of bed, is all well and good, we’re here to tell you there’s another way: music! This is 2013, and there’s no reason why you can’t wake up to some morning-friendly music via a customized playlist. Let the tracks from this week’s edition of Soundclouds of the Underground be your guide to rising and shining the right way.

Bones & Money: “Black Diamond (Rewrote Remix)”

Who: One-fifth of the production collective M|O|D, Rewrote’s high-energy sound is hardly tied to one genre—a quick scroll of his Soundcloud and you’ll find a wild Bun B/DJ Shadow collab, a chilled-out step jam, and even a remix of Ginuwine’s “In Those Jeans” (perfect for Valentine’s Day, which we refuse to acknowledge to any greater extent).

The Song: Although the also impressive original by Scotland duo Bones & Money maintains a relaxed vibe, Rewrote picks the song apart and rebuilds it, forming something far more aggressive. The song shifts back and forth between vocal samples as the relentless drums beat on—the result is a sexy, original club cut that’s sure to shake you out of bed in the morning.

Current Project: Rewrote is joined by Chrissy Murderbot and Lockah (among others) on the new Black Diamond remix EP, which is set for release on March 11th via Tuff Wax Records. In the meantime, check out his Facebook page for updates.

Kisses: “The Hardest Part”

Who: The soft-spoken synth-pop of Kisses is crafted by Jesse Kivel (of the band Princeton) and Zinzi Edmundson, who first gained a bit of Internet buzz in 2010 thanks to tracks like the ’80s-inspired “Bermuda.” Even though the group maintains a summery nostalgia, there’s something both current and romantic about Kisses that makes their songs worth a second (or third or fourth) spin.

The Song: When it comes to a wake-up call, some people prefer a gentle tap as opposed to a war cry—that’s where “The Hardest Part” comes in, a song with a gradual, light energy and a fun hook that may inspire adventurous types to dance in their underwear while brushing their teeth.

Current Project: In addition to the release of “The Hardest Part,” the group’s also recently remixed HAIM and are set to head a festival in Laurel Canyon March 2nd-find all the details on their Facebook page.

Who: Self-described as “Tropical Grit Pop from New York City,” Ghost Beach (aka Josh Ocean and Eric “Doc” Mendelsohn) perfectly straddle the line between guilty pleasure and just plain catchy. Although the group is relatively new, they’ve already drummed up an impressive following, having recently played with folks like St. Lucia and collaborated with artists ilke Viceroy and Downtown Records’ Vacationer (for whom they made an official remix this past January).

The Song: It takes something epic to get us out of bed, which is why we’ve been turning to “Close Enough” to start our days off right. Sparkly and synth-heavy, this track and its massive hook are akin to the smile-inducing chorus in Skrillex’s “Cinema.”

Current Project: The group is playing gigs through February—check out the dates here.

Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.