Soundclouds of the Underground: Beyond the Web Edition
ABOVE: BC KINGDOM
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 newest and most 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 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.
It’s 2014, and everyone you know is—or wants to be—an “artist.” Soundcloud’s double-edged sword has given the good, the bad, and the ugly equal opportunity to release music, whether it’s highly concentrated art or carelessly created crap. Here at Soundclouds of the Underground we like to applaud the former: those who hustle hard and create art that may live on the Internet, but extends beyond its parameters. Below are three Soundcloud favorites who are going the extra mile.
BC Kingdom: “Colours”
Who: Logan Eze and Zou Deon are the duo behind this budding R&B outfit. With co-signs from the likes of Solange and her Saint Records imprint (the group’s track “Lock Up” appeared on a Saint compilation album last year), BC Kingdom’s slick, electronically-inclined sound is quickly catching on.
The Song: “Colours” is a sexy slow jam that’s both ready for the new world of R&B and conscious of essential influences. It’s clear that the boys know their stuff, and are able to bring elements of Prince, Jodeci, Ginuwine into a refreshing context.
Current Project: Keep up with the guys on Facebook.
Different Sleep: “Secrets”
Who: A producer whose impressively consistent output has earned him a spot amongst acts like Shlomo, Salva, and Daedelus at the label Friends of Friends, Different Sleep’s sound fits his name: a euphoric blend that sits between the conscious and unconscious.
The Song: In a musical sphere that often overlaps to aggravating degrees, Different Sleep has carved out an identity that is apparent in “Secrets.” The track nods to hip-hop and trap on the percussion side, but takes things to a fantastical realm with its synths and pitched vocal samples.
Current Project: For more on the artist, visit his Facebook page.
Deathface Feat. Kanga: “Call To The Grave” (Saint Remix)
Who: Another producer who has ambitiously worked his way up the ranks (recently creating mixes for V and Diplo and Friends), Saint’s approach to the BPM occupied by other twerk-loving producers is far more aggressive and dark, giving the genre new life.
The Song: The most recent in a string of successful remixes delivered by Saint, the producer turns things all the way up with a menacing build before launching into a fiery drop with rattling snares and a sexy vocal sample.
Current Project: Keep up with Saint on Facebook.
Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.
