SoundClouds of the Underground: Miami Edition
ABOVE: STILL FROM LITTLE PAIN’S “TOMMY STRAWN” MUSIC VIDEO.
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 that time of the bitingly cold winter when artists, socialites, and massive brands looking to capture a cool audience head to the international festival known as Art Basel Miami Beach to escape the cold for a week of parties, pop-ups, and performances. If you’re zipping around Miami Beach like much of the art world and beyond, chances are you’re looking for something to fill your ears between art fairs, open bars, and late night parties–below are three cool, current cuts that will put a little pep in your step as you strut down Collins Avenue.
Saint & Doobius: “Ayo Technology”
Who: Zurich’s Doobius has experienced an exciting rise to relevance as one of the Swiss DJ circuit’s freshest faces. Previous collaborations, like his remix of T.I’s “Why You Wanna” with DJ Sweap and “Good Love” with Lambo, display his knack for getting smooth, 100 bpm sounds on an EDM-friendly dance floor. Saint is one of this column’s favorite offenders thanks to his versatile take on twerkable jams, a skill which recently got him a spot on Diplo’s BBC1 program.
The Song: The choice to retool such a beloved, nostalgic track works on many levels–a polished build-up gives new life to the song and the breakdown of cut-up vocals and big percussion reach critical levels of sexy. If this track doesn’t put a smile on your face by bringing you back to the days of yesteryear, then maybe you’re too young (and we hate you for it), in which case you’ll just love dancing along to its suave cadence.
Current Project: Keep up with Saint and Doobius via their Facebook pages.
Little Pain: “Still Simpin'” feat. Versailles
Who: Little Pain arguably pioneered the “sad rap” genre by mere existence. He received a deal of acclaim for his debut mixtape When Thugz Cry, a dark, hard-hitting selection of songs wherein the rapper details the struggles of being broke, excessively crying, and smoking shitty weed.
The Song: Pain recently released L.I.T.T.L.E., a strong follow-up to When Thugz Cry that shows great promise and stretches far beyond gimmick. “Still Simpin” is a highlight, with Pain loudly spitting about his do-rag-wearing, allegedly unfaithful girlfriend over a big Melo Flamez beat. Pain holds things down, but the real highlight is the rising rhymesmith Versailles, who plays the part of Pain’s beau with biting wit and flare.
Current Project: Download Little Pain’s newest mixtape in its entirety here.
DonChristian: “Take Away” (Missy Elliott cover)
Who: DonChristian is a talented producer, singer, and rapper, who truly tackles the world of R&B. The artist is a gatherer of various sounds and textures, effortlessly blending all the elements into a cool, calming vehicle, and allows his mesmerizing vocals take the front seat.
The Song: Lucky for us DonChristian chose to cover one of our favorite throwbacks that features two of Missy Elliott’s former frequent collaborators: Ginuwine and Tweet. He handles the track great on his own, staying faithful to the original, with his sexy and passionate harmonies effortlessly riding the beat.
Current Project: Stay up on DonChristian, who is also an extremely talented painter, through his website.
SoundClouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.
