AWmusic

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again – 2012 is THE year for K-pop to make a distinctive mark in North America. This past March, during Canadian Music Week, several Korean artists made their debut on Canadian soil at Toronto’s Kool Haus at an event called 2K12 Korea Night. It is the biggest Korean concert to happen in Canada to date. You can check out my review of 2K12 Korea Night: K-Pop Wave at Kool Haus HERE. To add more to the “Korean wave” in North America, this past January and February, Girls’ Generation, a nine-member South Korean pop girl group, had their American TV debut performing their first English single, “The Boys” on The Late Show with David Letterman and Live! with Kelly. Also, popular South Korean boy group, Big Bang, are set to have their very first world tour titled “ALIVE TOUR 2012″ through Live Nation. The band will be stopping on 5 continents, 16 countries, and 25 cities.

Early this morning, I was anxiously awaiting the release of Jay Park’s mixtape. Jay Park – the one that kickstarted my curiosity about K-pop – dropped a free-for-download mixtape titled “FRESH A!R:BREATHE !T” on May 16th at 11:30PM KST. The mixtape consists of six R&B/Hip-Hop infused track recorded entirely in English. “You Know How We Do” and “William Hung” make me want to krump. BODY2BODY makes me want to drink and dance provocatively with Jay Park. “Do What We Do” and “Be With Me 2Night” seduces me into letting Jay Park have his way with me, while “Hopeless Love” makes me want to have angry sex with him. I really hope that this mixtape along with his headlining APAHM tour launches Jay Park’s music career in North America. I would love to see him perform live.

Park tweeted that he will be performing these English tracks on the Verizon APAHM tour where he is this year’s featured artist. Fans will be able to catch Jay Park in Washington DC (May 19), New York (May 20), San Francisco (May 25), and Los Angeles (May 27).

Download “FRESH A!R:BREATHE !T” via MediaFire OR Soundcloud OR DatPiff

Jay Park – BODY2BODY
Jay Park – Hopeless Love (feat. Cha Cha Malone)

More Info…
Web: http://www.jaypark.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jaybumaom
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jaypaom
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/jaybumaom0425

It’s been awhile since we heard anything from Brantford, Ontario multi-instrumentalists The Racoon Wedding. They released their first album Gather Gather Bones, Rattle Rattle Truth in 2010 and since then have found themselves touring and gaining fans who are drawn to their rugged, folk-rock sound. Genres aside, I respect the authenticity in everything that The Racoon Wedding do. They reiterate the importance of doing music for fun as well as passion’s sake, and not to mention are admirable representatives for their hometown.

Onondaga is the second full length album to be released by the group. I immediately heard a sweeter, jazzier sound with more emphasis on trumpets, saxophones and melody. The conventions heard on the groups earlier effort are still present on this record, though. On Wreck of the S.S Colborne you’re exposed to singer Scott Willson’s soulful grit as he raises his voice like a calling bird, while on European Giver you hear an interesting amalgamation of noise rock, folk and a glint of jazz. There’s this gleeful, celebratory sound that distinguishes this record from the first as well. On Hungry Hounds I got the sudden urge to drink a pitcher in a bar and have a good time, while Oh Little Scoundrels would’ve found me, once again, drinking (this time on the dance floor).

If there is anything The Racoon Wedding should be celebrating, it should be the creation of an exceptional and exciting sophomore album. Members Tim Ford, Scott Willson, Ty Springall, Drew Ayerhart and Jesse Shanks maintain this cool, won’t change for anybody attitude which is what makes their music so attractive and distinct. The group will release their second full length album Onondaga May 15 on The Ford Plant Recording Company, as well as play The Silver Dollar Room in Toronto Friday, May 11. Stream an album cut titled European Giver below.

The Racoon Wedding – European Giver

Hello from Brisbane, Australia! Finally getting around (read: just procrastinating) to posting something since Glen is sooo keen on me posting (thanks again)!

Anyway I found this track from what must have been weeks ago now, after looking up baauer for this other remix he did (Krueger – Talk). I was so hooked on the bass line that I just HAD to look up the guy. He’s from Brooklyn, that’s all I know, but I was in love by the time I was like three songs into trolling his soundcloud (which I really really suggest you do, soundcloud.com/baauer). Remixes or not his tracks are super catchy – and Move to the Ocean is no exception. I even listened to the original by Brick + Mortar and you can tell this guy’s got that somethin’ somethin’..

My other favourite remixes from him include Abel – Girls, and First Aid Kit – Winter is All Over You.

Photo by Alexander

I’m the type to give credit when it’s due, and Toronto artist Sean Blackthorn is more than deserving of that. Blackthorn played to a small crowd at Of A Kind on College Street Saturday evening; a quaint record store which also doubles as a vintage boutique.

I approached the front row to find Blackthorn just beginning his set. Everything from the atmosphere to his stance in front of the microphone was so subdued and natural. He had an attitude and confidence that resonated with me as if he were saying, “half of you aren’t even listening but, it’s OK cause I’m still fucking good.” It was a shame to see that half of the crowd would rather socialize or take group photos then to witness some talent, especially since there were a good chunk of people who actually had their eyes peeled. Blackthorn’s voice is raw, emotive and soulful, at some points even going as high as his chords could take him. The highlight (for me) was his surprising cover of the late Amy Winehouse’s Best Friends, Right? to which he slowed down on the piano. I know of many people that make music but this guys got some serious talent. It’s exciting to see an artist blossom before your eyes as you wait for what’s next in store. You can stream Blackthorn’s latest [One] Night below, or purchase it as well as other singles though his Bandcamp.

Very rarely do I listen to an album from beginning to end and find it enjoyable. The recent release from the Chromatics is one of those albums that just flow right from the get go captivating you to listen to more. The disco inspired Portland band are finally getting the recognition they deserve after being featured on the Drive soundtrack. Their upbeat yet eery sound is the perfect blend between retro and current trends.

Here are my favourites from the album, if you have yet to listen to this album I suggest you give it a listen it is by far one of the best releases of the year.

Chromatics- Back from the Grave
Chromatics- There’s a Light out on the Horizon