UK Artist to Watch: Clare Maguire

[mp3] Clare Maguire: "Ain't Nobody (Memory Tapes Remix)"

While we've had our noses burried in best of 2010 lists, we've already been canvassing rising talent for 2011, which includes forerunner Clare Maguire. If the success of Florence and The Machine, Adele and La Roux are any indicators, Maguire is poised to capture the attention of fans on both sides of the Atlantic. That is of course if she delivers a solid full-length. We've seen poor marketing plans take down promising artists in the US (see: Little Boots), and catchy singles succeed on an album of duds. So, it's still early for Ms. Maguire, but with the backing of some nice early press, and obviously, us, we think Clare Maguire has a solid shot to turn some heads in 2011.

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Thursday Round-Up

Busy busy around these parts, so commenters, I don't want to see and "lazy" comments got it?? We're gonna throw out a few items here that have gotten us pretty hot and bothered today.

You know by now that The Antlers have been signed to Frenchkiss and are re-releasing their amazing and now remastered record Hospice on August 18th. Today they released their second single "Two" which is our favorite track live and on record. Dig it.

[mp3] The Antlers: "Two" (via)




Tuesday June 9th Little Boots releases her debut EP "Illuminations" state-sisde. We have it and it's great. If you don't know who Little Boots is by now, tough shit - we're not telling you. Her LP "Hands" comes out the same day in the UK. We're not cool enough in the states for it yet I guess. Those with English iTunes accounts can buy it though. Sam Cooke, here's lookin' at you kid. Stream "Not Now"



Gorilla vs. Bear has the exclusive new J.Tillman track from his new record coming in September. Fist bump to Mike Bailey for getting us into this ace songwriter before he got all famous and joined that little band Fleet Foxes. Go man go.

[mp3] J. Tillman: "Earthly Bodies"




Adding to the summer fun is the aptly named Brooklyn surf-rock-noise band Boogie Board whose fuzzed-out guitar-overdrive jams have an abrasive but catchy-ass nature that will add kickass any to a summer backyard party. Despite our motto, your mom probably won't like this song. Pizza Hero comes out 6/23.

[mp3] Boogie Board: "Bio Hassle" (via)





Oh yeah - I hate THIS. I don't even want to post it. It's Nietzsche not Twain douchebags (Good job commenters.) Poor kid. Poor Joanna Newsom. Poor us.

Little Boots "New in Town (Remix)" Emil & Friends

UPDATE: Due to some technical difficulties - this remix isn't available right now. Sucky. BUT - since we love Little Boots and it's the Friday before a long weekend, we figured we should probably just post her killer track "Mathematics again". So - here it is.

[mp3] Little Boots: "Mathematics"

We received this track from Sweet Touch Records let's just say, too long ago, but it has graced the best of our electronic-dance party mixes. This tune bumps. Unless you are bat-blind, you know that Little Boots is ravaging the UK music scene; number one on BBC's Who to Watch in 2009 (former top-spots belong to Adele, Duffy, Ting Tings and Glasvegas,) Boots' Arecibo EP has generated pounds of press. Anticipating a June 8 UK-release of her debut record Hands (pre-order available on UK iTunes only) the buzz for this tenorion (her little light-bright-beat-machine) sensation. Stark contributor Lauren Mooney was lucky enough to catch Little Boots for an interview awhile back.

See a Boots tenorion demonstration for Hot Chip's "Ready for the Floor" after the jump. Pretty amazing.

Little Boots "New in Town," This is Going to Explode

Little Boots - New In Town


Dig the new video from to-be (already is) U.K. sensation Little Boots. "New in Town" is one of those highly repeatable, hook-laden-pop-gems that insures album success. After the BBC, and subsequently us (plus interview), named Boots 'artist to watch in 2009,' she began buzzing out of control, singing with Atlantic and gearing up for a June 8 release of her debut LP Hands. Enjoy. Happy Monday.

Matt's Artists to Watch 2009

Photo - Pavla Kopecna

So we're already a few weeks into January and the first major release dates are quickly approaching. There is already building buzz for a packed release schedule featuring albums from some of the biggest names in indie rock, and also some stellar records from some of music's lesser known names. In the first half of the year, records are due from Grizzly Bear, Lily Allen, Animal Collective, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird and M.Ward. Yet, there are formidable challenges to these larger releases in the form of gems from Bosque Brown, The Soft Pack, Girls, Alela Diane, Here We Go Magic, Wavves, Fan Death, Little Boots, Ida Maria, and my current favorite Harlem. While the great records we've heard (and not heard yet) are almost too much to absorb - here are three artists with upcoming records that should not be missed. Andrew and Vince's picks are coming next week. Mine are after the jump.


Scroll down for mp3s

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - s/t (Slumberland February, 3)
Not matter what the buzz, how great a band looks, where they come from, what label they are on, or who their friends are, it all comes down to great songs. In the most simple terms, that is where the Pains of Being Pure at Heart excel. POBPAH are able to craft perfect 3 minute pop songs drenched in gauzy distortion yet rooted in melody and played with the excitement and passion of a garage full of high school kids. This New York band mines their sound from 80s and 90s rock, successfully melding catchy acoustic guitar progressions with overdrive-laden electric guitar power chords. POBPAH have released a collection of highly acclaimed singles for labels such as Fortuna Pop!, Atomic Beat and Cloudberry. Slumberland will release The Pains of Being Pure at Heart on February 3. While it's easy to make comparisons to bands like My Bloody Valentine, POBPAH have produced a unique record compete with the quality and staying power that assures them a place as one of the best new bands of 2009.

the bird and the bee - Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future (Blue Note, January 27)
the bird and the bee are not new. They've already accumulated a decent modicum of success due to their self-titled debut released in 2007. Yet, their follow-up record Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future finds the LA duo finally stepping into their own. There was always something kitschy and sugary-sweet about tbatb. That was part of the appeal. Yet, their songs never really stayed with you. They were fleeting indulgences best consumed in small doses. Yet, all that has changed with their sophomore record. Greg Kurstin's production has never sounded better and Inara George's voice has more of an edge and purpose than ever before. After their debut and two so-so EPs, tbatb have finally delivered the full record critics and fans have been waiting for. The songs on Ray Guns, most notably the stand-out "Love Letter to Japan" (below), are driven by strong melodies and infectious instrumentation. tbatb sound more mature and self-assured in their music. This new record, coupled with the band's previous success bodes well for a very fruitful 2009.

Dent May - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele (Paw Tracks February 9)

It feels like Dent May has been around forever. His music seems so familiar, yet every time we listen, it's still as great as we remembered. There is an exuberance and joy in May's songs. He's not making any sweeping commentary in his lyrics, nor is he trying to alter the music spectrum with his instrumentation. His music is truly just good feeling music. Every one who listens is instantly a fan, that's the beauty of this record. You can play it anywhere for anyone. Dent May sings casually in a charming croon about drunks, dance parties, and girls. Imagine if Beirut took some Prozac and played at a spring BBQ and you can get a sense of Dent May's sound. May has the look and the attitude of someone who is bound to be a staple on the indie-rock scene of 2009. Discovered by Animal Collective in his home state of Mississippi, Dent May has signed to their Paw Tracks label. Clearly Dent May has the pedigree for success, but what's so refreshing is that his sound and record all justify the praise and buzz sure to come to him in 2009. He is hitting the road with New Pornographer AC Newman this winter.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Everything with You" - mp3
the bird and the bee - "Love Letter to Japan" - mp3
Dent May - "Meet Me in the Garden" - mp3

BBC's Who To Watch For In 2009

Go Here To Dig 'Em!

BBC Entertainment News just dropped 15 artists deemed likely to succeed in the new year. There are a few names you might be familiar with -- Little Boots (our latest Inquisition victim) and Passion Pit are stand-outs for us. The online formatting is fantastic: simple and very user friendly, including a streaming track and write up for each of the performers listed. The Brits are taking over...watch out.

Little Boots: New EP + Stark Interview

STARK vs. LITTLE BOOTS

Little Boots - "Meddle (Designer Drugs) Remix" - mp3

Call it what you will: space-pop, nu-disco, electro, or R&B. Victoria Hesketh, a.k.a Little Boots, is cute as hell and ready to make you dance -- even on a Saturday afternoon during the death rattle of CMJ sickness... I mean madness... I mean, well, whatever. I was having fun damnit!

Formerly of Dead Disco, the incarnation of Little Boots started not so long ago with the help from some friends -- namely Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) and Greg Kurstin (the bird and the bee, Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen). With a penchant for whimsical fantasy, Little Boots is stylish in a My Little Pony-meets-Ziggy Stardust way. Her new EP, Arecibo came out just yesterday! We caught up with her earlier regarding growing up in Blackpool, England, musical inspirations, style icons and more:

Read the interview with Little Boots after the jump...



What was it like growing up in Blackpool?

Blackpool is a pretty strange place. It's meant to be a family holiday resort, but I think that idea kind of got abandoned with the Victorians... so it's kind of a seedy place people go to get drunk and start fights...really tacky and has a real dark side. It's been a massive influence on me though, personally and on my music. I think it brings you up with a lot of cynicism. You don't really take anything for face value, but it's also a very down to earth place.

When did you discover music or did it discover you? Details?

I can't really remember. I'm not from a particularly musical family. I just somehow asked for a piano when I was about 4... We couldn't really afford one but somehow my mum got hold of an awful old one from a burnt down pub and I used to plonk away... I started lessons when I was about 6 and there hasn't really been a day I haven't played since. Following that, I started writing when I was about 13 and singing just because I needed vocals on it. I've always been a musician and writer before a vocalist. Then I started playing in all sorts of bands... punk bands, jazz bands, prog bands. I got myself through University playing piano and singing in hotel lobbies and restaurants...then I joined my last band, which was an indie-electro kind of outfit that got signed. That eventually lead me here to my first solo project which is probably both the easiest and hardest thing I've ever done. But definitely my favourite.

What was it like working with Joe Goddard [of Hot Chip]?

We work together in quite an unusual way. A lot of the songs are already written, then we will email ideas back and forwards then maybe I'll go record the vocals in his bedroom or something. But Joe is great. I think we have a lot of similar ideas about pop music and obviously both love synthesizers and weird sounds. He is so imaginative. It's great to have him involved.

Who else have you worked with?


I work a lot with Greg Kurstin who has produced everyone from Kylie to Peaches so it's a real honour working with him. He really is the most talented musician and songwriter I've ever met and has given me so much confidence in myself as well. He also has an extremely cool dog called Dave who helps in the creative process. I have also worked with Jas from Simian Mobile Disco, Simon Lord from Black Ghosts, Pascal Gabriel, Freeform 5, Heartbreak and there is more stuff in the pipeline... I like trying things with lots of different people to find out what works.

Dream people to work with?


I'm very lucky as I've worked with a lot of people I really admire. I'd actually really like to work with the Swedish producer Kleerup who did the big Robyn song "Heartbeat." I think his songs always sound really epic with great dance beats, but then there's a real sadness and melancholy element to them which is really touching. Also maybe someone like Alexander Robotnick who has just done an amazing remix of one of my songs.

Biggest adventure you've been on? Future adventures you'd like to go on?


I just went away for the weekend to the sea, that was quite and adventure..... I love the sea. But coming to Los Angeles is always quite an adventure. Especially the first few times I came out when I was on my own and didn't know anyone, and was just sent to write songs. But since then I've met so many people and always have a great time.

Who or what are some of your style icons?


I don't really have any current ones. I love loads of Bowie's phases, especially the Ziggy Stardust era. I'm really into space. I think people like Dee Dee Jackson look pretty cool. I like a lot of the shapes and fabrics associated with the studio 54 scene. I also like a lot of fantasy art so am always hunting for vintage t shirts of noble looking animals in epic landscapes!

NME said fans of Kylie might fancy you -- what are your thoughts on Miss Minogue?


I'm a big fan. I have been for a long time, although I did think the last album was a bit disjointed and definitely had a bit of a too-many-cooks feel to it. Saying that, there were still a couple of great tracks. I think she has a reputation for consistently delivering great pop songs and videos and is obviously a great performer. I have to say my favourite Kylie era though, was probably the Impossible Princess album in the 90s which was a bit of a flop. But 'Confide in Me' is my favourite Kylie song of all time... amazing video too.

-Lauren Mooney, Stark Contributing Writer