Artist Spotlight: St. Lucia

Adding to my belief that one must have a unique, well-rounded taste in music in order to run a coffee shop, an employee recommended this band to me while I was enjoying some coffee at Fuel this week (in addition to Tegan & Sara, below).  St. Lucia has an incredible, deep sound: smooth vocals, powerful yet chill instrumentals, and just an overall energy that keeps you coming back.  Interesting fact, St. Lucia is actually a one man band from NYC...could have fooled me.  Check out the "St. Lucia EP", if you like what you hear below.  Definitely don't sleep on this band!

Album Spotlight: Tegan & Sara - Heartthrob

So I was spending the afternoon doing work at Fuel, my favorite local coffee shop, and one of the employees decided to stream this entire album in the shop.  Now, I had previewed this album a bit when it came out, and had listened to its lead single, "Closer", a bunch of times, but this first full listen made me a believer.  Tegan & Sara's new album, "Heartthrob", is ten tracks of pure fun.  Tegan & Sara's vocals are the definition of the bubbly pop sound, but have that unique indie sound that makes them stand out.  Lyrically, the duo doesn't take too much risk, staying within their comfort zone of the struggles of love, but that doesn't really bother me.  The instrumentals have a full-bodied pop sound, infused with prominent electronic synths to create an energetic, fun sound.  Overall, it's an album (the first from Tegan & Sara for me) that you can easily play straight through.  It's safe to say that in the hour this album was playing at Fuel, I did alot more head bobbing and singing under my breath than I did work, but I'm not complaining.

Tiesto & Allure - Pair Of Dice

Definitely one of my favorite EDM songs out at the moment.  A friend of claimed awhile ago that if this song caught on as quick as Avicii's "Levels", then its popularity would have certainly been equal.  I must say that I agree.  Try turning up the volume and playing this during your next party, and I guarantee an elevation in energy.

Zedd - Clarity ft. Foxes (Vicetone Remix)

Now I know "Clarity" stands as one of the most over-remixed EDM tracks of recent memory.  However, I felt it necessary to highlight what I believe is the best one out of the crowd.  One of my favorite EDM duos, Vicetone, brings a new level of energy to the track, while keeping Foxes' beautiful vocals at the forefront.  An awesome track all around.

Nicky Romero & NERVO - Like Home (Official Music Video)

Nicky Romero & NERVO deliver the visuals to their huge track, "Like Home".  Overall, a fantastic video prominently featuring both artists.  Special note: If a girl can rock the "mohawk on steroids" haircut and still look hot, she must be gorgeous.  If you are feeling this original, be sure to check out the Dillon Francis remix below

Diplo - Butter's Theme (ft. Gent & Jawns)

Classic Diplo.  Always one to put out videos that somehow keep you glued to your screen, Diplo releases the visuals to "Butter's Theme" off of his most recent Express Yourself EP.

Candyland - Bring The Rain (Brown & Gammon Remix)

Candyland, the duo hailing from Santa Barbara, bring in Brown & Gammon to release this awesome funky, nu-disco remix of their work in honor of achieving 30k Facebook fans.  Fresh off of signing with YMCM, you already know Candyland will be up to big things this year, so keep an ear out.