This Week on Hype Machine
This is the first installment of our This Week on Hype Machine series. Every week, our staff members Daniella Rasho and Will Skalmoski will be presenting their favorite finds on Hype Machine, one of our favorite music discovery platforms.
SXSW is responsible for breaking many artists, including BANKS, who notably played this song at Hype Hotel in 2014. Sure, this may be a cover on a classic Aaliyah masterpiece (you’re welcome for reminding you about this song) but BANKS completely flips it into a sultry acoustic-indie version of its predecessor. Check out BANKS’ flawless live rendition of “Are You That Somebody” if you’re into catchy 90s R&B. - Daniella
Ta-Ku is an incredible Australian producer who has emerged with the sudden rise of indielectronica. He transforms this otherwise generic pop song (penned by fellow Aussie, George Maple) into a slow and sexy number that is a delight to listen to. If you like what you hear, be sure to check out his incredible 2013 album, Songs to Break Up To. - Daniella
From the superstitious Stevie Wonder to the uptown funk of Bruno and Mark, I’ve always loved music with groove and soul. Jodie Abacus, a UK native, sang his way to the top of the Hype Machine charts with his debut single, “Ill Be That Friend,” a track that taps into the vocal driven soul of the Stevies and Brunos. The track features Abacus’ polished falsetto accompanied by a groovy piano. Complete with a choral breakdown, the good vibes are contagious. I’m looking for this one to grow exponentially in the next few weeks. Nice to meet you, Jodie. - Will
Hype Machine is my go-to for the latest, cerebral indie rock music. This week, I found “Turning Back Around” by Rhodes inside the top twenty tracks of the Hype Machine charts. Rhodes, another UK artist, delivers an excellent song, complete with a singable, crescendo of a chorus. The production harkens back to 90s music of a similar genre, but incorporates a lot of what we love about Coldplay: unfiltered emotion portrayed through a strong vocal and even better instrumentation. - Will