August 2011 - Rdio Blog

Music New Music Weekly

New Music Tuesday, August 16, 2011

TGI...T? Thanks goodness it’s Tuesday and why not—New Music Tuesday means a fresh batch of songs for your Rdio enjoyment. Up for grabs this week is some fun and lighthearted indie rock, rockabilly country, and new dance music. Throw in an exciting mix of new singles from Lil Wayne, St. Vincent, M83, LIGHTS and Mastadon, and you’ve got a solid, eclectic blend of music with something for everyone. Hear tracks from these musicians and many more on our weekly Playlist, below.

Playlist Notes

Evanescence - What You Want
Five years since their last release, Evanescence is back with a freedom-themed single off their upcoming third album—this self-titled release is scheduled for October.
Yellow Ostrich - The Mistress
Fans rejoice! Yellow Ostrich's wildly popular debut album is available again on Rdio. The Mistress' re-release features three new songs and that new car smell—look for the band on tour with their label-mates Ra Ra Riot this fall.
Maria Taylor - Overlook
While known for her tenure in dream-duo Azure Ray, Maria Taylor as a solo artist is a capable and seasoned songstress. Her delicate yet robust sound traverses lightly over many styles and musical textures.
Hercules & Love Affair - Blue Songs
Three years after an excellent 2008 debut, Hercules & Love Affair and mastermind DJ Andy Butler took time to perfect this followup album. Featuring a mostly new lineup of vocalists and guest perfomers, their songs are more mellow than you'd expect.
Mister Heavenly - Out Of Love
This indie supergroup is members of Man Man, Islands and Modest Mouse. While you'll hear strains of their other bands, this is a wholly unique venture and vision for this band of gentlemen.
Lil Wayne - She Will
Continuing his recent album series, Lil Wayne shares a track off Tha Carter IV, featuring Drake. It's five minutes of Weezy's trademark stream of consciousness flow, which most fans will find incredibly satisfying.

∞ August 16, 2011 — 2:00PM

Influencer Spotlights Music

Influencer Spotlight: Last Gang Records

More than just a record label and promotional outfit, Last Gang Records has been shaping musical taste in Canada and abroad since 2002. Last Gang began when music industry lawyer Chris Taylor was unable to find a label to release Metric’s landmark debut, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?—their second release was Death From Above’s seminal 2004 debut I’m a Woman, You’re a Machine.

Since then, they've dedicated themselves to finding Toronto and Montreal’s most forward-thinking electronic acts, such as MSTRKRFT, Crystal Castles and Tiga. They also pride themselves on nurturing relationships with their impressive array of artists. Want to know what’s ticking over at Last Gang? Follow them on Rdio and check out their playlist below, Us Against the World.

For a more in-depth taste of Last Gang, check out their Spring 2011 mix or indulge in their “Festive Afternoon Hangover Cure” playlist, curated for Toronto’s week-long festival earlier this year.

∞ August 12, 2011 — 1:08PM

Music Recommended By Rdio

Listen to Kanye West and Jay-Z's Watch the Throne

What is exciting? That two of hip-hop's biggest names joined forces to collaborate on a new album. From Kanye West and Jay-Z, Watch the Throne is now available on Rdio.

∞ August 12, 2011 — 12:00PM

Events Music

Gear up for Outside Lands with Rdio

This weekend, Golden Gate Park will become a musical paradise once again, as the the annual Outside Lands festival hits San Francisco, California for its fourth time. This year’s lineup might just be the best one yet: the reunited Shins, MGMT, Erykah Badu, Big Boi, Best Coast, Girl Talk, The Black Keys, The Roots, Deadmau5, The Decemberists, and The Meters' original lineup will all perform ahead of the August 12-14 headliners, Phish, Muse and Arcade Fire.

Many Rdio listeners have already gotten into the Outside Lands spirit. Rob Tyrrell’s 108-song playlist, Outside Lands 2011 Mix, is “as eclectic as the festival itself,” while Jessica Zollman’s Outside Lands 2011 mix divides her 22-song playlist into three parts, one for each day of the fest.

If that’s not enough, the folks at Outside Lands have put together quite the playlist themselves, which you can check out here.

If none of these playlists tickle your fancy, make your own discerning Outside Lands playlist. Follow Outside Lands on Rdio, and be sure to check out their official site for details surrounding the fest. See you in Frisco!

∞ August 12, 2011 — 11:00AM

Music

Now on Rdio: The Civil Wars

It’s no surprise that there were many requests to hear the alt-folk duo The Civil Wars on Rdio—this band already has a debut effort that hit the top of Billboard’s Digital Album chart, and also fervent praise from artists like Adele.

We’re happy to announce that you can listen to this captivating pair on Rdio. Don't miss their break-out album, Barton Hallow, available now for streaming.

∞ August 12, 2011 — 9:00AM

Events Giveaways Music

Mad Decent Chicago Block Party

On Saturday August 13th, Diplo’s taste-making label Mad Decent will bring the block party to Chicago, courtesy of Rdio.

Chicago’s lineup includes Curren$y, Dillon Francis, Dawn Golden & Rosy Corss, Bosco Delrey, Toy Selectah, Kito, Reptar, Lunice, BBU, Benzi and DJ Say Wut.

Mad Decent is known for its eclectic, internationally-flavored roster - they helped introduce Brazilian baile funk and Angolan kuduo to clubs around the world, not to mention playing a major role in new genre Moombahton—and have put out records by luminaries such as Bonde Do Role, Crookers, Rusko, and Toy Selectah. Mad Decent's influence on modern music is undeniable.

The Mad Decent Block Party is all-ages, and best of all, it’s free. Wanna know what to expect? Check out Mad Decent’s Block Party 2011 playlist, which features songs by the artists performing in Chicago, as well as the other Block Party dates in New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. The New York edition looked pretty crazy, so don’t miss the party when it rolls through the Windy City.

Go VIP

Rdio is giving away 5 pairs of VIP admission spots. Skip the lines and enjoy guaranteed admission, plus access to the VIP viewing area along with plenty of other free stuff. How to enter? The first 5 people to email competitions (at) rdio.com and return the necessary legal stuff within 24 hours of this post are IN. For more information, read the Official Rules.

Los Angeles, watch out. You're next for the Mad Decent Block Party VIP giveaway.

∞ August 11, 2011 — 9:18AM

Giveaways News

Cheers to Rdio's 1-Year Anniversary

It was a wonderful week to celebrate Rdio’s 1-Year anniversary—a nation-wide ticket giveaway, the Rdio for iPad app, Dischord Records and In Rainbows. Now it's time to wrap up the celebration with one more hurrah. You’ll have a chance to win some sweet Rdio schwag like a t-shirt, tote bag, stickers and buttons, and maybe even a 1-year Unlimited subscription on the house.

But first, what is an anniversary without a little reflection? The Rdio team took a moment to think back on the past year's great new music to create the Best Rdio Discoveries: Staff Picks playlist. It's likely we wouldn't have ever heard this music had it not been for other folk's Rdio reviews, playlists, Heavy Rotation and Collections.

Once you're done, add your favorite Rdio discoveries to the Best Rdio Discoveries collaborative playlist. Keep reading to learn how adding to the playlist or tweeting about your favorite Rdio discoveries could net you some shwag or a 1-year Unlimited subscription.

Win Schwag and Subscriptions

To thank Rdio's community, we have ten sets of t-shirts and totes to give away, and five 1-year Rdio Unlimited subscriptions. It's easy to enter, just collaborate on Best Rdio Discoveries and add your favorite music discoveries. Or you can tweet a link to your favorite Rdio discovery plus the hashtag #RdioDiscovery. Enter between now and 12:00 PM PST on Friday, August 12th and we'll randomly pick five and ten winners. For more information, read the Official Rules.

So here’s to the next year—thanks for listening along with us!

∞ August 10, 2011 — 12:00PM

Music New Music Weekly

New Music Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Rap, metal and comedy fans should find this week's New Releases quite satisfying. There's a hoard of new hip-hop and rap-styled albums and singles from big names like Nas, T.I. and Royce Da 5'9". Adding to that focused intensity, we have new albums from metal and hard rock bands like Trivium, Greeley Estates and Anthrax. Too heavy? Lighten up with comedy from Comedy Central's Michael Ian Black and Marc Maron.

Playlist Notes

Drake - Headlines
Toronto-bred emcee Drake has taken back to the headlines with gusto this week after he dropped another track from his forthcoming sophomore full-length, Take Care, scheduled for release on October 24, 2011 — Drizzy’s Birthday.
Marc Maron - This Has To Be Funny
Stand-up comedian Marc Maron’s podcast, WTF? With Marc Maron, earned him a reputation for being as brainy as he is entertaining. His latest album, This Has To Be Funny, is wry, dark and absolutely hilarious.
Michael Ian Black - Very Famous
The deadpan title of Michael Ian Black’s new stand-up album may poke fun at his career, but don’t let his self-deprecation dissuade you from believing he has a legion of loyal fans. Whether you’ve seen him live or never heard of the guy, Very Famous will persuade you to laugh (maybe even until you're shaking).
Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame - 1017 Bricksquad Presents...Ferrari Boyz
Gucci Mane and his protege, Waka Flocka Flame, teamed up with Mane’s rap super-group, the 1017 Bricksquad to create Ferrari Boyz. It’s a study in two very different Atlanta-based rappers combining their distinct styles. Teamwork!
The Horrors - Skying

Band of Brits, The Horrors, took their third album in a new direction from their previously successful debut and sophomore albums. Swirling melodies and nonchalance make it an easy and very enjoyable listen.

∞ August 9, 2011 — 12:33PM

Exclusives Music

An Rdio Pre-Release: Listen to Braid's EP Closer to Closed

Some fans waited a long time for this. After an 11-year recording hiatus, seminal 90’s band Braid is back together. Their new EP, Closer to Closed, is available a week early, only on Rdio. While you’re basking in their new music, read Five Questions with the Band by vocalists/guitarists Bob Nanna and Chris Broach, and listen to a playlist of their favorite songs later.

Five Questions with Braid

Who do you think is an important musician that most people have never heard of before?
Bob Nanna: Nathan Larson (Mind Science of the Mind, Shudder To Think, Hot One)
Chris Broach: Hoover (you should know em, but if you don't, get to know them).
If you had access to any record in the world, what would you listen to right now?
BN: The Lemonheads, It's a Shame About Ray
CB: The Doors. Excellent musicianship.
Which album or artist do you most associate with your childhood?
BN: The Rolling Stones - specifically Emotional Rescue / Tattoo You era.
CB: Huey Lewis
We hope people are ______________ when they listen to our music.
BN: Cooking
CB: Enjoying themselves
We were thinking about ______________ when we wrote music for the new album.
BN: Our house in Champaign
CB: Our own lives

∞ August 9, 2011 — 9:49AM

Label Spotlights Music

New on Rdio: Dischord Records

In 1980, a young punk band in Washington, D.C. named the Teen Idles, broke up. Unsure what to do with their leftover band fund, they decided to self-release a record; it was the Minor Disturbance EP, and it was Dischord Records #1. A year later, two of the young men from the Teen Idles, Ian Mackaye and Jeff Nelson, were settled in a new bungalow-style house in Arlington, Virginia, and were putting out records by fellow Washington punk bands S.O.A., Government Issue, Youth Brigade, and Mackaye and Nelson’s own new group, Minor Threat.

Despite hard times along the way - finding distribution, pressing records on their own dime - the DIY record label survives today. Dischord Records retains the same ethos they’ve always had, limiting exorbitant scalping by keeping all of their releases in print, and releasing new records by deserving underground bands every year. Some of the world’s most legendary hardcore has been released by Dischord, as evidenced below.

Dischord Records Artists

For the complete history of Dischord, and a list of current bands and alumni, visit the official site at Dischord.com. Make sure your Dashboard is complete—follow Dischord Records on Rdio.

∞ August 9, 2011 — 8:30AM