Residencies are awesome. Why, you ask? Because they are like a statement from a venue’s booking agent that says: "these guys are good and you should check them out!" And venues’ talent scouts definitely know a thing of two about emerging bands…

Brooklyn duo (via Las Vegas) Magmana landed a 3 night residency at Gowanus’ The Rock Shop. The band’s most intriuing song "Watch the Ball" (streaming below) is a subdued indie-pop gem in the vein of Grandaddy and Air. Sincere male and female harmonized voices tie together the many musical ingredients at work, ranging from a rootsy overall attitude to psychedelic-ish instrumental breaks with minimalistic electronic flourishes. Other tracks found on their Facebook profile are a little more conventional atmospheric numbers with bluesy overtones, mostly featuring Ms Joan Tick’s melancholic alto in a very stripped down musical environment. See them live at The Rock Shop on May 23 or May 30.

NYC’s David E. Beats of the White House Band has been just taking his signature “New vogue” style of hip hop to a new level. Known for his dynamic solo performances in which he raps and plays guitars amidst smoke and flashing lights, he is also a gifted producer and demonstrates his prowess on the recently released "Renaissance Mixtape." Flurries of chopped samples propelled by slamming drums give D.E.B. an elegant platform to launch his lyrics from. He manifests his swagger with elegance and practiced technique. Altogether there can be no dispute that the "Renaissance Mixtape" is of museum-quality. Add this limited piece to your collection for free – download here. – BrokeMC

This past weekend, Austin, TX’s Fiesta Gardens hosted the fifth annual Pachanga Fest on May 11 and 12, a celebration of Latin art and culture’s influence in America. Numerous genres were represented on the three stages, from rock, tejano, mariachi, cumbia, salsa, electronic, funk, hip hop, to indie, and although the origins or the artists were just as varied, all attendees were united by the appreciation of the vibrant and eclectic art. Day one started at sundown, and Peligrosa, Austin’s DJ troupe, entertained between Houston’s Chingo Bling, New York’s Outernational , and Puerto Rico’s Calle 13, a collaborator on Outernational’s latest, “Todos Somo Ilegales.” The second day began with Mexican alternative quintet, Umano Ache from Laredo, TX, followed by a second Outernational appearance. Half-New York-based, half Brazil- based, flautist-led Forro in the Dark, and acclaimed Chilean rapper, Ana Tijoux, followed suit on the Hierba Stage. Just across the park, pop singer/songwriter out of Austin, David Garza serenaded, and funky and psychedelic Brownout played the main Pavilion stage along with LA’s all girl, rock trio, Girl in a Coma. The weekend closed with a set by Latino blues-rock legends, Los Lonely Boys. Pachanga Fest was a sunny and inspiring weekend, full of sounds that any music enthusiast should check out in the future. – Meijin Bruttomesso