Chicago

IDYLL @ The MID

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Electro-Pop duo IDYLL, Jojo (DJ) and Angelina (vocals), are performing at The MID on Saturday, May 9th. The duo is preparing to their debut EP this summer to follow up of the hit 2014 singles "Trouble" and "Big Boi".

Also performing on May 9th at The Mid will be recent G.O.O.D Music Signee Holt, Flat White, KYWO, and Mr. West.

NYC

NYC rappers on the rise: Intikana

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Bronx born emcee Intikana is an artist of unabashed resistance. Roughed up for demonstrating in the fall 2011 occupation of Zuccoti Park in Lower Manhattan (and then fined by NYPD), he’s been an educator in activism throughout the city. Artistically, Inti has recorded in Cuba with some of the country’s top hip-hop artists (see the incredibly heartfelt single/video “Amistad” from his album "Master Cleanse"), and performed the incendiary Off-Broadway hip-hop show, Penumbra (2009), about his childhood communication with an incarcerated father. “Arizona” (with fellow Bronx emcee Navegante) insists, “We will keep on marching, keep grinding, keep fighting.” “Lil’ Afrika” calls for nothing short of a new revolution, where the poor rise up to overthrow the U.S. government, renaming it, well, you get the point. Fearless shit. – Brian Chidester

Philadelphia

Hezekiah Opening for Oddisee at JB’s May 7

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Hezekiah’s music chronicles his stories outlining the peaks and valleys of the past through the present with a hopeful outlook on the future, detailing a spoken narrative with a variety of instrumental motifs, taking a soulful church tone, stretching the string of words over a jazz-inspired backdrop or stridently prospering as a beat sets the table for him to dish out his vision of what lies ahead. Tonight, the journey continues at Johnny Brenda’s because as the title to his latest album suggests, Dreams Don’t Chase Themselves. Multi-talented emcee/producer Fatnice joins in delivering tightly spun rhymes that demonstrate a time-tested, honed skill, whil still possessing that free-flowing aesthetic. Marland-raised, now Brooklyn resident Oddisee headlines, celebrating his new LP The Good Fight, which was released earlier this week. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $15, 21+ – Michael Colavita

New England

Tigerman WOAH Usher in Boston Calling Block Party Season

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Earlier this week, Boston Calling announced the expansion of its summer Block Party series. In addition to the weekly Thursday evening events at Dewey Square (across from South Station), a monthly party has been added back in Downtown Crossing, the original site of the gatherings. All events will continue to feature cheap drinks (sponsored by Shock Top and Wicked Wines) and music courtesy of Boston-area musicians. The Downtown Crossing Block Party kicks-off tonight featuring Tigerman WOAH, with all subsequent events held on the first Wednesday of each month. The Dewey Square Party will launch May 14, with a performance by The Almighty Buck.

For more info about the Block Parties (and to see future performance schedules), check out the Block Party Facebook page.

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)


Toronto

FRANKIE

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Harmony so sugary sweet, killer grooves and soft mean beats. FRANKIE ,a 4 piece “twinkle-rock” group from Vancouver, BC. Mixing ambient indie rock attitude and super-clean folk-pop songs. FRANKIE really commands your attention, without really demanding it. The harmonies between lead singer/guitarist Francesca Carbonneau and singer/pianist Nashlyn Lloyd are soothing and exciting all at the same time. Their song “Don’t Be Low” harkens back to old school R&B, with tight flow and catchy rhythms, and top not musicianship from all 4 members. We love the tasteful restraint, which really allows the song to breathe naturally and build dramatically. We look forward to their as-of-yet un-named EP to be released in the near future, and come check them out at The Paddock May 7th. And if you miss these ladies tonight, see them in Hamilton May 10th @ the Sanctuary.-Cody Wright

Toronto

SEX TAPE @ STUDIO BAR

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Which celebrity sex tape have you watched? Well hit the mute button and listen to SEX TAPE. SEX TAPE is dark,sticky,smooth and sexy with bright and rhythmic vocals that create the mood. "Drive//Slow" tantalizes your senses, making you want to close your eyes and slow your whole body down. See SEX TAPE tonight at the Studio Bar for CMW. After this hot and heavy show, you’ll probably want to go home and make your own sex tape. See Chris LaRocca again 5/13 @ the Cameron House.

Philadelphia

New Blue Smiley LP Available for Streaming & Download

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There’s an ominous, laidback intesity to Blue Smiley‘s new release ok. With hushed vocals, grungy, fuzzed-out guitarwork, and a heart-palpitating rhythm section, the trio are definitely moving in the right direction with their latest studio effort. You can surely hear the improvements in production on ok, which was recorded and mixed by The Weaks‘s Evan Bernard and Chris Baglivo with mastering by Ryan Schwabe. The physical copy of the LP will be available via Third Floor Tapes.

Toronto

OL’CD @ Silver Dollar

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OL’CD are a 4 piece dirty rock band originally from London, Ontario. I first saw them a few months ago at Homegrown Hamilton and liked their attitude. They just came to party. Their latest album called "Choco Moloko" was released in April of last year and I particularly like the 1st track from the album "Nows The Time". It makes me wanna get wasted. Theres always room for that kinda tune on a weekend. Get your weekend started early at The Silver Dollar Room tomorrow night for CMW. They’ll be sharing the stage with Deli Fav’s Pet Sun and Together Pangea from Los Angeles.-Kris"Big City"Gies

Toronto

Chico Dusty Tonight @ Rancho Relaxo

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Chico Dusty hail from Burlington, Ontario. I was immediately interested based on their chicano motif and their name which to me is a combination of Razor Ramon and Dusty Rhodes. I peeped their single "Feels Like Winter" which was released last June. It’s a real grown up pop rock song that showcases some nice harmony action from these fellas. Their latest single "Shakin" is a quicker tune with a groovy rhythm section that’ll get your toes tappin’, Add in the guitar and you’ll be Shakin just as the song title suggests. Chico Dusty will be headin up the QEW tonight to play Rancho Relaxo for CMW.-Kris "Big City" Gies

San Francisco

Lila Rose Celebrates Album Release at the Independent 5/7

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San Francisco based art rock singer/songwriter, Lila Rose will be celebrating the release of her album, WE. ANIMALS. The event will take place tomorrow on May 7th. Apparently, the new live show is comprised of a full multimedia rig including 3D mapping onto a structure that Lila will be singing from…that’s exciting news. It’s always good to learn that something new and innovative is going to emerge right before your eyes! Lila is a pretty gutsy performance artist, so you should definitely be ready to experience something a bit off the wall!

The downtempo, indie folk musical outfit, LYNX and talented folk artist, Mariee Sioux will be supporting Lila Rose tomorrow night. Support awesome local musicians who bust their tails to create awesome and elaborate shows for your inspiration and entertainment.

Chicago

Scenic Void

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Dream Pop band Scenic Void released their self-titled debut EP yesterday via Dancing Berries Music. The first single off of the EP is called "Blue Lamp".

The band will be performing a release show on May 29th at a location to be announced.

NYC

Double King celebrates release of “Night Fades” LP at Union Pool on 05.20

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Active since 2011, Brooklyn band Double King got some attention in 2014 with the release of the ‘Premonition EP,’ mostly thanks to vintage sounding ballad ‘Battle Cry,’ a song we’ll add right away to our Best mellow songs by emerging NYC artists. The trio will be celebrating the release of their debut full length ‘Night Fades’ at Union Pool on May 20th, and you can already preview the record’s first single ‘Bare Essential’ (streaming below), which develops their preference for slower tempos and mellow atmoshperes in a more soulful and groovy direction.