California Dames

Let's talk about local music.
Do you ever feel like you're obligated to support local music even though the scene really sucks? [Or to be PC, isn't quite your cup of tea?] It's one thing to support local venues, especially the independent ones; that's kind of a no-brainer. But adhering to the ethos that just because a band exists in your city/town, you have to like it? I don't follow. I feel this way in large part regarding the Dallas/Fort Worth scene. I get imbued with "SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC" messages every time I step into a nearby coffee shop, or check Facebook. I would like to support the little guys, really I would…but I don't support shit. So there's that.

Thank god we have Sundress. Sundress are from Denton, Texas' "little Austin," and they're one of the few local acts that I've been following - and enjoying - for some time. Now that they've put out their official debut 7", and are getting some national attention, it's probably a good time to stop being an asshole and start actively supporting these guys. After all, they are insanely likable. Their sound is shoegaze of the best sort, twinged with garage-derived reverb and a beachy listlessness. If you're the type that prefers pigeon-hole genres, I'd call it "lake boathouse whilst smoking a j" rock. Yes. That's totally it. In other words, it's pretty hard not to get on with.

Download their first single below, and if you're the vinyl sort, go order it on White Iris. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows, and support local music!

California Dames - Sundress

LOOSE L!PS M!X: Summer Sun

Photo by Benjamin Evans

Because I've been unintentionally neglecting LOOSE L!PS a bit, I'm going to try to make up for lost time and missed music with a couple mixtapes. In the days when mixtapes graced this page fairly regularly, they were known as M!Xes. We'll stick with that.

Today's M!X is called Summer Sun, because I worship at the altar of alliteration and am horrible at unique titles. It's supposed to be played at any time in the summer…sun. 24/7 preferably. It's perfect for pool parties, driving around with the top down, or backyard BBQs. I wouldn't really recommend it for lovemaking, but am also assuming you don't get down on your lawn in broad day light. (though if you do, props.)

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M!X: Summer Sun from LOOSE L!PS on 8tracks.

Stream the M!X on 8tracks and via the above player, download the M!X via the Zip Folder below, or grab a few choice selections from the Tracklist (in blue).

LOOSE L!PS M!X: Summer Sun

1. Sur La Planche - La Femme

2. Goldmine - Colleen Green

3. Royal Oats - Emil & Friends

4. Hidden - Erika Spring

5. Spring Break Up - Tacocat

6. Afria Talks To You - Delicate Steve

7. I Wonder Who She's Kissing Now - TV Girl

8. This Head I Hold - Electric Guest

9. Missing You (feat. Ad-Apt) - Louis La Roche

10. Hands (Goldroom Remix) - Alpine

11. Closer Than This (Viceroy Remix) - St. Lucia

12. Getaway Tonight - Opossom

Download Entire Playlist Via This: ZIP Folder

Hands

Erik Mowinckel

We've already established that Goldroom is awesome, right? Just a year ago he was borne on the waves of the pacific ocean like the goddess Aphrodite, carried to the shores of Malibu by a giant clam, compelled to bring to the world the light and love of…discobalearichouseambienttropical beach pop. Fact.
Despite being released this past winter, his remix of Melbourne outfit Apline's grooving Hands has somehow made its way on to every summer mix I've made thus far. His rendition is so infectious, so perfect, that even the most hardened of electro dissenters fall under its spell.

Alpine - Hands (Goldroom Remix) by Goldroom

And if that weren't enough (it wasn't), Goldroom's remix of Shelby Grey's Wild Youth was released just today. It's an upbeat, sunny number, perfect for that apartment pool party you're having. The remix is a part of the Wild Youth Remix EP, released by Holographic People, a label that we haven't given enough love in the past. That will change. It's a boutique dream pop (think songs akin to the Drive soundtrack) label with some pretty impressive acts given its size. It's run by a Swedish girl who now lives in Barcelona, which basically means she has the best life ever.

Shelby Grey - Wild Youth (Goldroom Remix) by Goldroom

Be sure to buy both tracks, and in the meantime tease yourself with this original: Hands - Alpine