Surfer Blood: You Can't Keep a Good Band Down

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July 22, 2013

by Rachel Faylene

Photo by Frank Maddocks

(Editor's Note: This is a portion of the article featured in the new issue of Variance.)

From the sunny shores of Florida, West Palm Beach’s very own Surfer Blood made its way into blogs, festivals and playlists when John Paul Pitts (lead vocals/guitar), Thomas Fekete (guitar/backing vocals), Kevin Williams (bass guitar/backing vocals), and Tyler Schwarz (drums) banded together to begin the life they had envisioned for themselves.

MGMT Unveils Artwork for New Record

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July 22, 2013

by Variance Staff

MGMT on Monday unveiled the artwork for their forthcoming self-titled album. The record is produced by Dave Fridmann produced. Does the image also suggest a possible change in sound this time?

The Head and the Heart Announces New Album 'Let's Be Still'

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July 22, 2013

by Variance Staff

The Head and the Heart has announced the followup to its self-titled debut. The band confirmed on Monday that Let’s Be Still will be released on Oct. 15.

The Weeknd's 'Kiss Land' to Debut on Sept. 10

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July 22, 2013

by Variance Staff

After months of anticipation and speculation, The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) has revealed that his sophomore full-length album, Kiss Land, will arrive Sept. 10 in stores and via all digital retailers. The record is available for pre-order now, with the track "Belong to the World" being available as an instant download for those who order the set in advance.

The Rolling Stones Release 'Hyde Park' Live Album

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July 22, 2013

by Variance Staff

Following the end of their tour, The Rolling Stones have released a new live album recording from London's Hyde Park. The unexpected 19-track set is available now exclusively on iTunes.

Avicii's Aloe Blacc Collaboration 'Wake Me Up' U.K.'s Fastest Seller of 2013

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July 22, 2013

by Variance Staff

Well, that was fast. Swedish DJ-producer Avicii's "Wake Me Up," which features the vocals of Aloe Blacc, is now the U.K.’s fastest-selling single of 2013. The track debuted on Sunday's (July 21) chart with 267,000 copies sold in its first week.

Pretty Lights: 'EDM' Label Reveals 'Lack of Knowledge'

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July 21, 2013

by Amanda Morad

Photo by Krystle Blackburn

(Editor's Note: This is a portion of the article that appears in the new issue of Variance.)

A true producer-performer, Derek Vincent Smith has his hand in just about every aspect of the projects of his EDM act, Pretty Lights. From writing copy for press releases to designing the album artwork and editing the documentary footage taken throughout the making of the new LP, A Color Map of the Sun, Smith’s insistence on total involvement isn’t necessarily about control (though he admits that’s part of it), but about vision. “I just see how I want things,” he says.

Lorde Becomes First Female in Alternative Top 10 in Nearly 16 Years

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July 21, 2013

by Variance Staff

Photo by James K. Lowe

16-year-old New Zealander Lorde has achieved a special feat this week, as her debut single "Royals" continues to move up the charts. The track actually climbed 13-9 on the Nielsen BDS-based Alternative radio airplay chart. It's the first time since 1997 that a track led by a solo female has made it into the chart's top 10. Fiona Apple's "Criminal" spent its 11th and final week in the top tier of the chart dated Nov. 15, 1997.

Mayer Hawthorne, OneRepublic & OK Go Light Up Inaugural Music Festival

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July 21, 2013

by Variance Staff

Thousands descended upon downtown Tulsa this weekend for the inaugural Center of the Universe Festival, marking a significant moment for the city, which previously hosted the popular Dfest until 2009. After four years, it was evident that residents were ready for a music comeback. And it appears that's exactly what happened.

J. Cole Apologizes for 'Embarrassing' Autism Lyrics in ' Jodeci Freestyle'

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July 21, 2013

by Variance Staff

J. Cole on Sunday night posted a lengthy response to recent criticism over the words to his collaboration with Drake, "Jodeci Freestyle." The song lyrics, which grabbed the attention of the advocacy organization Autism Speaks, were slammed for poking fun at autism: "Go check the numbers dummy, that's just me gettin' started/ I'm artistic, you n----s is autistic, retarded."

2013 Emmy Nominations: Full List

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July 18, 2013

by Variance Staff

The nominations for the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Thursday morning by Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul and three-time Emmy winner/How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris, the latter of whom is also hosting this year's event.

Eisley: Their New Wave

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July 18, 2013

by Amanda Morad

Eisley frontwoman Sherri Dupree-Bemis on the new record, babies and having it all.

As “mommy wars” rage on between the stay-at-home and working mothers of the world, the women of alt-pop band Eisley have demanded the best of both worlds. Their fourth full-length album Currents released May 28 by Equal Vision Records, kicking off a new tour supporting Say Anything—with four new members in tow.