LISTEN: Rick Ross' New Single 'Box Chevy'

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January 25, 2013

by Variance Staff

It's the weekend, so things are already looking pretty good, but Rick Ross just made things a little better with the release of a new track, "Box Chevy." The new cut is the lead track off his recently announced forthcoming album Mastermind. The D. Rich-produced "Chevy" is a perfect selection either for the club or with the windows rolled down. Regardless, it's good to have new music from Mr. Rozay.

LISTEN: Vampire Weekend Debuts Live New Song 'Arms'

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January 23, 2013

by Variance Staff

Following news this week regarding their upcoming album, Vampire Weekend debuted a new song on Wednesday at Sydney's Metro Theatre. The new cut, reportedly titled "Arms," made its way online by way of fan recording, and while the audio is understandably not the best quality, it can be heard below.

LISTEN: ON AN ON's Debut Album 'Give In' [FULL STREAM]

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January 22, 2013

by Variance Staff

ON AN ON is set to release their full-length debut Give In on Jan. 29, but fans have a chance to hear the album this week in its entirety. An advanced preview is now streaming via Hype Machine. Give In is also now available through Roll Call Records for pre-order with bonus content including remixes and music videos on the band's website.

LISTEN: Paramore's New Single 'Now'

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January 21, 2013

by Variance Staff

Paramore unleashed late Monday night the new track they had promised. "Now," the lead single off their long-awaited self-titled new album, officially released to the trio's website for streaming. After a nearly four-year absence, Paramore is set to arrive April 9 via Fueled By Ramen. Fans can also pre-order the new set, as well as deluxe bundles and vinyl.

LISTEN: Tegan & Sara's 'Shock To Your System'

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January 18, 2013

by Variance Staff

Another new Tegan & Sara track before you head off into the weekend! Of "Shock To Your System," which debuted via Vanity Fair on Friday, Sara explained: "I was writing in Montreal during the dead of winter and I would spend days by myself ... which resulted in a bit of cabin fever." She also describes the lyrics in the song as "an interior dialogue between the part of me that was transfixed by my loneliness and the other part of me that was ready to get over it."

LISTEN: President Obama's Inauguration Playlist

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January 18, 2013

by Variance Staff

Photo by Terry Richardson

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 2nd inauguration of President Barack Obama, the White House has released the president's official Inauguration Playlist, which includes many of the artists performing at Monday's festivities, including the inaugural ball. The wide range of acts includes Beyoncé (who will be performing the national anthem), fun., Stevie Wonder, Brad Paisley, John Legend and others.

Did 'Glee' Rip Off Jonathan Coulton's 'Baby Got Back' Cover?

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January 18, 2013

by Variance Staff

It didn't take long on Friday for fans to alert singer Jonathan Coulton of a very curious music clip posted to YouTube assumed to be from an upcoming episode of Glee. Fans—and the musician himself—were quick to point out the Fox dramedy's version of "Baby Got Back" sounds almost identical to Coulton's cover of the song which appeared on his 2005 album.

LISTEN: Mike Posner Covers The Lumineers' 'Ho Hey' [DOWNLOAD]

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January 16, 2013

by Variance Staff

Looks like The Lumineers might have a fan in Mike Posner. The indie rapper on Wednesday released a very spry cover/remix of the folk outfit's hit song "Ho Hey." Very surprising mix, but very good.

LISTEN: Cold War Kids' New Single 'Miracle Mile'; New Album Set For April

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January 15, 2013

by Variance Staff

It's official. Cold War Kids will release their much-anticipated fourth studio album Dear Miss Lonely Hearts on April 1 via Downtown Records. After teasing last week the upcoming release, the Long Beach rockers have confirmed the followup to 2011's Mine Is Yours. The new effort was recorded in their California studio and Lars Stalfors (The Mars Volta, Matt & Kim) served as producer for the project.

LISTEN: Ra Ra Riot's 'Beta Love' [FULL ALBUM STREAM]

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January 15, 2013

by Variance Staff

Beta Love is here! Although their new set is not due to release until Jan. 22 via Barsuk, Ra Ra Riot has premiered on YouTube their latest effort in its entirety. The album features vocalist Wes Miles, guitarist Milo Bonacci, bassist Mathieu Santos and violinist Rebecca Zeller and was recorded in Oxford, Miss. Dennis Herring (Modest Mouse, Wavves, Elvis Costello) served as producer.

LISTEN: Tegan & Sara's New Track 'I Was A Fool'

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January 14, 2013

by Variance Staff

Ahead of their upcoming album Heartthrob, Tegan & Sara have now released another track off the highly anticipated set. "I Was A Fool" certainly falls in line with the sister duo's efforts to evolve into the pop sphere, as this lush new cut does have a subtle Katy Perry flavor to it (minus the candy-coated everything). Would seem fitting though, as Tegan admits Perry and Kate Bush were on repeat a lot during the making of this new album.

LISTEN: The Last Royals' 'Friday Night'

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January 13, 2013

by Variance Staff

New York City duo The Last Royals released their debut album Twistification this week, and it's definitely worth checking out. Eric James and Mason Ingram together create a combination of decadent indie pop and synthy electro sounds worthy of placement on any playlist, and their lead single "Friday Night" is a perfect example of the great music this pair offers as we kick off this new year. We definitely hope to hear—and see—a lot more from TLR in the coming months.