Today marks the 13th edition of LFTF’s Guest Post Series, where every some Mondays we feature a post from a curator of a blog that we dig. There are no rules. They pick the music, they pick the words, they pick the pictures… this is totally free reign. We want to introduce our fans to sites that post music that may not be something you’d ever ever find on LFTF… the Internet is a treasure trove of music goodness, and we believe it’s part of our job/hobby’s duty to showcase that music and its sources.

Today’s post comes from Canadian music blogger and winner of the 2012 Coolest Name Award Mwinyi Topping of LYFSTYL:

Hey kids! My Name is Mwinyi Topping, the founder and one of the main editors at LYFSTYLmusic, an online publication which only goal in the world is share with you some funk fresh beats. I created LYFSTYL in 2010 to share music I found interesting or music that made me think about life. I firmly believe if the music you are listening to cannot touch your soul, you’re not listening to the right music. Music, to me, is the international language of humans. You can have 10 people in the room of different backgrounds who speak different languages that can become friends over music. This can be proven by the visitors all over the world who visit our site daily who all share a love for music.

I am a really into making mixtapes so for this Guest Post I decided to make you a little mix which will get you moving. As for my selections, I had two goals in mind: one is to show of the aesthetics of my blog and the second is to melt your face off.

So without further ado I present you with our mixtape From LYFSTYL with LOVE. Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD 

Tracklist:

1. The-Dream – Fast Car (EXETER Delorean Edit)

2. Time Whrap – yrLYF

3. Nakagin – Snow Statue

4. Bondax – All Inside

5. Evian Christ – Payo Rent

6. Maxy Bills – Seeding Suns

7. Asura – He Sees On Through Her (real)

8. When Saints Go Machine – Kelly (Shlohmo Remix)

9. Ollie Macfarlane – Heartbreak

10. Stuart Mellor – Padani

Today marks the 12th edition of LFTF’s Guest Post Series, where every Monday we feature a post from a curator of a blog that we dig. There are no rules. They pick the music, they pick the words, they pick the pictures… this is totally free reign. We want to introduce our fans to sites that post music that may not be something you’d ever ever find on LFTF… the Internet is a treasure trove of music goodness, and we believe it’s part of our job/hobby’s duty to showcase that music and its sources.

Today’s post comes from New York’s exfm‘s Marketing Manager Jessica Page:

I met Jonathan through my friend Andriana of GITNB about a month ago when they were both in NYC together, which is a rare occasion. To celebrate, we obviously had to hit at least two bars before we saw Exitmusic and then at least one more for good measure afterwards. Somewhere in that jumble, possibly between our first and second shots of tequila Jonathan mentioned that he was always looking for people to guest post and thought I would be a great candidate. I’m of the opinion that he was intoxicated and will probably regret that decision. However, I will do my best to meet his expectations.

Because I work for music discovery platform exfm, I essentially listen to music all day long. I’m constantly taking note of my favorite new artists especially since I curate our Site of the Day and Album of the Week sections. Although it seems like a shameless plug, this is truly how I discover new music. With that said, I thought I would share some of my favorite recent finds with you.

Wild Belle – Keep You: I first head this track about two weeks ago. It’s a dubby little number from brother/sister duo Mike and Elliot Bergman of Chicago. I love that dub is having a little revival in the indie world. “Keep You” kind of reminds me of La Big Vic’s most recent dub inspired single “Mr Broken Bird Dub” but only in the dub inspiration. La Big Vic is clearly a more experimental take on dub. I would love to see more artists experimenting with the genre. Dub revival!

Indoor Voices – Like Your Own: I’m totally a child of 90’s grunge rock and I love this track because it reminds me of the slower tracks from Hole’s “Live Through This” which I was obsessed with growing up. It definitely lacks in the anger/drug abuse department that Ms. Love was so great at portraying, but I adore it all the same.

Battlekat – Mother Nature: I have such a soft spot for that dark Scandinavian pop. If you love The Knife, Fever Ray or Lykki Li then Battlekat will definitely be a new favorite for you.

CLAAM – Devil In Your Arms: This song came up when I was listening to the exfm Tastemakers feed. Which is a feed of music sourced from hundreds of the top music blogs on the web. I “loved” the track right away, but never looked at its source. I later realized it had come from my friend Mark over at yvynyl. I love when that happens!

Monorail – Steaming Satellites: These guys are from Vienna, Austria, but you would never know. They play blues rock like it’s nobody’s business. I dare you not to play air guitar to this track. It’s impossible.

Adios Amigo – Easy To Hide: This kind of sunny pop rock could have only come from one place, San Francisco. Their self-titled EP actually came out in August 2011, but this was the first I had heard. Needless to say it’s a diamond in the rough.

Thanks for hearing me out and I hope you enjoyed my favorite new discoveries. If you want to keep up with me you can follow me on exfm ex.fm/jesspage or visit my blog MusicVagabond. Also, feel free to tweet me @jpage. Happy listening!

Today marks the 11th edition of LFTF’s Guest Post Series, where every Monday we feature a post from a curator of a blog that we dig. There are no rules. They pick the music, they pick the words, they pick the pictures… this is totally free reign. We want to introduce our fans to sites that post music that may not be something you’d ever ever find on LFTF… the Internet is a treasure trove of music goodness, and we believe it’s part of our job/hobby’s duty to showcase that music and its sources.

Today’s post comes from New York blogger Briana Cheng who is an associate editor of Earmilk:

It’s a privilege to do a guest post. I am a full supporter of sharing mutual interest so when Jonathan approached me with this wonderful opportunity, I immediately agreed. I am an editor on Earmilk. If you haven’t heard of it, we’re an online music magazine with many seductive pictures of pretty ladies and some reference to milk. The site is big on electronic and hip hop music, but I handle mostly experimental and indie stuff. Basically, I love anything that’s a little weird and a little lo-fi. I will dive right in to introduce some of my favorite artists. Below is a playlist of my all time love jams and new flames.

Beirut - My Night with the Prostitute From Marseille: This is probably my favorite song of the past 5 years. I love how Zach handles the accordion but his digital sounds are just as enticing. If you listen closely, there is a weird compressed voice harmony as he is serenading. It gives the tune much more character and I love that.

Fortune Howl – I’m A Professional: Fortune Howl is a native of Florida. He hand crafts wild electronic music. While his album Spectrum Analysis draws you into his gleaming beats, “Professionalism” is more of a dark bassful track, tingling your witch house senses.

Poor Spirits - Happy Pills: Poor Spirits is everything you love in a margarita; tropical and sexy. Perhaps a personal friendship with Carlos adds to why this entire album, Forever Cruising is engraved in my party vibez playlist. Give them a shout out if you’re in from Brooklyn!

Sick Friend – The Draft Dodger: Sick Friend is a band with an odd rhythmic flow. Whether it is in the lyrical delivery or the rock structures, they have captivated me with their distinctive styling. Maybe Of Montreal meets Beastie Boys?

Cherub – Hold Me: Funkadelic soul brothers, Jason and Jordan are going to dominate every bedroom. Their sensual love beats and vocals compliment each other in a Chromeo, but more game kind of way. Go ahead and get Mom+Dad because there’s no way you’re reading live for the funk and not digging Cherub. Enough said.

Mm.. it’s almost 2 am right now. I’m just going to list some other tracks you should all own.

Ava Luna – “Wrenning Day”

Crystal Castles – “Suffocation (Health Remix)”

Agent A – “Too Many Days”

GIGAS – ” Gone Completely”

Mausi – “Sol”

Grimes – “Real Is A Feeling” (Pictureplane Remix)

Tiny Victories – “Lost Weekend”

Trust – “Sulk”

I hope you enjoyed this confabulated arrangement of tunes. It’s literally taken from my most recent/played playlist. One of those tracks should get you somewhere. Feel free to send me love inquiries on Twitter @banacrisp. xx

Today marks the 10th edition of LFTF’s Guest Post Series, where every Monday we feature a post from a curator of a blog that we dig. There are no rules. They pick the music, they pick the words, they pick the pictures… this is totally free reign. We want to introduce our fans to sites that post music that may not be something you’d ever ever find on LFTF… the Internet is a treasure trove of music goodness, and we believe it’s part of our job/hobby’s duty to showcase that music and its sources.

Today’s post comes from New York blogger Lee Levin who runs the site Knox Road:

Guest posts are challenging to tackle. On the one hand, I want to introduce you to a new band, but on the other, I want to do something different than what I do on my own blog (which, believe it or not, introduces new bands!). Plus, I’m not going to pretend that any of you know Knox Road, so going into this as if you know who I am is probably not a great idea, either. Thus, I’ve decided to leave my computer open for a couple hours and jot down all the random music notes (please disregard puns) I’d like to share with you, and how I’m feeling about certain “scene-y” things. Other random thoughts may arise, too. I apologize in advance. (The photo above is by Knox Road contributor Bari Sowa.)

1. Justin Timberlake as Bon Iver on Saturday Night Live is priceless.

2. It should be noted that I love Bon Iver, and skits like that only make my heart grow fonder. There’s actually a beautiful live session of Bon Iver and Sean Carey that’s recently surfaced.

3. I’m currently watching the Boston Celtics losing to the Detroit Pistons, which would be the second loss for the Celtics to the Pistons in one week. I’m a Celtics fan and will go into a deep deep (Detroit-like) depression if they lose. I know Jonathan is a Miami guy so if you’re a Heat fan and you hate me, I understand. Just know it’s mutual.

4. My favorite music is any kind of mix of strings and keys, and lately horns have been happily piercing my ear(drums).So it should be no surprise that Sufjan Stevens, Anathallo (miss you guys), matt pond PA, Fredrik, and other poppy folky artists are in my circle of trust.

5. However, I also like to think my music tastes are all over the map. Lately I’ve been listening to Cadence Weapon, Ben Howard, Yellow Ostrich (Alex’s new song, “Marathon Runner”, is killer), Radical Face, Alcoholic Faith Mission, Youth Lagoon, Gem Club…you can find more on Knox Road’s Top Albums of 2011 list.

6. Speaking of Top Album lists. I love reading them; I enjoy making lists; I think they’re helpful for people who aren’t as knowledgeable about the “indie” music scene. However, I amend my lists all the time after the year ends, so it’s tough to look at them and study up and what the “best albums” were of that year. It’s impossible to listen to everything. So, on that note, forgive me, Ben Howard, for leaving Every Kingdom off of my 2011 list. It’s gorgeous and I’m still listening to it nonstop.

7. I’m a sucker for female singer/songwriters, and I really have no shame in saying as much.Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Lucy Schwartz, Amy Stroup. They all have voices, melodies, and harmonies that get my heart racing. Yes, I am comfortable with my masculinity

8. Speaking of…Adele is brilliant. Nothing else to say here. Her voice could save lives.

9. I’m a big fan of diversifying music sites as much as possible, so I want to give a HUGE shout out to the super-talented and vital contributors to Knox Road: Abby, Jesse, Bari and Adam (our newest). They rock, and you should read their pieces. Check out Jesse’s record label, and Knox Road partner, Walk-In Records. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my incredibly talented co-editor, Jamie Hale, who is one of the funniest guys I know, and it shines in his writing. Check out his Grammy posts over the years.

10. Bands I want you to know. You can check out my interview on Gluttony Is The New Black, but I’ll also list ‘em here (please don’t take this as an all-inclusive list!): Snowmine, Hands, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Doe Paoro, Gem Club, The Willow & The Builder, Seeker Lover Keeper, and The Farewell Circuit.

11. Thank you, Jonathan and Live For The Funk, for letting me post a whole lot of nothing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a “guest blogger.” Keep up the great work, LFTF.

12. Oh, I should probably share a song, shouldn’t I? (I’m cheating, ‘cuz I’m taking both songs below off my exfm playlist for CMJ.)

13. Snowmine – “The Hill” [MP3] (Bandcamp)

14. Jonquil – “Get Up” [MP3] (Bandcamp)

Today marks the 9th edition of LFTF’s Guest Post Series, where every Monday we feature a post from a curator of a blog that we dig. There are no rules. They pick the music, they pick the words, they pick the pictures… this is totally free reign. We want to introduce our fans to sites that post music that may not be something you’d ever ever find on LFTF… the Internet is a treasure trove of music goodness, and we believe it’s part of our job/hobby’s duty to showcase that music and its sources.

Today’s post comes from San Francisco blogger Riley Howard who runs the site The Leaving Scene:

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 RINSE & REPEAT: A LEAVING SCENE MIXTAPE

In a generation where attention spans are at an all-time low, the newly-coined genre of “maximalism” is at its peak.

When I was a teenage raver we stayed out of the trance rooms in order to avoid the maximalist attitudes and egos of the DJs. We seemed to care more about the music not stopping and less about how huge it was, which is why the repetition of house (and jungle) was so comforting. These rooms helped us pretend that we could dance forever, and that “home” was on the floor rather than the dysfunctional houses we eventually had to return to.

Of course we loved the build-ups and the break-downs, and cheering the DJs on when the next song made its way in at the perfect time. But we weren’t annoyed or turned off when the percussion and vocals didn’t change for five minutes.

To this day, I still find that repetition comforting. When I play music for friends, I generally stray away from “obnoxious” and “repetitive” dance music. I keep that stuff in my headphones.

My hope with this mix is that everyone (alone or not) can find comfort in the repetition. Seek solace in the never-ending attitude of minimalism and deep, progressive house music.

Keep the vibe alive. #PLUR.

Tracklist:

1. Unknown – Unknown

2. Roni Be – Somewhere in Santorini

3. Whitesquare – Plugs

4. Steve Murphy & Co. – Wind Master

5. Remerc – Ponysteps

6. Los Escorpiones – El Underground (Phil Weeks Ghetto Dub)

7. Leo Rezend – Jungle Beat

8. Moodtrap – Out Of Time

9. Tony Lionni – Higher Ground

Today marks the 8th edition of LFTF’s Guest Post Series, where every Monday we feature a post from a curator of a blog that we dig. There are no rules. They pick the music, they pick the words, they pick the pictures… this is totally free reign. We want to introduce our fans to sites that post music that may not be something you’d ever ever find on LFTF… the Internet is a treasure trove of music goodness, and we believe it’s part of our job/hobby’s duty to showcase that music and its sources.

Today’s post comes from California blogger Saish Kotecha who runs the site That’s Deck:

I have been making several mixes lately and I just came around to make a rather shorter mix complied of varying spatial structured bass patterns and tunes that I have currently found to be incredibly intriguing. Each track included is a banger that I have downloaded for free because these artists / experimentalists / future talents of tomorrow have put them up for free. They have given to us sounds to dive into and explore along with their undying love and passion for music. So why not let it be shared with everyone who hasn’t heard it yet around the globe. This is currently what has been radiating in my music library, and here I give you a mini-mix complied of all its fascinating glory. Next to each track I have attached a link as to where you can download each of the extraordinary free releases from which they came …

Tracklist ::

1. Smoke Room – Strutter (download)
2. Walsh – Welcome to 2k12 (download)
3. Natasha Kmeto – Belly (download)
4. Oneohtrix Point Never x Aldrick Beibrhead – thumpty thump and shoe stor (download)
5. Dream Koala – Alice (download)
6. Lil Ugly Mane – RADIATION(LUNG POLLUTION FT SUPA SORTAHUMAN (download)
7. Oneohtrix Point Never x Aldrick Beiebrhead – straight chop l8r (download)
8. Mosis – Bent [outtashape] (download)

Today marks the 7th edition of LFTF’s Guest Post Series, where every Monday we feature a post from a curator of a blog that we dig. There are no rules. They pick the music, they pick the words, they pick the pictures… this is totally free reign. We want to introduce our fans to sites that post music that may not be something you’d ever ever find on LFTF… the Internet is a treasure trove of music goodness, and we believe it’s part of our job/hobby’s duty to showcase that music and its sources.

Today’s post comes from Los Angeles blogger Eloise Hess who runs the site verb/re/verb:

Fun Adults- ‘Til Sleep

The ghostly bare-feet of blues swing and dance danced atop broken inherited alcohol glasses in the company of anonymous boys and women who looked just like church colored glass goddesses. Well that was through and bored as ever. I danced quietly back to nowhere with the sweetheart plagues that lined night streets. Well fortunately dancing nowhere can’t be bored.

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Talking Heads- Once In A Lifetime

I’m off to take a wander and hop some rooftops, shake up some straight house. I won’t be back in a bit. My skeleton, that thing’ll be bursting like an incarcerated rhythm or some modern alchemy. I’m a nude sexless subway hopper with some soda pop and waving hands. I’m a city kid. Into the street with some devout laughter.