People You've Never Heard Of II

Tonight's "People You've Never Heard Of" features artists who make music that falls into my own made-up category of Electronica/Chill. Because quite simply, these artists defy convention categorization.

Washed Out aka Ernest Greene was one of my favorite artists of 2009. He has a fun, hazy, "washed out" by the sun sound. It sounds modern yet very vintage. Look for more from Washed Out and other vintage 80s and surf pop inspired artist this year.


"Belong" Washed Out [MP3 link]
"Olivia" Washed Out [MP3 link]

Discovery is a little bit harder to describe; it consists of Rostam Batmanglij from Vampire Weekend and Wes Miles from Ra Ra Riot. Some would call it a preppy/indie take on R&B club music; but this is only a half-hearted description, you just have to listen to fully understand it.
"Orange Shirt" Discovery [MP3 link]
"I Want You Back" (Jackson 5 Cover) Discovery [MP3 link]

Vampire Weekend: Not So Bad After All

I first discovered Vampire Weekend early last year. I fell in love with the preppy melodies and sometimes energetic, sometimes laid-back vibe of their music. Originally just Ivy League grads that decided to start a band, they soon became indie blog darlings and "A-Punk" started to be used in everything. My interest in them wained as they became ubiquitous. I recently stumbled upon their latest single "Cousins"; I was reminded of why I love Vampire Weekend. The catchy fun sound of the first album remains but with a bit more attitude. The video for "Cousins" is an amazing example of what creative minds and low-tech effects can accomplish. Enjoy.