Class of 2012 update! I like doing these every once in awhile, just to check in with some of the 10 artists I’ve promised to keep an eye on all year long. First up today is Kreayshawn. Her album Somethin’ Bout Kreay will finally be out on August 14th. As a build up to that, here’s her new music video for the song “Go Hard (La.La.La.)”. It is decidedly better than I might otherwise have expected (my expectations were very, very low). Next up, let me talk about Grimes. Claire Boucher, the woman behind the name, did an interview with MTV Hive saying she’s been working on new material, but that it might not be released under the Grimes name. She’s venturing down some more experimental alleys and playing with reggaeton and industrial dance music, which wouldn’t quite fit the Grimes sound. In addition to that, I’m pleased to announce that hot off her very, very popular performance at this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival, Grimes is returning to Chicago for Lollapalooza. Well, she won’t be performing AT Lollapalooza this year, but at a just-announced aftershow on Friday, August 3rd. It’s a special 21+ party being thrown by Filter and S.O.Terik at Logan Square Auditorium, and the 10P-2A lineup also includes thenewno2 and The Big Pink. The best part is it’s FREE, all you have to do is RSVP. Go here for full details. It will also RSVP you for a show on Thursday, August 2nd with Twin Shadow, Neon Indian and a DJ set from Passion Pit. Both nights are so good, I’m considering abandoning aftershows I actually bought tickets for. And finally, Class of 2012 artist Blonds have a new single for you to stream in the Soundcloud section below. Listen to it, it’s great. I’ll have a couple interesting cover songs from them that I’ll be posting in the next couple days too, so keep an eye out for those. Also keep an eye on this edition of Pick Your Poison for tracks from Bear Mountain, Callers, Diamond Terrifier, The Modern Airline, and Spook Houses. In the Soundcloud section, besides Blonds be sure to stream new stuff from The Babies (Vivian Girls/Woods side project), SBTRKT, and Solar Year, featuring Grimes of course.
Damon Moon and the Whispering Drifters – Ten Sleep, WY
Diamond Terrifier – Adamantine
Free Swim – Records in the Basement
The Modern Airline – Monster on the Campus
Mozella – You Don’t Love Anyone But Yourself
Muzic Class – Hamburger (ft. Pate)
Sheriff Ariff & The Wali Sanga – The Kraken
SOUNDCLOUD