Music Makes Us

Sleigh Bells – Treats

Eh, pretty good album, and Pitchfork had good things to say about it. The initial meeting between Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells sounds almost like a scene out of a movie: He was working at a Brooklyn, NY restaurant during the summer of 2008; she, a fifth grade public school teacher, was [...]

Astronautalis – Pomegranate

It was only after having chosen the name Astronautalis for himself while in high school in Jacksonville, Florida, that the rapper (born Andy Bothwell) began to make himself heard in the local circuit, winning battles and competing at the Scribble Jam. Though he was known for his witty freestyling, Astronautalis’ musical influences and interests fell [...]

Dessa – A Badly Broken Code

Here is yet another great artist from Minneapolis. Dessa’s first release with Doomtree, False Hopes, introduced a unique sensibility to underground hip-hop: literary, bitter-sweet, and wry. She alternated between a clever, droll persona as an emcee and her earnest, unaffected delivery as a singer with a low, clear alto voice. Her a cappella arrangements delicate [...]

Flobots – Survival Story

It is pretty hard to top Fight with Tools, so I will let you all decide how this album compares. Flobots are an alternative rap/rock band from Denver, CO. They consist of Jonny 5 (vocals), Brer Rabbit (vocals), Mackenzie Roberts (viola/vocals), Jessie Walker (bass), Andy Guerrero (guitar) and Kenny Ortiz (drums). The band became popular [...]

Flobots – Fight With Tools

I know this album is has already circulated quite a bit, but I am posting this album because their new album’s release date is fast approaching. Survival Story is being released this Tuesday! Flobots are an alternative rap/rock band from Denver, CO. They consist of Jonny 5 (vocals), Brer Rabbit (vocals), Mackenzie Roberts (violin), Jessie [...]

Sage Francis – A Healthy Distrust

I figured it was time to put some more hip-hop on here. If you like this guy you should really check out Cecil Otter, a member of Doomtree. Paul “Sage” Francis (born november 18 1977 in Miami, Florida) is a hip-hop artist based in Providence, Rhode Island. He is a vegetarian and also chooses to [...]

P.O.S. – Audition

P.O.S. (born Stefon Alexander) is an alternative hip-hop musician from Minnesota. He is a also a member of the alternative rap collective Doomtree. His rapping style is heavily influenced by punk bands such as Kid Dynamite and Fugazi. This guy is really amazing. I met him while he was filming one of his music videos [...]