Category Archive: A-TRAN’S BAND OF THE WEEK

BOTW #66 – Birdy

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At the ripe age of 18, British singer-songwriter, Birdy, has already released two full-length records and is featured on the soundtrack of the blockbuster hit, The Fault in Our Stars. Her subtle, yet… Continue reading

BOTW #65 – SKATERS

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Not to be confused with the board riding crews that lurk your local parks and corner stores, SKATERS is an indie alt-rock band that originates from New York City and they are totally… Continue reading

BOTW #64 – SZA

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Continuing with the Bumbershoot 2014 lineup trend, this week’s Band of the Week is SZA. This chick seriously exudes coolness. If you require a label, indie-chill-hop seems to do the trick. Her melancholy,… Continue reading

BOTW #63 – Architecture in Helsinki

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Indie alt-pop veterans, Architecture in Helsinki, are hitting the Bumbershoot 2014 stage and I could not be more excited! The Australian group has been cranking out tunes since 2000, and their newest release,… Continue reading

BOTW #62 – Bleachers

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This week’s band of the week, Bleachers, is a side project spearheaded by Jack Antonoff (also known for his role in fun. as the lead guitarist). Songs that grow on you are the… Continue reading

BOTW #61 – Sam Smith

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Too much soul (said no one ever). Sam Smith’s warm quality, old school melodies, and fresh r&b vibes are just what you needed to update your playlist. His tone is what sets him… Continue reading

BOTW #60 – Poolside

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This week’s band of the week makes tunes that are perfect for the, well, poolside! The veteran musician duo (with backgrounds in Junior Senior, hardcore bands, and DJ-ing to list a few) hailing… Continue reading

BOTW #59 – Dirty Loops

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Words cannot begin to describe this trifecta of prodigy musicians. The drum/bass/keyboard + voice trio combines complex music theory, huge jazz/funk/r&b influences, and instrumental/vocal virtuosity to produce some of the most incredible musical… Continue reading

BOTW #58 – Phantogram

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This week’s Band of the Week has been on replay for the past month, and I can’t get enough! Phantogram, an electro-alt-rock duo from Brooklyn, incorporates dazzling synth riffs, contagious vocal lines, a… Continue reading

BOTW #57 – Art Department

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If you have sweet band name, chances are I am going to check out your music. This totally goes for “Art Department,” not to be confused with the black rimmed glasses wearers and… Continue reading

BOTW #56 – Portugal. The Man

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Comprised of members with roots from Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, Portugal. The Man is the ultimate Pacific Northwest roster. These indie rockers have also been charmed with the “PNW sound,” reminiscent of what… Continue reading

BOTW #55 – Iggy Azalea

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Female rappers are totally killing the game right now, and one to note is Iggy Azalea. Upon first glance, you would probably expect the tall blonde to be a model, and in fact… Continue reading

BOTW #54 – Heavy Petting

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This week I am taking a break from highlighting Coachella 2014 bands and taking it back to the city streets of Seattle with some of my super talented friends, Heavy Petting! Heavy Petting… Continue reading

BOTW #53 – Bear Hands

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With melodic phrases reminiscent of Tegan & Sara’s alt-pop flare, vocal styling and filters that remind you of Empire of the Sun, punch-y rhythmic guitars, and an expert use of synth pads, Bear… Continue reading

BOTW #52 – Sleigh Bells

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Like the band name suggests, there are indeed sleigh bells and a handful of other auxiliary instruments sprinkled throughout Sleigh Bells’ records. Incorporating these sounds along with crunchy synth pads, well-produced drum machine,… Continue reading