Video: Ghost Beach “Bones”
I tend to be more of a “bar guy” than a “club guy” even with my affection for electronic music. In the Midwest, a club is usually synonymous with Bud Light, Affliction T’s, and bland Top 20 pop radio, so it’s not hard to see why I don’t usually frequent these so called weekend hot spots. But a good club offers everything needed for to let loose, with its secret being the soundtrack for the evening that always gets the good vibes flowing.
“Bones” by Ghost Beach is the type of track that needs to be played on a Saturday night. Full of heavy synths, an up-tempo beat, and an in-your-face emotional vocal, the song is a ridiculously great cocktail of 80’s pop and current electronica. The song is the work of duo Josh Ocean and Eric Mendelsohn, who are going about making their music in a unique style. They have started up their own label, Crazy Heart Records, in support of the project and release one song per month on their website as a way to connect with their listeners. In a world of brands, it’s refreshing to hear a story of people doing everything they can to be successful at what they love on their own while trying something new. You can download “Bones” along with several other stellar jams by Ghost Beach for free by making a visit to the band’s website.
Connect with Ghost Beach via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Greg Dahman
Fresh Track: River Whyless “Cedar Dream Part II”
Asheville, NC’s River Whyless dropped their debut LP A Stone, A Leaf, An Unfound Door yesterday. Singers Ryan O’Keefe and Halli Anderson weave pitch-perfect vocals over this string-driven release. The album does not disappoint and showcases a striking amount of maturity for a band that is only just starting out. River Whyless’s sound is rooted in the strings of the Appalachians, but never has the feeling of traditional or bluegrass music. Name your price for a copy of A Stone, A Leaf, An Unfound Door via bandcamp. Catch them on tour this spring with Atlanta’s Little Tybee.
Connect with River Whyless via Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 
Help The Coasts and Hotfox get to SXSW
Two of this blog’s favorite bands are currently featured in a pair of contests that, if won, will land them a spot in the Austin’s SXSW 2012. Hotfox, a terrific band from Bloomington, IN released You, Me, and the Monster in 2011. The album was one of my favorite Hoosier releases of the year. Vote for Hotfox in JanSport’s Battle of the Bands. Fans can vote once each day. The contest runs through January 19th. A group of panelists will select the winning band from the Top 10 finalists. The winner will receive $5,000 in travel money and JanSport gear and will be featured in the SonicBids SXSW Party.
The Coasts, whose self-titled debut was featured on my Top 10 albums of 2011, are featured in a contest through Maurices Hometown Sound. The winner will receive a trip to Los Angeles, where they will shoot a music video. They will also win prizes from Maurices as well as a slot in their SXSW daytime showcase. Vote for The Coasts. Vote daily. The contest runs through January 23rd. Their album kicks ass and they deserve this opportunity.
Need more convincing?
Album Release: Hotfox You, Me, and the Monster
Video: Hotfox “Mountain Tiger”
Album Review: The Coasts
Thought on Tracks Interview: The Coasts
Written by Rob Peoni