VIDEO: SOLANGE PERFORMS "DON'T LET ME DOWN" ON DAVID LETTERMAN

Solange performed "Don't Let Me Down" off of her EP True Wednesday night on David Letterman, afro wig and polka dot dress in tow. Watch her effortless and one-of-a-kind musical style above. 

Solange is currently on tour, stopping  this past evening in ATL. Dates

GBSTL MUSIC FESTIVAL SCOOP 2013 PT. 1

(Clockwise: Lecrae, Kids These Days, Willy Moon, Aesop Rock)

Ahh, what you would do to have that temperate wind blowing through your hair,  feeling the mud on the bottom of your Converse, as you pitch a tent waiting for the next class act at your favorite festival to take the stage. Or maybe you’re in the front row, basically squished, hands up, jamming to acts that have recently hit online radar. Or are you the one running around trying to find out who is dope so you can tell all your friends first?

Yep, it’s festival time for industry lovers and music enthusiasts alike. A great time to re-iterate who the big-wigs are in the field, and to bring a bunch of fresh acts who will be that epic come 10 years. But before you go off running into the grassy dawn, GBSTL is going to help you navigate through the overwhelming hype that is festival season, after the jump.

NEW VIDEO: CEELO GREEN FEAT. LAURIANA MAE, "ONLY YOU"

A bunch of twisting buildings and off-centered streets accompany CeeLo Green and Lauriana Mae in the video to "Only You," directed by Ethan Lader. Clearly when they are apart the world  is awry. Yet it seems the different paths these two are taking lead to a broken bridge that needs rebuilding. See the two try to find their way towards each other in this visual, the song in which should be appearing on CeeLo's forthcoming album. --GB

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAURA MVULA

@LauraMvula

Watching the tribal, regal, and rural video to "Green Garden," one can’t help but notice the ponderous vocals of Laura Mvula. She’s next on the come up of soul inspired artists. It’s that rumbling, humming soul, the sort of tones that rush into the heart, as if to soften it; the force and tow of pitch and power, all under unrivaled control, that makes her one to watch for 2013. She’s up next for the spotlight, earning a Brit Award nomination in the category of  “Critic's Choice, " without even putting out an album.

She started off as a supply teacher in a Birmingham secondary school, with a degree from the Birmingham Conservatoire in composition. With theatric roots, African rhythms, and some unexpected surprises, Laura Mvula’s debut album, Sing To The Moon, set for release on March 4, is sure to pique your eardrums, and your interest. 

Here’s five things you should know about the talented crooner.

NEW SONG: NGAIIRE, "DIRTY HERCULES"

The unprecedented Ngaiire (born in Papua New Guinea, bred in Australia) presents her first official offering to the world, "Dirty Hercules," and it's a story of fairness meeting corruption. As her song press release states, "The song speaks of the vast aberrations of the darkness, the sex, the lies, the money, the drugs that detract from the reality of our own core conditions. It sheds light on the towering ugliness of our ailing covetous nature, the misinterpretations of strength and the journey of acceptance that no two people can have the same story."

With a strong, syrupy melt of harmonies supplemented by back-up singer Nai Palm (of Melbourne's Hiatus Kaiyote), and co-produced by herself, Tim Curnick, and Japanese pianist Aaron Choulai, the song showcases Ngaiire's unique style and soulful wail; that which will have its time on Lamentations, her debut album. 

I Like

Brandon & Leah--"Showstopper"

NEW MUSIC: WILLY MOON "HERE'S WILLY MOON" ALBUM SAMPLER

Willy Moon has created a new interesting sound on his debut album Here's Willy Moon (listen to album snippets above). On one hand, there's the mid-century pop and techno twist fests remniscent of The Andrews Sisters, Buddy Holly, and American Bandstand. On another hand it's got that film-noir, old country western thing going on.  In any case, Willy has created a great genre melting pot for anyone who loves the drive-in era. And anyone who likes the jive.--GB

NEW MIXTAPE: ASTRO, "DEADBEATS & LAZY LYRICS"

Astro is gunning for MVR: Most Valuable Rapper with Deadbeats & Lazy Lyrics, hosted by DJ Tech. With production from ThatLoserLaron (Laron Wages), 9th Wonder, BrandUn DeShay, and MF Doom, the kid shows growth in rapping style and subject matter. Mentioning his variations from the typical Astro hook, he states on Twitter...

If your one of those people who only listen to my X Factor stuff and that Cher Lloyd Collab. YOUR DEFINITELY GOING TO HATE THE NEXT TAPE.
— ASTRO (@AstronomicalKid) February 12, 2013

Get hype about rap when you listen to his mixtape drop below. 

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Propers: Datpiff

NEW VIDEO: BAD RABBITS, "FALL IN LOVE"

Bad Rabbits rocks a spin on the most well known phrase in "Fall In Love." Two young sweethearts get their basket stolen by lead singer Dua, but they hilariously get their revenge.

 Look out for the Bad Rabbits album American Love on May 14. 

VIDEO: AARADHNA SINGS "GREAT MAN" ON NZ ON AIR (UPDATED)

Check out the newest Universal records signee Aaradhna as she takes on NZ On Air, performing a rendition of her timely song "Great Man," with her guitarist Damien. Unmatched.

Also: Check out Parris Goebel and The Royal Family (including Request Dance Crew and Misfits Dance Crew) shaking it to Aaradhna's "Keep My Cool" after the jump! --GB

NEW VIDEO: PHONY PPL, "I WISH I WAS A CHAIR"

The Brooklyn hip-hop collective Phony Ppl has come a long way from dropping 4 The First Time in 2011. They've performed with the Roots and Erykah Badu, conquered Afro-Punk and many other NYC shows, and spread their fan base over to the UK. Members such as Dyme-A-Duzin have already put out esteemed solo projects,  with another project expected from Elbee Thrie later in the year [propers]. Now they drop the video for "I Wish I Was A Chair," off their album Phonyland that was released in January 2012. The buzz continues as the group gets recognition from outlets far and wide. Keep it locked for more from BK's ever-growing talent. --GB

LIKE IT? ZENDEE DROPS HER FIRST OFFICIAL VIDEO, "RUNAWAY"

Zendee Rose Tenerefe is a Filipina singer who has recently signed to Warner Music Philippines. The young songstress had her come up on YouTube, but it was The Ellen Degeneres Show that gave her the first taste of US fame.

This is the video to her first single, "Runaway," and it shows many of her vocalist strengths. She's a powerhouse singer, and this song is just a taste of whats to come from the young star.

If you like it, be sure to follow Zendee on twitter @ZendeeOfficial, and Zendee's YouTube for updates on her amazingness. 

AARADHNA SIGNS FIVE-ALBUM DEAL WITH UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC RECORDS

The lovely and talented songstress that is New Zealand bred Aaradhna Patel has just shared some great news with TVNZ's Seven Sharp. The singer, who's album's track "Wake Up" off Treble & Reverb has gone platinum in NZ, has just signed a five-album deal with Universal Republic Records.

Republic has had a long standing track-record with some of today's major and independent artists, recently on a worldwide scale with PSY and Gotye; they also have affiliations to Universal Nashville, Cash Money Records, Big Machine (Taylor Swift) and more. The label, who is well known for breaking artists, will be the next stamp in Aaradhna's well established career.

Aaradhna Patel has already put out three albums via Dawn Raid Ent: I Love You, Sweet Soul Music, and Treble & Reverb,  all showing her dynamic vocals and doo-wop harmonies. Rising above adversity was the first indication of her potential for long-term success. Her signing is just another sign that we will be seeing and hearing a lot more from her on this side of the Pacific. 

CONGRATS!

Propers: Billboard

NEW MUSIC: LUKE JAMES, "I.O.U."

Luke James, though in preparation for Grammy night, couldn't keep us waiting too long for new music. His new song "I.O.U.," which dropped on VIBE.com today, vows to please, and he's got the vocals to prove it. 

Luke is nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best R&B Performance" for his song "I Want You." Catch the festivities this Sunday to see if Luke wins the coveted trophy. Good luck, Luke!

NEW MUSIC: WILLY MOON, "MY GIRL"

Willy Moon, the master of genre-mixing and time travel, has just dropped his newest single "My Girl," available for download on March 3. With simple melody and drums, a pop feel and a rock 'n' roll kick, Willy professes his love while channeling the best of the Elvis era. Catch the fever above.--GB

NEW MUSIC: ASTRO, "STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM (REMIX)"

On the brink of Deadbeats and Lazy Lyrics, Astro drops a rendition to Drake's newest track, "Started From The Bottom." Check out more of the rags to riches story when the kid drops his mixtape on February 18.



Propers: Stupid Dope