Jonas Alaska

Today's feature, Jonas Alaska, is  a discovery I made through Spotify's "What's New" section. Jonas (born 1988), from Åmli, Aust Agder, Norway, released his self-titled debut album in September on Jansen Plateproduksjon. Despite his young age, Jonas Alaska is an incredibly talented lyricist and songwriter with a characteristic sound and a strong voice. After a series of shows, including by:Larm in Oslo in February, many have their eyes on the talent from the south. As a consequence of those concerts, Jonas has played many of the larger festivals in Norway this summer. Artists like Paul Simon, John Lennon and Bob Dylan are often mentioned as references for Jonas Alaska’s music, but as southern Norwegian newspaper Arendals Tidende wrote about the 22-year old: Despite his tight trousers, harmonica, boots and guitar, he is no copycat of Dylan. Jonas Alaska has his own characteristics and his own sound, also fit for the present. The album consists of 11 songs written by the artist, most of them during the past two years. The songs range from heart-wrenching songs, to ballads with captivating harmonies and up-tempo tunes with elements of Americana, folk and pop - all with an original sound, both lyrically and melodically. Alaska’s lyrics often focus on themes such as love, politics and tragedy, but also the simpler things in life that everyone can relate to. Other than Alaska himself on vocals, piano and acoustic guitar, this incredibly talented team of well-known musicians contribute on the album: Thom Hell: Guitar, piano, organ, vocals Even Ormestad: Bass, piano, keyboards Martin Horntveth: Drums, percussion David Wallumrød: Organ, piano Marius Graff: Banjo Audun Borrmann: Electric guitar Thomas Aslaksen: Drums Marcus Forsgren: Electric guitar. Don't hesitate and give his music a try!

@ Amli, Norway

♫ Folk, Pop

♥ October (mp3)

♥ Tonight (mp3)

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▸ Official Website

+ Spotify

The Iveys

The Iveys are Arlen, Jessica & Jillian. The brother/sister band grew up in West Texas, about fifty miles outside of El Paso surrounded by family and a love for music. Growing up they listened to all of our dad’s old records, from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Queen to The Eagles. It really influenced their songwriting in a positive way. The musical influences are hard to miss when you hear their soaring melodies, rich harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. During the time they spent at Sonic Ranch Recording Studios working on the songs for their album they were introduced to noted Italian producer Ettore Grenci who began recording with them in late 2008. With the additional guidance of Stephen Short and Tony Rancich their self-titled debut album was completed and released in 2009. "On this album they put a lot of focus into our harmonies", says Jessica, “It’s a big part of who we are as a group.” They recently released the music video for their single “Back When it was Our World” and are now looking forward to touring the country this summer. “Our music is something we can share,” Jillian says, “Something that’s alive and that can spread, touching everyone.”

@ Tornillo, USA
♫ Pop, Rock, Country
♥ Running Out (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website

East Hundred

East Hundred was in the (e)mailbox a few weeks ago, but since I get a lot of mail every day, it took me a while to listen to their music. - Yes, I try to listen to all the music I get emailed about, so keep them coming. - I immediately loved their song Slow Burning Crimes, probably because of Beril's vocals which are a pleasure for the ear.
East Hundred began as a basement recording project in 2004 when brothers Brooke and Will Blair (guitars and drums, respectively) invited Beril Guceri, Brooke’s then-girlfriend, to add vocals to their heavily-synthed downtempo tracks. After recording a few rough demos (which would later become the first EPs), the band sought to solidify its lineup and it was no great surprise when David Sunderland joined on bass. A friend of the Blairs literally since diapers, Sunderland had played in several previous bands with the brothers. Susan Gager, another close friend from Philadelphia, joined on keyboards and East Hundred soon evolved into a songwriting democracy. Nonstop performing honed the groups’ live act and Guceri overcame her crippling anxiety (perhaps too much so, if you catch her on one of her hammier nights.) As work began on Passenger in 2007 at Drexel University’s Mad Dragon studios, Brooke and Beril’s relationship ended. Rather than derail the recording process, however, the resultant heartache and awkwardness produced a flood of new material and what was intended to be a minor EP soon became a full-fledged album. East Hundred comes out of old friendships and failed loves. Their music shores up their relationships…or the relationships feed their music…more likely, it’s a bit of both.

@ Philadelphia, USA
♫ Indie, Rock, Pop
♥ Slow Burning Crimes (mp3)
▸ Myspace
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Aviette

Playing progressive and accessible indie rock, Aviette is Minneapolis-based band made up of Holly Muñoz (guitar/vocals), Justin Hartke (bass), and Kyle Larson (drums). Their debut record, Until We Hear From Dave was selected as one of the best records of 2006 by The Onion Songs from UWHFD were featured on some indieradiostations. Aviette recorded their second full-length album, The Way We Met with Minneapolis-based producer Darren Jackson (Kid Dakota, The Hopefuls, Alva Star). From the driving beat of “What You Want Me To Say” to the determined optimism of “The Way We Met,” this collection of songs is consistent and thoughtfully arranged. The Way We Met was released nationwide on July 1, 2008. Aviette celebrated their record release at the Triple Rock Social Club on June 28, 2008 with performances by The Alarmists, Kid Dakota and The Glad Version. This show was sponsored by 89.3 The Current (MPR) and Surly Brewing.

@ Minneapolis, USA
♫ Indie, Pop, Rock
♥ Why Do We Stop (mp3)
♥ Everest/Spyhunter (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website

Civalias

The first few seconds of one of Civalias' songs were enough for me to know that I would like his music. His debut EP even made it to my favorites of last year. Since I have not featured him decently yet, i'll do it tonight. So be wise and spend a few minutes to listen to this talented singer-songwriter that definitely deserves more recognition than he's getting right now!
Hailing from Southern California, Civalias is the project brainchild of 23 year-old Adam Stidham. Conjuring influences such as Aqualung, Coldplay, and Radiohead, the infectiously melodic sounds of Civalias are both engaging and visually enticing. The young songwriter who began his journey in music by playing guitar in his teens soon found that music became a form of therapy. "I found an undeniable peace and calmness in making music. It was me at my most genuine." It is this vulnerability and honesty that makes Civalias special, attracting a contingent of fans who are seeking not only a uniquely refreshing sound, but the emotional substance to back it up.

@ California, USA
♫ Acoustic, Pop, Rock
♥ Anything But You (mp3)
♥ Something Real (mp3)
▸ Myspace

The Jezabels

The Jezabel are a thing that came out of a few chance meetings at Sydney University. You see, Heather and Hayley had been playing music together for a while. Inevitably came the journey south from Byron - being their place of youth - to Sydney for a foray into higher education. Nik and Sam were studying at Sydney University also. And you know, for some reason you just meet people...We don't have a manifesto as such, but we do have definite intentions in what we do. We wish to play pop, but with a recognizable element of self-awareness. We wish to be emotional, but with a sense of certainty that our audiences won't walk away thinking that we take ourselves too seriously. What is paramount is an attempt to push this thing called the culture industry in some direction which makes it more human. (I guess this is all too ambitious but oh well... We do try) Heather studies piano at the conservatorium and reads a bit too much Russian literature. Hayley looks toward her personal canon of pop ballads for guidance in all situations and believes we must return to the way life was prior to the poker machine epidemic. Nik is a science student whom imbues his drumming with formulas and mathematical complexities. Sam is a country music-playing, Marx-spouting communist with a love of all things meaningfully subversive.
I guess our music derives from these things. Their debut EP will be out this February.

@ Sydney, Australia
♫ Indie, Pop, Rock
♥ Disco Biscuit Love (mp3)
♥ Be A Star (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website

The Bridges

In the first song I heard of The Bridges the vocals sounded a bit like one of my favorite bands Eisley. Which got me interested right away. While listening to the rest of their songs, the eisley comparison kinda went away. But overall the Bridges are definitely worth a listen.
The Brdiges , whose members range in age from 18 to 24, consists of siblings Natalie Byrd (piano and guitar), Stacey Byrd (guitar), Isaaca Byrd (bass) and Jeremy Byrd (drums), and cousin Brittany Painter, who provides hauntingly expressive lead vocals and plays acoustic guitar. Brittany writes most of the band's lyrics, with all five collaborating on the music. The Bridges' tight-knit chemistry is apparent throughout Limits of the Sky, which was produced by noted pop-rock auteur Matthew Sweet and consists entirely of the band's original compositions. Their effortless harmonies and seamless instrumental rapport are prominent on such compelling tunes as "All the Words," "One Way," "One I Love" and "Echo," which combine a subtly inventive melodic sensibility with insightful, emotionally resonant lyrics that belie the artists' youth. The members of the Bridges have been making music together for much of their lives, developing their musical vision on their own terms, free of the influence of transient musical trends. The musicians grew up in families that were both musically inclined and church-oriented, and were not encouraged by their parents to listen to secular pop music. In 2005, younger siblings Isaaca and Jeremy joined to make the group an amplified five-piece.

@ Oxford, USA
♫ Indie, Pop, Rock
♥ Finding It Hard (mp3)
♥ All The Words (mp3)
▸ Myspace
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The Secret History

When I discovered The Secret History a while ago, they only had a few demos at their MySpace, which I liked, now they've released their debut EP. After listening to it a few times, it was clear to me that this band won't be a secret for long, and not history soon.
The Secret History was formed in 2007 by songwriter Michael Grace Jr., best known for acclaimed cult indie pop band My Favorite. The Secret History also features vocalist Lisa Ronson, daughter of Bowie guitarist, and glamrock legend Mick Ronson. The Secret History continues as a vehicle for Grace’s myth and monster laden song writing, which unfolds across cinematic landscapes…part New York in the late 1970s, part Sicily at the turn of the last century, part Nowhere. The sound itself, created by longtime collaborators Darren Amadio on guitar, Todd Karrasik on drums, Gil Abad on bass, and Kurt Brondo on keys, is a kind of continental art rock, combining the rainy jangles of C86, the stomp of glam, the innocence of the girl groups, and the anxiety of disco. Grace first met vocalist Lisa Ronson whose voice...and everything desperate just under the surface of it... was that convinced the lads. The addition of Erin Dermody, an ethereal young lady in dress, to sing harmonies, completed the new project. A sold out debut at Cakeshop (which Grace dubbed CBTweeB’s) was followed by shows alongside Love Is All, Boyracer, My Teenage Stride, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Dig and others. They also appeared at the legendary 40 Watt Club for the Athens Popfest. Desolation Town, is the debut EP released on November 12, 2008 by the Le Grand Magistery record label.

@ New York, USA
♫ Indie, Rock, Pop
♥ It's Not The End Of The World, Jonah (mp3)
♥ Our Lady of Pompeii (mp3)
▸ Myspace

Lex Land

Within her swooping, fluty tones, you may hear the ghost of torch singers past whispering velvety and soft, or the roar of a mistreated lioness. Her voice has been compared with those of Judy Garland, Rickie Lee Jones and Maria McKee, but her sound is all her own. Lex Land has lived her 21 years entirely in Southern California, from the High Sierra mountains to the sparkling coast, and knows the darkness beneath its beauty. As a pre-teen in Orange County’s Newport Beach, she aspired to operatic stardom, but soon found her distinctive voice better suited to her own original material, written on guitar and incorporating a unique style of finger plcking. While Land studied voice and musical performance at Chapman University, she began recording demos in her bedroom and drawing crowds to Southern California shows. Producer Shannon Edgar heard those demos, went to a show, and immediately wanted to make the most of her multiple talents. Œ’Orange Days on Lemon Street,’ recorded at Ocean Studios in Burbank, CA, was named for the street in the city of Orange where Lex lived while writing its songs, including “As Much As You Lead,” “Could’ve Had Me” and “Easy.” Those tunes blend honey-sweet folk, melodic pop and indie rock, and their confessional lyrics, from the preemptive knowledge of heartbreak to the painful absence of a parent, drip with a truth that lure the listener into her world.

@ Los Angeles, USA
♫ Acoustic, Folk, Rock
♥ As Much As You Lead (mp3)
♥ All We've Ever Done (mp3)
▸ Myspace
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The Rescues

Sometimes the first 30 seconds of a song say enough for me, with The Rescues that certainly was the case. I instantly loved their sound, songs and lyrcis, and I am sure more of you will love their perfect blend of voices too! So don't hesitate and start listening!
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. No band in recent history illustrates that notion better than LA newcomers, The Rescues. Comprised of three successful and critically acclaimed solo singer-songwriters in their own right - Adrianne, Kyler England and Gabriel Mann - The Rescues have more than 15 albums, dozens of songwriting awards, and thousands of miles on the road between them. The Rescues have awakened a dormant L.A. tradition of the best of the music scene joining together to make something greater than themselves. Some have called The Rescues an “Indie Supergroup,” but they’re just three friends singing honest, real, and seamlessly-crafted pop songs, in three-part harmony. Yet the making of this band was a long time coming. Enter a friend and fan of all three with a vision and an upcoming wedding. Said fan hired the three to perform a concert at his reception, and The Rescues were born. Since the January release of their debut EP, The Rescues have played to sold-out crowds on tour in the southeast and in their home base of Los Angeles. The Rescues’ full length album, “Crazy Ever After,” is released today!

@ Los Angeles, USA
♫ Indie, Pop, Rock
♥ Crazy Ever After (mp3)
♥ My Heart With You (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website

The Love Willows

The Love Willows caught my interest after seeing their upcoming album on a releaselist. Good stuff for everyone who likes a good pop/rock song once in a while!
An Atlanta duo that wants young audiences to have fun, singer Hope Partlow and guitarist/vocalist Ryan Wilson have crafted a buoyant debut album, Hey! Hey! that is unabashedly upbeat. You might even smell the cotton candy in this collection of enjoyable pop/rockabilly tunes, like spinning through an amusement park where childlike pleasures can be found in even the simplest of rides. Not that The Love Willows doesn’t speak to young adults. In fact, most of Hey! Hey! tracks the evolution of their own relationship. “It’s all about fetishes, love and hate,” says Hope. “It’s a product of what we’ve gone through as a couple, the battles and the glories, everything that’s happened in the past few years.” The accessibility of their songs also belies their inventiveness and, oftentimes, their subtle sophistication. “I feel like we bring something different to the table,” says Ryan, who produced and engineered the album. The pair recorded Hey! Hey! in the attic studio of Ryan’s parents’ home outside of Atlanta, with Ryan playing every instrument and both of them songwriting. The tunes are brightly colored - much like Hope and Ryan when they perform live, with swaths of neon yellows, pinks and greens adorning their clothes and gear. Their debut album Hey! Hey! will be released the 29th January of next year. (after being postponed for the third time)

@ Atlanta, USA
♫ Pop, Rock
♥ Falling Faster (mp3)
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Amplifico

Amplifico are a Scottish band comprising Donna Maciocia (keyboards and vocals), Ross Kilgour (guitar) and Dave Brunton (drums). The name Amplifico was chosen from a Latin dictionary (meaning to increase or enlarge). Amplifico's roots are from an early teens friendship at Balwearie High School, Kirkcaldy. Donna Maciocia started song writing and performing in 2004 following her completion of an art degree at the University of Dundee. In addition to playing across the UK & Ireland with Amplifico, she provided backing vocals for KT Tunstall on her live Acoustic Extravaganza album, sang with Tunstall on her tour in 2006, appeared in Tunstall's Another Place to Fall video, and in 2007 joined Aberfeldy onstage as backing vocal and keyboard musician. Amplifico won the 'Best Scottish Band' title in a national UK competition for unsigned bands, playing Glasgow Carling Academy and London Astoria within a year of forming. During this period, the band recorded and self-produced their first material (Hometakes 1 & Hometakes 2) and gained both live an internet based followings. Unsigned and unmanaged, they utilised their fan base and internet following to fund their first full studio based work. This brought the group to the attention of the Scottish media with an article about their efforts to fund their first album being seen in 2006 on BBC Scotland main news programme ‘Reporting Scotland’. The album was largely funded through individual donations and via a live web-streamed "webathon" fundraiser gig. Via their own ‘record label MDM Creations, Amplifico published See Heart, See Muscle on March 3rd 2008. Immediately upon release BBC RADIO 1's Vic Galloway awarded Amplifico the 'Album of The Month' status on his show.

@ London, UK
♫ Indie, Pop, Rock
♥ Open Your Eyes (mp3)
♥ The Comedy Stops Here (mp3)
▸ Myspace
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Katie Todd

The enthousiasm of a friend of mine, rewakened my interest for Katie Todd (Band). There were a few times last year, I found her across the net, but I was never able to track down any of their music, now I finally did, and I'm already sure she's going to be one of my top artists this week!
Having shared the stage with such music scene luminaries as Juliana Hatfield, Patti Labelle, 10,000 Maniacs, Steve Winwood, Margot & The Nuclear So & So’s, Kenny Loggins and The Wallflowers, the Chicago Arts and Entertainment Magazine has recognized Katie Todd as “a breath of fresh air that the Chicago music scene has been waiting for.” She released her first album "Changing Faces" back in 2002 and was named best indie release on WXRT Chicago that year. After releasing a LIVE album in 2003; she released her second studio album "Make Some Time For Wasting" in 2005. After intensive touring Katie took a short break and shifted her focus primarily to writing new music. Now she is back in the studio recording her third album, "Mumbled Speech" , slated for release sometime this year.It was pretty hard choosing two preview tracks of the album, so please try to listen to the full thing!

@ Chicago, USA

♫ Indie, Pop, Rock
♥ The Polite (mp3)
♥ Claustrophobe (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website

New Moscow

This was a recommendation from my girlfriend, she heard it on a episode of One Tree Hill, and really liked it; as did I... Isn't it great to have a girlfriend that shares your musictaste? ;)
New Moscow started in the spring of 2005, and is the creation of Division Of Laura Lee guitarist David Fransson. David recorded and produced the album on his own and he also played all the instruments. New Moscow plays indiepop/rock with catchy melodies - noisy but not loud. Both music and lyrics have more in common with singer-songwriters than with the garage-punk rock David otherwise plays in Division Of Laura Lee. Lots have happened since New Moscow started 2005. Andreas Nordström (drums) and Mattias Engwall (bass) have joined the band. The song “Slow Down” has been included in the hit TV Show Grey’s Anatomy… twice. The series is seen by 20 million Americans every week. The first of the two episodes (episode 19 season 2) is aired in Sweden on Kanal 5 by Christmas. A first single, “C’mon Up”, has been released in the UK by the small and credible indie label Young and Lost Club Records. The single attracted alot of attention and will be included in legendary record shop Rough Trades coming compilation. Their next album "Slow Down" will be out early next year.

@ Kållands Island, Sweden
♫ Indie, Acoustic, Pop, Rock
♥ Taking Back What's Mine (mp3)
♥ Slow Down (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website

Greg Holden

"Talented singer-songwriter, destined for bigger things"

Greg Holden begun his solo journey in June 2007. With a huge influence from older artists such as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash to more recent writers such as Damien Rice and Ray Lamontagne, Greg Holden’s music has been described as “Soulful”, “Melodically Beautiful” and “Incredibly Genuine”. Music Producer Nunzio Signore spotted him playing at a small venue in Brighton where Greg was living at the time. This was the lucky break that Greg needed and it was this opportunity that resulted in Greg’s debut EP, ‘Run, Don’t Walk’ which is currently available from iTunes. In January 2008 Greg started a small video series on YouTube called ‘The Living Room Series’, which was a simple concept involving himself, his guitar, a bunch of his songs and a webcam, it ended up becoming a YouTube smash. That leads us to now, September 2008. Greg has since returned to New York to complete more tracks for his debut album 'A Word In Edgeways' soon to be released.

@ London, UK

♫ Acoustic, Folk, Rock
♥ Days (mp3)
♥ Art of Falling (mp3)
▸ Myspace

The Narrative

The Narrative was just a random download for me, never heard of them before, liked their albumart and decided to give it a go, despite all the other new stuff waiting for me. Very fortunate since I really love their sounds, songs and EP! Everyone that can handle catchy indie rock/pop songs should really try this one!
The Narratives are: Suzie, Jesse, Charlie & Brandon all from New York. "They travel, stay home, watch movies, read books. They love their family, friends, and music. We work hard for the things we love." Their debut EP "Just Say Yes" released this summer.

@ New York, USA
♫ Indie, Rock, Pop
♥ Libra (mp3)
♥ Castling (mp3)
▸ Myspace

The Mood

The Mood has been making quite a name for itself in New York City's music scene. This five-piece boasts infectious pop tunes infused with a sunny rock 'n' roll vibe that has audiences dancing far and wide. The effortless vocal harmonies of cousins Marco Argiro and Corinne Callen gracefully complement gritty guitars, grooving bass lines and pounding drums. The Mood has been receiving radio airplay in various college radio markets, and four tracks off its "Get In" EP were recently featured on MTV's The Real World. The band has had memorable performances at SXSW, CMJ, and shared the stage with artists such as Simian Mobile Disco, This Is Ivy League, and Tom Morello’s the Nightwatchman. The Mood's latest album was produced by the band itself and recorded and mixed at Edison Studios in New York City. The new tunes showcase an individual and collaborative musical evolution that fans at live shows have come to know and love. The new record "Synaesthesia" is due out July 1, 2008 on Outright Rock Records.

@ New York, USA
♫ Rock, Pop, Indie
♥ Masquerade (mp3)
♥ Suddenly (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website

Castledoor

A few days ago, I discovered this wonderful band, and immediately fell in love with their sound. Surprisingly they're not signed yet, because all songs on their debut EP are great!
Castledoor is an independent band based in Silverlake, California, formed in September 2004. The band consists of Nate Cole (lead vocals/acoustic guitar), Gabriel Combs (guitars/keys/vocals), Quinn Schwartzel (bass), Joel Plotnik (drums), Lisa Cole (keys/vocals), and Coury Jane Combs (vocals/synth) produce an unique organic, melodic genre of music. Originally, they were only releasing music through their MySpace and PureVolume profiles, however on July 25, 2006, they released their debut EP, "Follow the Dove" on CDbaby. Fortunately, Castledoor went into the studio in February 2007 and their next release, the "Till We Sink" 7" will be out July 29th.

@ Silverlake, USA
♫ Indie, Pop
♥ Burn the Maps (mp3)
♥ The Birds and the Fleas (mp3)
▸ Myspace

Firekites

Firekites is a Newcastle emerged collective revolving around the acoustic musings of four main players…Tim Mcphee (The Instant), Rod Smith, Jane Tyrrell (The Herd) & Jason Tampake (Josh Pyke) and are the latest signing to Aussie label Spunk! Tucked away for the past two years, Firekites have been persistently self-recording their first musical offering – a debut LP, "The Bowery". Sonically rich & musically diverse, Firekites have drawn together disparate, sometimes juxtaposed, influences resulting in a record that covers some unexpected ground. Blurring the lines between lo-fi jazz, folk pop and subtle electronica. The release The Bowery was named after the first art-deco coffee-house of its kind in Newcastle and was an appropriate backdrop for the initial sessions. Ten self-recorded tracks take their place on the debut LP out now through Spunk!

@ Newcastle, Australia
♫ Indie, Jazz, Pop
♥ Last Ships
♥ Same Suburb Different Park
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website

Benjamin Winter

Benjamin Winter was introduced to me by my girlfriend; since he will be playing on the festival my girlfriend (and the rest of her school) are working on.
For 2 decades, Benjamin Winter thought athletics would be his career. When injuries changed the college football players plans in 1999, Benjamin went back to school for music and all his efforts went into his band Sisera Fell. the band seperated and San Francisco native Benjamin left for his first solo tour through 38 US states and 9 European countries. This tour was providing much of the material that was to be Benjamin’s first solo release "Amber Alley And After" that released in 2005. With his latest release "Memory and Forever EP" in 2006 it's more than Fortunate to know that he started recording new material for his next album in april this year.

@ Amsterdam, NL
♫ Indie, Folk, Acoustic
♥ The Doctor and the Dancer (mp3)
♥ Collide (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website