Josh's Digital Bin #8

Welcome to the 8th week of the feature sweeping the nation - Josh's Digital Bin!

The idea is simple, every week (on Tuesdays) I create another random grouping of bands and artists that I think are interesting but who are not "mainstream."

Back in the day, many of us would go to record stores and explore bins full of music. I am trying to do a digital recreation so that you can listen and explore just like we used to.

The Modern Folk

The Modern Folk, Modern Folk II

The Modern Folk, Modern Folk II

This is a real treat for me because The Modern Folk inspired the whole Digital Bin Concept. I was inspired by his philosophy of creating a non-curated space for musicians to place music. My digital bin feature doesn't function in exactly the same way, but it was an inspiration.

In other news, this album is GREAT!!!! 

Dame

Dame, Charm School

Dame, Charm School

Probably my favorite thing about this feature is that I have no real plan. I just bumble and fumble around the internet looking for music until I find five artists I like. I have no plan, I have no process, I usually don't even have any ideas.

Sometimes, if I am lucky, someone writes me and asks me to listen to their Bandcamp or Soundcloud. 

This time, I was just looking at my friend Ilya's sites and found this really fine album by a band called Dame.  Really impressive album, I actually love it. 

Stella Diana

Stella Diana, Athena

Stella Diana, Athena

Good music can come from anywhere, I don't know why it always seems like a surprise when I am reminded of this.

My friend Shauna sent me this recommendation. Stella Diana is an Italian Shoegaze band.  This is another really good suggestion from Shauna. 

Fake Boyfriend

Fake Boyfriend, Mercy EP

Fake Boyfriend, Mercy EP

I check several "new releases" sites every week and I try to listen to at least part of all the new albums. I hit play on this one and the very first song "Ship" was such a shredder, I stayed on board for the whole sea voyage. 

Good cathartic angry noise!

Big Ups

Big Ups, Before A Million Universes

Big Ups, Before A Million Universes

I was kind of turned off by the name, sounded kind of like it might be a "bro-band" and maybe it is? I don't really know anything about Big Ups at all, but I know this album is a really good loud stomping fun mess.

I found it today and have already listened to it three times. So, I guess that means I like it!

Well, so ends another digital bin. The last several have all been really strong IMHO. I hope you are enjoying listening to the artists as I am putting them together!