NEW TRACKS: Mayer Hawthorne feat. Jessie Ware - ‘Her Favorite Song’

He’s back with a (naturally) swagger-tastic tune. Heading a little more forward in his time machine, but still keeping the neo-soul sound he crafts so well, Mayer sings the tune of a lady that escapes the day to day with her headphones (basically, a tale we are all quite familiar with). What other voice could possibly provide a better complement than that of the equally buttery smooth Jessie Ware. So tune into this new one, best served poolside with a cocktail in hand.

LOVE LETTERS: The Lumineers

A new series in which we profess our giddy excitement over our upcoming artists.

Performing live at Merriweather Post Pavilion July 26th.

Think your love is strong? Submit a photo of your letter (like the one above) to contests@930.com. If we pick yours to post we’ll even throw in tickets to the show!

Imagine Dragons (@ Merriweather) you might actually think something ‘Radioactive’ was spilled on this record giving it super abilities, because damn, this band has exploded. Major radio love, a stellar debut, and sold out shows across America and we FINALLY have them. Let’s all rejoice, and also get on those tickets early! We don’t have to tell you how hot these tickets will be, right?

DJ Dredd (@ 9:30) we are seriously in love with all these dance parties that have been going down lately. DJ Dredd ups the ante by combining the holy pop trinity of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince! Grab your friends, and let’s face it, a belt. We know that all asses shall be left on the dance floor that evening.

The White Mandingos (@ U Hall) Bad Brains’ Darryl Jenifer + Murs + Sacha Jekins are The White Mandingos. We probably don’t need to explain that this band is HEAVY (they say it themselves very frequently in their Facebook bio). Heavy themes, heavy tracks, and heavy on the talent. You don’t want to miss this.

VOTD: Mikal Cronin - ‘Change’

When we played this record, this track already made us want to party. Cronin’s sweet sounding vocals over a gritty garage rock beat? We couldn’t help but bang our heads. Watch him provide background music for a wild house party in his latest for ‘Change.’ MIkal…you’ll always be invited to our party, and man, we won’t ignore you like those jerks making out on the couch. We’ll totally crowd surf like that invisible dude.

Perfectly chill and a little hazy, the perfect Music Monday playlist to ease you into the week.

What new tunes are you getting into? 

VOTD: Sara Bareilles - ‘Brave’

We’re missing Sara Bareilles already after her stunning solo acoustic performance at the club in April. During one of her intermittent (and very candid) chats with the audience between songs, Sara told us that she wrote ‘Brave’ with a friend in mind who was struggling to come out. This new video for the track definitely embodies that spirit of empowering self-confidence. In the video all sorts of people dance through the streets, a shopping mall, and a library. We also see Sara at the forefront sporting those same killer pants that she did on stage at 9:30. It’s hard not to smile and have the urge to do a few embarrassing dance moves when listening to ‘Brave.’ I encourage you to follow Sara’s lead and “say what you wanna say” because summer is here, what a great time to be bold!

-Emily Hirsch

SIDE NOTES: Dropkick Murphys + Bruce Springsteen EP

Listen up, because this is great music for a great cause. Boston’s own Dropkick Murphys collaborated with living legend Bruce Springsteen to produce an EP that will raise money for the city as it recovers from last month’s bombings. Rose Tattoo: For Boston Charity is a three song EP that includes live acoustic versions of ‘Don’t Tear Us Apart’ and ‘Jimmy Collins’s Wake,’ along with a rerecording of ‘Rose Tattoo’ featuring Springsteen. This EP is the continuation of a vigilant commitment from the Dropkick Murphys to restore stability in Boston. It is only $1.29 on iTunes and all of the proceeds go to their non-profit, which was created to aid survivors from the attack. Let’s do our part and help support this commendable effort!

-Emily Hirsch

VOTD: Gary Clark Jr. - ‘Numb’

Get ready for the coolest heartbreak you’ll ever witness. Gary Clark Jr. does his best Man In Black, all modern and resplendent in hipster glasses and a beanie, but telling a tale as old as time – the Cadillac-driving bluesman who can’t pay his bills paired with the woman he’s afraid he’ll lose. The music is so raw you might feel like you’re actually intruding upon something, but as proven by the end of the video (and this whole album), the only relationship that really matters is Gary and his guitar. 

-Kelsey Butterworth

INTERVIEW: The Hush Sound

Ahead of their co-headline with Hockey this Friday at U Street Music Hall, the lovely voice and piano behind The Hush Sound’s lush indie-pop, Greta Salpeter, took some time to answer our questions about their hiatus, new tour, and their new album.

[9:30] Was it difficult getting back into the Hush Sound groove after the hiatus?

[Greta] Not at all. There’s a very natural brother / sister relationship that comes back into play immediately when we all enter a room together. it just felt like we had all been away at college and were coming home for a holiday. 

[9:30] What are you most looking forward to about touring and writing together again?

[Greta] Being able to enjoy the experience with a clear head. When we were experiencing our greatest success as an act happened to be a time when the four of us were each mentally / emotionally / physically drained and we were all dealing with some personal issues which kept us from enjoying the touring, writing, and recording. It’s great that our fans are still packing these clubs and that we can actually have fun playing our songs. 

[9:30] How does the new record compare to So Sudden, Like Vines, and Goodbye Blues? Has your sound changed at all?

[Greta] The new songs released on our “45” 7 inch vinyl are the most natural presentation of our band in my mind. We arranged the songs in a fun and spontaneous way, recorded them live all in the room together, and didn’t over think it or polish them until there was nothing left, as I feel we had done in the past. 

[9:30] Do you think your solo work has influenced the new album in any way?

[Greta] Absolutely. 

[9:30] How do you choose album artwork?

[Greta] Generally, one of our extremely talented significant others will pitch us artwork before we even ask. We feel lucky to keep our partnerships all in the family. We work on records, graphic design, videos, web design, etc. pretty much exclusively with friends. 

[9:30] What are your favorite songs to play live?

[Greta] Mine on this  tour is “Stranger” . Also “Echo” is great because the crowd reacts very strongly to it. 

[9:30] I think I speak for every THS fan when I say that I’m really excited to hear your new stuff. If you had a message to your fans who are super pumped that y’all are back together, what would it be?

[Greta] WE ARE JUST AS EXCITED AS YOU ARE!! Come to a show and let’s all jump up and down together. 

[9:30] And finally, if you could change places with any other artist for a day, dead OR alive, who would it be?

[Greta] Oh god, there are so many. 

I would love to dance like Martha Graham, ponder like Alan Watts, play piano like Billy Preston, write like Joan Didion, sing like Bobby Gentry, write songs like John Lennon. Depending on the day, it would be any of those people. 

Performing live at U Street Music Hall THIS Friday.

-Kelsey Butterworth