NEW MUSIC | Miguel – “Adorn” [Full Version]

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Soul

Consistency is key. In these times more than ever, it’s crucial for artists to constantly deliver the goods or face potential career setbacks (see Ameriie). On a non-stop ride since his debut, Miguel has become one of music’s most thrilling acts. In a brilliant artistic move, the progressive singer has chosen “Adorn” as the first official single from his forthcoming LP. The track was originally featured on his Art Dealer Chic EP, and quickly became a fan-favorite. The newly-revamped version is just an elevated form of what was already an amazing song. There is no doubt Miguel’s next project will be major. He is walking in his own lane.

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NEW MUSIC | Little Dragon – “Sunshine”

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Soul

This is just what I needed, the perfect summer song, we all have one, right? By way of Little Dragon, “Sunshine” has all the makings of a seasonal anthem; care-free, sonically appetizing, and memorable. In conjunction with Absolute Vodka, the electro-pop greats have premiered the accompanying visual. The track serves as the band’s first single since last year’s divine Ritual Union. *Hits repeat*

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NEW MUSIC | Alicia Keys – “New Day”

Posted on June 28, 2012 by amir jamar

After intense anticipation, Alicia Keys has unleashed a taste of what’s to come on the follow-up to 2009′s Element of Freedom. While details surrounding the new album are scarce, “New Day” marks the official launch of Alicia’s comeback to the music world. Is it what we’ve all been waiting for? Stream the anthemic up-tempo below and decide for yourself.

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CHERiCOKE & MeLo-X | X/COKE [EP]

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Soul

When I first played “The Garden of Eden,” I was awe-struck by every facet of the song, it was more than appealing, it raptured me, thus I became an instant fan. Due to the musical dexterity, conceptual greatness, wondrous production , and a mighty chemistry between the two, CHERiCOKE and MeLo-X have concocted quite the sound.

After releasing multiple singles, the X/COKE EP has finally arrived in its full glory. As expected, the final verdict is one of extreme satisfaction. This is a piece of art, unsaturated and purely organic. To keep it simple, I’ll just urge you to download and vibe to this, sooner than later of course.

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LIVE | Szjerdene – “Blue Lullaby”

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Soul

Szjerdene is an artist who must be heard. Ever since SOM discovered the London songbird, we have marveled in her shear brilliance. Put simply, she is among the best new talent to emerge as of late. All which brings me to this, a live performance of “Blue Lullaby” from her sublime Patchwork EP. Mesmerizing by all measure, there is a certain synergy Szjerdene embodies through her music which makes it an experience, a quality only the best artists bear. Thankfully Put Me On It host a live showcase which gives talent like Szjerdene a platform. The video not only captures the magic of Szjerdene’s voice, but the essence of her soul and passion.

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NEW VIDEO | Lana Del Rey – “National Anthem”

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Soul

I haven’t posted on Lana Del Rey in some time. To be frank, while she captured my attention with her early releases (“Blue Jeans” and “Born To Die”), my brief infatuation faded over the past few months. Well that has come to change with her latest release, the video for “National Anthem.”

While the song itself is not that impressive, the visual treatment far outshines the former. From the Marylin Monroe intro to the JFK and Jackie Kennedy concept, this really shows a great interpretation of song and places a premium on imagery. The sullen songbird receives extra applause for choosing A$AP Rocky to portray JFK.

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NEW MUSIC | jj – High Summer [EP]

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Soul

I spoke of jj sometime ago after hearing the brilliance of “Beautiful Life”. Since then, I’ve scoured every possible source to connect and hear more music from the Swedish duo, thus falling completely in love. Their severely mellow sound and texture paint quite the hazy dream. They have that quintessential vibe-sound. Their latest EP, High Summer, offers more of a “less is more” aesthetic via soft production and melodic arrangements. The first single samples The-Dream hit “Shawty Is Da Shit,” and I prefer this to the former for sure. Treat your ears and download the 5-track EP below.

Download “High Summer” here…

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NEW MUSIC | Rochelle Jordan – “Losing”

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Soul

R&B is often criticized as a genre that “once was.” There are many artists who fall right into the grave of such, and then there are those that keep R&B alive on the more progressive end. Rochelle Jordan is one that truly shines when it comes to pushing the genre forward.

As the singer-songwriter prepares to release her forthcoming EP P R E S S U R E , she has unveiled a new track, “Losing.” Telling the story of sacrificing one’s self for a relationship, the lyrics have an all-to familiar tone for anyone who has ever loved and lost; the singer’s songwriting talent is undeniable. Beyond the impressive penmanship, the songs lofty production is just as solid, as it flows into audi0 space (or for SOM purposes, audio-mars). Download below.

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NEW MUSIC | Amy Winehouse – “Back To Black” (Original Demo)

Posted on June 26, 2012 by amir jamar

The loss of Amy Winehouse still feels too devastating for words—although the power of impact is simply undeniable, there was still so much for her to bless the world with.

To illustrate the very elements that make Amy one of the most treasured artists in music history, producer Mark Ronson has unveiled the original demo of “Back to Black,” the title track from Amy’s classic sophomore album. Drenched in raw, authentic soul, the demo radiates the type of magic that only Amy could bring to a song. Even in its unmastered form, Amy brings the truth, emotion, and pain behind the lyrics in such a compelling and stunning way. Again, no one does it quite like Amy.

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KREWELLA | “Play Hard” [EP]

Posted on June 26, 2012 by amir jamar

After a year of shaking the world upside down with their infectious dubstep masterpieces, the arrival of Krewella‘s debut EP, Play Hard has finally arrived. The intoxicating six-song collection is an adrenaline rush fueled by monstrous synths, perfectly-placed vocals and the ambiance of dance-floor freedom—by the time that the last song concludes, it cannot be disputed that Krewlla are a carving a lane of their own.

Stream the flawless EP after the jump and purchase it on iTunes now.

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NEW VIDEO | Delilah – “Inside My Love”

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Soul

Delilah. Yes, she arms the essential artistic weapons—soul, beauty, and talent, however, her most striking quality is found in her stunning delivery. All is on full display in her latest visual, “Inside My Love”. As far as I’m concerned, this video could have been a mere black shot as the track played in full, that’s how impressive this is. Wishes aside, this is quite the video for her brilliant take on the Minnie Riperton standard. Dark, modern, and engrossing, Delilah continues to dazzle with her sound of all- inclusive pop. It doesn’t get much better than this.

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LIVE | BBC Hackney Weekend – Jay-Z, Rihanna, Jessie Ware, Azealia Banks, & More

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Soul

Festival season is in full swing. This year has been positively more exciting than others. Be it the explosive entrance of Azealia Banks or the return of Santigold, this year’s music festivals are making quite the statement; real music is indeed alive. Mainstream can’t deny or ignore, and the underground/indie circuit just continue in their matchless essence of perfection. The latest festival worth mentioning is BBC’s Hackney Weekend. Boasting performances from Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna (watch at your own risk), Jessie Ware, Michael Kiwanuka, Nas, Lana Del Ray, and a host of others, there’s nothing more to say besides press play and, as the kids would say, “get your life.”

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NEW VIDEO | Florrie – “Shot You Down”

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Soul

Just as I was preparing to call it a night, I stumbled upon this greatness—Florrie‘s, latest visual for “Shot You Down.” It’s perfectly divine in every way imaginable. The track, lifted from the pop dynamo’s Late EP, is flawless on all fronts, however the glory lies in the relentless hook. The longer it plays the better it gets, certainly a rarity among pop music. I’m a sucker for presentation, an area where Florrie undoubtedly shines.

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2 Y.O.

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Sound On Mars

Today marks the two-year anniversary of Sound On Mars and we can’t say thank you enough for the support! From the unforgettable experience of meeting Saul Williams, to our refreshing conversations with Szjerdene, Daley, GREATeclectic and WolfWolf—our second year has been the continuation of an amazing journey thus far (pardon the clichés). Most of all, it is the opportunity to connect with those who share our deep love for music that is most fulfilling.

If you have yet to, make sure to check out our interviews page and visit us on Facebook and Twitter!

To many more…

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VIDEO | Shakka + Tanya Lacey Cover “Smooth Criminal/Where Have You Been”

Posted on June 25, 2012 by amir jamar

In the latest edition of his popular “Shakkapella” series, Shakka calls on some assistance from Tanya Lacey for a vivacious tribute to the late and great King of Pop. Just to give the cover a special touch, Shakka and Tanya squeeze in a bit of Rihanna’s hit “Where Have You Been,” flaunting each of their versatile talents and undeniable creative chemistry. It’s not one that you’ll want to miss.

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FLASHBACK | Diana Ross + Sammy Davis Jr.

Posted on June 24, 2012 by amir jamar

There aren’t words to describe such a rare, yet epic moment captured by photograph—two supreme icons, sitting in their matchless natural elements. How mind-blowing is it to discover that even when they weren’t on stage, both Ms. Ross and Mr. Davis remained commandingly regal and original? Undoubtedly, these two are the definition of awe-striking glamor and debonair radiance.

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