WIN Vampire Weekend's 'Modern Vampires of the City' Album

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May 11, 2013

by Variance Staff

With Vampire Weekend's new album, Modern Vampires of the City, set to drop this week (it's already streaming on iTunes), we know many fans are anxiously awaiting the band's latest effort. The band, which has been making the promotional rounds as of late, is also slated to perform on the much-hyped May 11 episode of Saturday Night Live, with former longtime cast member Kristen Wiig as host.

WIN Tickets to 'Great Gatsby' + Copy of Soundtrack

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May 5, 2013

by Variance Staff

It's one of the summer's most-anticipated new films. Its soundtrack is easily leading as one of the year's best—if not, the best. The Great Gatsby arrives in theaters on May 10, preceded by the soundtrack's release on May 7, and we're giving you the chance to experience both for free!

POLL: Which Song Will Be the 2013 Song of Summer?

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April 30, 2013

by Variance Staff

It's that time again. As the weather heats up—and so does the music, some songs will stand out above others. From heavy hitters to pop shop singers to indie stars to fresh-faced up-and-comers, you never know who will rise to the top.

WATCH: Capital Cities' Glimmering, Retro 'Safe and Sound' Video

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April 25, 2013

by Jonathan Robles and Noel Abas

Photo by Eliot Lee Hazel

Capital Cities, the L.A. duo comprised of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, premiered their new video for "Safe and Sound" on Thursday. The track is the lead single off the pair's forthcoming album, In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery, which takes its title from the song's lyrics.

Q&A With Matthew Mayfield: New Music, Radio Play & The DIY Route

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April 8, 2013

by John Mouser

**Editor's Note: The following is an excerpt from Matthew Mayfield's interview in our new issue. The full feature can be found here.

Matthew Mayfield is a fighter. After his band Moses Mayfield disbanded in 2008, the Birmingham-based singer-songwriter set out to build a solid fanbase that—without the support of PR representation or radio play—carried him to crack the Billboard Top 200 with last year’s Banquet for Ghosts. Now the fighter is back, armed with a brand new EP, a covers EP and a live EP, and he is once again enlisting his supporters to assist him in conquering his next goal: radio. We had the chance to speak with Mayfield recently about these new releases and the road ahead.

James Blake Talks New Album, 'Overgrown,' Growing Up & Kanye West

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April 1, 2013

by Jonathan Robles

Alt-J to Score Bruce Goodison's 'Leave To Remain'

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February 20, 2013

by Stuart Kemp

2012 Mercury award winning band and triple BRIT nominees Alt-J is to collaborate with director Bruce Goodison to compose a soundtrack for the movie Leave to Remain.

fun. Talks Stage Fright, Album of the Year Grammy Nod

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February 8, 2013

by staff

Heading into this weekend's Grammy ceremony, breakout pop trio fun. in a new radio interview discussed their whirlwind year that will likely be capped off on Sunday with a gold trophy.

Q&A: Blaudzun Talks Inspiration, SXSW & U.S. Debut

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February 6, 2013

by Noel Abas

Photo by IAMKAT

Holland-based artist Blaudzun last week officially made his U.S. debut with new album Heavy Flowers. It is the third full-length for Johannes Sigmond, who played in several bands before venturing out solo as Blaudzun, a name inspired by a relatively unknown Danish cyclist.

VOTE: Whose Spring Album Are You Most Excited About?

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January 30, 2013

by Community

It's no secret this year is already promising some of the biggest album releases, with some of the biggest names returning for highly anticipated new LPs. While it's only January, and this list will only continue to grow, we want to know whose album you're particularly looking forward to this year.

Variance 2013 Reader Survey

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January 9, 2013

by Staff

It's the beginning of a brand new year, and we want to make Variance better for you! As we mentioned in our latest issue, without you, we simply don't exist. Your feedback, your suggestions and your submissions are critical to what we do. In order for us to maintain a focus on The Sights and Sounds You Love, we're asking readers to take this short survey to improve the site and our content.

Opinion: Chet Faker, Alt-J Should Collaborate

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December 27, 2012

by community

Two up-and-comers of 2012 are still a couple of our favorites heading into the new year, but wouldn't you agree that maybe next year alt-J and Chet Faker should collaborate? Britain's Mercury Prize-winning quartet alt-J and Melbourne, Australia electronic soul artist Chet Faker have been featured on the same bill opening for The Temper Trap, so perhaps a joint musical effort isn't out of the question. What do you think?