LISTEN: Tegan & Sara's 'Shock To Your System'

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January 18, 2013

by Variance Staff

Another new Tegan & Sara track before you head off into the weekend! Of "Shock To Your System," which debuted via Vanity Fair on Friday, Sara explained: "I was writing in Montreal during the dead of winter and I would spend days by myself ... which resulted in a bit of cabin fever." She also describes the lyrics in the song as "an interior dialogue between the part of me that was transfixed by my loneliness and the other part of me that was ready to get over it."

LISTEN: President Obama's Inauguration Playlist

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January 18, 2013

by Variance Staff

Photo by Terry Richardson

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 2nd inauguration of President Barack Obama, the White House has released the president's official Inauguration Playlist, which includes many of the artists performing at Monday's festivities, including the inaugural ball. The wide range of acts includes Beyoncé (who will be performing the national anthem), fun., Stevie Wonder, Brad Paisley, John Legend and others.

Did 'Glee' Rip Off Jonathan Coulton's 'Baby Got Back' Cover?

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January 18, 2013

by Variance Staff

It didn't take long on Friday for fans to alert singer Jonathan Coulton of a very curious music clip posted to YouTube assumed to be from an upcoming episode of Glee. Fans—and the musician himself—were quick to point out the Fox dramedy's version of "Baby Got Back" sounds almost identical to Coulton's cover of the song which appeared on his 2005 album.

LISTEN: Mike Posner Covers The Lumineers' 'Ho Hey' [DOWNLOAD]

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January 16, 2013

by Variance Staff

Looks like The Lumineers might have a fan in Mike Posner. The indie rapper on Wednesday released a very spry cover/remix of the folk outfit's hit song "Ho Hey." Very surprising mix, but very good.

LISTEN: Cold War Kids' New Single 'Miracle Mile'; New Album Set For April

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January 15, 2013

by Variance Staff

It's official. Cold War Kids will release their much-anticipated fourth studio album Dear Miss Lonely Hearts on April 1 via Downtown Records. After teasing last week the upcoming release, the Long Beach rockers have confirmed the followup to 2011's Mine Is Yours. The new effort was recorded in their California studio and Lars Stalfors (The Mars Volta, Matt & Kim) served as producer for the project.

LISTEN: Ra Ra Riot's 'Beta Love' [FULL ALBUM STREAM]

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January 15, 2013

by Variance Staff

Beta Love is here! Although their new set is not due to release until Jan. 22 via Barsuk, Ra Ra Riot has premiered on YouTube their latest effort in its entirety. The album features vocalist Wes Miles, guitarist Milo Bonacci, bassist Mathieu Santos and violinist Rebecca Zeller and was recorded in Oxford, Miss. Dennis Herring (Modest Mouse, Wavves, Elvis Costello) served as producer.

LISTEN: Tegan & Sara's New Track 'I Was A Fool'

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January 14, 2013

by Variance Staff

Ahead of their upcoming album Heartthrob, Tegan & Sara have now released another track off the highly anticipated set. "I Was A Fool" certainly falls in line with the sister duo's efforts to evolve into the pop sphere, as this lush new cut does have a subtle Katy Perry flavor to it (minus the candy-coated everything). Would seem fitting though, as Tegan admits Perry and Kate Bush were on repeat a lot during the making of this new album.

LISTEN: The Last Royals' 'Friday Night'

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January 13, 2013

by Variance Staff

New York City duo The Last Royals released their debut album Twistification this week, and it's definitely worth checking out. Eric James and Mason Ingram together create a combination of decadent indie pop and synthy electro sounds worthy of placement on any playlist, and their lead single "Friday Night" is a perfect example of the great music this pair offers as we kick off this new year. We definitely hope to hear—and see—a lot more from TLR in the coming months.

LISTEN: Bit Funk's 'The Long Road Ahead' [DOWNLOAD]

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January 13, 2013

by Variance Staff

There's just something about a good, fresh funky jam like that offered by Brooklyn's Bit Funk. The producer-DJ recently revealed a new track, "The Long Road Ahead," which is also available as a free download below via his Soundcloud page. We expect great things from this guy this year. If you're not a fan yet, take a listen!

Justin Timberlake Announces New Single 'Suit & Tie' Feat. Jay-Z; Album '20/20 Experience' Releasing This Year

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January 13, 2013

by Variance Staff

Following an abrupt teaser last week, Justin Timberlake announced early Monday the release of his new single "Suit & Tie" featuring Jay-Z and a new album to follow. And it's exactly as we first reported on Saturday. The song was written by Timberlake, Timbaland, Shawn Carter, Jerome “J-ROC” Harmon and James Flauntleroy and produced by Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Jerome “J-ROC” Harmon. The song is the first release off Timberlake’s forthcoming album, The 20/20 Experience, due out this year on RCA Records. "Suit & Tie" is available now via iTunes.

Of the new album, he said it was not planned and it happened unexpectedly. "The inspiration for this really came out of the blue and to be honest, I didn't expect anything out of it. I just went into the studio and started playing around with some sounds and songs. It was probably the best time I've had in my career... Just creating with no rules and/or end goal in mind and really enjoying the process."

LISTEN: Ra Ra Riot's Newest Track 'Is It Too Much'

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January 12, 2013

by Variance Staff

Ahead of the band's third album Beta Love, Ra Ra Riot has released yet another track, "Is It Too Much." While the other tracks are all great, this newest one is definitely one of our favorites. Speaking with Variance in the latest issue, Mathieu Santos confirms that—like this track, the album does explore the band's synthier side. Previously released tracks "Beta Love," "When I Dream" and "Dance With Me" are evidence of this as well.

LISTEN: Mausi Debuts New Track 'Move' Ahead of Upcoming Album

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January 12, 2013

by Variance Staff

While much of America of frozen in winter weather, U.K. four piece Mausi has released a fresh summery tune called "Move" off their upcoming album reportedly due in March. If you're experiencing frosty temperatures, this bright and poppy new single out of Newcastle will put you poolside in the middle of June—or at the center of the dance floor. Either way, it's a great reminder that warmer temps and sunny new music is on the way this year.