Updated: Tegan & Sara's New Album 'Heartthrob'

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January 29, 2013

by Variance Staff

Editor's Note: Portions of the text below appear in the January issue of Variance, written by Rachel Faylene; artwork by Lindsey Byrnes. (Full story)

Tegan and Sara's new album Heartthrob officially releases Tuesday. As if the previously released tracks weren't proof enough, the pair definitely ventures into pop territory with this entire set. And it's so, so good.

"As an artist, when you’re making music and you’re touring for a living, you start setting all these goals for yourself,” Sara told Variance. “Tegan and I have accomplished the many things we wanted to accomplish. We’ve been all over the world and we’ve seen our audience grow from a handful of people, to a hundred people, to five hundred people, to now.”

LISTEN: Washed Out's 'Sound of Creation'

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January 29, 2013

by Variance Staff

While Washed Out's Ernest Greene has remained more or less under the radar for the past year, electronics brand Philips was able to recruit him to contribute to their new Sound of Creation campaign. The track of the same title was revealed this week via Consequence of Sound.

LISTEN: Wale Guests on Pusha T's 'Only You Can Tell It'

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January 27, 2013

by Variance Staff

Hours ahead of the release of his Wrath of Caine mixtape, Pusha T has debuted the new cut "Only You Can Tell It," featuring Wale. The Boogz Da Beast-produced track is streaming on Billboard before the Jan. 28 release.

LISTEN: Rick Ross' New Single 'Box Chevy'

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January 25, 2013

by Variance Staff

It's the weekend, so things are already looking pretty good, but Rick Ross just made things a little better with the release of a new track, "Box Chevy." The new cut is the lead track off his recently announced forthcoming album Mastermind. The D. Rich-produced "Chevy" is a perfect selection either for the club or with the windows rolled down. Regardless, it's good to have new music from Mr. Rozay.

LISTEN: Vampire Weekend Debuts Live New Song 'Arms'

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January 23, 2013

by Variance Staff

Following news this week regarding their upcoming album, Vampire Weekend debuted a new song on Wednesday at Sydney's Metro Theatre. The new cut, reportedly titled "Arms," made its way online by way of fan recording, and while the audio is understandably not the best quality, it can be heard below.

LISTEN: ON AN ON's Debut Album 'Give In' [FULL STREAM]

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January 22, 2013

by Variance Staff

ON AN ON is set to release their full-length debut Give In on Jan. 29, but fans have a chance to hear the album this week in its entirety. An advanced preview is now streaming via Hype Machine. Give In is also now available through Roll Call Records for pre-order with bonus content including remixes and music videos on the band's website.

LISTEN: Paramore's New Single 'Now'

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January 21, 2013

by Variance Staff

Paramore unleashed late Monday night the new track they had promised. "Now," the lead single off their long-awaited self-titled new album, officially released to the trio's website for streaming. After a nearly four-year absence, Paramore is set to arrive April 9 via Fueled By Ramen. Fans can also pre-order the new set, as well as deluxe bundles and vinyl.

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.