LISTEN: Frank Ocean's Previously Unreleased 'Eyes Like Sky'

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February 24, 2013

by Variance Staff

Following a big month for Frank Ocean with wins at the Grammys and Best International Male Artist at the Brits, the channel ORANGE artist revealed that he was "10, 11 songs" into his upcoming sophomore album. "It's another cohesive thing, bordering on a concept record again," he added. In the meantime, a new, previously unreleased track had leaked online. The guitar-featuring song is reportedly one of the tracks that ultimately did not make it onto ORANGE.

LISTEN: Hudson Debuts Gritty New Single 'Chained' Ahead of Album

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February 21, 2013

by Variance Staff

Following an EP that debuted last summer, Hudson (aka David Hudson) on Tuesday released his latest single, titled "Chained." While his previous material showcased a softer sound, the new track introduces a grittier albeit polished tune, with more mature, gravely vocals that suggest a stronger rock influence.

LISTEN: Emeli Sandé's 'Next To Me' Remix Featuring Kendrick Lamar

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February 20, 2013

by Variance Staff

Emeli Sandé, who has previously praised the way her rap collaborators connect with their audience, has added another to the mix. The Scottish songbird has teamed up with West Coast MC Kendrick Lamar for a remix of "Next to Me," a track originally off her debut LP, Our Version of Events.

LISTEN: Phoenix's New Single 'Entertainment' Off Upcoming Album 'Bankrupt!'

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February 18, 2013

by Variance Staff

Phoenix on Monday debuted their first single off the forthcoming album, Bankrupt! The catchy new track, "Entertainment," premiered on BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe show.

LISTEN: The-Dream's 'Slow It Down' Feat. Fabolous

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February 15, 2013

by Variance Staff

It's only a day late, but The-Dream on Tuesday released the lead single off his forthcoming album, Fourplay. The new track, "Slow It Down," sees the singer-songwriter-producer collaborating once again with Fabolous. The-Dream previously told us at the Grammys that he had anticipated being able to release the new cut on Thursday, in time for Valentine's Day. He had actually hoped to have released the entire album earlier than it's upcoming May 7 debut, telling Variance on Sunday, "Have to force the label's hand—those guys."

LISTEN: The Civil Wars Unveil First Track Off 'Place at the Table' Soundtrack

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February 13, 2013

by Variance Staff

Days after their icy Grammys appearance, The Civil Wars have unveiled new music. The duo comprised of Joy Williams and John Paul White on Wednesday unleashed "Long Time Gone," a collaboration with T Bone Burnett. It is the first of 14 tracks on the A Place At The Table soundtrack, featuring original songs and music by The Civil Wars and Burnett. The soundtrack releases Feb. 26.

LISTEN: Haim Officially Releases "Falling" Off Upcoming EP

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February 12, 2013

by Variance Staff

San Fernando Valley sister trio Haim on Tuesday released a new song, "Falling," the title track off their forthcoming new EP, which arrives April 1 via Polydor. As we previously reported, the group originally debuted this track live last month during a performance for BBC Radio 1. It is now available for streaming and purchase.

LISTEN: Chvrches Debut Title Track 'Recover' Off Forthcoming EP

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February 6, 2013

by Variance Staff

Scottish outfit Chvrches have only released a handful of songs, but their fan base continues to grow. And with good reason. The trio—made up of Iain Cook, Martin Doherty and Lauren Mayberry—recently took the No. 5 spot on BBC's Sound of 2013 poll, and as we revealed earlier this week, they will also be performing this May alongside a ridiculously good Sasquatch Festival lineup in Washington state.

LISTEN: Drake's New Single 'Started From the Bottom'

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February 1, 2013

by Variance Staff

Drake has taken a page from Kanye West's playbook, releasing on Friday evening his new single "Started From the Bottom." The track, which is set to release for purchase following next Sunday's Grammy awards, is the first cut off his yet-untitled new album. In a post to his October's Very Own blog, the rapper-actor acknowledged that songs and artwork for the album are already in the works, as is a tour.

LISTEN: Iron & Wine's 'Lovers' Revolution' Off New Album 'Ghost On Ghost'

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January 31, 2013

by Variance Staff

As if January didn't already have enough great music news and upcoming albums announced, Sam Beam (aka Iron & Wine) has announced his new album Ghost On Ghost will arrive this spring. And to make this last day of January just a little bit better, Beam is offering the first new track off the set, "Lovers' Revolution," which can be heard below.

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.