Astronaughty - Try Much Harder

Today for our Mellow Monday post, we've got something a bit different from the fresh NYC electro/pop duo Astronaughty. Try Much Harder has a sound that is particularly reminiscent of The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie, really catchy and melodic with vocals that seem both fragile and powerful at the same time.

The guys of Astronaughty are giving this one away for free, so hit the download icon in the player below to grab your copy.

- KJ

Tony Quattro - My House ft. Showtime Willy

Here's a house track with a really interesting production story behind it.  The track itself is pretty great as well, but the most interesting thing about it is actually buried in the background details of the vocal.  New York based producer Tony Quattro was riding home from work on the subway, and happened to be on the same train car that was treated to an impromptu stand-up comedy session.

The stand-up routine was put on by New York local homeless man Showtime Willy, and Tony was taken by his infectious delivery and vocal qualities. Showtime Willy is a long-time resident of New York City, and has been living on the subway cars for over 30 years, performing his stand-up routines for audiences throughout the day.  Before Willy could leave the train, Tony made his way over to Willy and offered him $20 to record some vocals with him for a house production.

My House is that production, and apparently the whole session took about 45 minutes to lay down the vocals that ended up on the final version.  When they wrapped up, Tony sent Willy home with a bit more money along with some alcohol and cigarettes.

My House was released as part of the Plates compilation on Main Course, a forward thinking label run by Bot (Formerly of Crookers).  Pick up the compilation on iTunes here. Also, credit to Thump for the original premiere of the track.

- KJ