Hails From: Stockholm, Sweden

Musical Style: Pop / Electro / Dance

For Fans of: MGMT, The Neptunes, Flaming Lips

Why you should check them out:

What happens when two award winning producers team up with a longtime singer/songwriter to perform their own brand of indie pop? If Miike Snow is any indication, the result is a whole lot of catchy beats and a nearly immediate fan following poised to dance it up through their ever escalating, chart topping status.

Background check:

After years of playing in bands and writing hits for the like of Britney Spears, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue, Christian Karlsson and Pontus Ninnberg, otherwise known as the production duo Bloodshy & Avant, returned to the studio under their own direction and an unclear vision of exactly how far their new project would take them. And while the ambiguous moniker and jackalope insignia may have kept them under the radar for awhile, it was only a matter of time before both critics and listeners caught on to the trio’s tightly constructed flurry of dance pop perfection.

While writing hits for pop stars may have been their forte, the tracks off their self titled debut contain a distinct laid back charm, clearly distinguishing the feel of their new project from their previous mainstream hits. Regarded as easy listening, Miike Snow create their own division of electropop founded by their collective expertise and eclectic industry backgrounds. Piano driven arrangements are supported by wavering synth tones and highly danceable beats, while Wyatt’s smooth and sultry vocals take the songs from indie hits to full scale pop accessibility. And although Pichfork may have toted Miike Snow as sounding akin to “crying your eyes out to Phil Collins on a beach”  you just have to ask yourself, is that really such a bad thing?

Where you can find them in Cyberspace:

MySpace

Wikipedia

On Tour:

 JamBase

Similar Artists:

• Leopold and his Fiction
• Yacht

Hails From:  São Paulo, Brazil

Musical Style: Electro, Alternative Pop/Rock

For Fans of: Bjork, Peaches, Scissor Sisters

Why you should check them out:

Named “Tired of being sexy” in Portuguese (something Beyonce once said that she was) Cansei de Ser Sexy (popularly known as CSS) are upbeat, here to make you dance, and the biggest band to come out of Brazil in a long time.

Background Check:

From São Paulo to Sub Pop Records,  CSS have worked their way towards international status armed with their energetic dance beats and playful neon fashion.  Known for their tongue-in-cheek song titles and ultra 80’s aesthetic, the Brazilian quartet are four ladies and one lucky guy headed by the sassy vocal stylings of singer Lovefoxxx (yeah, that’s right).

Formed amidst the underground dance culture in their hometown of São Paulo, CSS first gained attention with the help of internet sites and electronic downloads leading to the release of their 2005 debut on Trama records.  A year later, CSS signed to Sub Pop Records and released their international debut Cansei de Ser Sexy, gaining immediate fanfare when the single “Music is My Hot Hot Sex” was featured in a worldwide iPod commercial.  After nearly three years of continuous touring, and several commercial spots later, CSS returned with their 2008 full length Donkey, their most commercially accessable release to date.  Between their high energy dance pop and their downright playful attitudes, CSS are five friends making music to have a great time – come join the party.

Where you can find them in cyberspace:

CSS Homepage

Myspace Page

Wikipedia

On Tour:

Jambase