Considering that this LA-based label’s name comes from a novel co-written by Jack Kerouac & William S. Burroughs a whole 10 years before they became “Jack Kerouac” and “William S. Burroughs,” the creators of Hippos in Tanks are placing themselves firmly in the timeline of music alt.culture history. Trafficking in a left of-left of center avant-synth zone, Hippos In Tanks is doing really bold work that should be recognized right now, but may very well be so cutting edge that it’s the label kids will be talking about in 20 years in the same way that …

KCRW has partnered with local indie label IAMSOUND on their LA Collection to spotlight local artists you should know. The label is releasing a series of limited edition split 7″ singles and we are debuting the tracks exclusively online!
This month’s artists are locals who have impressive touring resumes, in addition to their recorded work, and it’s the most rocking set yet from the LA Collection. It’s also the first new recordings released this year from Imaad Wasif and IO Echo.
On Today’s Top Tune – a free daily download …

KCRW is partnering with local indie label IAMSOUND on their LA Collection — a series of split 7″ singles featuring local bands like Fool’s Gold, Local Natives, Rainbow Arabia, Nosaj Thing, and more. Each 7″ will include exclusive material (except for Local Natives’ contribution). The first split release in the monthly series will be out on March 2 and KCRW will be offering exclusive downloads and streams, in addition to premiering them on the air during Morning Becomes Eclectic.
On March 2, KCRW will feature “Good Night Blue” from Moonrats as …

By KCRW DJ Mario Cotto:
“To everything turn, turn, turn, In every season turn, turn, turn…” so went King Solomon’s proto-existentialist poem in the Book of Ecclesiastes, which inspired Pete Seeger to write his folk peace song, which became a huge hippie folk rock hit by The Byrds. That’s the beauty of a great lyric, like the beauty of a great groove — although it is perfectly rooted in its time and place, it’s timeless.
This is one of hip-hops great lessons in my life. Amazing producers like, J-Dilla, Premier, and Prince …

What does the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday call to your mind?  Mine instantly conjures thoughts of unabashedly old fashioned, and romantic pop labels.
Perhaps the most unabashedly old fashioned, and romantic pop label around these days is the Santa Barbara-based Matinée Recordings. During it’s nearly 13 years of existence, Matinée has created a rather distinctive and inviting world. Here the guitar pop takes center stage with songs that range from wistful, to heartbreaking, and even, on occasion, display bursts of outright exuberance. I’ll be honest, Matinée first piqued my interest due …