While I really don’t listen to the radio, I love discovering new music. Some artists I get to know through video games, others by way of Twitter. Not every artist that catches my attention ultimately becomes a favorite, like Code Elektro did two years ago, but here are some that did. (Actually, I’ve been meaning to write this post for months now, but, as you may have noticed, I have been working my PS4 far too much)

EchoDroides
At the end of last year, the soundtrack of WATCH_DOGS proved a treasure trove for me. And while I also discovered the likes of The Toxic Avenger or Scratch Massive, two Chicago-based combos really stuck with me. One is the duo EchoDroides. Their distinct, 80s-inspired synth sound is as beautiful as singer Frank de la Mora’s voice. I own their EPs Horizon and Tachyon as well as the fantastic 2013 album Orbita. I absolutely adore the tracks “Inito” and “Angelus”. I’ll certainly keep an eye and ear out for what’s coming next.

The Right Now
The Right Now are a soul-band from Chicago and I think they are fantastic. I ultimately fell in love with their song “He used to be” off the WATCH_DOGS soundtrack and have been anxiously awaiting their new album, Starlight, which, incidentially, has just come out, ever since listening to their groovy 2012 debut Gets Over You. If you are into soul, give them a try. I really wish I could see them live one day…

The Key Regimes
The Irish band The Key Regimes just published their debut EP, aptly titled The Key Regimes. And they are pretty good at marketing their work on Twitter, which is how I got to know them. Their sound is pretty funky at times, pretty cool too. There’s definitely potential to becoming one of my favorite bands…

Vampire Step-Dad
Awesome concept (it’s a sitcom), awesome sound. Both EPs A Night in the Life Of and Sweater Weather feature beautiful pieces of synth bliss, but my favorites have to be “I want the stars” and “Please, Jan Hammer, don’t hurt them”. The latest EP Love Bites is out now, but unfortunately not on my preferred platform iTunes. Yet (Major Hint!). I adore this artist.

CTRL ALT ESC
While duo CTRL ALT ESC really hail from Toronto, Canada, “Summer Vibe” off their first, self-titled EP reminded me of a summer spent in California oh so long ago. Don’t ask me why. Their debut album Commencement was published last year (favorites are “Your love is dangerous” and “Access”) and I love it! Keep up the good work, guys!

So, I am very much looking forward to discovering even more artists this year (next on my list is the very promising Anuma that I’m listening to right now, thanks for the follow, by the way), so please don’t hesitate to contact me via Twitter!

Keep the music coming!

Vanessa