NYU student Maggie Rogers has released the track that blew artist-in-residence Pharrell Williams away.
Alaska, inspired by a hiking trip Rogers went on, is light and folky electronica that brings to mind James Blake. Williams, who first heard the track during a masterclass, tweeted at the weekend that Rogers had a unique gift, and he couldn't wait to watch her soar.
Meanwhile, Blake's recently released third album - The Colour in Anything - features contributions from Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, Rick Rubin, and famed illustrator Quentin Blake, who did the album artwork.
James Blake, who himself featured on the track Forward on Beyonce's Lemonade album, won the Mercury Music Prize for his second album Overgrown.
The Colour in Anything is the follow-up to the 2014 EP 200 Press.
Andrew Keoghan has released details of his second album, due at the end of July.
Every Orchid Offering will feature duets with Hollie Fullbrook (Tiny Ruins) and Chelsea Nikkel (Princess Chelsea), as well as contributions from Phoenix Foundation and Lawrence Arabia.
According to publicity, the album is "a series of personal vignettes about transience, sexuality, conceived gender roles, commitment, lust and modern reincarnation, combining a pop sensibility with contemporary R&B, electronic and orchestral elements".
The video for the first single, Stuck in Melodies, is out now, with a second video, Queues at Dani Keys, out later this month.
Atlanta's The Coathangers have announced two New Zealand concerts on the back of their new album Nosebleed Weekend.
The punk rock trio will play Auckland's Whammy Bar on September 30 and Christchurch's Churchills Live on October 1. Ticket pre-sales go live next Monday at Under The Radar.
Revisit a classic Twenty years ago this week we discovered Where It's At thanks to Beck.
The release of his second studio album Odelay saw the artist trying to rehabilitate his post-Loser image, fusing alt-rock, hip-hop and country & western.
Singles include the aforementioned Where It's At and Devil's Haircut, but for real fun check out the heavily countrified Sissyneck.
SoundBites Extra:
Melbourne band Terry have announced a New Zealand tour and album release.
Terry are following up their two 7-inch releases with their first full-lengther Terry HQ.
Venues for the 10-date tour include Hamilton, Whanganui and Barrytown. All shows are $10 entry.
Weds 29 June - Auckland - Whammy Bar (free show) Thurs 30 June - Hamilton - Nivara Lounge Fri 1 July - Palmerston North - Great Job! Sat 2 July - Wellington - MOON Sun 3 July - Whanganui - Lucky Base Weds 6 July - Barrytown - Barrytown Hall Thurs 7 July - Queenstown - The Sherwood Fri 8 July - Dunedin - 2 Jutland Street Sat 9 July - Christchurch - Darkroom Sun 10 July - Auckland - Audio Foundation (daytime show)
