K. Raydio & Psymun, LucidDreamingSkylines

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LucidDreamingSkylines is a daydream of an album. The product of a year-long collaboration between singer/songwriter K. Raydio and producer Psymun, the album is a sultry slow-burn. It skates a landscape where vinyl fuzz meets chillwave beats, fluttering woodwinds, and liquid synth, while K. Raydio’s enticing, soulful vocals complement the bite of her surreal lyrics. K. Raydio and Psymun have crafted a unique kind of groove, sure to enchant listeners into an icy cool trance. LucidDreamingSkylines is available for download now on Bandcamp, and will be released in physical form on January 4. K. Raydio & Psymun will team up to celebrate the release at the 7th Street Entry on January 4, joined by Pho, Ackryte, and D’allen White.

Ceewhy, Freedom=Genius

Dominique “Ceewhy” Suttles isn’t just a rapper. Raised by a disc jockey and fluent in an eclectic mix of genres, this Minneapolis wordsmith fuses hip-hop artistry and experimental tendencies with the silky smoothness of pop and soul. Active in the Twin Cities scene since the release of his first album Dreams are Bulletproof in 2010, Ceewhy and his band Gorilla Panic have earned attention for numerous releases, including annual The Sickness mixtapes and Black Art, whose title represents a style and commitment that permeate Ceewhy’s work. His upcoming album, Freedom=Genius, due out on January 3, will be released at a CD release show at the Triple Rock Social Club, with performances by Crunchy Kids, MaLLy, Carnage, and DJ SoSupreme.

Kasper, The Brooklyn Standard EP

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Although he received classical training in violin and piano, emerging artist and DJ Kasper has found success in the Twin Cities scene thanks to his high-tech “liquid drum + bass” sounds. Fit for dance floors everywhere, The Brooklyn Standard, Kasper’s latest four-song EP with Celsius Recordings, showcases Kasper’s creative prowess, mixing hyperactive beats with sophisticated piano and ethereal effects. Accompanied by an impressive crew of guests—Cosmo, Nick Twist, Ryan C, and Everest—Kasper will welcome 2014 as he drops his new EP at his “Bring on the New Year” release party, January 3 at the 7th Street Entry.

The Karma Kicks, It’s All Gone Wrong

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The Karma Kicks, two Andys and a Dave, formed their kickin’ three-man blues-rock act in St. Paul in 2012. Set for release on January 4, their latest effort, a full-length record entitled It’s All Gone Wrong, explodes with twangy, high-energy tracks in the spirit of rockabilly and Americana. Despite the album’s pessimistic moniker, It’s All Gone Wrong is a sonic party, with generous hooks and crunchy riffs that could make even the most heartbroken howl sound like a good time. It might have “all gone wrong,” but in the hands of the Karma Kicks, it sounds oh so right. Dave and the Andys, in celebration of the release, are headed to the Turf Club for an album release party on January 4, featuring performances by the Drug Budget and the Smashing Adams.

KT Lindemann is a senior at the University of Minnesota, Morris, pursuing studio art and Spanish. She is a native of the Twin Cities and is a wannabe musician, artist, and music writer.