The Kickdrums - Smash the System / Things Don't Change

A kick drum is a percussion instrument that produces a note of low definite or indefinite pitch. Over here at New Music Xperience we're more familiar with another type of kick drum, the production duo of Alex Fitts and Matt Penttila. These two talented individuals have come together to form, "The Kickdrums." Since meeting as audio engineers in a small studio in Cleveland, Ohio, Alex and Matt have worked cooperatively to successfully produce records for artists throughout the industry.



The two most recent projects from The Kickdrums promote a 'green' movement using recycled accapellas while reinventing original beats. These two mixtapes show off Alex Fitts' heavy influence from his alternative rock roots while Matt Penttila steps up to the plate and experiments with his love for electronic music. Spinning songs and unraveling chord progressions are overlaid with obscure samples. The Kickdrums create beats that are truly unique. Regardless of what The Kickdrums have done on previous projects, their two latest releases are nothing short of stellar. The albums are graced with an all-star line up, consisting of artists such as, Kanye West, MGMT, Kid Cudi, Adelle, Freeway, Talib Kweli, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Lil' Wayne, Santogold, Jay Z and more.

These two mixtapes entitled, "Smash the System," & "Things Don't Change," present a mesh of alternative rock, soul music and hip-hop which are laid over heavy drum breaks combined with synthesized guitar accents.

The instrumentals on these tapes are raw and have stand out appeal. Hop, skip and jump across these two downloads and cop, "Smash the System" & "Things Don't Change," free. See you next week, Enjoy.

Ace Enders & a Million Different People - The Secret Wars

As early November approaches, we can look forward to the cold nights and crisp air to soon be upon us. Former lead singer and guitarist of the band "The Early Novemeber," Arthur Carl Enders, decided to part ways with the band and ultimately pursue a solo career. Arthur Enders coined his musical talent under the title, "Ace Enders & a Million Different People." In recent months, Ace Enders has released a debut EP titled, "The Secret Wars," which presents itself to be a success as an independent release from the ambitious solo artist.

Ace Enders & A Million Different People touches on a vast array of different topics such as, relationships, breakups, life, and love. "The Secret Wars" EP spans across eight solid tracks, which provide a relaxing, low key and an enjoyable listen. Arthur Carl Enders proves to be more of a singer/song writer on this album, showing off his lyrical talents as they're sung over acoustic sets. Other tracks are built up to present themselves with more of a soothing, melodic feel. The EP offers a variety of flavor for the pop/punk scene. "The Secret Wars" EP will not get you pumped up by any means but is a great album to listen to if you are dealing with a breakup or reflecting during some downtime.

If your a fan of, I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business (Arther Carl "Ace" Enders side project), Mae, The Spill Canvas, or Dashboard Confessional then this album may be one for you. Drop a click (here) for a free download of Ace Enders & A Million Different People's new EP, "The Secret Wars." Enjoy.

Mike Posner - One Foot Out The Door

Remember this guy?

No poser, Mike Posner is back. Recognizing his need to feed his fan base, Mike Posner is at it again. As stated in our earlier article, Mike Posner was slated to release another mixtape entitled, “One Foot Out The Door” by the end of ’09. As it turns out, he did just that. New Music Xperience is here to bring you Mike Posner’s follow-up project, “One Foot Out The Door,” which features twelve futuristic tracks, all which touch on a variety of topics such as bravado, marijuana, females, relationships and loneliness. Posner attacks this mixtape differently, coming off with a style that’s slightly different from his first mixtape. He dispenses his lyrics more clearly and concisely, while maintaining a steady flow. Posner teams up with Big Sean for another killer track, rocking a slow beat, but sitting in the driver seat moving through life at the “Speed of Sound.” Other collaborations include Saigon, Kid Cudi, 3Oh!3, GLC, XV, and Bun B. Mike Posner showed up on this tape and proves his talent yet again. Don’t scroll past this material, head over (here) to download the latest from Mike Posner for free! Enjoy.

You, Me, and Everyone We Know - Party for the Grown & Sexy / So Young, So Insane

You, Me, and Everyone We Know is a pop/rock band from Washington, D.C. The band formed in 2006 consisting of lead singer, Ben Liebsch, guitarists, Ryan Sherrill and Noel Milford, bassist Dan Lee, and drummer Paul Martinez. The band has worked with a variety of talented producers, such as Josh Cain (of Motion City Soundtrack) to create their first EP, “Party for the Grown and Sexy.”

Head over (here) to download,
“Party for the Grown and Sexy EP” free.

While on tour, tragedy struck the band when their van caught on fire. The group could only stand and watch as all of their belongings and musical equipment burnt up in flames. Like all other things in life, when something knocks you down you have to let the beat build you back up. Following this incident the band re-grouped. Lead singer, Ben Liebsch, and guitarist, Noel Milford still remained but brought on the addition of Rico Vigil and Aaron Stern (formerly of Matchbook Romance). The group ended the year with a bang, recording and releasing their second EP, “So Young, So Insane.”

Head over (here) to download,
“So Young, So Insane” free.

You, Me and Everyone We Know is now a four piece band looking to make upbeat energetic music which at times can pinch an emotional nerve. The lyrics play on the song as a cautious tale being told throughout a song, both lyrically and melodically. The groups sound is catchy and enjoyable. If you’re open to new things and new genres, don’t hesitate to check this group out. The band can be highly comparable to The Format, Panic at the Disco, Cartel, and Fall Out Boy.

Drop a Comment! Enjoy!

Hoodie Allen - Making Waves

Hoodie Allen is a New York based, unsigned, self-managed,
hip-hop duo made up of Steven Witz (Vocals) & Obey City (Beats).

This duo has come together with one thing in common, the desire to make fun, quality music. While producing music all throughout their college years, this hip-hop/pop duo has been challenged to find a balance between their academics and their love for music. Regardless of their educational outcome, this group is making some pretty entertaining music. The 21-year-olds Steven Witz & Obey City have aspirations of making it big in the music industry and are moving in the right direction. Hoodie Allen has produced tracks with influences ranging from artists such as Outkast, Common, Robin Thicke and Hall & Oates.

The group has released singles throughout their last years at UPenn and Tufts but, has recently dropped their first full-length mix-tape titled, "Making Waves." According to Hoodie Allen, the group has received well over 4,000 downloads within the first 24 hours it was released, pretty impressive coming from an unsigned, self-managed duo. Download and listen to these two talented kids from the Big Apple because as you can see, their literally "Making Waves" across the music industry.

This up-and-coming white, hip-hop duo is definitely something different. Hop on the track-train if you’re looking for something new, something to move and shake to. Drop a click (here) for a free download.

If your diggin' it, head over to their iTunes Store to download their official EP entitled, "The Bagels and Beats EP." Plop down like a sponge, and soak up this new talent. Enjoy!

Girl Talk - Feed the Animals

What happens when girls talk?

It creates a lot of "noise." Some people listen, others don't really care.

Producer and musical artist Gregg Michael Gillis was made famous with his collaborative blends of a wide variety of music over the past few years. Signed under the record label, "Illegal Art," Gregg Michael Gillis has been creating LP's using the alias 'Girl Talk' since 2002. He attacks the DJ booth to create music (not noise) that stands apart from other DJ's. Spanning music genres such as pop, rock, classic, and even indie, Girl Talk seems to cover it all. His mash-ups can consist of over 150 samples a song and while listening, these tracks have proved to be some of the most impressive songs we've heard in a while.

Some of you may or may not have heard of this material but, for those of you who haven't, don't miss out! His upbeat music has been drawing attention all throughout the music industry, contributing to sell out performances and has promoted him to offer a free release of his latest Girl Talk LP titled, "Feed the Animals."

<-- If you want your nights to end like this then download "Feed the Animals," you won't be disappointed. Head over (here) to download and sample the musical talent of Gregg Michael Gillis of Girl Talk free. Enjoy!

The Damnwells - One Last Century

The Damnwells are an indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York that aren’t up and coming by any means but, are definitely well deserving of exposure. The band has released three studio albums ever since they were formed in 2001 and this year they have self-released their latest LP, “One Last Century.”

Singer/songwriter Alex Dezen graces each track with his pleasant vocals and clever lyrics which are paired nicely with soft rock instrumentals. Aside from the lead singer, Alex Dezen, and bassist, Ted Hudson, the group has seen its percussionists and guitarists swapped in and out like subs at a basketball game. With a variety of talent this group always seems to get it done. The Damnwells do a great job creating a relaxing and enjoyable sound which is noticeably similar to that of Tom Petty, The Replacements, Wilco, and Bob Dylan. The Damnwells are not a band to get you out of your seat and moving but one you can sit back and enjoy.


Although summer is gone we can still enjoy the crisp autumn air and the soft sounds of The Damnwells latest release, "One Last Century." Not all things in life are free, but this album is. Head over (here) to sample and download it now. Enjoy.

Sol. - Dear Friends.

Over here at N.M.X. we were lucky to get our hands on the new "Dear Friends EP" from the Seattle, Washington native, Sol. Sol has been making his way through the hip-hop jungle for a while now but, for the followers of N.M.X. who are unknowing of this artist, it's time to get familiar.

Sol is an artist who approaches his music with a motivational and inspiring tone. He plays his lyrics off a variety of puns and clever metaphors while spitting bars over simple beats. The samples contain accents from horns and simple chimes which are entwined with tight, punch-line drivin' bass. Sol is an artist that brings his experience and personal wisdom to the ears of his listeners on every track. His music is sure to catch the attention of someone looking to fall back into a classic, yet experience something new. For the past few years, Sol has been on his music grind, opening for hip-hop legends such as Wu-Tang Clan, Zion-I, and GZA (of Wu-Tang). Take a break from your day and sample Sol, on his new EP, "Dear Friends."

Fans of Nas, De La Soul, Outkast, and Method Man hop over (here) and download the EP for $Free.99 + tax. All kidding aside, this EP is not something to sleep on. Take Sol out for a ride, windows down, system up and spread the word. If you like what you hear, support the artist and head over to Sol's iTunes Store to purchase his debut album, "The Ride." Enjoy.

Monument Monument - Sleep Well When You Get There

A stand out band from Detroit, Michigan has been slowly catching buzz all around the industry. The group, Monument Monument, has been doing their thing and shaking up the motor city for quite some time now. Monument Monument is a four piece set consisting of Steve Branstrom, Matt Galbraith, Christopher Abalos and Matt Tankersley. Since coming together in 2004, these four musicians have tackled the industry head on.

Monument Monument has produced a debut album comprised of soft vocals which are laid over simple melodic sounds and present an enjoyable amount of piano accents. Monument Monument's sound is comparable to that of Jimmy Eat World, Mae, Acceptance and Copeland. The group's lyrics are straight forward and not overly emotional, which have captured our attention track after track throughout this EP, "Sleep Well When You Get There."

New Music Xperience had the pleasure to sample this bands material and is bringing their debut album, "Sleep Well When You Get There," free! Head over (here) to download the debut EP release from Monument Monument and let us know what you think. Whether this group is or isn't for you, their musical talent is backed by professional grade production which any audiophile can appreciate. Enjoy!

Ratatat - Ratatat Remixes Vol. 1 & 2

It's Feel Good Friday and New Music Xperience presents, The Ratatat Remixes.

For all the weekend warriors out there New Music Xperience is bringing you the self-released, 'Ratatat Remix' albums to cater to your weekend musical needs. These albums are two of which you should definitely consider tossin' into your daily rotation. If you plan to 'Party and Bullshit' this weekend, leave it up to Ratatat and Notorious B.I.G. to provide the entertainment.

Ratatat is a two piece duo from Brooklyn, New York who have been actively working together since 2001. The musicians behind these recycled accapellas and unique beats are multi-instrumentalist/ programmer Evan Mast, and guitarist Mike Stroud. These two musicians approach these remix albums with precision and focus heavily on their unique sound. Most noticeably is their ability to recycle accapellas from some of the most popular songs of the past decade while sugar coating them with edgy, electronic, ear-poppin' beats. These remix albums are filled with some of hip-hop's greatest, including Jay-Z, Notorious BIG, Method Man, Jadakiss, Young Jeezy, T.I, Missy Elliot and more. We really appreciate talent and the ability to create new music but, we also appreciate creativity. Ratatat does just that. The albums are filled with original hip-hop tracks that are blended and manipulated into something new, something different, and something exciting.




Kick the weekend off with Ratatat, and take "Ratatat Remixes: Mixtape Volume 1" for a spin.







After you've soaked up Volume 1, marinate your brain with "Ratatat Remixes: Mixtape Volume 2" as well. If you like what you here, support the artist, and head over to Ratatat's iTunes store for more material. Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday.

Brave Citizens - Revolutions EP

If you haven’t heard about the Brave Citizens, you’re in for a treat. Brave Citizens, is a stand out band from Los Angeles, California that is filled with character and talent. In 2007, Brave Citizens, started out as a musical tag team duo between vocalist/guitarist Andrew Capra and guitarist/keyboardist Adam Bialik. The group later expanded to a classic four piece group, with the addition of bassist Jarred Dooley and drummer Alex Jones in 2008. Since then the band has taken off, grabbing attention up and down the west coast, ultimately striving to be the next rock sensation.

These Brave Citizens compose their music with talent and ease, coming off with energy, and lyrics to captivate their listeners. Brave Citizens combine an indie sound with a mainstream rock feel, and it works to perfection. After your sample one of their songs it’s hard to believe that this group has yet to be featured on a television show or played over the airwaves. Don't sleep on this band, be sure to check them out.

For fans of Mutemath, Coldplay, Anberlin, Copeland, or The Fray, this album is definitely for you. Download this EP with high expectations because it presents nothing less. Drop a finger and click (here) for a free download of Brave Citizens, "Revolutions EP," which includes two alternate bonus tracks. Enjoy!

mariage blanc - Broken Record

In French, ‘mariage blanc’ literally means, white marriage.

That’s cool and all, but in English, ‘mariage blanc,’ gives definition to a six-piece band that is worth noticing. When the term comes up in conversation over here at N.M.X, we don’t think of marriage or white doves, we think of the melodic, relaxing sound of the group from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mariage blanc is an indie rock band consisting of Jeff Baker, Matt Ceraso, Josh Dotson, Josh Kretzmer, Sam McUmber, and Chris Williams. These six gentlemen have been making music since early 2007, and have been doing it well. Their album titled, “Broken Record,” has a similar sound to that of the Beatles, Elliott Smith, and Wilco, to name a few. Whether you’re driving around, hanging out, sippin’ a beer or just jammin' on the iPod, these guys can be sure to fit your mood. Mariage blanc has a relaxing sound complimented by soft vocals which can provide an easy listen for open ears.

New Music Xperience is happy to offer their album to you free. This band is filled with young talent, but most importantly, they make good music. Mariage blanc is a group that is well deserving of some exposure. We hope you enjoy the change of pace. Head over to their bandcamp website to stream, "Broken Record," and if you like it, click the download link and toss it on the mp3 player, free!

AC - Use Somebody

When was the last time you used somebody?

Perhaps one of the most forgotten boroughs of New York City, Staten Island, is home to the rap artist AC. Since the debut of rap group Wu-Tang, Staten Island hasn't seen much action on the music scene till now. AC is trying to bring some attention back to the island, and is doing so by catching some buzz with one of his latest singles, "Use Somebody." The single high-jacks audio samples from The Kings of Leon, using them as a clever hook.

New Music Xperience wanted to share the love for AC, head over (here) to sample and download, "Use Somebody."

Shawn Chrystopher - The City With No Season

Scientists have said the world is getting warmer, but despite these concerns many things have yet to change. Out in Inglewood, California things have been noticeably heating up, especially on the music scene. An up and coming artist by the name of Shawn Chrystopher, has just has inked a deal with 'Honour R.O.L.E. Music,' and is gaining attention with the release of his debut album, "The City With No Seasons." The album is filled with in depth lyrical content which brushes across a variety of topics. Shawn Chrystopher uses a collaboration with John Mayer, sampling his song, "The Heart of Life," to discuss his experience of losing his father to divorce, while other songs spanned issues of success, dedication and heartbreak. The production on this album is near perfect, and for us over here at N.M.X, was an enjoyable listen.

Shawn Chrystopher's voice has a sounds similar to that of Kid Cudi's, so for all of you die hard rap fans out there, you know what to expect. Take a stroll through, "The City With No Season," download the album free (here). If your not feelin' it, don't stress out about deleting it, New Music Xperience is bringing it to you, Free! Enjoy.

TRV$ and DJ-AM - Fix Your Face Vol.1 & 2

Its Feel Good Friday and its time to take on the weekend with a spin. Today, 'New Music Xperience' is featuring a two disk special offer from TRV$ and DJ-AM.

With the tragic loss of DJ AM in recent months we have a lot to miss, but even more to remember. DJ AM joined up with former (current) blink-182 drummer, Travis Barker to create the entertainment duo, TRV$ and DJ-AM.
These two musicians came together to create some of the most ridiculous blends of classic, hip-hop, and pop music which coined the term, "mash-ups." Spanning across a wide variety of genres, DJ AM would spin instrumentals and acappellas over the incredible percussion talent of Travis Barker on the drums. At anytime throughout his performances DJ AM would scratch and mix some of the most raw tracks. He would sample some of the greatest most nostalgic songs from the past decade, that anyone could relate to. This incredible duo would play along side one another, getting crowds on their feet and bodies to rock. Take a peek,

If your attending a party this weekend, or are throwing one yourself, be sure to give these albums a spin, 'cuz everyone knows there is always one person at a party with iPod A.D.D. Constantly changing tracks, switching beats, and rudely interrupting your dance party with awkward song-skip silence. Don't let this happen, leave the DJin' up to these guys, TRV$ and DJ-AM.


Click this link to get your free download of TRV$ and DJ-AM's - FIX YOUR FACE, and while your at it, scan your two for one coupon, and grab TRV$ and DJ-AM's - Fix Your Face Vol. 2 (Coachella '09) free as well.

The Noisettes - Wild Young Heartbreak

Behind the powerful vocals of Shingai Shoniwa, The Noisettes are finally creating some buzz within the music industry. Based out of London, this British/ American pop group took it to the airwaves where they have been making noise ever since. Whether its their retro-R&B sound or the groups unique style, people are taking notice. Their breakout album titled, "Wild Young Hearts," features the hit single, "Never Forget You," which offers nostalgic lyrics about an old relationship. "Saturday Night," explodes the speakers with an upbeat, 'disco fever'-like sound. The Noisettes offer a range of variety on this album, from slower, ambient songs, to more catchy tunes. Here is the music video for "Never Forget You,"

Even if this album is not your style, its still worth noting that this band is moving the industry in a new direction. Their disco-pop sound is taking the current generation for a ride back to the future. Whether your diggin' The Noisettes or not, don't hesitate to check out the latest Mick Boogie & Terry Urban project, "WILD YOUNG HEARTBREAK" featuring, your truly, The Noisettes.

This mixtape samples beats from Drake's "Say Whats Real," and Kanye's "Love Lockdown." Hopefully you haven't sped through this review, but if you have, click (here) for a free download exclusively from Mick Boogie and Terry Urban. Enjoy!

Chester French - Jacques Jams, Vol. 1

Two Words, Harvard University.

When most people think about Harvard University they may think of honors, ivy league, books, j.crew, and polo's. But for us here at New Music Xperience, we think of something different, something a bit more enjoyable, the indie sensation, Chester French. The American indie pop band is comprised of former Harvard graduates, Andrew Wallach and Maxwell Drummey. This duo has made a splash in the music industry, whose rippling effects aren't going unnoticed.

Like all things in life, humans make first impressions. Looking at these two musicians, we had little to no expectations, in fact we didn't know what to expect. After sampling some of their music we thought Chester French is highly talented and very creative. Their songs are undeniably poppy but come off sounding similar to classics like, Queen, The Beach Boys, and even The Beatles at times. Chester French is a great change of pace from the hip-hop influenced pop scene that has seemingly overpowered the radio waves today.

The "Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance" mixtape offers a bit of a mix between their true sound and a touch of hip-hop. The mixtape features artists such as, Kardinal Offishall, NORE, Cassie, Bun B, Talib Kweli, Common, Diddy & Jadakiss to name a few. Wanna get down with the Harvard grads? See what Chester French is all about, click (here) to download "Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance" for free. The mixtape is filled with comical excerpts from Andrew and Maxwell, accompanied by 6 chapters of clever mixes.

Toss this album on your iPod and take it for a ride. Oh! And while your out, head to your local entertainment spot to purchase their debut album, "Love the Future," or online at iTunes.

Amen - Queens Boulevard

God gave us, Entourage, Amen.

For those who follow the HBO phenomenon 'Entourage' and love hip-hop, this may be an album for you. Rap artist, Amen, has released an album titled, "Queens Boulevard," loosely based off the movie "Queens Boulevard" which has been seen in clips of the HBO series Entourage. Many, if not all of the die-hard entourage fans, can remember an earlier episode during Season 2, Episode 20, when Turtle decides to start up a business of his own, signing the rap artist, Saigon, to his label. For Saigon, and rapper Amen, this is where the idea of an album took off.

Amen, friends with Saigon, a rapper out of New York City, has a passion for music and recognized that through the use of emotional, descriptive lyrics, he could tell his story on his upcoming album. Using the movie, "Queens Boulevard" from the show Entourage, gave him a great place to start. Amen decided to loosely base his album off the Entourage casts' experience as they filmed the movie 'Queens Boulevard,' while exposing what really goes on in the urban environment surrounding Queens. Being from Q.B., meant that Amen saw the streets, not for what they seem to be, but for what they truly are.

Similar to stepping into a cinema, Amen approaches his raps in a way in which he calls for his listeners to follow him. He spits lyrics which pose hypothetically as strokes on a paintbrush, elegantly painting a picture in the minds of the listeners. Rapping over simple, yet catchy beats has allowed this artist to accomplish such a task.

Amen's album, "Queens Boulevard" touches on real life stories about divorce, parenting, cultural changes, and the struggle for success. He describes certain situations, some of which are harsh realities of things he has seen and has faced, while other lyrics stem off of the luxurious life depicted in the show, Entourage. The album offers an excellent balance between the two, and if given the time to appreciate it, it's definitely worth a listen. The album is blended brilliantly, giving a true motion picture feel. Between, Amen spitting bars about the street life in Queens, and excerpts from the cast of the hit TV show Entourage, the two are complimented perfectly.


If you dig, Vince, E., Johnny, and Turtle, and want to hear the latest from Amen, hop-over (here) for a free download. Enjoy!

Beatnick & K-Salaam - Pay Homage.

On June 25, 2009 we lost one of our most influential artists of all time, the 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson. As the great American culture loses one of its icons, we look for forward to the future, for something new, yet something to reflect upon. Beatnick and K-Salaam offer a response to just that. They created an album dedicated to one of the greatest artists and performers of all time. Beatnick & K-Salaam come hard, featuring unique beats and precise production quality, which are blended beautifully over soft vocals from some of the worlds most renown musical icons. Compiled with talent from artists such as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Tammi Terrell, this album is nothing short of an enjoyable listen. If your looking to reflect upon the 'King of Pop' and the talent around him, this album is definitely one worth taking for a spin.

Head over (here) to sample and download the album free. Toss it on the iPod and enjoy!