Safe and Sound x Aux Arc

Gus over at Safe and Sound just sent me this cool video he did with SAV/ATL trio Aux Arc. It's shot live in a studio with the guys and some lights - pretty minimal, but very effective. Videographer/Lighting Magician Matt T. Perry sets the scene with his homemade lighting board of tricks. He also ran lights for them and Sunglasses during sets at Stopover. The tune itself is a jangly, garage-pop gem called "Sixteen."

Aux Arc - Sixteen from safe//sound on Vimeo.

Sunglasses debut EP

Born in Savannah after a chance collaboration on between Baby Seal and 8000 Bam Bam on a movie project, Sunglasses' self-titled debut EP just came out on Lefse Records this week, so grab a copy. Follow the link if you're looking for a physical copy. Digital is available on iTunes, etc.
Here's the video for the single "Whiplash"

U.S. Royalty

Recently discovered this group U.S. Royalty after a heads up from @donetodeath via Twitter.



Based in DC, this tight quartet is laying down some serious pop, not in the Jonas Bros connotation, but in the classic, "popular music" sense that drove everyone from the Beach Boys to Oasis...

Like their pop predecessors, they realize that the key to greatness is balancing peaceful, introspective moments with a build to straight-forward driving rock. That and a sweet-voiced lead singer who can probably dampen panties with a well-crooned line.

U.S. Royalty - "Rats"


Download the track here.

Catch more about them from this interview with DCist.

U.S. Royalty - "Summer (Remix)"


Download the track here.

If you like what you hear, check out their Myspace, I think there's a link to download the full promo EP.