Last time I posted a mixtape, I mentioned that summer was on its way. And as I’m typing, I can say that it has certainly arrived. As soon as July sneaked up on us, the heat returned from its June gloom vacation and rushed back into Los Angeles at full strength. Oh, how I regret bad-mouthing the cool days of June.

Since June’s mixtape is surprisingly even heavier on local artists than April’s mixtape, I’m just going to skip to the good stuff now.

Here’s a quick rundown of the locals who earned a spot on the mixtape:

Computer Magic  – Because Goldfrapp’s latest album was a huge disappointment and Little Boots has been busy working with the Knocks on her new album, Danielle Johnson, aka Danz, aka Computer Magic has been filling the spacey-electronica void for me pretty well lately. Her sound ranges from disco to rock to pop, and you can hear all of this if you just go to her blog. She’s been releasing songs online for free since 2010, and her credibility was boosted in my book when her first physical release came out on White Iris Records during March.

Superhumanoids – This indie dream-pop quartet has been blowing up as of late. I’ve been a fan of this band since I saw them for the first time at an insanely early slot during Waved Out in 2010. I’ve featured them numerous times on Wild Tonic, so they shouldn’t be new to you either. But if they are, just know that Cameron an Sarah’s vocals are pure gold, and this band knows how to keep churning out the hits. The chorus in “Mikelah” is wonderfully addictive.

Vanaprasta - This guitar rock quintet also aren’t strangers to readers of Wild Tonic. I’ve raved about this band too many times, but they just keep getting better every time I see them. (In fact, the last time I saw them play a midnight set, the audience demanded an encore.) I’m not going to lie. I was pretty upset when they scrapped their almost-ready-to-release record to start all over again. However, they have me eating my words with new tunes like “Supernumerary.”

Foster the People – Oh, Foster the People. I’d be surprised if anyone hasn’t heard of these guys by now. Their track, “Pumped Up Kicks,” made the blog rounds for quite some time before it reached the mainstream masses, but as soon as it did, talk about Mark Foster and his band spread like wildfire. They acquired a late night slot at Coachella this year based on a 3-song EP, and their tent was overflowing. They’ve released their debut album “Torches” since then, and they’re still riding on the coat tails of that first single. This Milles remix puts a really great ’80s spin on their track, “Call It What You Want.”

Dawes – Dawes has come a long way from Simon Dawes. After one of their original members split, they decided to drop the first half of the band name and move toward an Americana sound. That was back in 2005. Flash forward six years later, and they’ve successfully released two great albums that have reignited the Laurel Canyon sound. In fact, they’re still doing so well they will be the backing band for Jackson Browne tonight at the Satellite. You can read more about them in my Dawes feature here.

Doom & Gloom - Sorry if I mislead you, but this band isn’t actually an L.A. band. However, if you were a big Castledoor fan, Doom & Gloom should make you very happy despite their ironic band name. Nate Cole and his wife Liska are now Brooklyn residents, but it would just seem wrong not to talk about them since the married couple contributed so much to the Silver Lake music scene during the last five years as members of Castledoor. Now a duo on the East coast, Dloom & Gloom totes those undeniably soaring vocals from Nate and Liska’s soft vocals lay a nice foundation on their new pop gems. “Jenny” showcases both new and old sounds from Nate as a songwriter and pretty much has me hoping Doom & Gloom grows successful enough to come back to L.A. to do a show.

Hanni El Khatib – Back when I still wrote for BeatCrave, I selected Hanni El Khatib as one of the artists to watch out for in 2011. My lists in the past have never been far off from what actually happens, and Hanni is proof that my hunches for this year are also correct. Not only has he gotten attention from label Stones Throw, but his cover of Funkadelics’ “I Got A Thing” is currently featured in the latest Nike campaign on TV. Oh, and his upcoming album, “Will the Guns Come Out,” is killer. Hanni will be performing July 14 at the Hammer Museum as part of the Also I Like To Rock series.

Active Child – Leave it to a former choir boy and harpist to surprise people with some new, heavy, R&B vibes. I always knew Active Child seemed a little out of our world, but as that feeling about Pat Grossi grows stronger, I also grow more excited. I love how his gothic romance is crossing over into a genre that has unfortunately turned out to be quite flat during the last decade.  Sing it, Harp Boy, and save R&B while you’re at it.

Capital Cities  – Need more proof that Cragislist actually works for finding band members? Well, new electro-pop band Capital Cities can testify. Sebu Simonian and Ryan Merchant may have been gotten together to write jingles, but that initial collaboration led to some new music that has just as much pep. “Safe and Sound” is clean, catchy and bubbly, and I find absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Chelsea Wolfe – Is Chelsea Wolfe the Stevie Nicks of our generation? Maybe. Maybe not. She’s got this mysterious, supernatural vibe going on, but this is pop noir without the pretense. Her album “Ἀποκάλυψις” (pronounced Apokalypsis) comes out Aug. 23 and I highly recommend picking it up. This version of “Moses” is off her last album, “The Grime and the Glow,” but the new record will also have a new version of this track.

Grab the latest Wild Tonic mixtape below and enjoy!

1. Computer Magic – End of Time (Deptford Goth Remix)
2. The Rosebuds – Woods
3. Superhumanoids – Mikelah
4. SBTRKT – Wildfire ft. Little Dragon
5. Vanaprasta – Supernumerary
6. Foster the People – Call It What You Want (Milles Remix)
7. Yourself & the Air – Sick Days
8. Dawes – If I Wanted Someone
9. Doom & Gloom – Jenny
10. Hanni El Khatib – Dead Wrong
11. Ringo Deathstarr – So High
12. Active Child – Hanging On
13. Capital Cities – Safe and Sound
14. Chelsea Wolfe – Moses
15. Memoryhouse – Modern Normal

Wild Tonic Monthly Mixer: June 2011
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What? I actually made a show calendar? Yes, friends. I am finally getting back on track. It only took me a few of months … but I’m just glad I’m getting the chance to give you guys some recommendations again.

It’s getting warmer,  so that means more shows every night – outdoors and indoors. Wherever the location may be, there will be plenty of tunes played and probably many cold beverages consumed to gel all your summer nights together. We’ve got a just a few weeks before the Lollapalooza craze begins, so we can concentrate on the shows happening in town for now, and man – are there tons of options for us in June. The Greek Theatre and Hollywood Bowl will be opening its doors to the mass amounts of people, and touring bands are eager to make their time on the road as memorable as possible.

The list of my recommendations are after the jump, but first — Here’s a quick rundown of the folks who have residencies (free weekly shows) in all your local hot spots:

• East side darlings The Californian have a residency over at the Satellite. If you’re looking for some unpretentious folk-tinged indie rock with butter-smooth vocals, great harmonies and sticky melodies, this is your band to check out on Monday nights.
• If you enjoying being on the edge of your seat (or I guess on your toes) from suspense, I highly recommend checking out Dante vs. Zombies out on Monday nights at the Echo. I once watched a set of theirs where Dante changed into a different long tunic before every song. There are no zombies or monster-like aesthetics going on. Instead this group (which also consists members from Jail Weddings), is one big chaotic party which usually involves costumes, make-up and theatrical antics. Oh, and their retro-pop songs? Solid.
• Over at Silverlake Lounge on Mondays, we have Duniven – the new band from the Capshun’s Patrick Thomas. Unlike his former band’s knack for Britpop, Duniven’s sound will please fans of Tom Petty. These guys will be your choice for a nice serving of Americana.
• The Bootleg will be hosting Henry Wolfe‘s residency on Mondays, and if you’ve ever seen him, you may find a strong resemblance between him and his mother Meryl Streep. however, Wolfe isn’t just the new kid on the block trying music out just to do something. He’s released two very nice EPs in the past and his latest album, “Linda Vista,” is absolutely charming. There’s everything from pop to folk to blues, and every song showcases his ability to write songs that are immediately hummable.
• If you’ve ever been to Bardot on Monday nights, you might already know that the Hollywood club has a very different vibe at the beginning of the week. That’s because MFG has successfully pulled their “It’s A School Night” residency off for a handful of months now. High Highs have already been featured this month and the upcoming weeks offer live sets from Fiction Family, Telepathe and Rickie Lee Jones. These nights usually have some cool DJ sets going on afterward as well. Admission is free with an RSVP each week.
• Last but not least, the Santa Monica’s Central S.A.P.C. has re-opened the building that was formerly called 14 Below. Since then, they’ve brought in a bunch of great indie acts to the West Side. Last month’s residency featured The Lonely Wild and this month will be spotlighting up and coming band Incan Abraham. If you like Animal Collective and Local Natives, the drive out there will be worth it.

Check June  out below for plenty more shows to kick start a great summer of music!

6/03 The Antlers, Little Scream @ El Rey Theatre
6/03 Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines @ Hollywood Palladium
6/03 Archers of Loaf, The Globes @ The Troubadour
6/03 GAYNGS, Dirty Beaches @ Natural History Music of LA (First Fridays)
6/03 KJEE Summer Roundup w/ Foster The People, Lykke Li, Peter Bjorn & John and more @ Santa Barbara Bowl
6/03 Lyle Lovett @ Valley Performing Arts Center
6/03 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Jr., EMA, Oregon Bike Trails @ The Echo
6/03 Bootsy Collins @ Club Nokia
6/03 The 88 @ Hotel Cafe
6/03 Living Things @ Slidebar Cafe
6/03 Grouplove, Walk The Moon @ The Satellite
6/03 Belle & Sebastian Tribute Night @ The Echoplex
6/03 The Diamond Light @ The Central SAPC
6/03 Future Dancing @ Bootleg Theater
6/03 Forts, Religious Girls, Tigerbitch, Combat! @ The Smell

6/04 Peter Bjorn and John @ Detroit bar
6/04 The Antlers, Little Scream @ The Glass House
6/04 Archers of Loaf, The Globes @ The Troubadour
6/04 The Bird and the Bee @ Bootleg Theater
6/04 Amor de Dias (Members of The Clientele and Pipas), Damon & Naomi @ The Satellite
6/04 The Globes @ Origami Vinyl
6/04 Religious Girls, Summer Blondes, Long Long Long, Professor Calculus @ FMLY RIDE
6/04 The Strokes, Lykki Li, The Airborne Toxic Event, Bad Religiion, Rise Against, Foster The People, Cage the Elephant @ Irvine Meadows/Verizon Wireless Ampitheater
6/04 Basement Babies, Puro Instinct @ Lot 1 Cafe

6/05 Aberdeen, 14 Iced Bears, Phil Wilson @ The Echoplex
6/05 Mike viola, Haroula Rose, Daniel Ahearn & The Jones @ The Satellite
6/05 Stornoway, Sea of Bees @ The Troubadour

6/06 Adele at The Greek Theatre – CANCELED
6/06 The Vaccines @ Amoeba Music Hollywood
6/06 The Elected, Agnes Obel, Them Jeans (DJ set) GAYNGS (DJ set by Ryan Olson) @ Bardot
6/06 Henry Wolfe, Amy Blashke @ Bootleg Theater (7:00)
6/06 Band of Skulls @ Bootleg Theater (9:00)
6/06 Vice Cooler, The New Dreamz, Secret Friends, Kroyclub @ Pehrspace
6/06 Duniven, Jerry Borge, Wet & Reckless, Light FM @ Silverlake Lounge
6/06 Dante vs. Zombies, Causal Knowledge, John Carpenter, Peg Leg Love @ The Echo
6/06 The Californian, Marvelous Toy, Charles Mansion, Pacific Hurt @ The Satellite
6/06 Gothic Tropic, Machine Fang, Raaats! @ Lot 1 Cafe

6/07 Death Cab For Cutie @ El Rey Theatre
6/07 Anna Calvi, Cuckoo Chaos @ The Troubadour
6/07 Band of Skulls, Rachel Goodrich @ Bootleg Theater
6/07 Diego Garcia @ Detroit bar
6/07 Nick 13 (of Tiger Army) at Amoeba Music Hollywood
6/07 Incan Abraham, Rumspringa @ Central SAPC
6/07 Body Parts, Moses Campbell, Sanglorians, Casey Curry @ Silverlake Lounge
6/07 Cerebral Ballzy, Bastard, Mundo Muerto @ The Echo
6/07 All-Star Crass Tribute Band (members of Bratmobile, Mika Miko, Dunes and more), The Sharp Ease @ The Smell

608 Glasvegas, Gliss @ The Troubadour
6/08 Deigo Garcia, Jenny O @ The Echo
6/08 Correatown, White Sea, Square on Square @ The Satellite
6/08 Axis:sovA @ Origami Vinyl

6/09 Adele @ Hollywood Palladium – CANCELED
6/09 An Horse, Soft Pipes, Miracle Parade @ The Satellite
6/09 Deadelus, Love Grenades, Gangi, Sea Lions, Lovely Bad Things, Santoros, Loevebird @ 5 Star Bar
6/09 Atlantic/Pacific @ Origami Vinyl
6/09 White Arrows, Milo Greene, My Goodness @ The Echo

6/10 Friendly Fires, Wise Blood @ The Music Box
6/10 Dax Riggs, Slang Chickens @ The Echo
6/10 The Belle Brigade, Little Hurricane @ The Satellite
6/10 Nick 13 (of Tiger Army) @ The Troubadour
6/10 Deftones, Dillinger Escape Plan, Le Butcherettes @ Hollywood Palladium
6/10 John Prine, Loudon Wainwright @ The Orpheum Theatre

6/11 Timber Timbre, Marissa Nadler @ Bootleg Theater
6/11 Paul van Dyk @ Hollywood Palladium
6/11 Dax Riggs, Bowery Beasts @ The Echo
6/11 Jenny and Johnny, La Sera @ The Music Box
6/11 Young Widows, My Disco @ The Satellite
6/11 Catwalk, Black Elephant, Sea Lioins, Paper Tigers @ The Smell
6/11 Nick 13 (of Tiger Army) at the Troubadour

6/12 Times New Viking, King Tuff @ The Satellite
6/12 LA Ghost, FIDLAR, The Boom Bang @ Bootleg Theater
6/12 Janelle Monae, Mayer Hawthorne w/ Bruno Mars@ Gibson Amphitheatre
6/12 Mark Lanegan (acoustic), Sean Wheeler and Zander Schloss @ Hollywood Forever Cemetry (Masonic Lodge)
6/12 Kissing Cousins @ Mandrake Bar

6/13 Florence + The Machine, Twin Shadow, Hanni El Khatib @ The Greek Theatre
6/13 FIction Family at Bardot
6/13 Henry Wolfe, Olin and The Moon, What Laura Says, Monstre @ Bootleg Theater
6/13 Brendan Perry, Robin Guthrie @ El Rey Theatre
6/13 Civil Wars @ Largo
6/13 Duniven, Rachel Fannan (of Sleepy Sun), The Petting Zoo @ Silverlake Lounge
6/13 J. Irvin Dally & The Big Moves, The One AM Radio @ The Echo
6/13 Dante vs. Zombies, Double Negatives, Vows, Halloween Swim Team @ The Echo

6/14 Florence + The Machine, Hanni El Khatib, Twin Shadow @ The Greek Theatre
6/14 The Flaming Lips (performing The Soft Bulletin) @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6/14 Janelle Monae, Mayer Hawthorne w/ Bruno Mars @ Gibson Amphitheatre
6/14 Civil Wars @ Amoeba Music Hollywood
6/14 Incan Abraham, Mini Mansions @ Central SAPC
6/14 Mother Mother, Andy Clockwise @ The Satellite
6/14 Chief, Papa @ The Troubadour
6/14 Greenhorse, Francisco The Man, yOya, The Devil Whale @ Silverlake Lounge
6/14 Mona, Mind the Gap @ The Echo

6/15 The Flaming Lips (performing The Dark Side of the Moon) @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6/15 Matt & Kim, The Thermals, Autobot @ The Music Box
6/15 Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Hanni El Khatib, Hundred in The Hands @ Paramount Pictures Studios
6/15 Meat Puppets @ Detroit Bar
6/15 Civil Wars @ El Rey Theatre
6/15 Deftones, Dillinger Escape Plan @ Fox Theater Pomona
6/15 …And You Will Know Us By the Trail Of Dead, Ringo Deathstarr, Follow That Bird!, Tygers of Wrath @ The Glass House
6/15 Wildbirds & Peacedrums, Therapies Son @ The Satellite

6/16 Peter Murphy @ Amoeba Music Hollywood
6/16 Meat Puppets @ The Echo
6/16 Bill Callahan (Smog), Michael Chapman @ The Troubadour
6/16 Ford & Lopatin (formerly Games), Telepathe, Sun Araw, TEARIST @ The Echoplex
6/16 Hunx & His Punx @ Detroit Bar

6/17 Matt & Kim, The Thermals, Autobot @ The Music Box
6/17 The Wooden Birds @ The Echo
6/17 Mark Sultan (of King Khan and BBQ), LAMPS, TRMRS @ Blue Star
6/17 Aesop Rock, Kimya Dawson @ The Troubadour
6/17 The Ditty Bops @ McCabe’s Guitar Shop
6/17 Miracle Parade @ Origami Vinyl
6/17 …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, Ringo Deathstarr, Follow That Bird! @ The Echoplex
6/17 Hundred in The Hands, Lesands, Electric Guest @ The Satellite
6/17 My Pet Saddle, Forever Baby, Neverever, Dirt Dress @ The Smell

6/18 Odd Future @ House of Blues
6/18 Make Music Pasadena Festival w/ Best Coast, Ra Ra Riot, The Morning Benders, Zola Jesus, Kisses, Saint Motel, Tijuana Panthers, Jenny O and more
6/18 Dengue Fever at The Getty Center
6/18 Brett Dennan @ Orpheum Theatre
6/18 Baths, Mexicans With Guns, Salva, Shomo, Ground Is Lava, Anenon, Jonwayne @ The Echoplex
6/18 The One AM Radio @ Origami Vinyl
6/18 Nico Stai, Oh Darling @ The Satellite
6/18 HelloGoobye, Atlantic/Pacfic, TS and The Past Haunts, Modern Memory @ Alex’s Bar
6/18 Pangea, Them Howling Bones, The Delabre @ The Echo
6/18 Cacaw, Foot Village, Tinsel Teeth, Naked Kids @ The Smell

6/19 Swervedriver @ The Echo
6/19 Telepathe, Lesands @ Bardot
6/19 Kissing Cousins, Lakes, Light Music, Californica Condors @ Alex’s Bar
6/19 Brute Heart @ Origami Vinyl

6/20 yOya, Dream Tapes, The Thing About Rivals @ Lot 1 Cafe
6/20 Henry Wolfe, Ferraby Liionheart, Jenny O, The Sweet Hurt @ Bootleg Theater
6/20 Dante vs. Zombies @ The Echo
6/20 The Californian, The One AM Radio, The Hundred Days @ The Satellite

6/21 The Mountain Goats @ Detroit Bar
6/21 Two Gallants, The Mumlers @ The Echo
6/21 Incan Abraham, The Damn Sons @ Central SAPC
6/21 Manhattan Murder Mystery, Death to Anders, George Glass, Shirley Rolls @ The Satellite

6/22 My Morning Jacket @ Pantages Theatre
6/22 Fitz and the Tantrums @ The Music Box
6/22 Family of the Year, The Lonely Wild, The Union Line @ The Satellite
6/22 Early Winters @ Bootleg Theater
6/22 Thao @ Mirah @ Detroit Bar
6/22 Rooney, Voxhaul Broadcast @ House of Blues Anaheim
6/22 Bell X1, Jarrod Gorbel @ The Troubadour
6/22 War Tapes, Dead Sara, The Drowning Men, Last American Buffalo @ Bootleg

6/23 The Black Lips, Cerebral Ballzy @ Detroit Bar
6/23 The Mountain Goats @ El Rey Theatre
6/23 Okkervil River, Titus Andronicus, NewVillager @ The Wiltern
6/23 The Kooks @ The Troubadour
6/23 Flying Lotus @ The Music Box
6/23 The Fleshtones, Barrio Tiger, The Happen-ins @ The Satellite

6/24 Rooney, Voxhaul Broadcast @ El Rey Theatre
6/24 Keren Ann @ McCabe’s Guitar Shop
6/24 The Prids @ Origami Vinyl
6/24 Red Sparowes, Coliseum @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts
6/24 Holly Golightly & The Broke-Offs @ Hotel Cafe (7:00 and 10:00)
6/24 Andre Williams, Jail Weddings @ The Satellite

6/25 The Black Lips, Cerebral Ballzy, Personal and the Pizzas @ The Glass House
6/25 tUnE-yArDs, Sister Crayon @ The Troubadour
6/25 Musiq Soulchild @ Club Nokia

6/26 Sleep @ The Wiltern
6/26 Peter Murphy @ Detroit Bar
6/26 Rickie Lee Jones, Hazel @ Bardot

6/27 Henry Wolfe, Harper Simon, The Chapin Sisters, Charlie Wadhams @ Bootleg Theater
6/27 Duniven, Broadcast Station, Bixby Knolls, Woolen @ Silverlake Lounge
6/27 Dante vs. Zombies @ The Echo
6/27 The Californian, Ross Sea Party, Blonde Summer, Cuckoo Chaos @ The Satellite

6/28 The Postelles @ The Echo
6/28 incan Abraham, Woolen @ Central SAPC
6/28 Rihanna w/ Cee Lo Green @ Staples Center

6/29 Sondre Lerche, Nightlands @ El Rey Theatre
6/29 Sarabeth Tucek, Twilight Sleep, Magic Mirror @ Bootleg Theater
6/29 Ida Maria @ Detroit Bar
6/29 Alela Diane, The Parson Red Heads, Yukon Blonde @ The Echo
6/29 Peter Murphy @ The Troubadour
6/29 The New Room, Black Ballon, Rituals, David J. (of Bauhaus, Love and Rockets for a DJ set) @ Silverlake Lounge

6/30 The Album Leaf @ Detroit Bar
6/30 Ida Maria @ The Roxy
6/30 Paleo @ Origami Vinyl
6/30 Johnny O’Donnell, John Carpenter, Residual Echoes @ The Echo

Summer is almost here. I can tell. All the tunes I’ve compiled for May’s mixtape have melodies that are as sticky as we will be this coming season. Plus, that electro touch on a handful of these tracks make a nice cool splash in my music library.

Whereas last month’s mixtape was heavy on the indie rock jams, this round of songs are especially for those who enjoy some major synth candy, along with remixes that either touch on chillwave or call out to the people on the dance floor. Of course, I’ve thrown in some great new local tunes in the bunch as well.

Here’s a quick rundown of the locals who earned a spot on the mixtape:

yOya – Alex Pfender and Noah Dietterich are taking a slightly different approach to “folk-tronica” than Ellie Goulding. They’re going for more intricate and less flashy. I’m a sucker for harmonies in falsetto and yOya pushes all the right buttons when it comes to accenting their guitar-centered songs.

Fol Chen – To this day, I still consider Fol Chen to be one of the most eccentric bands from L.A. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: They’ve stuck with me ever since I saw them perform a cover of Mariah Carey’s “Emotions” at the Echo just after they got signed to Asthmatic Kitty. Their songs always have a fun, playful bounce to them and even after recruiting the very shy singer-songwriter Simone White, their take on the Sufjan Stevens song sounds like something Freezepop could have released in 2006.

Big Black Delta – I’m amazed at how different solo projects can sound from a band’s body of work, and Mellowdrone’s Jonathan Bates continues this trend for me. The first two words in his new moniker seem appropriate with songs such as “Huggin & A Kissin,” because his sound is both dark and marvelous. I saw him perform with his two drummers at the Satellite during the holiday weekend, and I was completely blown away by how much star power the guy had. Big Black Delta is highly recommended for those craving a fresh take on electro-rock.

Skull Tape – This group, who first made my radar because of their cover of Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair,” has finally put out some music (along with another fun music video). If the vocals on “Crop Circle” sounds familiar, it’s because this is the new project of The Mae Shi’s Brad Breeck. He’s still spazzing out, but most importantly, he’s still writing great hooks.

Fool’s Gold – The most eclectic supergroup to recently form in L.A. will return with a new album in August. Although they’ve shed a few members and decided to sing all their songs in English this time around, they’ve still maintained that world music flavor with new track “Street Clothes.” It’s a major jam but “Surprise Hotel” will continue to be up there for me in regards to my favorite summer tracks courtesy of Fool’s Gold.

Love Grenades – Elizabeth Wight looks like the model who broke free from a tasteful, vintage, pin-up poster, and started singing electro-pop tunes with a sultry voice to boot. I have nothing but props to give this woman. She’s one gorgeous gal who knows how to throw a dance party.

Walter Meego – Former Chicagoans are back at it with new album “Wondervalley,” and after seeing them headline the Bootleg this past weekend, I’m wondering why they aren’t bigger than they currently are. Justin Sconza’s got a peculiarly distinct bright tone that darts in and out of the heavy synth lines he concocts – and these electronic components are not for the faint of ear either. Some of the riffs in these Walter Meego songs are a bit out of this world – tempo and rhythmic wise. After taking in a show from these guys, you fall deep in to a synth coma from taking in too much of a good thing.

Grab the latest Wild Tonic mixtape below and enjoy!

1. Friendly Fires – Blue Cassette
2. yOya – Lovers On
3. Fol Chen – I Walk ft. Simone White (Sufjan Stevens Cover)
4. Big Black Delta – Huggin= & A Kissin
5. Skull Tape – Crop Circles
6. Fool’s Gold – Street Clothes
7. Other Lives – Tamer Animals
8. Ellie Goulding – Heartbeats (The Knife Cover) (Cosmonauts Grechko Edit)
9. Love Grenades – Pressure
10. Walter Meego – Starlight
11. Austra – Lose It (Diamond Rings Remix)
12. High Highs – Flowers Bloom
13. Asobi Seksu – Perfectly Crystal (Beach Fossils/Spirit Animal Remix)
14. Bon Iver – Calgary
15. Washed Out – Eyes Be Closed

Wild Tonic Monthly Mixer: May 2011
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April’s mixtape is heavy on local artists and I couldn’t be happier about it. Although last month had its Coachella highlights thanks to great sets by Robyn, Suede, Lauryn Hill, The Joy Formidable, Kanye West and more (read our full coverage here), my inbox was especially flooding with new worthy material from Los Angeles bands.

Here’s a quick rundown of the locals who earned a spot on the mixtape:

Milo Greene – The gorgeous track “1957″ basically went viral after Buzz Bands tweeted thoughts on it, and for a brand new group who has only a few shows under their belts, Milo Greene’s folk harmonies and melodies have done wonders. I highly suggest going to their bandcamp page to stream “Don’t You Give Up On Me,” which also made my heart flutter upon first listen.

Superhumanoids – These guys are no strangers to my mixtapes. They’re also no strangers to great remixes. Whereas the remix for “Malta” took on a new wave vibe courtesy of their friends, Lesands, this Captain Cuts remix of “Mirrors” is definitely more of a club banger.

Light FM – Josiah Mazzaschi has been releasing music with his band and producing albums for other local artists (including William Reid of the Jesus and Mary Chain) for a really long time. Considering the fact that his work has spanned across 10 years, it’s nice to hear he’s getting even better with each new project.

Hot As Sun – A duo comprised of  the talented multi-instrumentalist Jamie Jackson and writer Deborah Stoll. Hazy, sexy, and absolutely spellbinding. They’re also a fairly new band but has already wowed crowds at most shows.

Races – Formerly called Black Jesus, this new young band is currently collecting comparisons to Arcade Fire with the amount of members crammed on stage and their melancholic yet sweeping arrangements. The word on the street is that there are some great labels currently paying close attention to them.

Coyol – Two voices (Céleigh Chapman and John Isaac Watters) that couldn’t differ more from each other but work pretty well together for the energetic folk-rock songs they sing. It’s juxtaposition that is wonderfully infectious.

Thurlow – Jacqueline Caruso and Augustus Green are a husband-wife duo who we luckily got here after they moved from the Washington D.C. area. They dabble in a bit of every genre but never sound forceful. Songs on their “Spokes” EP range from light-hearted electro-pop to lush gems with r&b undertones.

White Sea – If you haven’t seen Morgan Kibby (of M83) yet, I am begging you… DO IT. Not only can the girl reach the most angelic notes but she can bust out some mean (fantastic) remixes! Her take on the Naked & the Famous’ “Young Blood” is a case in point.

Soft Pipes – Anthony Polcino, formerly of Low Vs. Diamonds, recently put out “When You’re Done Here You Get to Go Home,” and it stayed in my car for weeks on repeat. It’s dreamy pop music, heavy on the both vocal and guitar melody, and dipped in a little reverb. It’s just lovely and “Golden Grace” is a perfect closer to the track list.

Grab the latest Wild Tonic mixtape below and enjoy!

1. Milo Greene – 1957
2. Superhumanoids – Mirrors (Captain Cuts Remix)
3. Light FM – Mercy
4. Hot As Sun – Come Come
5. Races – Big Broom
6. Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend (Hannah Rad Edit)
7. Gardens & Villa – Black Hills
8. Coyol – Pharmacist
9. Thurlow – All The Riches
10. The Joy Formidable – Whirring
11. Sea of Bees – Wizbot
12. The Naked and Famous – Young Blood (White Sea Remix)
13. Thao & Mirah – Eleven ft. tUnE-yArDs
14. Seapony – Blue Star
15. Soft Pipes – Golden Grace

Wild Tonic Monthly Mixer: April 2011
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Hi, everyone. March has quickly passed by, so that means you are a few days overdue for a brand new mixtape!

My apologies for no March Recommendations in addition to the lack of posts last month. I unfortunately got an awful virus upon my return from SXSW and have basically been ill for the past three weeks. However, now that I’m beginning to feel human again, I’m going to come back in full force to give you some new tunes.

Although being sick is never fun, romping through Austin for four days straight (from noon til 2 am every day) was completely worth it again. SXSW is such a hectic festival but it certainly has its perks when it comes to discovering new music. I got to see some pretty great bands I hadn’t gotten a chance to see in L.A. yet. With that note, I found myself digging into some older tunes from bands that were still new to me.

This month’s mixtape reflects much of the music I’ve heard during SXSW – Royal Bangs, Tristen, The Stepkids, Twin Shadow, The Jezabels, Jamie Woon, Austra and more. Since I try to see non-local bands in Austin, this mixtape is also a little light on local artists but no worries. L.A. artists on this mixtape include Eastern Conference Champions, Walking Sleep and Letting Up Despite Great Faults. Now, instead of giving my usual long spiel, I’m going to let the music speak for itself.

Grab the latest Wild Tonic mixtape below and enjoy!

1. Royal Bangs – Fireball
2. Yelle – Safari Disco Club
3. Tristen – Eager For Your Love
4. Eastern Conference Champions – Hurricane
5. Walking Sleep – She’s Been Lying
6. Theophilus London ft. Sara Quin – Why Even Try
7. The Stepkids – Shadows On Behalf
8. Summer Camp – I Want You
9. Austra – Lose It
10. The Jezabels – Mace Spray
11. Jamie Woon – Blue Truth
12. The Raveonettes – Forget That You’re Young
13. Letting Up Despite Great Faults – In Steps
14. Twin Shadow – Castles in the Snow
15. Wild Beasts – Albatross

Wild Tonic Monthly Mixer: March 2011
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Hi, hi, hi to those of you who are still making your way to this little site of mine. Once again I apologize for the lack of posts but I apologize most for depriving you of not one but two monthly mixtapes! Hopefully, the 15 tracks I’ve selected to represent my new listens during the last two months will more than suffice.

Going back to the topic concerning my sudden silences here on the site, I can explain by telling you about two very great things have happened for me during the last month. The first change was my move from Associate Editor at BeatCrave to staff writer at BuzzBands.LA. Through my gig at BuzzBands.LA (the blog Kevin Bronson started during his time with the Los Angeles Times), I’ve been very fortunate to come across some new and fantastic music in addition to getting some wonderful guidance from a well-respected writer. Wild Tonic is very conversational and a bit informal and I’d like to keep it that way. However, if you’re interested in reading my contributions and some superb music journalism by Bronson, please feel free to bop on over to BuzzBands.LA for premier coverage on the music scene in Los Angeles and beyond.

If you’ve been visiting the site last month, you might have also seen that Wild Tonic presented its first residency featuring L.A.-based band Robotanists. It was such a fun month at Silverlake Lounge and I was flattered by how many people supported the site and the band each week. I also had a blast giving away so many great prizes on behalf of the band! Robotanists album, Plans In Progress, is now officially released so make sure you get your hands on it in addition to their interpretation of Radiohead’s King of Limbs album.

I won’t deny that I’ve been a bit busy but I haven’t forgotten my purpose here: To highlight my recent favorite songs and hope you all discover something new and enjoyable! With that said, let’s get to the actual mixtape…

There have been some great releases within the last couple months and two of them came via Merge label mates, Wye Oak and Telekinesis. Wye Oak returned with Civilian, a tender collection of songs about relationships again. Only this time they are focusing on relationships that have been broken which makes for a very poignant album. It’s been a while since I’ve heard such gorgeous songs about loneliness.

Telekinesis doesn’t stray too far from the same subject. Known for hiding his lyrics of misery in between the power pop, the band led by Michael Benjamin Lerner once again churned out great upbeat song after upbeat song on 12 Desperate Straight Lines. Plus, I kind of have a thing for boys who simultaneously sing and play drums.

Other notable releases include Kurt Vile‘s album Smoke Ring For My Halo and new tracks from one-woman looping Orchestra, tUnE-yArDs (aka Merrill Garbus), Architecture in Helsinki, MNDR and, course, the Strokes. Local artists who have recently made my ears perk up again (or for the first time) include Foster The People, Superhumanoids, Jenny O., AM & Shawn Lee and Kisses.

Get the latest Wild Tonic mixtape below and enjoy! March recommendations coming soon!

1. Foster the People – Helena Beat
2. Minks – Funeral Song
3. Oh Land – White Nights (Twin Shadow Remix)
4. AM & Shawn Lee – Dark Into Light
5. Wye Oak – Civilian
6. Telekinesis – Car Crash
7. Kisses – People Can Do The Most Amazing Things
8. Architecture in Helsinki – Contact High
9. Jenny O. – Well, OK Honey
10. tUnE-yArDs – Bizness
11. Kurt Vile – Jesus Fever
12. High Highs – Open Season
13. Superhumanoids – Malta
14. The Strokes – Under Cover of Darkness
15. MNDR – Cut Me Out

Wild Tonic Monthly Mixer: January/February 2011
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Tonight, Robotanists cap off their long month party with The Neighborhood (Ryan Dolliver of Hockey) at 8pm, Endless Hallway at 9pm, War Tapes 10pm and Skull Tape (Brad Breeck of The Mae Shi) at midnight… and with another night of music comes our last giveaway.

If you missed out on the some of the prizes earlier in the month – here’s a chance to make up for it! Just read the following instructions below and see what you can win this week!

What you will win:

A goodie bag stuffed with all sorts of Robotanists merch that will includes t-shirts, buttons, stickers, a poster, download cards and a few other nice surprises. The bag itself was designed by the band and has the words, “Broke in Silverlake” on the front. If that phrase sounds familiar to you (besides just living it), it’s because it’s a lyric from “Exiled State of Mind” – their cover of Jay-Z and Alica Keys’ “Empire State of Mind.” The track is off of their album, Shapes and Variations – which some of you may have won… If you haven’t, here’s an easy way to get that album and more!

How to enter:

1. Watch the following videos (below) for:

• “Exiled State of Mind”
• “Wait A Minute Here”

2. Leave a comment below by 12: 00 p.m. on Thursday, March 3rd telling us which music video you like best and why. (Don’t forget to say why!)

It’s that simple! It always is, folks. However, there will only be ONE person who wins the goodie bag. Just follow the instructions (correctly) to enter!

Important note: You must leave an e-mail address that we can reach you at below (it will not be publicly displayed).

Good luck and hope to see you at Silverlake Lounge tonight!

“Exiled State of Mind”

“Wait A Minute Here”

By now you have probably heard how Robotanists have collectively gathered the courage to cover Radiohead’s The King of Limbs just 24 hours after it was released. It’s a daring move, but it takes some spontaneity and talent to rearrange an album that has only been out for a day. Just over the weekend, Robotanists managed to post their covers of each Radiohead song off of the 8-track album one by one on YouTube. After a few final touches through mastering, they now have their entire version of The King of Limbs available as a free download on their bandcamp page.

I also have the album available just after the jump for you to stream… Take a listen to it because it’s involved with this week’s contest! Remember today is Monday, so Robotanists will be continuing their residency at Silverlake Lounge tonight with Light FM, Hands and The Secret Language! Another residency night means another chance for you to win some Robotanist goodies!

[UPDATE: This contest is now closed.]

What you will win:

Robotanists 12″ vinyl titled “Current” which includes the following:

• “Close Down the Woods” EP
• “Shapes and Variations” EP
• Free download card with all mp3s

How to enter the contest:

• Take a listen to “Robotanists Does Radioheads’ The King of Limbs In 24 Hours” below.
• Leave a comment below by 12: 00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24 telling us which Radiohead cover by Robotanists you like best and why. (Don’t forget to say why!)

That’s it! Also, ANYONE who leaves a comment will receive an e-mail on Friday with a download link to receive an mp3 of Robotanists’ unreleased cover of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” However, there will only be ONE person who wins the “Current” vinyl. Just follow the instructions (correctly) and we’ll announce the winner on Thursday!

Important note: You must leave an e-mail address that we can reach you at below (it will not be publicly displayed).

You can check the lineups out for each week by going here.

Good luck and hope to see you at Silverlake Lounge tonight (and throughout the rest of February!)

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! This hallmark holiday just happens to land on a Monday and you know what that means… The Robotanists residency continues tonight at Silverlake Lounge. Last week, the band performed their new album, Plans In Progress, in its entirety with Death Kit, Twilight Sleep and Lanterns.

As for tonight, there’s going to be a heavy dose of estrogen with female fronted bands, Oh Darling and Kissing Cousins joining in on the fun. However – we just got news that a rather manly group by the name of Two Guns (from Long Beach) will be crashing the party and closing the night out.

I hope to see everyone out again tonight. Here are a few reasons why tonight will be particularly great:

• Robotanists will also be performing “Exiled State of Mind” tonight.
• Robotanists will have Valentine’s Day candy that includes a download of an unreleased cover b-side.
  

Wild Tonic will be premiering this unreleased cover by Robotanists next Monday. So make sure to check back next week! Now… for this week’s goodies and contest!

[UPDATE: This contest is now closed.]

What you’ll win:

A screen printed t-shirt made by Robotanists! They are made right in the band’s office and they come in white and black – S, M, L or XL. Only three people get to win these t-shirts, so scroll on down to see how you can enter!

How to enter:

Step 1: Answer the following question:

• Robotanists are bacon fanatics. (I’m not joking. Their love for bacon is serious.) If you were to make them a dish with bacon in the recipe, what would would you make? (Please include the name of the dish and send a link to the most amazing bacon recipe you think you’ve ever come across during this lifetime.)

Step 2: “Like” Robotanists and Wild Tonic on facebook.

• Like Robotanists here.
• Like Wild Tonic here.
  

That’s it! Leave a comment with your recipe, make sure to “like” both of us by Friday, February 18 and we’ll announce the three winners the same day!

Important note: You must leave an e-mail address that we can reach you at below (it will not be publicly displayed).

You can check the lineups out for each week by going here.

Good luck and hope to see you at Silverlake Lounge tonight (and throughout February!)

I must give a huge thanks to everyone who came out and made Robotanists‘ first residency night not only a successful night but fun night all around! The LA quartet played their new album, Plans In Progress, in its entirety and then closed the set out with their classic song, “Wait A Minute Here.” Live light installations by Dan Grayson were in full effect making their set even more mystical and supporting acts, Death Kit, Twilight Sleep and Lanterns all offered fantastic sets that went enjoyably late into the night! A few photos from Monday’s show are at the bottom of this post.

Next week’s residency night will fall on Valentine’s Day. If you’ve got a honey, celebrate privately on the weekend but come party with us on Feb. 14th with some smokin’ ladies! Los Angeles’ Oh Darling, Kissing Cousins, Robotanists + a special guest will all make you swoon with their musical talent in conjunction with their beauty. Also, if you really must do your own thing on Valentine’s Day, do it before the doors open at 8 or after the last band goes on! Single gals and guys, this may be the night you meet that special someone who just happens to have great taste in music. Who knows? We’re willing to be matchmakers if it means you guys come out for another great night.

Rewinding a bit back to last week, when we not only premiered Robotanists’ song, “The Ghost You’re Haunting,” Wild Tonic also offered free download cards for the first give people to correctly follow instructions in the giveaway. All you had to do was leave a comment telling me what makes Robotanists stand out in the sea of LA bands and then tweet the article. Plenty of you left comments but here are the five people who not only win a free download card for the new album, Plans In Progress, but also download cards for their two previous EPs, “Close Down The Woods” and “Shapes and Variations.”

Did you win? Find out after the jump…

jupucta: “what i dig about these guys is that they come recommended by peeps whose taste i value and respect.”

carlessvalleygirl: “Robotanists work hella hard. They are homegrown and down to earth, and yet they are still rocking on a completely different plane. As aware as they are of how great they are as musicians and songwriters and artists in general, they are as personable as you can get, even if you don’t know them personally. Win must be their middle name, because it’s what they’re full of!”

Adam Tod Brown: “What makes them really stand out is that I’ve never heard them. And I’ve heard everything!” (We assume the band has been a good discovery.)

Benita: “lovely vocals and lyrics. beautifully melodic, but their sound isn’t soft.”

Brian James: “I like em cos NO ONE writes songs like them and Sarah has the swooniest voice in LA!!”

All five winners will receive an e-mail from Wild Tonic (please make sure it doesn’t end up in your spam folder). If you do not respond in 24 hours, your download cards will be forfeited and given to another contestant, so make sure to hit me back! Congrats to these five.

You can check more photos of Robotanists out along with photos of Twilight Sleep and Lanterns here by Carl Pocket.