Musical Thoughts have been remixed into Hot Spot Music

I am honored to be a contributing writer for the Hot Spot Music blog.  Though you’ll never know if it’s me or not, that shouldn’t make a difference because this site is a fantastic way to hear new music on Spotify. I like to click on the Listen Now! button at the bottom and choose DefCon1, which collates hand-picked, very exciting new albums.

Artist: La Pegatina

Still at Barista, it’s gotten dark. The boys running the flower stand out front are pouring cups on large floral structures- they didn’t sell at the festival today. The main road is packed. Behind the barricade I can see headlights of oncoming traffic waiting behind the mad 5-way intersection. Smoke from street cooking, splashes of water from the floral stand and masses of passing traffic create a light filter in the foreground. This is the right scene for music about movement.
Genre: Desconocido
Best for: Dancing, living, riding in the bed of a truck, hanging off the side of a train, jumping from roof to roof
Hi My Sound is: Barcelona. Spanish with a younger twist.

Artist: Thao & The Get Down Stay Down

I was listening to the album We Brave Bee Stings and All in the Barista coffee shop, my second office while cranking out some killer graphs. I like the fresh upbeat sound with the slightly melancholy voice – an interesting balance.
Genre: Alternative
Best for: Indie kids getting energized, drowning out that special frequency groups of girls conversing in Hindi manage to achieve
Hi My Sound is: Maudlin indie voice plus radical rhythms and snazzy percussion

Artist: Patrick Watson

I cranked up his CD Wooden Arms as I hopped in a rickshaw to work. The morning chaos and colors fit it perfectly. Action. Beats. Some minor notes for pained contrast. Excellent collection of songs.
Genre: Indie/alternative
Best for: Painting, riding in rickshaws on overcast mornings, making PowerPoint seem poetic
Hi My Sound is: The Books Meets Radiohead Meets Stars of Track and Field. Plus: original energy, emotion, voice