Kazaky - Dance and Change

I don’t even know where to begin. Hot Ukrainians? Boyband in heels? Gareth Pugh costumes? Sick choreography? Amazing visual and audio. I really hope this band makes it big, and I rarely wish for that with any band I like that would still be considered “underground.” But in this case, imagine what kind of world it would be if an extremely androgynous band like Kazaky was played on Kiss FM? It would start a revolution in the music industry! Okay, that’s a bit too idealistic, I’d settle for just online radio.

Ladyhawke - Album Teaser 2012

Oh man, I’m very excited about this. Ladyhawke (New Zealand) was one of Popjustice’s favorite acts of 2009. Now three years later and she’s coming out with a new album! Some of my favorites from her old album include Dusk til Dawn, Paris is Burning, Magic and My Delerium. But no really, the whole album is amazing amazing amazing. This new album teaser song sounds fantastic, can’t wait to hear the rest!

Aura Dione - Geronimo

Coming from Denmark, this Scandinavian songstress is sure to impress in the upcoming year. It was a huge hit all over the North of Europe, and now it finally has an official video for release. I’m excited to see what comes next from this new artist. The video is conceptually interesting, you think it starts off with a superficial consumerist attitude about life, but slowly strips down to an “Oh Land” like natural setting, with drum beats, Native American feathers, etc. It’s a great song for a great video. 

The Ting Tings - Silence (Bag Raiders Mix)

Two amazing bands in one song? Bag Raiders hailing from Australia, Ting Tings from England. I originally heard this song at one of my favorite bars in Austin (Barbarella) and I just can’t get enough. 2012 will be a very exciting year for The Ting Tings indeed. I was lucky enough to see them live on my 21st birthday at Coachella a few years back, needless to say they put on an excellent show. I love everything about their look, plus Katie’s voice is so unique, you always know when a Ting Tings song is playing.

Washed Out - Amor Fati

Even though this is technically not a foreign band, I’m willing to make an exception only because this beautiful video was filmed in Iceland. From the moment it started I knew for sure where these picturesque shots come from. Really random that I keep stumbling on music videos filmed in where I like to think of as my “home away from home.” It seems that it goes back and forth between him exploring the city life (Reykjavík) and the breathtaking countryside. The main character in the video seemed to be backpacking all around the country, doing what is known as the “Rund um Ísland” or the “Circling of Iceland.” Loads of young backpackers around my age would always stop by the guesthouse/gistiheimilið that I worked out, looking rough as hell. But they were always the ones with the most interesting adventures. It was really nice getting to meet so many people with such vagabond-like spirit. Makes me miss this country even more, hopefully I can visit sometime next year and even visit some of my best friends in RVK! Anyway, Washed Out is a great band, regardless of the fact that they may not be foreign, they’re too good to be from the states.

Stromae - Te Quiero

Much of his fame came from ‘Alors on donse,’ but many people should really check out this video. Even though it came out over a year ago, I feel like posting it anyway. It’s definitely an intense video, with intensely pronounced lyrics. I love the song’s raw energy, it’s borderline rapping, but really, it’s just Stromae’s unique style of singing.

Oh, and just a random FYI, Stromae’s not from France, he’s from Belgium. Like Kate Ryan.

Kate Ryan - Elle Elle l’a

Blassst from the past. This song was huge in Iceland for some reason last year, although it’s commercial release dates back to 2008 (super old, like almost retro). Even though it’s borderline Euro trashy (okay it is), I can’t help but remember gay old times listening to this mega catchy tune. Go on, give it a whirl. (And really? Helvetica Neue extra lite?)

Nicola Roberts - Yo Yo

Nicola’s still going strong releasing her third single after two amazing (yet unfortunate flops). But that’s no bother to Team Ginge, I’m really excited they decided to go ahead and release Yo Yo, not my favorite on the album but definitely the most sensible follow up single to ‘Lucky Day,’ undeniably my favorite on the album. This video has so many outfit changes it’s incredible, if there’s anything I love more than good lighting in a video, it’s COSTUME/OUTFIT changes! Anyway, you should check out the video, it was shot in her current home city of London, and probably the favorite video she’s ever done. Yes, quite.

Rebecca & Fiona - Giliap (Album Teaser)

Yes, it’s another teaser, but that’s only because there isn’t a proper video for this amazing song. R&F are definitely my flavor of the month, their debut album “I Love You, Man” is nothing short of epic. These bad ass bitches really know how to tear a synthesizer up. My personal favorite are Edge, Giliap, Dance and Hard. Can’t wait to see more of them in the future. Next up a US invasion perhaps?

Britt Love - Music Makes You Lose Control (Teaser)

Well wasn’t that exciting? A Kylie and an Abba sample in one song, this is sure to impress once it’s released. If anyone was a fan of Mini Viva before, then you’d better keep your eye on Britt Love going solo.