Resident Advisor Sessions: Machinedrum

Machinedrum's haunting Vapor City medley, Can U Dance, Sébastien Tellier's PrivateJam and more in this week's look at music

When Travis Stewart—the musician best known as Machinedrum—released his concept album Vapor City on Ninja Tune last year, listeners reveled in his versatile music landscape, which is built upon layers of loops and sounds and beautifully punctuated by nuanced details. At SXSW, the Berlin-based electronic artist brought his fantasy to life with drummer Lane Barrington, catching the hearts of everyone and the eye of Resident …

Tennyson: Lay-by

Machinedrum's haunting Vapor City medley, Can U Dance, Sébastien Tellier's PrivateJam and more in this week's look at music

The teenage Canadian brother and sister duo behind the tender, futuristic instrumental “Lay-by” want to remind people to take a minute to slow down and take everything in, because “sometimes the dark can be beautiful.” This track begins with what sounds like a pitched car door signal and sets off on a dynamic journey with more curious sonic colorings and embellishments—without needing vocals or lyrics …

Bobby Womack: That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha

Schoolhouse Rock!, Dolly at Glastonbury, a Bobby Womack tribute and more in this week's look at music

Born in Cleveland in 1944, soul singer Bobby Womack got his start like many from his generation: singing gospel with his family in the church choir. With his exceptional voice and talent on the guitar, it wasn’t long until Sam Cooke took notice, and Womack’s ensuing multi-decade career led him to influence a wide range of artists, including Jimi Hendrix and later Damon Albarn. His …