Guest Mixer - Amar Lal (BIG UPS)

My name is Amar, and I play in a party-punk band called BIG UPS. We've had a lot of fun since we started playing in September, with some of our live shows getting pretty wild. We wouldn't be having nearly as much fun if we weren't surrounded by an amazing group of people. This mix is about them.

My Good Dude

I’ve been very fortunate in the recent years to be surrounded by a wonderful group of creative and supportive friends. No matter what musical endeavors someone in this community might undertake, people will respond with support, appropriately constructive criticism, and shameless promotion of the material. In the past few months alone, this has motivated almost everyone in this community to work towards releasing their best material. This positive attitude and supportive community has been instrumental in getting one of our friends signed to a subsidiary of Columbia Records, for example, and in getting another nominated for the top up and coming tracks to hear by SPIN magazine. It’s beyond exciting to watch everyone around you work on something really cool, and it constantly motivates me to do my best work. Every day I’m thankful for these bros; my good dudes, my family.

1. Clownfacee - Eyestheyflutter

My most gentle and modest dude makes gorgeous soundscapes and folk grooves. Full EP for free here.

1. Oberhofer - Awy Frm U

Idyllic lo-fi pop, recently nominated as one of the "Must listen to tracks of 2011" by SPIN.

3. Roderick - It's Not Over

Ex-Van Atta High's Steve Kellner's polished-sounding new project. More here.

4. Jackpot, Tiger - Sweet and Savory

Brooklyn bubblegum pop, currently on tour in the Midwest supporting their new EP.

5. Montes Rook - You Don't Know, Jack

Gorgeously melodic folk from upstate NY friends.

6. Kevin Garrett - Strung Out

Kevin Garrett is dreamy.

7. Eric Xu - Tree Sitting By a Woman

The Beatles meets Radiohead meets The Mars Volta meets the mind of Eric Xu.

8. Beast Make Bomb - Coney Island

Brooklyn "punk-pop" band who recently won Converse's Get Out of the Garage contest.

9. Cults - Go Outside

Our friends sort of got (Pitchfork) famous?

10. Adobayondei - Neglecting Deaths

Smart, catchy, quirky indie from Philly.

11. Hollerado - Juliette

My great Canadian friends, recently nominated for a Juno after a tour with Gang of Four. Oh, and they have their own hot sauce. Can you spot Lois Lane in the video?

12. Wino - The Last Crazy Trumpet

This bipolar band of bros switches seamlessly between reggae-rock and hip-hop.

BONUS. Flagland - Asshole Boyfriend

I forgot these fun-loving rock bros from the original mix. Enjoy the 90s flavour, dance around.