SXSW has come and gone again, and although we couldn’t attend this year, it didn’t stop us from sifting through the thousands of artists showcasing this year. From hip-hop to heavy metal, folk and indie pop, the festival always brings a vast range of musical acts to help in the search for new and often surprising sounds. One of our favorite new listens comes from fellow NYCers, Hospitality. As the latest addition to Merge Records, the band was generating buzz even before hitting the stage, landing them on a slew of must-see lists. We were taken by their catchy tune … (read more).

The latest interactive music video is here, and no, this time it’s not from Arcade Fire. It’s instead from Brooklyn indie-pop duo Chairlift, who have creatively outdone themselves for the release of their single, “Met Before,” off of their third, and arguably most successful album, Something.  The video is a wonderfully executed choose-your-own-adventure style story, directed by Jordan Fish, who managed to create seemingly endless possibilities for viewers. We had fun clicking the arrows to discover various stories, but by the fifth scenario I was most content with the first choice that led to a scientific explanation for déjà vu. … (read more).

Today’s Music Monday features the song “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which has been popping up on my various playlists for a few weeks now. Released on the latest album from Gotye, pronounced Go-tee-yay, the artist teamed up with New Zealand star Kimbra to create this striped down, slow building song, that makes for a generally unexpected international chart topper. But managing to hit #1 in his native Australia, Gotye also climbed up the charts in a slew of European countries. And now gaining more coverage  in the U.S., with appearances on various television soundtracks, he proves once again … (read more).

The latest band to pique my interest, Big Deal, is the UK guitar playing duo Kacey Underwood and Alice Costelloe. Bringing an edgy feel to folk music, Underwood’s deeper voice plays off of Costelloe’s angelic vocals, making for a sound that is modern, yet pleasantly familiar. After signing to Mute records, joining the ranks of many established indie artists, the band released their debut album Lights Out just last fall. Now, after more single and music video releases, including their take on the classic Jesus and Mary chain song Sometimes Always which came out just last week, they’ve begun generating … (read more).

Despite the slightly somber note of the Grammys last night, due to the untimely death of pop sensation, Whitney Houston and the loss of the great Etta James just a few weeks prior, the show brought joy to some repeat winners including pop-soul singer Adele. After winning two Grammys back in 2009 for her single, “Chasing Pavements,” she once again garnered attention with the release of her sophomore album, 21. Upon its debut she was propelled into the spotlight as listeners were drawn to her heartfelt, candid lyrics and emotionally charged vocal range. Now, after snagging 5 Grammys last night … (read more).

Step into the CassaDecor offices, and it’s not hard to see that we enjoy music. Aside from posting Music Mondays, background music can usually be heard coming from our desks and we’re always on the hunt for new music. Our last musical obsession was Spotify, and the latest thing to peak our interest is the music-meets-social media website and App, We Are Hunted. The image heavy setup for this music discovery hub lets you easily scroll through an array of tracks, and the fact that there is always something a little different thrown in keeps us coming back to their … (read more).

When Alan Palomo entered the music scene in 2009 as Neon Indian, there was an instant buzz around his unique sound. Now, with the release of his sophomore album Era Extraña and single “Polish Girl,” his popularity has been on the rise. The song is a classic story of unrequited love, but its mellow vocals covered in a wave of futuristic keyboards, soft guitar and drum beats manage to keep it feeling fresh. We found a great live version thanks once again to KEXP, so enjoy below and let us know what you think of Neon Indian’s latest single: image … (read more).

For anyone that may be in doubt, the current “Real/Surreal” exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art is part of an ongoing two-year project to remind visitors of all the hidden gems at the institution’s disposal, casting pieces from the museum’s permanent collection in a new light, placing them in novel contexts and company. “Real/Surreal” seeks to illuminate the co-existing intersections and tensions between Realism and Surrealism, both of which flourished in American art in the twenties, thirties, and forties. The result is absolutely mesmerizing. Wander through the collection, mounted against walls painted in rich colors and expertly installed … (read more).

Great news, festival lovers! The Coachella 2012 lineup was officially announced, and now it’s time to find out if that cash you saved up for the initial on-sale tickets back in June was worth it. As one of America’s most fashion filled, celeb spotting music festivals, Coachella, held in Indio, California, has gained notoriety over the years as one of the festival season’s most anticipated events. With its mix of up-and-comers and popular favorites – even Jeff Mangum is coming out of the shadows en lieu of the newly released Neutral Milk Hotel box set-Coachella has become more popular every year. Where else can you find headliners like … (read more).

Don’t know yet what you’re doing this weekend? I’ll tell you: Italian artist and prankster provocateur Maurizio Cattelan‘s “All” retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum will be showing for two more days (through 1/22) and you should go. One of the museum’s most buzzed about exhibitions in years, this unprecedented show features 128 pieces from 21 years of work–all hanging from the Guggenheim’s iconic rounded ceiling. That’s right. 128 sculptures, installations and photos have been suspended from a complex nest of cables and strings, lowered into the rotunda at varying heights. As you make your way up the spiraling levels of … (read more).