The OXD Mirror: New Music for 4.19.13

BY OCCUPY THE DISCO / JOSH APPELBAUM

The OXD Mirror is a weekly music column brought to you by the boys of OCCUPY THE DISCO (OXD), a New York City based movement created by three music lovers, Ru Bhatt, Josh Appelbaum, and Tadeu Magalhães, who want to share their love for disco, house and dance music with the world.

Below is a recent interview we did with Logo TV's New Now Next that describes who we are and what we do in a bit more detail. Enjoy!

And now onto the new music!

Logo: 'Cardiocleptomania'

The title of French electronic production duo Logo's latest track, 'Cardiocleptomania,' seems to suggest the song is about someone who steals others' hearts incessantly.  With it's pulsing house beats, intense piano and strong musical progression, the song certainly took my breath away at first listen.  According to thier label, Kitsuné, the accompanying video is "designed to challenge and condemn homophobia in sports as much as it is the story of opposite impulses...willing to fight one of the most painful and taboo subjects of nowadays."  The progression of the video is timed neatly with the drops in the song to create a chilling cinematic effect.

 

Kisses: 'Air Conditioning'

There's something particularly irresistible about the sweet, summery electronic pop that has been coming out of L.A. lately from the likes of Goldroom, Classixx and of course this song's artist, Kisses.  Evoking serious visions of warmer weather, Kisses' aptly titled single 'Air Conditioning' has a sound that reminds me of The Cure's 'Lovesong'. Singer Jesse Kivel's smooth vocals paired along with the hearty bassline and ethereal instrumentals make this song a "must have" on my early summer poolside playlist.

 

Satin Jackets feat. Patrick Baker: 'Only You'

Satin Jackets have been on a roll this past year - and clearly we are big fans since we've featured them three different times on Towleroad before. Their latest, 'Only You', is a deep house track with vocals from up-and-comer Patrick Baker.  Smooth and slow is how Satin Jackets likes to record their music, and this track is certainly no exception.  They stick so steadfastly to this theory that on their Facebook page they go as far as to claim they will never put out a track above 120 beats per minute.  I'm continually impressed with their production skills with every subsequent track and look forward to more releases from this talented group.

MORE NEW MUSIC, AFTER THE JUMP... 

Empire of the Sun: 'Alive'

Empire Of The Sun's 2008 album Walking On A Dream was critically acclaimed for its unique, slightly cheesy, yet sophisticated sound.  It spawned some amazing singles like 'We Are The People' and of course the track the album is named after, 'Walking On A Dream'.  This visually and aurually inspired Australian duo is back with their sophomore album Ice On The Dune, with 'Alive' acting as the lead teaser single. Their sound is still rife with their distinct, robust choruses and falsettos.  I have a feeling their upcoming album will serve as the "it" soundtrack for the summer if 'Alive' is any indication of their direction.

 

Capital Cities: 'Safe and Sound (RAC Mix)'

Capital Cities' frontmen Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian formed in an unconventional way: both were jingle writers based in L.A. who met via a Craiglist ad.  Their brand of electronic pop rock, showcased on their debut self-titled 2011 EP, caught the attention of Chromeo and The Killers as well as countless music bloggers and magazines.  Currently finishing work on their first full studio album with a full band,  their latest single 'Safe and Sound' has gotten the remix treatment by RAC (Remix Artist Collective).

 

Ejeca: 'Alone'

Irish producer Ejeca is relatively new to the music scene but has been consistently putting out some of the best electronic tunes out there.  He's been experimenting with tracks that range in genre from garage to disco and techno, and his deep house effort 'Alone' is featured on the compilation Moda Black Volume 2.  The element of surprise, due to Ejeca's breadth of taste this producer has, keeps us coming back for more with every new song.

 

This Sunday: Paradisco at THE OUT NYC

As our Sunday daytime party Paradisco continues to grow and evolve, we're excited to announce that we'll be moving outdoors to the great lawn at THE OUT NYC this Sunday, April 21st.  This week we are featuring Sean B as our guest DJ, who has been spinning in NYC clubs since 1996, including legendary spots like The Limelight and Mr. Black, as well as other popular places like Chelsea Hotel’s Clubber Down Disco, Santos Party House, Le Bain and countless loft parties throughout the city.  Come out and enjoy the beautiful sun and some great music with us on the second floor of THE OUT NYC from 3-8PM!

This week's post was written and curated by Josh Appelbaum.

For more information on OXD, check out our website and accompanying blog at www.occupythedisco.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter: @OccupyTheDisco. Subscribe to our 'As Featured on Towleroad' Playlist to listen to tracks posted from past weeks.

 

Nebraska Lesbian Sentenced for Faking Horrific Hate Crime: VIDEO

Charlie Rogers, the Lincoln, Nebraska lesbian who was found guilty of faking a hate crime for claiming she was attacked by three men who broke into her home and carved "dyke" into her stomach before setting her house ablaze, was sentenced to a week in jail and two years on probation by a Lancaster County judge yesterday.

The Journal Star reports:

Lancaster County Judge Gale Pokorny on Thursday morning also ordered the 34-year-old to do 250 hours of community service for lying to police when she told investigators three men broke into her house, tied her up, carved anti-gay slurs into her skin and tried to light the house on fire.

“The evidence is overwhelming that Charlie Rogers’ narrative of July 22, 2012, was an incredible and outrageous lie the second it passed her lips,” Pokorny said.

Rogers will start her jail sentence April 29. She could do another 90 days behind bars in 2015 if she does not complete probation. Pokorny also ordered her to take a comprehensive psychiatric exam and give her probation officer access to all her medical records.

Rogers had faced up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Video of Rogers' sentencing, AFTER THE JUMP...

Boy Scouts Look Set to End Ban on Gay Scouts But Not Gay Leaders

The Boy Scouts appear set to end their ban on gay scouts, Reuters reports:

If the vote is approved, "no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone," Deron Smith, the organization's spokesman, told Reuters.

Smith noted that the decision drew from three months of research, surveys and discussions and was "among the most complex and challenging issues facing the BSA and society today."

The AP writes:

Under pressure over its longstanding ban on gays, the Boys Scouts of America is proposing to lift the ban for youth members but continue to exclude gays as adult leaders.

The Scouts announced Friday that it would submit this proposal to the roughly 1,400 voting members of its National Council at a meeting in Texas the week of May 20.

The resolution must still be ratified by the organization's board in May.

UPDATE:

Jennifer Tyrrell, lesbian Scout leader ousted as her 7 year-old son's den leader via letter on April 17, 2012, released this statement today:

"One year after sending a letter ousting me as my son's leader, the Boy Scouts are once again forcing me to look my children in the eyes and tell them that our family isn't good enough," said Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell. "My heart goes out to the young adults in Scouting who would be able to continue as scouts if this is passed, but then be thrown out when they reach the age to become leaders."

GLAAD added:

"Yet again, the Boy Scouts of America has failed its members, corporate sponsors, donors and the millions of Americans who agree that the time to end discrimination in Scouting is now," said Rich Ferraro, Vice President of Communications at GLAAD. "By refusing to consider an end to its ban on gay and lesbian parents, the Boy Scouts have missed an opportunity to exercise leadership and usher the organization back to relevancy. We're living in a culture where, until every parent and young person have the same opportunity to serve, the Boy Scouts will continue to see a decline in both membership and donations."

Rob Portman Sees GOP Support Slip After Backing Marriage Equality

Senator Rob Portman has seen a loss of support from Republicans since coming out for marriage equality in March, the WaPo reports:

Forty percent of Ohio voters approve of Sen. Rob Portman’s job performance in a new Quinnipiac poll; 31 percent disapprove. Last month, 44 percent approved of his work and 24 disapproved.

The dip is due to a 13-point increase in his disapproval rating among  Republicans. Forty-one percent of GOP voters said they view Portman less favorably because of his shift. Overall, 20 percent of voters think more favorably of the senator now, 25 percent think less favorably and 53 percent say it makes no difference. Portman’s disapproval rating with independents is also up slightly.

ABC's New Show About a Family with Two Moms: VIDEO

The Fosters' executive producer is Jennifer Lopez. It premieres in June.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

A Gay Frenchman's Gorgeous Message to Homophobes About Marriage: VIDEO

 Mike Fédée has a message to French people afraid of same-sex marriage: Fear Not.

Turn on the English subtitles by pressing CC on the video.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...