MAINSTREAM MONDAY - Little Things

And the dreaded Monday came. Don't let this day turn you off, as you had your lovely weekend to reminisce on; having a few drinks, going out, and singing along to the songs you thought you hated. Every Monday, Mousa brings you those exact tracks. You think you hate them, but in truth, it's your guilty pleasure. The word mainstream in itself is overrated, but we all like a little familiarity, don't we?

With that, I present to you the first edition of Mainstream Mondays featuring Nicki Minaj, Fun, Dragonette, The Wanted and much more. I promise you these songs will be stuck in your head for the rest of the week. 

Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded was released on April 3. After listening to the whole album once, it was evident that this was a new Nicki that we haven't really seen before. Personally, I really like this album. It's very bold and brave of her to take such a huge step in her transition in music genre. Pink Friday consists of hip-hop, eurodance, electro hop, pop (lots of it) and a couple of R&B tracks with Chris Brown, Drake, Lil Wayne and a few more. 

Even though the melodic tune may sound the same in a few tracks, I still think that this is one of the good albums of this year. Plus, Nicki Minaj is undoubtedly one of the best in the music scene right now. 

Some of the tracks Nicki has in store for you

Whip It - Nicki Minaj

Automatic - Nicki Minaj

Marilyn Monroe - Nicki Minaj

Roman Holiday - Nicki Minaj

In the midst of all the mainstream, let these remixes twist things up a little.

Payphone - Maroon 5 Feat. Wiz Khalifa

Some Nights - Fun

Ai Se Eu Te Pego (Remix) - Michel Télo Feat. Pitbull 

Chasing The Sun (Marrio Larrea Club Mix) - The Wanted

Home (Chris Ramos Remix) - Gabrielle Aplin 

Let It Go (Faustix & Imanos Remix) - Dragonette

Call Me Skrillex J. Robinson (Mashup) - Carly Rae Jepsen

All You - The Cataracs Feat. Waka Flocka Flame & Kaskade

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3LAU HAUS

3LAU has blessed the world with his new monthly essential mix series, 3LAU HAUS! Bless your ears with some electro and dub step, this mix is massive.

To keep updated with 3LAU, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or Soundcloud.



1. Modertalking (3LAU Bootleg) - Nicky Romero v. Knife Party feat. LMFAO & Rihanna 

2. B*tch City (3LAU meets R3hab Bootleg) - R3hab feat. Tyga, DHT, DJ Sammy, Dev [CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD] 

3. In My Mind (Original Mix) - Axwell, Ivan Gough, Feenixpawl
4. Petty Language (3LAU Live Edit) - Porter Robinson v Carly Rae Jepsen 

5. Alive (Blinders Remix) - Dirty South & Thomas Gold 

6. Where Have You Been (Hardwell Remix) - Rihanna
7. Raw To The Floor (Lazy Rich Remix) - Calvetron 

8. Action (3LAU Extended Edit) - Tristan Garner & Quilnez feat. Gary Go, The Wanted, Neon Hitch, Usher 

9. One Minute Greyhound (3LAU Live Edit) - SHM Feat. Krewella

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Something Close - Gold Coast

As I was doing my daily routine, sipping my tea and browsing for music, I stumbled upon Gold Coast. Now, I won't lie, because this music group remains a mystery to me. But listening to the two tracks they have on Soundcloud, it left me astounded. I believe that Gold Coast has successfully put on the same vibe The Weeknd does; very sinister, and terrifyingly beautiful.

Here's their experimental take on Breathe by Télépopmusik and Dreams Money Can Buy by Drake.

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Shitter Real Deal - Milk N Steeze

It's only been two months since the release of their first music video. Now, the talented duo, Milk N Steeze, have finally released a new single called Shitter Real Deal. Let these boys swoon you ladies with their spits and rhymes, on top of this melodic instrumental produced by Dom McLennon.

If you'd like to keep updated with Milk N Steeze, follow Francis and Mito on Twitter, or their Soundcloud.

If you guys haven't seen their music video for Passin Me By, check it out here!

 

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SUNDAZE - Chocolate and Cigarettes

And on the seventh day, we rest. Everyone has mixed feelings about Sundays; the mornings are relaxing, as people sleep in after their weekend endeavors, and the nights are a little grim, as people are reminded of the busy week that's about to hit them in a few hours.

Either way, Sundays somehow seem to be made for rest and laziness. Today, Mousa brings you the perfect musical accompaniment to your relaxation (or procrastination).

In today's Sundaze, you will find mainly laid-back tunes with lots of guitar (with an addition of ukulele by Ingrid Michaelson and piano by Angus & Julia Stone). Carla Bruni's soft, husky vocals and the Maccabees' chill indie sound, along with the Sea of Bees' dreamy vibe, contribute to the perfect mix for a lazy Sunday.

Have a good day filled with smiles!


1. La Ciel dans Une Chambre - Carla Bruni
2. You and I - Ingrid Michaelson
3. Rock & Roll - Eric Hutchinson
4. Toothpaste Kisses - The Maccabees
5. Chocolate and Cigarettes - Angus & Julia Stone
6. Mushaboom - Feist
7. Eleven A.M - Bears
8. Wicked Way - Ben Taylor
9. Skinnybone - Sea of Bees
10. Hey Stranger - Demetra 

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Tokyo Ghost - Maze Mountain

Maze Mountain is a two-man wolfpack that are said to be influenced by the experimentation of electronic music. They've recently released their latest demo, Tokyo Ghost - a track composed of frighteningly beautiful beats and soothing, lo-fi vocals.

Let this track help you unwind under this stellar evening.

If you want to keep updated with Maze Mountain, follow them on Soundcloud.

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HANGOVER SATURDAY - Sweater Weather

Sleep is no friend, light is your Kryptonite and the distance between you and that glass of ice cold water is far greater than the sum of all your will and might combined. You attempt to close your eyes but reopen them quickly to escape the wild uncontrollable thoughts that project themselves onto your eye lids; too much scotch, meeting lips; lamenting poor decisions, but doing them anyway. You check your phone with apprehension, but the back light blinds you. You snuggle back under your sheets, while all the normal people on earth are doing normal earthly things. You reach for your headphones and look for something - anything - to distract you from yourself. And here you are.

Whether you're feeling like death, or having the urge to drive to the beach to soothe the pain, let Hangover Saturdays nurse your soul and body back to health and sobriety. Saturday's playlist is also perfect for coffee and cigarettes, a summer's day, or breakfast in bed.

On this today's playlist, we'll be revisiting old and recent tracks alike from different genres to meet your music taste; ranging from hip-hop, soul, jazz, indie rock, R&B, and acoustics. However, I've especially included this track, by The Neighbourhood.

   

This song has been on repeat ever since I discovered it. The Neighbourhood is a five-man indie rock group that's due to release their debut EP, 'I'm Sorry', on May 7th. I must say, I've never been so excited for an EP in a long time! Make sure you mark your calendars for this legendary release!

Now, I shan't hold you back from having those eargasms. Just sit back, relax, and hydrate.

To keep updated with The Neighbourhood, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Soundcloud.

40 Day Dream - Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros Little Talks - Of Monsters And Men This Charming Man (The Smiths Cover) - Stars I Would Do Anything For You - Foster The People Lust For Life - Girls Sunshine - Atmosphere J Cole Acoustic Medley (Cheer Up / Lost Ones / Lights Please) - PJ Simas Something About Us (Daft Punk Cover) - Balance And The Travelling Sounds Put It In Your Manners (DJ 21azy Mashup) - Childish Gambino vs Chiddy Bang

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FREEDOM FRIDAY - Club Life

It's finally the weekend! We know you've all had a stressful week and this is the night to unwind and just let go. 

Mousa presents the first edition of Freedom Friday, featuring Tiësto, R3hab, remixes from Avicii and much more. It is our pleasure to bring you the absolute best tracks from the Electro, Dance and House scene. 

Seeing as it's the weekend, I won't write something you have to read for so long so I'll let the music speak for itself. 

Go crazy, but stay safe, Manila! 

Tiësto Club Life Volume Two Miami

Tiësto's Club Life Volume Two Miami is a follow up album after the very successful volume 1 album. This was released on April 24 and this man does not fail to amaze me. Trust me, you will not regret it!

"I wanted to create songs that give fans the opportunity to experience the sound of Miami clubs, whether they've been there or not." 

Some of the tracks to look forward to in this club bangin' album:

Young Blood (Tiësto & Hardwell Remix) - The Naked And Famous

Paradise (Tiësto Remix) - Coldplay

Maximal Crazy (Original Mix) - Tiësto & Swanky Tunes

It's the freakin' weekend baby, I'm about to have me some fun!

Bitch Please (Scully's Moombah Bootleg) - The Sleepover Feat. Prendii

Rolling Stone T-Shirt (Cazzette 'Approaching Starry Homes' Remix) - Dada Life

Chainsaw The Night - R3hab

Language - Porter Robinson

Kontiki (Dyro Remix) - Hardwell, Dannic

Metropolis - David Guetta, Nicky Romero

The Night Out (Madeon Remix) - Martin Solveig

Girl Gone Wild (Avicii Remix) - Madonna

The Fox - Whelan and Di Scala

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Imaginary Future - French Films

Hailing from Finland, young Nordic band French Films is ready to dominate the indie scene. In September of 2011, the five-man band released their first official album, Imaginary Future.

Filled with mainly upbeat tunes of fresh indie/rock, the album radiates good vibes all around. French Films is the kind of indie band that would play at an open-field music festival on a sunny afternoon - their music is the kind you would listen to on a road trip, and also the kind that would be playing at a pool party in the summer.

Indulge yourself in full-on good vibes as you listen to this energetic mix of indie/rock.

1. New Zealand

2. You Don't Know

3. Up the Hill

4. Convict

Tracks from their EP Golden Sea:

1. Golden Sea

2. Take You with Me

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The Kick - Manila Killa

Since it is Friday today, it's only appropriate that we help you celebrate the weekend after successfully surviving the blistering hot week. Let this track pump you up for the weekend to come.

DC-based DJ, Manila Killa, recently released his latest track inspired from the film 'Inception'. The track 'Time' from Hans Zimmer's award-winning score for Inception incorporates itself with Swedish House Mafia's 'Greyhound', Coldplay's 'Fix You', and Dirty South's 'Walking Alone'.

You can keep posted on Manila Killa's future monster tracks on Facebook, Twitter, or Soundcloud .

Click here to download.

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James Blake - James Blake

James Blake released his first official album, James Blake, on October 10, 2011 (Deluxe Edition). I know this post may be a little overdue, but this album is pretty amazing not to be posted on here sometime. This album is a final result of James' past three EP's and this was sure to be a big hit in the music scene. 

Listen and love this album of raw and simple, clean and precise, soulful, dreamy and dramatic sound. He takes rhythm, vocals and deep bass to create a new level in electronic music. Experience James Blake's sound - close your eyes, and keeps your minds open.

The Wilhelm Scream

Limit Your Love

Fall Creek Boys Choir Feat. Bon Iver

A Case Of You

If you're in for something new, here's a few remixes of James Blake's tracks you might want to check out.

I Never Learnt To Share (Danny.T Remix)

The Wilhem Scream (Pointdexter Remix) 

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Shut Your Eyes And See - The Advocates

The Advocates had recently released their debut EP called Shut Your Eyes And See, consisting of four beautiful tracks recorded at 80Hertz Studios - known for creating albums from The Courteeners and Chase and Status.

After a year of constant live perfomances, the four-man indie/grunge piece have recently made their mark on BBC Radio, and put in the bill to play for larger venues across the North West of England. It won't be long until they will be playing in our radios! Watch out for these guys.


If you want to check more of them out, follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Soundcloud.





Also, if you are unfamiliar of Chase and Status, here's a few tracks to fill you in.

Heartbeat (Chase and Status Remix) - Nneka
Against All Odds (feat. Kano) - Chase and Status

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MEMORY LANE THURSDAY - Paradise City

Music never gets old. Although the music industry is at a constant growth, teeming with new ideas and innovative expressions, sometimes it's necessary for us to listen to history and observe the progress of how music became what it is today.

Every Thursday, Mousa takes you on a trip down to memory lane (or Abbey road, if you like), featuring artists from the past - both indie bands who weren't exposed in the limelight and famous legends who have become household names over the decades.

Now: I present you with a playlist filled with 37.8 minutes of pure "throwback" awesomeness! Today, I decided to go for a mainly "indie/rock" genre; I mixed serene indie classics from the likes of Bob Dylan and Radiohead with energy-pumping rock music from Guns N' Roses and Black Sabbath. Also, who doesn't love a bit of Jimi Hendrix - the definition of eargasm?

And of course, what would "memory lane" be without the original "Abbey Road" walkers - The Beatles? Let the legendary 60s pop band officially start you off on your journey to memory lane!

All the best,

xx Jee

*If the link doesn't play, with "File not found" popping up, just refresh the page and try playing the track again.

1. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) - The Beatles
2. Blowin' in the Wind - Bob Dylan
3. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
4. You are my Sunshine - Johnny Cash
5. A Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum
6. Paranoid - Black Sabbath
7. There She Goes - The La's
8. Let your Love Flow - Bellamy Brothers
9. Paradise City - Guns N' Roses
10. Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead

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INDIE WEDNESDAY feat. Manila Music Festival

Indie. Indie is short for independent. To be independent, is to be free from outside control; freethinking, unconventional, unfettered, bold.

Music has no boundaries, and true musicians are the ones that take ordinary things, and transcend them through the airwaves with the intention of passing an insightful message to the mass. 

Coachella, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, Fuji Rock, Reading, Leeds - all sound familiar? These days, people have included music festivals onto their bucket list as it has grabbed the attention of many people throughout the years. In this generation of social media, the word spreads fast, and new ideas brew constantly. It is without a doubt that the Philippines is finally beginning to be put onto the map for being Asia's premier music destination. And on behalf of the same masterminds who brought you Malasimbo Music Festival in Puerto Galera, Volume Unit Entertainment (VUE) brings you Manila's first ever major music festival.

This year, May 1, VUE has collaborated with the Philippine Department of Tourism to draw domestic and international tourists alike under one roof - Manila Music Festival.  The lineup includes international artists such as Afrika Bambaataa (Zulu Nation), Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest), and Shinchi Osawa (Mondo Grosso). These artists will be playing alongside Similar Objects, DJ Katsunami, Skratchmark, Liquid A, and so much more. It is without a doubt that Manila Music Festival will be one hell of a show.

Still not convinced? Well, hopefully Malasimbo's after-movie will show what's in store.

Without further adieu, we present to you our first edition of Indie Wednesday, consisting of different indie artists, including artists from MMF's line-up. Enjoy.

For more information and updates about Manila Music Festival, follow MMF on Twitter or Facebook.

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The Art of Expression

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." -Victor Hugo

Arguably the most creative form of expression to exist in this world, music is an element recognized and understood by every single inhabitant on this planet. From the beginning of time to the Imaginary Future, music has been and will continue to be (cliché yet truthfully) a "universal language."

As a teenager whose best friend (well, one of them) is a piano, I am an avid listener and creator of music. Music has become more than just a pleasant tune, melody line, or bass drop to my ears; it has become a Life Pursuit. It doesn't matter whether or not we pursue music as a professional career - music will accompany us all throughout life. Music will be heard at some point within the 24 hours of each day, and music will accompany our soul to its resting place after death, as our favorite songs play at our Funeral(s). Music has been played before our birth and it will continue to be heard after our death.

The art of expression is eternal. 

Like Victor Hugo stated, it is "impossible to be silent" in this world with music around, for the fact that it expresses every human emotion possible in diverse structures, key signatures, instruments... The list goes on. 

I want you to enjoy the gift of sound and the absence of silence through music. I know this sounds cliché, but sometimes, I like to Imagine what this world would have been without music. Try and think about that. You will learn to truly appreciate this Fruit of human strife to create artistic expression through sound.

Like my fellow creators, I am so excited to share all kinds of music with you. (Feel free to share your tastes with us!) We here at Mousa believe that this blog provides an excellent opportunity for us all to grow in terms of diversifying our taste in and appreciating more music.

Most of all, however, we hope to simply make you happy and treat you with the best multiple eargasms ever.

All the best,

Jee

*Album titles used in the entry:
(A few of my favorites + sneak-peeks of what's in store for you)

1. Imaginary Future - French Films

2. The Life Pursuit - Belle & Sebastian

3. Funeral - Arcade Fire

4. Imagine - Armin van Buuren

5. Fruit - The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

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Something Good To Look Forward To

"Whenever society gets too stifling and the rules get too complex, there's some sort of musical explosion" - Slash, Guns n' Roses

According to the dictionary, the term 'music' is defined as 'an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and colour.' More often than not, people seem to dismiss the true beauty associated with music. Music has the power to adjust our moods, it is a sound that pleases, nurtures, and inspires one's self. 

My friends and I all have a passion for music. We all may not have the same tastes and we have the occasional arguments on what is a good song and what is not, but that's what I like about music, that even with disagreements, it is still one of the few things in this world that seems to gather everyone together. I love discussing what new songs we've heard, or how silly Boyfriend by the Biebs is, it's what gets me through. 

Legendary Armin Van Buuren once said, "It's not love for music, it's a passion, and it goes beyond liking, and beyond a hobby, it's about a way of living... Music is essential for my life."   As cliché as it sounds, music is my escape from reality. It lets you into a world without boundaries, and without this blessed tool, one would not be able to function. 

When it comes to music, there's always something good to look forward to. 


There's so much that music has to offer, and through this blog, we want to show you all the sides of music that you may not have been exposed to. Sai, Jee and I all want to let you into our little world and experience the music that we love. 


With that being said, I welcome you to Mousa and we promise to give you the best eargasms on a daily basis. Turn the volume up and shut the world out, because it's going to get loud!


Enjoy, 
Emily. x

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Get Ready, It's A New Day

"Greetings and salutations!", said Jason Dean. "Are you a Heather?"

Salutations - a gesture or utterance made as a greeting or acknowledging of another's arrival, or departure. Salutations, indeed. My name is Sai, and I welcome you to the freshest blog to date.

To me, music is a universal language. Anywhere you go, the passion for it is brewing. For as long as I can remember, my iTunes library has been the one thing I've always been proud of. There's nothing I find priceless joy in as exciting as finding the perfect song to match your mood, or the perfect beat to dance to. It's a lovely feeling, don't you agree? 

As a proud Filipino, and an avid music enthusiast, spreading good music taste around is important to me. I'm eternally surrounded by different individuals with distinct personalities, and it's interesting to see the various music tastes everyone has - that's one reason as to why my taste in music is so diverse. Although, I have, indeed, met a couple of people that've allowed themselves to succumb into trending topics and Top 40 Billboard Charts, that they often overlook potential talent. It's always great to discover something new, some people just choose not to. People complain about how it's hard to find good music these days, and how everything is either too overplayed or too mainstream. My job here is to change that - I'll spread the word, and show my everlasting passion for music. 

With that being said, Mousa will provide our listeners music that'll satisfy unique individuals, here and there, whatever your preferred music taste may be. Variation is quintessential, and could be pretty fun - it's your friend.

On behalf of the Mousa team, we humbly welcome you here - a blog driven by audiophiles, for audiophiles. Here are a few tracks to get you started. I guarantee that our editors will show you a good time in between those headphones.

To kickstart this blog, here are five tracks that are currently on repeat in my head.

But for now, I shall send you my salutations.

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