Lykke Li - I’m Good, I’m Gone (Black Kids Remix)
Lykke Li - Dance, Dance, Dance

Well, she’s totally buzzing. She just released her first album ‘Youth Novels’ in the UK, and Lykke Li is destined to come to the US sooner than later. If you missed her at SXSW or the handful of shows she booked over the nation afterwards, keep your head up. She’s all booked up across the pond until mid August of 08, but has about a month where she could ‘possibly’ come to the US. I’m thinking with the buzz that I’ve been getting about her, it’s gonna happen. Maybe not then, but maybe for a winter tour.

Currently, there are no slated plans to release ‘Youth Novels’ in the US, so your best bet on getting your hands on this music is by hitting up here and here and here. (visit 5. Secret Chapter)

It’s amazing that this girl is only 22 years old, has her own record label, and has music that I actually enjoy. Another artist makes it big from Myspace, and this time, I’m not even mad about it. I hope you aren’t either.

One question I’m frequently asked by co-workers and friends is - “How did you find that band?” And usually, this is after an incredible show that I’ve been to with them, or after I recommend a certain band, or burn them a mix disc.

Because I’m online entirely too much, and I love music like a fat kid loves cake, I manage to find a LOT of music for free. All the music I download is entirely legal, so I don’t have to worry about the RIA busting down my door and trying to seize my precious Macbook.

Due to my love for singer songwriters, one of the best sites out there that is finally getting the exposure it deserves is daytrotter.com. Daily, Monday through Friday, they release anywhere from 3 to 7 tracks of free folky goodness. This means that if you go every day, you get nearly 30 songs in a week. Granted, you won’t love all of it, but you’ll find some great new music that most people don’t know about. Like, did you know that Jeff Daniels (dumb and dumber) is actually a musician as well?

Many music lovers out there know that Amazon.com has released MP3 downloads, but have yet to participate. Over the past few months, Amazon has curbed my fear by allowing me to download free tracks. Follow these simple instructions to get some of your old favorites, and find new ones.

> Go to Amazon.com, and then Digital Downloads -> MP3 downloads
> Leave the Search Bar blank, and just press “GO”
> Sort the results as Price:Low to High

You’ll get a lot of music that you are unfamiliar with, but what the hell, why not try it out anyways? I mean, I’m no fan of Ted Nugent, but I’ll sure take a free song any day! You never know when you’re gonna be in a camouflage kind of mood.
I’m being very nice, and if you click on that above picture, it will take you to all the Free Downloads Amazon is offering as of June 4th.

You’re welcome.

About a month ago, I posted some great sites to find new free music, usually with no “signup” needed. I wanted to repost some of these sites for new readers, and take the liberty to add a few more.

Daytrotter - This is a studio in Illinois where some big names occasionally stop in, and record about 4 tracks, and then on the site they release these tracks for free. Death Cab for Cutie just did 6 songs with them, 2 of the tracks being from the upcoming “Narrow Stairs.

Emusic - Relatively new on the ‘free music’ scene - these guys offer a sensational trial program. You get 25 songs for free, and then can opt out. If you choose not to, they have plans to download 30-75 songs a month. It’s an exceptional deal actually. I suggest you check out their trial, as their mp3’s also work seamlessly with Itunes.

RCRDLBL - A great site for bands you’ve never heard of. You may be able to name about 10% of their catalog, but they really introduce some really good stuff that’s going on, and make it fun. With daily inclusion of throwback videos (devo, etc.) new mashups from old artists, and global music coverage, this is one hell of an ‘indie’ site. And it’s good for artists. Click on picture to be re-routed.

Download.com - Lots of streaming mainstream artists, and sometimes you really have to dig to find some great stuff. I got about 8 Iron & Wine tracks here, and even some Sufjan Stevens. Really good place. If you sign up for their email list, they’ll also let you know when you can get free downloads pre-album release. It’s brilliant.

Rhapsody.com - So here’s the deal w/ Rhapsody. You sign up for a 14-day free pass. In this system, you can get as much music as you want, at your fingertips. The problem is, it isn’t Itunes compatible. The upside is, it plays right in your browser when you download the plugin.

So, now you have some music outlets to go and load up your ipod or zune for the week. If this was helpful, subscribe to my email newsletter that will keep you informed of free music that I constantly find.