Even folks on the Best Coast aren't immune to a little case of S.A.D. when the weather turns (relatively) cold. And though we're more than halfway through February, summer is still a long way off. So, with that in mind, we've tapped Dave Rocco, music supervisor at Deutsch Los Angeles, music adviser to a certain swank members-only club in WeHo, and former DJ at NYC radio station 92.3 FM (among other endeavors), to boost our mood with some killer jams.
Because, when you hear a great song in a Dr Pepper commercial or Volkswagen ad, Rocco's probably the guy who put it there. So, we figured he was the right dude for the job. From sunny house melodies to indie bangers, each track is packed with more good vibes than you can handle. Who needs Vitamin D when you have our ultimate winter cure-all playlist? Check out the dope DJ's picks and ditch the St. John's Wort.
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American Authors – "Believer"
"From Brooklyn, American Authors' 'Believer' has just the right mix of grit, rock, and pop. Enjoy."
"From Brooklyn, American Authors' 'Believer' has just the right mix of grit, rock, and pop. Enjoy."
C2C – "Down The Road"
"These four DJs from France are making a name for themselves in the U.S. And, the only thing better than listening to the one-of-a-kind music these guys make out of samples and turntables is seeing it live. If you don’t have the budget to fly to Paris, hold tight — the group will be here this summer."
"These four DJs from France are making a name for themselves in the U.S. And, the only thing better than listening to the one-of-a-kind music these guys make out of samples and turntables is seeing it live. If you don’t have the budget to fly to Paris, hold tight — the group will be here this summer."
Capital Cities – "Safe and Sound"
"Around the indie circle for a moment, L.A.-based Capital Cities and its somewhat '80s-sounding, pop-infused rock is about to be heard by the masses. The group just signed to Capitol Records, so get ready to hear more from these guys."
"Around the indie circle for a moment, L.A.-based Capital Cities and its somewhat '80s-sounding, pop-infused rock is about to be heard by the masses. The group just signed to Capitol Records, so get ready to hear more from these guys."
Cayucas – "Cayucas"
"Points off the bat for making it easy to remember the name of the group's first song. Local band Cayucas (pronounced 'ky-yook-us') is named after a town in San Luis Obispo County, CA. Looks like Scissor Sisters weren't the only ones to give some love to the seaside spot. Both the vocals and melody make this song a great listen while driving, often on repeat."
"Points off the bat for making it easy to remember the name of the group's first song. Local band Cayucas (pronounced 'ky-yook-us') is named after a town in San Luis Obispo County, CA. Looks like Scissor Sisters weren't the only ones to give some love to the seaside spot. Both the vocals and melody make this song a great listen while driving, often on repeat."
CHVRCHES – "The Mother We Share"
"Recently signed to Glassnote Records, home of a little band called Mumford & Sons, Glasgow-based CHVRCHES has been exploding all over the Internet. Sometimes, I don’t know if I should be crying or working out when I listen to this song. You decide for yourself."
"Recently signed to Glassnote Records, home of a little band called Mumford & Sons, Glasgow-based CHVRCHES has been exploding all over the Internet. Sometimes, I don’t know if I should be crying or working out when I listen to this song. You decide for yourself."
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Cymbals – "The Natural World"
"The band claims to be 'downhome disco,' although to me 'indie-pop' suffices. Overall, a fun song to listen to that should quiet the mind and allow for some involuntary hand and foot taps."
"The band claims to be 'downhome disco,' although to me 'indie-pop' suffices. Overall, a fun song to listen to that should quiet the mind and allow for some involuntary hand and foot taps."
Diafrix – "Easy Come, Easy Go"
"A dope song with a great throwback feeling. Diafrix is a strikingly unique Melbourne-based, African-born hip-hop duo. The pair returned last September with an outstanding second studio album, Pocket Full of Dreams. There's a strong chorus, with an easy and happy message."
"A dope song with a great throwback feeling. Diafrix is a strikingly unique Melbourne-based, African-born hip-hop duo. The pair returned last September with an outstanding second studio album, Pocket Full of Dreams. There's a strong chorus, with an easy and happy message."
Djanjo Django – "Default"
"Django Django is a British rock group based in London. The song 'Default' is blowing up –– and rightfully so. Take a listen."
"Django Django is a British rock group based in London. The song 'Default' is blowing up –– and rightfully so. Take a listen."
Feed Me / Crystal Fighters – "Love Is All I Got"
"This is my jam — listen loud."
"This is my jam — listen loud."
French Horn Rebellion – "Love is Dangerous"
"I love these two brothers who don't take themselves or the music too seriously. That being said, it's seriously good. The pair is originally from Wisconsin and now living in Brooklyn — and, according to them, they're 'making hot beats.'"
"I love these two brothers who don't take themselves or the music too seriously. That being said, it's seriously good. The pair is originally from Wisconsin and now living in Brooklyn — and, according to them, they're 'making hot beats.'"
Ghost Beach – "Miracle"
"All I will say is that this Brooklyn band is amazing. It's anthemic and addictive."
"All I will say is that this Brooklyn band is amazing. It's anthemic and addictive."
Haim – "Don’t Save Me"
"If you liked the band's first song, 'Forever,' prepare to be impressed. If you haven't heard, stop what you're doing and listen to it and this ASAP! Haim is going to be massive, so you better get on board."
"If you liked the band's first song, 'Forever,' prepare to be impressed. If you haven't heard, stop what you're doing and listen to it and this ASAP! Haim is going to be massive, so you better get on board."
Leagues – "Mind Games"
"Nashville-based Leagues sounds nothing like you would think when you hear 'Nashville-based.' It's infectious, fresh, and a must-listen."
"Nashville-based Leagues sounds nothing like you would think when you hear 'Nashville-based.' It's infectious, fresh, and a must-listen."
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The Mowgli's – "San Francisco"
"I just saw this group live, and it was one of the best shows I have seen in awhile! The Mowglis is a band that loves what it's doing and it shows."
"I just saw this group live, and it was one of the best shows I have seen in awhile! The Mowglis is a band that loves what it's doing and it shows."
Jagwar Ma - "The Throw"
"Jagwar Ma is a musical project that was established in November of 2011 by Jono Ma and Gabriel Winterfield. The latest track is getting love on the blogs and for good reason: It's good."
"Jagwar Ma is a musical project that was established in November of 2011 by Jono Ma and Gabriel Winterfield. The latest track is getting love on the blogs and for good reason: It's good."
Pacific Air – "Float"
"Both 'Float' and the group's second track, 'Roses,' make Pacific Air a band you want to know. Listen and you will know why. The ear-soothing vocals and head-bobbing melody take you away — and before you know it, you're floating."
"Both 'Float' and the group's second track, 'Roses,' make Pacific Air a band you want to know. Listen and you will know why. The ear-soothing vocals and head-bobbing melody take you away — and before you know it, you're floating."
Reptar – "Houseboat Babies"
"I don’t know why I like this band or song so much. I really don’t know much about the group, except a lot of people seem to like it, too."
"I don’t know why I like this band or song so much. I really don’t know much about the group, except a lot of people seem to like it, too."
Robert Delong – "Global Concepts"
"A Wii, a drum kit, and an awkward musical genius make up one of this year's most exciting additions. Robert’s songs are amazing, and he makes them with the most random combination of electronics and live instruments. Delong is one of my favorite new artists, and his songs are meant to be listened to loud, FYI."
"A Wii, a drum kit, and an awkward musical genius make up one of this year's most exciting additions. Robert’s songs are amazing, and he makes them with the most random combination of electronics and live instruments. Delong is one of my favorite new artists, and his songs are meant to be listened to loud, FYI."
Solange – "Some Things Never Fucking Work"
"I want to be her. She's sexy, cool, and Beyoncé's sister. She's also able to walk the pop and indie line like a pro. See her live, buy her record, and try and get invited to the Knowles' family dinner."
"I want to be her. She's sexy, cool, and Beyoncé's sister. She's also able to walk the pop and indie line like a pro. See her live, buy her record, and try and get invited to the Knowles' family dinner."
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St. Lucia – "September"
"Columbia Records is doing good things (Haim, Haerts, and Walk Off The Earth for example) and now the hotness that is St. Lucia. You may hear a little of the '80s, a little Killers, and a lot of other tasty goodness. Check out 'All Eyes on You' and 'Closer,' too! It's the perfect way to heat up your winter."
"Columbia Records is doing good things (Haim, Haerts, and Walk Off The Earth for example) and now the hotness that is St. Lucia. You may hear a little of the '80s, a little Killers, and a lot of other tasty goodness. Check out 'All Eyes on You' and 'Closer,' too! It's the perfect way to heat up your winter."
The Tallest Man On Earth – "1904"
"It’s on the slower side, but still so good! Tallest Man on Earth reminds me that good lyrics and a smile-inducing melody are all you need."
"It’s on the slower side, but still so good! Tallest Man on Earth reminds me that good lyrics and a smile-inducing melody are all you need."
Tegan And Sara – "Closer"
"Tegan and Sara are back, and with the duo's first single 'Closer,' you realize how much you missed it. And, get ready, because the whole record is equally as good. If the show comes to you, see it: I did and it kicked ass."
"Tegan and Sara are back, and with the duo's first single 'Closer,' you realize how much you missed it. And, get ready, because the whole record is equally as good. If the show comes to you, see it: I did and it kicked ass."
Walk off the Earth – "Gang of Rhythm"
"I don’t know why I love this so much, but it always puts a smile on my face and I find myself cursing about traffic far less often when it's on. Maybe it will do the same for you."
"I don’t know why I love this so much, but it always puts a smile on my face and I find myself cursing about traffic far less often when it's on. Maybe it will do the same for you."
YACHT – "Second Summer"
"'Second Summer' takes a second to get into, but when you do, it's so worth it! Listen loud."
"'Second Summer' takes a second to get into, but when you do, it's so worth it! Listen loud."
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