From a basement near the National Zoo emerges Washington DC’s most melodious answer to socio-political events: The Megaphone Barons. This trio of wanderers from California, Northern Virginia and Russia (by way of Idaho) fuses Sonic Youth-inspired tension rock with nontraditional instrumentation (violin, accordion, charango and bombo) underlying dark-yet-playful commentary on today’s burning issues.

I had the pleasure of mastering this record this summer. A band that’s impossible to pigeonhole, Megaphone Barons are a band to keep your eye out for. A dense mix yet only 3 members. You can buy Managerie here.

Enjoy my favorite cut:

Soggy Ground

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On one level you can take Deep Sea Cavalry‘s debut album as though it is written as a philosophical position paper which investigates the folly of competitive hierarchy, the inadequacy of most forms of communication, the exploitation of all-things-new, and various other faults of the human condition such as the inner battle that we call the self. On another more surface level, however, the album is simply 15 highly palatable indie-rock anthems.

Or more simply, this album reminds me of what would have happened if Bob Mould was born in Ireland and turned on the lo-fi button. I love this record. The music is melodic and driving and is a perfect spring soundtrack for a weeks worth of rain.

Below is my favorite track and their first single from their record I mastered. Be sure to buy the record here.

Robber Barons
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Finding Jersey, from New Jersey (of course!) recently came in to have their record mastered. It’s a wonderful mix of power pop in the same vein as Toad The Wet Sprocket and Camper Van Beethoven. Stellar harmonies and wonderful melodies. Enjoy two of my favorite tracks.

(No Helen) I Wont Take You Back
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Finally Free
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Mosno‘s record produced by Paul Mercer is dropping next month and I had the pleasure of mastering it. It’s a great mix of middle eastern, world and alt. rock. There are some pretty stellar guests including Acacia Sears and Seeno on vocals, Charmaine Nokuri on trumpet and Kristen Jones on cello.

Let the music speak for itself. Here are two of my favorites:

Melissa Undone

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Be With (f/ Seeno)

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Baltimore producer, King Cakemix, came back to Mobtown this month to master his next release with us. Here are two of my favorite tracks. A catchy dense track and a dancy club hit.

Where Do We Go?
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Next Girl Will
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Reno over at King Cakemix Entertainment recently came in to have his latest track mastered with us. Totally slick production with an exuberant MC. We hope you enjoy and keep your ears peeled for many more King Cakemix/Mobtown collaborations.

[See post to listen to audio]

Producer Tony Jordana recently came in to the studio with alternative pop-punk singer, Jill LeBrun, to master her EP. Tony has stellar tact and mad arranging skills. Not only is Jill chock full of talent, but her voice and pop sensibilities are everything radio/TV licensing is looking for. Here are a few of my favorites. Be sure to give “Hold On” a chance. It’s a longer song that takes some time to build, but the end is well worth the wait.

Dead Ends
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Hold On
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Alternative Pop/Punk duo RadioRadio from Virginia recently came in to have their record mastered. They recorded this one in their basement as a two-piece. Great melodies. Clipped vocals and drums. Can’t wait to see them put a band together live.

Enjoy these two samples:

Rooftops
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Exactly
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Andrew from The New Age Outlaws recently came in to Mobtown to have their debut record mastered. Andrew, a recent high school graduate recorded the record himself at home. Quite an impressive feat for someone barely 18. Andrew has some skills and I had a great time working on the project with him. Here are a few songs I enjoyed:

Fool
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Hardly Working

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Mike from Arlington Sleeps recently came in to have his band’s CD mastered with us. These guys are awesome. Tight as hell. And balls to the wall. They are about to go on a tour this summer, so check them out where ever you are.

The record turned out great and is on sale this week at Big Cartel – check it out.

The Royal Breather
[See post to listen to audio]