Whyd’s blog covering new music, connected design, and the tech lifestyle. Never stop jamming!Music, Design & TechTumblr (3.0; @whyd)http://blog.whyd.com/Biom - Save Your Plants!<p>As city dwellers, we often seek out the greener places, either by settling down in a park or heading out to the countryside for some fresh air. Not having the habit of constant gardening, we (us, at least) also don’t have ideal conditions, since our small apartments are limited in space and light. Plus, while our thumbs might be many different colors, they are not usually green. </p><p><a href="http://stillhuman.fr/">Still Human</a>, a Parisian start-up, aims to change that by creating a smart, beautifully designed and practical solution called Biom. <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stillhuman/biom-the-first-vegetal-cyborg?ref=category">Biom</a> is essentially a round pot for your plant that you can set on the railings or edges of your window. Sensors inside measure the four primary factors: water, temperature, fertilizer, and light. </p><figure data-orig-width="680" data-orig-height="453" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/Qfanrshil/biom.jpeg" data-orig-width="680" data-orig-height="453"/></figure><p><b>What we like:</b> It’s so hard to know how much water to give a plant, not enough and the plant dies. Too much and the plant dies! Wondering if a certain window gets enough light for your plant? Does the plant get too hot? Does the cold risk taking it out? What was once a question of intuition is now scientifically verified. Of all the tech happening inside the Biom, all you see is a light that flashes different colors when your plant needs attention. </p><p><b>Bonus points:</b> The smartphone app can alert you when your plant needs attention when you aren’t home, it also lets you choose between different plants because, of course, all plant species are different. Oh yeah, the rounded design fits so wall with horizontal lines (like guard rails), and helps to break up the monotony of window after window after window&hellip;. </p><p>The early bird specials are still available on <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stillhuman/biom-the-first-vegetal-cyborg?ref=category">Kickstarter</a>, with the super early bird going for only 30 euro. If you drag your feet you can still get one for 50 euro, or a duo for 80 euro (because two look better than one!). Think of how much money you’ll save not having to buy a new plant every two weeks! 17 days to go, so get to it! </p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/124574496380http://blog.whyd.com/post/124574496380Mon, 20 Jul 2015 16:01:17 +0200home techbiomstill humanplantssmart potwater sensorlightfertilizersmartphone appattentionwateringgardeningpariscitykickstartercrowdfundingwhydTrack of the Weekend #141: Years & Years - “Ties”<figure data-orig-width="960" data-orig-height="960" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/YsFnrml5y/11078149_970396306327291_6837757627095437254_n.jpg" data-orig-width="960" data-orig-height="960"/></figure><p>The grass in the fields is brittle. The sunshine pours down daily. It’s been a dry summer here in northern France, and the city of light has been the city of heat. Few acts right now are hotter than the temperatures here, but one that’s unquestionably on fire is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/YearsAndYears?fref=ts">Years &amp; Years</a>, an English electro-R&amp;B group that has been steadily infiltrating the airwaves. The trio’s latest single, “<a href="http://whyd.com/c/55a38a8f8d02a3ad5d25bb8d">Ties</a>” capitalizes on their now-famous style: a seductive voice, expertly-constructed melodies, and some of the catchiest lyrics this side of Disney. No wonder “Ties” was the <a href="http://www.whyd.com/hot">hottest track</a> on <a href="http://www.whyd.com">Whyd</a> this week. And their album “Communion” is rapidly on pace to become one of the biggest of 2015. </p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r3nertWi_Mg" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/124315825790http://blog.whyd.com/post/124315825790Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:33:46 +0200musictrack of the weekendyears & yearstiesenglandelectronicrbcommunionsummerheatcaniculepariswhydcommunitypopular musichot tracksThe Power of Music, Exploring Feelings, and International Love - The Grand Bain Interview<figure data-orig-width="900" data-orig-height="600" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/y8Znriwy2/grand_bain_3.jpg" alt="image" data-orig-width="900" data-orig-height="600"/></figure><p>The sunshine blazed across a clear sky when I arrived at the Mama Shelter, one of Paris’s trendiest locales. In the mid-afternoon heat everything moves slower, even the servers who polish knives and the few patrons who sip Perrier through black straws. I’m here to meet Erica and Jules, who make up <a href="http://grandbainmusic.com/">Grand Bain</a>. As we start talking their message hits home for me. Erica, an American, and Jules, a Frenchman, creating art together. And not just music, it’s a story of intercontinental love. </p><p>Erica was always passionate about culture and music, focusing on history and French when she studied at UCLA. Her passion for France brought her here to Paris, where she worked as a cook in a top restaurant. </p><p>Jules was brought up in a musical family, his father being a musician, and he had been involved in many projects throughout his lifetime. It was during the time that he was working on a new wave project that they sought a singer. </p><p>Erica was also looking to get involved with a musical project. She had been writing songs but was hoping to find something more. Calling her roots more “soul” than their current music, her background is more musical theater, soul, and R&amp;B. Despite the potential mismatch, she auditioned for Jules’s old group, and they immediately got along. </p><figure data-orig-width="730" data-orig-height="487" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/NeBnriwyo/grand_bain_2.jpg" alt="image" data-orig-width="730" data-orig-height="487"/></figure><p>That old new wave group did not share the same fate however. Soon after the group dissolved, and Jules and Erica struck out together under the new name, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/grandbainmusic">Grand Bain</a>, in early 2014. </p><p>Jules’s father has a studio, and Jules works as a sound engineer, two great advantages for an emerging group to get music out to the grand public. Both Erica and Jules consider themselves perfectionists, so it understandably took a while before they had something they were confident enough to share. There was one thing they were sure enough about though, each other. They recently got married here in Paris. </p><p>The result of their partnership are three tracks currently available on <a href="https://soundcloud.com/grandbain">Soundcloud</a> (my personal favorite being the catchy and powerful “<a href="https://soundcloud.com/grandbain/no-country">No Country</a>”). They have put the finishing touches on their first EP, to be released sometime in the fall, preceded by their first single and music video which will come out in September. </p><iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/156159003&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="450" frameborder="no"></iframe><p>Jules describes their musical creation as “starting with lyrics, melody/chords, whereas before it was rhythms.” What’s important is to identify cool potential, recognize the beginning of inspiration when it strikes. If it’s not there, you wait. They often go to Burgundy to work on their music together, to take a break from city life. </p><p>Not limiting themselves to constantly creating new sounds, they also take bits of older music and re-purpose those songs. Erica said that their upcoming single is actually the first song they co-wrote together. It sat on the sidelines for a while before they came back to it. </p><p>Their music could be classified as sad, but Erica’s sunny philosophy changes what that might mean to some people. “I don’t believe that people are sad. Sad things happen to people. The important thing is to not hide it or let it fester. Release it.” </p><figure data-orig-width="1024" data-orig-height="682" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/mZHnriwz7/grand_bain_1.jpg" alt="image" data-orig-width="1024" data-orig-height="682"/></figure><p>If they could open for any group touring right now, they don’t hesitate when they both said Arcade Fire. They also mentioned Interpol as an inspiration. One listen to “Leonie’s Dream” will confirm that. If there is one driving theme for Grand Bain as musicians, it’s to be powerful. Explore feelings, don’t run from them. </p><p>Now that they have a nearly-finished EP and have started working on songs for a full-length album, they are looking to make the move across the world to Los Angeles. Since they sing in English, it makes sense to reach a wider audience who can appreciate the music more quickly. They will be looking for a manager and a way to get set up there. </p><p>In the meantime, you can still catch <a href="https://twitter.com/grandbainmusic">Grand Bain</a> here in Paris, they play tomorrow night at Le Motel and the <a href="http://www.lebuspalladium.com/?p=10944">big release party</a> is October 9th at the Bus Palladium. </p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/124145117755http://blog.whyd.com/post/124145117755Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:00:30 +0200interviewgrand bainerica and julesno countryepmama shelterarcade fireinterpolinspirationinternational lovestudiolos angelesparisle motelbus palladiumrelease partymusic videowhydTrack of the Weekend #140: Collarbones - “Turning” (Flume Remix)<figure data-orig-width="1740" data-orig-height="1302" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/Ukenr9lu0/10333638_10152675414563033_3196954304517156451_o.jpg" data-orig-width="1740" data-orig-height="1302"/></figure><p>Summer is in full swing and offices are already a little less crowded as people head off to the world’s destinations. This week, the <a href="http://www.whyd.com">Whyd</a> community turned its ears towards the land down under, where Whyd favorite <a href="https://twitter.com/flumemusic">Flume</a> just released a remix of a different Australian duo: <a href="https://twitter.com/collarbonesband">Collarbones</a>. “<a href="http://whyd.com/c/5598474970e20e086d7f8e83">Turning</a>” is resonant and powerful. The voice is reminiscent of Years &amp; Years. The melody attracts and captivates. But then Flume adds depth. He boosts the original track deep into house territory, all of it climaxing into a heady blast of turn-it-up electronica. </p><p>Thanks to <a href="http://whyd.com/louis-desentenac">Louis de Sentenac</a> for getting it to us!  </p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tjdvjcz9ssE" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/123714612785http://blog.whyd.com/post/123714612785Fri, 10 Jul 2015 11:19:24 +0200musictrack of the weekendhot musiccollarbonesaustraliaflumeremixturninghousedeepsummerwhydcommunitySaent - A Focus Button Designed To Help You Do More<figure data-orig-width="701" data-orig-height="381" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/vzenr7xma/screen_shot_2015-07-09_at_13.22.43.png" data-orig-width="701" data-orig-height="381"/></figure><p>From the constant buzzing and ringing of your smartphone to the never-ending notifications from social media to the billions of websites and videos available at your fingertips (including awesome blogs about music and tech), it’s easy to sympathize with the person who says “I can’t seem to get anything done.” There are simply too many distractions in our modern, connected lives. Luckily for us, the makers of Saent have done something about it, in the easiest possible way. </p><p><a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/saent-be-less-distracted#/story">Saent is a button</a> that you place on your desk when you are working. Once you press the button, Saent’s software locks you into the pre-approved apps and programs that you need to use to work. In this remarkable way, it actually blocks you from distraction, by preventing you from clicking that link to 28 things only Parisians will understand, or from stalking your ex on Facebook for the third time today.  </p><p><b>What we like:</b> The design is so simply and small, it invites a touch. Press it to start a scientifically-calibrated focus session. Plus the little blue light is an indicator to your co-workers (or anyone else that might be sharing a space with you) that you are in the middle of a focus session and that you can’t be distracted. It’s small size makes it portable so you can have a focus session no matter where you are working from on any given day. </p><p><b>Bonus points:</b> Sometimes working hard can be a reward in itself, but - let’s be honest - sometimes it sucks. Saent has a system that rewards you for completing focus sessions. You can track your progress in the dashboard, and see if you are focusing more or less than your friends. You know who else you might want to impress with your stats? Your boss. </p><p>The early bird specials are already sold out, but for just $39 you can get your own <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/saent-be-less-distracted#/story">Saent</a> and one year of its premium software. Seems like a small price to pay for vastly increased productivity. The project has raised over $10K in two days on <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/saent-be-less-distracted#/story">Indiegogo</a>. Get there quick! </p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/123632732185http://blog.whyd.com/post/123632732185Thu, 09 Jul 2015 13:39:23 +0200home techsaentanti distractionbuttonnew technologyindiegogobluetoothfocusworkwhydTomorrow’s Talent, Waterfalls + a Big Music Festival, Welcome to Cabaret Frappé<figure data-orig-width="1109" data-orig-height="700" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/tFdnr5x3x/screen_shot_2015-07-08_at_11.29.26.png" alt="image" data-orig-width="1109" data-orig-height="700"/></figure><p><i>All images courtesy Cabaret Frappé Facebook page.</i></p><p><b>Hello! Can you introduce yourselves, who is behind the <a href="http://www.cabaret-frappe.com/">Cabaret Frappé in Grenoble</a>? Is that a Starbucks drink?</b></p><p>Nope. It’s a pure European blended musical event organised by Grenoble city. The festival, 70% funded by the regional government, offers 3 stages and various activities during 6 days. More than half of the events remain free. Only some shows are paid, at a really affordable price.</p><p><b>How long has the Cabaret Frappé been going on for?</b></p><p>The <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabaret_frapp%C3%A9">Cabaret Frappé</a> is already going to celebrate his 17th birthday. This year, beside the must-see festival in the garden, the festival also features brass band performances in the city train station, and will have a free concert on the Bastille, a fort on the top of a hill, offering a breath-taking view over the city. To finish, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CabaretFrap?fref=ts">Cabaret Frappé</a> offers an after party in a legendary concert hall : Le Ciel.</p><p><b>Is the end of July a good time to visit Grenoble? </b></p><p>We can definitely say that the end of July is a good time to visit Grenoble, in order to enjoy the area, surrounded by three wonderful mountain ranges. The mountain is also an amazing natural place to visit outside the winter period. During July, it’s the perfect weather to go around for a walk, and cool down in the lakes and waterfalls of the area. Within Grenoble, you can visit the charming city centre streets and parks, and enjoy many entertainments as well.</p><figure data-orig-width="846" data-orig-height="311" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/RVQnr5x4x/screen_shot_2015-07-08_at_11.28.47.png" alt="image" data-orig-width="846" data-orig-height="311"/></figure><p><b>What kind of artists will be performing? </b></p><p>Assuming the role of a pioneer, the Cabaret Frappé is behind many innovative musical discoveries. The festival supports musical creation, and ensures high quality programming. It promotes local and international artists within a large range of diverse music styles.</p><p><b>What&rsquo;s the vibe like?</b></p><p>The festival mainly takes place in a nice park, in the heart of the city. It brings about 50,000 people during the week. Friends and family gather in this fresh oasis, under the shade of the trees, to enjoy a moment of relaxation ideally suited to discovery. Around the musical program, various activities are freely organized: readings in the Rose Garden, world games, screen printing or free childcare centre for young parents attending paid concerts.</p><p><b>What are you the most proud of about the CF? </b></p><p>We are really happy to give the opportunity to discover today tomorrow’s talent. The Cabaret Frappé attaches great importance to promote emerging artists and showcase their performance in front of a large public.</p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FzFLMUZuNCQ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/123539203585http://blog.whyd.com/post/123539203585Wed, 08 Jul 2015 11:35:35 +0200musiceventcabaret frappegrenoblemusic festivalsummertalentnew musicemergingartistshowcasealpsfrancewhydinterviewTrack of the Weekend #139: Kendrick Lamar - “Alright”<figure data-orig-width="1341" data-orig-height="751" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/Wu3nqwj23/screen_shot_2015-07-03_at_09.47.44.png" data-orig-width="1341" data-orig-height="751"/></figure><p>Is “<a href="http://whyd.com/c/5593b7f570e20e086d7da11f">Alright</a>” <a href="https://twitter.com/kendricklamar">Kendrick Lamar</a>’s most political song? It does fit perfectly well into America’s modern narrative of black vs. police. One thing is for sure, it’s another visceral experience whose music video is a visual masterpiece featuring Kendrick flying through the streets and rapping atop streetlights before getting shot by a white cop. It’s the latest in his string of hits off of “To Pimp A Butterfly” confirming what we thought all along: 2015 is the year of Kendrick Lamar. </p><p>Thanks to <a href="http://whyd.com/u/5310fd867e91c862b2b603dc">Dans Ton Casque</a> for getting this one to us! </p><iframe src="http://cache.vevo.com/assets/html/embed.html?video=USUV71501692&amp;autoplay=0" height="324" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/123103119025http://blog.whyd.com/post/123103119025Fri, 03 Jul 2015 09:50:13 +0200musickendrick lamaralrightvideohot trackspopular musicmusic videowhydcommunitydans ton casqueNew App + Paper: The GreenRoom Family Grows!<figure data-orig-width="730" data-orig-height="400" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/Oeynqulfy/959777754.jpg" data-orig-width="730" data-orig-height="400"/></figure><p>When the temperatures soar above 40ºC (+100ºF) like we’ve been having this week here in Paris, there are few things better than an ice cold <a href="https://twitter.com/Heineken">Heineken</a>, the emblematic beer in a green bottle with a red star that’s available in even more places than Coca Cola (well, maybe, don’t quote us on that). But Heineken is not just cool temperature-wise, they have also been a leading source of inspiration and they are very deep into music culture. They did, after all, create <a href="http://www.greenroom.fr/">GreenRoom</a>, which is an awesome source for the latest trending news, especially for music. </p><p>We read GreenRoom’s posts all the times, from their <a href="http://www.greenroom.fr/76254-le-match-des-services-de-streaming/">music services comparisons</a>, to insider <a href="http://www.greenroom.fr/71237-game-of-thrones-quand-george-r-r-martin-lache-laffaire/">Game of Thrones</a> updates. The unique style and voice works perfectly (if you speak French!). And they have shared <a href="http://whyd.com/u/5163d9657e91c862b2acd265">nothing but good music</a> on their Whyd page since almost the very conception of <a href="http://www.whyd.com">Whyd</a>. Mad respect. </p><p>Now their offering grows, as they have just released a <a href="http://www.greenroom.fr/75685-app-my-greenroom-pour-nous-lire-partout-et-sans-connexion/">very slick app</a> - <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/my-greenroom/id991021535?l=enmt=8">My Greenroom</a> - which lets you download their articles for offline viewing. You can also see top lists of the most read articles, and see the articles that your friends have liked, to make sure that you can know what <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryPopsIt">Marie Robin</a> has been reading! </p><p>They are also releasing a mix between a magazine and book called “<a href="http://www.greenroom.fr/74438-greenroom-presente-le-greenroom-paper-festival-mon-amour/">Festival Mon Amour</a>” in collaboration with <a href="https://twitter.com/snatchmag">Snatch</a> magazine. The publication is a limited edition featuring the world of music festivals. You can pick up a copy at places like Collette, Palais de Tokyo, la Gaité Lyrique, and Mama Shelter. </p><figure data-orig-width="900" data-orig-height="1200" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/njNnqulff/11286586_10204453461964694_845829163_o-1.jpg" data-orig-width="900" data-orig-height="1200"/></figure>http://blog.whyd.com/post/123013248305http://blog.whyd.com/post/123013248305Thu, 02 Jul 2015 08:47:04 +0200musicgreenroomheinekenmarie robinfestivalssnatchnew apppublicationheat waveparispartnerwhydinspirationgame of thronesmusic servicescollettegaité lyriquepalais de tokyoofflinetop articlesA New Column for the Whyd Blog: Home Tech, starting with Aumi, The Smart Nightlight!<p><i>If you’ve been following us in the recent months you know that we’ve announced interesting things to come from Whyd. We are passionate about connected design, IoT, and everything that makes home living not only easier, but more aesthetic and emotional. In our research we stumble upon tons of interesting projects launching on crowd-funding sites around the world. They are created by brilliant minds who need as much support as possible to make their dreams into reality. It would be a crime not to share them with our trendy community of creative music lovers, since we have a hunch that you are into technology as much as we are. It’s part of the modern lifestyle. </i></p><p><i>Crowd-funding has changed the paradigm of the way products are created. In this new column of the Whyd Blog, we will be presenting you with the coolest products we can find that combine technology and the home in an aesthetic way &ndash; exploring things like new interfaces, increased autonomy, and more functionalities &ndash; always with an eye for design. <br/></i></p><p><i>If you find any gems yourself, please send them to us! </i></p><p><i>- Never stop jamming! </i></p><figure data-orig-width="1120" data-orig-height="589" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/uxInqpnuq/screen_shot_2015-06-29_at_16.45.02.png" data-orig-width="1120" data-orig-height="589"/></figure><p>Let’s start off with a simple idea that was maximized to its full potential. Introducing Aumi, a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aumi/aumi-reinventing-the-night-light?ref=category">smart, blue-tooth connected nightlight</a> that you can control either with an app or directly on the device through a unique touch interface. You can select from millions of different colors, control intensity, and set timers. A built-in battery keeps it on when the power goes out, and it doesn’t block a second plug! </p><p><b>What we like</b>: The combination of touch control and app. It’s not always easy to find your phone, type in your code, and open an app (which is hidden in a folder four home screens away), especially when it’s something as simple as turning the brightness down or up. Being able to control the Aumi on the device is a big plus. </p><p><b>Bonus points</b>: The design. It’s simple, elegant, and minimal. The rounded design invites you to touch it, and gives you a very intuitive way to do that, but the familiar dial function. </p><p>There are already almost 1000 backers, and it has surpassed its goal already! The early bird specials are already sold out, but you can still get one Aumi if you back $35 on Kickstarter. </p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/122768634510http://blog.whyd.com/post/122768634510Mon, 29 Jun 2015 16:50:16 +0200home techconnected designiotauminightlightsmartbluetoothinterfacetouchcontrolkickstartercrowdfundingupdatewhydblogcolumnTrack of the Weekend #138: Isaac Delusion - “How Much You Want Her”<figure data-orig-width="852" data-orig-height="316" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/adUnqjkyo/screen_shot_2015-06-26_at_10.00.17.png" data-orig-width="852" data-orig-height="316"/></figure><p>Heat wave’s a-coming here to northern France and the city of light is set to become the city of swelter. Skirts flutter in the hot breeze and sweat drips from brows. Perfect time to enjoy the icy goodness of a mojito on a terrace while listening to some dreamy music. An ideal song for this situation is Isaac Delusion’s new single “<a href="http://whyd.com/c/5588113e78ae945551f88758">How Much You Want Her</a>” that just dropped this week on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/microqlima?fref=ts">Microqlima</a>. You already know <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IsaacDelusion">Isaac Delusion</a> from our <a href="http://blog.whyd.com/post/110535056795/the-dreamy-electro-folk-of-isaac-delusion-long">Whyd interview</a>, and their two previous tracks of the weekend. This track is a clear development for them, the voice flying high like a satellite in low-Earth orbit, the rhythm and guitar teasing and building, and one of the best choruses we’ve heard all year.</p><iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/211429114&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="450" frameborder="no"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/122490215355http://blog.whyd.com/post/122490215355Fri, 26 Jun 2015 10:03:12 +0200musicisaac delusionhow much you want hertrack of the weekendhot musicnew singlemicroqlimawhydWhyd: re-imagining the speaker<figure data-orig-width="1672" data-orig-height="872" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/g8Pnqekvz/blog_new_whyd__1_.jpg" alt="image" data-orig-width="1672" data-orig-height="872"/></figure><p>We’re proud to belong to a community of music lovers like you. Together, we built the leading music curation platform. Now, we want to go farther.<br/><br/>We created Whyd to invent aesthetic, empathetic and simple products that help you feel positive emotions. We&rsquo;re leveraging art, design and technology to bring you beautiful experiences. We love music. Music inspires us. Music is a fundamental part of our lives. We want to give you the next evolution in music.</p><ul><li>We believe it is the time to re-imagine the home speaker and how you listen to music at home.</li><li>It is time to design a speaker that seamlessly connects you to the music you love.</li><li>It is time to design a speaker that looks insanely great to fit your home.</li></ul><p>Music is art. Your speaker should be too.</p><p>We&rsquo;re re-inventing the home speaker and we need your help! Join the journey and get notified as we share stories along the way:<br/></p><p><a href="http://home.whyd.com/">Sign up here to our bi-weekly updates.</a></p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/122248724775http://blog.whyd.com/post/122248724775Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:55:11 +0200updatewhydspeakerhome audionew techaestheticartempatheticsimplicitynext stepsEP Review: Feynman - “Illusions”<figure data-orig-width="498" data-orig-height="498" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/aT8nq16lw/screen_shot_2015-06-16_at_11.33.22.png" data-orig-width="498" data-orig-height="498"/></figure><p>Every so often an artist comes along that can rivet you without words. Someone who can create entire atmospheres of feeling and emotion with no air. Someone with the ability to paint a picture with no paint. You get the idea. Right now that artist is <a href="https://twitter.com/yoannfeynman">Feynman</a>, who - not to be confused with the legendary physicist - has been spinning around the world like electrons in an Heisenberg uncertainty principle. </p><p>He just released his EP “Illusions,” on <a href="https://twitter.com/fakemusicrec">Fake Music</a>. Let’s get the details: </p><p><b>Released</b>: May 25, 2015</p><p><b>Genres:</b> electronic</p><p><b>Tracks:</b> 5</p><p><b>Who would like this EP?</b></p><p>Fans of Ratatat’s beats, Daft Punk’s funk, The Chemical Brother’s energy. </p><p><b>Our thoughts:</b></p><p>It’s been a while since an emerging artist has delivered such a high-energy EP, where the funk runs rampant like a hippopotamus in a flooded Georgian zoo. Feynman weaves threads of style and swagger through rises and falls. “Diego in Vegas” is a turn-your-speaker-up-until-your-neighbors-fucking-hate-you track that will get your bones a-rattling. </p><p>But at the same time it’s rather classic, settling in for the sort of mainstream electronica that enabled Daft Punk to rise to global fame. This is comforting in an era where experimentation has gone to such extremes that genre defining has become a one-song game. </p><p>Pump it up!  </p><p><b><a href="https://soundcloud.com/fakemusicrec/sets/feynman-illusions-ep/s-jX5og">Listen to “Illusions”</a></b></p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/122155877840http://blog.whyd.com/post/122155877840Mon, 22 Jun 2015 11:43:12 +0200musicep reviewfeynmanillusionsfake musicelectronicTrack of the Weekend #137: Foals - “What Went Down”<figure data-orig-width="960" data-orig-height="960" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/NvPnq71z4/11416322_10152897904513531_5929815099631926917_o.jpg" data-orig-width="960" data-orig-height="960"/></figure><p>Everyone get ready. This weekend is France’s <i>Fête de la Musique</i>, which is an all-day, all-night celebration of music that takes over cities on June 21st, the first day of summer. There are endless things to do, and as the hour waxes late so do the craziness, filthiness, and drunkenness. Capturing this inevitable feeling of raging is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Foals">Foal</a>s’ new single “<a href="http://whyd.com/c/558088d0360040117d9c52f4">What Went Down</a>” from their forthcoming album of the same name. Foals’ fans might be a little turned off by the rawness and clamor, but it represents a new direction for the group, one that more hardcore fans will find a welcome change, and one that’s perfect for this weekend in Paris. </p><p>Thanks to our man <a href="http://whyd.com/u/4fede55a7e91c862b2a7c29f">le coup du lapin</a> for dishing this one to us! </p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iuQQIawCqBA" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/121918958820http://blog.whyd.com/post/121918958820Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:41:36 +0200musicfoalswhat went downtrack of the weekendwhydhot trackspopular musicnew singlele coup du lapinElectronic Rock, Brotherly DNA, and Finding A Singer In The Women’s Bathroom - Interview with Dead Sea<figure data-orig-width="1206" data-orig-height="699" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/Sp1nq4wkb/screen_shot_2015-06-18_at_11.44.14.png" alt="image" data-orig-width="1206" data-orig-height="699"/></figure><p><i>A spectacular June evening is descending along the banks of the Canal Saint Martin, Paris’s premiere place to sit and drink rosé for the apéro as the sun warms your shoulders at 7 pm. It is here, behind an ever-morphing tag and a pathway that we arrive at the Comptoir General, a mix of African influences, antiques, and Caribbean vibes. Three of four members of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wearedeadsea?fref=ts">Dead Sea</a> are waiting with me for pints at the bar. </i></p><p><i>Their friendliness is instantly apparent. Caro, the singer, was the first to meet me. Her English is great, she even tells me the other guys - Alex and Charles, the brothers who started Dead Sea - were worried about doing an interview in English. I reassure them. We step into the courtyard. The mic clicks on. </i></p><p><i>This interview was translated from French. Tony Hymes for <a href="http://www.whyd.com">Whyd</a> in <b>bold</b>. </i></p><p><b>Dead Sea, the name, is that because you are Jordanian? Israeli? Is there a reason that you chose this name?</b></p><p><b>Charles</b>: There is no particular sense, it’s just two words that we like, together. </p><p><b>Caro</b>: There is also the idea of voyage too.</p><p><b>Charles</b>: True, it evokes the idea of travel, the sea, death. We listen to a lot of psychedelic music, and Dead Sea sort of goes along with that. Plus the two words go along well together, doubling the “EA.”</p><p><b>Does the image of the Dead Sea as a place, is that something that you like too? Dryness?</b> <b>Low mountains in the distance? Salt? </b></p><p><b>Alex</b>: Everyone floats.</p><p><b>Me</b>: That’s the psychedelic side, everyone floating. </p><p><b>Charles</b>: Never thought of it before!</p><p><i>Looking at Charles and Alex, both decked out in leather jackets. </i></p><p><b>And when did you guys buy your first leather jacket?</b></p><p><b>Charles</b>: Maybe 5 years ago, before we did a lot more psychedelic rock. We had other clothes then, like when we were in a different group we had our name on the back of a jacket. The idea of the Dead Sea is to make rock with machines. It’s not to do electronic music, but to keep the rock spirit. </p><p><b>When did you meet Caro?</b></p><p><b>Alex</b>: We met her a year ago at the Paris Psychfest. We had made a flyer looking for female singers, and we put them in all of the girls bathrooms, and then Caro sent us some samples and we really liked it. </p><p><b>Did you already have a project, Caro?</b></p><p><b>Caro</b>: I had already been involved in a few other projects in the past. I attended a music school in England, and I had some folk groups. When I arrived in Paris I didn’t have a project, and I was looking for a group to find. And coincidentally I was at the Psychfest and saw their flyer, looking for a female singer. So it came along at the right time, and the style fit me really well. </p><p><b>You guys <a href="https://soundcloud.com/wearedeadsea/sets/ep1">released an EP</a> recently, two songs. Are you rather happy with the EP?</b></p><p><b>Charles</b>: Yes we are happy. We based all of the communications for the group around the two songs and the video. We are at more than 20K listens on the EP, which is pretty good. </p><p><b>Alex</b>: We also have had a lot of reviews on blogs.</p><p><b>What did the reviewers say?</b></p><p><b>Alex</b>: Overall they were mostly positive. </p><p><b>Charles</b>: In any case, the people who never responded probably didn’t like it. </p><p><b>That’s probable, there is also the side where everyone tries to be a friend to everyone: they do a review, you share it from your side too to help them reach a wider audience too. It’s always going to be positive with blogs of that size. So in that case, what is your biggest criticism of yourselves right now? What is the thing that you are most trying to improve?</b></p><p><b>Charles</b>: Good question. </p><p><b>Caro</b>: Maybe the scenography, </p><p><b>Charles</b>: We are trying to work with a small company for the lighting, staging for performances, making a logo, we would like to work on the visual side. On the music side, we are just trying to make more songs so that we can have 10 by the end of the year and release an album. </p><p><b>Tell us Caro, what part do you play in the creation of Dead Sea’s music?</b> </p><p><b>Caro</b>: I was pretty happy from the beginning since there were a lot of singers that responded to their flyer, so there was a sort of contest. They sent us two demos, and they wanted me to write the lyrics and melody, which I did, and they liked it. Now I also have a synth so I can play around with that. But mostly it’s the lyrics and melody, which works out well since everyone has their own part. </p><figure data-orig-width="1500" data-orig-height="1496" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/qbenq4wjk/1402863_1553861374850223_8199120627723854764_o.jpg" alt="image" data-orig-width="1500" data-orig-height="1496"/></figure><p><b>When it comes to creating new songs, do that come from just jamming around or are there specific places where you find inspiration? </b></p><p><b>Alex</b>: That could come from a specific place, lots of times it comes from listening to other groups. We spend a lot of time studying different lines and segments, sometimes Charles sends me a synth line, or a drum line. </p><p><b>Charles</b>: Since we are making music electronically, we find a starting point and build from there. </p><p><b>Is it because you are brothers that you jam well together? Is there something in your DNA that links together vibrations?</b> </p><p><b>Alex</b>: I think so, yes, we grew up in the same place, listening to the same music. </p><p><b>Are you both happy, at the same time, with one song?</b></p><p><b>Alex</b>: Sometimes there are disagreements. </p><p><b>Charles</b>: And when we are all happy that’s when we know the song is done. </p><p><b>Alex</b>: But we do have disagreements, that can last for weeks! </p><p><b>Charles</b>: We have a set of songs that we all like, and it’s that set that we play live. </p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ceIj0raCtwg" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><b>Imagine one year from now, what are your realistic expectations?</b></p><p><b>Caro</b>: I think the most important part is to have a full album by the end of the year. We’ve been talking that having only two songs out there can limit us and what we can do in terms of audience. So an album will bring us to the next level. And in a year definitely to do festivals, even small ones. </p><p><b>Alex</b>: And with the album to find a record label. </p><p><b>Caro</b>: Find people that support us!</p><p><b>Are you going to be playing live soon?</b></p><p><b>Charles</b>: Yes, June 23rd and 26th. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/827523103990872/">23rd is at the Bababoum</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/283729975084224/">the 26th</a> is in a small room called the Buzz, it’s the place that we met Caro!</p><p><b>Caro</b>: Yes! We’ll celebrate my first year anniversary with the group! </p><p><b>Champagne then! </b></p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/121827422845http://blog.whyd.com/post/121827422845Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:50:57 +0200musicinterviewdead seacarocharlesalexbrotherslong formpariselectronic rockcomptoir generaleupcoming showsnew groupnew artistTechno Playlist of Reference<figure data-orig-width="1672" data-orig-height="872" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/f87nq2zhy/playlistofreferencetechno.png" data-orig-width="1672" data-orig-height="872"/></figure><p><i>Sometimes the middle of the week can drag. Hump days are like speedbumps, slowing you down and pulling the weekend further out of reach. Sometimes the only thing you can do is find some hype music and turn the volume up. Shake away that stagnancy, drive forward my friend. </i></p><p><i>We’ve got just the playlist for you this week, Techno curated by our friends <a href="https://whyd.com/u/5232cf447e91c862b2b02143">Process London</a>, who know a thing or two about the genre. Let’s get the story behind the curation: </i></p><p><b>When did you start listening to Techno? </b></p><p>I start listening to Techno about 5 or 6 years ago. </p><p><b>Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Techno started speaking to you? </b></p><p>Every time! When I listen to a track for me is like the artist is talking to me, trying to tell me a story.</p><p>It works even better on a big sound system!</p><p><b>What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself? </b></p><p>It helps me to focus so I listen to it a lot at work when I need to get things done quickly; As well as when I get back home after a long day and I need to relax with a beer or a glass of wine. Techno goes really well with wine!</p><p><b>If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?</b></p><p>There are a lot! but I would go for one that I have added in February: <a href="https://utkast.bandcamp.com/releases">Utkast - &amp;&amp;&amp;&amp;</a></p><p><a href="https://whyd.com/u/5232cf447e91c862b2b02143/playlist/0">Listen to the Process Techno Playlist with 700+ tracks here. </a></p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/121743682080http://blog.whyd.com/post/121743682080Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:56:53 +0200musicplaylisttechnoelectronicprocess londonutkastwhydcommunitycurationHuge Announcement Next Week<figure data-orig-width="638" data-orig-height="464" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/VRInq15pt/whyd_speaker_teaser.jpg" data-orig-width="638" data-orig-height="464"/></figure><p>If you think things have been a little quiet here at <a href="http://www.whyd.com">Whyd</a> recently, we can assure you, it’s about to get much louder. </p><p>For the past nine months we have been carefully crafting our next product, and we hope the result will blow your socks off. We’ve added key new team members. We’ve expanded our workplaces. And we’ve been busy preparing all of the ground work. </p><p>As music lovers, what we are building is catered to you, to your needs and desires, all coming from an opportunity we’ve identified to drive innovation towards a better music experience. </p><p>Stay tuned, and never stop jamming!</p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/121661709895http://blog.whyd.com/post/121661709895Tue, 16 Jun 2015 11:16:19 +0200updateannouncementwhydnew projectnew developmentmusic loversTrack of the Weekend #136: Lauryn Hill - “Doo Wop” (Poldoore Remix)<figure data-orig-width="496" data-orig-height="500" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/EoMnptmpu/screen_shot_2015-06-12_at_09.40.29.png" data-orig-width="496" data-orig-height="500"/></figure><p>It’s been nearly 20 years since Lauryn Hill released her smash hit “Doo Wop” that catapulted her into superstardom. The question then goes: how do you remix such a powerful song? How do you respect the track and its fans, yet creatively bring it into the 21st century? Leave it to none other than our man <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Poldoore?fref=ts">Poldoore</a>, who has been tearing it up recently. Modern and electronic, <a href="http://whyd.com/c/5571d7f0360040117d9496c2">Poldoore’s remix</a> provides a layer of funk while staying true to the original soul of the track. The trumpet at the end is the icing on the cake. No wonder it’s been at the top of the hot tracks all week! </p><p>Put this track on when you’re getting ready to go out tonight, and you’ll be assured to pop it off right. </p><iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/208787134&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="450" frameborder="no"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/121337247230http://blog.whyd.com/post/121337247230Fri, 12 Jun 2015 09:47:21 +0200musicpoldoorelauryn hilldoo wopremixtrack of the weekendwhydcommunitypopular musichot tracksMotown Playlist of Reference<figure data-orig-width="1672" data-orig-height="872" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/TwInppzzv/playlistofreferencemotown.png" data-orig-width="1672" data-orig-height="872"/></figure><p><i>This week features one of our Community Manager’s favorite genres, the classic, soulful, never-old-and-forever-awesome <a href="http://whyd.com/u/53c54d50e04b7b4fca7c7597/playlist/6">Motown</a>. Originating from Detroit in the 50′s and 60′s, Berry Gordy founded a record label called Motown Records, playing on Detroit’s popular moniker: the motor city. To this day Detroit is famous for two things: cars, and music. There is no doubt that Ford and GM and Chrysler have produced some beautiful cars over the years. But nothing can compare to Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and the wave of music responsible for the foundation of nearly every popular genre we listen to today. </i></p><p><i>This playlist of reference is curated by <a href="http://whyd.com/u/53c54d50e04b7b4fca7c7597">Justin S</a>. Let’s the get the story behind the creation: </i></p><p><b>When did you start listening to Motown? </b></p><p>That’s easy! Ever since I can remember, I’ve been jamming out to music from Motown.  I really appreciate the fact that my parents introduced me to this genre of music at a young age because it’s where I found my passion for singing.<br/><br/><b>Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Motown started speaking to you? </b></p><p>The first time I ever heard “Aint Too Proud to Beg” by the Temptations.  I think every naive kid going through their first break up always finds that music can help ease the pain of a heartbreak.  I don’t think I fully understood what the song meant then, but to me, it’s always a reminder that sometimes you need to do everything you can, to get what you want or where you want to be.<br/><br/><b>What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself? </b></p><p>The one that comes to mind most is driving down to Myrtle Beach every year for family vacation.  Having the windows rolled down, Motown blasting, knowing that in a few hours I would be sitting on the beach is something I looked forward to each Summer.  Carolina Beach Music goes hand in hand with Motown because that’s where it was born.  To me, there’s nothing better than being near the Ocean listening to the music of Motown.<br/><br/><b>If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?</b></p><p>This is a no brainer for me.  “Up on the Roof” by the Drifters is hands down my all-time favorite Motown song.  Whenever I get stressed or need some time to myself, I listen to this song and it helps me know that there is a place “Where you just have to wish to make it so&quot;….And that’s Up On The Roof. </p><iframe src="http://whyd.com/u/53c54d50e04b7b4fca7c7597/playlist/6?format=embedV2&amp;embedW=480" height="454px" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/121176600915http://blog.whyd.com/post/121176600915Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:39:16 +0200musicmotownplaylist of referencemarvin gayediana rossstevie wonderup on the roofjustin swhydcurationthe driftersEP Review: Daymé Arocena - “The Havana Cultura Sessions”<figure data-orig-width="498" data-orig-height="498" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/V3Nnpo7ib/screen_shot_2015-06-09_at_11.24.41.png" alt="image" data-orig-width="498" data-orig-height="498"/></figure><p>We listen to a lot of electronic music, especially here in the urban Parisian music scene, so it’s really nice to break out of that mentality and cleanse your ears with something totally new and unexpected. We recommend heading down to the Caribbean to the cultural anomaly known as Cuba, and the singer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dayme.arocena">Daymé Arocena</a>, who was picked up by Gilles Peterson and the Havana Club Rum “Havana Cultura” series. </p><p>She teased the world with this EP recorded over a few days in Havana and London, and her new album “Nueva Era” is out soon.</p><p><b>Released</b>: March 30, 2015</p><p><b>Genres:</b> cuba, latin, jazz</p><p><b>Tracks:</b> 4 </p><p><b>Who would like this EP?</b></p><p>Fans of Ibeyi’s vibe, Nina Simone’s voice, and Charlie Parker’s horns. </p><p><b>Our thoughts:</b></p><p>Does talent exist? If you need an example to prove the affirmative response to this question, just take one listen to Daymé Arocena’s voice. She is practically pouring soul into the microphone, and she’s only 22 years old. </p><p>Her mixtures of Cuban and afro-caribbean style is unexpected and fresh. Her sense of jazz and instrumentalization is just light enough to keep from bogging down the focal point - her voice - but bops along to piano and drums like their rhythms had naturally fallen from the atmosphere. </p><p>The most amazing part is that you feel like she is holding something back, she wants to break into scat, but she keeps it under control. Maybe she’s saving it for later. Maybe she doesn’t want to show all her cards. But there is something monumental underneath, and let’s all hope that she shows it one day. </p><p><b><a href="https://soundcloud.com/brownswood/sets/dayme-selection/s-EdElf">Listen to “The Havana Cultura Sessions”</a></b></p>http://blog.whyd.com/post/121094757815http://blog.whyd.com/post/121094757815Tue, 09 Jun 2015 11:24:29 +0200musicep reviewhavana culturadaymé arocenajazzcubanlatinTrack of the Weekend #135: Beirut - “No No No”<figure data-orig-width="620" data-orig-height="620" class="tmblr-full"><img src="http://static.tumblr.com/ps7kkkn/f5Fnpgoov/beir.jpg" data-orig-width="620" data-orig-height="620"/></figure><p>Only three words can describe the situation in Paris today: Hot. As. Fuck. With temperatures soaring above 30ªC the populace has firmly planted itself outside, along the banks of rivers and canals. Rosé is flowing like the Seine. It’s a great time to be in the French Capital. So it’s total coincidence that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutmusic?fref=ts">Beirut</a> bursts back onto the world scene with their first single in 4 years, “<a href="http://whyd.com/c/556ca5510f253b65190169c3">No No No</a>” and it immediately shoots to the top of the hot tracks. Beirut fans will be pleased with the harmonious rounds, the use of the voice as an instrument, and of course some horns for good measure. Apparently their new album will be coming out in the fall, so we have ample time to chill in the sunshine before heading off to pick it up. </p><p>Thanks to <a href="http://whyd.com/u/52128bdc7e91c862b2afc81f">Maxime M</a> (again and again!) for getting it to us! </p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WfE156KQBa0" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://blog.whyd.com/post/120761993520http://blog.whyd.com/post/120761993520Fri, 05 Jun 2015 09:59:18 +0200musicbeirutno no notrack of the weekendwhydpopular musicparissunheatfolkmaxime mcoloring my clouds