Beach House (http://www.beachhousebaltimore.com/) 

Surprisingly enough, I learned of Beach House on a random evening watching Conan at the beginning of his run on TBS (you know, when it was the cool thing to do). They recently put out their latest album, ‘Bloom’ that didn’t disappoint. My favorite track from their previous album ‘Teen Dream’, was a tie between 10 Mile Stereo and Zebra. If you’re looking for an album that will get you pumped up and take ecstacy to…this is NOT the one. For example, Beach House has made its way to becoming a staple on nearly every ‘Chill’ playlist I’ve ever created, and I mean that in the most adoring way possible.

Luckily, they’re on tour currently and will be stopping by Houston and Austin in September. Tickets — CHECK.

Birdy (http://officialbirdy.com/)

Guys, she’s like 15 or some shit and has already completely proven herself with her range and musical ability. When I was 15, I was doing absolutely nothing with my life besides driving around with my older friends probably up to no good. I’m inspired. She’s put out an album of covers and I don’t know a single person that hasn’t heard at least one of them. From Skinny Love by Bon Iver to District Sleeps Alone Tonight by Postal Service, she’s knocking it out of the park with her renditions of these classics. (I’m considering them classics for her since she was probably a toddler when they were written….)