PREMIERE: Bard & Mustache - 'Bitter Painter' EP

Today, I'm honored to share with you Bard & Mustache's new EP, Bitter Painter, in its entirety. Unless someone ripped it and threw it online somewhere before this post was made, this is the only place you can currently hear Bitter Painter online. It was first released into the world last week at the duo's show at The Windup Space in Baltimore. So, for those of you who missed that show or the one in Monteclair, NJ this past Friday, here is the EP in all its glory. I highly recommend checking it out. When you compare where Bard & Mustache (vocalist/guitarist Erin Murphy and vocalist/cellist Greg Bortnichak) were musically on their most recent EP, Found, Bitter Painter sounds like a reinvented band in a number of ways, or rather, a band that has matured very beautifully. And when you consider this is just a rough idea of where Greg and Erin are headed on their forthcoming debut album (due next year), it's a pretty awe-inspiring listen.

INTERVIEW: Watch An Exclusive Interview with D1n.ONLY

Back in December, I shared a track from Orlando hip hop artist D1n.ONLY called "Somebody Talk To 'Em" from his new mixtape Coming To An Ear Near U. I was struck by the production as well as the message -- not to mention his skill on the mic. Curious, I checked out the rest of the mixtape, which was just as strong. I had a lot of respect for D1's honesty, determination, and passion for his craft, which translated to a raw but sharp flow. Florida rapper Mouce stepped up and offered to produce an exclusive video interview with D1, so I sent over some questions to talk about everything from his influences to what's next.

MIXTAPE MUSE PREMIERE: James Apollo - "Happiness"

James Apollo's video for his song "Happiness" would best be described as hectically beautiful. It's a snapshot of the immediacy of life and how, sometimes, life is nothing but a blur. The video expresses how quickly time slips by when you're having fun as we follow Apollo, bandmates, and friends hanging out in various locations. Apollo sings with a rasp, full of emotion and sounding as though he's seen more in a lifetime than most people. "Happiness" possesses that hypnotic sound generally found in music that is birthed in the Mississippi Delta, and it makes for one bluesy folk tune that's rich in soul and raw emotion.