The Mellow Out Mixtape

PHOX

Their original band name was "Phoxhat and the Virgins 4Ever Sextet."

I admit it: I'm a little biased when it comes to these guys. I grew up in southern Wisconsin (Phox hails from Baraboo, WI) and I received my B.A. from University of Wisconsin - Madison. 

That being said, these guys really are some sort of wonderful!

Their bio describes their sound as straddling "Feist and Monty Python." While their catalogue of music is pretty genre-defying to my ear, I wouldn't exactly disagree. 

Recommended:

1. Slow Motion

2. 1936

3. Kingfisher

KIMBRA

Kimbra has been compared to Missy Elliot, Pharell, Prince, and Michael Jackson.

The 24 year-old New Zealander approaches iconic late-80s and early-90s pop through a unique lens in her latest album, The Golden Echo. NPR's Tom Moon aptly described Kimbra's sophomore release in metaphor. "An echo distorts the qualities of a sound," he writes, "just enough to encourage you to hear it differently."

Kimbra may challenge you to abandon your preconceived notions, but the reward is well worth it.

Full album here.

4. Settle Down

5. 90s Music

OH LAND

This former ballerina turned to music when she was injured and could no longer dance.

Nanna Øland Fabricius was born in Copenhagen, but now lives in Brooklyn where she is planning to record her fourth album (crowdfunded in collaboration with PledgeMusic). Oh Land's sophomore album reached #5 on the Danish charts and she has been touring the globe for years... when she isn't starring in Danish Westerns, that is. (In The Salvation, she plays "Marie." It premiered at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.)

Her music is diverse and well-developed. And by that I mean girl has got some chops! 

Recommended:

6. Son of a Gun

7. Perfection

8. Wolf & I

HIGHASAKITE

Vocalist Ingrid Helene Håvik met Trond Bersu (on drums) while both were studying at Trondheim Jazz Conservatory. 

I can't say that I've heard of too many contemporary indie bands employing a flugabone to "fill out" their sound. But I dig it, and I really think you will, too.

This Oslo-based band has been touring Europe's biggest festivals and most recently headed stateside for SXSW. The diversity of their sound, full and vibrant, coupled with Ingrid's heart-achingly good lyrics result in a unique and enjoyable listening experience, no matter what country you call home.

Recommended:

9. Since Last Wednesday

10. Son of a Bitch