This past Friday, I was able to check out Magic Man’s sold-out holiday party at the Sinclair in Cambridge, MA. Despite the fact that Magic Man have achieved some serious success this past year (playing Boston Calling, having their first headlining tour, getting signed to Columbia records), I still consider them a local band and will probably forever) be compelled to write reviews of their shows. This is a band that always manages to put on great live performances, and Friday night certainly was no exception - they seemed particularly excited to be playing a show near their hometown. Dressed in coordinated red and white shirts (and accompanied by a drum kit decked-out in Christmas lights), the band was prepared to embrace the holiday party vibe. Lead singer Alex Caplow did a great job working the crowd, inviting the everyone to sing along on multiple songs. Throughout the entire set, I don’t think I saw the smile leave his face, or the faces of anyone else in attendance. The band even threw in a cover of “All I Want for Christmas is You”, augmented by the massive bass lines and pure on-stage joy that come standard with every Magic Man concert. - Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)

DC's Opal Rose recently teamed up with Triple Threat to create a fantastic electro-RnB cover of the jazz classic "Strange Fruit" (on Brave New Breed). The two are developing a sound they're calling "Doom&B," and the track is an epic journey. A run through jungle drums launches the vocal to flight over the canopy of rainforest instruments and insects. I get the impression Opal has emerged from some ancient haunted psychadelic pyramid. And I love the ending, hinting at a space launch, easing the listener into oblivion. Look for more from Opal and her collaborators in the comming months. --Natan Press

I first became aware of Virginia based artist Dannie in August of this year with her first single, Girls Time. Dannie is a strong vocalist, one of the few singers that are still breathing life into what I'll label pure R&B. Her second single, Wait 4 It was released on October 14th and has been doing well since that date with over 80,000 plays on Soundcloud. This sexy track highlights strong harmonies interlaced with smooth melodies that are sure to be caught in your head after first the listen. Wait 4 It tells the story of a playful seductress keeping her potential lover on his toes to the point of full desire. The track used properly accompanies the concept of this song and reminds me of what a slow jam is supposed to sound like. Emotion is clearly felt within the vocals of this track as Dannie flirtatiously explores her full range and leaves the listener yearning for more by the time they realize that the song has ended. --Opal Rose

Snippets of red ballons, party-goers, and a cosmic sky splice the images of a sullen girl singing “… she just wanna party” in Noleac Yasin’s latest music video for “Par.T.” DJ and producer, Devyn Symone, says Noleac Yahsin is a joint effort between her and singer/songwriter Caelon Reed. “When I’m creating beats, whatever flows out of [Reed’s] mouth, goes on the track. Whatever we both like.” That’s why the pair choose not categorize themselves into any particular genre. Influenced by Timbaland, James Blake, and Amy Winehouse, the duo create neyo-soul rhythms, interposed by driving trap lines, all under alluring, relaxed vocals in the latest single. “Par.T” tells the story of Reed in the aftermath of a break-up, looking to find peace in others, and finally finding it in herself. “Par.T” can be heard on Noleac Yahsin’s forthcoming mixtape, Maktub, to be released November 11th. For now, get hooked on the indie-esque music video for “Par.T” below. –Sade A. Spence

Rashad Brockington, better known on the 1s and 2s as DJ Wise B, is gearing up to remaster the latest EP off his record label, called I.F.O. Inspiration For Others. DJ Wise B prides himself on spinning an energy packed set, go-go style. “It’s interactive, a call and repeat with the people in the crowd,” describes the DMV native. The 22-year old turntablist and hip-hop producer started DJ-ing thanks to his pops challenging him to a rap battle- winner gets to pursue a rap career. Brockington lost the battle, but was gifted with a set of turntables instead. “My dad said everybody needs a DJ.” Daddy knows best! Brockington now runs the music label CAMP 421 and has acquired the rapper Supreme Elite, but is looking to reach others outside of the hip-hop persuasion. “I want street artists and opera singers all kinds of artists” envisions Brockington. Supreme Elite and DJ Wise B will release their two-point-oh version of the I.F.O. EP in early November on Spotify, Pandora, and iTunes. Until then, take a listen to the heavy bass and driving trap beats of the original I.F.O EP below. –Sade A. Spence