10 Free MP3 Albums: Free Music Archive - Sound Sunday
Discover New Music with Sound Sunday
Sound Sunday is a weekly feature on MakeUseOf dedicated to showcasing complimentary album downloads. Each installment features a diverse selection of artists and musical genres sourced globally.
This week’s compilation includes offerings from the rock, punk, electronic, and hip hop scenes. It’s important to approach each genre with an open mind, as unexpected musical discoveries await.
Featured Resource: The Free Music Archive
A key resource highlighted in this edition is the Free Music Archive. This platform provides access to a wealth of music available for free download under various permissive licenses, including Creative Commons.
The archive allows artists to share their work while retaining certain rights, offering listeners a legal and ethical way to enjoy new music.
Explore a wide range of independent artists and genres through the Free Music Archive’s extensive catalog.
Get Involved and Share Your Thoughts
We encourage you to share your opinions and provide feedback on the featured albums in the comments section below.
Submissions of albums for consideration, along with genre suggestions, are greatly appreciated. Please send your contributions via email to [tina at makeuseof dot com].
Your input helps shape future Sound Sunday editions and ensures a continued stream of exciting musical discoveries.
M.W.D. - Singing Forest
Genre: downtempo, jazz, hip hop
M.W.D., an artist associated with the Budabeats Netlabel, demonstrates a clear affinity for Hip Hop, sampling techniques, and Jazz influences. His work is also characterized by the inclusion of sounds reminiscent of vinyl recordings.
Artistic Approach
The artist’s instrumental Downbeats are distinguished by a cinematic quality and a relaxed tempo. He skillfully blends diverse sonic elements to create a unique atmosphere.
As noted by the Free Music Archive, M.W.D. expertly integrates funky guitar melodies, concise brass sections, and organ harmonies.
About the Album
Singing Forest showcases the DJ’s ability to craft compelling instrumental pieces.
This record, originating from Hungary, exemplifies his distinctive style.
Singing Forest is available as a complimentary download from the Free Music Archive.
The album provides a listening experience that is both immersive and soothing.
State Shirt - A Look at "This Is Old"
The musical project known as State Shirt operates within the genres of experimental, indie, rock, and pop music.
As described on the artist’s homepage, State Shirt is the moniker of Ethan Tufts, who is known for frequently wearing state-themed shirts.
Artistic Description and Philosophy
Tufts characterizes his sound as a blend of influences, suggesting it resembles a musical convergence of The Postal Service, Radiohead, Beck, Elbow, and Folk Implosion.
He playfully describes this hypothetical collaboration as beginning with a bar fight and culminating in reconciliation over Newcastle Ales.
A core tenet of State Shirt’s approach is the commitment to open source music, making all tracks freely available.
Support for the artist is encouraged through purchases of CDs, MP3s, or merchandise like t-shirts, enabling the continuation of music creation.
About "This Is Old"
The track This Is Old is offered as a complimentary download via the Free Music Archive.
It represents a readily accessible example of State Shirt’s unique musical style and open-source distribution model.
Kyoto – Lo Que Vuelve Para Vengarse
Genre: experimental, pop, shoegaze, hardcore
Kyoto originated in Zaragoza in late 2006. The band consists of Ivan Fanlo on drums, Isaac Moreira handling bass and keyboards, and Alicia Puebla providing vocals and keyboard arrangements.
Their sound is shaped by diverse influences, including bands such as Slowdive, Isis, Red House Painters, and Décima Victima.
Kyoto masterfully blends various styles, ranging from shoegaze to more aggressive experimental hardcore.
All lyrics are presented in Spanish.
Early Releases
The band initially released two EPs: “Cuatro finales terroríficos” in 2007 and “Tan sólo la muerte es definitiva” in 2008.
Each EP featured four tracks and was released as a mini CD with meticulously crafted artwork.
Debut LP
In 2010, Kyoto unveiled their first full-length album, Lo Que Vuelve Para Vengarse.
Recording, mixing, and mastering were expertly handled by Hans Krüger, known for his work with Delorean, Half Foot Outside, and El Columpio Asesino.
The album’s design was notably luxurious and entirely handmade.
Split EP
During the fall of 2011, Kyoto collaborated with The Fractal Sound on a split vinyl 7" EP.
This limited-edition release, available in multiple colors, showcased two of Kyoto’s songs in acoustic renditions.
Lo Que Vuelve Para Vengarse is currently available as a free download from the Free Music Archive.
The Underscore Orkestra - No Money No Honey All We Got Is Us
Genre: jazz, big band, swing
The Underscore Orkestra, based in Portland, Oregon, is a musical ensemble that expertly fuses Balkan, Klezmer, Gypsy Jazz, and Swing influences.
Their repertoire encompasses both original compositions and traditional pieces.
For over five years, the band has been actively performing, undertaking tours throughout the western United States, Mexico, and Guatemala.
They have graced a diverse range of venues, from cozy coffee shops to expansive outdoor festivals.
The Underscore Orkestra actively seeks collaboration with performance artists, including jugglers, poets, storytellers, clowns, actors, and technical professionals.
No Money No Honey All We Got Is Us is available as a complimentary download from the Free Music Archive.
This album represents their unique sound and collaborative spirit.
The band’s profile highlights their dedication to a vibrant and inclusive artistic community.
Jazz, big band, and swing are central to their musical identity.
About the Band's Approach
A key aspect of The Underscore Orkestra’s philosophy is their openness to interdisciplinary partnerships.
They are continually interested in connecting with individuals from various performance backgrounds.
This collaborative approach enriches their performances and expands their creative horizons.
- The band has a history of extensive touring.
- They perform a diverse range of musical styles.
- Collaboration is a core value for the ensemble.
The Free Music Archive provides a platform for sharing their music with a wider audience.
Jonah Dempcy - Syncretic Beliefs
Genre: instrumental, jazz, piano
Jonah Dempcy is a musician based in Seattle, Washington. He creates electronic jazz compositions released under the artist name Revolution Void.
Dempcy’s work blends the energy of electronic breakbeats with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation.
Collaborations
His music frequently showcases solo performances by prominent contemporary jazz musicians.
- Seamus Blake is a featured soloist.
- Lucas Pickford contributes to the recordings.
- Matthew Garrison also provides solo work.
Syncretic Beliefs is available as a complimentary download.
The album can be obtained from the Free Music Archive platform.
Dempcy’s profile on Blogger details his musical endeavors and artistic approach.
He describes his sound as a fusion of electronic elements and jazz performance.
Revolution Void represents his primary outlet for this unique musical expression.
Fabrizio Paterlini - Viandanze
Genre: classical, piano
Fabrizio Paterlini’s musical style is often described as ambient, minimalist, and graceful, evoking feelings of relaxation and serenity.
He personally characterizes his compositions as akin to enjoying a glass of red wine on a warm summer evening.
Recently, Paterlini released an EP titled "Viandanze," serving as a preview to a forthcoming full-length album planned for release in 2009.
His debut CD, “Viaggi in Aeromobile” (Aircraft Trips), was issued in 2007 on the “Music Center” label.
This initial album is a delicate and refined work, designed to immerse the listener in the artist’s personal and beautiful sonic landscape.
Born in Mantua, Paterlini began his piano studies at the age of six.
Following extensive training in classical music, he engaged in performances with various ensembles.
His early musical experiences encompassed a diverse range of genres, including progressive rock, hard rock, jazz, and pop music.
It wasn't until the late 1990s that he focused his creative energies on solo piano work.
He found that the piano was the most effective instrument for conveying his internal emotions and artistic vision.
Viandanze is available as a complimentary download from the Free Music Archive.
Evgeny Grinko - Cinematic Melodies
Genre: minimalism, composed
Evgeny Grinko, also known as Greendaizer, is recognized for his drumming contributions to various underground musical groups located in Moscow.
These bands include V.O.M., WOGULOW TAROUTZ VERMO, and MONROE'S PILLS.
Background and Influences
Grinko recounts a unique arrangement he created of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”
This adaptation was specifically tailored for a Military Brass Band, resulting in a sound that blended elements of ska and a rapid-tempo military march.
The performance at a street festival proved highly successful, sparking Greendaizer’s aspiration to establish his own Street Orchestra.
About the Album
Cinematic Melodies is available as a complimentary download from the Free Music Archive.
The album showcases Grinko’s compositional skills within the minimalist genre.
It represents a distinct facet of his musical artistry, separate from his work as a drummer.
Chan Wai Fat - Children of Soul Mountain (Original Soundtrack)
Genre: folk, soundtrack
Chan Wai Fat is a musician originating from Hong Kong.
He is largely self-taught, beginning his musical journey in his early years.
Inspiration and Composition
Fat composed the original soundtrack for the play, CHILDREN OF THE SOUL MOUNTAIN (LING SHAN).
This work was directly inspired by Gao Xingjian’s Nobel Prize-winning novel, SOUL MOUNTAIN (LING SHAN), and the Daoist pilgrimage it depicts.
The composer undertook a journey along a portion of the Ling Shan path.
During this travel, he engaged with various minority tribes.
Musical Elements
This engagement led to a unique re-interpretation of two established traditional folk songs.
Additionally, seven original compositions were created, incorporating native recordings.
The album presents a curated selection of songs featured in the play.
These songs are performed by Po Sun-yi, an elderly blind folk singer.
Po Sun-yi and Regional Context
Sun-yi was born and raised in Guizhou province.
This southwestern Chinese region is the same area where Chan Wai Fat explored the Ling Shan Path.
It is also a place where shamanistic customs and traditions continue to thrive.
Children of Soul Mountain (Original Soundtrack) is available as a free download from the Free Music Archive.
Blue Sausage Infant - Confessions of a Rogue Taxidermist
The musical project Blue Sausage Infant falls into the genres of experimental, melodic, and drone music.
According to its profile on the Free Music Archive (FMA), Blue Sausage Infant is the creation of Chester Hawkins, based in Washington DC.
Hawkins has been producing music under the BSI moniker since 1986.
His work blends elements from diverse musical styles, including noise, drone, Krautrock, and dark ambient electronica.
The music also incorporates sample-plundering and kosmische electronica, resulting in a richly textured sonic experience.
Hawkins himself characterizes his compositions as "mean-spirited euphoria."
This description highlights the music’s unique quality – a complex form of extended psychedelic exploration.
A subtle undercurrent of paranoia is intentionally woven into the blissful soundscapes.
Confessions of a Rogue Taxidermist is available as a complimentary download.
It can be accessed through the Free Music Archive platform.
Spinnaface - A Soundtrack for Everyone
Genre: disco, electronic, funk
Spinnaface initially gained recognition in 2007 with the release of his first song and accompanying video, simply titled "Spinnface." Since that debut, he has independently produced and distributed two complete albums, alongside a catalog of over 58 original tracks.
His musical approach blends a diverse range of influences.
This fusion results in a distinctive style, which has been characterized as “an 80s vision of future dance music – super-smooth liquid digital funk” by Jason, the administrator at FMA.
Spinnaface operates as a fully independent artist.
He is described as a creator with a uniquely all-chrome facial aesthetic, driven by a passion for music, celebration, and continuous creativity.
Music For The People is available as a complimentary download from the Free Music Archive.
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Previous installments of Sound Sunday can be found here.
Please contact me at [tina at makeuseof dot com] with any free music submissions, suggestions, or feedback.
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