With this post MakeUseOf launches a new series covering free mp3 downloads. Every Sunday I will share with you the latest and greatest music downloads available online.

Music is very dear to my heart, especially live music. Over the past couple of years there has hardly been a month during which I did not see at least one concert. Hence, this first article is dedicated to bands presently playing live shows around the globe.

All downloads are external. Please follow the respective links to preview or download from the original source. For a full list of tour dates, visit the artist’s MySpace or homepage.

Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know

The sound of this band from Northern Ireland is a rapid mix of electropop and indie rock. The music is intensive, upbeat with an ever changing rhythm, lots of surprising elements mixed in, and great melodies.

Earlier this month I was able to witness this spectacle live at a sold out midnight show in Berlin, where they presented their debut album Tourist History, released in March. If you can’t make it to a show, at least play them loud!

Preview and download the track from Broken Silence. Additionally, the song Costume Party is available from the band’s homepage, for subscribing to their newsletter.

Upcoming shows:

• 26. April 2010 – Washington, DC, USA – Constitution Hall (supporting Phoenix)
• 27. April 2010 – Norfolk, VA, USA – The Norva (supporting Phoenix)
• 29. April 2010 – Austin, TX, USA – Stubbs (supporting Phoenix)
• 30. April 2010 – Houston, TX, USA – Verizon (supporting Phoenix)
• 01. May 2010 – Dallas, TX, USA – Edgefest (supporting Phoenix)

Two Door Cinema Club MySpace and Homepage.

Maps & Atlases – Solid Ground

The singer’s voice strongly reminds me of Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave). Some of their songs are quite a challenge to the ears. This piece, however, is finest indie pop with a rich melody. Their debut album Perch Patchwork is set to be released on June 29th.

Preview and download the tune from We All Want Someone To Shout For. Also have a look at the media on their homepage for new free mp3 downloads.

Upcoming shows:

• 27. April 2010 – Carrboro, NC, USA – Cat’s Cradle (supporting Frightened Rabbit)
• 28. April 2010 – New York, NY, USA – Webster Hall (supporting Frightened Rabbit)
• 29. April 2010 – Boston, MA, USA – Paradise (supporting Frightened Rabbit)
• 30. April 2010 – Philadelphia, PA, USA – First Unitarian Church (supporting Frightened Rabbit)
• 01. May 2010 – Northampton, MA, USA – Pearl Street (supporting Frightened Rabbit)

Maps & Atlases MySpace and Homepage.

Turin Brakes – Sea Change

Turin Brakes are a modern folk pop duo from the UK. In 2002 they had a major UK hit with the song Pain Killer from the album Ether Song. Fans of the TV shows Hollyoaks, The O.C., Gossip Girl, or Smallville may recognize the band.

This year Turin Brakes are touring with their latest album Outbursts. I had the chance to see them play a show in Berlin earlier this month and highly recommend the live experience.

Preview and download the track directly from SleepWalking Magazine. Another free track is available from their homepage for signing up to the newsletter.

Upcoming shows:

• 11. May 2010 – Portland, OR, USA – Doug Fir Lounge
• 13. May 2010 – San Francisco, CA, USA – Popscene
• 14. May 2010 – Los Angeles, CA, USA – Largo / Echo
• 16. May 2010 – Denver, CO, USA – Larimer
• 18. May 2010 – Chicago, IL, USA – Lincoln Hall

xxx MySpace and Homepage.

The XX – Islands (Nosaj Thing Remix)

This indie rock band from the UK has taken Europe by storm. Their nostalgic and reduced music earned them sold out shows all over the continent. Soon they’re heading overseas again and will be appearing at the music festivals Sasquatch, Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza, among other shows.

Preview and download the track from The Music Ninja. At The XX’s homepage you can download Basic Space for signing up to their newsletter.

Upcoming shows:

• 14. May 2010 – Tokyo, Japan – Unit
• 25. May 2010 – Lisbon, Portugal – Aula Magna
• 26. May 2010 – Porto, Portugal – Casa De Musica
• 30. May 2010 – Quincy, WA, USA – Sasquatch Festival
• 10. June 2010 – Tennessee, TN, USA – Bonnaroo

The XX MySpace and Homepage.

Kings of Convenience – Scars On Land

In October 2009 Kings of Convenience played a sold out show in Berlin. Their calm acoustic music magically captivated the entire audience. 1,600 people stood still and listened devotional, like I had never seen it before.

To give you a taste of this enchanting music from Norway, I found a track from their 2009 album Declaration of Dependence.

Preview and download the track from earmilk.com.

Upcoming shows:

• 01. June 2010 – Philadelphia, PA, USA – Theater Of The Living Arts
• 02. June 2010 – Boston, MA, USA – Paradise Rock Club
• 04. June 2010 – Brooklyn, NY, USA – Warsaw
• 05. June 2010 – New York, NY, USA – Webster Hall (sold out)
• 06. June 2010 – Washington, DC, USA – 9:30 Club

Kings of Convenience MySpace and Homepage.

Which genres or themes would you like to see here in the future?  And what do you think of the bands profiled here today?