Sometimes it is more than just the music that makes an act a potential hit. With HEARTSREVOLUTION it is the visuals that draw us in and get us hooked on the electronic soundtrack playing in the background ("you mean there was music playing?") HEARTSREVOLUTION are producing videos and music that make you go back a second and third time, a sign of true hits. Perhaps not mainstream magic, but definitely something fresh that is welcome.
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): Choose Your Own Adventure Kind of Like: Japanese school girls experimenting with heavy drugs while singing Gary Numan tunes in a bathroom stall.
OFFICE is ready to take pop music back to its purest form. They aren't willing to provide you with a quick and easy pop song that will fade after a week of rotation. Nope. OFFICE is working at providing you with timeless and classic pop tracks that will stand the test of time. With a classic sound, OFFICE has taken pop music back to what it should be about. Sweet sounding, enjoyable music. OFFICE can't hide in the clubs of Chicago anymore, the world is ready for them now!
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): Enter Me Exit You, Nobody Knows You Kind of Like: Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Radiohead.
When a young voice turns to music to express observations the result can be magical and spine tingling. Veronnica is a young singer songwriter from South Africa that has a classic R and B, soulful voice, but what sets her apart are her experiential lyrics. Her music doesn't rely heavily on gimmicks or heavy post production. It is the purity of the sound that makes it original in this day and age of sweetened robotic vocals. This is true talent, so discover it now before the rest of the world does.
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): Broken, Commentary Kind of Like: Alicia Keys sings the songs of Tracy Chapman.
After spending a week in Palm Springs I feel it is my duty to provide you with the hottest local act. Not brand new on the scene, Gram Rabbit are pros, but the attention this number is presently attracting is long overdue. You can't think of Gram Rabbit as simply a band, they are performers, entertainers and artists. Their music, as catchy as it is, has a depth and maturity that surpasses many of the electronic acts trying to make their mark. I am looking forward to having Gram Rabbit play in my hood, although having to trek down to the sun to check them out ain't that bad either. Put on Gram Rabbit and sip a fancy cocktail in your mid-century pad and think of the desert heat, (but only if you are cool enough).
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): The Rest of Us Sleep Kind of Like: Early Madonna, Scissor Sisters, Goldfrapp and a bit of Marilyn Manson thrown in for good measure.
It is always nice when folk music is made modern and accesible. Caleb Hawley has all the elements you need to turn folk into something hip and marketable. A young upbeat take on the world of folk, Caleb is confident in his ability to convey stories through his songs. At times you might feel you are listening to a band or duo. Caleb uses his voice in different ways layering vocal tracks to produce a full and rich sound on several of his tracks. A great soundtrack for those quiet nights in or a disc to spin at a dinner party. Taking it from folky to bluesy, Caleb is ready when you are.
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): My Own Two Feet, Let the Games Begin Kind of Like: Something from the early 80's (Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder) with a slighty modern edge PREDICTION: A top 40 hit on the U.S. Adult Contemporary Chart and several soundtrack contributions that will pay the bills (and then some). LET ME LISTEN DJ: MySpace:http://www.myspace.com/calebhawley Website:http://www.calebhawley.com/ YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBOAbQitJyQ
I am starting to get a little tired of all the Amy Winehouse wannabees. Phil Spector's name has been quoted in more music magazines this past year than in his entire lifetime. So who can we turn to for something progressive and musically forward? Lucky for us we have Dawn Kinnard. In no way is this young lady pretending to be Amy, or trying to be like her...she is an entity all her own. With a distinct voice she takes classic sounding tracks and adds a certain grit and edge to them that is a welcome change. From flowing strings to hill-billie sounding guitar Dawn has sound her sound and is ready to share it with the world.
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): Devil's Flame, Fortuneteller Kind of Like: Macy Grey goes folk and kind of country
Music can serve a number of purposes. It can act as a release, set the mood, make you dance, make you cry and sometimes it is just there to make you feel good - golden pink arrow continues to play around with all of these moods in their music. A sometimes kitschy number from Japan, golden pink arrow are experimenting with trying to find a sound that will give them that big hit. They tie sweet bubblegum vocals around dirty electrics that makes for very listenable party tracks. I am sure that with enough focus golden pink arrow can leave their mark on charts internationally - perhaps with a cover?
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): Material Girl (Madonna cover), head trip Kind of Like: Cyndi Lauper after eating too many lemons, Tatu goes electric in a heavy way. PREDICTION: A top 40 hit in the U.K. and a top 10 hit in Japan, with a solid teen following around the world that allows them to sellout club gigs everywhere. LET ME LISTEN DJ: MySpace:http://www.myspace.com/goldenpinkarrow Website: N/A YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEgN1JX30aQ
I have not been this excited about a new find in a while. Hands down thecocknbullkid is my new favourite. Thecocknbullkid, aka Anita Blay, is a 22 year old singer, songwriter, producer who can only be described as magic. Her sound is current and unlike anything out there. She has found how to balance all elements of her music, a funky soulful feel, electronic noise, and a voice that morphs to fit the feel of the piece being sung. I am sure that thecocknbullkid will be the next big thing. With a number of solid pop tunes under her belt, I can't wait to hear what comes next from thecocknbullkid. This girl is a talent to follow.
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): On My Own, Sinners Clip, Attention, Matters of the Heart Kind of Like: Roisin Murphy meets M.I.A.
Welcome to the first ever GIGposting on my blog. This is where bands, only ones that have been selected as "Music You Have To Hear", can let you know where you can go out and catch them live before they start filling and playing stadiums. I am pleased to devote my first GIGposting to The Paper Cranes.
In no way am I trying to pretend that Lisa Hannigan is a newcomer to the music scene. She has been around and already realized a great deal of celebrity under the wings of artists like Damien Rice. She has cut her ties and is now ready to take off as a solo artist - that is what makes her new and exciting. Her haunting vocals, restrained and smooth, work well with the acoustic sound she has to accompany her. Also pleasant is her accent and how it moves from Irish and at times can almost sound Icelandic (think Bjork). I am glad that Lisa is just in time to join the girl folk movement that has been revived by the likes of Feist and Yael Naim. We are hoping for a full album soon, as it is sure to impress.
I feel geek chic is where it's at in style right now. Chunky big black framed glasses on thin boys. Electronic music that sounds like a soundtrack to an Atari 2600 game layered on a steady beat. Put the two together and you have THE CATARACS. A really simple electronic/hip-hop duo that have managed to infuse some funk and an urban quality to what might otherwise be considered "Euro Pop". Morphing from a heavier hip-hop act into a more commercially viable pop duo, the boys have a smooth style. Easily taking themselves from deep and suave to a solid falsetto while always making sure that heavy reverb is being used on the vocals (the only thing dating their sound at the moment - think Cher's Believe). So go out and download some of their very listenable music now (available at iTunes), and sit back and watch the metamorphosis continue.
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): Baby Baby, All That Matters Kind of Like: Craig David in a tin can, N.E.R.D. does disco.
One of Canada's bands to watch in 2008, The Paper Cranes are just waiting for the rest of the world to get caught up with their sound. Their arrangements are solid and are complemented by the unique male voice layered over top. Their tunes possess a bounce thanks to punchy piano and prominent drumlines (I think I hear snaps and claps too). With The Paper Cranes playing in the background you can't help but start bopping. Now with all the press this lot has been receiving it won't be long before they are watching their videos flash on Top Ten video charts across Canada.
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): I'll Love You Til My Veins Explode
Kind of Like: The Cure turns the amp up and start rockin' out.
The joy about a music blogging is that I get to discover and write about bands like The Skye, a trio of highschool kids that had some fun over the weekend and roughly recorded a demo. Together The Skye are an example for youth of what you can accomplish when you have talent and some free time. The Skye sound is fresh. Considering the age of the band members their sound can't help but be youthful. It combines several genres (RnB, Pop, Folk) into a perfect commercial blend. I look forward to following The Skye as they start on their journey and can't wait to see them build on their unique and strong vibe.
WRAP IT UP: Hot Track(s): Live Liv Kind of Like: Robyn goes acoustic PREDICTION: Club dates across Australia attracting a mixed fan base and building up to a Top 40 hit in both Australia and the U.K.
There are times when I think, "what ever happened to...(fill in the blank with any one hit wonder)." I have thought this about Modjo several times this week and so they become the first band to be featured on my first ever FLASHBACK. This FLASHBACK is brought to you thanks to the discovery of non-French electronic duo who sound like a French electronic duo, woodhands, a couple of days ago. Modjo first made their way onto the charts alongside debuts from the Sugababes and Nelly Furtado, so you would think that they would still be part of the club, right? Well while the very visually appealing Sugababes and sexy Ms. Furtado have gone onto sell millions of albums and have both seen numerous top ten hits, the average looking Modjo shot to the top with Lady and then slowly started their descent. The duo had all the potential in the world but have since decided to pursue respective solo careers. YannDestal (the voice) recently released a solo album The Great Blue Scar, on which his vocals come across as a spoof of himself. Romain Tranchart, (the talented one ?), has since the split produced several remixes and house tracks that are impressive and still have that Modjo feel. A posting on his website last year promises his "next album since Modjo". Perhaps the phrasing "since Modjo" is an indication that the vibe will be the same ("kind of like Modjo" would have been more reassuring though). Only time will tell if Romain can bounce back and resurrect the Modjo we remember. Until then we can FLASHBACK.
I lived in Glasgow for a year, and over those 12 months I discovered a long list of Scottish bands that remain on my playlist to this day. Today, I am excited to add another great Weegie band to that list. In music, just as in life, the mixture of nature and nurture can greatly influence how the tracks you are producing sound. This couldn't be more true for The Hussy's. The edge that one would come to expect from a band out of Glasgow is present, as is the charming and warm nature of every Scot I have had the chance of meeting. Pair those qualities with the natural talent of a vocalist and a pack of talented musicians, and you have the formula for success known here as The Hussy's. With songs being featured in U.S. adverts and making an impact on Indie charts The Hussy's are on the verge of breaking out. Now putting the final touches on 11 tracks for their upcoming release, it won't be long until you see them on late night T.V. playing their top ten hit live.
Sometimes it is more than just the music that makes an act a potential hit. With HEARTSREVOLUTION it is the visuals that draw us in and get us hooked on the electronic soundtrack playing in the background ("you mean there was music playing?") HEARTSREVOLUTION are producing videos and music that make you go back a second and third time, a sign of true hits. Perhaps not mainstream magic, but definitely something fresh that is welcome.
