Lily Allen

We all know who Lily Allen is. We loved her first album. Loved the attitude. Love that Perez Hilton wants to be her (a skinny pretty girl), hence the hate/hard on and now we can't help but keeping loving. Lily has just posted a new song on her MySpace page called G W B. For those that need it explained the song is about a certain bomb dropping President. Well timed, I think the song might make a suitable soundtrack as we watch him leave the White House. We are enjoying the new tracks, and are positive the album will match its predecessors success.

Update: The title of the song G W B, has been changed to Guess Who Batman.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): G W B, i don't know
Kind of Like: Lily Allen - the original

PREDICTION:
More top 40 hits in the U.K. Not sure that the U.S. Market will embrace G W B.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lilymusic
Website: http://www.lilyallenmusic.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMI2QhHn85Q

Amit

If I could take an artist and offer support to them (spot him a twenty, carry his cables or manage him free of charge for the summer), this would be the artist. The pure sound that Amit produces makes you just feel good and like you are connecting to something greater than yourself. Amit, being a smart fellow, has built up a certain amount of mystery about himself (usind childhood pics, hiding behind chunky glasses) which leaves you wanting to find out more about the person behind the solid music. Timeless, the tracks are meant to convey as Amit puts it "happyism" and "idealism". I think it goes without saying that both are met without issue. I am excited to follow Amit as he explodes onto the global music scene over the next year.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): You and Me and Love, One Day
Kind of Like: A marriage between Badly Drawn Boy and Feist - or perhaps Amit is just the child they had out of wedlock.

PREDICTION:
A top 20 hit in the U.K. and a top 10 hit in Canada. Lots of play in lounges across the globe as his tracks are placed on chill-out compilations worldwide.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/amitspace

Website: http://www.amitmusic.com/
YouTube: N/A

Update - The Madame Project

These girls have really stepped it out. The last time we heard them, they sounded like a few girls singing along to their favourite girl band CD. No longer. This is now the real deal. Their recent tracks are so well produced you have to listen closely to make sure you aren't listening to Girls Aloud, or another ultra-successful girl group. The metamorphosis is almost complete.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): Hitch Up, I Need You
Kind of Like: Girls Aloud meet En Vogue

PREDICTION:
A top 20 hit in the U.K. and across all of Europe. (France will eat these girls up!)

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/themadameproject

Music: Click Here

Lykke Li

Not a new act. Lykke Li is already on her way to being a superstar in the UK. Her album has just been released and her first single is already getting tons of airtime both on radio and television. This post is meant to highlight how an artist like Lykke goes from being an indie princess to being a top 40 hit. Alright so she might have worked her ass off, sure...but it is also interesting to notice that in her latest video her hair is slick. Key word here, slick. Her good looks, and slick image help us take note of her talent. Boy oh boy, is there talent. All one has to do is first watch the video for "I'm Good, I'm Gone" below, and then watch a live performance of the same song (also below). And yes that is indeed Robyn helping her with the live performance. All I can say is wow. Here is hoping Lykke Li international success and a top 40 hit in North America too.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): I'm Good, I'm Gone, Breaking It Up.
Kind of Like: Robyn (hate to make this comparison, but I have to) starts to dress out of Roisin Murphy's closet.

PREDICTION:
A top 20 hit in the U.K. and success in North American dance clubs.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lykkeli
Website: lykkeli.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngd45o-M_M4

The Brother Kite

Isn't it nice when you come across a band that not only produces great music, but also has a lead singer that can really sing. The Brother Kite matches that description. Patrick Boutwell provides the lead vocals for the group and they really are key in the sound that The Brother Kite is all about. With the reverb always slightly on it sounds like Patrick is singing in a wide open field (or into a tin can), but the purity in his tone complements the retro pop-rock feel that we have here. Sometimes alternative and rock needs to be about more than thrashing guitars so kudos need to be sent out to the remainder of the band for providing Patrick the backing he needs for his instrument.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): I'm Not The Only One, Waiting For The Time To Be Right
Kind of Like: ELO, The Beach Boys and the Cure thawed, after being cryogenically frozen in a single test tube, have started to work with Foo Fighters.

PREDICTION:
A top 20 hit with a catchy uptempo track off their next album.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thebrotherkite
Website: http://www.thebrotherkite.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCGhellXalg

Kakkmaddafakka

Summer is upon us and we are searching for a soundtrack for it. These boys, from Bergen, might have just what we are looking for. Edgy pop that works well on the dancefloor, but also has the lyrics to keep you singing while on a roadtrip. There are a number of influences at play in the music that Kakkmaddafakka are producing. At times you feel that you are listening to an old polka record, but then the lyrics kick in and you realize that this isn't polka. A perfect mix of kitsch and cool these boys are a favourite of mine.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): Crazy on the Dancefloor, OOO
Kind of Like: Franz Ferdinand decide to return the favour and cover some Scissor Sisters.

PREDICTION:
In line with the current sound on the top 40 in the UK these boys will have a top 20 hit before 2009.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kakkmaddafakka
Website: N/A
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32aTyRaXBdg