Kwik Fiks & Bongiovanni, “Lifted”
It’s a gem just waiting to happen. “Lifted” is a totally cool rework of the 2003 Top 10 hit by Baby Bash & Frankie J, “Suga Suga”. Kwik Fiks is producer/remixer Danny Voicu (you may have downloaded his highly futuristic-sounding remix EP of songs from River Tiber’s From Now On EP) along with Montreal based Victor Bongiovanni. “Lifted” is chilled out deep house that is meticulously produced and will keep even the most casual dance music listener on board. The future is now, folks. When I tweeted about the song last night, I included Baby Bash in a mention. And the highest endorsement can only come from the man himself who said “That was pretty dope!” “Listen below and download it for free!
Nick, “Love and War”
While we await what is anticipated to be a spectacular debut album, Nick Hagelin has dazzled us again with a sparkling cover of Tamar Braxton’s “Love and War”. ‘Blue-eyed soul’ and falsettos are two of my weaknesses so I’m akin to coming back for more and more. And the world is waiting for more Nick. Listen below.
Travis Garland, “Didn’t Stand A Chance”
After encountering and writing about his dynamic mashup of “Adorn” and “Diamonds” recently, I took to downloading Travis Garland’s free EP Fashionably Late from his website. Resembling Enrique Iglesias at times, Travis has made quite the progression from a few years back when I saw him performing “Believe” on TV. Like Nick Hagelin, it turns out that Travis has a lovely falsetto and the EP is full of R&B and hip hop inspired tunes, the best of which is this shiny ballad, made even better by his acoustic performance below.
Collin McLoughlin, “If I Lose Myself”
It’s always a daunting task to record a cover of a current favourite of mine, but former “The Voice” contestant Collin McLoughlin has a knack for making songs his own. I think TV show song choices prevented him from advancing further in “The Voice” competition, but Collin definitely has a bright future ahead if his self-produced cover of One Republic’s “If I Lose Myself” is any indication. Without the fancy high gloss of the original but with added soulful grittiness in Collin’s vocal, this is a mighty noteable alternate version. Not stuck on the video for it but regardless give a good solid listen.
Cheesa featuring Charice, “I’m Not Perfect”
In a most ear-catching pairing we find another “The Voice” contestant, Cheesa (pronounced “Chessa”), matched up with singer/actress Charice (from TV’s “Glee” as Sunshine a few years back). The vocals are highly complimentary but it’s definitely Cheesa’s showcase as “I’m Not Perfect” shows off both her power and restraint. And there’s a sublime, punchy, dubsteppy Max Stark remix that’s just been released to add to the fun. Listen below to both the full song and a teaser of the remix.
Ashton Zanecki, “Want U Back”
Sometimes you have to look past the song choice and go right for the gusto. I’ve never cared for Cher Lloyd’s “Want U Back”, but Pennsylvania singer Ashton Zanecki from Wilkes-Barre obviously does, and he has managed to make the song his own. My friends at EQ Music Blog first took notice, and I’m quickly and happily following along. Ashton proves that his imperfectly perfect voice – and I love voices that have that raw appeal *UHHH* – can deliver the goods. It’s a fantastically good natured, fun video too, and you will be smiling afterwords. Watch for yourself and be convinced (he begins singing after a minute of introductions). You Tube viral cover talent scouts, Ashton Zanecki is someone you shouldn’t miss out on.
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