July 2014 – Page 3 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

Medieval Lore: “Carry Me” by @Eurielle_music

EURIELLE, “Carry Me”

I introduced you to new UK singer Eurielle at the end of last year, when she released her debut EP The Incarnation. The new age/pop inspirations for the songs from the EP seemed to come from sources as diverse as Kate Bush and Ellie Goulding, and recalled other fantastic vocalists of the past like Enya, Kirsty MacColl, and Annie Haslam. I was privileged to view the short film for “Carry Me” earlier in the year, and it finally was posted officially in May, with the single released to iTunes last week. It’s a beautifully filmed, artful effort showcasing a classic medieval tale of a young woman who is pretty much held captive by her overprotective father. Innocent infatuation occurs and life will never be the same for her. The song itself hangs on slight instrumentation and a gorgeous, ethereal and affecting vocal by Eurielle. While “Carry Me” isn’t the kind of song you’ll hear on the radio, it’s quality trumping quantity and should bring further attention for this new singer, who has already attracted major label interest. “Carry Me” is a logical continuation for Eurielle and I await her next song choice with bated breath! An album is on deck for this Fall.

@Harrietsmusic Sparkles With Her Cover of “Home” (@MichaelBuble)

HARRIET, “Home”

I can’t wait until new UK singer Harriet releases more new music to purchase. Her partnership with reknown producer Steve Anderson showcases her far-from-modest vocal talents, this time in her cover of Michael Bublé’s “Home”. It’s an interesting choice because Michael is so known as an interpreter and this was his first hit as an original co-write. Harriet in turn puts a pristine but earthy spin on the song. Her voice is still bereft with Karen Carpenter comparisons (including from me), but I would throw in a big dash of Rita Coolidge on “Home”. It conveys the longing to be home in an assured manner without being bigger or louder like the original, and without being too subtle which would have made it unmemorable. Bravo to Harriet and Steve – please keep these gems coming 🙂

https://soundcloud.com/harrietsmusic/home-michael-buble-cover

Impressive Sing-a-longs: @WeTheGriswolds on “Beware The Dog” and “Down And Out”

THE GRISWOLDS, “Beware The Dog” and “Down And Out”

Sydney, Australia quartet The Griswolds are looking to make a similar splash in North America and the rest of the world as they have done in their native land and The Netherlands with their upcoming EP Be Impressive. The group makes anthemic, memorable, and fun sing-a-longs that definitely go hand-in-hand of the tastes of fans of bands like Passion Pit or Smallpools. “Beware The Dog” in particular has a bright, energetic melody and harmonies that make you want to sing to the crazy chorus 🙂 New single “Down And Out” seems radio-ready with a well-produced summery sound that will take you away to another place on those dreary low days. The Griswolds have also lined up an ambitious summer tour that will take them seemingly everywhere in North America with Miniature Tigers, so they will be hard to miss. Be Impressive is due for release at the end of August, so do check out “Beware The Dog” and “Down And Out” below.

The Griswolds play the Hard Luck Bar in Toronto on July 13.

Still Slicker: @CraigDavid Returns with “Cold”

CRAIG DAVID, “Cold”

UK singer Craig David returns back in form with “Cold”. You know the 33 year old best from his 2000 album Born To Do It and his distinct vocal delivery on hits like “7 Days” and ‘Fill Me In” – my favourite by him in fact is the more electronic and lesser known “Can’t Be Messin’ ‘Round”. “Cold” almost sees him stepping back in time to songs from that album to revisit the style that made him successful. It’s not easy to create a message about a past love gone wrong and have people listen. But Craig makes the story compelling and the song’s got that funky edge that has always made me see him as the UK rival to Usher. Give a listen on Soundcloud below. I’m sure 2014 will be bringing us more new Craig David music songs.

https://soundcloud.com/craigdavidofficial/craig-david-cold

Cool For Cats: “Simple” (EP) by @NightmareAndCat

NIGHTMARE AND THE CAT, Simple (EP)

On Thursday evening, I was most impressed with the set by L.A.-based rock quintet Nightmare And The Cat as they opened for Neon Trees and Smallpools. This is a tight band that seems to draw their inspirations from sources too numerous to mention; I’ve read comparisons to The Arcade Fire, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, and other post-90’s performers, but there’s a lot in their roots that seems to stem from rock as classic as The Rolling Stones or David Bowie. And that’s not too far of a stretch considering that lead members singer Django Stewart and guitarist Samuel Stewart are the offspring of Eurythmics’ David A. Stewart and Bananarama/Shakespear’s Sister’s Siohan Fahey!! Django has a compelling and natural stage presence which can easily win over an audience. But Nightmare And The Cat do have the songs that will take them places, and Capitol Records has already made that investment. “Blackbird Smile”, “Undercover”, and “Goodbye So Many Times” are instantly memorable from their show. Nightmare And The Cat’s full album Simple is due before the end of July, but in the meantime you can treat yourself to the EP on iTunes and stream it below on Soundcloud. I’ve also included a clip of them performing “Undercover” from a May broadcast of The David Letterman Show.

Seize That! “Taking Back My Power” by @Kaden

KADEN, “Taking Back My Power”

His songs seem to come to us in fits and starts, but L.A.-based singer Kaden James has another electropop gem with “Taking Back My Power”. His song “Black Light” was my #2 song of 2013, a real out-of-the-blue surprise which could not leave my head with its sophisto-mysterious music and lyrics which could be truthful to anyone. “Taking Back My Power” is hard to dislike, with its positive but emotional nature and encouragement (even in a spoken word break) to never back down by seizing what you know is yours (“you can’t hurt me” – repeat). Kaden’s got a fine voice that suits his songs, so now after teasing us with this song, “Black Light”, and “Fuel For The Machine” (from the comp of the same name), all we need is a full Kaden album. Official release of “Taking Back My Power” is coming soon with other new songs, so in the meantime listen to it via Soundcloud below.

Serene Scenes: “Sweet Lover” by @JustinNozuka

JUSTIN NOZUKA, “Sweet Lover”

Canadian singer Justin Nozuka released an album of mainly quieter songs that is not necessarily for everyone this past Spring called Ulysees. It’s a brave move for sure on his third full release, but the 25 year old seems to actively promote peace, love, kindness, beauty and a host of other wonderful states of mind and being that we often take for granted. “Sweet Lover” is one of the more striking songs on the record, and what better way to cross-promote the song than with a soothing, peaceful well-shot video that captures earth and nature at its most serene. The few times that Justin uses his high register are goosebump moments, and if you saw his show on his recent tour, you’ll know that those moments in this song easily silenced the noisiest club goers. The production is layered and crisp, very reminiscent of the Wall of Sound style of the 60’s. Justin Nozuka is carving out a unique style for himself and his fans are loving it. You can purchase Ulysees on iTunes.