Canadian-born L.A.-based singer/songwriter Mike Tompkins is quickly gaining more and more fans with his fun, expressive style, and of course the fact that all of his music is entirely acappella. That’s led to opening for the Jonas Brothers, co-producing/writing Jennifer Hudson’s latest single with Timbaland, and being featured on a #1 Russian single by the re-formed t.A.T.u. No genre is going to define this young man. And while I thought it was a tad obvious to create a song with social media-created expressions like ‘sorry not sorry’ and ‘YOLO’, Mike’s engaging performance pulls you in to join the party. He’s also made a winning connection with fans by featuring some of their submitted videos in the video for “Sorry Not Sorry (YOLO)”, even billing the video as ‘featuring YOU’. I’m really surprised why a major label hasn’t signed Mike to a large contract (and I’m sure he’s been courted) but sometimes that’s just not the name of the game, is it? “Sorry Not Sorry (YOLO)” sings ‘summer party’ and everyone is welcome, even if you never wanted to be there in the first place 😀
Mike Tompkins brings his many voices to Coda, 794 Bathurst Street, Toronto, on Sunday August 10
After winning a Grammy with Zedd last year for the stunning “Clarity” (which got to #2 on my chart and was my #10 song of 2013), London singer Louisa Rose Allen (aka Foxes) released her debut album Glorious, which has already been preceded by UK hit singles “Youth” and “Let’s Go For Tonight”. While those two songs also became club hits worldwide, it looks like the title song from Foxes’ album is the crackerjack hit to send her back on to the worldwide pop charts by end of summer. It’s a big and bittersweet offering, with an instantly recognizable vocal thanks to “Clarity”. The video augments the sadness of the song by surrounding the singer with a country club setting full of beautiful people – leaving a hollow sense of heartache. Watch the video below. The single is officially released in August.
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.
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 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The end of June edition of my personal chart sees plenty of upward movement and four debuts, so I’ll be focusing on those this time. Plus I have three winning chart ‘extras’!
THE TOP 10 DANCES UP A STORM
Well perhaps except for the songs by the performer of our #1 and #6 songs…
Sam Smith is entrenched at #1 for a third appearance with “Stay With Me”, which will go down as a classic for which 2014 will be remembered. Sam’s also at #6 with the beautiful “Not In That Way”. Sam’s album In The Lonely Hour is thoroughly enjoyable, though I had already heard most of it anyway, and it’s not entirely a sad song affair, though that does seem to be his specialty 🙂
New Canadian boy wonder Tristan Thompson is poised to steal away #1 from Sam Smith in two weeks with “Tidal Wave”. A great new voice plus a classic melody and infectious arrangement makes “Tidal Wave” an easy sell.
Jason Walker’s rendition of “Tell It To My Heart” (up top) moves up 10-4 and is just one of those records that smacks you in the face and changes your mood for the better, every time. I absolutely adore it! And whatta voice 🙂
Carl Man is a voice to get to know better on his collaboration with House Rockerz and Davis Redfield, “Electrify The Night”, which soars 12-5. And it’s a great song all ways around too!
Convulsic’s crazy pop-inflected one-of-a-kind dubstep of “The Day You Left” climbs 9-7!
Attention, attention! DVBBS & MOTi have arrived in the Top 10 with EDM that commands your attention, “This Is Dirty”, up 11-9.
Mr. Zorro Blakk (aka Daniel Volpe) also lands in the Top 10 with the pop-culturiffic “Good News (For People Who Love Bad News)”, climbing 15-10, and features a nice blend of voices with singer Deniz Olivieri. More on El Zorro later!
UP, UP AND AWAY
Stuck. In. My. Head. That’s a very good reason for it to be the fastest riser, blazing up the chart 23-11. It’s the Steve Smart and Westfunk radio edit of “Little Me” by Little Mix!
While radio is still giving attention to “Come With Me Now”, my preferred song by Kongos at this time is the bass-laden, playful “Hey I Don’t Know”, which moves up 19-15.
“Miracle” by E-Mute is no unassuming song, no sirree. It keeps building and building, carried by Theo Mak’s riveting vocal and a classical piano melody that sticks in memory long after the song ends. “Miracle” rises 20-17.
“The Fault In Our Stars” is a huge hit with the teen crowd, and it’s no surprise that Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap” is about to be a defining song of summer. It climbs 24-18.
DEM DEBUTS
I’ve already wrote about the four debuts in one form or another…
One of the most impressive songs I’ve heard in a while is the hybrid of Europop and dubstep in “Time Will Come” by new Finnish singer Hannis. It bows at a high #23!
As the deluxe edition of Adam Tyler’s Shattered Ice continues to resonate with me, the first single from the album premieres at #25, just as the long lasting “Electric Valentine” (also on the album, and Adam’s highest charting song to date, peaking at #3) is about to exit the chart. “Knew You Better” is another Adam Tyler song about to make its mark on my chart 🙂
This one just makes you want to dance! It’s the second entry by Zorro Blakk, taking lessons from hits by Fall Out Boy and Panic At The Disco with his penchant for long song titles! “Big City Girls (Don’t Fall In Love With Small Town Boys)” will leave you equally breathless while you’re dancing, and it lands on the chart at #26.
Sam Dickinson’s debut album The Stories That Occurred is about to get a 37 song reboot, and the first single is an excellent choice that grabs you right from its guitar opening, carried by Sam’s potent voice. “When You Left Me” debuts at #27. Sam’s “Learn To Wait” reached #8 on my chart last Fall. “When You Left Me” gets its official single release on July 7!
EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA!
WRATHSCHILD, “Angeles”
As “Fall Into Love” is about to leave the chart after peaking at #8, the duo of Simon Curtis and Wolfy released their second single together today, “Angeles”. It couldn’t be a more different affair than “Fall Into Love”, but showcases the power of the pair. “Angeles” has this beautiful, wistful melody, where you can picture a late night camp fire on an L.A. beach. But the lyrics are bittersweet, arriving in L.A. with stars in your eyes only to find that the city is remote and disenchanting when all is said and done. “Angeles” is a pleasing, personalized distraction, and will fit in nicely with this year’s end of summer songs.
ANTON EWALD featuring MEDINA, “This Could Be Something”
“This Could Be Something” is part of 20 year old Swedish singer/dancer/choreographer Anton Ewald’s latest fine EP On My Way, and it’s a danceable pop outing that definitely has designs on radio worldwide, and it could get there. The talented singer duets with Danish singer Medina, and their combined forces really give an edge to the song’s chorus. A song full of ‘ooh oohs’ and ‘oh ohs’ might not seem so favourable but for the enthusiasm of these two talents. Katy Perry watch out, “This Could Be Something” could definitely be just that!
JAKE BARKER, “Stage Fright”
I was really pleased when Jake Barker was added to “The Voice” tour, even though he didn’t finish in the Top 10. His talent and personality are unmistakeable. The title song from his independently released EP is an up close recounting of that thing singers dread, whether on stage or about a relationship, and the cure is having his girl by his side. Remember, Jake had never performed in concert before appearing on “The Voice” – and you’d never know it from the confidence he displays on stage. The EP doesn’t mince any words, and Jake’s soothing R&B-influenced style makes it both romantic and easy to take in many doses.You can hear an excerpt of the song only on iTunes.
The Full Chart
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailedweb edition of my chart.
01 01 STAY WITH ME Sam Smith 02 02 TIDAL WAVE Tristan Thompson 03 03 PROXY Martin Garrix 10 04 TELL IT TO MY HEART Jason Walker featuring Bimbo Jones 12 05 ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT House Rockerz featuring Davis Redfield & Carl Man 08 06 NOT IN THAT WAY Sam Smith 09 07 THE DAY YOU LEFT Convulsic 04 08 ME AND MY BROKEN HEART Rixton 11 09 THIS IS DIRTY DVBBS & MOTi 15 10 GOOD NEWS (FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS) Zorro Blakk featuring Deniz Olivieri 23 11 LITTLE ME (Steve Smart & Wildfunk radio edit) Little Mix 13 12 BACK HOME Andy Grammer 05 13 LOVE SPACE Convulsic 07 14 SHE LOOKS SO PERFECT 5 Seconds Of Summer 19 15 HEY I DON’T KNOW Kongos 18 16 BLACK LEATHER SIRPAUL 20 17 MIRACLE E-Mute 24 18 BOOM CLAP Charli XCX 06 19 DEAR NICOLE FrankMusik 21 20 TEENAGER IN LOVE Neon Trees 25 21 YOUR LOVE FADES AWAY Simone Denny 26 22 TRUST IT Nick Hagelin New 23 TIME HAS COME Hannis 14 24 ELECTRIC VALENTINE Adam Tyler New 25 KNEW YOU BETTER Adam Tyler New 26 BIG CITY GIRLS (DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH SMALL TOWN BOYS) Zorro Blakk New 27 WHEN YOU LEFT ME Sam Dickinson 16 28 BE MINE Kendal Thompson 17 29 FALL INTO LOVE Wrathschild 22 30 LATCH Disclosure featuring Sam Smith
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