Jason Mraz and Joshua Radin are two performers who have proven that they can succeed with great lyrics and melodies, even if their music is on the softer side of pop. Well make room for Lyonn, otherwise known as Tyler Gelrud, who is based out of Knoxville TN but originally from California. What comes particularly to attention as you move through his four song EP Promenade is the warmth and sincerity of his songs. The music and vocals aren’t all quiet, and sound great when Tyler’s voice soars. The EP turns out to be a huge surprise, well arranged and produced, with my preferences going to “Midnight Mind”, where Tyler’s vocal most impresses, and “Just Say Hello”, which are the stronger of the four songs. “Sing You To Sleep” however is a delightful contemporary lullaby, and there aren’t many of those around. Only “Dancing Machine” seems perhaps a little too overly familiar. Promenade is a great effort and a fine introduction to Lyonn. And I’m sure we’re all waiting to find out more about Tyler’s fascination with Leonardo DiCaprio! 🙂 Promenade is available on iTunes for less than $4.00. You can download “Midnight Mind” for free at the link below, and stream the entire EP on Lyonn’s Bandcamp page.
If you’re in the Knoxville TN area, a video shoot for “Just Say Hello” is taking place on Sunday June 29. VisitLyonn’s Facebook page for more details.
From just north of where I live, in the Muskokas (Huntsville to be exact) comes duo Big East consisting of guitarist/vocalist James Jones and pianist/guitarist/vocalist Kip Daynard, supported by other expert musicians. They create passionate, earnest folk/pop on their new album Under Currents. But don’t let that basic description sway you, their influences from R&B, blues and jazz are much more far reaching, resulting in diverse and well-crafted songs. They are beautifully sung and tend to be on the softer side, but the results shine through and will make an impression. Opener “I Can’t Let Go” is easily my favourite and has hit potential for Adult Top 40 radio with its soulful edge. “Every Heart” and “I Die For You” (I’m waiting for the mashup with Jann Arden’s “I Would Die For You” 😉 ) also resonate, as does “Change Your Life” which poses lots of food for thought in its brief lyrics. I would pitch this album to fans who like Train, Five For Fighting, John Legend, Frank Ocean, Ms Arden, Anne Murray, and Neil Young. You can stream the entire album below. Check out all of the detail James and Kip have put into theirBandcamp page, including lyrics and chords! You can purchase the album there or on iTunes. Big East wants to engage and involve you and Under Currents is a great record on which you can get to know them.
MIKE BRAMBLE, “Never Tear Us Apart”, “Is It You”, “Her Lies”
Covering an INXS is always likely to attract my attention, so when I received word about Mike Bramble’s rendition, I had to check out his other songs as well. Mike is from Portugal, was schooled in music/guitar, and performs a creditable version of “Never Tear Us Apart”. It’s an ambitious, more acoustic, almost folky take on the powerful and anthemic rock ballad. Not what I’d quite expect but props to Mike for boldly tackling it in such a different arrangement. That song doesn’t prepare you though for the soulful power in Mike’s voice in the Seal-like jazzy/R&B flavour of “Is It You”, and the story-telling heartache of “Her Lies”, which features absolutely gorgeous guitar work. Even with these three songs to listen to, I think there is much more that we haven’t yet heard from Mike Bramble. Definitely a new talent to watch. Get your fix of all three below.
“Subtle” is an engaging pop song by the new Estonian singer who calls herself About Poetry. You’re thrust right into its classical influences from the start which might make you think it’s Loreena McKennitt or Sarah McLachlan, and you wouldn’t be far off. It’s got a beautiful, enchanting piano melody underneath to help keep its story interesting. The singer herself sounds like a hybrid of Carole King and Regina Spektor, but with a bit of the accent that helps lend charm to the song. “Subtle” will make you want to hear more from About Poetry, and it comes from her album To Console The Inconsolable, which you can sample and purchase on About Poetry’s Bandcamp site. Play it alongside UK singer Eurielle’s EP The Incarnation.
I first wrote about The Autumn Portrait(aka Freddie Mojallal) and his sophomore album Tired Love a little over a year ago. This talented Toronto-based folk/pop singer/guitarist delivered particularly with that album’s final song, “Ghost”. The song is about a love long gone, and the new video for the song is a scrapbook of happy memories, definitely pause for thought for whatever happened. The song’s deliberate and sad tone is in stark contrast and makes the video work on an emotional level. Watch it above.
It seems like 19 year old Nottingham, England-born Jake Bugg’s self-titled album was only just released, with the top of 2013 all abuzz about the baby-faced folk-rock singer with gritty, street-wise lyrics. The album went to #1 in the UK and sold out concert dates everywhere followed. Jake’s new album Shangri-La is already due for release in November, and ahead of that we’ve got “What Doesn’t Kill You” to tweak our interest. The song would have comfortably fit into the British post-punk era of rock, and certainly stands out as unique in today’s alt.rock. I don’t think there are pop radio designs on this song but perhaps others will follow. If you liked Matthew Koma’s “1998” from his EP earlier this year, that might help give some context, though Matthew skews more pop than Jake. “What Doesn’t Kill You” is available worldwide on iTunes.
Andy Suzuki & The Method is a trio from New York City consisting of songwriters Andy Suzuki (guitar, piano) and Jason Gorelick (electric violin), as well as the grandson of Grammy-winner Babatunde Olatunji, hand-percussionist Kozza. They first came to my attention last year with their Ghost Stories EP which featured the jaunty and jazzy “Fairytale”. The band somehow managed to conquer youth in Brunei, of all places, and toured extensively there last year. Upon their return they, like many other promising performers, launched an Indiegogo project to record their album. By Spring this year their fans (lovingly called Methodon(na)s) helped the band exceed their target by over $3,000, and thus we have Born Out Of Mischief.
The trio definitely upped the ante by several notches with this album. It’s slick and contemporary, it rocks and tells stories, and it is stunningly sung by Andy. “Keep Me Running” is a logical first single choice, the opening song with mass appeal written all over it. There’s also the playful title song and the devil woman saga “Lucy (Devil Song)”, and more songs about different women, including the country-influenced “Virginia” (where Andy’s voice particularly soars), the story of “Annabelle” and her navy boy, and “Lauren” (“will you be my angel?”), which reminds me of Canadian band Blue Rodeo’s best work. Best of all are the spirited folk/pop of “When She Leaves”, and especially the theme song in waiting to a movie about indie performers, the bar-rocking, fun “Dirty Floors”.
If you’re a performer who is speculating about recording an Indiegogo or Kickstarter-type of project, you should give Born Out Of Mischief a solid listen and contact this trio to find out everything they’ve done right. Andy Suzuki & The Method have created one of the year’s best kept secrets, which hopefully through touring and outreach to fans should garner them a greater following by the end of the year.
KOBO TOWN, Jumbie In The Jukebox
Kobo Town is out to bring calypso-influenced world music to your speakers this summer with the septet’s new album Jumbie In The Jukebox. Led by Canadian/Trinidadian songwriter Drew Gonsalves, Jumbie In The Jukebox is an ode to the history of calypso and all of the “jumbies” (spirits) which populate the songs, whether they be sheer fun (“Half Of The Houses”, “Joe The Paranoiac” – live performance below) or stories with pointed messages (“Mr. Monday”, “Postcard Poverty”, “The Trial Of Henry Marshall”). The melodies are finely crafted and accentuated beautifully by many horn arrangements, all bringing a rich blend of calypso, reggae, pop, jazz, and folk to fill your ears. Jumbie In The Jukebox contains songs that will sound great outdoors and will make you get whatever groove on you care to bring with you. Bravo to Drew and Kobo Town for an enjoyable and well-honed experience that will help take them to the next level.
Though he’s already had a #1 album in the UK, I’m hoping for big things in North America for 19 year old folk/rock singer Jake Bugg. He recently performed several showcases at SXSW and his self-titled album will be released here in April. Ahead of this is a clever lyrics video for “Two Fingers”. There’s an interesting contrast between the lyrics and the two children in the video, though there is a worthy theme of putting things behind you and moving on to something better that drives the song along. Jake’s voice stands out in a crowd, his songs are catchy and one-of-a-kind, and I think he should be headlining some club dates in North America during the year.
Bim “Stop You”
UK duo Bim, one of my13 Performers To Watch For ’13, continue to be on a roll with the songs that they are releasing in anticipation of a full sophomore album. The ride hasn’t stopped since last Fall’s Lifelines EP release. Following their recent astute and different interpretation of Chris de Burgh’s “Lady In Red” comes more gripping and emotional pop that they perform so well with “Stop You”. Rebecca and Denmark have amazing connection that few other duos possess, which always makes their songs such a treat, even if they sometimes send you on a rollercoaster ride, you come back feeling all the better for it! “Stop You” will be available as a free download from Bim’s websitehttp://www.bimmusic.com
Baiyu “Surface”
Another of my13 Performers to Watch For ’13is New York chanteuse Baiyu. She never fails do deliver a quality song, and continues to release something new for free download each month. “Surface” is aggressive mid-tempo EDM along the lines of the title song of her last mixtape Hunter. That she continues to mix it up style-wise shows her diversity and desire to appeal beyond a traditional pop audience. If these top notch recordings continue, they will take Baiyu and her amazing voice to the next level.
Krewella “Alive” (Pegboard Nerds Remix)
Chicago dance trio Krewella are out to conquer with their latest release as they make their way across North American slaying audiences in concert. “Alive” is one of the most boisterous rock/EDM songs to come along in 2013 that looks like it will also be a proper pop crossover hit. The video of this vibrant remix is nothing short of joyful unbridled chaos. Watch below.
Parralox featuring Ryan Adamés, “Silent Morning”
I already wrote about “Silent Morning”, the mid 80s freestyle pop hit by Noel, as covered by Aussie duo Parralox, back in January. What will now be the official release of the single features handsome L.A. singer Ryan Adamés in a pairing sure to cause intense dancefloor bliss. In fact you can catch Parralox and Ryan performing in Miami tomorrow night at Twist Sound Beach to launch this sparkling rework.
Kim Smith “Jealous Out Of My Head” (Midi-D’s Bootleg Mashup)
It’s a brilliant idea – blend New York-based Aussie singer Kim Smith’s pop-savvy “Jealous” with “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by fellow Aussie Kylie Minogue. The Vibe Kings remix is every so deserving of big city club play, but so is this mashup, which will keep heads spinning while feet dance merrily away into the night.
Cue two more inspired cover versions!
First up, we have season two contestant from The Voice, 20 year old Pip, who has his ear to the radio and provides a beautiful soulful edge to his version of none other than Chris Wallace’s “Remember When (Push Rewind)”. He and his band mates take a few liberties with some of the choice of instruments they use to support Pip on the song, but the spirit of the song is more than intact. Good on you, Pip! Pip’s 6 song EP No Formalities is currently available on iTunes.
Second, I get to post this the day before the official release of The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake. There’s no one better suited-and-tied (hence an older pic of him above) to cover “Suit & Tie” than sweet-voiced Nick, in anticipation of his own upcoming project. I’m actually hoping that JT himself gets to hear this version – even though it sounds a bit rough in spots, Nick’s vocal finesse (including the rap) just nails it and the man himself would be proud of that.
Where I reside of course it is now winter and the temperatures are dropping below freezing this week. So time to curl up with a cup of tea and some songs on the softer side.
DIDO featuring KENDRICK LAMAR “Let Us Move On”
Dido’s No Angel was one of my most played albums at the turn of the millennium, with the stunning “Here With Me” (which also served as the theme to the TV show “Roswell”) my #1 song of 2000. She’s back with her fourth album due in the Spring, mixing things up a bit on “Let Us Move On”. While the song doesn’t break any new ground for the UK singer, it is a great piece of positive songwriting, punctuated nicely by Kendrick Lamar’s verses, with his inclusion obviously inspired by brother and co-producer Rollo’s work including with the seminal dance band Faithless. “Let Us Move On” could find its way to audiences who gravitated to Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” in time.
TRAVIS GARLAND “Diamonds/Adorn”
Did we need yet another rendition of “Diamonds”? Probably not, but the singer performing it after a gazillion cover versions is important. I was pleased to hear Travis Garland again, after thinking the Texas singer who brought us “Believe” a few years back was M.I.A. in this strange music biz. Nope, just my oversight, in fact he’s got a new EP Fashionably Late for free downloadat his website, and I’ll be checking that out. But getting back to what you might have thought could be a questionable mashup, it is in fact extremely clever, and Rihanna’s Sia song and Miguel’s ballad blend beautifully. Plus, Travis’ pipes just soar at the right times, and if his vocal wasn’t so strong the whole thing might have fallen apart.
ALMOST CHARLIE Tomorrow’s Yesterday
Tomorrow’s Yesterday is the third album from Almost Charlie, aka German singer and multi-instrumentalist Dirk Homuth. It’s a pretty straight-forward concoction of high quality soft pop/rock/folk, which immediately recalls The Beatles (and John, Paul, and George’s solo work too), Simon & Garfunkel, Klaatu, and more. The project is called Almost Charlie because of ‘fifth Beatle’ Charlie Mason, who writes all of the lyrics but does not perform. Dirk’s vocals and arrangements execute compelling songs of varying moods and paces such as “Still Crazy ‘Bout You After All These Years” (my personal favourite), “When Venus Surrenders”, “Nice Place To Die”, “Open Book”, and the title song. For those who like their coffee crisp and their tea brisk, Tomorrow’s Yesterday offers many pleasures to wind away your day. Listen to “Open Book” and “Tomorrow’s Yesterday” below, and purchase the album through theAlmost Charlie website.
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT Tired Love
The Autumn Portrait is the band name for Canadian singer Freddie Mojallal, and Tired Love is his second album release. It’s a quick run-through of songs mainly about heartbreak, and we know how good tunes can sound when they get up close and personal. Freddie achieves his promising presentation through sometimes sparse and ragged (almost live off the floor) recordings. Think perhaps of the ‘whisper rock’ of Joshua Radin and a less poetic Adam Cohen, and The Autumn Portrait’s music is somewhere in the middle. The best and most affecting song is the album closer “Ghost”, with other standouts being “Spain”, “Take Me Home”, and “Can I Come Back Home”. Freddie has been gigging around Toronto so you might want to check out his show as well. You can buy Tired Love on iTunes. Watch the video for “Spain” below.
Music festivals always bring out a variety of performers. Two that I’m looking forward to seeing at Canadian Music Week are multi-member pop collectives.
Alan (Kemy) Kemlo leads Scotland’s Aerials Up, a 7 member band that features the classic pop/rock band instrumentation, which is in turn augmented by violin and cello. Their hit-bound pop/rock arrangements then make my ears perk up as the additional instruments round out the sound and give it alternately playful, folky, and classy tones. The group is in the process of putting final touches on a full album, and have opened for the likes of fellow countryfolk Snow Patrol and Paolo Nutini.
Aerials Up has already released the downright infectious crowd-pleaser “I Am” and a 3 song EP called Superglue, whose title song grabs you with its classical start up but takes you to rockland with some highly complimentary harmonizing. These days you do indeed need superglue to keep pop collectives together, but from what I hear, Aerials Up is one tight unit and I look forward to listening to much more from them. Listen to “I Am” and “Superglue” below and buy them on iTunes.
Aerials Up performs twice during Canadian Music Week, first on Thursday March 22 at 11:00 pm at the Drake Underground (sold out to the general public already), and then on Saturday March 24 in the international music showcase at the Global Village Backpackers, Departure Lounge (doors are at 7:30 pm).
“I Am”
“Superglue”
It’s a bit hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since Boston’s Gentlemen Hall came into the mass public’s eye on the Billboard Music Awards, after which I blogged about their engaging song “How Long Have They Been Watching?”. A six piece band, the emphasis here is on captivating lead vocals carried by vintage 80’s synth sounds and other instrumentation such as flute and piccolo. Since that time there has been much, much touring and a six song EP called When We All Disappear, which you can get for freefrom the band’s Facebook pagewith an email subscription.
The EP has some lush sounding production, but it was the band’s strong showcase on that awards show plus some of their performance videos that sold me, so I’m looking forward to seeing Gavin, Cobi, and bandmates now that they’re in my city. Listen to “Gravity Will Break Our Bones” and “Take Me Under” below.
Gentlemen Hall perform during Canadian Music Week tonight at midnight at Lee’s Palace, and then again on Saturday March 24 at midnight at Sneaky Dee’s.
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