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Friday, December 31, 2010

Zee Avi - From Malaysia to Los Angeles


Zee Avi - Bitterheart from naz on Vimeo.


The cover that stole my heart, and made me a fan.


Izyan Allrahman goes by the name Zee Avi, and obtained her first record deal by broadcasting herself on You Tube. She was born in the small town of Miri, on the island of Borneo, Malaysia. As a child she was encouraged to be a lawyer, but her passion was music.

Avi studied fashion in London for four years, but then after she graduated she picked up the guitar and starting performing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She recorded herself playing the guitar and placed the videos on You Tube. Kris Rowley, a U.K. singer-songwriter, found them and started to place them in his channel. Before she knew it, Zee was on a plane to L.A. to record her debut with producer Robert Carranza. 
References:
http://www.rdio.com/#/artist/Zee_Avi/bio/
http://www.zeeavi.com/bio/


Image Source:
http://www.zeeavi.com/photos/ - Photo by Autumn Dewilde
Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Royal Baths - a little darkness from San Francisco

Royal Baths - "After Death" live from moogie on Vimeo.




This is a San Francisco band formerly known as the Baths. They are currently with Woodsist Records, and they came out with their debut album "Litanies" in September of 2010. Some of the band's influences are groups like The Velvet Underground and Spacemen 3. The band focuses on the darkness and dismay in their song writings with titles; Sinister Sunrise, Bad Heart, and After Death. Their albums has been welcomed with mixed reviews; some rave about them, while others find nothing special. I personally feel in love with the with the dark lyrics and garage rock.

References:
http://www.last.fm/music/Royal+Baths
http://pitchfork.com/forkcast/14548-nikki-dont/
http://www.woodsist.com/
http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/11/01/album-review-royal-baths-litanies/
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14843-litanies/
http://eburban.com/reviews/albumreviews/id.2574/title.review-royal-baths-litanies
http://styrofoamdrone.com/2010/10/26/royal-baths-baths-7/


Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/Royal+Baths/+images/48415501
Thursday, December 23, 2010

Playfellow - Musical Brush Stokes


A small video taken in a concert filming a new song found in the album

My favorite song in the album:


Playfellow is a band from Brandenburg, Germany, that has been together since 2004. They released theit first album Penumbra in 2008 with great reviews. In the spring of 2009, the band signed with Sweet Home Records. Carnival Off is their second album that continues to show the energy that this band has. 


Band members:
Toni Niemeier - vocals, guitars
Katharina Mey - bass, piano, vocals
Tom Herberger - drums
André Dettmann - synthesizer, organ, piano
Robert Laessig - guitars


References:
http://www.last.fm/music/Playfellow
http://www.thesirenssound.com/2010/11/10/playfellow-carnival-off/
http://www.rocstar.co.uk/agency/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=60
http://www.myspace.com/playfellowband


Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/Playfellow/+images/34651473
Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Florencia Bernales - Folklore Music from Latin America


Another great song also found in her new album RUTA 9...


...and my favorite song of the album.


This artist was born in Buenos Aires to an Argentine mother, and a Peruvian father. As a child she had the opportunity to sing with the children's choir from the Buenos Aires' opera house. Later, as a young adult she attended Trinity College London, where she obtained her Musical Degree. She lived in London for seven years, and then moved to Berlin, where she I started singing popular music from Latin America. In 2006, she founded Ruta 9, an international group of Latin American musicians. The goal of this musical project is to promote musical collaboration from different countries in Latin America, as well as exploring with new sounds and rhythms. Just an amazingly busy singer with a passion for persevering folklore music. This album has a collection of songs from Latin America mainly from: Peru, Argentina, and Venezuela. Her voice is captivating, and the music is enchanting.

References:
http://www.myspace.com/florenciabernales
http://ruta9enflor.blogspot.com
http://soundcloud.com/florencia-bernales
http://www.youtube.com/user/florbernales


Image Source:
http://cantopopularuru.blogspot.com/2010/11/presentando-florencia-bernales-demo.html

Friday, December 17, 2010

Isa GT - Dj & Producer from Colombia


Isa GT - Pa' Las Mamasitas karaoke + vox


This is one of her remix that she has done.


Her name is, Isabel Gonzalez Toro, better known as Isa GT. This talented artist is from Medellín Colombia, but has been living in London for the past 9 years. She hosts two club nights: Girlcore and Musicalia in London that have been taken all over the world. She released her Pa´Chikirri EP in April 5, 2010 under Man Recordings. As of December 15th, 2010 she was in the running in the final in the Diesel:U:Music Video Karaoke battle. In this competition fans get to karaoke to “Pa Las Mamasitas” a girl power song with a Cumbia influence for prizes. She is in the running against Yann, a pop singer from Brazil. The winner will be picked in two days, and the winner will win a two day studio hire with producer to cut a new single, and much more.

The best of luck this young lady.

References:
http://www.myspace.com/isagt
http://www.last.fm/music/Isa+GT
http://www.edilmatoro.blogspot.com
http://www.remezcla.com/2010/latin/isa-gt-pa-chikirri-ep
http://music.diesel.com/bands/overview/10
http://generationbass.com/2010/04/06/isa-gt-new-release/
http://www.manrecordings.com/


Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/Isa+GT/+images/27565417
Monday, December 13, 2010

Lia Ices - Heavenly voice


Lia Ices "Half Life" from Rare Book Room Records on Vimeo.

Single just released on November 29, 2010 from her upcoming album


Brooklyn artist, Lia Ices, will released her second album with her new label Jagjaguwa on January 25, 2011. Her first album called, Necima, was released in July 1, 2008, and rated 7.4 out of 10 by Pitchfork. A great start for this very talented young lady. What attracted me to her right from the beginning is her lovely voice. The three year gap between her albums has given her music time to mature, and take confidence. Thought, she doesn't like to be compared to any one artist in particular, she is going to win a place right next to my Tori Amos, and  Regina Spektor albums.

References:
http://www.liaices.com/
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12222-necima/
http://www.windishagency.com/artists/lia_ices
http://encoremag.com/new-york/articles/9725/interview-lia-ices
http://jagjaguwar.com/blog/2010/08/lia-ices-signs-to-jagjaguwar-download-gorgeous-tune-grown-unknown/
http://altmusic.about.com/b/2010/10/20/lia-ices-second-album-grown-unknown-out-on-jagjaguwar-in-january.htm
Image Source:
http://www.liaices.com/#76773/Contact

Monday, November 22, 2010

Shangaan Electro: New Wave Dance Music from South Africa


Shangaan New Wave Electro from flier arts on Vimeo.

First Track from this wonderful album.


This is a very special posting, since this is the first time I'm blogging about an album. I find myself diving into a brand new genre for me along with a new type of dance coming from South Africa. The music is composed of  marimba, organ, and synthesizers playing in an amazing 180+ beats per minute. Now, with fast beats comes extremely fast dancing from every energetic people. This album takes 12 songs from 6 different artists recorded from 2006-2009, and it's making them available for the world to hear. It's just an astounding album to listen to, and appreciate the diverse type of music that South Africa can share with us.

References:
http://extramusicnew.wordpress.com/2010/06/26/shangaan-electro-new-wave-dance-music-from-south-africa-honest-jons-records-videos-and-mp3-samples/
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128112044
http://www.honestjons.com/label.php?pid=36711
http://www.thedailyswarm.com/headlines/new-genre-alert-shangaan-electro-new-wave-dance-music-south-africa/




Image:
http://www.last.fm/music/Tshetsha+Boys/+images/54749129
Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Jaqee - Bringing Rhythm and Blues


Jaqee - Castara Blues from Joni Huttunen on Vimeo.

A moving piece from the album: Kokoo Girl


Jaqee was born in Uganda in 1977, and from early life she traveled with her parents. Then, ultimately moving to Sweden in the early 90's. This artist's style varies greatly from her exposure of many different cultures in her travels. Her first album was a neo-soul album released in 2005 called Blaqalixious. Then, in 2007 Nouvelle d'amour was released, and it leaned towards rock and blues.She also did a tribute to Billie Holiday in which she collaborated with The Bohuslän Big Band, a modern jazz band from Sweden. For her latest album she has joined with producer Teka (founder of the label Rootdown) for a more Cumbia and Reggae mix. 

Discography:
2005 - Blaqalixious
2007 - Nouvelle d'amour
2009 - Kokoo Girl
2010 - Land of the Free ("Kokoo Girl" - re-release for France)

References:
http://www.vimeo.com/2116659
http://www.last.fm/music/Jaqee
http://www.jaqee.com/?p=4
http://www.deezer.com/fr/music/jaqee#music/jaqee
http://artistwiki.com/jaqee/biography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohusl%C3%A4n_Big_Band
Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/Jaqee/+images/29778935
Monday, November 15, 2010

Espaldamaceta - Amazing music from Spain


Espaldamaceta - Hoy sé que fue mejor (videoclip) from 15-L. produccions on Vimeo.


My favorite song from this artist, and in the new album released on 11.02.2010


His real name is, Juan Jose Gonzalez, and he debuted in 2008 with EP called, “Cae algo al suelo”. In 2009 released his first album, "Madera y poca Luz" with the record label Bankrobber. His style is influenced by Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, and Nick Drake. This man has amazing talent, and great lyrics. I really enjoyed all his albums, and hope to see more from him.


References:
http://www.musictory.com/music/Espaldamaceta
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espaldamaceta
http://www.seriebcn.cat/a-espaldamaceta-nomes-li-fa-por-el-silenci?lang=ca


Image Source:
http://www.seriebcn.cat/espaldamaceta-maria-rodes?lang=en
Friday, November 5, 2010

Zaz - French Gypsy Jazz


Je veux from fab pruvot on Vimeo. — The first single from the album. 

My favorite song from the album:


When I first heard this young lady's music I was quite intrigued with the blend of music, and vocals. Her real name is Isabelle Greffory, who blends the styles of nu jazz, soul, and acoustics in her music. She started singing in the streets of Montmartre, and then won a competition in the legendary Olympia Stage. Her debut self-titled was released in April of 2010, and is creating quite a stir amongst critics. 

References:
http://www.frenchmusicblog.com/zaz-jazz-manouche-french-singer
http://www.french-music.org/artist/1107.html
http://www.last.fm/music/ZAZ
Image Source:
http://www.french-music.org/artist/1107.html
Wednesday, November 3, 2010

David Lipp & Die Liebe - Love is a strong and moving force


Hilf mir tragen

David Lipp & Die Liebe | Myspace Music Videos


This is the 9th song from their recent album resealed Oct. 29th, 2010


This band is composed of five members: David Lipp (vocals, guitar), Katharina Grossmann (vocals), Hemma Grünbacher (bass, vocals), Andrea Baumann (piano, vocals), Thomas Binder-Reisinger (guitar). For the band's first two albums love was the main focus, but the band's third album the focus is on the end of a relationship, which completes this bands trilogy. This album is a set of goodbye songs that prove that love is a very strong, and moving force. The music is very minimalistic, and very repetitive. The band in recent years has added the singer Katharine and also Andrea in order to add a touch of sensitivity to the music.


Discography:
2005 - In immer: Love (More than Love)
2007 - Die einsamen Häuser (The Lone Houses)
2010 - Es ist so unendlich still hier (It is so very quite here)


References:
http://www.konkord.org/konkord051/
http://davidlipp.com/Pressetext.pdf
Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/David%2BLipp%2B%2526%2Bdie%2BLiebe/+images/48281989
Friday, October 29, 2010

Juliette Commagere - Painting haunting musical landscapes



Amazing song from her album Procession released 09/20/2010. 


It took just a few minutes into this album for me to fall in love with the voice, and haunting melodies of this artist. This lovely young lady is the leas singer from the band called Hello Stranger from Los Angeles. Commagere learned how to play the piano at a young age. She was exposed to this by her father who is a classical record producer. She has done vocal contributions for albums by Puscifer, and Avenged Sevenfold. For this new album she has let her imagination run wild, and concentrated in paining landscapes. Some of the artist that his artist admires are; Joni Mitchell, Chet Baker, The Pixies, Townes Van Zandt and Tangerine Dream.


Discography for solo career:
2008 - Queens Die Proudly
2010 - The Procession


References:
http://juliettecommagere.com/
http://www.last.fm/music/Juliette+Commag%C3%A8re
http://www.last.fm/music/Hello+Stranger
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/juliette-commagere-p731802
http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/juliette-commagere-talks-the-procession-books-and-fellini/7709133
Image Source:
http://laist.com/2009/03/25/juliette_commagere_1.php
Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Suzan - Japanese Riot-Girl Band


The Suzan Live @ Fool's Gold Day Off from Mr Goldbar on Vimeo.

This is my favorite song from the new album.


This band consists of sisters Rie [keyboards and vocals] and Saori [guitar and vocals], along with friends Nico and Ikue.The band was formed back in the summer of 2004, and they toured Europe and UK. They soon came to get the attention of  Bjorn from Peter, Bjorn and John. Bjorn helped them produce their newly released album, and it came out on Fool's Gold record label. These girls are the only rock band for this record lable that mostly represents DJ's and rappers. Their first single "Home" has been available for download in the internet for sometime, and has received quite the attention from people. The band was given a great review from MTV IGGY, the new global music and pop culture network from MTV, for a September performance in the Fool's Gold Day of Party in New York. Absolutely, a great start for these girls, and keep an eye for their new album Golden Week for the Poco Poco Beat that came out this October.

References:
http://www.vimeo.com/15367911
http://www.spinner.com/2010/03/10/sxsw-2010-the-suzan/
http://www.thefader.com/2010/03/16/premiere-the-suzan-home-mp3/
http://blog.mtviggy.com/2010/09/08/concert-reviewthe-suzan-at-the-fools-gold-day-off-party/
Images:
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Suzan/+images/2764696
Saturday, October 23, 2010

Luisa Maita - One of São Paulo's Finest


ALENTO - LUISA MAITA * 2010 from joaowainer.com on Vimeo.



Luisa Maita grew up in a musical family with her father being a musician, and mother being a concert producer. As a young child she was exposed to what her parents listened to which was samba, bossa nova and jazz: João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Nana Caymmi, Vinicius de Moraes, Milton Nascimento, Edu Lobo, Baden Powell. After listening to her album I was amazed with her beautiful voice, and music. I choose the video above to show the beauty of Brazil, and how Luisa's music complements every scene. Her album "Lero- Lero" which came out this year will quickly be one of my favorites when I want to listen Brazilian music.


References:
http://www.last.fm/music/Lu%25C3%25ADsa%2520Maita?ac=%20Luisa%20Maita%20
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130217309
http://luisamaita.com.br/site/EN/news/north-america-tour-in-november/#more-322
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luísa_Maita
http://www.vimeo.com/13377311
http://www.soundsandcolours.com/articles/brazil/luisa-maita-offers-up-a-fresh-mix-of-samba-bossa-nova-and-mpb/
Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/Lu%C3%ADsa+Maita/+images/44869223
Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Kisses - Soothing and Mellow Electric Sounds


Kisses - Kisses from Kisses on Vimeo.


Another fun song from this group

Jesse Kivel and Zinzi Edmundson, make-up the duo, Kisses from Los Angeles, California. Their music is a blend of electronic, dance, and synthpop all wrapped into one. The Heart of the Nightlife is their first small album with a total of nine fun songs. The group also has a retro style of the 70's and 80's. The album has such lively energy that reminded me of a warm summer night out with friends. 

References:
http://www.last.fm/music/Kisses
http://www.vimeo.com/14005664
http://www.thememagazine.com/blog/kisses-the-heart-of-the-nightlife/
http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/10/04/album-review-kisses-%E2%80%93-the-heart-of-the-nightlife/
Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/Kisses/+images/50727815
Monday, October 18, 2010

Gepe - Talented artist from Chile


Gepe - Por la ventana from paniko on Vimeo.




This is the song that is playing in my iPod non-stop! Enjoy!



From Santiago, Chile is were Daniel Riveros is from, and he goes by the stage name of Gepe. His music is a mix of folklore, pop and electric, and I simply love the way this is done. Folklore is given a new life, and a fresh beginning. He has a metaphor for what he does with music. He compares music to a house that is built, but later remodeled. The remodeling keeps the original foundation, but a new roof is added, yet the home is kept in it's original neighborhood. He has been influenced by; Beach Boys, Smashing Pumpkins, Gastr del Sol, Sonic Youth, Swans, Yo La Tengo, Animal Collective, Kings of Convenience, and not to mention the roots of Chilean music like Viota Parra, Víctor Jara.


Discography:
2004 - 5 x 5 (Ep)
2005 - Gepinto
2007 - Hungría
2008 - Las Piedras (Ep)
2010 - Audiovision 


References:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130564853
http://www.last.fm/music/Gepe?ac=gepe
http://www.clubfonograma.com/2010/06/audiovision-gepe.html
http://www.clubfonograma.com/2009/06/video-victoria-roma-gepe.html
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gepe
Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/Gepe?ac=gepe
Thursday, October 14, 2010

Saint Saviour



Saint Saviour: Woman Scorned (official) by Saint Saviour

This lady is causing quite a stir with her upcoming solo album, and on October 11, 2010 she released her first official single. In 2010 toured with Groove Amanda as the lead singer, but also has worked with; The RGBs, Redstar & The Hear, Joe & Will Ask and The Slips & Punks Jump Up. Her real name is, Becky Jones, and she has been performing since the age of 16. She is ready to set off on her own musical career now. I love her voice it is quite interesting, and beautiful. It has been compared to Kate Bush, Marth Wainwright, Tori Amos and St. Vincent.   


References:
http://blog.welikeitindie.com/2010/10/saintsaviour/
http://www.last.fm/music/Saintsaviour
http://www.muumuse.com/2010/09/introduucing-saint-saviour.html
http://ohinvertedworldclub.wordpress.com/2010/09/18/saint-saviour-one-scorned-woman/
http://www.londonkicks.com/go/music/Saint_Saviour
http://soundcloud.com/saintsaviour/woman-scorned
Image Source:
http://www.wearsthetrousers.com/2010/08/saint-saviour-lines-up-new-solo-single/
Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo’s


  • This is their first single from the upcoming album:

<a href="http://emilybarker.bandcamp.com/track/little-deaths">Little Deaths by Emily Barker and The Red Clay Halo</a>



These talented ladies have an album coming out soon called Almanac. This is a group has received some airing time in a BBC1 series that stars Kenneth Branagh. The group is composed of Emily Barker (lead vocals, acoustic & electric guitar) and Red Clay Halo bandmembers Jo Silverston (cello, saw), Anna Jenkins (violin), and Gill Sandell (accordion, flute, piano, pipe organ). Interestingly, Emily is from the remote south west of Western Australia, and in 2002 she arrived in Cambridge, England. In October 2005, Emily won both Country song of the year and Regional song of the year at the prestigious Annual West Australian Music Song writing Awards.



References:
http://www.vimeo.com/7728728
http://www.last.fm/music/Emily%2BBarker%2B%2526%2BThe%2BRed%2BClay%2BHalo
http://www.emily-barker.com/
http://www.loveshackbaby.net/2010/01/emily-barker-and-the-red-clay-halo-sing-haunting-folk-melodies-for-cold-winter-days/
http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/10/12/listen-emily-barker-the-red-clay-halo/


Image Source:
http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/10/12/listen-emily-barker-the-red-clay-halo/
Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Y La Bamba - Mexican inspired experimental folk


Y La Bamba - Juniper from Tangible Worldwide on Vimeo.


Luz Elena Mendoza's songs resembles haunting lullabies. She sings in both English and Spanish a mix of Mexican inspired experimental folk songs. The first time I heard her music I was stopped my the eeriness, and beauty of her vocals. This singer's colorful upbringing has contributed much to her type of music. As a child she grew up in Oregon, but frequently traveled to California, and Mexico to visit family members. As a child she would listen to corridos, and Mexican mariachi music from Michoacan, where her parents are from. Y la Bamba is formed by: Luz Elena, Ben Meyer, Mike Kitson on drums, Sean Flinn on lead guitar, Eric Shrapel on accordion, Paul Cameron,
and Scott Magee.  

References:
http://www.oregonlive.com/music/index.ssf/2010/09/sound_check_y_la_bamba.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/music/index.ssf/2009/01/y_la_bamba_at_backspace.html
http://www.smokesignalsbooking.com/artists/ylabamba
http://www.vimeo.com/15031004
http://www.gypsypoprecords.com/artists_01.html
Image Source:
http://www.last.fm/music/Y+la+Bamba/+images/52922107
Monday, October 11, 2010

Lady - Blues-Infused Music




"A Moment... with Lady" Promo from Geoff Morris on Vimeo.


This Philadelphia music group's blues-infused music is wonderful. "I Think It's Fine" EP was just released on October 5, 2010 from the record label Rodeadope. The voice behind the music is from 21 year old singer Kate Foust, along with; Liz Zook playing violinJim Scanlan playing bass, Ryan Belski on guitar, and JP Dudas on drums. All the songs in this EP were written by Kate Foust, and flow very nicely. Each song is sightly distinctly different from the next adding to the band's talent, and ability to evolve their sound. I for one am looking forward to this band's full length album. 


Reference:
http://yesitslady.com/?p=1
http://www.ropeadope.com/music/record/lady/
http://yesitslady.bandcamp.com/
http://vimeo.com/15343003
Image Source:
http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/music/features/Fill-in-the-Blanks-with-Kate-Foust.html