Sandie's Music Minute

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

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

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. 




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

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


...and my favorite song of the album.


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

Isa GT - Pa' Las Mamasitas karaoke + vox


This is one of her remix that she has done.



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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





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

Kisses - Kisses from Kisses on Vimeo.


Another fun song from this group


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

Gepe - Por la ventana from paniko on Vimeo.




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




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

Saint Saviour: Woman Scorned (official) by Saint Saviour



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/

• This is their first single from the upcoming album:

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/

Y La Bamba - Juniper from Tangible Worldwide on Vimeo.


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

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




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