Bearly Rambling

Louise Aubrie

2013-05-17T15:25:00.002-07:00

Today we get to feature a rockin' young lady Brit who is currently tearing it up in New York. Get ready to rock.

Made in London, and breaking New York, Louise Aubrie brings together indie post-punk roots with rock and pop melodies. Louise first started recording music at the famed Mill Hill Music Complex in north London, and having relocated to New York City, surrounded herself by some of the best musicians to establish her signature sound. Writing all her own material, Louise's debut album, Fingers Crossed..., was released in 2010 to critical acclaim in both the US and the UK, receiving national radio airplay. This album was Louise's first collaboration with Boz Boorer, one of the pioneers of the British rockabilly movement, and long term co-writer and musical director for Morrissey. Mr. Boorer produced and engineered Fingers Crossed... at his studio in Portugal.

Louise's highly anticipated follow-up album, Time Honoured Alibi, is released in March 2013, with Mr. Boorer once more at the helm, both as producer and as a co-writer with Louise on a new track. The album was mixed by Cam Blackwood at Voltaire Road Studios in London, who has recently worked with artists such as Cee Lo Green and Florence and the Machine. The album was mastered by Dave Collins Audio in Los Angeles, former Chief Mastering Engineer of A&M Studios.

Well that's the background gubbins, but you're here for the music right?

So get ready to rock with this guitar wielding young lady with the brilliant voice.

This is the lead track from the new album "Time Honoured Alibi", produced by Boz Boorer.

Where Are You

This deserves to be a big hit, great beat and rhythm, maybe a little too good for the charts.

Check out the awesomely clear and clean sound of the voice of Louise Aubrie, absolutely brilliant. Obviously the only thing that stopped this from being a huge hit was exposure, or the lack of it.
A beautiful song.

Seventeen

"Seventeen" taken from the album "Fingers Crossed...", produced by Boz Boorer. Video made by Trash Money

Let's take s quick trip in the waybackmachine, to London in 2011.
Check out this cool gig @ Archangel, Kensington.
Louise is a rocker in the strictest sense.
An amazing 50's and early 60's vibe to this, but still very much of the current times.

Convenient Forgettable

We'll finish today with one of my favorites of Louise's songs, enjoy this gem.

Always Love

Taken from the album "Fingers Crossed..." available now.
(c) Louise Aubrie
Always Love, recorded at Serra Vista Studios, Portugal.
Produced by Boz Boorer.
Video filmed in NYC April 2011.

Oh OK, one more thing you can listen to her album right here.

Time Honoured Alibi

Time Honoured Alibi by Louise Aubrie

5 Bears

Haun's Mill

2013-05-16T13:05:00.003-07:00

Haun's Mill combines folk, spaghetti western, circus waltzes and classic country into a sound distinctly their own. Their live performances are coupled with period movie projections, resulting in a powerful presentation of sights and sounds. Described as haunted saloon music, Haun's Mill has found a home in Austin's quirky environment since moving there in late 2010.

Haun's Mill are one of my favorite alt-country bands and it's been a little while since we featured them, but we'll try and make up for lost time with a few recent videos.

BTW you can still get a free download from Haun's Mill.

I love the darkness of this song, and the truly dark humor of the video. But then Haun's Mill are know for their dark quirky humor as well as their amazing songwriting.
The video is depicting an old-timey surgery of Eliza using rusty instruments. Luckily it doesn't get too gruesome.
Great song great video.

Stay That Way

This is a cool cover they did of a Young Jeezy song.
It is dedicated to and requested by a Kickstarter backer.
See what you can get for being a Kickstarter backer, awesome concept.

One thought that came to mind watching this, who get's the job of braiding the horses tail? Do they get danger money?

My President
Special thanks to Patrick Hoy (Cinematography) and Angeli Carriages
Video edited by Eliza Wren.

Here's a short but sweet little tune about end of the world predictions.

Oak Tree

And finally today another great Balcony TV presentation.
As always well presented, and a great way to listen to a terrific song in a sort of intimate atmosphere but in the great outdoors.
In Austin the great music city.

Away

5 Bears

The Lockets

2013-05-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

WoW! What a video to be the first I saw on the web today.

The absolute sights and sound of beauty.

Meet The Lockets, a sister duo made up of Ashley and Jennifer Cooke.
Based in Parkland, FL and Nashville, TN or Miami, FL maybe Los Angeles, CA but probably on a plane.

They are signed to Nu Toy Records and this new Single hits country radio in June, but you can check it out here first.

The Lockets fans are called The Keys, cute huh.

Well that's about all I could find out so far.

But you are here as always for the music.
And boy do we have some music for you today. You know I won't steer you wrong.

This has to be one of the most beautiful videos I've seen in a long long time.

And the music is a thing of beauty, these two young ladies have got americana bottled.
If this is not a huge hit, then color me purple and call me Alfred.

Kick back and prepare to be in instant replay mood for a while now.

Stepping Stone

5 Bears

Phebe Starr

2013-05-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

Meet Phebe Starr who hails from Sydney, Australia.

This young, vibrant musician brings a new flavor to Pop music.
So skillfully mashing, Electro, Indie and Jazz for your listening pleasure.

Phebe Starr is a young lady who deserves to go far.

Check out the following videos, how many different genres are crossed here.
She is definitely not a one trick pony. Talent to spare. Amazing!!!!!

This is Phebe's latest video. Really cool video for a cool song.
Phebe provides us with her terrific vocals, somehow with almost a sixties vibe but still absolutely in the twentyfirst century.
I'm just looking for a park somewhere.

Jurassica (Official Video)
Directed by Matt Sharp

This plaintive tune is from last year.
I beleive it was her first single.
Not sure if she's meant to be a queen or a princess, but you'll get a royal treat from her vocals.

Alone With You
Video: Original idea Phebe Starr and Matt Sharp
Directed and Produced by Matt Sharp
Clothes Designer: Lucy Kulma
Crown: Zoophite
Hair Artist: Anna Michelle Hair - Surry Hills, Sydney.
Makeup Artist: Naomi Bird

If we continue back in the wayback machine to 2011, we find Phebe in Prague on the ever reliable Balcony TV.

Telescope

Coming back to last year we find Phebe @ the Metro Theatre, Sydney.

Rock It (Little Red cover)

So let's get truly up to date, this gig in collaboration with Michael Chow was just 10 days ago @ The Paper Box in NYC.

Chaos

Here's another great tune from that same gig @ The Paper Box.

Future

And finally today, one more from the Paper Box gig.
Big ups to SixDust for his coverage of the NYC live scene and for capturing these three vids from the Paper Box.

Worst Part

5 Bears

Curxes

2013-05-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Curxes are a Blitz-Pop duo who hail from Portsmouth/Brighton in the UK..

Describing trhemselves as "A decorative set of bones, channelling the ghosts of discothèques"

Curxes are dark, intense, arresting, sexy, original and exciting.
Not to mention talented.

Based in Brighton the duo of Macaulay Hopwood and Roberta Fidora have been getting a great deal of buzz because of their remixes for fellow synth bands like Chvrches and Strangers, as well as for the distinct sound on their own material.

You had me at the owl, that and the beautiful vocals of Roberta.
This should truly be a monster hit.
This is one totally awesome song.

Further Still

A lone taxidermist sets out to work on his most ambitious project yet.
Video by Rob Luckins & Jake Hawkins aka The Red Red.
Music by Curxes.

You can download this amazing track right here for free.

FURTHER STILL [FREE DOWNLOAD] by Curxes

Yet another amazing vocal, this time a cool animated video.

Spectre (Animated Live Visuals)

The Blitz, 1941. Destruction reigns along the south coast. A teardrop becomes a flood. For the struggle, hold on tight. For the spirited and the true, you will never be left to drown.
Animation by Roberta Fidora

This next one is from about a year back, something to really raise your awareness of Blitz-Pop. WoW!!

Haunted Gold (Animated Live Visuals)

Check out, and even download this cool Mitch Wade Cole remix.

Finally today check out their totally amazing remix of the Chvrches hit Recover.

5 Bears

Farao

2013-05-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Farao is the pseudonym of London based, Norwegian artist Kari Jahnsen.

Her debut EP was recorded in Reykjavik, Iceland, with Mike Lindsay from UK experimental folk band Tunng.

The first single is to be released 27th of May 2013.

We've met Kari before when she was part of Like Spinning.

Her voice just keeps on amazing me with it's purity. Simply the best.
And I'm loving this new emergence.

Check out this amazing hypnotic video. WoW!

Skin

As ever, when I find a song this amazing I want to check out a live version, well here we go.
The Line of Best Fit are a series of live music videos produced by leading music discovery website The Line of Best Fit.
All their sessions are created in-house by their Best Fit production team to help expose amazing established and emerging music to a wider audience.
So it's here we find Farao at her finest.

Skin

Not so much of a video here, but the music is totally amazing, beautiful and again sort of hypnotic.

Forces
And because it is such a thing of beauty, here is your chance to download it.

Forces by Farao

Hre we catch up with Farao performing "Volcano" at a secret Sofar performance in London on October 10th, 2012. Another beautiful song and vocal.

Volcano

And finally today Farao teams up with Moddi for a performance @ People's Place on 9 April 2013

Run to the Water (Set the House on Fire)

5 Bears

Kate Martin

2013-05-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Kate Martin hails from the land down under, her hometown is Townsville but she is currently residing in Melbourne (when she's not touring). Kate appeared on here almost two years ago. Time for a re-visit.

Since the release of her debut album in June last year, Kate Martin has been living outside of her musical comfort zone. After becoming known as a solo folk artist with an acoustic guitar, Kate formed (and re-formed) a band to start playing her own unique brand of experimental pop. The reason for this change was not some life-changing event, although there were more than enough of those. It wasn't due to a lack of success - quite the opposite - the album received good radio airplay and press coverage, a finalist in a number of songwriting competitions, and was used in TV shows, short films and commercials.

The catalyst for the turnaround was the chance discovery of an old Stratocaster in a junk shop in her home town of Townsville. After haggling the price down and falling in love with a new guitar sound, Kate began her transformation. The result of over 18 months writing and recording, Kate's second album features lush, complex instrumentation and layered harmonies complementing Kate's harp-like fingerpicking guitar.

Kate is blessed with a beautiful voice and mad songwriting skills, check out some of her music right here.

Here's another in the Balcony TV Series, they always seem to get the great performances.

The Great Divorce

Gracing us with her soothing sounds aboard the #1 Tram with a fitting Melbourne backdrop, Kate preformed tracks from her recent album "Hand Me My Bow And Arrow" and treated the commuters with a previously unreleased track.
With the session ending at sunset over beautiful South Melbourne Beach, It was a great Melbourne welcoming for Kate, one too perfect to plan.
This is from the Tram Sessions.

Nocturnal

Check out this cool video made with Chance Waters.

Conjure Up a Fire

Song produced by One Above, written by Chance Waters & Kate Martin.
Director: James Shepherd
DOP: Daniel Christie
Producer: Chloe Lawrence-Hartcher

I a big fan of this song from back in 2011, it's a definite keeper.
Really cool video, but I fear there should have been a line in the song "Hey Toro, Toro".

Apples

If you get a chance check out the amazing One Above Remix at JJJ.

But I'm saving the best for last, this is my personal favorite so far.
Who knows I may find something I like better, but for now this is definitely my fave. I know we played it before, but it's still a great song.
Great video, great song.

Candle Burnin', Wax Drippin'

I'm sure you are still looking for more, so check out one of Kate's earlier albums.

Hand Me My Bow And Arrow

Hand Me My Bow And Arrow by Kate Martin

5 Bears

Mzaza

2013-05-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

Let's try something different, a World-Fusion/Mediterranean band from down under. Amazing and beautiful sounds coming your way.

Mzaza hail from Brisbane, Australia and they are:
Pauline Maudy (Vocals)
Greta Kelly (Kamanche, Violin)
Jordan Stamos (Tombak, Darabuka, Bendir)
Stephen Cuttriss (Accordion, Ney, Kaval)
John Robertson (Guitar)
Gwen Warnick (Double Bass)

Mzaza’s sensual stage show, eclectic instruments and unique way of expressing their influences have been captivating audiences around Australia since 2004. Pauline Maudy sings in French, Spanish and Turkish, combining traditional and contemporary vocal styles. The band’s outrageously diverse multi-instrumentalists play violin, kamanche tarhu (a spikefiddle of Persian ancestry), guitar, double bass, accordion, kaval and ney (Balkan and Turkish end blown flutes), darabuka (Turkish hand percussion), cajon and bendir (frame drum).

So kick back, crack a bottle of wine and let the warmth of the Mediterranean surround and comfort you.

Here we have Mzaza performing at the Brisbane Powerhouse in April 2011 for the home city launch of their album Journey Over Skin.

Le Temps Qui Passe (Ratevka/Razvrastanata)

I am really digging this cool video.
This is indeed a band who I often don't understand what they are singing, but it sure as heck sounds good. Damn fourth year French.

La Ou Tu Vis

La Ou Tu Vis (Anderson B., Maudy P.) is featured on Mzaza's Journey Over Skin album (2011).
It is available at mzaza.com
Visuals by Andrew Gibbs

Once again an amazingly beautiful video, and the song ......... sublime.

Les Fleurs Qui Fanent

Produced by Mzaza & Andrew Gibbs

Back in the day's when I was young and stupid I used to smoke Gitanes, and so I figured this might be about the scent of the French cigarettes.
Somehow I doubt it. But it is an amazing tune full of eastern delight.

Parfum Des Gitanes

This song was originally composed by Anouar Brahem (transliteration of the Arabic أنور ابراهم), who was born in 1957 in Tunisia.
He is an oud player and composer, who is widely acclaimed as an innovator in his field.
Mzaza's version features French vocals.
This video was filmed at the Brisbane Powerhouse in 2010 for the Mzaza Band of Brothers support gig.

Finally today we close with another exotic piece of music.

Gankino
This song was originally composed by Bulgarian accordionist Boris Karlov. Mzaza's version has been re-arranged and features French vocals.
It was performed at the Powerhouse, Brisbane as part of Mzaza supporting Band Of Brothers (March 2010) and is available on Itunes, CD Baby (if you live out of Australia)

I left that piece of blurb in here about iTunes, normally I never mention them because the whole iTunes concept of music is so bloated, in my opinion.
And it is wack, if you are selling on iTunes you are only selling in your own country, and many artists are not aware of that.
C'mon people, it's the 21st century, music is global. End of Rant.

5 Bears

Denise Reis

2013-05-11T15:11:00.002-07:00

In the mood for a little jazz today, maybe some female vocals with guitar and trumpet accompaniment.

Well you don't have to go to far you can find it in one bundle, meet Denise Reis.

Singer, guitarist and composer Denise Reis was born in Belo Horizonte, the capitol of the state of Minas Gerais (the second largest state by population, and the fourth largest by area) in southeastern Brazil.

Denise has a unique singing voice, so attuned to a jazz vibe.

You can almost imagine her on a beach in Ipanema.

Truly wondrous guitar skills, jazz guitar not being the simplest thing in the world.

Add to that a truly amazing ability to sound like a trumpet, without one, and you have the amazing Denise Reis.

First up a really cool take on this classic.

Miss Celie`s blues

Here is Denise with Yoni Rechter performing a great tune she co-wrote with Renata Thurler.

Irene

Finally today a song by written by Madonna for the soundtrack of the 2012 film W.E. performed beautifully @ Teatro de Bolso - Sesc Palladium - BH - back in April.

Masterpiece

Claudio Faria - keyboard
Serginho Silva - percussion

5 Bears

MØ

2013-05-10T15:55:00.005-07:00

Karen Marie Ørsted (born in Odense, Denmark in 1989) better known as MØ, is a Danish singer and songwriter who gained fame through her online posts particularly with her releases "Maiden" (Mø in Danish is an unmarried girl) and "Pilgrim.

In Denmark 2013, she was recognized as P3s Uundgåelige (P3 Unavoidable) consecrated by P3 radio to rising artists that need to be noticed. "Pilgrim" her first official single has charted in the Tracklisten, the Danish Singles Chart.

Yet again these Scandinavian young ladies bring their beautiful voices to our attention.

MØ plays Electronic Soul, Street-vibe Indie Pop music, and awesome is the word you are looking for.

I'm just loving this remix.

Pilgrim - MS MR remix

And here's a great live version of the same song @ P3 Guld Denmark in March 2013.

Pilgrim

An eagle, a hula hoop, underwater shenanigans, snow, slot machines what more can one expect from a video? Oh yes, a great vocal and a truly cool song.
Well we got all that for sure, and them some.

Glass

This was MØ's debut single, wow what a way to start. I just love her voice.

Maiden

Finally today a mini documentary from a time in New York last year.
To maybe get a general feel of what makes this sublimely talented girl tick.

5 Bears

Abbe May

2013-05-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

Great day in the morning, the new Abbe May album dropped today.

I've been listening to it all morning, and I totally love it.

I initially had mu doubts, Abbe being such a blues rocker, but this album rocks.

This is the third single from the album, and I'm thinking at the moment it may be the best.
This song will certainly raise your heart rate.
I just had to make sure certain people didn't miss this one.

Sex Tourettes

For you lucky buggers who live down under check out Abbe's tour dates here.

This is how the album makes me feel........................

Rykarda Parasol

2013-05-10T12:25:00.002-07:00

What was I thinking? It's been almost four years since Rykarda Parasol graced these pages.

Well her new album was certainly a thing of joy for us fans. Check it out when you get a chance.

This is her most recent video. Her voice as always total mindblowing power.
I Still can't figure why she is not a mega star.
This is from her amazing new album, Against The Sun. Finally a clown not to be afraid of.

The Cloak of Comedy

Rykarda Parasol - The Cloak of Comedy from GLASSCOFFIN on Vimeo.
Video Director: Mike Marzio
Camera and Editor: Mike Marzio
Assistant Director: Chris Golden
Costume Design: Rykarda Parasol

I'm really curious why a young lady this talented has so many videos "not available in your country" on YouTube, the above being one example. And also so many "embedding not allowed". Oh well corporate greed will one day be no more.

Even weirder when you consider Rykarda is from San Francisco.

I love this song, could be a Johnny Cash song it's that good.

I Know Where My Journey Will End

I love this type of video, gives a great deal of insight into a persons musical taste. Who knows she may have bought one of my records, I sold Amoeba my collection a few years ago.

What's in your bag?

We'll finish up today with a recent concert @ Finał Festiwalu Kultury Żydowskiej, Kraków 2012.
The Festival of the Jewish Culture in Cracow 2012.

Awesome as ever.

OK so we couldn't end without you hearing the title track from the new album.

5 Bears

Alex Hepburn

2013-05-09T17:01:00.003-07:00

Alex Hepburn is a 26 year old singer-songwriter from London with electric blue eyes and jet black hair.

Alex writes wonderful colorfull music, with clever lyrics and she has a truly impressive raw, soulful belting voice.

In 2011 Alex Joined Grammy winner Bruno Mars on his European tour which brought her even more attention and new devotees.

Some say you can't sing the blues until you haved live life or until life has lived you.... If you ask Alex she won't tell you about her heartache but if you listen closely to her songs, she lays her soul bare. ...

Last month she released her debut studio album Together Alone, and previously she released her eponymous EP in June 2012.

Maybe with a little urging she would come and tour in the States, who knows?

Here's a girl who feels pain, and let's you know it.
Beautifully expressive vocals, full of soul and angst.
You can just enjoy her pain, amazing.

Pain is

One French listener commented "Janis Joplin réincarnée ;-)".
He got that right.

Here's another heartwrenching song, full of passion.
Wow! Alex's vocals are just truly amazing.

Under

This is one of her earlier songs from 2011.
The pure power and soul of her vocals is mesmerising, uplifting, goosebump enducing stuff.
Every song is a gem.
This song would have been at home in the late sixties psychedelic era, but is still strictly 21st century. WoW!!!!!

Look what you've done

Here we have a very interesting song, cute lyrics, letting the guys she know's what's going on.
This one totally rocks, and lot's of ink here.

Stop F*****g Around

Only Alex could sing a Prince song this way. F*****g awesome!!
Sadly incomplete, but what we get is pure soul. A cool dismount.

Nothing Compares To You

Alex takes Cher's electropop song and turns it into a Janis like blues performance.

Womans World

This one is a little more mellow than the others, yet it still has the grit and all the feeling that only Alex can give us.

How Does It Feel (Remix)

Check out this live intimate performance from Mad moi Zelle acoustic sessions.
Another mellow but feeling song, written and performed by Alex.
I really see big things from this young lady.

Love to Love You

Finally today a live performance @ Nouveau Casino on 19 Avril 2013. Yet another of Alex's beautiful songs.

Reckless

For some reason this seems appropriate. Happiness!!

Landfill Harmonic

2013-05-08T15:39:00.003-07:00

Music is life, I have no comprehension how anybody could live without music.
I do know some people who when I asked them what they thought of some song or how they felt about some artist and they respond "I don't listen to music".
I immediately feel very sorry for them, and make a note to stay out of their way because they must be soulless.

Then I saw this video and realized I had found a group of people with like minds. But they are taking it way further. Amazing.

(Landfill harmonic - La armonía del vertedero - Orquesta de Instrumentos Reciclados de Cateura) An orchestra for kids with instruments made from trash? A cello made from an oil can and pieces of wood, that were thrown in the garbage; a saxophone made of spoons and buttons. These instruments are crafted by Nicolas, a 'recycler' with no previous experience making musical instruments, who is living 'hand-to-mouth' by the garbage dump in Catuera, Paraguay.
Inspired by this initiative and creativity, Maestro Luis Szaran, director of "Sounds of the Earth," formed the 'recycled orchestra,' with children living near the dump. "Our main goal isn't to form good musicians, but to form good citizens." Now 30 members strong, (and looking for more, for a full orchestra) listen to the sweet sounds of these 'recycled' instruments and the hopes and dreams of the children who play them. ... Be Amazed and Inspired!

Landfill Harmonic's YouTube Channel

The "Creative Visions Foundation" inspires and supports creative activists -- individuals who use media and the arts to raise awareness of critical issues around the globe and ignite positive change. CVF provides tools, mentorship, resources and an linked community to help our activists harness the power of media, arts and technology to solve global problems in the areas of: human rights, environment, youth & education, woman empowerment, and global consciousness.

For More Information, (or To Make a Donation) Please Visit them here.

Pi Jacobs

2013-05-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Pi Jacobs is a singer-songwriter you've probably heard, even if you haven't heard of her! With over 60 Song placements, Pi’s Music has been licensed to MTV, Oxygen, and NICKELODEON shows, commercials for Macy’s the San Francisco ACADEMY of ART, and the in-store retail music provider, EOS. She has been heard in the films The Princess of Nebraska (Dir. Wayne Wang - Joy Luck Club), The Appointment, and Fixing Rhonda.

So let's meet Pi Jacobs the singer / songwriter extraordinaire.

There is no way to pinhole her into a genre. This young lady can sing blues, rock, americana, jazz or anything else I'm guessing.

With her warm smooth (with the occaisional good touch of gravel) voice she is just a jewel who will brighten your hump day.

For her recent release she collaborated with renowned producer Eugene Toale (Kanye West, Mya,Raekwon) on “UrbaniCana.” The Beastie Boy’s drummer Fredo Ortiz is also featured on every track. The combination of Eugene's hip hop sensibilities and Pi's roots rock aesthetic and Ronnie Spector-like vocal stylings create a warm, complementary sound that is both Urban and Americana.

“UrbaniCana,” captures the heart of the homesick city dweller who yearns for simpler times as well as the isolated artist, alone in their small American home town. The album will be released on May 18, so only 10 days to wait.

This is an album you have to hear. I'll help you out a little bit, the first video here is the first track on “UrbaniCana”, just a sample of how awesome this album is.

As I'm writing this I'm listening to an advance copy of the album and I'm in love again. Her voice is just totally f**king amazing. Awesome.

Her most recent video is truly amazing, the visuals are stunning. Kinda makes you wonder what the videographer was smoking. Stunning! Stunning!
And the music and Pi's vocals just amazing, awesome, beautiful. I just love this song.

Anything

Directed by Tonda Ros
Produced by Shannon Constantine Logan
Featuring Pi Jacobs, Fredo Ortiz, Eugene Toale, Celia Chavez, Kel Pritchard.

This is the first offical video Pi made about a year ago. Another tremendous song, awesome vocals and another great video.
Pi certainly has captured the essence of a great music video, make it interesting and make sure the music is excellent.

Trying to Be Loved

Directed by Christine Beebe
Produced by Shannon Constantine Logan and Celia Chavez.
Edited by Bri Dellinger
Director of Photography, Catherine Goldschmidt.

Time to jump into the waybackmachine and check out Pi about 3 years ago, live @ Bruno's San Francisco, with Aaron Jacobs, Paul Eastburn, and Brian Rodvien.
Singing a song about every woman's dream.

New Shoes

Jump forward a year and we find Pi Jacobs, rehearsing her song "got it" with Celia Chavez, Kel Pritchard, Jose Esquivel and Fredo Ortiz rehearsing @ Bedrock Studio's in LA

Got It

Sweeeeet and this is only a rehearsal. WOW!

Finally today let's come back to the now, or at least just last month. And check out this section from Pi's performance on LA JAZZ.

With Jose Esquivel- Bass
Fredo Ortiz - Drums
Celia Chavez, and Kel Pritchard - Backing Vocals

Catch Native Californian (Los Angeles by way of San Francisco) Pi Jacobs performing a weeks' worth of shows throughout the state the first week of June in support of her new ep “UrbaniCana.”
To stay up-to-date on set times and ticket prices click here.

The current dates are:

06/06 San Diego Le Stat's
06/08 San Luis Obispo Alegria Wine and Ware
06/09 Paso Robles Sculpterra Winery (with Garrison Starr)
06/10 Santa Rosa Arlene Francis Center
06/11 Sacramento Bows and Arrows
06/12 San Francisco Hotel Utah
06/13 Hayward The Bistro
06/14 Paso Robles Borderline Grill
06/15 Barstow Private Event
06/20 Venice Witz End

Twigs

2013-05-07T14:36:00.002-07:00

Today we have mystery wrapped in a beautiful enigma surrounded by amazing sounds.

Twigs is a mysterious R&b artist, from the UK.
Twigs, aka Tahlia Barnett, is an emerging electronic musician and singer from England.
There may or may not be more than Tahlia in the group, if Twigs is indeed a group.
But it's hell trying to Google Twigs.

The feel of the music is both intimate and airy and beautiful.

Just a couple of days ago she/they released a new video to add on to the original amazing EP.

She is asking how's that in such an esoteric way.
This is one amazingly beautiful piece.
The latest upload from Twigs. This is the only track that is not featured on the EP.

How's That

Written & Produced by Arca and Twigs
Video by Jesse Kanda

Another beautiful song from Twigs while somebody destroys a car!! Why not?

Breathe

Wow this stuff just keeps getting better and better.
Twigs has an amazingly erotic voice.

Weak Spot

Another beautiful set of sounds with truly evocative images.

Hide

Visuals by Grace Ladoja and Twigs

Finally today the last of the four EP tracks, this is one amazingly beautiful EP release. It belongs in every collection.

Ache

OK you probably want to know where you can get the EP, why right here of course.

EP by Twigs

5 Bears

Psycho vs Star Wars vs Rocky vs Kashmir

2013-05-05T17:14:00.001-07:00

I needed a laugh and this video provided it.
I couldn't resist this little piece of musical humor.

Very skillful, very funny and totally athletic musicians.

Video from RTE2 - Irish TV

Sarah Mount

2013-05-05T15:18:00.001-07:00

Sarah Mount is a folk rock singer/songwriter who hails from Boston, MA.
She attended the world-renowned Berklee College of Music.

Her debut EP This Quiet Rage (Released two days ago) is an eclectic collection of four songs written and recorded across two continents.

A second EP will follow this summer, featuring new material written in collaboration with international artists abroad.

Sarah will support these releases with a live tour through Europe in August 2013.

She will graduate with her Masters in Contemporary Performance in July 2013 and transition from student to full time artist, living wherever the music takes her.

She has been spending a lot of time in Spain honing her craft.
The amazing influence of Spanish guitar, flamenco, gipsy jazz, and Moorish vibes will surely give ideas to Sarah and her singing and songwriting.
And in some of these videos you can see it's working.

Kick back and be prepared to be seriously entertained.

This is one absolutely amazing superstar performance. WoW!!!
This girl is so poised.

Every Single Night

A Fiona Apple cover, performed and arranged by Sarah Mount, Alex Dyring, and Dhruv Kothari.
Engineered by Chris Wainwright, and filmed by Allison Zatarain.

This is too beautiful for words, how does one so young write such tremendous lyrics? And that voice, oh that voice.
This is one of my favorite songs by Sarah, and I'm not biased because my birthday is in October.

For October

Just two days ago we catch a Concierto de Sarah Mount, en Deluxe Pop Club, el 3 de mayo de 2013.
Love the Spanish / Moorish influence here, and I'm even more impressed with her voice.

Easy To Take

Another song from that great gig. This time Sarah is really rockin' out.

No Prayer For You

A tip for all aspiring singers, when you make a cover on YouTube makes sure it's a great song by a great singer (preferably an icon). And then do it better than them. Sarah completed the lesson. Aced it.
Totally awesome. I think Dolly would love this.

Jolene

Hillarious last few mopments.

Some serious piano playing to accompany her vocals on this Creed song.

One last breath

This is another of Sarah's original songs. She is performing with Ryan Toll of Tumbleweed Company.
Recorded at Ryan's in Somerville, MA on March 31, 2012.

My Kind of Alone

Finally today we go back to Spain for another awesome performance by Sarah who is singing a song by Gaby Moreno, accompanied on guitar by Horacio Valdivieso at the Hurricane Sandy Benefit concert at Cafe Mercedes in Valencia.

Sing Me Life

OK, one more thing, you can buy the awesome new EP here. Name your price.

This Quiet Rage by Sarah Mount

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Leslie Hunt

2013-05-04T13:09:00.002-07:00

Leslie Hunt is an independent singer songwriter who is the kind of young lady that will blow your mind for her total ambidextrousness in crossing genres.

On this page alone you will hear blues, mellow sounds, jazz influence, pop music and prog rock.
Do you know of anyone else who can cover all these bases?

Some of you may recall Leslie from American Idol back in 2007, when the fickle teeny bopper voters were at their worst and many a good singer got voted of earlier than they should.

Leslie never let that cloud her vision, she has been performing in and around Chicago before and since that time. And in all places east and west, north and south.

Leslie is a bona fide working musician. In her spare time (joke) Leslie works with District 97 who have gained high praise in the progressive rock scene, and have had the opportunity to open for Kansas several times, as well as Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake and Palmer). John Wetton (King Crimson, U.K., Asia) guest starred on District 97’s upcoming album, and also joined them on stage to perform a classic King Crimson song with Leslie, duet style.

So enjoy the afternoon, kick back and listen the the wonderful tones of Leslie Hunt.

Leslie Hunt and her Band performs the second song from her new album, Wait For It, Live @ Martyrs' (Chicago), in September last year.

In My Shoes

From that same amazing gig, here's Leslie again with the first track from the aforementioned album.

The Air Left

Stephen Tuplin (Echowhitefox Productions) put together these first three videos with a couple other talented individuals.

Check out this beautiful acoustic rendition of "Your Hair Is Of Fire", the title track of an earlier album.

Your Hair Is Of Fire

Here's Leslie in a much more mellow bluesy mood doing wonderful things with this Bonnie Raitt classic.

I Can't Make You Love Me

Truly smooth sounds from Leslie seen here performing live @ Jerry's, Chicago, last year.

Wait For It

Finally today we'll close with a couple of songs where Leslie puts on her rock chick personna to front the band District 97.

This was the Official Music Video for "Open Your Eyes", the first single from their 2012 release, Trouble With Machines.
This was filmed at Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago, IL, June 2012.

Open Your Eyes

And we are really going to go out with a bang, this is a live performance of their epic song from their incredible sophomore effort entitled "Trouble with Machines".

The Thief

District 97 are:
Leslie Hunt- Lead and Backing Vocals
Rob Clearfield-Keyboards, Guitar
Jim Tashjian-Guitar, Backing Vocals
Patrick Mulcahy-Bass
Jonathan Schang-Drums, Percussion

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My thanks to Matt Stevens who promoted a post by Lee Barentine promoting independent musicians which led me to Leslie.

Kirsty Akers

2013-05-03T16:49:00.003-07:00

Twenty something singer-songwriter Kirsty Akers has been making an impact in her native Australia for quiet a few years.

Hailed as a remarkable talent by fellow artists, musicians, media and stalwarts of the music industry Kirsty, a descendant of the Wanaruah people, is fearless and brutally honest with a penchant for taking her songs to places others fear to tread.

Kirsty hails from Kurri Kurri, NSW, Australia. Which is fairly close to Newcastle, where Norm comes from. I'm stuck in a timewarp with the "Newcastle Song".

Her 2011 album, Naked, is available for a limited time as a free download @ Noisetrade.

This would be a good chance to get to know Kirsty. Trust me, it's an amazing album.

Check out some of the sounds of the immensely talented and beautiful Kirsty Akers.

This is one of my favorite tracks from the album, amazing guitar work as well as the usual steller vocals we have come to expect from Kirsty.

Dirty Farmer's Daughter

The third video released from Kirsty's third album 'Naked'.

As always a good song deserves to have a great live version.
So check out this acoustic version @Capitol Theatre, Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW, Australia - January 2011

Dirty Farmer's Daughter

Amazing to think she was sweet seventeen when she wrote this. Incredible.

It Gets To Me

Singer-songwriter Kirsty Akers serves up the second offering from her 3rd album 'Naked'. 'It Gets To Me', a staple of her live shows that has won her plenty of fans amongst international publishers, acclaimed managers and song-pluggers, was written by Kirsty as a 17 year old and has been crying out for a single release for a number of years.

Another awesome Kirsty song, again with some amazing guitar @ at Music City Roots live from the Tamworth Town Hall on 1.24.2013

Satan's Game

Knocked Up was the first single from Kirsty's album, Better Days - released in January 2009. The track looks at the humorous side to unplanned teen pregnancy. Is there really a humorous side? Just kidding.

Knocked Up

I've been a big fan of Jace Everett especially his "Bad Things" which has to be the ultimate TV series theme tune. So check out this live recording @ Sydney's FBI Radio 16 August 2011.
Stuart Coupe's wonderful 'Tune Up' show featured Jace & Kirsty doing a cover of Neil Young's classic 'Heart Of Gold' as part of their Neil Young Special. I understand Kirsty toured with Jace a few years back, that would have to have been a cool concert to attend.

Heart Of Gold

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Jillette Johnson

2013-05-02T12:21:00.004-07:00

Oh Man, can it get any better? Just one great voice after another.

The amazing female singer / songwriters are taking over the entertainment world.

Today let me introduce you to 23 year old Jillette Johnson who grew up in New York and started playing piano and writing music before the age of 10. She started playing live venues in NYC at the age of 12. Jillette auditioned for The Voice on NBC but turned down the offer to appear on the show so she could focus all of her effort toward her career and her music. Good move.

For a limited time you can get her amazing Whiskey and Frosting EP on a free download from Noisetrade.

Make sure to keep a lookout for her new album Water in a Whale to be released next month.

So enough of that gubbings, we're here for the music, and what music it is.
Prepare to be entertained.

First up the amazing first track from the Whiskey and Frosting EP, a beautifully evocative song with a totally awesome video.
This will make your poor heart feel good again.

Pauvre Coeur

The production values on this video are not so high as the previous one, but the song and the voice are every bit as steller.
Awesome is the word for it.

When the Ship Goes Down

Jillette said about the video: Here's a home-made video I made (with just my phone and crazy self) for my song "When the Ship Goes Down" off of my debut EP, Whiskey and Frosting.

Another beautiful song from this awesome EP, Jillette Johnson performs "Cameron" in support of empowering youth and Hey Ugly.
Great causes. Kudos to Jillian and all the others who promote the concept of ending bullying.

Cameron

If you've visited this site before then you probably know about my obsession with the song "Creep". There are an amazing number of fantastic versions out there, search the site for them, and I'm always pleased when I come across a new one.

Well Jillette sings the heck out of it @ The Hotel Cafe. Hollywood, California. This was just last month. Such a fantastic song, with a fantastic singer.

Creep

If we go back to 2011 we find Jillette @ Stage One - Fairfield Theater Co - Fairfield CT.

Performing another of her beautiful tunes.

Virgin Heart

Another of her tremendous songs, this girl sure as heck can sing, and boy can she write beautiful songs.
Her voice is absolutely angelic at times.
This was @ Antone's, SXSW - 3/16/13.

Bassett Hound

We'll finish today with a teaser for Jillette's new album coming out next month, it's got all the markings of a winner.

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Wende

2013-05-01T17:38:00.002-07:00

Like so many others I've been patiently waiting for another studio album from Wende since the amazing "No 9" back in 2009, which was my album of the year.

True there was a live CD/DVD in 2011 Carré but imagine new songs.

Well the wait is almost over, if we can wait until next week we are golden.
And not a moment too soon.

Check out some hints and teases for what looks to be an outstanding album, and who knows album of the year 2013.

First up posted just last week this song has me salivating for the release.
Totally Wende at her very best.

Do Berlin

© 2013 -- WENDE

Then there is this atmospheric piece posted today. It's almost like Wende is producing a movie, not just an album. Something to garner up the Oscars and other awards.

Last Resistance albumtrailer

© 2013 -- WENDE

Here's Wende on the Last Resistance Tour @ Nieuwe Nor in Heerlen, albeit singing a song from No 9.
A beautiful beautiful performance. I'm thinking an amazing tour.
Sadly I missed it, but Holland is a ways to go.

We mentioned Carré earlier, so how about a clip.

De late night lezing van Wende

Op 21 oktober kwam de dvd/cd 'Carre' uit. Dat is op 22 oktober gevierd door middel van een Late Night Lezing in Carre met als thema 'dromen'.
Vanuit verschillende invalshoeken werd het onderwerp tegen het licht gehouden om zo mensen te inspireren na te denken over hun dromen, voor zichzelf en voor anderen.
Het was een mooie avond. Ziehier een impressie van die nacht in Carre.
De film is gemaakt door Thomas Sykora.

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Tiger K aka ♫♪♪♪♫

2013-05-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

If you recall yesterday we had a little piece about Tiger K (awesomeness personified) and I was lamenting the lack of videos.

BTW: I'm guessing you noticed Tiger K is our Artist of the Month for May.

Well my problem was in not doing a more diligent search, so I've remedied that problem.

I found some of Tiger K's nom de guerre's.

These all feature her wonderful voice, so fear not.

Did I mention that the lady apart from being awesomely talented is absolutely gorgeous?

Let's start with the duo Guns & Girls the other half of which is Laura Vella

Here Tiger, looking cute, hides out in a Wilfred costume and sings a Destiny's Child tune.

Say My Name

Vocals: Krystie Erickson
Lead Guitar: Laura Vella

Next up not truly a video, but more of a photo montage, but an unmissable one.
This song was featured in yesterday's post.
But this is a slightly different version. Just as brilliant.

Superstition

Now let's go back a little further and meet Lady L in the heats for Starquest, this from 2011. Singing the great Jessie J hit.

Price Tag

Also from 2011 is this amazing Music Street Jam from Sydney on October 23rd (day before my birthday).
Tiger K appears around the 2 minute mark, but the whole thing is worth watching. Great concept for young musicians. I wonder if any of the cities in the States have anything like this?

Finally today a couple from a recent appearance @ the coffee house Penrith - this was in January this year.

Sadly these are not complete merely snippets of the glory.
First up a Pink song. So appropriate for the times.

Trouble

And just because it is such a good song another take on it.

Valerie

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Tiger K

2013-04-30T14:23:00.001-07:00

The first time I heard Tiger K singing was her amazing cover of the really cool Script song. My immediate reaction was "awesomeness personified", now some many listens later my reaction is still "awesomeness personified".

Tiger K is just totally amazing, great looks, wonderful voice, tremendous personna. She just has everything wrapped up in one awesome bundle.

Tiger hails from Sydney, Australia and she is a Singer/Songwriter of RnB, Soul, Pop. Funk and Hip Hop. And she is just too damn good to just be the tops on the Sydney scene.

Something tells me this girl is going world wide.

Tiger has a powerful voice and capturing stage presence, she will rock your world.

I have to assume that Tiger K is a stage name and I've been speculating to myself it's origins. My best theory swirls around another young lady with impressive vocal skills and an equally sensuous appeal who emerged from Tiger Bay back in the day. The early appeal and charisma of the young Shirley Bassey springs to mind. But Tiger of course is so much more 21st Century.

OK, enough of that, you're here for the music.

Prepare to hear the first of what will be many many plays of this version of Breakeven.

I can't wait to hear more from this phenominal young lady.

This is the absolute all time ever cover of a song it has been my pleasure to hear. And it's acoustic.

Breakeven

There are not too many video's by Tiger K, hint hint, but there is some amazing music out there.
Update: 5/1/2013 found some more videos. Bear.

Check out this very recently uploaded dance track featuring her amazing vocal.

Just to come back to the soulful side of Tiger K, here is her totally awesome and totally different version of an Amy Winehouse classic.

We mentioned earlier that this lady could get funky, so lets bring on the funk.

Here's another great dance track with the ever sick European DJ- Eric Tyrell! This drop is crazy!! LOVE it!

Finally today check out this interview where you can get a little insight to the amazing Tiger K. Find out why her father has been the biggest influence in her career. And find out where the name Tiger really came from.

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Mother Falcon

2013-04-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

Mother Falcon is a 15-20 piece orchestral indie rock band from Austin, Texas.

The band Mother Falcon began as an after school jam among a handful of Westlake high school orchestra students looking for a more creative outlet than reading sheet music. Absorbing like minded musicians, the jam session quickly snowballed into an organic band not scared to explore their varied musical influences.

The genre of music they play would appear to be "all of the above", anything from classical to Radiohead taking all the stops along the road.

Mother Falcon list their influences as: Beethoven, Shostakovitch, Ravel, Reich, Beirut, Bon Iver, Notorious B.I.G, Rhianna (Just that one song though), the Strokes.

They have recently completed their new album that will be released next week. You Knew.

The ensemble consists of a permutation of any x from y of the following:
Laura Andrade - Cello
Rita Andrade - Viola
Diana Burgess - Cello
Kira Bordelon - Violin
Clara Brill - Violin
Nick Calvin - Cello
Maurice Chammah - Violin, Vocals, Glockenspiel
Yun Du - Violin
Andrew Fontenot - Tenor Saxophone
Nick Gregg - Vocals, Cello, Mandolin, Guitar, Piano
Austin Harris - Violin
Tamir Kalifa - Vocals, Accordion, Piano, Bouzouki
Evan Kaspar - Pedal Steel
Matt Krolick - Trumpet
Gilman Lykken - Bassoon
Josh Newburger - Violin
Claire Puckett - Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Matt Puckett - Vocals, Saxophone, Glockenspiel
Dusty Rhodes - Bass
Luke Stence - Bass
Isaac Winburne - Saxophone, Percussion, Piano

Here are three amazing tunes from their live performance at their album, Alhambra, release party @ Central Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX.

And when the accordian is this good, it's all too good.

Kathryn

Violins with a vengence! Every tune is a new adventure, just so much young awesome talent. Maybe I should have said stringsaganza.

When it was good

To single out any individual performer would be unfair and totally unnecessary, all I have to say is that this is cello heaven, amazing stuff. Go crazy.

Alligator Teeth

For sheer exuberance this Street Performance @ SXSW 2013 will take some beating.

The band (which is comprised of 18 of Austin's finest musicians) had just performed a sold out show at Esther's Follies and got a standing ovation. The audience was asking for an encore but the lights came on and the venue was shutting down. So instead the band took everyone outside and in under 5 minutes launched into this great new anthem "Dirty Summer."

I am really digging this, their arrangement of a tune from Radiohead's OK Computer.

Paranoid Android

Here's another totally awesome. totally exuberant, totally beautifully performed, just totally perfect.

Dirty Summer

Finally today, something in a somewhat quieter mode.

Sleep

You can get a free download of their Dirty Summer EP from them right here.

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