Stop, Look n Listen

Daily #76 - Gold & Youth

2012-05-21T20:15:00.001+01:00

Gold and Youth are a band from Vancouver, Canada. The band comprises of Matthew Lyall (vocals), Murray Mckenzie (guitar), Jeff Mitchelmore (drums), Louise Burns (bass guitar). They have recently just had their first music video, Time To Kill début on the NME web site. This is a taster of their forthcoming album due later this year.

They remind me a little bit of The XX with the combination of the synths, guitar and vocals but way way better.

Gold & Youth - Time To Kill
Official Video

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Till next time...

Daily #75 - The Breakaway Point

2012-05-17T20:53:00.000+01:00

It doesn't happen often but sometimes the artists come to you rather than you finding the artist and in this case I'm glad they did. The Breakaway Point are something different. Comprising of just two, the voice and the music. J-La and Magir (Mark Giroux).

They both met by chance many years ago after realising they both shared the same passion. There isn't an emotion that they have left untouched.

It's funny to think that J-La was studying to be an Electrical Engineer, nearly at completion after 6 years of study a degree was in sight. With only two classes to go, he dropped out of school to pursue his dream of doing music. His feeling was, if he didn't try, when he was on his deathbed he would regret his entire life. Good on him I say!

Magir deals with the production side of The Breakaway Point. His music of choice is folk/storytelling due to the fact that this is where he feels more comfortable. Magir had a degree in Physics and just like J-La he realised this was not the career path he wanted to follow. Since then he has never looked back. Music is his career.

I'm not sure whether I felt happy or sad when I first listened to the song Springtime but it's such a cracking wee song. I think I am right in saying it's about breaking up with someone and moving on... we've all been there I'm sure!

Here is the first song I heard, the one J-La posted on my wall... when listening to it think about an artist his voice reminds you of. I have someone in mind...

The Breakaway Point - Springtime
Magir's latest video.

As I mentioned before the sound of J-La's voice reminded me of a well established artist, I just couldn't put my finger on exactly who. Then I remembered. You are either going to agree, hate me for saying this, or shout at your screen in disagreement... hopefully you will agree and say "oh yeah, so he does...". Cat Stevens... so agree? I'm not saying he's a dead ringer, but you can hear it a little...

The Breakaway Point - Memoirs of a Man
About a man's search for his lost happiness. Magir's first video.

You can find them on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Till next time...

Daily #74 - Natalie Duncan

2012-05-17T20:08:00.001+01:00

Natalie is a 23 year old Nottingham born singer song-writer living in London. Starting at the very young age of around five years old. Natalie Duncan has an absolutely fantastic voice - you could even say flawless. Not only can she sing, Natalie also plays the piano.

As Natalie puts it on her web site, "If you want to know who I am, all you have to do is listen to my music." So lets get listening!

Natalie Duncan - Devil In Me

Natalie Duncan - Uncomfortable Silence

Natalie Duncan - Sky Is Falling

Natalie Duncan - Cover of Jimi Hendrix song Angel

This shows how versatile Natalie's voice is...

Natalie's album is out 16th July 2012 available from Amazon UK.

You can find Natalie on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Till next time...

Daily #73 - The Hippy Mafia

2012-05-13T21:48:00.001+01:00

Time for something a little different! The Hippy Mafia. This is usually where I write a little blurb on the featured artist. However, I think I'm going to leave it up to them to tell you their story.

The Hippy Mafia - King of the Sky

The Hippy Mafia - Apollo Creed

You can find them on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

Till next time...

Daily #72 - Angus Stone

2012-05-13T21:24:00.000+01:00

The first taste of new music from Angus Stone. Originally, part of the brother-sister duo from Newport, Angus & Julia Stone. Their parents were both musical and played as a folk duo before Angus and Julia were born.

Both of the following tracks will feature on his upcoming solo album out this July.

Angus Stone - Broken Brights
Get your free download here.

Angus Stone - Bird On The Buffalo

You can also get Angus on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Till next time...

Daily #71 - Stalagmites

2012-05-13T21:02:00.002+01:00

Stalagmites are a Salford based atmospheric rock & roll band. This threesome comprises of Bradley Lynch (Vocal/Guitar), Alex Hardman (Guitar) and Daniel Jones (Drums). A relatively young band, playing their first gig late 2010 under a different name. During this time they have lost two bassists before finally deciding on being a three-piece.

I think you will agree that they sound awesome. Get listening!

Stalagmites - Zulu

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://stalagmites.bandcamp.com/album/zulu"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Zulu by Stalagmites&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Stalagmites - Lost Bones

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://stalagmites.bandcamp.com/track/lost-bones"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Lost Bones by Stalagmites&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

The above songs are also available to download for free here. You can also find the guys on Facebook and Twitter.

Till next time...

Daily #70 - Spector

2012-05-13T20:42:00.002+01:00

I've been told to feature Spector for several weeks now (yet in my defence I did when the blog originally started). Well, here it is...

An indie-rock band from London which comprises of Frederick Macpherson, Christopher Burman Thomas Shickle, Jed Cullen and Danny Blandy. On December 2011, the BBC announced that they had been nominated for the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll. They started their UK tour February 2012, which included supporting Florence and the Machine during their March 2012 tour.

Spector also appeared on BBC's Later... with Jools Holland and performed their single What You Wanted.

Spector - What You Wanted

Later... with Jools Holland

Spector - Chevy Thunder

Spector - Never Fade Away
Later...with Jools Holland

Spector - Celestine

Latest single due out 20th May 2012

You can also find Spector on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Till next time...

Daily #69 - Pale Seas

2012-05-13T20:27:00.001+01:00

Another folk entry, Pale Seas (formally Netherlands), a Southampton born four piece based in London. Their debut EP, Something or Nothing was release March 5th 2012 digitally and on limited edition 7" vinyl.

Pale Seas - Something or Nothing

You can also get them on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Till next time...

Daily #68 - First Aid Kit

2012-05-09T20:19:00.002+01:00

First Aid Kit, a Swedish folk duo composed of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg. Their 2008 YouTube video cover of the song Tiger Mountain Peasant Song by Fleet Foxes went viral spreading their name over the internet. They were then to appear next to Fleet Foxes in concert performing that very song.

First Aid Kit - Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
Cover originally by Fleet Foxes

In 2010 they released their début album The Big Black & The Blue. This was followed by their second album, The Lion's Roar in 2012.

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar

First Aid Kit - Emmylou

Till next time...

Daily #67 - Richard Hawley

2012-05-09T19:50:00.004+01:00

A guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer from Sheffield, UK. In the early days Hawley was a member of Treebound Story, the band which was formed while he was still at school. From there he moved on and found success as a member of the band, Longpigs in the 1990s. After breaking up from Longpigs in 2000 he later joined Pulp, led by Jarvis Cocker.

Hawley was then urged by Jarvis Cocker and Steve Mackey (a former classmate) to record his first mini album which was released in 2000. This was followed by Late Night Final, which was then released in 2001 receiving positive reviews.

Over the next nine years Hawley released a number of albums as well as being nominated for a Brit Award for Best British Male Performer in 2008.

Hawley's seventh album, Standing at the Sky's Edge was released in the UK on the 7th May 2012. The first single, Leave Your Body Behind You is now available for download.

Richard Hawly - Leave Your Body Behind You

Hawley recently appeared on Later with Jools Holland on BBC television.

Till next time...

Daily #66 - Stop The Blackout

2012-05-09T12:35:00.002+01:00

Manchester rock pop band, Stop The Blackout have taken the music world by storm! Described by Manchester's own, Clint Boon as "beautiful" and "world class". The heavily praised début single, Headlights was well received by all.

Stop The Blackout - Headlights
Their début single

Their follow-up single, Oxygen which was out April 2012 is a good example of what you can expect from their début album.

Stop The Blackout - Oxygen

Till next time...

Daily #65 - Little Night Terrors

2012-05-01T20:17:00.001+01:00

Let me introduce, Little Night Terrors from Leicester, comprising of brothers, Andy and James Stone, and Dan Holyoak. A new wave/alternative/indie pop band who will most likely give you a "shake, rattle & roll" this year. Their words, not mine! :) So lets hold them to it!

They released the Fangs EP at the end of 2011 and a second EP, Witches which went up for free download on their official web site. The band released their first single Pocket Rocket (Where the Light is) on April 29th 2012. It's available on iTunes, Spotify and all other online digital retailers. There is also a limited coloured 7" pressing of the single available to pre-order now.

The band made the official music video themselves in their rehearsal room with longtime collaborator and friend Young Lion.

Little Night Terrors - Pocket Rocket (Where the Light is)

They have supports the likes of The Vaccines and Various Cruelties and they look forward to touring lots more this year.

Their tour starts from April 18th 2012 and tickets are available through http://www.littlenightterrors.com/gigs.

Till next time...

Weekly #9 - Sunday 29th April 2012

2012-04-30T20:05:00.001+01:00

Wow, what a busy week in general terms and music posts. Hence why this weekly post is rather late. Well, a day - not too bad!

I've posted some pretty awesome bands/musicians last week. Most of which I have been listening to their EP or album. It's also good to see independent record labels pushing new music in what is such a tough and competitive industry nowadays. I'm not sure about you, it's these kind of people that I will be listening to rather than the mainstream rubbish that is getting churned out on a weekly basis!

What has been covered last week? Lets take a wee peek!

Daily #57 - Meg Myers

Daily #58 - Alabama Shakes

Daily #59 - Jamie Parisio

Daily #60 - ODi

Daily #61 - Dave Pilla

Daily #62 - Day of Days

Daily #63 - The Wilderness of Manitoba

Now I am going to post songs that I have been LOVING over the past week...

Twin Atlantic - Crash Land

Dave Pilla - Waves and Tides

Lounge Crusade - Beck and Call

Till next time...

Daily #64 - Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny

2012-04-30T19:06:00.000+01:00

A twenty-two-year-old folk singer-songwriter from Newcastle upon Tyne. Beth started writing her songs in her teens and first appeared in front of an audience in 2006. Her first EP was released on Bird Records in 2008. She then signed to Static Caravan Records, which released the single Golden/Nightswimmer. This was then followed by her second EP, Hot Toast Vol 1.

Houghton then relocated to Los Angeles and then in early 2011 signed to Mute Records who then announced they will be releasing her debut long-player in early 2012. The album, Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose by Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny was released 6th February 2012.

Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny - Atlas
Official Video

Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny - Atlas
Later with Jools Holland

Beth Jeans Houghton - Milk Bottles

Summer 2007

You can find Beth on Facebook and Twitter.

Till next time...

Daily #63 - The Wilderness of Manitoba

2012-04-29T20:57:00.000+01:00

A folk band from Toronto, Canada, comprising of Stefan Banjevic, Will Whitwham, Melissa Dalton, Scott Bouwmeester and Sean Lancaric. They are a different type of band than what I usually post but change is good...

Their debut album, When You Left the Fire was released in 2010 which you can get via Amazon UK.

The Wilderness of Manitoba - Hermit - Live

The Wilderness of Manitoba - November - Live

You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Till next time...

Daily #62 - Day of Days

2012-04-28T11:46:00.004+01:00

Days of Days are an indie-rock band from Crieff, Perthshire (where I'm from if that helps). The four-some is made up of Paul Petrie (Vocals/Guitars/Piano), Gordon Speedie (Guitar/Effects/Backing Vocals), Garry Graham (Bass) and Graeme MacDonald (Drums). I'm afraid to say it, but I've known about Day of Days for years now as I know Graeme MacDonald from probably twenty years ago, maybe a wee bit more, yet I've never properly sat down a listened to their music. I know this will change!

I received my copy of Day of Days EP, Chances of Life (Amazon UK) and their debut album, Indecency of the Few (Amazon UK) this morning. Thanks again to Graeme for sending this! So it's obvious what I've been doing all morning... not a bad way to spend it I'm sure you'll agree. Their début album is immense. It will be getting loaded onto my mp3 player as soon as I have written this short introduction to the band. All I can say to those from back home, get behind your local talent and buy their début album!

Day of Days are not shy to the live music scene having previously played at, King Tut's, Big in Falkirk, an electric Perth concert hall (with Young Fathers), and hundreds of packed gigs all over the UK including supports legends 10cc, Delta Spirit, The Levellers, We Were Promised Jetpacks and Stereo MC's.

Now on the the best bit... the music!

Day of Days - Darwin

Day of Days - Chances of Life

You can find Day of Days on Facebook, Twitter and via their web site.

Previously Crieff was famous Ewan McGregor. Now it's Day of Days.

Till next time...

Daily #61 - Dave Pilla

2012-04-27T08:30:00.000+01:00

Singer-songwriter from Wirral currently living in Leeds, Dave Pilla. He has a very unique sound that has been compared to the likes of Clayhill, Nick Drake and Damien Rice. Currently signed with Independent Record Label, Heart On Sleeve.

So, what are Dave's influences? Lets find out!

"My early memories of musical influences came from my parents and still sit high on my 'most frequently played' list today - the likes of Otis Reading, Ray Charles, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Randy Crawford and Al Green. They all had a lot of air time in our house.

Once I hit teens I listened to almost nothing but rap and hiphop for a good 7 years or so (still a huge fan of the golden years), although dispersed within that were angsty guitar wielders such as RATM, Pearl Jam and Nirvana.

Divorced as is they may sound from my songs, I would like to think all the above have had an impact on me and how i write... at least in my own head they have. That said the most direct influences have probably come in the last 10/15 years and would include the likes of Ray Lamontagne, John Martyn, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Bill Withers, Gomez, Foy Vance and Bon Iver. Of course it's like being asking what your favourite type of music is - you think of one person [Paul Simon] which makes you think of another [I Am Kloot] and before you know it you end up reeling off a long list [Nick Drake] which gets really boring."

Dave Pilla - Take The Boat In Style

You can find Dave on Twitter and YouTube.

Till next time...

Daily #60 - ODi

2012-04-26T08:30:00.000+01:00

An Irish singer/songwriter whose dips into many musical genres including, folk, indie, rock and pop. Already with a debut album, Maslow's Songbook which is available as MP3 download from Amazon UK and iTunes.

ODi has toured across UK, Ireland and Europe winning many fans along the way.

ODi - Something Beautiful

You can get ODi on Twitter, Facebook and of course via her web site.

Till next time...

Daily #59 - Jamie Parisio

2012-04-25T20:35:00.001+01:00

A self taught guitarist from the age of 14 who was the front man for a hard-rock band couldn't have taken on a completely different sound! There's nothing "hard" about it. Mellow, easy listening, beautiful with a slight grainy Paolo Nutini like sound to his voice. I hope Jamie takes that a compliment and nothing else!

His first EP, You Promised Me The Sea was where it started. Instantly attracting the attention of XFM DJ, Mary Anne Hobbs. His first track, Tangles Never Tire went on to reach number one in the Music Response Charts.

The EP will be released 30 April 2012.

Jamie Parisio - Tangles Never Tire
Where it all started...

Jamie Parisio - Trouble Weighs a Ton (XFM Session)

As always you can find Jamie on Twitter and Facebook.

Till next time...

Daily #58 - Alabama Shakes

2012-04-24T22:12:00.003+01:00

An American rock band formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009 consisting of lead singer Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, Zac Cockrell on bass and drummer Steve Johnson.

It all started when Brittany Howard approached Zac Cockrell during a psychology high school class then later the pair approached Steve Johnson who then worked at a local music store. Guitarist Heath Fogg joined the band after asking the trio to open for his band, to which they agreed as long as Fogg agreed to play with them.

Alabama Shakes released the EP, Alabama Shakes in September 2011 which received media attention in no time. The bands first album, Boys & Girls was released April 9, 2012.

So that's the quick summary of the band and how they have made it onto our screens today! Lets get onto their music... well, that's why we are here right!

Alabama Shakes - Be Mine

Alabama Shakes - Hold On
First single from album, Boys & Girls

You can join the mainly fans on Facebook, Twitter and of course on their web site.

Definitely one to watch in 2012. You have already watched... just make sure you keep watching!

Oh, and you can catch them on Later Live... with Jools Holland, tonight (probably too late now) or on Friday night.

Till next time...

Weekly #8 - Sunday 22nd April 2012

2012-04-22T20:40:00.001+01:00

What a great week it has been for music. What makes it even better is that I am getting repost's and recognition from those artists in question - which is what makes this worth while! So a big thank you to Meg Myers, People Places Maps and Davey Horne.

Here are the last weeks Daily posts...

Daily #50 - The Honey Trees
Daily #51 - Nina Nesbitt
Daily #52 - Twin Atlantic
Daily #53 - Tanlines
Daily #54 - Haim
Daily #55 - Davey Horne
Daily #56 - The Front Bottoms

I also posted what was meant to be tomorrow's post, Daily #57 - Meg Myers, for the simple reason I couldn't wait an extra day and wanted people to know all about Meg and her music.

So lets get into some other videos I haven't had the time to post.

Foe - A Handsome Stranger Called Death
This was posted on my Facebook and Twitter page but wasn't actually included in a post itself!

The Retrospective - Brand New Day
A Crewe-based rock-pop three piece.

Fancy another free EP... YES? Ok, you can download The Retrospective's EP, Break the Mould here.

The Rainband - She's a Rainbow

Well, I think that's it for this week's Weekly! Same place tomorrow you'll get your Daily. A lot has gone on over the past week and we now have Twitter and Facebook pages so please follow and like!

Till next time...

Daily #56 - The Front Bottoms

2012-04-22T10:54:00.000+01:00

The Front Bottoms, formed in 2006 is a two-piece indie, pop, acoustic band from Bergen County, NJ. They originally had three members: Brian Sella (vocals, guitar, lyricist), Brian Uychich (keyboard, vocals) and Matt Uychich (drums). However, Brian Uychich left to concentrate on school. Sensible, but I think he'll kick himself as they are going to do extremely well. Definitely one to watch!

The Front Bottoms - Maps

Till next time...

Daily #57 - Meg Myers

2012-04-22T08:30:00.000+01:00

Goth-pop singer Meg Myers is definitely different! With a slight aggressive and unusual side to her singing I still can't help but really like it. The first song I listened to was Monster (seen below) which has this exact type of singing, yet is common through most of the songs on her EP. In the Monster video, you are presented with an innocent looking young lady, butter wouldn't melt should we say... then out of her mouth you get "I'm a fucking monster"... awesome!

What I have said above is not a negative, it's just a different style! It's good, very good in fact. At the end of the day it's down to what you like. And I like it!

All I can say is turn it up as loud as possible! I think the louder the better! Open your windows in fact. Unleash your inner monster...

Oh, and before I forget. Do you know what makes this post even better... you can download her EP for FREE! Get it here, http://meginthedark.com.

Meg Myers - Monster

Meg Myers - Adelaide

Meg Myers - Tennessee

Meg Myers - Monster

In acoustic awesomeness

Where can we find Meg on the interweb... well, you can get her in the usual places. Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Till next time...

Daily #55 - Davey Horne

2012-04-21T12:39:00.004+01:00

Fresh, talented, different, amazing... this is 22 year-old Davey Horne! One of Scotland's freshest and exciting talents.

I'm actually finding it difficult to find related facts about Davey so I'm afraid his music will have to do just now! I think for now, you will agree it's a good substitute! As I find more information I will update this post...

For those of you in Edinburgh (and not in Edinburgh) he is playing at Electric Circus on 5th May 2012.

You can also get Davey on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Davey Horne - Deep Down

Till next time...

Daily #54 - HAIM

2012-04-20T10:59:00.000+01:00

This is a new one on me, Haim, a band from LA create a mixture of R&B and Folk music. When listening to the first track in this post, initially I was thinking... hmmm... but as the song got going it actually works! I like it, a lot! A mix that shouldn't work, but works extremely well! Haim have four people in total, comprising of three sisters and one guy.

They have a free EP out, Forever, which is always a bonus! So get downloading!

You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook.

Let's check out some of their musical goodness!

Haim - Better Off

Haim - Forever

Till next time...