Frank Hamilton & #OneSongAWeek

So, Frank Hamilton has been releasing ONE SONG A WEEK for the whole of 2012. It's a ridiculous yet ambitious project that has seen him collaborate with Lauren Aquilina, Ryan Keen, Dion Dubion (ex-Premier League and England footballer), Mark Grist (of student v teacher rap battle fame) and a whole host of other UK musicians.

Week 47 of the project was released today a long with the usual weekly blog ( http://frankhamiltonband.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/week-47-wet-shoes/ ), and a video which you can see below. It's a tune called "Wet Shoes" which Hamilton co-wrote with Ed Sheeran who he cites as his inspiration and the "kick up the arse" he needed to prove "anything's possible".

It's a truly brilliant song and having followed the project very closely all year, can only say how sad it will be to have the constant stream of new content cease once we get into the new year. 2012 has been a special year for many reasons and this is certainly one of them.

Frank Hamilton - "Wet Shoes"

Follow Frank @frank_hamilton

www.onesongweek.co.uk

www.frankhamilton.co.uk

New Music: David McCaffrey

David McCaffrey - "Your Old Ways"

I heard this track a month ago or so and quite liked it. Went back today and I haven't been able to stop listening to it all morning... David McCaffrey is a young singer/songwriter from York and this is a beautiful track. Certainly one to watch.

http://davidmccaffreymusic.bandcamp.com/track/your-old-ways

Follow David @david_mccaffrey

New Music: Monica Heldal, Years & Years, Joshua James & Roses Gabor...

Monica Heldal - "Something Fine"

A beautiful cover of the Jackson Browne tune by Monica Heldal who features on the latest Ben Howard EP.

Years & Years - "I Wish I Knew"

This is a massive tune. Available to get on iTunes now, been cruising on the underground to this for a few weeks...

Joshua James - "Queen of the City"

Got his new album the other day and have been playing it quite a bit. This is one of the strongest tracks. Into it.

Roses Gabor - "Stars"

This is a tune.

@MonicaHeldal1

@buffalojames

@RosesGabor

New Music: The 1975, KwikFiks, Kimberly Anne

The 1975 - "Sex"

Formerly The Big Sleep, The 1975 have re-released this track from their previous guise. They have always been ones on my radar and previous single "The City" was a banger so this lot could finally be onto something.

KwikFiks - "I Love You"

This is a big tune. Can't remember where I first heard it, but I am very much into it.

Kimberly Anne - "Bury It There"

This is amazing and has to be one of the catchiest songs I have heard all year. Is there room for another amazing female? Surely.

@the1975

@KwikFiks

@kimberlyanneiam

Mikhael Paskalev

I'm sorry its taken me so long to do a new blog. Things have been a bit hectic over August/September, but I will take the time to get back in to this...

There's a lot of stuff I am excited about just now but this guy is leading the way. My mate Tom tipped me on this one and I can't get enough. Make your own mind up by watching the amazing video!

Mikhael Paskalev - Remember. The. Name. (Maybe practice spelling it)!

Mikhael Paskalev - "I Spy"

Hudson Taylor, Purity Ring & Dog Is Dead

Earlier in July, I went with Frank Hamilton to Barn On The Farm festival - which is a brilliant wee festival at Over Farm on the outskirts of Gloucester. Josh who picks the bands for the festival has clearly got good ears as the amount of talent on show was superb...


Hudson Taylor were one of two bands I fell in love with over the weekend. I had been aware of them since January (they were previously known by their first names, Harry and Alfie if that rings any bells with any one?!), but they have stepped things up a notch under their new alias; they are superb live - a must see. Their debut EP is released at the end of August and this track is the one. I can't stop listening to it and when they play it live, its the one you go away with at the end.

Hudson Taylor - "Drop Of Smoke"

The second band to grab my attention in a big way was Dog Is Dead who are from Nottingham and signed to Warner Music. I have been to see them again since BOTF Festival, at an over 14s show at Camden Barfly last week which was an interesting dynamic, but that's another story. They are ace, just ace. New single "Glockenspiel Song" (which is actually an older tune from an old EP being re-released) is a summer belter, fit with saxophone. Watch the video below which always makes me laugh. Also check out the tune "Two Devils" if you get a moment - the "if we don't stop now we'll be dead by summer" line, gets me every time. A long with Jake Bugg, Nottingham is producing its fair share of talent at the moment.

Dog Is Dead - "Glockenspiel Song"

Finally, check out this tune by Purity Ring. I am very much into it and you probably should be too...

Purity Ring - "Fineshrine"

@HudTayMusic

@Dog_Is_Dead

@PURITY_RING

Kobi Onyame - "Dreams" featuring Jamie Sellers

This is a massive single from Glaswegian/Ghanaian hip-hop artist Kobi Onyame. "Dreams" featuring Jamie Sellers has been on repeat since I first heard it a few months ago and its going to be available on iTunes (with a remix from Dot JR) from July 29th. Kobi has already received such accolades as MTV Brand New Unsigned for 2012 runner up (narrowly missing out to Context) as well as being one of SB.TV One's To Watch, biiig!

"Dreams" is taken from his current album Green, Green Grasses. I'm backing this dude all the way - so invest your time in this and you won't be disappointed. Game on.

Follow Kobi on Twitter @kobionyame

Lana Del Rey - National Anthem (video)

Another absolutely brilliant video from Lana, this time for her latest single "National Anthem". Taken from the album Born To Die. Enjoy.

The Girls Dominating? Nina Nesbitt, Gabrielle Aplin, Orla Gartland & Lauren Aquilina...

There seems to be an abundance of talented young female singer-songwriters at the moment. We've had a few in recent years; Laura Marling, KT Tunstall, Amy Mcdonald, Lissie, Sandi Thom, Kate Nash , Imogen Heap, Lauren Pritchard etc... 

...There is a new generation however, that includes the wonderful Gabrielle Aplin who found her Home EP spread like wild fire earlier in the year which lead to her being signed to Parlophone. Nina Nesbitt was recently added to the Radio 1 playlist after a strong showing by her Apple Tree EP and subsequently signed to Island Records. Then we have Orla Gartland whose latest single "The Devil On My Shoulder" is simply stunning. Finally, Lauren Aquilina is killing it on YouTube - having had over 1 million combined views of her work, not bad for a 16 year old school girl. They all clearly have bright futures and perhaps more importantly because they seem to want to help each other become a success, tweeting and spreading each others names. It will be interesting to follow how far each of them goes. Have a listen to their tracks below to get a feel for each of them...

Gabrielle Aplin - Home

Nina Nesbitt - Apple Tree

Orla Gartland - The Devil On My Shoulder

Lauren Aquilina - Get Here

Kobi Onyame, Context, Paul Thomas Saunders & Skinny Lister

Let me start this blog by apologising for not having written one in a wee while. I have been extremely busy blah blah blah, you know the rest...

Big man of the moment for me is Kobi Onyame and his track "Dreams" featuring Jamie Sellers - its a huge hip-hop track, looking forward to seeing more of him. Bought the album today which is also very good and has features from Sway, KOF & Emeli Sande. Biiig.

Right, so I went to see Splashh last week @ Queen Of Hoxton and left after 3 songs. I never normally do that, but it was very try hard and just a bit of a noise - although their video for "All I Wanna Do" is actually very good. Then this week I went to see Harbour at Nambucca on Holloway Road and although it is very early days for them, there is definitely something there. Listen to "Colder" below, big tune. (I might have posted this before).

Context, although not a new name to many (the winner of this years MTV Brand New for 2012 Unsigned contest), is someone to look out for big time - check his video for "Drowning", its amazing. Massive work from @AshASykes who is managing him.

Last two names to look out for are Paul Thomas Saunders (top) and Skinny Lister (bottom). Enough said, check them out.

New Music You Must Hear: Coasts, Polica & The Strypes

An absolute belter from Frank Hamilton's #OneSongAWeek campaign arrives in Week 16 in the form of 'Another Love Song' which you can stream/buy from Band Camp now (follow the link) http://frankhamiltonband.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/week-16-another-love-song/  or you can wait a week for it to appear on iTunes.

Right, other things tickling my fancy on this rainy April day in London are...

The Strypes - 'You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover'

These lads are still so young and although they look and sound a lot like their influences, it is really very good. One guess as to who might have influenced them please.

Polica - 'Lay Your Cards'

Absolutely loving this from Polica, and can't stop playing it. It sounds like she is singing under water almost?! Epic.

Out of nowhere, Aiden Grimshaw (yes, the lad from X Factor) has produced an absolute banger. I think this is going to be pretty big. 'Is This Love' --> http://soundcloud.com/aidengrimshaw/is-this-love

Harbour - 'Colder'

This one came from my mate Boysee so fair play to him. Strong vocals, effective dynamics with a big/catchy chorus. Enjoying it.

Finally, just heard of this band Coasts via Facebook. Have a listen HERE and maybe catch them on Saturday 16th June @ 93 Ft East in London if you are around. Think I'll be going down...

Follow @andyknoxmusic

A Band You Must Hear: PORT ISLA

Going to see this lot (Port Isla) tonight at the Half Moon in Putney and I have to say I am excited. We will have to see how their live show measures up, but it was the comparison to The Band from @spink5y (good find sir) that first drew me in and I am impressed. So far so good. Mumford & Sons probably shouldn't be too far away from the similarities list at the moment, I just hope they don't turn out to be a homage to Marcus Mumford's lot. Something tells me they won't be...


Listen to 'Nobody Else's Fault' on their Soundcloud and download the track for free if it hits the spot.

Port Isla performing 'Roam'. Footage taken from a BBC Norfolk session.

A Band You Must Hear: OBERHOFER

This has only come to my attention in the last hour and I am already blogging about them. New York based Oberhofer (the family name of one of them) are simply superb. A genuinely good indie band in 2012 is very rare, but thankfully the East coast of America has delivered. Apparently they stole the show at SXSW last week and I'm not surprised...


If you are looking for a comparison I would say they sound similar to The Stills, Modest Mouse and The Kissaway Trail in parts, but better - please, please just go have a listen. I implore you...

New Job & New Music

So, I started a new job this week and thing's are going well on that front. Haven't had much time to give you all some new music, so I apologise for that. Let this blog be a peace offering and help make up for it...

Let's start with two of my favourite lesser known acts who are both currently giving away FREE music (everyone likes free music):

Cave Painting - you can get 'Gator' from their Facebook.

Rae Morris - her Blueprint Demos is available from her website.

Listen to both of these - you will like them. The music will do the talking. [File Cave Painting or @cptmusic under Tropical/Indie/Mysterious. File Rae Morris or @raemorrismusic under Singer/Songwriter - next to Kate Bush].

Francis & The Lights - 'Darlin It's Alright'

An amazing tune and an amazing video. Mega.

                                    Electric Guest - 'American Daydream'

Let me know what you think of this...I'm into it.

Fun Feat. Jonelle Monae - 'We Are Young'

This track had already been number 1 in the US and is tickling my fancy this week. Solid tune.

Too Much Too Soon!?: Rhye, U.T.R.B., Mahalia & Connor Maynard.

I haven't been able to get Ben Howard - Depth Over Distance out of my head since I saw him at Shepherds Bush Empire last week. Beautiful B Side to the Keep Your Head Up single...anyway, new music for you all...

U.T.R.B. - Pressure

Newly signed to the Push & Run label ( @pushandrun_uk ) - and I couldn't stop playing this last Thursday. Everyone I played it to seemed to love it too. Always a good sign! There is also a Free Download of this track going at the moment, so get it whilst you can...

Rhye - Open

Excellent video and excellent tune. Thanks to @spink5y for this one - good find...

Connor Maynard - Cant Say No

Kids going to be massive. End of. This is the first release from Parlophone's highly anticipated young English R'N'B star Connor Maynard. Check the lyric video above. @sirjonmills was on this one first...

The Scarletz - EON

Thoughts on the above? I thought it was worth a mention of some sort...

Mahalia - Mardy Bum

Brilliant effort from this 13 year old who I saw in Camden a few weeks ago - very impressive cover of the classic Arctic Monkeys song. Also have a look at her own track Let The World See The Light. Follow her @MahaliaMusic

Kasha Rae Feat. Ed Sheeran, Bastille and Lilygreen & Maguire

Kasha Rae Feat. Ed Sheeran - Suits

A good tune, but probably only because @edsheeran features so heavily on the record...no bad thing at the moment I guess!

Also, Bastille has released his new mixtape - Other People's Heartache - which on first listen, really isn't setting the heather on fire for me (probably cause it is a bunch of covers), but for some reason I still feel he is going to come good. Download it for free from here.

Lillygreen & Maguire - Come On Get Higher

I can't make my mind up on these two (probably because the name reminds me of Robson & Jerome), but this is a catchy tune and they are probably going to make a name for themselves in some way. File under: Scouting For Girls, The Script & Passenger.

Clock Opera, Brewer, New Found Land & 2Bears

Clock Opera - Once And For All

Loving this song and the video is amazing. Recognise the old guy from anywhere???

Brewer - Nikes On My Feet

This is ace isn't it?!

New Found Land - Foul 

Amazing soft folk/indie band from Sweden - this song is beautiful.

Jo Goddard (of Hot Chip) and Raf Rundell make up Two Bears whose new album is excellent and out now. You can stream it from their website if you are too poor. http://www.the2bears.co.uk/ 

In other news, Rams Pocket Radio have put up a new EP on their SoundCloud and I can't stop listening to it. They are supporting Snow Patrol this weekend in London at the O2 if anyone is going... http://soundcloud.com/ramspocketradio/sets/1-2-ep/

Hello!? Is it me you're looking for?!

Films Of Colour - Slow Burn

A cover of the David Bowie track, done absolutely brilliantly by Films Of Colour. A must see live act too!

Polarsets - Just Don't Open Your Eyes Yet

This is a top track from Polarsets who I have always enjoyed since first hearing 'Leave Argentina' (find that song NOW if you like this). Didn't blow me away the last time I saw them live, but I do like this track & them.

Youth Lagoon - Cannons

Into this today. The keys sound amazing.

Avalanche City - Luv Luv Luv

A song I first heard this time last year and couldn't get out of my head for weeks. Heard Fearne Cotton play it this morning on Radio 1 and it reminded me of how good a track it is! Antipodean excellence.

Sheeran & Yelawolf

If you haven't heard this yet - you should...It is taken from a forthcoming collaboration EP by Ed and Yelawolf called 'The Slumdon Bridge'. Click the link below and enjoy!


http://wearesme.co.uk/2012/01/24/new-music-ed-sheeran-feat-yelawolf-you-dont-know-for-fcks-sake/

Music For Those Who Listen: Catchup!

It's a good time of year for new music, and not only things that have arrived this year, but things you may have missed last year (there's plenty that I did). Have a look below at some wonderful new(ish) acts...

Mausi - 'Sol' 

Cave Painting - 'Rio'

Clive Tanaka y su Orquesta - 'Neu Chicago'

Great to see the new Maccabees album #GivenToTheWild going in at #4 in the UK album chart - and what a phenomenal album it is too, early contender for a Mercury? Also, how good is the Bombay Bicycle Club tune - 'Shuffle'? Been listening to it recently, too good.

Sons & Lovers

Sons & Lovers - Set My Heart

Favourite tune of 2012 already...simple as that! Let me know what you think.

Its 2012 and there is a lot going on...

So Michael Kiwanuka won the BBC Sound Poll last week (rightly so in my opinion - really looking forward to hearing the finished album. I love him, but if he's not your cup of tea, then don't worry, there's plenty of other things happening that are worth listening to right now...


Like...

Dot Rotten - 'Keep It On A Low'

Big fan of this Dot Rotten track. Expect big things from this boy.

Little Eye - 'I Can't Relax'

Scottish band with powerful choruses - not too dissimilar to Snow Patrol. 

Rams Pocket Radio - 'Dieter Rams has got the Pocket Radios'

Promising, piano-driven, big sounding pop act.

Keaton Henson - 'You don't know how lucky you are'

Wasn't sure about Keaton Henson, but having heard this song I know which camp I am firmly in now. 

More importantly than all of the above though is that Frank Hamilton is releasing A SINGLE A WEEK FOR ALL OF 2012! Mental right?! Good on him - you can follow his progress and each release HERE!. The first one, 'All Or Nothing' is available to listen to/buy now and features the wonderful Jose Vanders.

Jake Bugg - Someone Told Me

Heard this young lad mid-2011 and was very impressed. He had done a session for BBC Nottingham which is up on YouTube (you can find it here). He is now signed to a major label and this acoustic version of 'Someone Told Me' is absolutely excellent.