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)!
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
