6 Artists You Should Absolutely Hear Now
I’m gonna hold myself up to making this a weekly thing. These artists are great. They volunteer their music – the music they’ve poured themselves into, often accompanied by creative and engaging video, and freely offer it to us. To all the musicians out there, thanks for what you do.
Here goes.
Elaine Greer – wave
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From The Artist – Elaine Greer is an indie-folk-pop songwriter from Texas who now resides in Nashville, TN. Elaine Greer’s music has been described as “cool, smart, resilient, inventive pop” that is “winsome and meticulously crafted”. Greer got her start as a shy teenager playing songs in her bedroom. She eventually worked up the courage to begin playing shows in her home city of Houston, TX, before relocating to Austin, TX. She has released an EP (“Making Plans and Going Places”, 2009) and an album (“Annotations, 2011). After embarking on their first national tour in 2011, Greer and her band returned to record their first Daytrotter session which was released on April 5, 2013. In early 2014, Elaine will be releasing her first 7” record. Her next show is April 8th, 2014, at The Basement in Nashville, TN.
From Me – I’m a big Rilo Kiley fan, and the clarity in Elaine’s voice reminds me of THE Jenny Lewis. I could listen to it all day. I think you can too. Beautiful harmonies, perfectly understated arrangement.
Fifi Rong – Over You
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cblEOymvT0E&w=584&h=390]
From The Artist – Fifi Rong is an ambient/post dub-step Producer and Songwriter originally from Beijing but now based in London. Her music is deeply instinctual with a dreamy, ethereal vibe, subtly nuanced with Chinese Folk elements, it really sets her apart from many contemporary artists.
From Me – Unbelievably sensual and demonstrative of extremely adept chord voicing and structure. Uniquely sophisticated.
Wyd:syd – Foolish Hunger
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From The Artist – wyd:syd started as a project between friends Marcus Tan (vocals), Eugene Huang (guitars) and Jared Oh (drums) in early 2012. The band’s current line-up was completed when Aaron Pereira (bass) and Ridhwan Malik (guitars) joined soon after. With each member’s distinctive musical influences and contributions, the band explores and blends musical elements from ambient, indie and conventional rock music in hopes of creating an enjoyable and unique soundscape.
From Me – I didn’t know rock music was permitted in Singapore. Thrilled to hear it is vibrant as this. The guitar texture recalls prime-era U2, with a more contemporary reverb-oriented vocal style. Driving toms keep the rhythm section pushing forward. An exciting take on guitar atmospherics.
Kensaye – Carrot & Baton (Feat. Cage Lu & Artcha)
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From The artist – My name is Kensaye, I am a French producer based in London, UK. I focus on soul/hip-hop/electro/chill music and I release material from time to time. I’m preparing to release my new project. It’s called “Back To School” and it features an array of MC’s from different countries. I’ve already released a couple of singles for it.
From Me – Rap lives across the Atlantic! Kensaye’s production on this is exemplary of what so many American producers wish they could be doing. Synth runs elaborate on an infectious piano motif.
Bandcamp, Mixcloud, Facebook, Twitter
Julia And The Basement Tapes – Some Color
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From The Artist – Hi! We are a young Swedish band called Julia & The Basement Tapesand we have just released an EP consisting of 3 original songs and a cover, in the blues/rock/soul genre. We are trying to get our music out to the world right now and would love it if you would consider playing one or several of our songs! We would be so happy!
From Me – Happy to oblige. Americans generally view Sweden’s pop pedigree as ABBA, cheesy acoustic pop (like Peter Bjorn and John), and Avicii. Well, Julia & The Basement Tapes are a blues band. Julia growls and belts, backed up by an earthy rhythm section and some agile slide guitar. This needs to be more popular.
Shopping Spree – Homeowners
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From The Artist – I currently live in Portland, and occasionally play shows and frequently record sad music with a MicroKorg and an SM58 out of my bedroom. I don’t have much to say about it other than I try to keep any songs I write as short as I can, and try to make the arrangements as interesting as possible.
From Me – I wonder how many times Brian Eno’s “Another Green World” was listened to during this composition. Take a Beatles-esque song structure and melody, and just totally twist it with synths and filters. Even sweeter than it is short.
Vain Self Promotion: Double Fault – Sharks Who Swear
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From The Artist (Who Is Me) – I decided to try my hand at the most 90s guitar rock song I could possibly do. I think I covered a number of the bases. Twin riffs, outro solo, cheesy lyrics.
Another great iteration of These Are Your Jams! Keep the submissions coming.. or be inundated with more of my music. Thanks again to all the artists – listen early and listen often!
As always, send your submissions to theseareyourjams@gmail.com. I’ve got a free ear.