"Sing A Little Higher" with Jon Kenzie

Jon Kenzie, the singer-songwriter from Manchester, has been working on his second solo album "Sing A Little Higher". This album will be released on October 22, 2013. I had the chance to discover this album before it's released and I can promise you that you won't be deceived about it !

In a world where electronic music and commercial hit tends to run the music industry, it's really enjoyable to have the possibility to listen to an album with the quality of "Sing A Little Higher".

Jon Kenzie - "Sing A Little Higher"

My first reaction when I started to listen this album was "Wow, it feels like I have Jon Kenzie and his band playing in my living room". Musically, this album is perfect. Each instrument is at the right place and there's just what you need to have and no superfluous. "Sing A Little Higher" was recorded live at Conversion Studios, Dorset with Jon's Manchester musical collective (Eryl Roberts : drums/percussion, Ben Williams : guitar, Matt Owens : double bass, Justin Shearn : piano).

Jon Kenzie - "Hang Me On The Line"

Moreover, this new album is a new occasion for Jon Kenzie to show us his great voice and amazing guitar player's skills. He is a amazing musician. When I listen to his guitar play on some songs like in the song "Sing A Little Higher", it make me think about another british musician Lloyd Williams. Don't you think that Jon with his guitar and Lloyd with his banjo could make a great duo ?

Jon Kenzie - "Puppet King"

This album is focused on the raw and intimacy of Jon's vocal and guitar performance. He bring us in a trip through an haunting musical universe composed by a perfect blend of blues, folk and soul music.

Jon Kenzie - "Silly Little Thing"

Website : http://jonkenzie.com/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/jonkenziemusic

Twitter : https://twitter.com/jonkenzie

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/jonkenzielive

Becka Pimenta is "So Beautiful"

Two years ago, I introduced you to Becka Pimenta, an amazing pop/soul singer-songwriter from England. Do you remember the song "Walking Contradiction" from her last EP "Stars and Owls"? I had participated to her pledgemusic campaign in 2011 and I must admit that it was a good investment. I recommend it to you if you haven't listen to it yet.

 

After 2 quiet years, Becka Pimenta is back with a new single "So Beautiful". It's great song that get inside your head very quickly. By listening to this new song, I've realized how much I have missed Becka's sound. I think you should like it too.

Kristyna Myles is back with "The Paris Match"

Kristyna Myles, the singer-songwriter hailing from Manchester, will release her new single "The Paris Match" on September, 9th. This song was originaly released by the band The Style Council", and moreover September, 9th will mark the 30th year anniversary of its original release.

I must admit that I didn't know the original version of "Paris Match" before. I've listened to it quite recently. However, I think Kristyna really bring something more to that song.

I've had the chance to discover this song live few moths ago when I went to see Kristyna performing at No Man's Land in Villeurbanne. She sang that song only accompagnied by Ben Williams on guitar. It was a beautiful and magical moment. As I know it's sometimes hard to hear about a song and not being able to listen to it yet, you can take a look of the video I took of the show meanwhile the official release of "The Paris Match".

I could have an exclusive preview of the recorded version of "The Paris Match" and that song still gives me goosebumps . I think you would agree with me if I say that Kristyna has an amazing voice. The instrumental parts is really beautiful. The piece of piano gives an additional touch of beauty to the song and I love the saxo part as well. The beginning of the song with only the piano and Kristyna's gorgeous voice is just stunning ! I can wait for you to listen to it. Meanwhile, you can watch the official teaser.

If you like the song, you can already pre-order it on itunes. A percentage of the single sales will go to the charity Centrepoint whom Kristyna is an ambassador for. 

In addition, to celebrate the launch of her new single The Paris Match, Kristyna has teamed up with Dans Le Noir? and the St Pancras Renaissance hotel to offer one fan and a guest the chance to experience a night of pure luxury in London (Worth over £700), including a unique performance by Kristyna! This will be an unforgettable moment !

The competition is open to fans from across the world, just make sure you are free on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October 2013 and you can arrange your own transport to London should you be the lucky winner. For all the details about how to win, click here.

Introducing Aimée Mackenzie

During the weekend, I watched the festival Battfest online. Thanks to Battfest, I had the occasion to discover many great artists and one in particular has caught my attention. It's Aimée Mackenzie !

Aimée Mackenzie was performing with her younger sister Freya and her younger brother Ross. I'm always impressed to see the talent that young artists have, and they definitely were impressive ! I've been immediately captivated by Aimée's voice. You know, when you are listening to someone for the first time and that the first thing who come in your mind is "WOW"!

So Aimée Mackenzie is a 17 years old singer-songwriter from Liphook, Hampshire and she has performed on the local music scenes and festivals since she was 14. Following the release of her first self-titled E.P. and subsequent release to iTunes, Amazon and Spotify, Aimée is busy writing a whole raft of new material which she is currently performing at local music evenings.

Aimée Mackenzie - "Truth Be Told"

 



Aimée Mackenzie - "Walk A Mile"

 

Aimée Mackenzie - "The Argument"

Website : http://www.aimeemackenzie.co.uk/

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/AimeeAcousticOfficial

Twitter : https://twitter.com/aimeeacoustic

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/AimeeMemmayMackenzie

Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/aimeeacoustic

Altered Sky

Altered Sky is a rock band based in Edinburghn and formed in early 2010. Altered Sky is made up of Ana Nowosielska (vocals), Amy Blair (drums), Neil Ramsay (guitar), Richard Passe (guitar) and Ross Archibald (bass).

The band has released a first single "Apple Tree" in November 2010. 

In July 2011, Altered Sky has released their debut EP "In This World". This EP contains 5 songs going from energetic and rythmic tunes as "I Know You Know" to ballads as "Shinning White Star". Reviews of their album were unanimous in their praise, citing the band as “Astounding ...raised the bar by quickly positioning themselves as one of the best bands in the country”. The music style of the band isn't without reminding a famous rock band : Paramore.

The band has booked some shows in Scotland in March and April. Check out their website for further informations and to buy tickets.

Website : http://alteredsky.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/alteredsky
Twitter : https://twitter.com/AlteredSky
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/AlteredSkyOfficial

Jody Brock

Jody Brock is a young singer/songwriter from South West London. "The raw emotion, the dark warm tones and husky growls established by these great artists can all be found within Jody's sound among many other inspirations from the genres of rock, blues and jazz. "

Jody Brock has drawn his inspiration from artists such as Donny Hathaway, Etta James, James Brown, Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone. In addition to good original songs, Jody also did great cover of Emeli Sande, Kanye West and Lana Del Rey.

As a BRIT school graduate he hopes to follow in the footsteps of previous successful Alumni such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Jessie J.

Jody Brock - "Another Dance"

Jody Brock - "Phoenix"

Jody Brock - "Daddy" (Emeli Sandé cover)

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/jodybrockmusic

Twitter : https://twitter.com/JodyBrock

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/JodyBrockMusic

Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/jodybrockmusic

Alex Hepburn

Tonight I'm watching the 1rst episode of the 2nd season of The Voice, french edition and there's not a lot of candidates who amazed me until now. So I thought it could be a good occasion to tell you about a pure talent whom I became totally addicted since few months. I will also make an exception as this artist isn't indie but signed with Warner Music.

Alex Hepburn is a scottish singer-songwriter based in London. You may have already heard about her or if it's not the case yet, you will !!! This Uk artist, whose voice is often compared to Janis Joplin, gonna make the buzz this year !

"As it turns out she’s a rough diamond, the world has yet to discover. With her fine compositions, clever lyrics, handmade music between soul, rock and blues, and most of all with her impressing soul belter."

The first thing that has amazed me with Alex Hepburn is her powerfull and husky voice. Her songs are characterized by the tenderness and sensibilty of her soul and a mix of rock and blues music.

Alex isn't a beginner, she did the first part of Bruno Mars in 2011 during his european tour. Alex has also released her first self-titled EP in june 2012 which contains the songs "Pain Is", "Stop Fucking Around" and "Woman". You can buy this EP on itunes.

Her debut album should be out in February 2013. The first single "Under" is already available.

Alex Hepburn - "Pain Is"

Alex Hepburn - "Stop Fucking Around"

Alex Hepburn - "Look What You've Done"

Alex Hepburn - "Under"

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/ALEXHEPBURN.OFFICIAL

Twitter : https://twitter.com/AlexHepburn

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/alexhepburn

Christmas Song Series II with Rachel Kerr

Rachel Kerr is a singer-songwriter based in West Midlans/ London. She is a MOBO Award 2012 Winner and an Urban Music Award 2012 nominee. 

"Rachel’s music is infectious and also is conscious with cleverly written content that is applicable to various interpretations. Rachel is not only a vocal power house, she is a performer, and she is one of few that know how to own the stage. "

Rachel has released her debut EP "Back To Music" in January 2012. "From highly energetic songs like ‘Change’ and ‘Kingdom Soldier’ to Reggae influenced ‘His Love’ an ode to her Jamaican roots to beautiful ballads like ‘No Angel’, ‘Submission’ and ‘Hold my Hand’ it is easy to see Miss Kerr was born to do this. "_ http://christinejoda.tumblr.com/

For the Holiday season, Rachel and her team have given her own rendition of "O Holy Night".

Website : http://rachelkerrmusic.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/rachelkerrmusic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/Rachelkerrmusic
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/RachelKerrtv

Learn more things about Kristyna Myles !

I've already told you about Kristyna Myles and her music. You already know what her music sounds like, but maybe you would like to learn more things about her... Kristyna has recorded an interview where she talks about her life, her music and her new album "Pinch Me Quick".

Justin Tracy

Justin Tracy is a UK-born singer-songwriter, now based out of New York. Justin has started his musical career at the age of 14 by playing drums in several bands. 

He taught himself guitar when he moved to the States and has released his first solo album "Understanding" in 2005.

Discography :

- UNDERSTANDING (2005) 
- SUFFOLK SESSIONS (2007) 
- THE ARCHITECT (2010) 
- BANGLA MOTOR (2011)

Justin's last EP "Bangla Motor" has been recorded in Bangladesh in 2011. For this record, Justin used some traditional instruments including the tabla, an Indian Drum and an electronic Tanpura, a type of lute. The use of unusual instruments is one of the things I like the most in indie artists. It gives something more magical in their songs.

I highly recommanded you this album. You can buy it on Justin's store. "Bangla Motor" contains 5 amazing songs :

"Such A Good Thing"

"One Better"




"The Most"



"Without You"



"Bangla Motor"



Website : http://www.justintracy.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/JustinTracyMusic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/JustinTracys
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/MrJustintracy

Wayward Daughter

Wayward Daughter is a band from Hertfordshire/London in England and made up of Lydia McAllister (singer) and Becky East (guitar) . I found out these 2 girls on youtube this week. I don't remember how I found them but I've been quickly became addicted to their sound.

Unfortunately I can't tell you a lot of things about Wayward Daughter. Lydia is a singer-songwriter. Her gorgeous voice has something special that captivate the listener. Becky is also a songwriter but also, above all a talented guitarist.

Check out their youtube chanel, they've done a lot of great original and cover songs. They now have 4 tracks available on itunes here : http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/live-acoustic-single/id50956245

Wayward Daughter - "One Three One"

Wayward Daughter - "Hello Sanity"

Wayward Daughter - "For The Keeping"

Wayward Daughter - "What I Have Done"

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/WaywardDaughterMusic

Twitter : https://twitter.com/WDaughterBand

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/LydiaEvangeline

Kristyna Myles - "I'm Not Going Back" Official Video

Kristyna Myles has released an official video for her debut single, the great song "I'm Not Going Back".

Jakob Deist

Jakob Deist is a singer-songwriter from Chelmsford in England. His first EP release in 2009, entitled ‘As Bold As The World’ illustrates his potential to write and perform soulful, emotive, acoustic tracks, which are laced with an interesting mix of pop, blues, rock, and indie sounds.

Jakob is working on his new EP "The Owl & The Crow", which should be released this summer. You can already listen to 2 song from this album "Here Now" and "Time To Move On".

Jakob Deist - "Here Now"

Jakob Deist - "Time To Move On"

Jakob Deist - "The House You Painted"

Website : http://www.jakobdeist.com/fr_home.cfm

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/jakobdeist

Twitter : https://twitter.com/jakobdeist

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/JakobDeist

Lloyd Williams

Lloyd Williams is a british singer-songwriter and musician from Brighton. He is the particularity to use as a main instrument a banjo. It's quite rare to hear a banjo in songs. Lloyd Williams is known for his amazing banjo and guitar techniques. As well as his solo career, Lloyd is also the singer of the band Autumn Red.

In 2010, Lloyd Williams has released his debut album "Dead Fools Gold" with Autumn Red.
He has launched a project on pledgemusic to raise money for his new album. If you want to pledge for the released of this album here's the link : http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/lloydwilliams

In May, Lloyd Williams is performing in Europe. For people living in Germany, Switzerland and Sweden; check out the dates :

Website : http://www.lloydwilliams.com/

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/lloydwilliamsmusic

Twitter : https://twitter.com/lloydwilliamsAR

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/lloydwilliamsmusic

Ben Semmens

Ben Semmens is a singer-songwriter from Pontypridd, South Wales in the UK. I didn't know his music before he has started following me on twitter. I must admit that I love when my new followers are besides great artists whom I can talk about then.

In early 2009 Ben released his debut album “Western Lights” and had a staggering over 70,000 downloads- worldwide. You can download it on noisetrade.

Ben's first album has been released April 1st thanks to his pledgemusic project.

Website : http://www.bensemmens.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/Ben.Semmens.Music
Twitter : https://twitter.com/BenSemmens
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/BenSemMusic

Kristyna Myles - "Sorrow"

Amy Holford

I've heard about Amy Holford thanks to James Wilson (check out his great blog My Random Jukebox) Amy Holford is a singer-songwriter based out of Newcastle Upon Tyne in the UK. 

From the first seconds of listening to her music, you'll be amazed by her stunning and breathtaking voice and you'll be quickly addicted to her sound combining blues, soul and folk music style. I let you judge by yourself ...

Website : http://amyholford.tumblr.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/amyholfordsinger
Twitter : https://twitter.com/Holfyy

Kristyna Myles

Kristyna Myles is an singer-songwriter from Manchester. She writes pop/soul songs and has an incredible voice !!! A huge thank you to Charlotte Gomes who told me about this great artist she works with.

She started her musical career by busking in the street. In 2005 she was named Busker Of The Year on BBC Radio 5 Live. She has since performed on BBC television and radio, recorded at Abbey Road studios and played dates across Europe. In 2009, Kristyna had one of her song in the Universal Music TV advertised compilation album "Songbird", which made her broke into the UK album chart Top 10. She was the only then unsigned artist to be featured on the album.

Kristyna Myles - "Not Going Back"



Kristyna Myles - "Wouldn't Change A Thing"

Kristyna Myles - "My Lord"



Website : http://www.kristynamyles.com/

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/KristynaMylesOfficial

Twitter : http://twitter.com/kristynamyles

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/kristynamyles

Becka Pimenta

Becka Pimenta is a british singer-songwriter. She writes pop/soul/acoustic songs and she has an incredible and gorgeous voice. 

She moved to the states to work with a number of producers and recording artists, the result of which was the release of her first EP "Barefoot Sessions". Then she went back to UK. She released a 2nd EP called "Restless", "The songs still hold the same incredible honesty, beautiful melody and intense lyrical content, but a new sense of passion and drive can be felt."

If you like Becka's music, you can preorder her EP "Stars and Owls" on Pledgemusic . This Ep will be limited edition EP for all the fans of her music. The project is funded at 57% at the moment. There are 45 days left.

Becka Pimenta - The Home Sessions "The Light"

Becka Pimenta - "Walking Contradictions"

Becka Pimenta - "Calling You"

Becka Pimenta - "Barefoot Sessions"

Website : http://www.BeckaPimentaMusic.com

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/beckapimenta

Twitter : https://twitter.com/BeckaPimenta

Youtube : www.Youtube.com/BeckaPimentaMusic