Introducing Ellene Masri

Ellene Masri is a franco-lebanese songwriter, guitarist and performer living in the USA. Maybe you've had already the occasion to see her performing as she has performed in various festivals and venues in Paris and accross Europe.

Ellene has self-released her debut album "Music" under her own label "Music Talks" on November, 1st. "This album tells the story of my life and evolution as a person and as an artist from an emotional point of view, beginning from my childhood up to now, the grown-up woman that I am." - said Ellen about her album.

"Music" is a touching album combining Ellene's gorgeous voice and dancing rythms. I don't know why, but the global atmosphere of "Music" evokes me for a summer night on a terrace lighten by fairy lights, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying some good music. Her first single "Secret Lover" has been previewed in the UK on Jazz FM.

It's quite hard to define Ellene's unique music style because we can feel so many music influences in her songs. Her music is mainly composed by soul and jazz music, but also sometimes added by touches of latino and orientals rythms. She has drawn her inspiration on her travels around and her many musical encounters, which probably explains this cultural mix in her music.

If you buy her album or have the occasion to to listen to the whole album on Spotify for example, give a listen to her song "Stay Awhile". It's a beautiful song, one of my favorite songs of Ellene. 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellene-MASRI/135495393537

Twitter : https://twitter.com/ellenemasri

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

Escape with "Coming Down" by Alice and The Glass Lake

If you read this blog for a while, you may know how much I love the music of Alice And The Glass Lake. If I had to choose my favorite artists of 2013, that would definitely be her. So I thought that her new song would deserve a special article.

Today, Ryan Seacrest has decided to premier her new video for the third song of her new EP "The Evolution" called "Coming Down". You can see his blog feature here.

This video has been directed and edited by Ida Rodriguez Joglar, who has already worked on the music video of "Higher". Besides, the graphical elements in "Coming Down" remind the video of "Higher". This video was filmed at Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains. The landscapes are breathtaking.

The result is stunning. This video is a magical trip in sort of imaginary world surrounded by nature. I think that it reflects perfectly the spirit and the soul of the music by Alice And The Glass Lake.

To discover that song, I would advise you 2 things. For the first listen, create a subdued atmosphere, stretch out on your sofa or on your bed, close your eyes and let the beautiful and haunting voice of Alice Lake transport you in her musical universe. Then enjoy it by watching this amazing video.

Alice and The Glass Lake have some shows coming :

• November 6th - Los Angeles, CA @ Space 15 Twenty - 6-9 pm:  live performance and video screening of “Coming Down"
• November 13th -  New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2 - 10pm
• December 21st - New York, NY @ Caffe Vivaldi - 9:30 pm

Introducing Spinn

Spinn is an acoustic pop/rock band from New Jersey and made up with Stephanie Spinner, Cheryl Lynn Spinner, Megan Battaglia, Steve DeSteno and Dominick Velardo.

"Reminiscent of the Dixie chicks, the Gin Blossoms and the acoustic-laden styling of Ray Lamontagne, their unique melody lines grab audiences’ attention immediately and their ability to blend different genres always proves to entertain and inspire."

The band has released its debut album "She Was Heartache" in 2009. You can listen to "One Good Reason", a song from this album below.

In 2013, they are back with a new 8 songs album called "A Little Crazy". This album contains both ballads and rock and rythmed songs. Each song is transported by the beautiful blend of the girls' voices. If I had one song from this album to recommend to you, it would be "A Little Crazy". This song get stuck easily on your head. 

Spinn - "A Little Crazy"

Spinn - "So Hurtfull"



Spinn - "Addicted"

Website : http://www.spinnmusic.com/

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/spinnmusic

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

Introducing James Ethan Clark

James Ethan Clark is a singer-songwriter hailing from North Carolina. He draws inspiration from an eclectic melting pot of genres ranging from progressive rock, folk, soul. He has won the Carolina Music Awards of the "best rock Male" category this year.

He has released his debut album "Southern Hotel" in April 2, 2013. "“Southern Hotel,” an intrepid collection of songs about a young man’s coming of age in a bleak, southern landscape." - Mike Blair, M.F.A., VCFA. 

Lovers of good old rock music gonna love the sound of James Ethan Clark. It's been a while since I've listen to great blues/rock songs like this. The first thing we can say about James Ethan Clark is that he is an amazing guitar player !!! The guitar solo in "Forbidden Fruit", one of my favorite song of this album, is just awesome. "Southern Hotel" offers great 10 songs going from folk to rock music with sometimes some touch of blues.

The first single of "Southern Hotel" is "God Knows When". The official music video has premiered on CultureMass last week.

The 2nd single of "Southern Hotel" is a cover of "It Couldn't Be Ann" from the 90's movie Bandwagon.

The music of James Ethan Clark is soulful and deep. A great voice with It's a great debut album. I can't wait to discover what will come next.

Website : http://www.jamesethanclark.com

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/jamesethanclark1

Twitter : https://twitter.com/Jamesethanclark

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

Introducing Lily Virginia

Lily Virginia is a singer-songwriter hailing from West California and now based out in New York City. She has spent 7 years in Argentina and Brazil to study music, which has probably gave her this touch of originality in her music.

Lily Virginia's music  influences are varying from Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten to the Pixies and Wye Oak. Her music style is a mix of pop, rock, americana and also folk music. Her voice is delicately powerfull and has an indescribable little something more.

She is actually working on her debut EP. 2 songs on 5, "Dreamtrain" and "Yuriko" are already available on bandcamp.

"Dreamtrain" is a beautiful ballad about love and relationship. The melody of that song is haunting. It starts like a whisper to your ears and intensifies as we go along the song advances, to finally let us sweep away by the whirlwind of the music.

The official video for "Yuriko" has been premiered yesterday on The Deli Magazine. I really like the visual effects in that video which are very well integrated into the landscape. The rythm of that song take you away in the twinkling of an eye and get stuck in your head quickly.

I like the touch of originality that Lily Virginia has in her songs. Some aspects of her songs make me think about tribal songs, when the vocals get bigger and the magic of the moment catches you. Lily Virginia hasn't finished to surprised us !

Website : http://www.lilyvirginia.com/

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/LilyVirginia

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

Introducing Lyle Divinsky

When you like an artist a lot, to listen to the other artists they like or their musicians friends is often a great way to discover new amazing musicians. In 90 % of cases, you may like them. That was the case for Lyle Divinsky (thank you Alice Lake !)

Lyle Divinsky, aka The Sasquatch of Soul, is a singer-songwriter hailing from Portland, ME. He moved in New York City over 2 years ago.

 

He has released his debut album "Traveling Man" in 2009. An amazing compilation of 14 soul/folk songs. Just give a listen to the song "Traveling Man". When you hear is gorgeous voice and the beautiful sound of his acoustic guitar, how can you not fall in love for his music ?

 

 

In Februray 2012, Lyle Divinsky released a new self-titled EP with 3 songs. Watch the video of one of the song from this EP "Hit Man", which was filmed at Rockwood Music Hall.



 

 

He is actually working on a new album. If you want to help him, you can pledge for his pledge music campaign.

 

 

Website : http://www.lyledivinsky.com/

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/lyledivinsky

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

Introducing Gina Cimmelli

Gina Cimmelli is a singer-songwriter hailing from Brooklyn. Music has always been a part of her life, as her great-grandmother was an Italian opera singer and her grandfather a multi-instrumentalist from the golden days of radio. She has been graduated from the famous Berklee College of Music.

"Though often held in the same light as Feist or Regina Spektor, subtle timbres in her voice show hints of Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, revealing a stylistic approach that’s both relevant and timeless."

Gina Cimmeli is far to be a beginner in the music world. She has released her debut EP "Don't Be Mad" in 2009, following by the single "Forget" in May 2012 and her first album "Gina's Picture Show" in August 2012. Maybe some of you have already heard about Gina thanks to The Independent Music Awards. She was a winner of the 10th annual program in the folk/singer-songwriter category with her song "Don't Be Mad".

Gina Cimmelli - "Don't Be Mad"

Gina Cimmelli - "Aviator"

This summer, she is back with a new EP called "Summer Singles". The EP contains 3 songs in a various genre and with different emotions. But even in songs which are more sad, Gina manages to make them shine with a touch of joy.

The first single released of this EP is "Clementine". This song debuted on the American Songwriter. It's a beautiful song about a long-distance relationship. This song has an haunting melody.



The second song released of "Summer Singles" is "Like I Did". This song, about an ended relationship, has an intoxicating rhythm.

I have listened to all Gina's songs (you can listen to them on Spotify).  The huge force and common point all her songs have, is that she captivates you from the first second. She makes you take the train I you don't leave it until you've finished the trip in her musical atmosphere.

Website : http://ginaspictureshow.com/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/ginacimmelli
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/ginaelizabethbean
Bandcamp : http://ginacimmellimusic.bandcamp.com/

Introducing Melon & The Mayhem

"A sassy, female-fronted, five-piece band from Nashville reflects the sultry jazz singers of the 1920s and puts a modern spin on the saxophone-infused swing bands of Sinatra's time."

Melon & The Mayhem is a band from Nashville headed by Mary Ellen Klein (vocals/piano). The band has released their debut EP "Light On" in June 2012. This EP contains 4 songs of a quite varied music style. "Light On" combines rock songs as "A.D.D Song" with jazzy songs as "Alone Together". My favorite song of this EP is "Never". This song is more soulful, the rythm catchy. I never get tired of listening to that song.




This month they are back with a new version of their song "Alone Together". This song make us travel through the 1920s with a jazzy sound. The song is haunting and sultry. It's the kind of music we hear quite rarely now, but this song is a pure moment of relaxation.

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/MelonAndTheMayhem
Twitter : https://twitter.com/MelonAndMayhem
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/MelonandtheMayhem
Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/melonandthemayhem

Introducing Sonali

In the series of talented young artists, here's a new gem hailing from Florida. Sonali is an amazing singer-songwriter and also a multi-instrumentalist who plays keyboard, drums and bass, ... She is also an incredible guitarist. Take a look at her cover of the solo of Santana's song "Soul Sacrifice".

Sonali sings and play music since her younger age. In fall of 2012, Sonali was invited to attend the prestigious Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, housed in New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Maybe you already had the occasion to watch this video of the cover of "Diamonds" by Rihanna she did with her classmates.

Sonali has released her debut EP "Speechless" in February 2012. This EP is a mix of 5 pop/rock songs which get inside your head really quickly and whom you never get tired of listening to it. This EP was already a great debut album for these upcoming artists and let presume amazing songs in the future. "Speechless" is available on itunes. Sonali has decided to donate all the sales of this EP to Smile Train Organization, an international charity that provides free cleft surgery for thousands of poor children in developing countries.

Sonali has released the song "Nothing Left" in september, 2012, a catchy pop/rock song. This song is also available on itunes.

Now that she is based in New York, Sonali's muscial tastes has expanded. She is back with a new single "September" in August 13, 2013, who was produced by Justin Tracy. This new song is more acoustic. It is refreshing and colourful song... a perfect for summer time. "September" makes me think about Kina Grannis's musical style. For all the amtateur of this genre, you won't be deceived !

Website : http://www.itsmesonali.com

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/itsmesonali

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

Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/itsmesonali

Introducing Wilsen

Wilsen is a New York based band headed up by the singer-songwriter Tamsin Wilson. "Influenced by the likes of Austra, Nick Drake and Cat Power, Wilsen blend contemporary folk songs with ethereal, electric arrangements to create a full intricate sound tagged "dream folk"."

Wilsen have self-released their debut albump "Sirens" in summer 2012. Their debut single "Anahita" was released in February 2013, followed by "Dusk" in June. "Sirens" is now available on itunes.

The beautiful and haunting voice of Tamsin Wilson  carry us away quickly to their unique musical atmosphere. "Sirens" is a catchy album. The music is built in a subtle way with a touch of softness and lightness .Each song of this album has an intoxicating power and never loses its grip on you. Wilsen bring a breath of freshness in the musical landscape. It's definitively the kind of music we hear too rarely, but which is so good to listen to.

Wilsen - "Anahita"

Wilsen - "Dusk"

Wilsen - "House On A Hill" (Buzzsessions)

Website : http://www.wilsenmusic.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/WILSENmusic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/WILSENmusic
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/WILSENmusic
Soundcould : https://soundcloud.com/wilsenmusic

Introducing Elle BK (aka Lee Beth Kilgore)

This week I found some videos of a performance by Lee Beth Kilgore at the Bitter End in New York in February. She has a gorgeous voice. She sang 3 great indie rock songs during that show. I fall in love with her song "Space". 

After few research, I could finally find some informations about that girl. So Lee Beth Kilgore is known as Elle Bk. If you live in LA, maybe you have the occasion to see her in a formerly band Yardley.

Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Elle BK has been writing songs since Junior High school. She was born into a musical family with a father who is a choral director, music arranger and has a Master’s degree in Music. From Birmingham to Nashville, then Los Angeles, and now New York – different inceptions of Elle BK have existed. She has now been playing guitar, writing songs, and performing in bands since 1992.

Lee Beth Kilgore - "Waking Life" live @ The Bitter End



Lee Beth Kilgore - "Space" live @ The Bitter End

Lee Beth Kilgore - "Falling" live @ The Bitter End

Website : http://ellebk.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/Elle.BK
Twitter : https://twitter.com/Elle_BK
Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/ellebk

Sarah Williams is back with a new album !

If you read this blog for a while, you may remember the Nashville duo Sarah & Lindsay and their 12in12 project whose I've told you about a lot last year. By now, Sarah Williams and Lindsay Georges are both returned on their solo career. After a first album "Ruby", released in 2009, Sarah Williams is back with her second solo album called "Come Back Around".

"Come back Around" has been released in June 2013. This album offers a varied music style to the listener, from americana to jazz with some touch of soul. Some of the songs make me think about Norah Jones. The 10 tracks talk about love and relationships.

We can feel easily Sarah's jazz influence in songs like "Big Wedding" or "Swing a Little". The album also contains beautiful ballads like "Come Back Around", "Loving You Again " ...

If I had to choose  some songs of the record, that would be "Be Sweet To Me" and "Gonna Take Me". "Be Sweet To Me" is a catchy song. I like the rythm of that song. "Gonna Take Me" has a haunting music guided by Sarah's piano. This song is really beautifull. 

"Come Back Around" is a great album which offers a amazing relaxing moment in music to the listener. It worth to give it a listen.

Website : http://www.sarahwilliamsmusic.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/sarahwilliamsmusic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/tuneintosarah
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/tuneintosarah

Introducing Lonna Marie

Lonna Marie is a singer-songwriter from the East Cost (NYC/Miami) and now based out in Los Angeles. Her music has been described as "loverly folk".

Lonna Marie has released her debut EP "Oh No" in February, 2013 and is available on itunes. This Ep contains 5 songs which mainly talk about love. We are easy carried away by Lonna's beautiful voice and her music. I like the way some songs starts out slow to go to a catchy rhythm, in particular in the song "I Hope I Get This Right" or "I Love The Enemy".

Free EPK from ReverbNation.com

Website : http://www.lonnamarie.com/

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/LonnaMarie

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

Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/lonna-marie