"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

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 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 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

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 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

Introducing Riley Pearce

Riley Pearce is a young indie-roots musician based in Perth, Western Australia. His music is suited for fans of Ben Howard or Passenger's music style.

At only 20 years old and after only playing his first-ever open mic in April last year, Riley has released his debut EP "We Are Fools" June 7th, 2013. The track "We Are Fools" has become increasingly popular and gained airtime on Triple J. Riley. The EP is available on bandcamp, itunes and spotify. Perth Videographer Christian Niddrie filmed the launch for the We Are Fools.

Riley's EP contains 4 great folk-pop song and we easily are blown away by his music. His sounds is quite unique and I also like his guitar play. You shouldn't be deceived by the discovery of his music.

If you live in Australia, Riley has a show planned Wednesday July 17th at Indi Bar, Perth.

 

Website : http://www.rileypearce.com.au/

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/riley_pearce

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

Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/rileypearcemusic

Instagram : http://instagram.com/rileypearcemusic

Boho Dancer

Boho Dancer is a danish trio from Copenhagen and made up of Ida Wenøe (Lead vocals & guitar), Símun Mohr (bass, guitar, backing vocals) and Asker Bjørk (drums, guitalele, backing vocals).

Boho Dancer formed in Aarhus, Denmark in 2009 around the singer and songwriter Ida Wenøe. While starting out as a quartet, the band really started flourishing when it was reduced to a trio in early 2011. They won the unsigned bands prize, hosted by Danish National Public Radio, in may 2011. Their debut EP "Furry Skin" was released in 2012.



This EP is composed by an eclectic mix of music accompagnied by Ida Wenøe's magical and captivating voice. The sound of Boho Dancer's music is really unique. I think that's probably why I like danish artists more and more. Whoever the danish artist you listen to, their is always something different and surprizing in their music.

Boho Dancer has worked on their debut full-length album set for release in April 2013. The first single of this upcoming album is "Fictional Reasons".

Website : http://www.bohodancer.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/Bohodancer
Twitter : https://twitter.com/Boho_Ida
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/bohodancerdk

Jessica Morhall - "Leave It All Behind"

Jessica Morhall, the singer-songwriter from Perth, WA, has released her debut EP "Leave It All Behind".  This EP is available on itunes, CDbaby and The Holding Pattern. You can also stream it on soundcloud.

This new EP include 4 pop songs infused with soul and blues. I've been listening to this EP for a week now, and it's the kind of EP of which we don't get tired to listen to over and over again. There is something mesmerizing and relaxing in "Leave It All Behind" with  pureness and emotion in Jessica's beatuiful voice, mostly accompanied by the melody of her piano. These 4 catchy and haunting songs tell stories to which all listeners can relate. 

Brooke Annibale

Brooke Annibale is a singer-songwriter from Pittsburg, PA and now based out in Nashville, TN. You have already had the occasion to listen to one of her song "By Your Side", which was featured on the Mixtape volume one : Indie Valentine. It's also how I started to get to know her music.

Brooke has released her first full-length album "Silence Worth Breaking" in 2011. This album has been described as  “phenomenal” by Stereo Subversion and Glide Magazine hailed as “the kind of record that some artists wait their whole lives to make”.

Brooke Annibale is back this year with a new EP "Words In Your Eyes", which has been released February 5, 2013. 
"the six tracks that comprise Words in Your Eyes are worth stopping whatever you are doing so they can be savored. “Silence Worth Breaking”—which did not make the final cut for the album it was named after—features Annibale’s new electric-meets-ambient sound and razor-sharp lyrics about the importance of communicating even if the subject is a difficult one."

 

By discovering all of her music, I've been immediatly captivated by her soft and bewitching voice. All of her songs exudes sensibility, accompagnied by well-written lyrics. This EP is an invite to a travel in the world of relationships, in the small world of things we feel, the feelings that we sometimes keep for us but whom "silence worth breaking".

Website : http://brookeannibale.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/brookeannibale
Twitter : https://twitter.com/brookeannibale
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/brookeannibale

Sarah Carlier

Tonight I've discovered a great belgian artist, Sarah Carlier, thanks to the amazing girls from the Musical Believers Agence. Sarah Carlier is 22 years old and she wrote songs since the age of 16. She drawns her inspiration in such artists as Nina Simone, Tracy Chapman, Jimi Hendrix or Gnarls Barkley. 

Her first songs has been produced thanks to the website Akamusic, whom the principle  is quite similar to pledgemusic or kickstarter and her debut album "For Those Who Believe" was released in 2011.

"With her dazzling and stirring voice, her inspired and heady melodies, Sarah Carlier is seducing a more and more numerous public. She is a ray of sunshine that will leave no one indifferent."

Sarah Carlier - "Tenderness"

Sarah Carlier - "Backstage"

Sarah Carlier - "Since"

Sarah Carlier - "Let's Believe"

Website : http://www.sarahcarlier.com/

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/sarahcarlier_

Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/sarah-carlier

Blog : http://www.sarahcarlier.blogspot.be/

The New Limb

The New Limb is a band from Silver Lake, Los Angeles and made up with Joey Chavez (vocals and guitar), Lauren Salamone (keyboards and vocals), Dan Perez (guitar and vocals), Adam Chavez (drums and vocals) and Dave Berg (bass and 808).

"Known for their incredible live show, stellar harmonies and "genre-bending" sound, rock quintet The New Limb are one of a kind. Pulling influences from a century's worth of song writers and comparisons spanning from Arcade Fire to the Zombies to Stars to the Shins, The New Limb truly has a unique but familiar sound."

They have just released a free mixtape "Inconsistencies". This mixtape features orignal songs, covers, some live in-studio tracks. If I had to choose some of my favorite songs from this mixtape, I think I would keep "Stifled" and "Strength in our bones". The mixtape contains lots of great songs.

The band is also working on a full length album which due out 2013.

Website : http://www.thenewlimb.com/

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/thenewlimb

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

Tumblr : http://thenewlimb.tumblr.com/

Mara and The Bitter Suite

Mara And The Bitter Suite is band from NYC and New Jersey and headed up by Mara Davi (Broadway actress, lyrics/vocals) and Adam Waite (Composer, Conductor, Music and Keys).

After collaborating on multiple concerts for Birdland, Ars Nova, and Lyrica Chamber Orchestra, they decided it was time to write their own music and find their own sound.

Their debut album "Unspoken" was released in July 2012 and is available on itunes and amazon. I had the chance to listen to the whole album, which brings a real touch of originality in the music world. The 9 songs is a musical trip rythmed from beautiful ballads like 'When I" and "Walking Thru Water"  to  catchy songs like one of my favorite song from this album "Playground Song". Moreover, Mara's voice is just beautiful ! I think you should like this album as well.

Mara and The Bitter Suite - "When I"

Mara and The Bitter Suite - "Hurricane"

Mara and The Bitter - "Clover and Clementine"

Website : https://maraandthebittersuite.bandpage.com/

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/MaraBitterSuite

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

The Baron Sisters

The Baron Sisters is a duo from Florida and made up of the sisters Kimberly (vocals) and Kelsie (guitar/vocals) Baron.

" With a natural talent for writing catchy melodies, and the ability to engage their audiences with honest, relatable songs, this charming duo delivers sincere songs with distinctive instrumentation and remarkable harmonies."

The Baron Sisters released their debut EP "The Baron Sisters EP" in January 2012. Their first album "Positive Thinker" has been released October 2nd, 2012. You can buy these two album on their store or itunes. You won't be deceived by their songs, it's a musical sunshine.

The Baron Sisters - "Positive Thinker"

The Baron Sisters - "Busy Man"

The Baron Sisters - "Bourbon Street" & "Hope For Me"

The Baron Sisters - "Corridor"

Website : http://baronsistersmusic.com/

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

Twitter : http://twitter.com/thebaronsisters

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

Danish Special : Sanne Do

*All the artists for this danish special were kindly suggested by the amazing Ida Gard

Sanne Do is a singer-songwriter from Copenhagen in Denmark. "Authentic songs merging folk, rock and pop influences with the unique Scandinavian sound of her native Denmark. She has a very dynamic voice that dares to show the power in fragility and softness in strength."

Sanne Do released her debut album "Blending In The Crowd" in 2008. This album is available on itunes, spotify ...

She also did a duet with Karen S for the song "This City".

Sanne Do - "Not You"

Sanne Do - "Cinnamon Freaks"

Sanne Do - "How Am I Supposed to Be Me"

Sanne Do & Karen S - "The City"

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sanne-Do/34181692811

Reverbnation : http://www.reverbnation.com/sannedo

Myspace : http://www.myspace.com/sannedo

Danish Special : Pil & Liv

*All the artists for this danish special were kindly suggested by the amazing Ida Gard

Pil & Liv is a pop/folk duo made up of the two sisters Pil and Liv Clausen. They are based in Aarhus in Denmark. The marriage of their 2 voices with an acoustic guitar gives a unique folk sound that you should definitely discover?

"With their two very original and beautiful vocals Pil & Liv step into a creative landscape, where one can also encounter First Aid Kit, Feist, Alela Diane, City & Colour, Angus & Julia Stone, and many more artists representing a relatively different and new take on the indie folk music scene. "

Pil and Liv has released their debut album "Hangovers" in March 2012. You can find this album on itunes and Spotify.

A new EP should be released in 2013 and then a tour in Denmark and Canada is expected.

Pil & Liv - "Paperbag"

Pil & Liv - "7, 8, 9, 10"

Pil & Liv - "Sleep"

Pil & Liv - "Loopholes"

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/pilandliv

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

Danish Special : Echo Me

*All the artists for this danish special week were kindly suggested by the amazing Ida Gard

Echo Me is headed by the danish singer-songwriter Jesper Madsen. He’s been writing songs since the age of 10, starting of “borrowing” lyrics from artists found in his parents’ collection.

Echo Me has released a triple EP on January 30th, 2012 with Nelson Can and The Freudian Slip.

Echo Me has signed with Für Records, who will release the debut "Echo Me" in Denmark, Germany, Schwitzerland and Austria. This album contains 10 pop/rock songs whom the catchy single "Left From The Fire".

Echo Me - "The Memory"

Echo Me - "Left From The Fire"

Echo Me - "1-2-3"

Echo Me - "I Don't Care Anymore"

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/EchoMeMusic

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

Penny Police

Penny Police is the alias of the 27-year-old Copenhagen based singer and songwriter Marie Fjeldsted. I've heard about this artists thanks to my favorite danish singer-songwriter Ida Gard.

Penny Police has a soft and angelic voice and also a unique music style characterized by her autoharp. I haven't heard the music of an autoharp before. The sound of this instrument is nice.

Penny Police has released her first EP "Thieves Like Us" in 2011. Her debut album "The Broken, The Beggar, The Thief" released in march 2012 has impressed the danish press. You can buy it on itunes or imusic.

"She has been praised for her alternative songwriting and ability to write songs that combine the advanced with the accessible. She likes it simple and honest, gives room for both vulnerability and strength and with a rare proximity in her songs she touches old as young. She writes with her heart, full of integrity and full of hit potential."

Penny Police - "Up Here"

Penny Police - "All That Stuff"

Penny Police - "What If Life Doesn't Kill You"

Penny Police - "Slow Down Sofie"

Website : http://pennypolice.blogspot.fr

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/PennyPmusic

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

Lilly Wood and The Prick - "Middle Of The Night"

Lilly Wood & The Prick is a french band signed with the independent label Cinq7 and made up of Nili Hadida and Benjamin Cotto. 

I'm not sure that a lot of people know this amazing band outside France. Their music is great mix of pop, folk and electro. After their second album "Invicible Friends", which had a great succes in France, they are back with a new album "The Fight" which will be out November 5th.

Today, they have posted a video of 2 of their new songs "Long Way Back" and "Middle Of The Night". These two songs, available on itunes, augur a fantastic album.

Website : http://www.lillywoodandtheprick.com/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/lillywoodandtheprick
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/lillywoodandtheprick