Top 10 Artists You Need to Know - #6 Alina Baraz

Hey everyone!

A couple of days ago I was stalking around Soundcloud in search of new artists to show you. Yes, stalk - you know, when you check out what other artists like and embark on an endless trail of music hunting and find really strange songs along the way.

Anyways, I came across a collaboration between Galimatias and Alina Baraz - both of whom I never knew existed. What really struck me about the song was not the production, but rather Alina's voice in the song. I can't really describe Alina's sound, it just puts you in a trance-like state and is rather haunting.

Do you agree or disagree? Let me know what you think by commenting below or tweeting me at @Laura_Lithgow. Feel free to share this post below!

(P.S. I didn't forget to write her bio - I just couldn't find anything out about her!)

Who's Better? - Ella Eyre Versus Sinead Harnett

Hey everyone! I need help. Yesterday I found two amazing covers of The Fugees' song "Ready or Not." One performed by Rudimental and Sinead Harnett, and the other performed by Rudimental and Ella Eyre. Can you help me decide which one is better?

These songstresses have very different singing styles. Eyre is a powerhouse of a vocalist, who has a way of emoting feelings in ways many musicians can't. On the other hand, Harnett's voice is cool, precise and never relinquishes its soulful quality.

Please let me know what you think by commenting below or tweeting at me @Laura_Lithgow. Don't forget to share!

Ella Eyre's rendition:

Sinead Harnett's rendition:

If you liked Sinead Harnett's performance, here's an original song I really enjoyed.

  

If you liked Ella Eyre's rendition better, listen to "Love Me Like You." I embedded the track, but you can hear the studio version of Eyre's song here. The video is better because you really feel what she's singing about - it's not embedded because I didn't want to overload the page. 

 

Please let me know who you think is better. Tweet me at @Laura_Lithgow, comment, or share!

Top 10 Artists You Need to Know - #7 Natalia Lafourcade

Hey everyone! This week I want to switch it up. Usually I post about indie artists who are making a name for themselves in the music industry. This time, I want to do the opposite and talk about a signed musician from México: Natalia Lafourcade.

Natalia has been a force to reckon with in the music industry for over a decade, and has multiple Latin Grammy Awards to prove it. You'll fall in love with the quirky, loving personality she displays both on and off stage.

I don't want to say too much about Lafourcade because I'm excited for you to form your own opinion about her. Here are a couple of her gems.

This first song has a nice Caribbean vibe to it. Lafourcade's voice is beautifully bubbly. Though it may not inspire you to dance like the women in the video, it probably will cause you to tap along to the beat - it's too energetic not to. I can't lie though. I could do without the school girl's whiny voice at 0:36 (LOL).

This final video showcases the personal side of Lafourcade. It features multiple musicians who campaign for a better Mexico: one run by love instead of hate; one where dreams can flourish; and one where its people are filled of happiness and peace. It's a cry against the country's corruption and a call for Mexicans to demand change and responsibility. If you can understand Spanish, you'll see why I choose this song. It's lyrics are deep and meaningful, telling a powerful story that people of all nations can relate to. 

 

Want more? Find out about her here, and visit her YouTube channel. Don't forget to let me know what you think! 

Top 10 Artists You Need to Know - #8 St. Paul and the Broken Bones

It's time to step out of the rut! Almost all of the artists I've chosen to feature have a R&B or soulful quality to them. (Not that that's a bad thing.) So I've decided to change gears slowly by introducing you to St. Paul and the Broken Bones, a band that balances a soulful sound with a bluesy rhythm.

Though I just stumbled onto this band today, it's almost as if I grew up listening to their music. They sound much like the 1960s legends you've probably heard as a child in your parents' living room - I'm talking about the likes of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke... Or the Alabama Shakes and Mayer Hawthorne, if you're too young to know who the aforementioned people were. (Yikes!)

Lead singer Paul Janeway solidifies the authentic southern sound of St. Paul and the Broken Bones. When you see him on stage, the last thing you expect to hear is this amazing growl and roar escape his unassuming frame. But when you do, it sends shivers down your body. Even bassist Jesse Phillips jokes that Janeway "looks like your high school history teacher, or like Drew Carey." (LOL. I can't say I didn't think one of them.) But when that man starts singing, boy do you feel transported back in time. This band is sure to be a timeless classic.

Check out these two songs to get a better idea of what I'm talking about. Don't forget to tell me what you think! Hit that comment or like button!



Wanna support St. Paul and the Broken Bones? Buy the band's songs on BandCamp here!

Throwback Thursday - Emily King

I'm super excited to bring this artist to you. Please indulge me in a pretend drum roll.... It's... Emily King! (Lol.) Yeah, it's about time a female artist was featured on the blog. And this one is pretty special to me - King has been one of my playlist regulars for years, no matter where I am or what mood I'm in. You'll see why in a bit.

It's no wonder why King is as talented as she is. Not only does she hail from one of the most inspiring cities in the world (New York City), she's also the daughter of Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti -- a jazz singing duo who have performed all over the world. In 2007, King released her first album "East Side Story" with J Records and earned a Grammy nomination for "Best Contemporary R&B Album of the Year." And, as if that wasn't enough, she's also toured with or opened for legends such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, Maroon 5, Emeli Sandé, and Floetry. 

What strikes me about King is that she felt relieved when J Records dropped her from its label.The drop allowed her to concentrate on creating the best music she could without making "compromises for [her] creativity."  It's always inspiring to enjoy artists who have the integrity to create their own meaningful songs, instead of taking the work of others and crediting it as their own. 

But enough of the serious stuff. 
Listen to these vocals. Magnificent. And the harmonies! Don't they just pique your curiosity?





This last video showcases King's performance chops. The music just oozes out her body. I really hope you enjoy it. I know, I (and the audience) did.

What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Please feel free to comment or share below!

Take a peek at Emily King's full interview here. 

Top 10 Artists You Need to Know - #9 Karim Ouellet

Okay, I'll admit it. So far, I've been a little biased towards musicians and singers based in the US. So let's get global! Well - sort of.

Today I'll be introducing you to Karim Ouellet. Originally from Senegal, Ouellet has lived in several countries around the world, including Canada, Senegal, Rwanda and Tunisia. His music reflects his multicultural exposure and blends elements of pop, reggae, rock, and folk into his signature sound.

Karim Ouellet currently calls Quebec City his home, and has performed in several festivals and concerts in Canada, the US, and France. From what I can tell, all of his songs are in French (which makes me want to learn French that much more). For non-French speakers, all is not lost! There are a couple of lyric tidbits in English, and anyway isn't music is a universal language? ;)

Okay, let's proceed to some music! Of the three I'll post here I like this song the best. It's really an intriguing mix of rock, pop, and Caribbean elements.

This next song sounds nothing like the last. It has more of a pop feeling to it. Definitely a danceable tune - even if you're by yourself ;)  

What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Have a better pick? Comment or share below!

Throwback Thursday - Allen Stone

This Thursday, I did not disappoint. After digging deep into my dense music archives, I "rediscovered" one of my favorite signed artists. (Don't you just love the feeling when old music sounds new again?). Who am I talking about? Why, Allen Stone of course!

This guy hails from Chewalah, Washington, and has a voice that will give you chills ten times over. A self proclaimed "hippie with soul," Stone transforms classic songs into beautiful renditions of pure emotion (as if you couldn't tell by his kick-ass ensemble).

To think that I heard his music over a year ago, saw him perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and still haven't seen him reach stardom bothers me - a lot. Take a listen to his cover of Bob Marley's "Is this love." Breathless.

Yeah, I know. Here's another one I enjoyed. It's a single he wrote himself. Oh, did I forget to mention he writes his own songs too? And - unlike what populates the majority of the music industry - these songs have meaning.

  

This clip is great and super candid. It basically shows Stone playing on a trolley in the middle of some mysterious city. You don't see the audience until the end, but they clearly enjoy the performance. 

Before I leave you to enjoy this last clip, tell me what you think! Love it? Hate it? Have a better pick? Comment or share below!

Top 10 Artists You Need to Know - #10 Nick Hakim

I love this guy. Seriously, just one listen and you'll understand why. I first found out about him a year ago while I searching for Emily King. (I plan to post about her soon too - don't worry!) He's a singer-songwriter from Washington, D.C. whose sounds are smooth, and soulful. Hakim is also a Berklee graduate, so you know his technical knowledge is on point. 

I know, I know. You need to hear what I'm talking about and make your own decision. So here are a mix of videos and sound clips that are my favorite. 

This first video is incredible. Granted, the fist few seconds are slow as he builds up the tempo. But give it a little bit - you can't rush perfection.

           

His voice draws you in so quickly and contains such emotion! I mean, look at the audience's face. They're eating out of the palm of his musical hands.

I also adore this one. Technically, it's not Hakim's song - he only "features" in it. BUT he does sing the entire time. (Confusing right?) Anyways, it's great. There's also a surprising Cuban-styled ending which starts at 3:02.


        

Okay, this is the last one. But like the others, it's smooth like butter.
 

What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Have a better pick? Comment or share below!

Throwback Thursday - Ben l'Oncle Soul

How can you not love a guy whose name means Soulful Uncle Ben in French? Yeah, like Uncle Ben's Rice found in grocery store? AND he wears suspenders and bow ties. So quirky I can't stand it. :D

This guy is pretty popular throughout Europe, but I only recently stumbled upon him this past weekend. I'd classify his sound as a mix between Motown and soul. But as with everything in music, it's debatable open for discussion. Have a listen, and let me know what you think!

I think this cover is one that put him on the map. It's The White Stripes song Seven Nation Army. I love his version of it. What do you think?

This is one of his original songs. It really showcases his singing abilities. You can just feel the soul ooze out of his body. Truly an experience. Wait until 5:10 into the video. Goosebumps.

Of course, there are plenty of other songs by his I adore, but I wanted to give you a small snippet.

What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Know a similar artist? Comment below!

What the Gourmand?!?

Have you ever wondered what type of music people on the other side of the globe listened to? Sure, they may have heard Beyoncé’s latest album, or Coldplay newest release – but who do they really like? What songs haven’t you heard of that foreigners can’t song humming and dancing to? For the next months, join me in exploring different music cultures. We’ll learn about new artists to watch in the US and abroad, what inspires them, and hear their delightful creations.

Oh! And if you have any music suggestions to get the ball rolling, feel free to comment below!