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!