Plan B

The artist in this link is a man by the name of  Benjamin Paul Ballance-Drew, otherwise know in musical circles as 'PLAN B'.   An English artist that decided on his  name after initially trying his hand at R&B (as an 18 year old) then later deciding that this was not his thing.  Plan B is one amazing guy that when you sit back and think about exactly what he can do it should truly inspire you all to give something new a go.  When you think of most musicians you would probably assume that they can sing possibly play an instrument or 2 and maybe even write a few songs.  Well....

Check this out for a resume - Singer, Songwriter, Musician (gutair - self taught at 14), Rapper, Poet, author, actor, movie writer, movie producer and as he describes himself a 'Real life storey teller'.
 
This week I have two songs for you - the first was the one that took my attention about 18 months ago it is a live version of a song that came out in 2010 that I really loved, quite honestly I thought it was two totally different people singing until I dug a little deeper.  Performed from 'RAK' studios in London , this is a unique version of his song  "She Said".  

The second is the latest single of his 2012 critically acclaimed album "Ill Manors", once again he uses a broard range of skills with heart and soul singing matched up with some English flavour Rapping.

                        

Flight Facilities

Not a lot is know of this Sydney Duo, they have managed to hide their identities extremely well deep in the abyss that is the eletro-pop underground.

Their initial offerings to the musical world came in the form of mixing tracks for other Australian artists including Bag Raiders and Sneaky Sound System.  They made a name for themselves on the airways with their first release 'Crave You' that featured the beautiful voice of Giselle Rosselli and drew critical acclaim across not only their homeland but the US and Europe alike.

Their latest release 'Clair de Lune' is simply magical, seven minutes long and so perfectly constructed that it will ease you into a false sence of serenity before dropping you by way of the accompanying film clip.  I'm not going to spoil it but whatever you do don't become attached to the outcome as reality has a funny way of letting you know its there at the seven minute mark!

'Clair de Lune' - French for Moonlight but this phrase has as many other meanings as there are guesses as to Flight Facilities true identity - search it and you will discover that this title is somewhat symbolic of the two themselves, elements of simplicity combined perfectly with true mystery and beauty!

It will say no more other than wow, Australian music is not only holding it's own but punching well above it's weight with world class tracks like this - please enjoy...

Tuka

So I'm a bit late but it's gota be Friday somewhere in this wide world of ours right?  I am gunna mix it up a little this week and hit you up with my favourate Aussie Hip Hop track of 2012.

Tuka (pronounced tucker) is one third of the acclaimed crew from NSW, Thundamentals.  After releasing their sucessfull second full length album last July they hit the road, and Tuka (in between gigs) hit the note pad day and night penning his latest release "Feedback loop'.  After an age of hitting the stage and wowing  Australian audiences as a member of Thundamentals, rumpunch and Sketch the Rhyme, his time has come to take the lead.

Tuka has delivered an album that strives to seek out the deepest of his inner thoughts, he gives you his insight into the world and his interpretation of the society in which we live.  The title and lyrical content strewn throughout these songs appealed to me straight away as it asks questions of the listener, either by making bold statements or subtle suggestions,  it not only makes you smile but it makes you think and question your beliefs.   
 
This track is an instant head nodder, "Die a Happy Man" the second release off the album sucks you in with a big band sound and simple but additive beat.  It moves almost unnoticeable through slight piano loops and movie soundtrack sounding interludes before the angelic voice of Lauren Tyrell takes you on a magic carpet ride through the corus.

I'm sure this wont tick the boxes for you all but for anyone ho can appreciate the talents of those that call themselves MC's this one is for you, get ready to bounce!

   

Ball Park Music

Its pretty hard to avoid the barrage of kickass tunes making it's way out of my home town at the moment.  That's right, good old Brisbane town is setting the standard and ever since I voted this band into my hottest 100 last year they have been demanding more and more attention.

This week I want to introduce you all to the indi rock/pop five piece know as "Ball Park Music".  With the release of their debut EP in 2009 these guys have been gathering momentum at a ridiculous pace, right now after their second full length album release in twelve months their future is as bright as any band in this country, seriously I don't see not much standing in their way to the top of the Aussie indi music pedestal.

Thier latest offering 'Museum' is a slightly more serious take on their previous work -  I get the feeling it delves a little deeper into their conscious without taking out the fun element they have made their own.  Thier third release off the new album is a cracker, 'Coming Down' it's a subtle example of the bands slight shift in direction.  It's built around the mesmerising vocal of lead singer Sam Crowmack, it's simple but incredibly effective in drawing you in and feeling the pain that he describes.

Take a listen and more importantly take note of this killa Brisbane outfit, Prediction- this is your new 'Powderfinger' (for anyone overseas reading this do yourself a favour and look them up) this band will be knocking ya socks off for many, many years to come.

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