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.
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...
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!
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.
I'm willing to bet that there are a handful of you who have already heard of this folk due from Sweden? However, being that their latest release was earlier this year I'm going to draw a long bow and attempt to label it as 'new' music, for this week I hope that you can allow me to indulge.
I had always planned to cover these guys at some stage but the longer time went on the less 'new' I felt they were. It was a song called 'Lion's Roar' that first took me by surprise, a completely honest and beautiful approach to music that in this day and age is almost a forgotten art.
Simplicity is the backbone of folk music, the combination of a heartfelt story, a guitar and a voice that captures the imagination. The difference between this folk act and most is almost indescribable, it's a touch of musical magic that you very rarely find, a believability that is unquestioned and the ability to force the listeners eyes closed as they deliver a story that is not only being told but has also been lived.
First Aid Kit is the collaboration of Klara and Johanna Söderberg, a sister act that began performing and composing music together in 2007 before a YouTube cover of "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" by Fleet Foxes went viral and ultimately led to them performing the song on stage with the band. Their vocal harmonies are sublime as their voices complement each others' to perfection. Put in it's simplest form First Aid Kit have everything that is inherent with all the great folk singers of days past, and being that they have only just begun there are big things in store for them in years to come.
The final straw that lead to this review was the track 'Wolf', the more I hear the more I fall in love..... Below is two links, the first is the Title track to their 2012 release 'Lions Roar' and the second is their latest release 'Wolf'. If you've made it this far please leave a comment and visit my facebook page to share your support!
Those who know me best would be well aware of my feelings surrounding the 80's music era, lets just say it's not my favourite. If your a fan of the 80's and The MATTador then don't despair, this week is for you.
'HAIM' (pronounced hime)- a Californian based sister trio (and a male drummer), attribute their musical influences to their parents or as they are affectionately know 'Momma and Papa Haim'.
Information, details, influences and all the other info that comes to the for when a new band hits the scene is like trying to find a guitar pick in a mosh pit, however I am willing to bet my rep on the fact that there will be a flood of press and hype on these girls over the next 12 months.
The sisters Alana (19), Danielle (22) and Esta (24) have it all, the looks the voices and to top it off quality musical skills. Music played a major part in their upbringing, they played in a family band known as 'Rockinhaim through middle school touring the local fares and charity learning their craft.
More interested in the pop music being played on local radio than their parents folksy band caused the 3 to break loose and form their own band four years ago. Ever since they have been working hard on forming their own sound and in my humble opinion have done a smashing job of it.
Blending the synthy pop feel of the 80's & 90's, a touch of R&B and the structure of an old rock band HAIM have a sound that is all of their own. Beautiful voices, guitar and insatiable pop hooks have these sweet Californian girls standing at the top of the new music tree.
The 4 track EP 'Forever' (their only release to date) is available through iTunes and is definitely worth the coin they are charging. So put ya leg warmers on and get a bit of HAIM into ya lives!
So many options this week with lots of Aussie artists to cover but for now, I have to get this O/S artist featured. Did you ever sit at home and wonder when you would hear of an amazing new kick ass catchy band come out of Iceland? Me either!
Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir (lead singer and songwriter), started off as an acoustic act know as 'Songbird' (great name), after deciding that her live show needed an extra boost, she went on a recruiting mission where she uncovered (co-singer/guitarist) Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson . The chemistry was magical, and before they knew it they were writing songs together, in 2010 'Of Monsters and Men' had officially formed.
After winning their national Battle-of-the-bands competition know as
Musiktilraunir in Iceland the now 6 piece folky pop sensation was born into
a whirlwind of hype. A bidding war ensued for the bands signature that
had been dubbed by those 'in the know' as the next 'Arcade Fire'!
These guys not only caught my ear but twisted it to the point where I had to say 'WOW' out loud to myself. Musically they are 'tight as', acoustic guitar, dream pop keys and solid rhythmical drums tie it all together. They morph in and out of soft and subtle harmonies while at times their big band sounds explode with horns and a plethora of energy! The combination of the two leading voices match perfectly with lots of back up sound while their vocal harmonies bounce back and forth of each other as well as any other duo.
Their debut album 'My Head is an Animal' was released earlier this year and for those lucky enough to be hitting up one of the 'Laneway' shows across Australia early next year, you will be graced by their presence for the first time on our shores.
Wrap your ears around this cracker of a track called 'Little Talks'!
couldn't resist the live acoustic version enjoy.....
