Category: Artist of the Week

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: MoZella

Detroit-based singer MoZella is an artist to watch. Reminiscent to that of Macy Gray, Norah Jones and Duffy with her infectious vocals, you will undeniably be humming her music long after the last note is played. A versatile artist, MoZella blends pop, soul, and jazz into endless tales of life and love.

While her sophomore album, Belle Isle, hits stores tomorrow, MoZella is not new to the music scene. In fact, you’ve probably heard clips of her songs in Nivea commercials and shows like “One Tree Hill,” “Las Vegas,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Bones” and more. Not to mention, she’s been on tour with notable bands like the Dave Matthews Band, Lifehouse, Five For Fighting, Daniel Powter, Michelle Branch and Colbie Caillat.

MoZella’s tale is that of hard work and determination. Moving to the West Coast after graduating high school to pursue music, when things didn’t develop as quickly as she hoped, MoZella found herself decorating cakes by day and performing in coffee shops at night. All her hard work eventually paid off, as she was signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records in 2004. Nearly five years later, MoZella is back with her sophomore release.

“Magic (Oh Oh Oh),” current single off Belle Isle, is a fun track with catchy “oh-oh-oh’s” and fitting lyrics. “Went down to the river/To wash all my cares away/Saw a little fish swimming and here’s what he had to say/He said, ‘Girl don’t you know/Life is just so easy when you go with the flow,'” she sings. With upbeat percussion accompaniment and her playful vocals, the listener can’t help but believe her.

A pining love story, “Freezing” is a more jazzy and soulful number. The song invokes the pain of lost love with MoZella singing, “The seasons may change/But the ice still remains in my soul/You’re so cold.” Moving past lost love, “More of You” is an optimistic and soulful track. “So it goes without saying that I’m hooked on you/And by now I’m out of my mind with this self abuse/I guess I should have looked out for myself/I guess that I could have found someone else/But I never met anyone who’s love made me so damn crazy.” With songs this catchy, MoZella will be a household name in no time.

Must Hear Track: Standout song on MySpace is Motown hit, “I Second That Emotion” with the legendary Smokey Robinson.

Recommended: For fans of Norah Jones, Macy Gray, Duffy, Anya Marina.

Watch MoZella’s video for “Magic (Oh Oh Oh)” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVf94GMLN8s]

For more on MoZella, be sure to visit her on MySpace and if you’re in New York this week, catch her at CMJ!

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: Sherwood
• Band of the Week: This Century
• Artist of the Week: Glass Pear
• Band of the Week: Only Living Boy

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Glass Pear

Glass Pear is Welsh-born singer-songwriter Yestyn Griffiths. Having previously collaborated with his sister, Jem, on her popular debut and sophomore releases, Griffiths eventually decided to record tracks of his own. While his debut album, Streets of Love, is due in stores tomorrow, you may already recognize his voice from first single “Last Day Of Your Life.” Mixed by Coldplay producer Danton Supple, the song has been featured in episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “90210.”

In a press release, Griffiths explained the story behind his stage name, Glass Pear:

“A lot of the songs I write are about the fragility and transiency of life and love. So I wanted to find a name that expressed that. Apparently the ancient Chinese believed that the pear was a symbol of immortality (pear trees live for a long time),” Griffiths said. “It’s also a symbol of affection in other cultures. In Chinese the word li means both ‘pear’ and ‘separation’ and for this reason, tradition says that to avoid a separation, friends and lovers should not divide pears between themselves. So for me a glass pear is a pear that is fragile, breakable, needing protection, just like love.”

Streets of Love is a solid release filled with catchy, uplifting lyrics and moving musical accompaniment. On “Last Day Of Your Life,” Griffiths sings, “If this was the last day of your life/What would you do to make things right?/If this was the last day of your life/Who you gonna call to make things right?”

The emotive lyrics combined with soaring guitar and string features leave an impact. Additionally, many of the tracks have piano interludes that bring to mind bands like Coldplay and The Fray while his introspective and questioning lyrics recall that of Switchfoot.

Standout track, “Streets of Love,” is bound to get stuck in the listener’s head. The most upbeat song on the album, Griffiths sings along fitting guitar and percussion beats, “Thinking of the one you love who doesn’t know it just because/You’re too afraid to be a fool again/People punch and people bruise on these streets of love/Stand up on your own two feet there’s more to life than memories my friend.”

While the album starts off slowly, with each repeated listen there is something new and unexpected. Griffiths’ voice has that familiar and comforting quality to it as he confronts the confusion and heartache of life through continuous questioning within his songs. “What’s the point of being human if we’re not alive?” he asks on moving ballad, “Colours.”

Ending with the captivating “My Ghost” (see video below), Griffiths proves his versatility as a singer-songwriter on his debut release. For more on Glass Pear, visit MySpace and if you like what you hear, be sure to pick up Streets of Love tomorrow.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMj5yPDp32Q]

Recommended: For fans of Coldplay, Radiohead, The Fray, Switchfoot, Better Than Ezra.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Zack Borer

Zack Borer‘s voice is laid back and familiar. Accompanied by acoustic and electric guitar, fitting percussion and at times piano, his music is refreshing and enjoyable. A versatile musician, his style is sure to win over any listener.

In fact, the New York-based, Canadian born artist has been garnering more recognition lately. Having recently received a slot on the Side Stage at Jones Beach for Jason Mraz’s tour stop, even G-Love tweeted about enjoying his performance. No newcomer to Jones Beach, he was also featured at the Dave Matthews Band show earlier this summer (watch his performance below). Additionally, Borer was in the running to be named the MTV Video Music Awards’ “Best Breakout Artist in NYC.

Having similarities to contemporaries like Jason Mraz and Matt Nathanson, Borer’s music encompasses a twist and uniqueness of its own. His MySpace showcases his talent well. “Everytime I Go” has a catchy chorus and fitting guitar accompaniment. “Everytime I go/You say to me I can’t believe you’re leaving/’Cause you just want to know/What’s the basis for my motivation,” Borer sings. After just one listen, you’re bound to be humming along.

Whether it’s light Caribbean beats throughout “That’s The Way” with his soulful vocals or pouring his emotion out on edgier track “White Sheets,” Borer has the listener hooked. Hard to put his music into one category, each song intertwines different genres, whether it’s rock, blues, country or jazz there is something every listener can latch onto.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgZ6Ms53ED0]

Check out Zack Borer on MySpace for more songs and if you’re around New York be sure to catch his show this Thursday at The Bitter End.

Recommended: For fans of Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, Eren Cannata.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Shara Strand

With her sultry and soulful vocals, singer-songwriter Shara Strand is well on her way. Making her debut on Broadway at 12, Strand began vocal training and honing her sound at an early age. Additionally, having garnered an opening slot for Pat Benatar as well as a performance at Apollo theater in New York City, her childhood dream is now becoming a reality.

A mix of pop and soul, Strand’s music is radio friendly. In fact, soon to be released track, “Can and Cannot Do” is sure to be a hit. Catchy with a soulful and jazzy vibe, Strand sings: “I don’t feel sorry for you baby/But no one is ever perfect/I mean, sometimes I’m wrong/Sometimes I’m right/But you won’t admit it any day or night.”

Well on her way to being played in clubs and radio stations everywhere, Strand has that Christina Aguilera classic feel while remaining to make each song her own. While some songs are reminiscent to the pop bands of the late 90s (think Max Martin hits), other tracks have an ageless quality.

“Handcuffs” is a straight up pop track. “He’s got all the things a man would want/All you ever dreamed/He can have anyone he wants/Anything out of a magazine/And you would think with all that stuff, it still wouldn’t be enough/’Cuz he would give it all up just to be in handcuffs,” Strand sings with fitting musical accompaniment.

Other songs are more angst-ridden. On “I Need A Moment,” Strand sings, “I need a moment to understand/Why you gave up this love we had/Even though I missed you so bad/Can we be sure this time it will last.” Currently label shopping and playing shows throughout New York and New Jersey, Strand’s demo’s are only a hint of what’s to come from this young songstress.

Visit Shara’s Web site here. If you like what you heard, be sure to catch a show when she’s in town. Shara will be playing in Hoboken this Saturday at Saints and Sinners.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Jer Coons

Jer Coons impresses on his debut release, Speak, due out September 29. Mainly a pop-rock album with hints of country and soul, Speak is a versatile disc with radio friendly appeal. In fact, the title track is just a hint of what’s to come for this talented musician.

At first listen, comparisons abound. While no musician wants to be put into a box, Coons’ similarities only help to amp his appeal. Jason Mraz with a mix of John Mayer and soulful vocals that recall breaking band Parachute are a few accurate descriptions.

First single, “Legs” encompasses sing-along choruses that stay stuck in the listener’s head long after the last verse is over. “Forget the who the what the when/The question here is why/You set the bar so high and then you dropped it for this guy/You’re into insincerity/It’s scary that I wonder/Perhaps the bar was raised so high that he just walked right under,” he sings.

If “Legs” sounds familiar, it might be because it was featured on the Hollister June in-store play list. Incredulously, as the song played throughout the day in 6,000+ stores, Coons’ MySpace reached over 4,500 hits per day. As a result, Jer became the third most popular Vermont artist on MySpace trailing behind none other than Phish and Grace Potter.

Throughout the accompanying album tracks, Coons touches upon unrequited love, regret and loss. Always with a unique personal twist, he intrigues the listener with his storytelling. While “Boxing the Cold” showcases Coons’ soulful vocals, mid-song he distinguishes himself with an electric guitar interlude, balancing out the slow ballad. Additionally, tracks like “Girl In My Head” are pleasantly unexpected with a slight country feel.

A solid release, Speak, is sure to find it’s place in the music scene. In fact, it is only time that Coons will have his own headlining shows.

For more on Jer Coons, be sure to visit him on MySpace and check him out live, now currently on tour. Listen to a free MP3 of “Legs” here and watch Coons’ comical music video for the song below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piqgNUcDfyY]

Recommended: Rather than giving you my comparisons, Jer’s Web site has an epilogue worth reading. See below:

Jer often receives comparisons to many singer songwriters and performers. Before jumping to make one too quickly take a look at these facts:

Jason Mraz
Similarities: They both have a huge vocal range and can sing many words in a short amount of time with few pauses
Differences: Guys actually listen to Jer Coons

Howie Day
Similarities: Both play killer live shows with full bands, or solo acoustic with many loop pedals
Differences: Jer has never been addicted to heroin, gone to rehab, or dated Britney Spears in rehab

Damien Rice:
Similarities: Jer has traces of Irish in him
Differences: You don’t need Zoloft to listen to Jer

Bono
Similarities: Jer can count in Spanish
Differences: Jer’s real name is good enough to be his performance name unlike Paul David Hewson

John Mayer
John Mayer is probably better than Jer Coons

Cat Stevens
Similarities: Jer plays acoustic guitar
Differences: He is not on the U.S.A. terrorist watch list

Kanye West
Similarities: Kanye now tries to sing, which we can only assume is because he wants to be like Jer
Differences: Jer is totally modest

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Rapper Steph

Boston-based Rapper Steph tells it like it is. Her politically charged lyrics are intelligent and talk of corruption, greed and the downfall of the American Dream. An inspiration to women everywhere, Rapper Steph is better than half the male rappers out there.

“There ain’t no way us folks can ever succeed/Because corporate greed keeps us down on our knees/And we’re still supposed to believe red, white and blue/But our HMO’s won’t cover the blood we spew,” she raps on “The American Dream” over a light percussion beat.

“The American Dream” continues to talk of Wall Street fraud, involuntary international invasions, the Patriot Act, and democracy among many other topics. Mid-song the beat picks up as does Rapper Steph’s vocals. The listener can sense the anger in her voice, and who doesn’t feel the same way about the issues she’s rapping about? Her unique and in-your-face perspective sheds more light than the topics discussed on the evening news. She raps about things people talk about but the media ignores – the truth and ongoing questionable actions made by our government officials. “Fight for your rights before freedom’s death/Because soon there will be none left,” she concludes.

Next track, “Robots,” talks of corporate greed. Aggressively taking a stand, Rapper Steph raps, “I won’t stay complacent/I will not sit down and take this/I will stand up and say shit/So my voice echoes off the pillars on Wall Street/They think they got us all beat/I guess they’ll all see/We are not their robots/We are not their clones/We will not do what we are told.”

“Present State of Mind” tells the story of everyone’s subconscious fight. Exhaustion, stress, failure, madness, optimism, success and passion are a part of everyone’s daily struggles. Rapping about overcoming obstacles and uncertainties, she comes to a positive conclusion: “Even through the shadows/I can see the light/And I won’t give up/’Till my soul throws the fight.”

Politics aside, Steph shows her humorous take on “Public Transportation Infatuation,” a tale of finding love on a train. “Your sin is only that you leave me breathless/You creep into my head so I can’t finish my sentence/Damn where was I, what was I talking about?/Got me head over heels with my foot in my mouth,” she raps over slick, seductive beats.

As can be heard on her five-song EP, Rapper Steph’s talent is undeniable. The topics she discusses throughout each track leave the listener questioning our government, policies, and standard of what we uphold as the American Dream. And, in the end, isn’t that what music is truly about? Making a statement while offering the listener to make his own conclusion.

For more on Rapper Steph, check her out on MySpace.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Eren Cannata

Though this is Eren Cannata‘s first solo release, don’t let that fool you. No stranger to the music industry, he has practically grown up on tour as his father, Richie Cannata was saxophone player for The Beach Boys and Billy Joel. With an avid Long Island fan base and many industry admirers, his solid debut release is only a sign of what’s to come.

Cannata’s album, Blame It On The City, is a diverse mix of emotional ballads like “Tonight” and radio friendly tracks (see title track “Blame It On The City”). With catchy hooks and infectious melodies, Cannata is well on his way.

While piano-based track, “Post High School Years” switches gears up a bit from his previous pop-centric tracks, the album never loses it’s flow. Cannata’s deeper and darker vocals bring a welcoming change. Singing with the ease and grandeur of Josh Groban, “Post High School Years” is one of the album’s stand-out tracks.

Segueing quickly to “Other Side,” Cannata continues to take a different approach. His heart-on-your-sleeves lyrics stand out to the listener: “And still I wonder/If you will work it out/And that’s just insecurity/Making castles out of clay/I wanna be your everything/I still get embarrassed when I sing/I need a promise from you/That I will be your other side/And not another you confide,” he sings.

“Sounds of Summer” is another surprise track. An edgier sound than previously heard, Cannata proves he can change things up and still sound fresh and unique, not always an easy feat for a musician. With such a solid debut release, I can only imagine hearing much more of Cannata in the future.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhFzfrtii30]

Watch Eren’s music video for “Blame It On The City” above or give him a listen on MySpace and if you like what you hear, be sure to see him on tour. If you’re in New York this Wednesday you can catch him opening up for Ryan Cabrera at Sullivan Hall.

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Artist of the Week Festivals

Artist of the Week: Darius Rucker

Photo Credit: Russ Harrington


He’s known by many as the former frontman of Grammy-winning group Hootie & The Blowfish and now Darius Rucker is making a wave on country radio. Rucker’s debut country album, Learn To Live, landed No. 1 on the Billboard charts and his first two singles off that album are receiving just as much success — including most recent “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” landing atop all three country singles charts.  
What perhaps is most surprising about Rucker’s music is the natural transition from his former pop songs to country music. You can feel his honest emotion on heartfelt, bittersweet song “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” With moving string and guitar interludes, the listener can picture a failed relationship and the resulting regrets drowned in whiskey. 
Of his transition into the country genre, Rucker has said, “So many people in pop try to write all these psychedelic crazy lyrics, and I’m sure I’ve been part of that — but that’s something you don’t find in country music. The thing I like most about country songs is that they keep it simple. I love that, and I love the melodies.”
And his melodies are what keeps the listener coming back. With haunting tales about relationships and the joys of having kids, Rucker’s release Learn To Live takes the listener on a journey. Moving ballad, “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” tells the story of a father watching his daughter grow up; taking her to pre-school while realizing soon enough he’ll be giving her away at the alter. “Alright” is more upbeat, as Ruckur sings, “‘Cause I got a roof over my head/The woman I love layin’ in my bed/And it’s alright, alright/I got shoes under my feet/Forever in the aisle staring back at me/And it’s alright, alright/Yeah,I’ve got all I need/And it’s alright for me.” 
For more on Darius Rucker, be sure to check him out on MySpace and catch a show while he’s in town. Currently on tour with Rascal Flatts, it’s definitely a show worth checking out. 
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Artist of the Week Festivals

Artist of the Week: Veronica Ballestrini

With her warm pop-country vocals, 17-year-0ld Veronica Ballestrini is bound to lighten the mood of any listener’s worst day. While comparisons to Taylor Swift abound, Ballestrini’s easygoing style and MySpace success bring reference to that of Colbie Caillat. Most recently, her single “Amazing,” has been climbing the Country Music Television countdown. Did I mention she’s only 17?

Songs like “This Girl” are upbeat and fun, the kind you have the windows and sunroof open while driving to the beach. In fact, most of her MySpace tracks have that same quality. Ballestrini’s music is fitting for her age. She never tries to be someone she isn’t, whether she’s singing about boys, not knowing what she wants or unrequited love.

Current hit “Amazing,” is blowing up the Country music charts and debuted No. 6 on CMT’s fan-voted “12 Pack Countdown,” above Taylor Swift’s new video “You Belong With Me.” A pretty impressive feat for an up-and-coming artist.

It’s remarkable that just a few months ago, Ballestrini introduced her new music to fans on MySpace and Facebook. Since then, she’s met with an overwhelming welcome, her MySpace page views soaring to more than 8 million.

You can listen to her song, “Amazing” and watch behind the scenes of her music video shoot below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=518UXROtfgQ]

For more on Ballestrini, be sure to visit her on MySpace and, if you’re headed to Nashville for the CMA Music Festival check out her appearances listed. I’ll be interviewing Veronica this Thursday, so if there’s anything you want to know about her, leave your responses in the comments.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Val Emmich

In constant pursuit of new music, I’m always interested in what people are listening to and any artists they may recommend. Out for a friend’s birthday last week, one of her co-workers mentioned fellow Jersey native Val Emmich. She raved about his recent role on “Ugly Betty” as well as his music, so I made sure I wrote his name down to check him out for myself.

What perhaps is most striking about Emmich is the deep and at times melancholy stories behind his songs. At first listen, many tracks have that pop feel, but after paying more attention his tales don’t always end well. Take, for instance, “Hurt More Later.” The words tell a narrative of the beginnings of a seemingly fruitful relationship, but when paying closer attention you soon realize that this is no fairy tale:

“Conversation comes naturally/He holds your hand real carefully/Butterflies are fluttering/Your courage is sputtering/Cuz you never win/You’re finally there/When your heart starts to wear/Cuz you know how this ends/Passion fades, you pretend . . . It hurts now but it will hurt more later/Hurt more later/Much more much later.”

While “Hurt More Later” develops it’s almost as if a choir of school children are singing along with tambourine features, despite the obvious unfortunate end to a relationship. However depressing the song may seem at it’s close, the listener can’t help but to hit that repeat button and listen once more.

Emmich’s MySpace page includes a solid cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker’s “American Girl” as well as some softer ballads, like “Snowy Day.” At times his emotion filled songs bring comparison to that of Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba. (See piano-based track “The Only One Lonely”).

Whether it’s his screaming throughout “Shock” (“You’ve got one chance to complain/Just one chance to complain/Then I’m leaving”) or longing in “Just To Feel Alive Again,” one thing is certain — Val Emmich continues to grab your attention. And, with guest roles on “Ugly Betty,” “Third Watch” and “30 Rock” the current indie artist will be sure to win over more fans.

For more on Val, be sure to visit him on MySpace.

Recommended: For fans of Dashboard Confessional, The Ataris, and an angsty John Mayer.