Tag: New Artist

Categories
Features

Introducing Tiffany Thompson

Though it’s only four songs, Tiffany Thompson offers much to music lovers on her self-titled release. Each track has an airy, yet jazzy feel while her lyrics tug on listeners’ heartstrings. Extremely introspective, Thompson sings of loneliness, love and life.

Thompson explains it best on her Web site: “In my songs, I seek to engage life on a very personal level and sing stories about longing after lost love, comforting hurting friends, and being there when it matters most. Call it, my other self-education. My songs articulate the everyday struggles of loneliness, loss and love, but all the while looking with a hopeful eye toward the future.”

I couldn’t agree more.

“Till That Day Comes” is a beautiful ballad that showcases Thompson’s emotive vocals. Reminiscent to that of Colbie Caillat and Priscilla Ahn, her voice is comforting as she tells a tale of a hopeless romantic. “So I close my eyes and pray one more time/That the day would come when I’d find someone/Who will hold me close oh and love me more than I’ve known before.”

Of the song, Thomspon writes, “No matter how content I am with being single; there are still moments—however rare—when I long to be in a relationship. And, I’d love for that man to be sitting in the chair next to me. However, as I wrote this song and entered into the emotions of longing, dreaming, and a bit of loneliness, I kept remembering the truths that root and guide me.”

She continued. “I am a dearly loved daughter and friend. I do not long for just anyone to fill the chair next to me or hold the light near my front door. I may be single, but I am not alone. I am a child of God—a follower of Christ—, and I trust in the plans He has for me. It is these truths I tried to reflect in the songs bridge and chorus: Its not about being alone; I can make it through life on my own. But I know that I would be a wife who loves for life.”

“Please” is more of an upbeat track that begs a former love to let her go. A conflicted song, Thompson sings in the midst of horn features, “Please let me go/Please come and hold me/Please can I go.”

To learn more about Tiffany Thompson, visit her Web site and watch her music video for “Please” below. She’s currently featured on Reverb Nation where you can download her song for free. Click here to register and download her single, “Till That Day Comes” on the current contenders tab.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83wWutQm38M]

Recommended: For fans of Colbie Caillat, Priscilla Ahn, Meiko.

Categories
Band of the Week

Band to Watch: The Tor Miller Band

When The Tor Miller Band took the stage last Saturday at Don Hills, I quickly realized this is not your average high school band. Mixing up their set with originals as well as covers ranging from Ray Charles and Creedence Clearwater Revival to the Beatles and Tina Turner, the six-piece impressed all in attendance.

I can’t even count the number of people who came up to me after the show asking if the band had any CDs they could purchase. Pretty impressive for a group that formed just over six months ago. The way frontman Tor Miller worked the crowd energized the room and had many of my family and friends captivated. A 15-year-old kid who could make some of my 25-year-old friends swoon is a feat in itself. Move over Jonas Brothers, Tor Miller Band is here.

Special thanks to Wendy Hu for capturing the night on video. Watch a few videos below and for more, visit You Sing, I Write’s YouTube page here.

Tor Miller Band performing a cover of Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say”

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

“I’m Alright”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LwMe1rZReI]

Cover of Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J594jHHttKk]

Categories
Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Akiva

Long Island based singer-songwriter Akiva has a unique and versatile style of music that is showcased well on his third studio album, If I Didn’t Work Nights/The Daylight. The two-disc release features 14 songs ranging from piano infused tracks to folk based ballads bringing to mind popular artists including Gavin DeGraw and Brett Dennen.

Having opened for acts like Rusted Root, Josh Kelley, Toby Lightman and more, Akiva is well on his way. Throughout If I Didn’t Work Nights/The Daylight Akiva displays his comical side on track “Junk In the Trunk” as well as his sensitive lyrics on ballad “Distant Love.”

First single off the album, “I Keep Calling You” has already been picked up by local radio stations. With soulful and sultry vocals and fitting piano accompaniment, Akiva is well on his way. “I keep calling you but you’re not home/And I need to get back into your heart and your home/I’m no good by myself/I’m a mess on my own/Baby girl, you got your point across now pick up the phone,” Akiva sings over horn arrangements.

“Heart In a Bind” isn’t a huge departure from “I Keep Calling You.” With similar piano accompaniment, the added bell and percussion arrangement is the only aspect that differentiates this song from the previous. Perhaps this is what Akiva was going for because next song, “Junk In the Trunk” is a complete surprise. The slow rap like chant of his lyrics and choir component awaken the listener and make him pay close attention to the tale within the song.

“Mississippi” is another striking number. Embodying a certain jazz feel, the song demonstrates Akiva’s willingness to shake things up and differentiate himself from other artists. With delicate fingerpicking on acoustic guitar and banjo as well as light piano accompaniment, the listener is transported to the south. A soulful and laidback number, it is easy to picture Akiva scatting in a jazz club. A much slower track than previous songs on the album, this is a standout number.

Just when the listener thinks he figured Akiva’s music out he is quickly proven wrong. “Figment on the Fringe” is a folk jazz number bringing slight reference to the likes of musical troubadour Brett Dennen. Another highlight on the album is “Distant Love,” a stripped down and intimate song with little musical accompaniment

Second disc, The Daylight represents more energy than If I Didn’t Work Nights. “Headlights Out” has upbeat percussion and electric guitar accompaniment while ballad “You Never Know” embodies fitting percussion rhythm and emotive lyrics of love.

While The Daylight only holds four songs, it might have been a better idea to merge these tracks with the rest of If I Didn’t Work Nights. Not a huge change between both discs, instead of having two separate albums, perhaps a full album and additional EP would have made more sense. Either way, there is enough versatility within each album for the listener. Whether it’s slow ballads or more upbeat jazz features, Akiva demonstrates his promise throughout both. Visit Akiva on MySpace for more.

Recommended: For fans of Gavin DeGraw, Brett Dennen, Jason Mraz.

Related Links:
• Artist of the Week: David Ryan Harris
• Artist of the Week: Jacob Vanags
• Band of the Week: Hotspur
• Artist of the Week: MoZella

Categories
News

Introducing Initials

Initials is a new all-star group featuring Fred Mascherino (Taking Back Sunday, The Color Fred, Breaking Pangaea) Andy Jackson (Hot Rod Circuit, Death In the Park) and Steve Lucarelli (ex Once Nothing). Most recently added to the lineup is drummer Josh Eppard (ex Coheed & Cambria).

Demo, “The Hills of Birmingham” is a promising track with familiar vocals from Mascherino, soaring guitar features and solid percussion accompaniment. “I don’t want to be the one to let you down/I heard six words you said/We’ll sleep when we are dead,” Mascherino sings throughout the chorus.

While the song is undeniably catchy, it doesn’t embody a distinctive sound to differentiate them from other up-and-coming acts today. Regardless, Initials are sure to satisfy former fans of Mascherino, Jackson, Lucarelli and Eppard.

For more on Initials, be sure to visit their MySpace and read a recent Alternative Press interview here.

Categories
Features

Band to Watch: Wes Tucker & The Skillets

Wes Tucker & The Skillets mix solid musical interludes with memorable lyrics on latest release, The Scorpion and the Dove. The 13-track album is the Virginia-based band’s third release and features versatile musical arrangements. Having been praised by critics and fans alike, The Scorpion and the Dove impresses with remarkable guitar riffs and meditative, socially conscious lyrics.

While their music can be described as rootsy rock, certain tracks introduce a jazzy and soulful vibe while others share a country sentiment with harmonica, organ and tambourine as can be heard on “Let It Ride.” The moving “What You Stole” begins the album with a catchy chorus and fitting musical accompaniment. A solid mix of ballads and rock tracks, it is often the guitar interlude that stands out to the listener, “What You Stole,” being no exception. Mid-song instrumental features leave room for the guitarist to shine.

“Three Yellow Roses” is a beautiful ballad about lost love with light guitar finger picking. “Loving can leave you as fast as it came/But all the gold in the world can’t buy back your day . . . You were always on my mind/Like a picture that I tried to hold on to/But even memory fades and/I can’t delay the day,” Tucker sings.

On many tracks, it is the guitarist that leaves the biggest impact on the listener. “Good To Go” is one example. With a slick and powerful electric guitar feature mid-track, the song quickly transforms and showcases an edgier side than witnessed on previous numbers. By far the stand-out song on the album, “Good To Go” exemplifies the talent within Wes Tucker & The Skillets.

Softer ballad, “Sad and Proud” switches gears from the intensity and guitar riffs of “Good To Go.” With Tucker singing poignant lyrics, the listener witnesses a tale of hope and, partly a therapy session. “We just can’t explain/All the secrets that we keep/And my confessions, they don’t even make a sound/No one can hear you when you don’t weep/You lock it up you store away your pain/Like your burdens are your own/You find out you can’t carry all that weight by yourself/Sad and proud/Remember that no matter where you are/You’re not alone.”

While each track stands well on it’s own, the main focus throughout most songs is the guitar accompaniment. Whether it’s energetic electric guitar riffs or soft finger picking on a more somber ballad, the guitarist tells a tale of his own. Perfectly complimenting each song, the vocals and music embody one another well.

A melodica accompanies “Beloved One,” a beautiful ballad of a man confessing his love. “Sometimes mountains crumble even diamonds fade/But the love you give is the life you save,” Tucker sings. “Let Me Know” is jazzier and more soulful than previous tracks. In fact, it almost sounds like an entirely different band at first listen. But the listener need not be alarmed, Wes Tucker & The Skillets remain and continue to showcase their talent throughout. For more on Wes Tucker & The Skillets, be sure to visit them on MySpace.

Recommended: For fans of Hootie and the Blowfish, Dave Matthews, The Wallflowers.

Related Links:
• Artist to Watch: Mike Posner
• Band of the Week: Hotspur
• Artist of the Week: MoZella
• Band of the Week: Sherwood

Categories
Features

Artist to Watch: Mike Posner

Mike Posner has been making waves in the music scene. Garnering attention from music fans and record label executives alike, the Duke University senior has had quite a year. After releasing his debut mixtape, A Matter of Time, in March he was scouted by numerous labels, eventually signing with J Records.

Not your average college student, Posner spent most of January in his dorm room where he wrote, produced and recorded every track on A Matter of Time. On the weekends, instead of unwinding at the typical college party, he spends his time touring. Posner’s MySpace bio provides a glimpse into his busy schedule:

“Thursday and Friday I performed in Detroit. Saturday I performed at the University of Dayton. I had three finals on Tuesday, a show at Duke Wednesday, did a song with Wale and 9th Wonder Thursday, and Friday I had a meeting with Jay-Z.”

By the looks of it, Posner won’t be slowing down anytime soon. While he embodies a certain Justin Timberlake quality, Posner is as versatile as they come. He is able to mix and sample tracks from acts like John Mayer (listen to video below) and The Fray to older classics like Rickie Nelson’s “Traveling Man” effortlessly, all while putting his own unique spin on each.

“Still Not Over You” samples The Fray’s hit single, “Over My Head (Cable Car)” from the soft vocals to light strokes of the piano before Posner adds his lyrics and club beats to the track. Featuring Eric Holljes, “Still Not Over You” is smooth and emotive while Posner sings, “You were my first girl/So won’t you be my last girl.”

Featuring guest appearances from Kid Cudi, Bun B, Big Sean, GLC, 3Oh!3, Freddie Gibbs and XV, Posner’s upcoming 2010 release, One Foot Out The Door, is sure to please listeners. Check out his song, “I Don’t Trust Myself” below and be sure to visit Mike Posner’s MySpace or Web site where you can download the album for free.

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

Categories
Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Jacob Vanags

Unlike many breaking singer-songwriters, Jacob Vanags‘ weapon of choice is piano. Hailed as a talented piano rocker by some critics, Vanags provides much needed diversity in today’s music scene. Accompanied by strings, horns and percussion on many tracks, it’s his catchy vocals and strokes of the piano that continually stand out.

Jazzy songs like “All That You Have” quickly grab the listener’s attention. Extremely energetic, Vanags’ music is different than anything else out there right now. While the piano-infused “Toss Up” brings to mind that of fellow singer-songwriter-pianist Brendan James, “Stuck” holds slight resemblance to Jason Mraz with his rap-like banter throughout the song.

Additionally, “Antarctica” showcases an eerie string accompaniment and piano feature at first listen. While at times his vocals overpower the track, when paying close attention to the tale within the song, this only seems fitting.

It is no doubt that Vanags attempts to break the mold with his second EP, Pulses are Pluses. In fact, it’s releases like this that are needed to shake up the music scene and introduce something new to music fans and indie lovers everywhere.

Of his EP, Vanags has said, “The title Pulses are Pluses really captures the heart of this EP. I hope the concept of understanding how we all have so much to be positive about in this life, even in the lowliest of times, will really come across with this new, energetic sound.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Recommended: For fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Augustana, Owl City, Brendan James.

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: Hotspur
• Artist of the Week: MoZella
• Band of the Week: Sherwood
• Band of the Week: This Century

Categories
Band of the Week Concert Reviews

Band of the Week: Hotspur

With their arena friendly choruses and infectious vocals, it is no wonder that Hotspur recently won MTVu’s The Freshman for catchy single “Chandelier.” Currently in rotation on MTVu, “Chandelier” mixes high energy pop rock with polished musical interludes bringing to mind bands including Fall Out Boy and Boys Like Girls.

I caught Hotspur’s energetic performance at The Studio at Webster Hall last Monday where I met a few fans who drove three hours to witness their set, promising me a good show. The band impressed and despite the small stage setup, Hotspur are a band I expect to see selling out arenas in a few years. Whether it was frontman Joe Mach jumping off the drum kit or minute long instrumental breaks, those that stuck around long after midnight for their performance left the venue satisfied with the promise of another New York show in the near future.

While the majority of their songs include high energy and power pop tendencies, ballads such as “Heads/Tails” are a welcomed and unexpected change, proving Hotspur’s prowess as musicians and songwriters. In fact, it is the tales behind their tracks that leave an impact on the listener. Their storytelling includes vivid imagery and their lyrics exemplify pop songwriting at it’s best.

Enough to make any girl swoon, on “$$$” Mach sings, “There’s not enough money in the world/To make me forget you girl/And nobody else in the world makes me feel like you.” Move over Fall Out Boy, Hotspur is well on their way.

Watch Hotspur’s video below for “Chandelier” and be sure to visit them on MySpace where you can download their entire catalog for free on Halloween.

Reccomended: For fans of Boys Like Girls, Fall Out Boy, Lights Resolve.

Related Links:
• Artist of the Week: MoZella
• Band of the Week: Sherwood
• Band of the Week: This Century
• Artist of the Week: Glass Pear

Categories
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

Categories
Band of the Week

Band of the Week: The Hollows

Forming just six months ago, The Hollows have been packing venues throughout New York with their roots-based Americana and jam band style of music. The five-piece New York outfit is often accompanied onstage by additional guest performers with instruments as varied as an accordion, trumpet and banjo.

A few weeks ago I caught The Hollows performance at Fat Baby where they played to a standing room only crowd for nearly two hours. For a fairly new band, the fact that they even had enough original material to play for that long is impressive. Fans in attendance could be heard singing along and dancing in what little floor space was available.

While music fans seem to love their music, venues share similar sentiments. Pete’s Candy Store newsletter described their music as, “An amalgam of country blues, rockabilly and homespun folk that employs guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, organ, harmonica, accordion and basses under tightly woven harmonies, carefully crafted melodies and smooth, fluid rhythm.”

I couldn’t agree more. While songs like “Sticks and Stones” and “Sycamore” have a classic and more rustic vibe, “How To Marry a Millionaire” is a tongue in cheek ballad at first, before the tempo picks up mid-song.

Watch the videos of previous performances below, and if you like what you hear be sure to check out The Hollows tomorrow night at Pete’s Candy Store. For more on them, visit MySpace and YouTube.

“How To Marry A Millionaire”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlSfTnSRn-E]

“The Wildlife” and “Sycamore”
If a nine-minute video is too long for you, start at 4 minutes for “Sycamore.”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QExpK7HMkOc]

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