Sunday, September 28, 2014

Matt Nakoa (September 28, 2014)

Matt Nakoa has the perfect blend for today's modern singer-songwriter. He has a great voice that wavers in between rock, pop, country and folk music.  His songs are perfect for a late afternoon bbq or a drive through the country side.  His songs are soothing but never boring.  His latest album "A Dozen Other Loves" features great songs like "Fool Of A Knight," "You Are My Moonshine" (a free download on his website), and the beautiful "Chokecherry Hill." I also love "Diamonds into Dust" from his previous album "Light In The Dark."

His new album is currently available on his website and on CD Baby (not yet on iTunes/Amazon) but it's worth the extra effort: http://www.mattnakoa.com/music.html

Have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Natasha North (September 21, 2014)

UK based Lab Records has done it again by signing Natasha North who released "Fire," her latest EP, today!  Natasha grabbed my attention with her last EP "Gather and Run" (released September 2013) which I finally heard in the early summer. The title track and accompanying video (see below) were enough for me to know that I had found something special.  Lessons Learned, the first song on "Fire" is simply stunning.  She is basically an unknown commodity if you base it off of her Twitter followers (just barely over 1,000) and FB "likes" (almost 2,000).  I sure hope that she won't be anonymous for much longer!

Natasha's music falls into a weird in between zone - it doesn't feel right to call it pop or alternative and her voice sometimes sounds like she's singing traditional folks songs. So forgive me if I can't categorize it other than to say that it's exceptional.

Video for Gather and Run:


Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Amber Run (September 14, 2014)

Amber Run would have been one of my new favorite bands anyway, with songs from their "Spark" EP released earlier this year. "Heaven" and "Spark" are both great songs that showed me what this UK Alternative band is capable of. But then they took it to a whole new level with the videos for two of the songs from their new "Pilot" EP which is scheduled to be released September 21 (hopefully in the US as well as in the UK).  I'm not normally someone who gets excited about music videos but these are different.  It's three songs/parts - I Found, Pilot and part three which I can't wait to be released.  It's great music and an intense story that I'll let you watch for yourself.

I Found (Part One)
Pilot (Part Two)
Enjoy the videos, and the music, and have a great week!

Ira

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Us The Duo (September 7, 2014)

For me, there is just something special about bands that feature male AND female lead vocals.  Us The Duo does this as well as anyone and their songs are sweet, sultry and sensational.  This married couple released their latest album, "No Matter Where You Are" this past May and it is full of incredible songs.  The title track is a favorite as is "Make You Mine." But there are no disappointing songs on this album - it's just a lot of great, gorgeous music sung by two amazing talents.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira