Sunday, March 29, 2015

Charlie Simpson (March 29, 2015)

Sometimes it just takes a few moments, a few notes, to realize that you're listening to something special and spectacular.  It didn't take me long to know that Charlie Simpson was just that.  It was almost too good to be true so I listened to another song, and then another, and before the hour was over I had purchased "Long Road Home" and fell in love with the whole album.  His voice is stellar all on its own but he brings in harmony after harmony to add these incredible layers to each song.  His music is a crazy combination of folk-like singer-songwriter and modern indie rock band but it's really none of those things at all. If you're asked "who does Charlie Simpson sound like" the only appropriate answer is... "Charlie Simpson."  I can't get enough of it and hope you'll like it as well!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Guy Sebastian (March 22, 2015)

Guy Sebastian is coming so you might as well be ready.  This Australian pop phenom keeps releasing better and better music and it's just about time for him to make the big leap to the US radio and concert market where he'll do very well.  He's been around for a while and has a smooth and impressive voice.  Two recent songs that caught my attention are "Tonight Again" which is being used by his home country as their entry into the 2015 Eurovision contest. He wrote and recorded this song in just a few days and it's one of those songs that gets in your head and stays there.  "Like A Drum" is one of my favorite songs of the year and could easily be a huge hit.  His latest album, "Madness," is not out yet in the US but from the samples I've heard it sounds fantastic and I can't wait for it to be released.  Check out his video for Tonight Again (below) and when his name and music hits our shores you'll be ahead of the game.


Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, March 15, 2015

The Wellspring (March 15, 2015)

The Wellspring are a great folk pop band that feature male and female vocals and sound somewhat similar to The Weepies but with a little more energy and bounce.  Their easy going style is hard not to like and I like it a lot! Their latest EP "Easy Tiger" features "Onwards" which is a favorite and even includes a rap break. "The Girl Who Cried Sheep," which came out just over a year ago, really caught my attention with their cover of "The Boxer" (Simon and Garfunkel) as well as an English/Hebrew piece called "Refa Na La (Heal Her)" which is gorgeous whether or not you are familiar with the language. The Wellspring has scored some movies and seem to have their hands in a variety of musical opportunities and I encourage you to check them out!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Matt Simons (March 8, 2015)

I first saw Matt Simons before I heard him.  He was opening a small show for his good friend (and previously featured Emerge Music artist) Chris Ayer.  I was impressed with Matt's voice and sound and enjoyed the experience.  He has kind of lingered just outside my radar for the last 2 years until his latest album, "Catch and & Release" came to my attention. Once I got a listen to this batch of songs I new he had taken that next step to becoming a truly outstanding artist. "You Can Come Back Home" has an upbeat and easy groove that puts Matt in the same class as Andy Grammer, Eric Hutchinson or Matt Hires. And then I heard the title track and realized I had just found one of my favorite songs of 2015.  The song is gorgeous, warm and surprisingly simple but beautifully layered with the most beautiful harmonies in the chorus that I can't get enough of. The album continues to showcase Matt's diversity as an artist incorporating pop, electronic, rock and folk elements. It's a phenomenal album in every way - go find out for yourself!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Magic Giant (March 1, 2015)

I've been sitting on my hands waiting to share Magic Giant with all of you and I can't wait any longer!!  This LA based band has a 4 song EP out (available for free) and I have a feeling once they get signed things are going to happen very quickly.  While they have a unique style and sound they could be grouped along with Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers etc in that their songs tend to be big adventures - often changing tempos and feel as it moves along.  Lots of great instrumentation, group vocals and a party/jam atmosphere.  This band happens to be  extra special to me because it's lead singer is one of my former students and he's had quite the musical journey and I am so impressed with his work in this band.  Their first song, "Glass Heart" instantly became a favorite and everything I've heard from them since has been golden.  You can stream/download their 4 songs for free and I encourage you to hop on their bandwagon early - it's going to be a great ride!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira