Set It Off (November 24, 2013)

Set It Off's latest album "Cinematics" is one of the best pop-punk/rock albums I've heard in a long time.  The album starts with a 30 second orchestral intro that I love (and yes, others have done this too) and it just sets such a powerful and ominous tone. From that point on I am just hooked on this band and album.  It is a total thrill ride from start to finish. If you like bands such as All Time Low, Mayday Parade, etc. then you should check out this band!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Gavin James (November 17, 2013)

If you've seen what's happened with the meteoric rise of Ed Sheeran, you may want to pay attention to Gavin James, a singer-songwriter from Dublin who has recently released his EP "Remember Me."  The title track is one of my favorite new songs that could easily become a mega hit song.  The other songs on the EP are all wonderful and have that simply beauty that show off his incredible voice and songwriting.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Kayleigh Goldsworthy (November 10, 2013)

Kayleigh Goldsworthy might be considered a folk singer but I think that label is too limiting and she is so much more.  Her brand new album "Burrower" has so much variety in it and each song shows a different side of Kayleigh's incredible talent.  Her voice is gorgeous and her songwriting is impeccable.  "Where The Summer Goes" was the first song I heard from her (back in May) and it instantly became a favorite.  It's a good old fashioned banjo picking country song and after listening to it a hundred times or more I still love it just as much.  "Let It Rain" is a more traditional folk sounding song.  "Ordinary Day" is a sweet, sweet lullaby in the purest sense.

There's lots to like here and you can stream the entire album at http://kayleighgoldsworthy.bandcamp.com/album/burrower-2

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Katie Lee (November 3, 2013)

Katie Lee, in her introductory promo video (http://youtu.be/QGxRaxXZN30), says that  she "has to do this" (when talking about singing and perfmoring) and I would agree - she has to - she's too good not to.  Katie has already attracted some top producers and I have faith that she will end up on a major label and her life will be forever changed.  Now is the time for you to find out about her before almost anyone else.

Katie's music is a beautiful blend of pop and soul and whether she is singing upbeat songs ("Runaway Baby") or moving ballads ("Something New") her voice is captivating.  While her songs are not yet for sale they are available for contributors to her PledgeMusic campaign (http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/theofficialkatielee) and I am excited to be part of her efforts to put out great music and make an impact in the music industry.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Andrew Morstein (October 27, 2013)

In over 6 years of weekly posts, I haven't ever featured an artist like Andrew Morstein, but now is the time as Andrew has just released "The Runaway EP", his first solo release.  Andrew's incredible voice is often (and appropriately) compared to Josh Groban and I can see him following in those footsteps.  This EP (available on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-runaway-ep/id730143306) contains 4 songs (3 in English, 1 in Italian) and each shows the beauty of his voice and the versatility of this artist.

Andrew is also a part of the a capella group Gentleman's Rule and takes the lead in the song "Not Over You" (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/not-over-you/id578470457?i=578470614) which shows off more of his pop side.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Courage My Love (October 20, 2013)

Courage My Love is a Canadian alternative rock band started by twin sisters who could easily be related to Avril Lavigne based on the great music they create.  Their latest release, "Becoming," is full of loud guitars and drums but also contains quieter and softer moments, insightful lyrics and quality singing.  These sisters, Mercedes and Phoenix, along with their band mate Brandon, have formed a band that will speak to so many young people and their upcoming tour across Canada and much of the US will hopefully get them a bigger audience. They deserve it!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

The Fold (October 13, 2013)

I had to double and triple check my records to realize that I have never featured The Fold before. This surprised me because I've been a big fan of theirs for years. Their album "Secrets Keep You Sick" (which came out in 2007) is one of my all time favorite albums and "Gravity" (from 2006 release "This Too Shall Pass") is one of my favorite songs.  Sorry it's taken me so long to share them with all of you but now is the time - especially with the release of their brand new album "Moving Past" dropping this Tuesday (Oct 15).  It's another fantastic release from this rock band that fits in quite nicely next to a band like Jimmy Eat World.

You can check out two of the songs from their new album here:
Moving Past: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKn8PBhB-UU
Bye Bye Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_GeuNBf75c

Please give them a listen and get ready to pick up their new album on Tuesday!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira