ArtistoftheWeek:Dragonette 7/23/12-7/30/12

 It's surprising to know that Dragonette has done some much in so little time. They've released two albums within two years and on their way of releasing another one this summer (probably next spring but hey at least they're planning on releasing another album soon). This Canadian  electropop-rock group have achieved success with the release of Galore and Fixin' To Thrill. Their popularity is so noteworthy that many Americans label them as, "Canada's apology for Justin Bieber". 
The group formed in 2005 and have been going strong ever since. Their rise in success and popularity can be noted as similar as Metric's rise to popularity after their third album, Live It Out. The band work and tour a lot while also working hard on other projects. For example, Martina Sorbara was heavily feautured in Martin Solveig's album, SMASH. She also wrote and produced Dan Kurtz, bassist of the band, has another band he works with called, The New Deal (well, I guess had another band. They broke up in 2011) and their drummer Joel Stouffer has been a guest drummist on many albums.
Their music has that dance pop feeling fueled with the influences of rock n roll. This is shown well in their album, Galore. Songs like, I Get Around and Competition really show off that rock feel that the group has. Many of their songs give off that feeling of summer like, "Pick Up The Phone", "Big Sunglasses" and "Volcano". The band is perfect to have in your collection for a hot summer mix. Especially when you're planning on going to the beach.
Their recent single, "Let It Go", is a song that reminds me of "Warrior" by Kimbra, Mark Foster & A-Trak. It has that positive message of high self-esteem and the electro-pop feeling that makes you want to shake your worries away. With that being said, if you haven't heard of Dragonette, check 'em out because I can promise you that their third album will be talked about a lot when it releases.
Free Downloads
Selective Songs From Galore
Selective Songs From Fixin To Thrill
Volcano
Let It Go

~If You Like Dragons, Listen To Dragonette~

ArtistoftheWeek:Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 7/16/12-7/23/12

If you haven't heard about PONPONPON then you should check it out now before I start off.
Now that we've caught you up to speed (or got you back on this page after hours of being lost in Youtube) we can talk about the success of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and her music.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu started out as a Harajuku model at the age of 14. She's kept up with the world by keeping a blog telling people about her travels and her photo shoots. She had fun modeling with food, machines, and creatures made from paper-mache but after a few years of doing all this she developed the desire to sing, so she released an indies track (in Japan unknown releases are called "indies") and got a little bit of recognition from people, but not enough. One day, Yasutaka Nakata took a look at Kyary and said, "I'mma make you a star", and the rest was history. She worked with him in the studio while he was also working with, Capsule, MEG, Perfume, Ami Suzuki, Coltemonikha, SMAP, the list goes on and on. I don't know how in God's name he does it (Adderral) but nonetheless he took the girl, worked on her with a few tracks and released the "PONPONPON" music video and single worldwide on July 16th 2011.
*Today is the anniversary of PONPONPON.*
The world responded to the music video in various ways, in shock, fear, enjoyment, fun, judgement and addiction. The music video has received more than 20 million views and people are still watching it even after a year of it being out. She then released an EP titled Moshi Moshi Harajuku which topped Electronic charts all over the world especially in the US. After that she released two new singles, "Tsukema Tsukeru" and "CANDY CANDY". The music videos for the two songs are ranking up in millions in views as well.
In May 2012, she released her debut album Pamyu Pamyu Revolution. This album topped the charts in both Japan and America (US iTunes Electronic #1 & Oricon Charts #2). The album has been well-received by critics and fans of KPP. Kyary has toured a little bit in the US and has been played on American radio stations (in California but hey that's a start). It'll be great to see where this success with take Kyary, Yasutaka Nakata and Jpop in the future.
Free Downloads
Chodo Iino (English lyrics)
Drinker (English lyrics)
Jelly [Capsule Cover]

~Keep Calm & PONPONPON~

ArtistoftheWeek:Bess Rogers 6/6/11-6/13/11

If you don't know this artist, Bess Rogers, you should. Bess is a Singer/Songwriter, fueled with a couple of guitars, a ukelele and a strong voice. When you listen to her songs you may notice the professional experience she has with her lyrics. It's at the level of Nerina Pallot or Fefe Dobson style with some good guitar riffs and emotional vocals you have yourself and indie pop hit! A song that I'd like to recommend to you to check this girl out is, Come Home, Bulldozer, and Favorite Day. This artist has talent and swell songs fit for anyone's music collection.

Free Downloads
Come Home
Favorite Day
Bulldozer

I hope you enjoy this week's ArtistoftheWeek!

ArtistoftheWeek:Brookville8/10/10-8/16/10

I always loved the melodies and sounds of Ivy, and I didn't really find out about Brookville until I watched Great Mistake.

I checked out his third release, Broken Lights and I loved the album. I then listened to the rest of his songs on his last two albums and I was automatically hooked.
His melodies are mellow and mostly likely elevator music but you have to admit that would be some great music to listen to in the elevator.
His first album, Wonderfully Nothing, was more electronic, and relaxing. It's a great elevator music album. Then again, I love music that's for elevators.
His second album, Life In The Shade, was a more structured and more lyrical album than the first.
His third and most recent album, Broken Lights, is a very blue album. The artwork really fits the feel of the album. The album includes more guitars and is way more lyrical than the last two albums. I have to say my favorite album right now is, Broken Lights. A great album for a blue day or on days when the sun doesn't come out on a summer day.
Free Downloads
Selected Songs from Wonderfully Nothing
Selected Songs from Life In The Shade
Selected Songs from Broken Lights
Music Videos
Nothing's Meant To Last| Great Mistake
Websites
Andy Chase's Website
Myspace
Facebook

-Hope you enjoy the music of Brookville-

ArtistoftheWeek:Postmarks6/19/10-6/25/10

I love the Postmarks, their sound reminds me of Rainy Spring and sunny summer days. I found out about this band from Pandora.com. Their debut album is perfect to listen to on a rainy day.The Postmarks, came in at a great time, they were sometimes recognized as the new Ivy. With they're style and the overall feeling their music gives.
Free Downloads
Goodbye|Looks Like Rain|Leaves
Let Go| You Drift Away
Their second album, not including the covers album, is filled with songs for those sunny spring days. This album really shows how much they've evolved in their music.
Free Downloads
No One Said This Would Be Easy
My Lucky Charm
Don't Know Till You Try
Go Jetsetter
My Lucky Charm (Tahiti 80 Remix)
B-Side
Balloons

ArtistoftheWeek:The NeverEndings6/11/10-6/18/10

I love Ivy since I heard them play on TV in the 90s. Since then I've followed them a lot, seeing all the side projects they've made. Recently, I've found out about another side project they're working on, The NeverEndings.
The NeverEndings is like a combination of Brookville (lyrics), and Ivy (sounds). I totally look forward for the release in 2011 but for now I'll stick to the songs that I have now.
The NeverEndings are perfect to listen to in the Summer, especially in July.

The NeverEndings are Dominique Durand & Andy Chase.

Free Downloads
I Never Really Loved You
This Is All I Ever Wanted
It's Just Me
Here & Now

ArtistoftheWeek:Allie Moss5/3/10-5/10/10

Allie Moss, best known as back up singer of Ingrid Michaelson, has made some head way into her creative musical mind recently. With her earlier songs, she had kind of the same feel and sound of Ingrid Michaelson but recently she's been going her own way.
I know that one of the most unique and catchy songs she's made is called "Corner" on the Passerby EP, her debut EP,that's so far my favorite song of her's.
She's been kept busy touring with Ingrid and making music of her own. Balancing her work with Ingrid and her work with her own music. I like that. You don't hear a lot of backup singers do that.
Free Downloads
~Singles~
Rain
Way With Words
Dig With Me
Melancholy Astronautic Man
~Passerby EP~
Corner
Let It Go
Passerby
Official Website

|Author's Note|

I'd say more but I need to cut down on how much I write, because I know that if I didn't want to read 20 paragraphs of how much a blogger likes an artist then why would I do that to people who read my blog?

ArtistoftheWeek:Janelle Monae4/25/10-5/2/10

I love Janelle Monae....Well, I really loved her style of music on the unreleased album, "The Audition". The first track called, "The Intro", I really liked, it was like I was hearing her thoughts going through her mind before an audition. Really cool! Then the real Opening Track, "Lettin' Go", really great to listen to when you're out on the town. After that track comes, "Party Girl", the sounds really take you back to the times of the Supremes really interesting.
After that song the rest kind of craft the cybergirl story. Like, Metropolis, Cindi, It's Not Fair, Time Will Reveal, The Chase etc...
Basically all the songs craft the story. The Audition is by far, my most favorite album of hers.
Free Downloads
Thoughts(Intro)|Lettin' Go|Party Girl|Metropolis|Cindi
It's Not Fair|My Favorite Nothing|Cloud 9|Star|The Chase
I Won't Let Go (Instrumental)


Next her hit to fame, Metropolis: The Chase Suite I EP. I liked the songs, Voilet Stars Happy Hunting!, Many Moons, Sincerely Jane,
& VSHH! (CyberHop Mix), the rest of the songs were explaining the story or were offset of the feeling of the EP to me.
I do love this EP because it showed people how talented Janelle Monae is. With her original style and the distinct vocals.
After the release of the EP, everybody(well, all the critics) talked about her and her amazing vocal arrangement, catchy melodies, old fashioned vocal harmony, and so many other great talents she showcased on her EP.
Free Downloads
Violent Stars Happy Hunting!(ft. the Skunks)
Many Moons
Sincerely Jane
Violent Stars Happy Hunting! (CyberHop Mix)


Her most recent release, The ArchAndroid: Suites II & III, has proved a lot of hidden talent from Monae. A lot of talent that she didn't really show in her previous releases.
My favorite song from the album is, "Tightrope", also I've heard a remix of Tightrope that featured Lupe Fiasco, and B.o.B. Gotta love Janelle Monae.
Free Downloads
Dance Or Die|Faster|Locked Inside|Cold War|Tightrope
Come Alive (The War of the Roses)|Wondaland
Tightrope(Wondamix) [feat. B.o.B. & Lupe Fiasco]
I have to say that Janelle Monae puts a smile on my face. She and many other African American artists are breaking the barrier of "Black Music". Exploring the genres and tapping into their own unique souls to make great original music for the world.

Websites
Official Website
Myspace
Facebook
Many Moons Music Video

Tightrope Music Video

ArtistoftheWeek:Gemma Hayes 4/17/10-4/24/10

I love Gemma Hayes, I remember the first time I heard her when she played on Grey's Anatomy with her song, "Two Step". Great song. I didn't really cheeck out the artist until about Mid-March this year. 4 years after I heard her singing on Grey's.
I had her second album, The Roads Don't Love You, and I finally listened through the whole album (w/o multitasking) and I found my second favorite song of all time, called, "Another for the Darkness". The melody, vocals, and lyrics, all wrapped up into a great song. After listening to the song I looked for more songs from this wonderful artist. The songs on The Roads Don't Love You, reminded me of grieving and getting over a death of a loved one.
Free Downloads
Two Step
Another For The Darkness
Happy Sad|Easy On The Eye
Keep Me Here|Undercover|Nothing Can
Something In My Way|Horses


Her debut album, Night On My Side, really took my breath away. Especially when I saw the music videos for, "Let A Good Thing Go", "Hanging Around", and "Back Of Your Hand". I really liked the feeling of the album, it's like the feeling of a calm night out on the town. The streetlights and the fast cars fly by while you're calming contemplating about your life.
Free Downloads
Let A Good Thing Go
Hanging Around|Back Of My Hand
Work To A Calm

Her most recent album, "The Hollow Of Morning", is an acoustically melancholic album filled with songs for that empty feeling in the morning hence the title, it's a pretty good for that feeling for the early morning out in the wild with your RV and a can of beans.
Free Downloads
Out Of Our Hands
Home|At Constant Speed|


Her most recent release the "Oliver EP", has some really good calm relaxing songs on it. Like the title track Oliver & Ghost.
Free Downloads
Oliver
Ghost

Now, I can't do this article without talking about her B-Sides and Collaborations.
"Summers In Doubt", the B-Side on the Let A Good Thing Go single, is such an amazing song to begin or end of your summertime fun or drama. Whichever way it's great for the season.
Gemma Hayes collaborated with Anti Atlas for a song called, "It's A Shame", a really well done song by an electronic band I've never heard of before and an artist that I've already heard of.
Free Downloads
Summers In Doubt
It's A Shame [m4a file]






-Gemma Hayes' Music Videos-

~Gotta Love Gemma Hayes~

~Gotta Love Gemma Hayes~

ArtistoftheWeek: Olivia Broadfield 4/9/10-4/16/10

I remember finding out about this artist on Nocturnal State on VH1, it was 3 in the morning and I was finishing up a project and her music video, "Silence" came on.
Silence by Olivia Broadfield

The sound attracted me to look up at the TV then the music video how it was done was really cool to me. Then she started singing.
I was blown away by how great her voice was. After listening to the song it reminded me of the time I found out about Imogen Heap with the video, "Goodnight & Go" at 3 in the morning in 2005.
[I stay up late a lot.]
So, luckily it was 2008 and I had great internet at the time to look her up. I found out more about her and her songs on the album, "Eyes Wide Open" and I ended up buying the album.
I knew I was going to love the album when I saw that Silence was the first track on the album, the song that pulls you into the this wonderful collection of late night love songs. But, wait! That's not all the album is about. Songs like, "The Weight" and "Crashing Down" are a little too upbeat to beat part of the late-night chill session this album portrays. Despite that, I really love this album.
With songs like, "Fool Today", "Indescribable" and "Silence", who wouldn't like the album?
Especially with a cool/strange music videos for the songs!
Don't Cry by Olivia Broadfield

Despite the feeling of the debut album, I love the demos, b-sides, and non-album tracks she makes. They're so good! Songs like, Probably Nothing[Video] & Fool Inside[Listen Only!] are catchy and great listen to late at night.

Along with some new songs this year for her upcoming 2nd album!
The new songs are, "Miss Me[Video]", "The Way That I'm Feeling[listen]", and "Old Friend[Video]". I can't wait for the next album. If it's a Sophmore Jump than a Sophmore Slump then I'm totally buying that album too.

I love listening to Olivia because her music and style kind of makes me think of Imogen Heap but the styles are not the same. Olivia is kind of like the daughter of Imogen Heap (musically).

I'm so glad that Olivia Broadfield is getting recognition in the US. I just wish that most of the TV Shows she plays on weren't crappy Mtv or CW shows. She's so much better than the shows she plays on.
Free Downloads
Silence
Probably Nothing
The Weight
Crashing Down
Fool Today
Indescribable
Just Pretending
& The Way I'm Feeling
Music Videos
Miss Me [Live]

I see this girl going far in the music business either in popularity or in recognition.

~Gotta Love Olivia Broadfield~

ArtistoftheWeek: Gregory & the Hawk 4/1/10-4/8/10

I love Gregory & the Hawk (Meredith Godreau). She's such a great Singer/Songwriter that it'd just be rude not to mention her at least once on the ArtistoftheWeek blog.
Her songs like,
Ghost
Harmless
Doubtful
Grey Weather
& Fin Song 8 (Orange River Remix)
are really great compared to most songs I hear nowadays on the radio. Despite the melody and the feeling being "too calm" the lyrics, vocals, and explorative melodies make up for that. I found out about Gregory & the Hawk by Pandora.com in 2006. (back when it was more about eclectic music instead of commercials and repeating semi-popular songs all day) The song it played to me all the time by her was, A Wish.

I loved the song so much I wanted to find out more about this artist but I lost track of time until about 2008 when I finally looked her up and found even more songs that I love from her first started with the Boats & Birds EP. At first I kind of glanced over the EP and tossed it aside for a day or two. Then I listened to it again and I then heard the beauty that I was not listening to at first listen. Personal note, if you're ever listening to Gregory & the Hawk, make sure to be alone and laying around because if you're multitasking and running around your house at about 1 or 2 in the morning you won't hear the inner beauty of the songs. I then moved onto her most recent album, Moenie & Kitchi. That album really blew me away, personally. Voice Like A Bell, Ghost, Doubtful, and Grey Weather were the first songs that stuck out to me. Then I found out about the iTunes Bonus Track Dare & Daring and I had to buy it because of my love for G&TH.

Overtime, I just loved all the songs on the album.
I explored more and more on G&TH that I found some good unreleased or secretly released songs from Meredith Godreau.

While I was looking up more songs I found goofy songs, heartfelt songs, collaboration songs and many songs from or by Meridith Godreau I also found out that there's a little war going on the internet about G&TH being a band or a solo artist.

To me, it's more of a solo artist than a band. Kind of like the band Blow.

G&TH had Meredith and some guy and then it was only Meredith, same with Khaelea (the Blow), she had some guy in the band and then it was back to Khaelea again.

All in All, I love Gregory and the Hawk, her vocals, melodies, vocal arrangement, lyrics, artwork, everything is great, and I hope she makes great songs for us until I pass.

Here's to you, Meredith Godreau.

P.S. - Meredith Godreau & Andrew Futral collaborated and made a band called, Fotuna Mikou, they released a 4-track EP that (i think) is no longer available through G&TH or Andrew Futral's websites. So I'm offering the songs to you, the public. I hope you like them as much as I did.

Free Downloads
Gregory & the Hawk
Ghost
Voice Like A Bell
Doubtful & Grey Weather
A Wish
Fin Song 8 (Orange River Remix)
Oats We Sow
Two Faced Twin
Dare & Daring[m4a file type]
Harmless
Coco[Demo]
S-Curve[Demo]
Fotuna Mikou
Over My Head (Metrocard) [The Fray Cover]
Talkin' In My Sleep
The Gambler
Waste Of Time

Official Website
Myspace
Youtube

Music Videos
Ghost by Gregory & the Hawk

I hope you enjoy this amazing Singer/Songwriter!