WE love G.O.O.D Music! & not just that mainstream music either! We love... anything really & from anyone too! If it sounds GOOD, we'll plug it (plug = spread the word lol)! We aim to bring 2 U G.O.O.D music that radio doesn’t play... that U won't hear anywhere!
We plug to you, unsigned Reading Rock band Attention Thieves with their debut EP Look A Little Closer which was released last week on Monday, March 26. Far from your generic guitar Rock band, Attention Thieves add many different layers and elements to what their sound is - from Progressive Rock to Punk to Post-Hardcore - and with fans and critics alike heaping praises on Attention Thieves and likening them to the likes of The Police and Foo Fighters, it will soon be very hard for your favourite mainstream radio station and the wider audience consciousness to overlook the anthemic and progressive Rock sound of Attention Thieves.
I really need to start making sure I keep up to date with the music on our sister blog, Conversations but you know how it is right? You get busy with school and work and with life, you just can't keep track of the updates and you miss out on some pretty amazing music. Case in point is this next band... You see, I came across this album yesterday while actioning the emails I had received over the last few days and I listened to it until I fell asleep last night. Beautiful music brought forth by London 9-piece band, Professor Penguin.
Heading straight out of the Irish capital, The Funeral Suits are a modern Rock four-piece band, with roots in melodious Pop, mind-blowing art Rock and symphonic Electronica. The band's music can be likened to early Kasabian, White Lies and Electro-Acoustic Rock band, Empire Of The Sun, with their summery, edgy, psychedelic-rock sound. Not the first type of music that you think about when you envision an alternative Irish band I'm sure...
Bursting out of Kent, Englad and describing themselves as an Alternative power-trio is a dark and intense outfit by the name of Black Circles with their excellent delivery of thrashing, melody-driven Rock anthems. The band are self-proclaimed lovers of early Foo Fighters material - an influence that is clearly present their music - and while some bands who try to dabble in this specific genre of music can of course become lost in screaming vocals, Black Circles' lead vocalist/guitarist Dan (with backing from bassist Mayumi) delivers catchy choruses without going too far into the wailing territory of many similar bands.
The Arcadian Kicks - a Brummy Indie-Pop/Rock five-piece outfit - have been making music together for around five years, with some recognition at a local level for their sounds. Having been friends at upper-school, four of the band members began making music together with drummer Harry Grainger joining the Birmingham band later. After gigging locally for a good few years, the band developed a light Pop sound that featured pianist and back-up vocalist Rebekah Pennington on saxophone, giving them a stand-out and often Jazzy sound...
Now where do I start from on this one? From the very beginning I hear you say. OK, In the beginning was a lawyer who got restless with his musical talents and decided to put it to work - writing, arranging and producing songs for other artistes. He got quite excellent at his craft, and the big names kept rolling in, he produced for well known Gospel acts and even top mainstream artistes brought their work to him to engineer, mix and master. His popular sign off on his works 'F-L-O Baby or FloRocka' and his vocalisms on their tracks became a brand. As time went by, he "found" his singing voice and decided to step out into recording his own work, and history began. We plug to you gifted lawyer turned prolific producer turned unique and Inspirational Rock Singer/Songwriter - FLO.
If you are interested in new age electronica music or just some good electronic band music then listen up because Solar Taxi is the band for you. I am one to listen to all different types of music so finding out about Irish band Solar Taxi was amazing. The instrumentation of their songs make them stand out from most other electronica bands and sets them in a league of their own. Imagine a band that hold onto their electronica roots but with a dash of pop, a hint of alternative, a touch of folk - and there you have Solar Taxi.
Solar Taxi is a 4-piece Irish band made up of superb vocalist Aisling Browne, Peter Vogelaar - on bass and production, John Foley on drums and Jamie O'Hallorohan on lead guitar. The band came to life properly in 2010 with a relentless string of tours and gigs all over Ireland as well as the release of a number of singles and remixes which have gotten thumbs up from the likes of Tom Findlay of popular electronic duo Groove Armada and legendary electronic producer/DJ and remixer Timo Maas.
One glance at this caramel skinned beauty and you can't help but feel a sense of intrigue. With her long wavy locks framing her sweet and soft featured face, her deep dark eyes and becoming smile; her appearance screams 'Soul'. A guitar player herself, Salakida has toured and worked with a lot of big names in Soul and R&B music from the likes of Kenny Lattimore, D’Wanye Wiggins, Blackilicious and Jaguar Wright to Tony Toni Tone, N’Dambi, Tre Hardsen, PJ Morton and Anthony David and is now currently distinguishing herself amongst the sea of music flooding the industry via her "Spirit Music" as she calls it.
With her looks already predicting her music somewhat, however prejudiced that might seem, I prayed not to be disappointed when I clicked the 'play' button - hoping & really hoping that the sound would match (or better) the image before me and thank goodness, I was NOT disappointed. Smoky vocals with a tinge of sensuality serenaded me in her song 'In Bloom' and much like 'In Bloom', Salakida's songs are flowery and dreamy just like her personality.
Listen to 'In Bloom' below - An easy-listening smooth flowing one minute expression of comfort and natural feel-goodness.
Her earthiness and heart further shines through in the quicker-paced 'Wild Hair and Flowers' that tells a story of the usual "boy meets girl" and the heart conversations that follow. Listen below...
While she describes her music as "Black Hippie Funk" also known as "Blippie Funk" (referring to herself as the pioneer of this genre), it is a bit more than that... Her music reaches to the whole being - body, spirit & soul while her sultry vocals give you that 'feel good, no care in this world' feeling. It's kind of a merger of genres of sorts that most Neo-Soul artists try to aim for today. You can hear some Pop here, some Rock there but I'd say that it's mostly Soul that you hear from Salakida. Her voice is soulful yet rocky at spots with the electric guitar playing a major influence in most of her songs.
Her self-titled debut was heavier on good ol' Soul music though; released under Selket Recordings in 2005. Personally, I think this urban easy-listening mix is reminiscent of legendary American Jazz and Soul Singer/Songwriter Anita Baker's sound. Another comparison I'll make to Salakida's music would be the swing of Jill Scott mixed with the aura of India Arie. Neo-Soul....Yes? No? Maybe so?...Preview the album at CD Baby and decide for yourself.
The live version of the acoustic song 'Sick Days' is one of my favorites. It exhibits her voice nicely and the lyrics show her inner rebelliousness and quest for freedom. The song talks about the limitations of working at a job and a desire to be free free free...
"Am gonna use up all my sick days, Till I can leave this place behind"
I'm actually closer to Salakida (real name - Aminah Barry) than I thought, she resides in my city - Atlanta, GA, although originally from Oakland, California and the name Salakida means 'prayer music' in Hausa language, an ethnicity from the northern part of Nigeria - my country of origin. And hey, how about calling her a 'Black Bohemian' artiste? I think it fits perfectly.
Her current album, 'The Resurrection' which was released in August of last year is very different from the previous. I'll call it 'Alternative Soul/Rock' and it evidently shows that she has 'bloomed' into a more absolute sound and is more comfortable with going out of the box, musically. Majority of the songs on this album display more of an alternative rock edge with Brandon Thomas' guitar skills representing heavily especially on the song 'Kiss the Sky'- here she plays around with staccato vocalisms and gets very playful in her delivery.
"So High I can touch the sky... Wanna Kiss the Sky"
On the Album's title song - 'The Resurrection', the rocker girl in soulful Salakida definitely shines through without loosing her gentleness. Again, her carefree nature is spread across the lyrics to the song:
"Cause sooner or later, I know a brighter day will come Behold, The Resurrection So leave your cares behind Enjoy the music and just Ride"
Salakida, Oh Salakida! One can just tell she makes music that will take you on a journey to nowhere land. More of her songs are available on her BandCamp page. Her music/voice, lyrics, aura speak the same message: Be free, Be you, Be in touch with your inner spirit. She is definitely one to watch out for. For the free spirited, love and freedom conscious, her music would surely be worth a listen to. All hail the 'Blippie Funk' Queen!!!
This here feature on UK-based singer/songwriter Kelli-Leigh has been a long time coming as I've been a huge fan of her's ever since I saw her perform an 'open mic' slot at performance showcase 'iLuv Live' about a year ago now. On that night, she outshined even the showcase's headline acts and that was only just a tip of the iceberg that is Kelli-Leigh.
Kelli-Leigh is a fusion of Rock, Pop, Funk and Soul and her voice has been described as "beautiful, intense, passionate and powerful, yet with a freshness that cannot be compared with many of today's pop singers" and if you've heard this woman sing, you would be hard pressed to argue with that. She's toured in over 12 countries with High on Heels, does backing vocals for Adele and is on the radar of Boy George, ElectroQueer and Matt Willis (UK Music Jobs, just to mention a few but as we're never one for 'hype' and are strictly about the music - let's get right into it, shall we?
I am in love with this next song 'I Am Here' which sees Kelli-Leigh go directly at 'the industry' and those that do not wanna let her through the door on this excellent fusion of Rock and Funk/Soul music. I've chosen to share the acoustic version with you though, as there's something about her vocal presence on this one that I'm totally in love with. On it, she starts off softly as if to complement the gentle acoustic guitar strums of her long-time collaborator, co-writer and guitarist Keir More but always controlling the direction of the music and as the song progresses, the passion and intensity of her amazing voice starts to dominate this song rather beautifully. This is an instant attention-grabber! On the hook of 'I Am Here', she sings...
"Why aren't you taking me seriously, Why don't you recognise that I have magnanimously been making waves but you don't realise (No... But No) I am here"
Sonically the full-band treatment might appeal more to you so just for your listening pleasure, I'm gonna share that too and you're in for one hell of a musical treat because Kelli-Leigh's band go hard on the paint as soon as the second stanza of this song kicks in. Enjoy...
While we're still on full-band treatments, this next song 'Can't Get You Outta My Mind' is without a doubt one of my favourite songs right now. This one is heavily driven by lush drum patterns and divine electric guitar chords... Add to it, the infectiously catchy hook and you have that whole 'Arena Music' feel down to a tee with Kelli-Leigh highlighting her astounding vocal range that will certainly sing down stadiums and festivals in time to come. A special mention to Keir Moore and Ryan Haberfield on guitars because not only do they drive this song beautifully but the (short) guitar solo on this song does things to me every time.
For this next song and only as a slight detour, I thought I'd take it completely left-field and highlight some of the other music Kelli-Leigh makes with London-based Electro/Dance/Club producer and DJ Butchered Beats. On the radio edit of this song 'Without You' which takes a completely different direction (within the Dance Music bracket) from the song you're about to hear, Butchered Beats and Kelli-Leigh show that their chemistry stretches further to making sweet 'Dance Floor Filler' Pop/Dance music to the delight of not only your ears but more so, your feet. You can listen to that here... The below version of 'Without You' is an electro-tinged Dance/House record upon which Kelli-Leigh lends her amazing vocals to add an ethereal soulful touch to Butchered Beats' hard-hitting musical backdrop.
I was in a dilemna as to what song from Kelli-Leigh to share with you (as the final song) as there are so many amazing ones to choose from, with her latest offerings leaning towards more acoustic-driven Pop/Soul renditions that all come out magnificently and leaving you rather spoilt for choice. On the well-crafted, vocally perfect 'Through The Storm', you can hear Kelli-Leigh sing beautifully about needing "to be saved" over just Ryan Haberfield's gentle acoustic guitar chords while Kelli-Leigh and Ryan Harberfield collaborate once again on the catchy mid-tempo 'Easy' to glorious effects and on the not quite acoustic but equally infectiously lush 'Missing You', Kelli-Leigh continues in the same vein of creating some very amazing music enriched with live musical elements. I cannot get enough of this woman. Listen to 'Through The Storm' and 'Missing You' below...
While I've harboured on about Kelli-Leigh's vocal abilities, her lush tone and the musical dexterities of her band, something should be said about her song-writing skills because all these songs are so beautifully written and all credit to the combination of Kelli-Leigh, Keir Moore and Ryan Haberfield.
I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Kelli-Leigh and it's a honour to share her with you because she is as music should be - Nothing but Good Music and without compromise. I hope you pay attention to this woman because Kelli-Leigh is a serious problem and with a bevy of beautiful and diverse songs across the genres of Pop, Funk, Soul, Rock and even Dance music on her Soundcloud page, all good enough to make for an excellent début album, it is certainly not long before she gets all the recognition she deserves.
When I received an email six days ago that read 'New Artist To Consider Plugging' from one Zemmy Momoh, I thought it was from the same Zemmy Momoh that I went to boarding school with a decade ago and I wasn't gonna open the email because the Zemmy I know cannot sing to save her life. Anyway I opened the email and to my pleasant surprise, it wasn't (1) the Zemmy Momoh I knew and (2) this Zemmy Momoh could actually sing! We'll refer to her by her stage name which is purely and simply Zemmy...
SO who is Zemmy then? Well I'll let her tell you herself...
"I'm a female pop artist originally from Nigeria but I've been a Londoner for the last thirteen years. I like to think of myself as falling stylistically somewhere between Norah Jones and Beyonce and would describe my style as soulful pop. I started making a go at being a career singer/songwriter when I finished my undergrad degree. I found myself a lovely guitarist in early 08, a lovely manager in early 09 and my brilliant drums and bass were recruited at the end of last year. I've been with my wonderful band for just over a year now and we've spent this year (since January) gigging all over London." - Zemmy
It took me the first song to be completely hooked on this Pop/Soul singer and her other songs do NOT disappoint either. There's something about her voice that you cannot help but be captivated by and I just love her whole sound which she describes as 'soulful pop' but it's more than that. I would buy her album right now + it's an added bonus that some of the songs you're about to hear are live recordings and I know that not all of you will be immediate fans of live music over studio recordings but there's something about the organic element and authenticity that shines through on Zemmy's songs that the live music definitely helps bring out that much more BUT enough of me talking, let's listen to some music!
This one is a song titled 'Like Drowning' and I quite like it, I quite like it a lot. It's got that whole chilled-out vibe going on and by God, those guitar riffs capture your ears from the word go and do not let you drift away plus Zemmy's voice just does it for me... It's definitely not your usual or typical vocal powerhouse BUT it's rather soothing and beautiful to listen to and if lyrics and song-writing are your thing then I think you'll like this as well but tell me what you think though...
Here's a very beautifully done cover of the Kids in Glass Houses record, 'Easy Tiger' from their 2007 album 'Smart Casual' that Zemmy and her band absolutely nail. I totally love this cover and how Zemmy absolutely switches the levels on this song, I didn't even recognise it at first. You need to check out the original (HERE) to fully appreciate what Zemmy and her band have done here. They completely turn this rock song on its head and bring it down quite a few notches and turn it into this rather colourful poppy soulful pop song. I'm not sure if fans of Kids in Glass Houses will like it BUT I definitely do like it & hopefully you do too...
I'm loving Zemmy right now and I just wanna hear so much more music from her! You should definitely be up on this young woman BUT if you're not yet completely sold on Zemmy as an amazing artist then these next two songs should literally tip you right over...
This one is called 'Limbo' and I absolutely LOVE it... On constant repeat right now I tell ya! It almost reminds me of a Dido song (only slightly though) with its subtlety and the understated but also (at the same time) commanding vocals. Without mirroring my earlier comments about her voice, it really is just captivating and the musical backdrop, especially those drum patterns, aptly adds to this very compelling listen! I hope you like this one as much as I do.
I know I should go now & leave you to listen to the music without me butting in every five or so minutes with my two pence BUT just one more and I will be gone! This next one is a rough mix of a song titled 'Superman', you have to listen to it (I won't even comment, you give me your 2 pence on this one)...
#Tune!!!
Before I forget to say it, I feel a special mention should be made about Zemmy's 3-piece band; Ifan Emyr on Drums + Daryl Clayton on Bass + Zoltan Naggy on Guitar, because they do a smashing job, especially on the two live recordings we heard up top, giving those songs their full and rich organic sound... SO yeah definite kudos to the band!
I do not have to tell you that I am utterly and completely sold on the 'Soulful Pop' artist that is Zemmy and I hope you are too even if it isn't 'utterly and completely' yet but you cannot deny the potential that this young woman has. The variety in her music + her ability and willingness to play around successfully within such genres as Pop, Soul, Rock and even a bit of Folk is just beautiful and it means that she appeals to a wider range of audience such as Y.O.U and I think it's her voice that gives her that appeal. The first two songs we featured could not be more far apart and different from the latter two but her voice pins them all together. Did I already say that I'd buy her album right now? Well I so would!
Wow! Before I go on I would like to apologise for stalling on plugging this particular band to you. The thing is; I have been waiting for the perfect time to put this up but I just realised that the time might never come. Truth be told I am not a big fan of Alternative music, but then again, when it is good music, my ears have got to listen ... So without further ado, iPresent to you THE FIFTH MEMBER!
The Fifth Memberis a band made up of Louis Ktisti, Marek Razzouk, Nick Treloar and Oliver Gorrie. Like most other bands, they all share responsibility in the band's music production, as they all each play an instrument (as you would). I love the fact that I can't really put my finger on the exact sound of music that they make, so I'm going to stick to it being rock music.
The band have not always been called The Fifth Member however, they were formerly called Attic Noise but due to copyright issues, they had to look for a more suitable name. Sort of how every time you plug in your earphones to listen to the band, you become the fifth member; this notion is what unearths the logic behind the new name The Fifth Member...
Now down to the music; This first track is called "Eyes" & unlike alot of songs you hear today, this track draws you into the mind and core of the band even before you here any vocals. Marek Razzouk, the lead singer has a very distinct voice that makes you love the song even more. The chorus has that bittersweet tune to it...
"He looks into the darkness of her eyes but he cant seem to say what she wants to despise... he'd never know until he dies"
Yeah! Unto the next one. You trust us to always bring you more than one song, so as per usual, here's another one for your perusal. This track is a special dedication to Biggie Smalls (R.I.P) & thats especially why I'm plugging it apart from the fact that its GOOD MUSIC of course, lol. The song is called "Everybody's Gotta Go" and what I like is the way they transformed the tune, you would be forgiven for not remembering the track that they cover.
You know what they say about leaving the best for last? Well trust me to do the same... When I sent this particular tune to the boss, it stuck to him like a leach. It is the type of track that gets you involved, Jheez!! The dude on the guitar (Louis Kristi) is amazing with the vocals to match the quality of the strings, when you listen to the track you'll understand what I'm trying to say.
"if I stay then I'll stay, but if I go, no I wont always be the same"
Well, you've heard The Fifth Member, what can I say? #TeamUk!
