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!
When a song sticks to you and won’t let go, it just will NOT let go - it keeps playing in your head, in your mind and in your sleep - in a good way. That’s how I describe NOSA’s (full name Nosa Omoregie) songs - it’s like a hug you don’t want to let go off. I don’t know if it’s his voice or his lyrics, his depth or the soothingness of his sound or maybe it’s all of the above; he is such an effortless and natural singer/songwriter and it is with great pleasure that we plug to you this refreshing and unique Nigerian inspirational neo-soul singer/songwriter - NOSA.
I first heard and saw Martyna Baker back in the Autumn of 2009 - it was a showcase for BBC Sound of 2011 nominee Daley, she was one of the two supporting acts to open for him - and despite the annoyingly noisy crowd and reception at the otherwise intimate Ruby Lo venue in London, Martyna Baker, along with her guitar, delivered a beautiful selection of acoustic songs that simply just blew me away. Unfortunately or otherwise, in the two years that have proceeded after that performance, I haven't seen or heard much of Martyna or her music except for news of an odd gig here or there but fast forward to this week and all that seems rather irrelevant because Ms. Martyna Baker has - out of nowhere - gone and released a short but sweet "introduction" if you will of her music to her wider audience by way of a 5-track EP simply titled Martyna Baker - The Demo's and can I just say right off the bat that it's an AMAZING debut EP from the London-based singer, songwriter and musician - without question!
Freedom or Death - made up of duo Steve Fernandez and Sway Clarke - is an alternative rock band out of Toronto, Canada. Sway, the singer/songwriter and Fernandez, the pianist/DJ both met while working at a record label a few years ago and burst unto our radar when they released their critically acclaimed self-titled debut EP last year. Fast-forward about ten months on and the duo return with the follow-up project to and what they call a progression from Freedom or Death - an 8-track sophomore EP titled Ego which was recently released on April 26. The EP is self-released on their own label Liars & Thieves with distribution via the good folks at Arts & Crafts and every track on Ego is written, produced and mixed by the duo who assumed full creative control on the EP over the 5 months it was recorded.
On why the record is called Ego, the bands response is “Cause we all have one and have to deal with our and other people's egos every day”. A couple more quick facts about the band; they performed this year at the Canadian Music Week and also played 3 showcases at this year's SXSW (South by South West) music showcase which has previously birthed the careers of other notable artists such as John Mayer and James Blunt. Even bigger achievements - songs off of the EP are scheduled to run in ABC’s series Rookie Blue this Summer. Now unto the music…
'Inside' which in theory is the first song of the EP draws you in immediately, starting off with an electronic guitar riff. On the verses, you hear a light drum sample while on the chorus an Eighties themed electronic sound is vivid. There’s no doubt that this was carefully constructed to make for a strong opening track. While vibing to the song you almost forget its message is that of one trying to find one's way home to where they belong. I must say it is quite a catchy track that you may find yourself singing along to even on the first listen. For almost a minute on the track (from the 2:40 minute mark), a combination of instrumentals - from drum kicks to lush electronic guitar riffs - are merged together to further showcase the great musical production coming out of this track while the song ends with the band holding a falsetto note that was apparent throughout the track. Listen below:
"Inside":
The next song I plug to you is coincidentally also the second track on the EP and arguably one of the best. On 'The Crowded Room', very noticeable are the synthesizers that start off the track accompanied by strong captivating leading vocals from the duo. The build-up of instrumentals on this track is nothing short of genius posing a sound that comes similar to what some have termed "earth music". Accompanying the synthesizers are little shakers and a hint of cymbal sounds, followed by a strong drum kick loop sample that backs the harmonious vocals of the group at around the second minute mark. There is also a hidden bonus acoustic version of this song at the end of the album and I urge you to listen to it as well.
"This Crowded Room":
The third song I'm sharing with you was chosen at random (Yes, the EP is that good). The track titled 'Virginia Woolf' starts off with delicate shakers mixed with guitar strings backing the band's lead vocals. Just as before, it slowly builds up to include a drum, bass and eventually claps to make up the instrumental part of the song. This track's orchestrated sound has one of the most enjoyable instrumentals of the album for me. The track also includes dialogue excerpts from the 1966 movie "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf". Harmonizing, a strong asset of the band is very apparent and very well executed on this track as well.
"Virginia Woolf":
Freedom or Death remind me a lot of the other stand-out alternative bands within the same or similar genre such as OneRepublic and The Fray but this is far from us offering up some easy comparisons because Freedom or Death are certainly different from these bands. I can confidently say Freedom or Death's music can and should very well be ranked and judged along with the veterans and chart-toppers on the scene. The production quality on the Ego EP is flawless while the vocal delivery and musical cohesiveness is one for the books. After listening to Ego, I’m definitely downloading their previous EP as well just because I can’t get enough of their music. Download the EP and listen for yourself and just incase you’re in the Toronto area, do not forget to catch the duo on tour all through the Summer (check their website below for tour dates).
Hey G.O.O.D folks, I hope there’s some space on your iPods because this is one artist I guarantee you’ll be listening to all week. I first came across Jhené Aiko when I wrote the piece on Kendrick Lamar a little while back and when her single popped up on one of my daily blog lists, I just had to get her mixtape.
Jhené Aiko Efru Chilombo simply known as Jhené Aiko is a 23-year-old American R&B singer-songwriter born to a multicultural family - her mother is Japanese, Spanish and Afro-Dominican while her father is African American, Jewish and Native American. Jhené, like quite a lot of other artists, was introduced to music at a very young age and had the privilege of meeting music producer and artist manager Chris Stokes when she was only five. In later years, she finally got to sing for him and got signed to Epic Records; at around the same time as R&B boy group B2K (Omarion, Raz B et al).
Jhené - who at the age of fifteen had relative chart success with her first single "No L.O.V.E" reaching number 5 on the US R&B Billboard charts - has had a few of her songs featured on soundtracks to hit movies such as Barbershop, You Got Served, and The Master of Disguise and also featured on quite a number of records and releases with her then label mates B2K. After walking away from her contract with Epic Records and taking time out of the music "industry" to complete her education and becoming a mother, Jhené Aiko is now focused on trying to save the world with her music. I plug to you her debut mixtape Sailing Soul[s] which was recently released on her birthday - March 16, 2011.
The first track I'll be sharing with you from Sailing Soul[s] is 'Stranger', one of the strongest songs on the mixtape and definitely a good way for you to sail on your musical journey into Jhené Aiko’s world. It features light vocals from Jhene as she painstakingly stays in the same vocal range throughout the song, laced over minimal keyboard arrangements, drum patterns and backing harmonies. In simple terms the lyrics convey the message; all men are the same as her relationships all tend to be comparable. The song is nicely arranged and written and the listening ear would be longing to hear more after this one...
“you said you were different but you’re the same stranger”
"Stranger":
This next track 'July' features Drake and is quite an old record which was done a couple of years ago but still sounds just as fresh as if it was recently recorded - remember when this song leaked around the time before Drake released his debut album and we all thought it was from his album. Noticeable though is Jhené who seems more like the featured artist on this one. She sings mostly on the chorus and parts of the hook while providing lush adlibs with rapper Drake handling all 3 verses with his [virtually] never failing wit. The song houses clever lyrics from Jhené relating the relationship in weather-like terms. Their fights in the "Summer" highlight that it isn’t their season leading them to breakup in the "Fall". The title of the song is also pretty apt as listening does lead you to imagine a perfect summer day in July.
“they always say the hottest love has the coldest end”
"July":
Remember hearing the phrase, "Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars" when you were younger? Without having to think that far back though, we’ve also heard songs of similar titles from Jay-Z and Usher in more recent times - which brings me to this next track from Jhené Aiko - the drums-infused 'Space Jam'. The song literally expresses a situation where she and her significant other are from two different worlds. It highlights the issue of communication in relationships but then goes on in the end to attest that you can actually come together to [form your own world] meet on common grounds. Just like the other tracks on Sailing Soul[s], this is another impressive one from Aiko and would probably be right up there on your most played tracks on the mixtape.
“we come from two different worlds, but there’s only one us”
"Space Jam":
A case of saved the best for last - well you be the judge of that but the last track I'll be plugging to you from Jhené Aiko's Sailing Souls is the guitar-led 'Higher' backed by glorious keyboard and drum arrangements. I mentioned Jhené's wordplay and lyrical dexterity earlier but this song is unquestionably a better implementation and showcase of it. On this song, Jhené refers to herself as the catalyst into getting a guy "high". The mellowness and light delivery exudes innocence on ironically what could be the sexiest song on the album. A very well thought out song even to the tiniest details as you hear hints of someone starting up a light in the background. It infers quite a lot of innuendos I doubt Jhené even realizes herself but the track is smoking and the pun is very much intended.
“love is the drug that gets me high”
"Higher":
Some of the major likes on this mixtape are the fact that the backing instrumentals used on Sailing Soul[s] are never too heavy as to overpower Jhené smooth and sultry vocals - vocals of which provide some of the highlights on this mixtape plus the much welcomed presence of beautiful and meaningful lyrics from the 23 year-old - something R&B music tends to be lacking lately plus the mixtape does a great deal in showcasing a wide range of her talents - from her songwriting skills to her ear for music down to those captivating vocals. Jhené is definitely an artist that knows what her sound is - what I refer to as “New Cali R&B” [think Miguel]. I like it and I hope you do too. As Ebert and Roeper would say – two thumbs up!
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome to the stage... Mr. Shakka Philip!
My first encounter with this 20 year-old performer was when I had the opportunity of interviewing him after a recent performance at a live music showcase in London. Not only was I intrigued by his unique singing style and lively stage persona, but I was also taken aback by the energetic personality and showmanship that instantly bubbled to the surface during our interview. Not content with a standard question and answer session, Shakka jumped, sang, shouted, laughed, joked and ‘smoozed’ his way through the interview. I guess this first interaction was a taste of things to come from Shakka and in hindsight, was a very accurate portrayal of this singer/songwriter/producer.
Born to Dominican parents, Shakka Philip was birthed into a musically eclectic world of Dub Reggae, Hip-Hop, Motown and Garage. With Notting Hill setting the scene for his childhood, Shakka’s appetite for all things melodic stemmed from the role his Father played as a guitarist and producer of a Reggae band by the name of ‘The Foreigners Crew’, a band which Shakka went on to play the keys and sing for. Secondary school, Saturday music school and the local youth centre expanded Shakka’s music production and recording experience and further strengthened his creative and musical foundations... Which leads us to why we are here - Shakka Phillip's latest mixtape release by way of The Shakka Crown Affair.
In musical terms, the word "cover" may conjure up thoughts of an artist simply replicating an original song by another artist and this is not entirely a bad thing when done well enough because they do say that imitation is the highest form of flattery… And then there is Shakka - not content with the possibility of his most recent musical offering being labelled as merely a "covers" mixtape, the singer, songwriter and producer presents the world with the conceptual The Shakka Crown Affair. Far from simply snatching instrumentals and replicating the original composition, this young upstart stomps all over the tracks leaving a Shakka-shaped footprint... miraculously without damaging the original foundations.
The concept for the mixtape is "borrowed" from the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair where screen legend Steve McQueen plays a millionaire businessman who fearlessly ventures into the world of crime to cure his boredom and satiate his appetite for adventure (the 1999 remake starring Pierce Brosnan follows the same vein and sees Mr. Crown painstakingly plotting to heist a Monet painting). Shakka's mixtape - The Shakka Crown Affair - centres around the hero stealing numerous priceless music artefacts to use for his own personal amusement while we (the listeners) are updated about his progress via the humorous skits which seamlessly weave through the mixtape.
"Borrowing" the instrumental foundations of songs from prolific and/or popular artists such as Coldplay, Jay Z, Young Money, Calvin Harris and J. Dilla, Shakka uses an amalgamation of storytelling, singing, rapping, comical adlibs and musical interludes, wrapped in a layer of dry humour with sprinklings of undeniable charm to deliver this quirky 11-track mixtape.
So without further delay, let's get stuck in!
The introductory skit flows freely into the opening track, which allows us to follow Shakka’s ‘Chicken Legs’ through his musical journey thus far. The song tackles the realisation of his creative talent, peer pressure and resentment that almost threw him off course, but ultimately contributed to finding his musical identity. Sleepy Brown's 'I Can't Wait' provides the backdrop for this journey from adolescence right through to current day, highlighting his hunger and impatience to reach the dizzying heights of critical acclaim that many of his peers experience, as he awaits on the sidelines. 'Chicken Legs' demonstrates Shakka’s readiness to claim what he seems to believe is rightfully his:
“I see red, amber then green. Next in line; Shakka, that’s me”
“I can’t wait! NO! I can’t wait, I can’t wait!”
On this next song - 'Take Our Time' - Shakka beautifully touches on the realization that in one way or another, we have all experienced heartache and sometimes we’re not capable of assessing the magnitude of that pain until we embark on another relationship. This song addresses the fact that we need to allow our loved ones the opportunity to heal by simply allowing them to talk, while we listen... and that we shouldn’t be afraid to communicate this to our significant other if necessary. ‘Take Our Time’ suggests that this can only be achieved by moving at a more comfortable pace and although this particular subject matter fails to escape Shakka’s trademark humour, it successfully makes its point.
“Do you mind if we take our time? ‘Cos I’ve been here before, and it nearly took my life. Do you mind if we take our time... and take it easy?”
Calvin Harris' 'Neon Rocks' serves as the appropriate foundation for Shakka to create the speaker-rumbling track that is this next song titled 'Spaceship'. We are gently eased in by Shakka’s trademark harmonies. The melodic and mellow introdction gives way to the thumping bass line and noticeable tempo change that makes this so much more than a mere "cover". I predict that this infectious track will be a firm favorite with the listener. A definite foot-tapping, head-nodding tune upon which Shakka adds his own unique delivery and quirky lyrics:
“I’m whipped, it’s true but I can chill in my spaceship, thinking of you. Facebook picture on my desktop, slowly winking at you...”
Whereas Coldplay's original 'God Put a Smile Upon Your Face' record has dark and sombre undertones, Shakka flips this sentiment by accelerating and cleverly altering the composition and tempo of ‘God Put a Smile on Your Face’. Add Shakka’s upbeat delivery and quirky adlibs and this song is instantly uplifted and firmly placed into the 'feel good' category. Despite the clear alteration of mood, Shakka keeps many of the original lyrics but of course, it wouldn't be true to form if Shakka didn’t add his own wacky lyrical content in some form or fashion:
“I want a day off. Tell him that I’m sick. That my medicine is some tissue and an empty tub of Vicks. I can’t come into work today, I’m getting too much licks...”
If you don’t take to this track straight away, it will definitely grow on you.
Although each song has more or less been completely reworked to make it original in its own right, 'Driving' which you're about to listen to is the sole original track on this mixtape. A piano serves as the only accompaniment to Shakka's mellowed vocals - stripped down to basics - this song comes as a stark contrast to the majority of The Shakka Crown Affair. The energetic and vibrant Shakka heard throughout the mixtape subsides to reveal a more mellow side of himself, making this fearless artist more endearing in his vulnerability.
'Driving’ is a story of a young man embarking on an arduous journey, baggage in tow. Disregarding the adverse conditions and unsure of how he will reach his destination, he is assured only by the fact that his determination will get him there eventually. A young woman suddenly appears in a car and offers him a lift to his destination - he eagerly accepts her offer and they embark on a journey together and the young singer is even willing to alter his original path just to prolong the time spent with the young woman while she swiftly disregards the possibility that he could actually be a danger to her life. They decide to take the risk and after an uncertain and sometimes turbulent journey, they eventually grind to a halt and venture into their new destination.
“I don’t care where I go, the night’s still young // Long as I’m staying with you I’ve no need to run // We can drive and drive and drive and drive ‘til my pocket runs out of fuel”
Shakka’s eclectic concoction of musical knowledge, experience and musical influences all serve as the diverse marinade in which this mixtape has been birthed in. If The Shakka Crown Affair is an accurate depiction of the artist Shakka wants to be received as, then I rub my hands together in anticipation of what is to come. This multi-layered mixtape provides the listener with a heady mix of unique vocals, humour, bumping basslines and melody.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the theme of travel expertly threaded through this mixtape - Shakka invites us to walk in his ‘Chicken Legs’ then gives the instruction 'Let's Ride'. He goes on to declare that he can chill in his 'Spaceship' before he disappears into the sunset 'Drivin' and whether this was done intentionally or purely by coincidence remains to be seen but if like me, your eardrums have a low tolerance for the Euro-Pop sound over-saturating the airwaves nowadays, this is a journey you MUST take.
On The Shakka Crown Affair, Shakka casually brushes off expectations by defiantly going against the "generic R&B crooner" mold to give us a fresh perspective. The young singer maintains his British accent and does have the tendency to defiantly sing at the top of his lungs - often leaving me clenching my teeth until he makes that high note (which he always does). Fortunately, this adds to the unique quality of his voice and gives this mixtape an unapologetic rawness.
The intricate harmonies heard throughout this body of work cut through the rawness to make it all-encompassing. This combination contributes to a multi-layered effect that keeps the listener interested in what Shakka has to say. Some of the lyrical content may seem wacky at times but I suppose this gives the listener a deeper insight into the experimental artist that Shakka is... And with that, I leave you with The Shakka Crown Affair
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!
Hey there! Well, this week I got a review order from the DON, and I was actually excited because I feel I owe you more G.O.O.D music to get into. So I jumped on it and I loved it.... So without further ado, iPlug 2 you singer/songwriter Oliveir Daysoul.
Olivier Daysoul, real name Olivier St. Louis, born in Washington DC teams up with producer and friend Oddisee to make the beautiful EP titled "Mr Saint Louis". I am actually very excited about reviewing this EP, simply because it is undiluted soul music at its best.
Daysoul is a Hatian American based in the UK, he graduated from OXFORD UNIVERSITY, he has also worked with numerous artistes such as Hudson Mohawke, Onra, Dam funk, Mike Slott & many more and although this EP was written and recorded in Oxford (UK) during Oddisee's holiday trip to the town, the two friends had initially met in washington DC where the birth of the album was first discussed.
To be honest when I first heard his songs, I felt he was personally coached by Marvin gaye, well, I wasn't so far way from the truth because Daysoul says he draws alot of inspiration from the Likes of Marvin Gaye, Al Green Maxwell, and D'angelo, He also admires Snoop Dogg (the Dogg Father *in my mum's voice*), Common, Outkast and many more. Enough talk, let's get down to the music.
Well, the first song is called 'Labor' and it caught me on the first listen, this was down to his Falsetto as well as the backing vocals. On this track he talks about his relationship with a certain girl and I'll keep it on a low so you can listen and make out your own meaning. The melody on this track is actually very lovely but this part of the song got me
"So you question my intention, when there's no need for suspicion/ so what else is left to prove to you"...
I'm sure you loved that... This next track is just as lovely and actually very captivating that you actually forget everything else around you for a moment... Like actually forgetting the name of the track such like I did just now, it's called 'Foolish' by the way. The thing about good music is that even when the voice and the instrumentals are gone and you are just left with lyrics, you can still sense it's quality...
"Trouble seems to envy me/ decisions so hard to make and she knows/ knows I don't want her to leave but i cant seem to open my mouth, so I go/ go ahead and make it so hard for myself"
Wow, this next track is nothing short of what you've heard already so far, and if you are the hip hop type, then you will fancy this one because it features Von Pea of Tanya Morgan. To be honest, this has that fly boy feel (black suit, black shades, red shoes and just bop to this lol) to it. This track is called 'In the Now' and I absolutely love it...
I wont even lie, I enjoyed every moment I spent doing this review... I love good music, regardless of the genre. So in order for you to get your hands on some more of this Daysoul opus, just DOWNLOAD the EP 'Mr Saint Louis'
