Canaan Smith is a nice mix of country and pop. His single “We Got Us” is more on the pop side than country but it is still a good simple love song. This summer he will be going on tour with country superstars Sugarland. He has a few other songs that you can listen to via the music player on his website. While upon first glance you might not think his music would be country, there is a nice little twang in some of his other songs. He definetly has potential to not only have success in country, but also in pop. -AI
Las Vegas band Imagine Dragons has something about them that leaves you wanting more. The first time I heard them was when I watched the above video. Dan’s voice had me mesmerized and Theresa’s harmonies were refreshing. The simplicity of the song allowed me to get lost in their voices and the beat; it made me want to clap along while sitting at my computer. Soon after I looked them up on itunes and bought their album “It’s Time” (the above song being the title track) and loved every song on it as much are “It’s Time.” On Tuesday they released a new EP entitled “Continued Silence” with 5 new songs and a revamped version of “It’s Time.” Definitely and album that you should all pick up and help them chart the album! They have a few shows coming up so be sure to check out the dates on their Facebook page and support them. -AI
iTunes- Continued Silence EP
Next In Line
Walk The Moon, a great band from Cincinnati, just released a new EP (the Anna Sun EP) before their album is released sometime around May. This is one of the 3 songs on it, “Next In Line.” It is extremely fun and catchy, and definetly a song to listen to in the car with the windows down. Actually, all their stuff is perfect for that. The EP is available on itunes for under $4 and they also have their debut album available there. If you like physical copies more you can pick on up from them at the first half of the Young the Giant tour. They are currently opening for YTG and it is a show you shouldn’t miss if you like either band. -AI (I know I already posted about this band, but I’ve been listening to them non-stop since I saw them on Wednesday and had to share their new stuff.)
Electric Touch is a rock band from Austin, Texas that has recently burst onto the alternative music scene. The band is made up of four Americans and one English vocalist. Together, they combine classic and contemporary influences resulting in a high energy live show and anthems that make you want to sing along. To date, they have shared the stage with The Bravery, The Airborne Toxic Event, Bon Jovi, Our Lady Peace, and have lined up appearances at popular music festivals and venues around the country. Check them out and let us know what you think! - KJ
Have you heard of Lana Del Rey yet? She’s an American singer/songwriter from the state of New York. Though her debut album was released in 2010 with minor success, she reached stardom after signing with Stranger Records and releasing her debut single, Video Games (featured above), to the online world. Del Rey revealed, “I just put that song online a few months ago because it was my favorite. To be honest, it wasn’t going to be the single but people have really responded to it. I get very sad when I play that song. I still cry sometimes when I sing it.” The success from this song has launched her career more than she could ever imagine, winning awards, scoring television features and wooing the media. She sites Britney Spears, Elvis Presley and Kurt Cobain as her influences – and you can hear it within her music. With her voice, expect big things from her in the future. Expect a release from her in the summer of 2012 - but for now, check out her released album, Born to Die! - KJ
A couple weeks ago I had a chance to see Brand New in San Francisco. I had never seen them before and had no idea who was opening. I was pleasantly surprised when the second band came on, I enjoyed every song. The four piece, Sainthood Reps, hails from New York. Their music definitely has a similar sound to Brand New, yet stands out as their own, so if you are into Brand New you should take a listen. -AI
Erland & The Carnival are a British folk rock band formed in London, by multi-instrumentalist Simon Tong (formerly of The Verve and Blur). They’re best known for their contemporary arrangements of traditional Scottish and English folk songs. The debut album was released in 2010 to positive reviews and the latest album was released this past March that debuted at #21 on the UK indie charts. Check them out! - KJ
Morning Parade are a five piece band from Essex, England. They’ve spent this year touring around Europe playing huge music festivals and opening shows for The Wombats. Their untitled debut album is set to be released next month to the public. Most would describe their music as rock tracks with a distinct 90’s dance anthem influence. They’ve received much praise from media outlets such as MTV and Vogue… so, be sure to keep an eye out for these guys! - KJ
Kevin Devin, singer-song writer from New York, has some amazing rock music. Some of it is folk, some indie, some alternative and some is acoustic. Many people may know him because of touring with Brand New and Manchester Orchestra. His newest album, “Between The Concrete & Clouds,” was released September 13, 2011 in the US on Razor & Tie. Other notable songs to check out of his: Jesus Christ (Brand New) from the Daisy Sessions. -AI
Flaws
by Bastille
album Flaws
Bastille is a London based pop band fronted by producer Dan Smith. Their sound is made of a fun arrangement of synths and samples with vocals layered on top. They released their debut album, Flaws/Icarus in June of this year. They’re fun and catchy, so check out their tunes and remixes on the official website. - KJ
