Nothing wrong with being Strange

Now don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way, because I adore every band/singer I've ever posted about on my blog, but every so often you find an artist that epitomizes why I started this blog in the first place. Quirky, fun, interesting, and independent.

Kieran Strange is all these things and more. Originally from England, Kieran moved to Canada at seventeen to chase her dream and has gotten quite the online following.

I'm late to the game, having only discovered her yesterday, but I've been totally blown away by not only her talent, but her spirit and attitude toward life. She embraces who she is and incorporates it in her music, she's...well, a geek, and that's a badge of honor.

She was bullied in school for being awkward and loving geeky things, and I think that's something a lot of us have gone through and she has a message of self-acceptance for her fans which is one of the things I appreciate about her. I don't insist that the musicians I like be role models, it's not their job, but it's always nice to find one that stands up for what's right.

Now to the music, it has a definite geek theme, from the lovely and uplifting "Adamantine Hearts" to "Rock N Roleplay" whose storyline should be familiar to most of us geeks but it never passes into novelty song status.They're just amazing pop songs with a geek sensibility.

Oh, did I mention the voice? She's got a lot of power in there, and she knows when to hold back or let it loose. Mark my words, we've got a potential rock goddess here when she finally gets the attention she deserves and breaks out.

Go check out her music and I'll leave you with her amazing Xmas video - "Merry Undead Christmas"

Be sure to check out Kieran on her official page, Twitter, Facebook and grab her music on iTunes or her Bandcamp page.

An interview with...Kelly Sweet!

Following up on my review of her amazing album "Ashes Of My Paradise", Kelly Sweet was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for us.

For my readers who might not be familiar with you, could you tell us a little about yourself and your music?

Well, my name is Kelly Sweet and I like to think of myself as a poet/singer. If you want to know me, read my lyrics. Every song on my record Ashes of My Paradise is a side of myself... I've been singing since I can remember, and I don't remember a time when music wasn't intensely a part of my life. :)

Your new album “Ashes Of My Paradise” has recently been released in Japan. What are your feelings about it finally getting a release?

I am thrilled! It has been years now since I even began the record, and several since I've released anything. I am beyond happy to finally share this music I have spent countless hours on with all my fans. They have patiently waited all this time!

A follow-up to that, I understand you're still trying to find ways to get the album into the hands of your other fans around the world, any news on that?

No official news yet on that. My team and I are working very hard every day on finding a way to get it released here in the US, and the rest of the world will hopefully follow. 

What are your tour plans? I understand you're going to Japan, excited? Any possibility of US dates? (selfishly hoping for Portland someday) 

Yes, I am making plans to tour in Japan, either in the end of this year or early next. the record is doing well there, and I am so excited to perform this record live! I’ll be playing a few shows in Los Angeles before I leave for Japan, and then probably next year, fingers crossed I will tour the US once there is release date for the record here!

All the songs on your new album are amazing, but which ones are your favorites and/or mean the most to you?

Every song is a side of myself and has multiple meanings for me. If you want to know me, look to my lyrics, this is how I see the world, how I think. Some moments I am the woman warrior in Black Gun Parade, fighting a war in her own head, battling the opposing forces of joy and fear and living through both simultaneously. Other moments

I am the goddess in My Amazing Grace, falling in love, seeing the beauty in

everything, and the fear simply drops away. And other moments still, I am

still a child, a daughter, like in Why (Nothing Else Matters), You and I,

and Pictures and Numbers going through the process of saying goodbye to her parents, her guides and mentors, learning to stand alone. I can't really choose my favorite! They are all me!

Where does your inspiration come from? Any tips for struggling songwriters?

Life, and the way I see it. My view of the world around me, and everything

in it! Also, I sort of get into “modes”. When I know I must begin writing for a record, my mind begins to explore and find the “theme” of the record. Sometimes one will just happen upon me. Sometimes, the theme is only apparent after writing several songs that I know will go on the record. Then, this theme is what inspires me! I can see the many sides of the story, or theme and I want to write them all! 

For struggling songwriters, I would say, don’t call yourself “struggling” first of all. Call yourself a songwriter, whatever stage you are at. We’re all still learning. And secondly, worry and work only on your craft. Study other songs, many different types of songs, and study every part of them, melody, chord, production, sounds, lyrics, harmonics, etc. Be honest to yourself before you push your songs out into the world. Are they ready? And once your answer is yes, let them go. You can always write another. You will only get better with practice and time.

The style of music on “Ashes Of My Paradise” is a lot different than your earlier music, what has been the fan reaction to then change?

So far, it has been overwhelmingly positive, which I am thrilled about! I adore my own record, but of course, I made it! It is my child! And to watch so many of my fans rave about it and hear and enjoy the nuances that I carefully crafted, brings me so much joy!

What music do you normally listen to? Anyone new we should check out?

Right now, I am in love with an artist named Fink. His records both Perfect Darkness and Distance and Time are amazing. A few new artists that I’m liking are Chelsea Lankes and Frank + Derol. Also, loving Stateless, especially the song Bloodstream. Their record came out a few years ago, but I’ve just discovered it. Robyn, of course. Love it. And who doesn’t love the following UK girls: Ellie Goulding, Marina and the Diamonds, etc.!

If you had your pick of tourmates, what bands/singers would you select?

Robyn!! Or Metric, Dragonette, Bat For Lashes, The xx, Lykke Li...

Just had a personal request from my wife :) “What does “Glass Made Man” mean?”

Haha! Glass Made Man is about a man...A beautiful man I could see all the good in, even in the few moments it appeared. I could see he wanted to be vulnerable, to fall in love, but it was like he was frozen from previous heartbreak. He just teetered on the edge of love with me. Neither in it, or out of it. I could see all of this happening, and all I could do was wait, and try to melt his frozen heart with my own warmth. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions Kelly!!

Be sure to check out Kelly on Twitter, Facebook and on the newly revamped Kelly-Sweet.com! 

 

If you're not in Japan and curious about how to get her album, it is available for import from Amazon or you can see my previous post about how to purchase it from iTunes Japan.

Kelly Sweet - Ashes Of My Paradise

Let me preface this with a little information about Kelly Sweet. I discovered her a few years back when she was singing some sweet soft vocal/pop songs and I was entranced by her voice, but times change and a artist has to change and grow as well. I remember a couple of years ago when Kelly first teased her new songs (I remember a in-studio clip where I heard "Sirens" and I was hooked) but time kept passing and still no release date...I could tell that Kelly was as frustrated as her fans about her record label (Razor & Tie) not releasing the album.

Now I'm not claiming to know the details about what occurred between Kelly and R&T but I do know that she left her label, and her album, "Ashes Of My Paradise" is about to be released in Japan on Victor Entertainment's label, unfortunately there is no current word about a North American release, but I dearly hope it happens. This album is special, It's hard for me to put into words the heart, soul and emotion that has been put into this album. Razor & Tie has made a serious error, "Ashes Of My Paradise" is a perfect album for the current market, it's got impeccable songwriting, great beats and heartfelt (and heartbreaking) vocals.

It's a little bit LIGHTS, a little bit Ellie Goulding, but mostly Kelly Sweet, and that's what makes it perfect.

My picks for standout tracks are the first single "My Amazing Grace" which is just simply one of the most gorgeous love songs I've ever heard, "Walking On Mars" is a perfect track for those of us who march to a different drummer and look to the stars, the aforementioned "Sirens" and "You And I", which if it doesn't tug at your heart when you hear it, you don't have one.

Right now the only way for us in North America to get the album (Japan release date, Aug 22) is by importing it (I'll post a link at the bottom) or purchasing a iTunes Japan gift card (for example, from this website.) Now I hope that success in Japan will mean a NA release, but it's certainly up in the air right now.

If you'd like to listen to some samples of the album you can do so on her Japanese label website or on iTunes Japan . You can import "Ashes Of My Paradise" here and please be sure to follow Kelly on Twitter and Facebook and listen to "My Amazing Grace" on her BandPage!

of Verona - The White Apple

I'm going to cut right to the chase, of Verona's debut full-length "The White Apple" is nothing short of a masterpiece, I say that without a shred of hyperbole. This album grabs you with the first track and takes you on a magical aural trip with singer Mandi Perkins' amazing voice as your tour guide.

As is my habit, I'm not going to do the expected track-by-track review, in this album's case it wouldn't do it justice anyway, it needs to be experienced as a whole, while the individual tracks do stand on their own, as a entire work, it's a joy.

of Verona isn't a household name...yet. With this album, I think that's a temporary state of affairs. If they don't make it huge, then I will have lost my faith in the music buying public. I know this is coming off as a bit of a hard sell, but really, they're that good. I can honestly say this is the best album I've heard this year.

The band is currently planning a tour, so if they hit your town, be sure to go. If their live show lives up to the album, then it's going to be an experience not to be missed.

Keep up with the band on their official site, Twitter, Facebook and be sure to buy "The White Apple" on Amazon or iTunes!

Aimee Francis

I haven't talked about Australian singer Aimee Francis since I was running this on my old Tumblr page, and she's way overdue to be covered here. Aimee epitomizes all the reasons I started this blog in the first place. She's a totally, fiercely independent female singer/songwriter, with undeniable talent and charisma, and one of the sexiest rock voices you could ask for.

Like most indie artists, she's still struggling to get her name and her music out there, even giving away batches of her CDs to people who had promised to give them out to friends/family/strangers. (I was one of the lucky souls who got a batch, and managed to give away all the originals + a few copies). I know for a fact that at least two people got back to me and said they loved her :)

So, her music...rock, with all the raw emotion that implies. I'm not going to get into a review of her album "Somethin' Like That". I'll let you decide what you think. For my own part, I adore it, there is something very pure about it, no overdone studio tricks, just a gorgeous voice, great lyrics and a fighting spirit. Hard to ask for anything more.

If you'd like to check out her music, head over to her official site also her music is up on Bandcamp and be sure to "Like" her Facebook page and if you really like her tunes, please go buy her music or at the very least, tell someone about her!!

Ally Burnett - So Close. So Far

Hey look!! He's back with a new post!! Wait, you're talking about Ally Burnett again??

Yes I am, so get over it! :P

Seriously though, Ally Burnett epitomizes what this blog is all about. She's about as independent as you can get. This isn't a hobby, sideline or part-time job for her, this is her life, and I'll support her as much as possible.
So, as you might or might not know, she recently released her latest EP "So Close. So Far"  and again I have to wonder why she hasn't gotten more attention. This EP has all the elements for a great summer album, from the unashamed love song "Wherever You Are" to the more complicated sides of romance in "Love/War" and "Give It Up" and the joy and hopefulness of "Anything" and the gorgeous, inspiring anti-bullying song "We're All The Same".

Please give this album a fair listen, Ally knows how to pull the heartstrings, and writes some very relateable lyrics, I think everyone has felt what she's put down in these songs.

"We make, we make the world go round
  We make the most beautiful sound
  We make the world a better place"

From "Anything" and yes you do Ally. Please keep doing it.

You can get "So Close. So Far" on iTunes and Amazon right now and be sure to follow Ally on Twitter and Facebook. She's always got something interesting to say...or at least pics of some amazing baked goods ;) 

Electric Valentine - Free music!

Electric Valentine is an amazing LA-based electropop band, and they've generously decided to give away their album "The Fuse" (which is damn good!). They're not asking for anything, not even your email, but if you like what you hear please follow them on their Facebook and Twitter to keep up with their latest projects, and spread the word - and the download link, which is right.....here!

New Ally Burnett single "Wherever You Are" + EP release date/samples

"Wherever You Are" (listen on Purevolume) is the sparkling first single from Ally Burnett's upcoming EP "So Close So Far" - It's a refreshing, unashamed, upbeat love song, and it's a *perfect* song for spring/summer. Go listen for yourself, and also check out Ally's teaser video for "So Close So Far" not only do we get to hear the release date for the EP (May 1st...YAY!!) but snippets from all the tracks.

From what I can hear, this is shaping up to be the best EP Ally has ever made. If you like what you hear, please spread the word. Without a big promotional budget, word of mouth is essential for indie artists like Ally, so listen, enjoy, tell your friends, and be sure to buy the EP!

Debra Arlyn - Heartbeat

I've been following Portland, Oregon based artist, Debra Arlyn's music career ever since her 2005 release "Thinking Out Loud" and, to be honest, her music always has a place on my iPod. Debra has such an amazing, moving, emotional voice, and her new release 'Heartbeat" carries on the tradition.

"Heartbeat" is another Kickstarter success story, which just makes this album all the more special, it exists because the fans wanted it to (disclaimer: I'm a proud donator).

I'm not good on track-by-track reviews, but more about the general "feel" of an album, and "Heartbeat" is such a sweet (without being cloying) uplifting album, that I defy you to maintain a bad mood after listening to it. You know, just from listening, that Debra poured her heart and soul in to it.
I will say, for me, the stand out tracks are the adorable first single "La La La" and....ok, I'm wrong, I can't single out any tracks, they're *all* that good! Debra's voice soars and just takes you along for the ride.

The official release date of "Heartbeat" is April 21st, so be sure to check it out, and if you're a Portland local be sure to go see her album release show at Jimmy Mak's (which reminds me, I need to make a reservation!)

If you love beautiful vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, I encourage you to buy "Heartbeat" and if you feel like picking up any of Debra's older releases, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Follow Debra Arlyn at DebraArlyn.com Facebook Twitter and buy her albums on iTunes and CDBaby

June Divided

Ok, let's cut to the chase. Philadelphia-based June Divided kicks some serious musical butt. With Keith Gill on drums, Chris Kissel on guitar/keys and Melissa Menago on guitar and laying out a serious vocal punch, they're a band to be reckoned with.

I know just about every band with a female singer will get compared to Paramore at some point, and I can see some valid points of comparison but I'd have to say Menago's vocals are well, not "better" than Hayley's but they've got a rockier edge to them, and she's forceful without yelling.

Their debut EP "The Other Side Of You" insists on being played at maximum volume. Powerful vocals, great guitar and drums.  They don't neglect the lyrics either. In my opinion, the standout tracks are the single "Bullet" and "The Shadows" but the entire EP is worth the price of admission.

Currently the band is trying to raise money to fund a full-length album, they're about half-way to their goal of $3500 but with only 47 days left, I'm sure they could use all the help they can. If I can editorialize a little, it makes me so happy that there are fund-raising tools like this available for bands, it helps them make a better album, and gives fans a real sense of investment in the band.

So, check them out on iTunes, and if you like them, be sure to "like" them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter - and if you've got some cash to spare their Indiegogo link is here!

Kelly Packer - Breathe/Easy

 

I've been trying to come up with what to say about Kelly Packer for over a day now, and I'm still having trouble coming up with something. Her music is mostly pop, but like pop music itself, it covers a lot of ground. Breathe/Easy, her debut album, has influences from electropop ("Seventeen, Hitchcock") to R&B ("Your Queen"), to the country-tinged "Honestly Honesty" and pure pop ("Tragedy")

I know saying an album has something for everyone is a bit of a cliche, but "Breathe/Easy" is one of those albums, and Kelly's voice is captivating. She wrings every ounce of emotion out of her songs. I can't recommend this album enough. Please check it out and give it a careful listen. There are little nuances and details I'm still discovering.

If you're interested in finding out more, and listening to more of her tunes, check out her Facebook page, and iTunes, she's also on Twitter, so follow her!