We're moving!!!

Thank you to all my readers over the last few months. I will be keeping this blog around for historical reasons but all future posts will be at: http://www.breakoffthechains.com/

Stay tuned! New stuff coming soon!

Siberia Acoustic - Lights

As a long time Lights fan, it's going to be difficult to write an unbiased review of her latest album "Siberia (Acoustic)" but I'm going to give it my best shot.

Overall, it's an impressive concept. "Siberia" was so electronic that no one could really be sure how the songs would be re-imagined for an acoustic album, and Lights pulls it off, mostly, but I'll come to that.

The album starts off with my favorite track from the original album Banner and it's still a sweet, uplifting tune, but a little more laid-back than the electronic anthem it was originally.

Next up is Cactus In The Valley which is interesting because there already was an acoustic version that was released as a bonus track, so the main differences here are arrangement and the addition of vocals by Owl City (Adam Young) I'll go on record as saying that I'm not even remotely an Owl City fan, and his contribution to this song is indicative of why. While I do enjoy the new musical arrangement of this version, Owl City's vocals commit the biggest crime of a duet, they add nothing to the song. If there was a Lights-only version of this song without OC then it would probably be my favorite song on the album, as it is, it's my least favorite. If this seems harsh, it's because the rest of the album is so good, this misstep really grates.

Where The Fence Is Low showcases some amazing folky guitar work, and is a great showcase for Lights' vocal prowess.

Just so everyone knows, I'm not against Lights doing a duet, and her work with Max Kerman on Siberia is the opposite of Owl City's contribution. Their voices have enough contrast with each other to give the song some real meat.

Suspension shows how much work has gone into this album, it's so heavily electronic in it's original form that it really is a completely different song now, and stripped down to it's roots, it's still an amazing song.

In my opinion Toes is the jewel of this album, instead of the sparkling, bass-heavy tune it was, it's now moody and almost melancholic, it truly is a re-imagining of the song and it gives me chills to listen to it.

Lights' gets some help from French-Canadian artist Couer de Pirate who adds French-language lyrics to Peace Sign and the vocals, gorgeous strings and delicate guitar work, make this song as comforting as a old, favorite blanket.

Heavy Rope is one of the most plaintive, sad songs on the album and the much slower arrangement intensifies that feeling.

Flux and Flow is nearly unrecognizable from it's original form, and again, it's what is magical about this album, same lyrics but such a different feeling you come away with from it, you pay much more attention to the lyrics and Lights' wrings every bit of emotion from them with her almost husky vocals .

And Counting... has probably changed the least from it's original form, it's still a lovely ballad, now with stirring strings and wonderful piano accompaniment.

The iTunes bonus track, Timing Is Everything is a charming, laid-back version of the original, you can picture her sitting around a bonfire with just a guitar.

Overall, it's a incredible piece of work, as stated above, it's not perfect, but it's an incredible re-imagining of already amazing songs, and it's a tribute to Lights' skill not only as a musician, but as a songwriter that she can translate these songs to an entirely different musical "language".

Go pick it up now on iTunes and be sure to follow Lights on Twitter, Facebook and her official site!

Darling Parade - Battle Scars and Broken Hearts

Nashville-based, alternative rock band Darling Parade has long had a place of honor on my iPod and with the release of their new full-length album "Battle Scars and Broken Hearts" they're assured of staying there for a long time to come.

As one of many donors to their very successful Kickstarter campaign, I've actually had the new album for weeks now and after listening almost daily, I've got a few things to say:

This is an album with attitude, it's catchy and hooky (radio, are you listening?) but also equal parts heartbreaking ("When It's Over", "Ghost","With You") and defiant ("Just Another","Messin' With Me", "Bad Habit") it really lives up to the album title, and it showcases feelings that anyone who has gone through a messy breakup will be all too familiar with.

This album paints a picture of someone who has gone through a war of the heart and has emerged on the other side, bloodied but unbowed as the chorus for "Messin' With Me" states, "You should know that you're fighting for nothing, when deep down you're just looking for something, you keep giving me the third degree, but you don't stand a chance if you're messin' with me"

Even if you're not going through your own personal battle right now, you'll still find yourself sucked into the raw emotion of the music, and headbanging right along with the excellent guitar and drum work. This is an album to be played full blast with the windows down while cruising a lonely highway.

Oh, did I mention frontwoman Kristin Kearns' voice? As you go through the album her voice takes you from wanting to hold her and make the pain go away, to staying out of her way, to giving a high-five for emerging victorious. It's an emotional trip and one I'm happy to go on.

No, this isn't a happy album, but it's a very human, emotional album and that's all too rare these days.

Buy it. Now. [iTunes] [Amazon]

Please be sure to follow Darling Parade on Facebook and Twitter, and check out their official site.

Candy Hearts - The Best Ways To Disappear

I discovered Candy Hearts probably the same way many people recently have, through a tweet from Paramore's Hayley Williams (her boyfriend, Chad Gilbert has signed Candy Hearts to his label) and I decided to give them a chance.

Wow.

I've been trying to figure out how to classify them, on first listen you might be tempted to just call them pop, but there is more there, I got a tweet from the band and their answer was "alternative indie with pop punk influences" which is a good classification, but with all due respect, I've got my own - "candy-coated hopeful heartbreaks with some serious 90s rock influences", which might be a little long for a record store label, but it works on this blog.

Seriously, listen to them. Mariel Loveland's sweet voice belie the pain and longing that permeate songs like "Miles and Interstates" ("The same white lines that brought you here will take you away") or "Bad Idea" where she's making the same mistake many of us do, but she makes getting your heart broken somehow appealing. "Sick Of It" is a bittersweet, and hopeful song for the downtrodden, and I think it's the standout track on the album.

To sum up. It's an album that on the surface is a poppy little confection, but if you listen...really listen, you get something a lot more meaty than the band's name would imply and it's worth the effort.

You can follow the band on Facebook Twitter and their official site and be sure to grab their album on iTunes or Amazon!

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!

A few questions with Karmina!

The lovely ladies of Karmina (AKA Kelly and Kamille) were kind enough to answer a few questions I sent them and I thought their answers were fun and gave a lot of insight into their lives as indie musicians. Enjoy!


Assume the people reading this article have no idea about you or your music, what would you tell them about yourselves?

We are sisters who write indie pop/sparkle rock music (sparkle rock is our self-proclaimed genre). We write about truth and  harmonize as much as possible.

 You've just come off an amazing west coast tour, are you planning another tour anytime soon?

 Yes! Our next tour will probably be on the East Coast. We're in the process of planning that right now.. After that.....we'll probably tour Europe again!

I'm a big supporter of tools like Kickstarter for helping artists finance albums/tours, and I know you've used it to finance your most recent EP "Car Train Ship Plane". Do you see yourselves doing another fundraiser in the future?

 Kickstarter was an amazing experience for us. It once again challenged us to think creatively, and work to give back what we were getting. We'd definitely do another campaign like Kickstarter, but we try to be very picky about when we do things of this nature.

As a follow-up to the last question, even though your last EP is only a few months old, I know you guys write a lot, is there new music on the horizon?

 So much! That's a very interesting question for us because we constantly want to add new music to our set lists when we're on the road, but we have to exercise a little will power and play the music that we're promoting, even though we've heard it maybe a trillion times. We love our new album, but the newest stuff is always the most fun to play live!

 As independent artists, what is the most gratifying part of not being a signed artist? Conversely, what is the most difficult part?

Best part: you get to do everything yourself.  Hardest part: you get to do everything yourself!  But really, being independent gives us complete creative freedom. we don't have anyone questioning our inspiration. If we think of something creative that we feel strongly about, we get our hands dirty and do it! The most difficult part is probably the financials of it all, and juggling the many roles of an artist team between two people. 

However, we see this as a worthy challenge of our art. you have to figure out how you're going to supplement the money you're about to spend making a new merch item, or the money you're about to spend getting up and down the west coast on a tour. Sometimes you barely break even, sometimes you go home a little bit richer. It's just part of the struggles and triumphs of an indie artist. and the triumphs feel that much greater when you've gone through so much to achieve them.  

You've done some live shows on StageIt.com and I've loved them, is that something you plan on continuing to do?

We *love* StageIt! It's the coolest thing ever for artists to be able to perform from their living room or bathroom or bedroom for fans around the world!  It's an experience for both parties (artist and fan) - It's also very interactive, and you can communicate with your fans in real time! 

Who are your biggest musical inspirations?

We are inspired by so many people and things. To name a few: Bjork, Imogen Heap, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Coldplay, Elliot Smith, Third Eye Blind. We're also very much inspired by indie artists, as much if not more than mainstream artists. 
  
Finally, what advice would you give other independent artists based on your own experiences?
 
If you love what you do, never give up.  Be humble, never take yourself too seriously, and always strive to be better. 

Thanks once again for taking the time for this interview, I loved it!

Please check out Karmina's music on their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Alicia Witt

When actors release music, it's usually a mixed bag, for every one that has real artistic merit, there are a dozen who seem to be doing it for the novelty of it.

Alicia Witt isn't one of them. You may know the beautiful redhead from her role as Zoey on the sitcom "Cybill" or other shows such as "The Sopranos" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" but I'm not here to talk about her excellent acting ability, this is all about the music.

Witt released her self-titled 4 song EP in 2009 and I was extremely impressed by her voice, from the powerful "Anyway" which should be required listening for anyone going through a rough breakup, to a surprisingly dark cover of Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al". 

She's got the voice, the charm, passion and the songwriting chops and it finally looks like people might be noticing. "Anyway" was recently featured on the All Access hot AC homepage for radio. So hopefully it won't be long before she's playing everywhere.

Take a listen, if you like what you hear, say something to someone else. Alicia may be a celebrity but she's a true indie artist and relies of word of mouth more than anything else for support.

Check out her official website and buy her music on iTunes and be sure to follow her on Twitter

Free, legal, awesome music anyone?

There are a few indie bands I follow that have put their EPs or albums out for free download and I thought it'd be helpful to put them in a single post. You can't beat the price, and they're all fantastic bands.
Fools For Rowan - Twisted Tied Up & Tangled
of Verona - Fall Like Roses
Fighting The Villain - First Impressions

Lights creates imperfect perfection with "Siberia"

I've been making excuses and putting off posting my thoughts about "Siberia". I wasn't sure how to approach writing about it, I know I can't post an unbiased review-by-the-numbers because no matter what I say about it, I'd be leaving so much out.

When I first started hearing inklings about the direction Lights was taking with "Siberia" I'll admit to being nervous. I adored her first EP, and then 2009's "The Listening" and I was comfortable with the sound, so when I heard that there would be a grittier sound and possibly some dubstep influence, I wondered if I would be able to love this new album. Even when Lights released "Everybody Breaks A Glass" I still was unsure of the direction, I mean EBAG was GRITTY and there was even *gasp* rap in it (courtesy of Canada's own Shad, who also makes an appearance on "Flux And Flow).

Well, after what seemed like an eternity of delays, it was released and I felt foolish for worrying. I forgot my primary rule..."Always Trust Lights". I read in an interview that Lights was trying to go for a "less perfect" sound on "Siberia" as compared to the immaculate synths of "The Listening" and it paid off, these "imperfections" are perfect.

"Siberia" was written from a very different place in Lights' life than her earlier music, while the music is grittier and edgier, the lyrics are coming from a much happier place. "Siberia" is one of the most honest and uplifting albums I've ever heard. Love, longing and hope are all themes expressed and there is a song for every mood. Also, this is one of the most cohesive albums I've heard in a long time. While you can listen to each song as an individual entity, as a whole, it's an amazing aural canvas especially when you factor in the nearly 9-minute long epic "Day One" which it turns out was the last part of the very first jam session between Lights and her collaborators on this album, the Canadian duo "Holy Fuck".

I could keep writing and writing about "Siberia" but it's really something you're going to have to experience for yourself. Give it a open-minded listen and you'll understand why I'm so taken with this talented young woman. She's, well, brilliant and she's only getting better.

If you want a physical copy of "Siberia" you might have to do some searching in the USA but I believe that Best Buy and FYE carry it. Of course you can also get it it in digital form from iTunes and Amazon
Lights has launched a headlining tour which started in Canada and is going coast-to-coast in the US before heading back to Canada. Check out her official site for dates and tickets.  Her live show is not to be missed! You can also find Lights on Twitter and Facebook.

Cady Groves - This Little Girl

Where do I even begin when talking about Cady Groves? Singer? Check. Songwriter? Check. Force of nature? Oh yeah.

22 year old, Oklahoma-born Cady has already released two independent EPs "A Month Of Sundays" and "The Life Of A Pirate" and in 2010 was signed to RCA Records. She has released two singles from her yet untitled major-label debut, the infectious tribute to friendshit...er..friendship "We're The Shit" and "This Little Girl" - a warning to all guys to treat their ladies right.

Cady has has a distinctive voice, that honestly I can't compare to anyone. It's equally at home with a acoustic folksy ballad or a full-on heavily produced pop-rock tune.

I've really grown to admire her, not just because of her abilities, but because of her sheer honesty. I have *never* seen an artist, let alone a major-label one, be so completely open. From silly, crude jokes, to heartfelt advice given to her fans, she's in one breath, a take-no-prisoners veteran of heartbreak and in the next a sweet, vulnerable girl who you can't help but love.

She's an amazing example, that you don't have to change who you are to make it in the industry. I don't think anything will ever change her, and I hope nothing ever does. It'd be a tragedy. Cady, if you happen to read this. Please keep being you. Don't change for anyone. I think all your fans would agree with me :)

So do yourself a favor and get to know her, I think you'll see all the things I have.

Her official site is CadyGroves.com and if you sign up for her mailing list you can still get a free download of "This Little Girl"
Also follow her on Twitter and Facebook!

This Little Girl by RCA Music Group