Dear God. As if Sam Smith’s voice is not angelic enough by itself, Sam decided to put a slight twist on one of his album’s leading tracks. The addition of A$AP offer a welcome new dimension, as A$AP fluidly glides over the light piano melody. Definitely a track I will have in heavy rotation as I try to mellow out my music for the fall.
Leaving Kiesza’s smash hit & music video “Hideaway” off of my top summer deep house list was extremely tough for me to do. Perhaps it was even a mistake. I believe it. However, I figured I’d give Kiesza some redemption and a post of her own. I came across the music video to her follow up hit, “Giant In My Heart”, the other day and loved it. Kiesza’s message in much of her music is the power of individuality and she certainly expresses that in this video. On an even deeper level, this video illustrates the difference between merely “enduring” the pains of something we feel like we have to do vs. enjoying who we really are with the grand degree of confidence that comes along with it – something I think all people struggle with in their lives.
Duke Dumont has quickly become one of my favorite artists in electronic music. But what I have recently realized is that, beyond the mastery of the songs themselves, Dumont’s music videos are absolute gems. Check out the top 3 below!
1. Duke Dumont – Need You (100%) ft. A*M*E
The literal soundtrack to your life.
2. Duke Dumont – Won’t Look Back
What else do you need besides pogo-sticking robbers?!
3. Duke Dumont – I Got U
The main reason I moved to Singapore. Seriously. Please Facebook – turn Oculus Rift into this device and I will never leave my living room.
It appears as though we are experiencing a female takeover of the music scene in 2014 and during the final months of year, we still have so much to look forward to. More and more these days, I find my heavily rotated artists to be female and I’m definitely not complaining. The following lineup of females exemplify a variety of musical styles, bring something uniquely their own to the table, and exhibit strength and confidence in their individuality – none of that cookie cutter female pop music. No matter if you are trying to turn up or turn down, the following list of females will have something for you. Some you may have heard of already and others may be new names at the moment. But rest assured, you will have heard of these females soon enough – They are here to stay!
1. BANKS
There is no other way to put it – BANKS’s music is downright sexy. This is the perfect late night music: melodic, dark, and full of the feelz. Each song exhibits BANKS’s vulnerability & strength at the same time. Her style is extremely refreshing as well – dark, gritty, emotional, yet incredibly seductive. After touring with The Weeknd and crushing the festival tour this past year, BANKS is on the fast track to becoming huge. Look out for her album, “Goddess”, dropping Sept 9th!
2. Jhene Aiko
Jhene Aiko
I had heard Jhene a few times before, but I wasn’t completely sold until I heard her hit song, “Bed Peace”, after the Childish Gambino feature peaked my interest. I swear I could listen to that track on repeat still and be perfectly happy – judge me if you want. Jhene has an amazing ability to tell stories with her music and make you truly share her emotions. Though I can’t relate lyrically all the time, it doesn’t matter. I just go along for the emotional rollercoaster. After watching many interviews with her, Jhene is such a unique individual that I can’t wait to see what else she has to offer in years to come – starting with her album dropping Sept 9th! Oh and she is absolutely gorgeous – that doesn’t hurt either.
3. Jessie Ware
Jessie Ware
Hailing from London, Jessie Ware has made a huge splash in a short period of time. She isn’t brand new by any means though, with her debut album, “Devotion,” doing well led by the popular single “Wildest Moments” (A super powerful song that you should give a listen to). However, Jessie is now gearing up for the much anticipated release of her second album “Tough Love” due out Oct 22 in North America (sooner in Europe). Not going to lie, I’m a bit late to the fan train with Jessie, as I first truly heard her in the hot Disclosure track, “Confess to Me,” but I’m already a believer. Beautiful voice, great vocal range, and the polish of an artist far more seasoned than herself. Don’t sleep on her.
4. Seinabo Sey
Sey Seinabo
Like many others, I discovered Sey from Kygo’s smash remix of her single “Younger.” Like many electronic remixes I love, I wondered how different the original song was than the remix, as well as if it was possibly even better? In this case, I was not disappointed. It’s not fair to say that one is better than the other, as the styles are completely different – a tribute to Seinabo’s voice and to Kygo’s remix mastery. With such a distinctive voice, even her second single was used as a sample to another smash EDM hit from Galantis “Hard Times.” Clearly she is on to something here. Hailing from Sweden, Seinabo Sey is new to the scene and does not have much material out yet. But if her first couple of singles are any indication of what’s to come, we should all be excited.
5. Jess Glynne
Jess Glynne
So the list of artists in this list so far offer generally slower songs. Thus, I figured I should end the list on a more upbeat note. There is no better lady for the job than Jess Glynne. She has sprung onto the scene with vocal performances on the two smash hits of the summer – Clean Bandit “Rather Be” & Route 94 “My Love.” After listening to these two tracks all spring/summer on repeat (literally thanks to my roommate), I wondered if she had any music of her own. To my joy, Jess is preparing for a solo album as well, with her first single “Right Here” sounding like an absolute hit. The cominations of energetic vocals and smooth bass-lines make Jess tough to look past.
In hip-hop today, there aren’t many new artists that constantly keep my interest with each and every release. With ever-unique production and a distinctive flow, Skizzy is one of the few upcoming rappers that manages to keep me coming back for more. Hailing from NYC, Skizzy has been releasing music on and off for a little over 3 years, and it has been interesting to see how far Skizzy has evolved over time while still maintaining the essence he showed in the first single I ever heard from him “Douchebag” three years ago. Skizzy’s music and lyrics come back to common themes: good vibes, getting faded, and a genuine appreciation for women. Perhaps what attracts me to his music is that very fact – Skizzy’s lyrics and values are apologetically simple. Nevertheless, don’t interpret simplicity as boredom. Rather, Skizzy’s songs are often vivid 3-4 minute stories about the aforementioned simple pleasures, layered on top of, in my opinion, some of the most unique production in hip hop today (influences from indie, electronic, etc.).
But rather than continuing to read my writing about his music, it’s best that you give it a listen. You can find his most recent mixtape “Pace”, in addition to his previous tape, “Phases”, on his Soundcloud. I have posted a few of my favorite tracks from him below to give you a taste. If you are feeling it, be sure to check him out on his recently announced tour w/ Miniature Tigers (details can be found on his FB page).
So kick back, grab a drink or something to smoke (whatever you are into), and enjoy. Because that’s exactly what Skizzy is trying to encourage to anyone who takes a chance on giving him a listen. And lastly – all his music is free, so what is there stopping you?
Steady Moving 