Posts Tagged ‘Folk’

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Photo Cred: Vivo in Vino]

A beautiful session! My girl, Nicole Atkins, recently belted out You Belong To Me live during her session at Paste. For all of you love-struck hopefuls, feel free to carry this song in your pocket with you. It’s an adorable performance, so enjoy!

[Related Post: Artist To Watch: Nicole Atkins]

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

No, that’s not an insult. Sometimes for folk to be raw, it’s got to be tuned low. That’s where it really piques. That’s when it really halts the brain, really steers ourselves to concentrate on the spirit in the sound.

Perhaps folk isn’t the best refuge for the fellow with a heavy heart and shifty eyes, for the person who needs to rid themselves of annoyances and monsters.

When I’m listening to the genre, the anxiety in me sometimes wants to scream, ‘Speed it up!’, but that’s because I’ve neglected my urges to stop and smell the roses. It’s those simple little tastes of life that really decorate our senses with something special. And that’s exactly what Little City is — a little sprinkle of beauty in an otherwise mediocre space. Their little candle flickers are enough to keep you warm. They are an inactive experience, speaking to you without moving their lips. They are, very simply, easy listening.

Not to say they’re pure-bred, straight-laced folk. Nah. They have enough sizzle from their contemporary influence to draw in different mellow backgrounds. And some of their songs, like the one below, have been marinated with enough salty attitude to make your lips purse. With unexpected pops of colour from cellos and violins, spurred on by the grace of their charmed, sweet centre, they are a liberation from the predictable.

Give yourself a chance to slow down and really listen to Little City. That’s when you’ll feel it. There’s a point of the musical sensation where you have to stop seeing, stop thinking, even stop breathing, just to feel the power completely. Give Little City a few seconds of silence, and that’ll be enough for the transaction to complete.

Just check out the power in their live piece of Lincoln Learning French. It’ll be enough to get you psyched for their new EP, just released a week ago.
　

Lincoln Learning French (Live Performance) from Little City on Vimeo.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

If you don’t know Brooke Fraser, you should. Fraser is a Contemporary Christian + pop singer/songwriter from New Zealand. I know, I know — you’re probably thinking that since she’s Contemporary Christian that her music may be watered down, too PC, and unartistic. Well good news, my little gummy bears, it’s exactly the opposite. (Did I really just say my little gummy bears?!)

Actually, I’m a huge fan of Contemporary Christian music. Not all of it hits the spot for me, as some seems a bit generic and like I said, almost a bit too afraid of offending — I mean, I am not saying that Contemporary Christian artists should be edgy and ridiculous but I just think sometimes it’s almost as if I get the vibe that some of the musicians are walking on nails because of this idea that they must retain the most wholesome and polished image possible. That is what I do not like about certain genres and how they can box an artist into a cage. Does that make any sense? For example, earlier this year, when Jennifer Knapp came out of the closet, it was as if the entire “Christian” industry that once supported her gasped and nearly died of shock. I mean, really?! I am getting off subject but the point is, these Christian artists are people too, and well, artists. And they should be able to explore all facets of their God-given talent.

Ok back to Brooke…

Yes, she’s a bit of pop/rock with a splash of folk influence. The music she creates doesn’t come off as too pious at all. It’s hook-driven and delivered in a vein that feels completely genuine to me. Yes, there’s something in the water Fraser’s been drinking, and it isn’t vodka, it’s the freedom to love without the fear of being judged. And I think that’s bloody awesome!

Fraser’s new album, Flags, will be out October 12th via Sony Music.

Check out Fraser’s Something In The Water music video, below.

Something in The Water from Brooke Fraser on Vimeo.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I have written about a song from the goddess before, but Lissie’s debut album has finally been released, and I can say, it’s a diamond in the rough. Catching A Tiger is hands down one of the strongest releases of summer, if not the whole year. I have been anticipating the release all year. Bold? Perhaps, but I support the record 100 percent.

On last year’s EP Why You Runnin’, Lissie left listeners inquisitive to hear more from this Midwestern chick (whose first solo recording was being produced by Band of Horses’ Bill Reynolds) whose soulful husk spilled from their speakers. A drop-dead stunning girl with pipes to match, Lissie plays the guitar, writes her own jams, and sings songs in a genre all her own. The Illinois native has songwriting abilities that become apparent through not only neat, but firm lyrics with harmonious structures in which to abide her tales of jaded love.

Bullet pointed, let’s start from the top. The clattering pots-and-pans thumping that greets the listener turns into a distinctive little album jump off with Record-Collector, which listeners will instantaneously be drawn to. Why? It’s got a polka-breakdown and dramatic cords. How many songs like that are out right now? Seriously. Then When I’m Alone takes over, telling the tale of this lonesome girl in hopes of drawing a crowd — I turned my back you were gone in a flash, like you always do, you’ve always gone off somewhere else. She’s telling you a story, and wants you to listen. It showcases the most astounding part of this woman: her pipes and range. It makes me wonder how such a big sound can come from such a little body. The release leisurely rolls into Little Lovin, which ties in the Stevie Nicks influence, with the impudence of a country singer and enticing delivery of a folk-rock goddess. And let’s not forget Everywhere I Go , in which I touched on a few months ago on BTB. It’s such a powerful song, stating Angels will call on me now, everywhere I go. Indeed, her voice is heavenly, but the lyrics alone could bring one to tears. This track and Bully will literally tear at your heart strings — a song with a completion as subtle as any Mariah Carey power ballad, Lissie’s incredibly heartfelt and executed torch song highlights the extraordinary vocal talent she possesses.

Over the past year she’s taken on covers of Bob Dylan, Metallica, Lady Gaga, and so many more. But don’t let this diverse combination turn you off. Her debut full-length is solely her own material. Catching A Tiger is neither generic or cliche, with lyrics disguised within airy, upbeat and indisputably atmospheric songs dashed in California guitar-rock nostalgia.

High praise indeed, but her versatility, her confidence and her utter comfort ability with folk, country and rock idioms is readily evident on this release. It seems impracticable for a debut to sound so accomplished and mature, but Lissie seems to be that rare exception. Please check it out, if not because of this article, let your curiosity of an artist in this genre sell you.

So, was my hype machine justified? Don’t get me wrong, there are problems with Catching a Tiger: it’s not wholly filler-free, it’s not taking any massive musical risks, and it’s one of those albums that you just know will be even better in a live setting. That being said, this is a concrete foundation for things to come; and when the star player is Lissie’s voice, those things are surely a-comin’.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

KT Tunstall’s first release, Fade Like A Shadow, gives us a first look at her upcoming album Tiger Suit. Although the song title may sound downhearted, the track is quite the opposite, secured by uplifting keyboards and chorus’s. I am not sure how I feel about this track just yet. Do you ever have such high expectations from an artist that even when their work is good, you always want more? When I was first introduced to the songstress and her smash Black Horse & The Cherry Tree, it grabbed me upon first listen. This song is going to take a slight more time to grow on me, but it has deep potential, for many may be able to relate to this track. (The live version below is better than the cut version, for you may want to check that out, just sayin!)

Not to be mistaken for Debbie Downer, but I slightly feel as if this track will only appeal to people who listen to pop (not that there’s anything wrong with that, for pop is one of the biggest genres of our generation, I am just not sure how well it will go over across the boards). KT has her own exclusive sound, which is why she has gained such fame, but it’s almost as if she is losing it. The vocal sounds seem less confident as they travel through the spectrum from smoky to sultry. I think in this case it’s just the artist is way higher than the song. (As girls would say to their heartbroken friends — Girl, you can do so much better.)

Maybe it was my initial look at the single album cover, which reminded me so much of Katherine McPhee that initially gave me a bitter taste in my mouth (for Katherine is a talent, but no KT Tunstall — agreed?). On the other hand, one can’t judge a book by its cover, for the rest of the album may blow one away, and make me take my foot out of my mouth (but for the mean time, I will securely leave it there).

A track off the album that will eat you alive is Push That Not Away, which in my opinion will untangle the mess I may have found in the lead single’s strings. Her normal spine-tingling music is what I will always be my base for judging the rest of her music. KT Tunstall is folk, rock, and pop blended carefully into a compilation of attractive songs. I respect females in the game who can hold their own and kick ass while remaining true to the amazing talent that they are. She’s deep and meaningful in certain songs, and light and whimsical in others. In any genre she proves to be a formidable presence and a devoted artist. The harmonies, melodies, and lyrics are impressive and soothing to the soul. I hope this song grows on me, and doesn’t Fade Like a Shadow.

What are your thoughts? Is this a comeback or a setback?

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Look out, plastic pop princesses. Esther O’Connor can knock you into the next millennium without even stressing her vocals. Hailing from Scotland, this is a full-service, fully poetic, exceptionally gifted woman. Not only does she run her own record label with her husband, but she creates spellbinding music that can easily pass over oceans.

When I stumbled across her music, I felt like I came across gold. Each song is delicately arranged, dipped in a coating that spikes your heart with a gentle meditative trance. Her voice is melodious and crooning, and her lyrics are stuck in poignancy. It all has a naturally soothing air to it- the perfect accompaniment to a breezy day of soaking in nature or contemplating days gone by.

Out with two albums and tweeting about a third, Esther was literally born into a musical atmosphere. Her father was bassist for the Wet Wet Wets, and her mother is into writing lyrics.

But you can’t chock up all her talent to genetics. Her music carries inspiration from classic 60’s and 70’s singers, but is tweaked for the modern generation, and she manages to express the most extreme of emotions in a packaging of subtle simplicity.

You know how music, and being surrounded by people who love it, can have a supreme affect on you? When you’re in a room full of slaves to the beat, nothing else is quite as real. Anything not belonging to the world of harmonies becomes less solid. These tried and true music junkies are just the kind of people Esther’s music caters to.

In her bold, emerald-coloured eyes, one can sense a mark of true poetry, of soulfulness, of spirit. In one verse, she has more depth than a washed out celebrity singer can have in an entire album. Sometimes she’s rock, sometimes she’s folk, but her ingenuity is constant.

Esther’s voice is sensual and soft, paired with maturity and experience, and her music matches it. Everything about her has made it clear that she’s got something to sing about.

You can watch the music video for her song Lost Innocence below.
　

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“It never occurred to me that I was in something that should be labeled as a “struggle.” The struggle I’ve had has been with the church, acknowledging me as a human being, trying to live the spiritual life that I’ve been called to, in whatever ramshackled, broken, frustrated way that I’ve always approached my faith. I still consider my hope to be a whole human being, to be a person of love and grace.”
-Jennifer Knapp via Christianity Today

After 20 years in the industry, in 2008, Christian singer/songwriter Ray Boltz came out as a homosexual man. In 2009, gospel star Tonex followed suit. And now, in 2010, Grammy nominated Christian folk-rock singer Jennifer Knapp has decided to come clean, breaking the chains and walking out of the closet.

After taking a break from music nearly 7 years ago, fans along with the Christian music scene took note and rumors began to run rampant. One rumor that surfaced that many didn’t want to digest was a gasping moment of revelation: OMG she’s gay!

Now at 36, Knapp has finally walked onto the stage without any concealer to hide her “struggle”, owning up to the truth behind that rumor.

Recently when Ricky Martin decided to come out, I jokingly thought “yeah, so?” — but as a gay person who has constantly wrestled with my sexuality and my faith, when I found out the news of Knapp’s coming out, I personally felt incredibly unthawed. It may sound absurd, but when it happened (although I know other gay individuals who are Christian), I didn’t feel so alone.

To the thousands and thousands of individuals wrestling: God loves you, God cherishes you, and God will always stand by you. The world’s hatred may break you into shards, the world’s hatred may make you want to kill yourself, but know that God’s love will always pick up the pieces and will never pull the trigger.

Click here for a free (2 tracks!) digital download from Knapp’s upcoming album, Letting Go.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Now that you all know I put my life in the hands of rock n’ roll bands, I was recently thrown an unexpected curveball of melody this past week; folk. When not initially liking a genre of music, one should make a point of listening to it more closely. I have yearned for the day I would stumble upon a female talent who could transcend sounds of the past with the present, and she has arrived; Lissie (Maurus). A 27-year old country-folk rock singer/guitarist is the pink elephant in a room full of bears. A clear-as-glass singing voice, effortless melodies, and a Stevie Nicks like tone make her a direct line to your emotional core.

Everywhere I Go off of her debut EP Where You Runnin’, stopped me dead in my tracks at a local record store (yes, some still exist), showcasing her achingly raw and evocative voice. How often has this happened to you lately? Think about it; sound that hits you so hard you can feel it? Now that’s music, what feelings sound like.

The bright intensity of Lissie’s voice will cut through any disdain your jaded heart may have built up against present day “singers” and “songwriters”. In my opinion, she belongs in the 1970’s with the brilliance of female musicians whose material will be set in stone for countless generations. Her sound seems as if it should belong to someone twice her age, both coarse and beautiful; a combination which, when it works, is something to behold. Her pipes are her instrument, and she commands them. Upon downloading more of her tracks, I found the songs range from hand-clapping and foot-stomping, to breathtaking ballads that all make up her ingredient; a spine shivering, rustic soul.

Lissie is an artist to watch, listen, and embrace. So raise the volume; she’s about to mend all the broken hearts of boring, pointless music trends!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I just discovered Laura Marling. This just-released video is poetic and thick with a depth of understanding beyond her years as Marling is only 20! That blows my mind! 20! Ok, I’m done.

Of course she’s from England. Of course it’s beautiful to the point of being a tad depressing. It’s a song with a stunning music video, called Rambling Man.

Marling was part of the original line-up of indie folk band Noah and the Whale and was featured as a background vocalist on their debut album, but left the group before the album’s 2008 release. Which is fine IMHO, because her music does not belong in the background of any act as it clearly holds all the ingredients to rise on its own.

Her sophomore album I Speak Because I Can is out now. Check out the video for Rambling Man, below.

20! 20! Can’t get over it!

Laura Marling – Rambling Man Official Video

Laura Marling | MySpace Music Videos

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

My only wish for the music industry is that every female vocalist takes something from folk singer Aimee Mann. It’s not that the female leads of today’s pop groups and bands can’t belt it out (though, unfortunately, many of them can’t), or even that their corporately produced lyrics don’t have enough depth (though, sadly, lots of their lyrics are as poetic as a cereal ad). It’s the fact that I have yet to find a female lead who carries the same soulful feeling, as well as the calmly sorrowful edge that resonates in Aimee Mann’s voice and music, her haunting melodies all prime candidates for getting stuck in your mind. Each one of her albums are a step forward musically, as she is an explorative artist who is always pushing her own boundaries.

For someone just being introduced to her, the best place to start would be her album ‘Lost in Space’, released in 2003. This album takes a definitive mark on her as a musician since it was one of the first albums she released with her own music label. In this album, the songs provoke images of darkened, rainy days, heartbroken lovers pounding silently on cement, greasy hair and darkened eyes, chapped lips sucking on the end of a cigarette. It is crooning, and bitter, and sinks into your cerebellum like opium. Constantly standing on the edge between indie folk music and indie rock, this album leans more to the mellow, beautifully paralysing angles of her folk style.

Where is she now? Not sitting on her ass, that’s for sure. In fact, she’s scheduled to perform at the ‘Stand in Haiti’ benefit in her hometown, LA. That action proves that not only is she a true musician, but she’s one who really cares about humanity. Thankfully, such a fact isn’t only shown through her emotionally and politically charged songs, but through her actions.

So, if you want to check her out, watch below. And, to any corporately soul-sucked female singers: take notes.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Several months ago I introduced you to Susie Suh and her incredibly moving music that I had become obsessed with.

And recently, Suh garnered the attention of the popular dance show SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!

This will give you goosebumps. This performance piece hits home to anyone who has ever had a problem with letting go of someone they love.

Check out Kayla & Brandon of So You Think You Can Dance performing to Ahn Trio’s mix of Susie Suh’s ALL I WANT below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

When I discovered Susie Suh’s music I immediately wondered why she wasn’t on everyone’s brainspace. Her debut was released on Epic records and produced by powerhouse Glen Ballard (who produced Jagged Little Pill for Alanis Morissette).

Was it a glitch in marketing and publicity? Either way, we think something went wrong because her music is UNDENIABLE and should be in everyone’s iPod.

Susie Suh’s music could wake up the lifeless. Filled with haunting folk piano driven ballads and wet beautiful lyrics, Suh’s music could make the cold hearted feel again.

Check out the gorgeous heartbreak-driven All I Want below.

Susie Suh All I Want oth by eelliissaaa