Melbourne-based Courtney Barnett is seemingly the current heiress-apparent in the long linage of Dylan-inspired, slacker Americana that we love so well around here. The press has been building the past few months - and it seems that her first visit to the US for CMJ could be a great launching point for this new songwriter. Barnett's LP length double EP: The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peascomes out Oct 15.
While it's a little late in blog terms to imbue Lorde with an Artist to Watch post, we still wanted to make sure that we got it up. Yesterday was a great occasion with the release of her new video for "Tennis Court", our second favorite track compared to "Royals" below. There are a series of EPs out now, with more coming soon from this rising New Zealand artist.
On top of many 2013 artist to watch lists, Kate Boy announced their debut EP (really just two songs and two remixes) but lead track "Northern Lights" really is good enough to turn heads. Enjoy that vid and track below. Northern Lights comes out Jan 22 on Iamsound.
In our recent binge on UK R&B, indie, soul singers, (the likes of AlunaGeorge and Jessie Ware,) we came across our newest (my newest) favorite in Laura Mvula. Only touting one track on her SoundCloud page, the tune "She" is beginning to pick up steam in the US. It's hauntingly-simplistic beauty showcases Mvula's raspy-soul voice, while surprising you at the end. From delicate to rousing, Mvula's new track already has FADER hailing it, "...the most promising single of the year." We agree.
Our artist to watch, Haim, dominated over a series of 5 (maybe more?) shows down in Austin, eventually leading to a packed house finale on Saturday night, and an inclusion in The New York Times over the weekend. The three sisters just announced a Glasslands show on May 5 here in NY. See you there.
There's not a lot to know about Haim. Maybe there is, and we don't know it - but what we do know is that these three LA sisters have songs good enough to make us stop our day and take full notice, immediately. While sharing that same west coast / big hat / jorts look as numerous others (see Bleached), Haim's single "Forever" writes any like-minded song under the table. With flashes of full-bodied 80s synth and drum tracks, Haim's few songs are outright fully formed pop tunes, transcending any lo-fi style-over-substance flash-in-the pan blog hits with ease. Download their FREE EP HERE. Yet, much is still to be determined here. We're hopeful for the promise of a good live show, and we'll be crossing our fingers that these singles are the real deal, and this band can come through on the back of a few solid tracks. Here's to the potential of a great new band.
While we try to refrain from over-hyping every hot new thing that comes our way (who do you think we are NME?) we HAVE been crowning a lot of “artists to watch” of late, but for good reason. We wake up early, stay up late and grind it out for this cruel mistress of a site – and are occasionally rewarded, by the discovery of bands like The Alabama Shakes – formally The Shakes. Already touted by Aquarium Drunkard, Some Velvet Blog, and of course, Stark, Alabama Shakes are making the right kind of friends with their Janis Joplin meets Stax by way of Daptone Records soul/blues sound. While their debut EP doesn’t have that clear standout national “smash” on it – this is the easiest and best $4 you will spend all week. Alabama Shakes have signed on with some great new managers, and are shopping for a label home. Best of luck to these folks from the south!
Here's a fantastic new song and video for Stark Artist to Watch Lana Del Rey. "Blue Jeans" is the second half of the "Video Games" 7" dropping October 10th, and comes complete with an excerpt of video from The Last Waltz. Doesn't much deviate in theme or content from the "Video Games" vid, but we're cool with that. Tickets for Del Rey's first two US shows are on sale now - we'll see y'all there. The Box - 9/21Hotel Cafe - 9/27Lana Del Ray - Blue Jeans by PurplePR.
While this post has been brewing for a few weeks now, the internet chatter around this striking new artist is reaching new levels this week. From Facebook posts, to Pitchfork premieres and of course, a Stark post, Lana Del Rey has been everywhere, and deservedly so. While "Video Games" is not necessarily a "Rolling in the Deep" caliber piece of songwriting Del Rey, with her striking looks and atmospheric vocals and arrangements, is able to create an aura around the tune that captures the listener and offers a glimmer at what could be in store down the road from this promising artist. There's a lot going on for this upstate New York native right now, and we feel there is a ton of potential. Let's hope Del Rey is able to continue to grow and develop and not fall victim to the swift, evil, death so many other "buzz" artists have suffered. Remember, it's all in the songs! The excellent "Video Games" will be released with b-side "Blue Jeans" by Stranger Records October 9 via all major digital retailers, and October 10 on limited edition 7" vinyl picture disc.
A few weeks back we caught wind of an excellent new group from Baltimore - the synth-laden hook heavy White Life. Tonight they will be in New York at Pianos, playing a great bill which includes Shelock's Daughter, who are in the midst of big residency of their own.
While we've yet to see White Life in the flesh - what we've heard promises to be high energy - well-written party music. This is one of those bands you will hear about all year, so buy early so you can tell your friends you were there when.
We're psyched to be bringing you one of the first looks at the new video for their single "Time is Wasting" - enjoy folks. White Life are on the earlier side of the bill tomorrow.
We know literally nothing about UK 20 year old Ren Harvieu - except she has a devastatingly amazing voice - and has instantly grabbed our attention. Stark artist to watch Alex Clare posted Roy Orbison cover "Cryin" on his Facebook today. As friend of Stark, Jeff, noted "only the dudes from Glasvegas can look so douchey just sitting there." So true, but officially in love with Ren. Stay tuned. Thx Jeff.
J. Irvin Dally wowed a handful of onlookers Friday at the Living Room. There were ghosts of Jeff Buckley in the room as Dally and his capable trio worked through a set of stellar compositions - all focused around Dally's powerful, yet fragile vocals. The intimate moments were well balanced with the louder ones, though Dally was quick to note that there would be even more rocked-out moments the next night during their set at the larger venue Pianos. Dally draws equally from lonesome, country-tinged acoustic songs and intricate finger picked electric guitar driven compositions. While currently living in LA, Dally admits to a nomadic lifestyle not really calling one place "home." This comes out in his, at times, longing lyrics, melancholy melodies and spare arrangements. The real talent and selling point of Dally though, has to be his voice. It's crystal clear, pristine, moving and delicate in one breath. With a little more woodshedding to hone his songwriting, Dally has a truly great album in him, and we can't wait to watch him continue to develop. Grab his most recent EPs at his bandcamp. Check out "Cocaine" from J's Big Ugly Yellow Couch Session above.
In another note, we were pretty shocked as to the awful atmosphere at Googies Lounge upstairs at the Living Room. The pumping bro-jams from downstairs more than bled into "acoustic atmosphere" the Living Room has long done well to cultivate. Pretty disappointing, and we won't be recommending Googies to managers and bookers any time soon.
Lia Ices, a front-runner for artist to watch status in early 2011, after signing to Jagjaguwar and having a breakout CMJ, has crafted an amazing collection of dark and haunting compositions, that are as winding and intriguing as they are beautiful and enigmatic. Like a soundtrack to those desperately cold January nights, what we've heard of Grown Unknown holds you close with its crisp songwriting and production, yet in a subtle uplifting way, hints that there are brighter things coming -- just not very soon. Grown Unknown comes out January 25th on Jagjaguwar, highly anticipated.
We don't really play songs "on repeat." We like pleasure delay. Only give us that one song when we really need it, or want it. Further, Stark gets a lot of music. Most of which gets a good listen, before being relegated to the scrap bin with the thousands of other hook-less wonders out there right now. I swear one of these nights we're gonna get super super super blazed and see if the music on Altered Zones sounds any better then.
We digress. "You Only Live Once" by Unsolved Mysteries. despite having that whistle a little too high in the mix, is an undeniably catchy and hook-filled song -- the power of which has helped propel them to quickly rising prominence on the NY live scene...and yes, repeat listens on Friday afternoons in the office. With connections to the fashion world, and we're sure, a pretty damn good looking fan base, Unsolved Mysteries have worked hard to promote their latest full length Tragic Trouble and have a new EP on the way soon. They will headline the Stark/Jinners/I Rock I Roll party this Friday at Union Hall with Teletextile and High Highs. See you there kiddies. Gonna be a great one. Thanks Xav. Tweet
With the release of their debut album The Heart of Nightlife still TBD, we are intrigued and totally addicted to the new duo from LA named simply Kisses. They deftly toe the line between the Euro-pop of JJ and Jens Lekman and the sugar-sweet-sunshine melodies of fellow LA duo the bird and the bee. What results is an amazingly enjoyable blend of electronic drum machines and Morissey-esque vocals, highlighted by tasteful synths and perfect melodies. Their album cover perfectly reflects the mood of the record: cocktails on soft West Coast afternoon; it could be 1978, or 2010 but no one really cares that much; your guests walk barefoot on the shag carpets, wear fun clothes and generally have a fantastic time. Kisses seem to still be assembling their team in LA, but it's no doubt that they will catch on, and catch on quick. You can grab the two mp3s above and check them out at this year's SXSW. Hey A&R people - here's a lay up for you. Check out Kisses now. Cover art after the jump. Photo: Jessica Koslow
Following their recently posted list of 15 noteworthy emerging artists of 2009, the BBC cut and prioritized...the result, oh yes, a Top 10 list. Leaving little to the imagination, the BBC titled their newest artist compilation, "BBC Sound of 2009 Top 10." Former list toppers included, Adele, Duffy, The Ting Tings and Glasvegas -- their success bodes well for the new numero uno.
The "Sound" list includes the likes of Cambridge, Mass. electro-pop guru Passion Pit (a.k.a. Michael Angelakos,)Paris' sampler and beat-dropper Dan Black and more.
For full list and to see who's dubbed NUMBER ONE...continue after the jump. Hint, Stark interviewed this artist several weeks ago...
