Ed Sheeran

From the outside it would appear that singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran doesn't have much to say. He almost seems like a humble man of just a few words. But turn on his music, you can hear that is not the case. He's saying a lot and he's singing it fast!

Ed Sheeran began recording music in 2005 in England. Finding a passion for music, in 2008 he moved to London to begin chasing the dream of playing music. Sheeran didn't set out to play a couple of gigs and expect to become instantly a rockstar, no, he played as many shows as he could. Constantly playing music and doing what it took to get his name out there. In 2009 alone, Sheeran played 312 gigs. It all paid off by 2011 when he was signed to Asylum/Atlantic Records.

The track The A Team broke onto the scene in 2011 and became an instant hit on the UK charts. After that, it was nothing but success for Sheeran

The A Team

By 2012 Sheeran had reached massive success with his music and was awarded for all his work that year at the Brit Awards. He won 2 Brit Awards for Best British Solo Artist and British Breakthrough of the Year.

Perhaps one of the most exciting moments of Sheeran's career (thus far) was when Rupert Grint (actor known for roles such as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter) appeared in his music video for Lego House; which is a must-see music video! Sheeran already had a fan base but featuring Grint allowed Sheeran to reach out to a whole different fan base.

Lego House

With music videos like Lego House and songs such The A Team, it's no surprise that Ed Sheeran has gained a huge and dedicated following. Now it seems the next big step for Sheeran is for his music to become transatlantic and so far, it seems to be going well!

Sheeran released his album + (yes, it's just a plus sign) on June 12, 2012 in the United States and is currently number 5 on the Billboard Charts. Pretty good for a debut album! The A Team has already become a hit on the radio and his song Give Me Love is also breaking onto the scene. Sheeran a young, British dude from Britsol has already acheived great success and not just in his home country of England.

Take a listen to his album + for slow relaxing ballads and fast-paced and fast-sung songs. + is available for purchase on ITunes and other music outlets.

Electric Guest - American Daydreamers

Electric Guest, what a refreshing band to step onto the seen this year. I almost feel like rock music needed a group of guys like this. What's so great about this group? Everything, on their album no song is the same, and that's what I love about them. Each song has it's own style and each song seems to focus on different situations. And not be missed is lead singer, Asa Taccone's amazing voice to top off the excellence of the album.

Based out of LA, Electric Guest, started out with Asa Taccone and Matthew Compton. In addition the band has two brothers, Todd and Troy Dahlhoff, who are more like "extras" that usually tour with Electric Guest. For their debut album the band worked with  Danger Mouse as their producer for Mondo, who is one of the top producers in music. Between the uniqueness of their sound and help from Danger Mouse, it doesn't come as a surprise that this band is starting to take off.

The band has already released two songs off their album: American Daydream (above video) and This Head I Hold. Other songs such as, Under the Gun or Waves, bring a unique style to the table for their album. Two songs of Mondo that I urge you to check out!

Under the Gun

Electric Guest captivates attention with their music in several different ways. No two song seems to even sound the same, which in an era of carbon copy music, is refreshing. 

Their songs are catchy but also you'll see yourself relating to the lyrics. Bands that can get your attention through their style of music while also bringing you to a point where you can relate to what their singing about is rare. You can tell the making of Mondo was not some group of guys who just decided to play music for the hell of it. In my opinion, I feel a vast amount dedication involved in every song. Sure, so it might have taken them only a few minutes to write a song, I have no idea, but something about this band shows me that Electric Guest has deep dedication to their music. I will always respect that. 

Since this is the first US album release, they'll only go farther if they continue to show dedication. 

All in all, Electric Guest is a rock band full of young, good-looking guys, who actually know how to play music. Not just any old music, but music that makes you think and music that you can fall in love with. When I say falling in love with, I mean, you'll be putting this album on repeat on your Ipod. They have great potential and the beauty of it is, they're not going to need to change a single thing about themselves. Their music speaks for itself. 

Yuna - Malaysia's Sweetheart

I first fell in love with Yuna last year after hearing a song by her called Decorate. Now Yuna has officially released her self-titled album and it's a must have. With songs like Lullabies and Planes you'll be humming alone to the ultimate chill out album. Also, she does a killer cover of Come As You Are by Nirvana that isn't featured on the album, but is brilliant.

Yuna- Come As You Are

Yuna started out on Myspace when she sang her songs in both English and her native language, Malay. She began singing and writing her own songs at the age of 14 and by 19 was playing guitar and performing.

She has come along way since her 2006 Myspace days. In 2011 she signed with FADER Label in the US. Now she will be performing at Lollaplooza and was even nominated for an MTV Iggy for "Best New Bands in the World." If I had to choose someone in 2012 that will capture the hearts of indie souls I would say it'd be Yuna. Her gentle rhythms and tender lyrics are captivating in every way.

Her self-titled album is available now. Be sure to check out other songs of her that are not featured on the album such as Fears and Frustrations and Deeper Conversation.

Yuna- Lullabies

Whether you're needing someone to sing you to sleep or in a coffee shop sound mood. You must let Yuna sing you her lullabies.