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.

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Marina and The Diamonds!

The British beauty queen is back and better than ever with her album: Electra Heart. The UK Queen has been on the scene for a while and this album comes after the success of her album Family Jewel's. However, you will notice this album has taken a more dramatic sound and a different direction than her previous work.

While you might think that this new album is just another pop album from a beautiful girl. Think twice, because this new sound has been no accident! Marina states her guise of the album, "epitomizes and embodies the lies, illusions and death of American ideologies involved in the corruption of self...Electra Heart is the antithesis of everything that I stand for. And the point of introducing her and building a whole concept around her is that she stands for the corrupt side of American ideology and basically that's the corruption of yourself. My worst fear -- that's anyone's worst fear -- is that losing myself and becoming a vacuous person. And that happens a lot when you're very ambitious." 

With a new pop style and a retro look, it is no surprise that this album, Electra Heart, is already one of the top hits in the UK. And I have a feeling that this little diamond will be crossing over to the US charts as well. Her hit song, Primadonna, is not only catchy and sassy but is the perfect example of her new persona and concept. 

Marina and the Diamonds- Primadonna

This is just one of the many videos Marina has released that can be found on her YouTube page to accompany her latest album. This young lady's new direction, while making quite the statement, is sure to jetset her right in the hearts of all primadonna girls. Her album, Electra Heart, is currently out in the UK and an US release date is forthcoming.

Marina and the Diamonds- Fear and Loathing

Source for quote: 

1. ^

 Pop Dash. ["http://popdash.com/news/6282/marina-&-the-diamonds-cuts-off-hair-in-electra-heart-return"], Pop Dash, 9 August 2011.

Rad and Retro

If you who haven't heard of Lana Del Rey...you may have been living under a rock these past couple of months. The break out star has already stolen many hearts with her smooth voice and compelling lyrics. What makes this star so different right now is not necessarily her voice but her creativity and humbleness.

Clearly a shy performer, the singer received a lot of backlash after performing at SNL, but this hasn't stopped the singer from gaining popularity with her songs Video Games, Born to Die, and her latest single Blue Jeans.

The American born 25 year old broke out onto the scene in late 2011 with her song video games. Originally not meant to be her first single, however, her home-made and self directed video found it's way onto stations such as MTV and VH1.

Her career came full circle recently at the 2012 Brit Awards where she won International Breakthrough Artist.

She is certainly someone to keep an eye on in the coming year. Her debut album, Born to Die, is currently available in stores and digital download. So get your heart shaped sunglasses out and jump in a convertible because Lana Del Rey will have you singing for many years to come. 

Beautiful Brits

Today I will talking about two of my absolute favorites from over the pond. Ellie Goulding and Katy B. We'll start out with Ms. Goulding.

Now, you may or may not have heard of her. She is starting to make her mark in America while she has already been HUGELY successful in England and overseas. For example, she was asked to sing at The Royal Wedding. That tells you how much of a following she has in England. Now as for here in America, she is slowly starting to gain a following, for example, the more I watch MTV hits and channels such as that.... The more I see her---which tells me she probably is going to be the next big thing. This beautiful young lady has an album out right now called Lights; which is truly wonderful. Every song is different in it's own way. I'm going to show you two different videos of her so you can see just how talented this lovely Brit is.

The first is called "Lights" this electronic song will have you not only dancing but will also be stuck in your head all day. This is probably one of my favorite songs off the album...and if you are into dubstep. There is also a dubstep version of it (which you can find via youtube or buy off Itunes) that is..well off the chain. Really no other way of putting it.

"Starry Eyed" is a catchy song but what I really love about this song is the lyrics. The fact that everyone has something in them that makes them special. Trust me, it won't be long before you'll be hearing this on the radio. :)

My next beautiful Brit is Katy B. Now she hasn't exactly made her way over to America yet but I really love her music and I think she has the potential to become very successful over here. And I hope she does! Her lyrics are amazing and honest while the music is danceable (I know that's not a word---but that's what it is) and fun. Below are two of my favorites by her.

This song is called "Broken Record" and is my favorite song off the album. Why you ask? Because whether male or female---everyone can relate to liking someone so much that you dream about them and you think about them like a......broken record.

Now this is "Easy Please Me" and I honestly just think this is a fun song, Especially if you are a girl. A girl who is independent. But while it is also catchy; the lyrics are once again fantastic.

I could go on and on about these two ladies and why they're so great. But really, as I've said before, I like to let the music speak for itself. I am merely just putting it out there for you to listen to. Other Beautiful Brits you may want to check out: Florence and the Machine, (which I'm sure you already know of) Kimbra,  \and Kate Nash. Merely just a few.

Until next time. Take care.

Ash

Two Great Artists: One unknown...One Known.

I have two great musicians that I would like for you to hear about today, one you already know....so let's get to the one you may not know.

Now, you may or may not know who Donald Glover is...

Well...let's see it's more like what isn't he? He's a stand up comedian, actor on the show Community, and now he is a rapper. Now...I'm not usually a rap fan. But Donald Glover---who goes by the name Childish Gambino when rapping is an AMAZING rapper. I, now this is my personal opinion, think if he plays his cards right he could really be the next Drake. I mean, Drake got his start on TV as well?

What started out as mixtapes and basically just "goofing up" soon became an actual passion for him. And while releasing bootlegs to the public it wasn't long before he was signed to Glassnote Records. 


He currently just released his album Camp which of course is available on ITunes and other music sites. It might be a little bit harder to find in stores. The song I'm going to share with you is actually not on his new album but is the song that I heard and made me think, "This guy has potential and this guy has skill."

Check out Freaks and Geeks by Childish Gambino:

Now the next artist. You know...and you either love her or you hate her. But it's.....Rihanna. Let me explain why I decided to talk about her. First, I used to loathe Rihanna. I thought she was whiny and just another "artist" made by Jay-Z. But...I took the time to listen to her newest album entitled Talk That Talk...

And. well...I've been eating my words. This album is absolutely wonderful....and if I'm honest. Here lately all of Rihanna's stuff has been pretty great. Not only did she record a song with Coldplay..(Called Princess of China) which is great! I highly recommend you YouTube it....but I really feel like she has been trying to expand musically. It seems each album she puts out has a diffierent style. Not only do I respect it when artist do that but I love it. It means, that they are not afraid to take a chance, which means...maybe she isn't just Jay-Z's little protege.

The song I'm going to share with you is called Drunk on Love. Which features a sample of The XX's song Intro (I was already obsessed with that song and The XX anyways). So between her sampling The XX and her doing that song with Coldplay. I have to say...I've really turned to love her new stuff. Being completely honest as well...I've listened to the new album and it is great.

Here is the song Drunk on Love...I hope you guys love it as much as I do!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And if anyone who isn't American is reading this...well then I hope you just had a great week. 

Until next time...

-Ash-