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Mike Dean Presents: Dermot Kennedy EP

If someone told me that I could only listen to one artist for the rest of my life, I would choose Dermot Kennedy. This is the fourth time I have written about him in the seven short months that this blog has been up and running (I promise this is not turning into a fan site). In struggling to make up my mind if I should write about him AGAIN I decided that as long as he continues to put out great music, I will continue to write about it.

I awoke this morning to the release of his Mike Dean Presents: Dermot Kennedy EP, and it is pure magic. He released the first track titled “Young & Free” last month. You can read my post about that here. “Couldn’t Tell” is a new tune that showcases his desire to infuse hip/hop sounds into his music. The next track is a mash-up of his tune “An Evening I Will Not Forget” and Drake’s “Furthest Thing.” We then get to hear a cover of Frank Ocean’s “Swim Good,” and he closes out the EP with a remix of “Moments Passed.”

I am not the biggest hip/hop fan, but Dermot Kennedy is definitely opening my eyes up to a whole new world with endless possibilities. His unique spin on these songs have made me more interested in the hip/hop genre than ever before. With Kennedy’s raw passion and Mike Dean’s incredible production this EP is a MUST listen. Honestly, it should go down in some record book of pure genius.

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These Bones – Skout Single

“These Bones” by indie-folk duo Skout is my obsession this week. Singer, Laura Valk’s smooth voice dances over  intricate lyrics in this song about the difficulty of being emotionally vulnerable. After hearing this tune, I immediately went searching for more music by the New York based band and found their second EP Just Words that was released in 2016. After about thirty seconds into the title track I had that moment you have when you know something is special. You know, that moment when you sit a little taller, your head tilts a little to one side, and all you can come up with for lack of a better word is, wow. I do not think I have ever been this charmed by the sounds coming from a single instrument. The guitar solo literally had me convinced that I should run to the nearest music store, buy a guitar, and sign up for lessons.

Skout is currently touring, and I hope they make their way to the southeast soon. Give them a listen. It will make your day better. Promise.

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Fossil Fuels – Aisha Badru Single

Folk-pop singer/songwriter Aisha Badru became interested in music at a very young age, and with much perseverance, the New York native learned to play guitar and began writing songs. Her single “Bridges” was added to one of my playlists about a month ago, and her recent tune “Fossil Fuels” was released earlier this month. Lyrically, Badru reminds me of Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine). Though the production of their music differ, they both create hauntingly beautiful songs that have the ability to captivate any audience.

Badru’s belief of the interconnectedness of all things is projected throughout her music. “Fossil Fuels” is a song that clearly seems to be about a one-sided relationship, but according to Badru, can also be “symbolic of the way we treat the earth.” Her honest and vulnerable songwriting makes you feel like she is letting you in on her deepest secrets and desires. It is like she is handing over her personal journal, and though it may be uncomfortable to read, you cannot help but consume every single word. She inspires hope throughout her songs and personal endeavors by encouraging everyone to look within themselves to be the change the world needs.

Badru recently announced that her debut album, Pendulum, will be released April 27, 2018 following her recently released singles and Vacancy EP that emerged back in 2015.

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Young & Free – New Dermot Kennedy Single

Dermot Kennedy has come a long way from busking on the streets of Dublin to selling out gigs all over the world, and he will not be a best kept secret for much longer.  I first heard the Irish singer/songwriter in September 2017, and it became apparent very quickly that one of my only regrets in life would be not knowing about him sooner. I am not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that I have had ALL of his tunes on repeat for the past five months. My patience has been wearing thin in anticipation for new music, but his new single “Young & Free” was just released and was well worth the wait.

Why should you check him out? Let me start with the obvious. His incredible voice. He has this uncanny ability to sing with such raw passion that you feel it in your soul. I remember the first time I listened to his song “An Evening I Will Not Forget.” There is a wonderful progression in that song, and when he got to the climax and belted out “purple, blue, orange, red, these colors of feeling,” I felt moved to the point of tears (over colors, colors!). Next, his beautiful lyrics are intellectually stimulating and honest. There is always light in the dark, courage in the face of fear, and hope where there is doubt. I have never in my life wanted a tattoo for fear of immediate regret, but I have to admit that he has a lyric or two (or ten) that have me questioning my tattooing fears. Lastly, his music. With influences from Glen Hansard and Bon Iver to Drake and Kayne West, Kennedy infuses his love of acoustic music and hip hop together seamlessly.

So, give this song a listen, and prepare your soul to be moved by his powerful voice and uh-maze-ing lyrics. If you are lucky, you might be able to find a ticket or two floating around for his U.S. tour. Click here for more info.

 

 

 

 

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Kaleo – A/B Album

If you have already heard of the Icelandic band Kaleo (Hawaiian meaning for “the sound”) and listened to their album, then congratulations are in order because you have heard one of the best folk rock albums ever made. If you have not heard of them, well, there is no time like the present. From its upbeat bluesy-rock tracks like “No Good” to its stripped down ballads like “Save Yourself” this album is perfect from beginning to end. I was introduced to the band shortly after the release of their album titled A/B in June 2016, and it instantly became one of my favorites. As I was driving home today the track “Vor í Vaglaskógi,” a traditional Icelandic love song, started playing from my random shuffle sparking my interest to share my love for this band. It is the only track sung in the band’s native language and is absolutely incredible.

Kaleo has been busy touring since the release of A/B, and I cannot wait to hear more from them. My favorite tunes on this album are “Glass House,” “All The Pretty Girls,” and “Automobile.”

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&burn – Billie Eilish Single

Last year before I got serious about starting a music blog my husband began sending me songs to listen to, encouraging me to run with the idea and begin my journey in writing about the music I love. One of the first songs he told me to check out was “Ocean Eyes” by 15-year-old Billie Eilish. The first word that came to my mind whilst listening to the song was siren. I am not talking about the loud obnoxious horns on police cars or firetrucks. I am talking about the mythological creature whose beautiful voice leads sailors to their imminent death. I could not imagine what a siren’s voice sounded like until I heard Eilish. Her voice is as haunting as it is beautiful, and I am still in shock that it comes from a, now, 16-year-old.

A few days ago Eilish was brought to my attention again while I was listening to James Bay’s Spotify playlist. Rapper Vince Staples joins Eilish for “&burn,” the last track on her EP titled dont smile at me that was released August 2017. The production of this song about unrequited love is incredible. The sounds (especially the hi-hat) created through the drum machine have a hypnotic appeal that pairs perfectly with Eilish’s enthralling voice that will leave you utterly captivated. Give these songs or her entire EP a listen. You do not want to miss out on this talent.

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Noah Kahan – Hurt Somebody EP

Since catching the attention of producer Joel Little (Lorde, Imagine Dragons), Noah Kahan’s career has been rapidly moving forward.  In 2017 the Vermont native released a handful of singles beginning with my personal favorite, “Young Blood,” and he released his first EP, Hurt Somebody, January 2018. It did not take long for one of my friends to send a couple of his songs my way for a listen. Needless to say, I like them a lot. Grammy nominee Julia Michaels joins Kahan for the title track “Hurt Somebody” to explain the pain of being the one to end a relationship. I can personally relate to “Catastrophize” as I tend to overthink everything (I mean, don’t we all from time to time?). From love to loss and all things in between this folk-pop EP is great from beginning to end.

My favorite tune is “Passenger” with “Please” coming in at a strong second. I hope to be hearing more from this guy soon.

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The Academic – Tales from the Backseat

The Academic released their debut LP Tales from the Backseat January 12, 2018. I came across the Irish indie rock band by way of a couple different people through Twitter. The band formed back in 2013 and has taken their time making this album, for which I am grateful. They can take another five years between this album and the next if the result is this good (but really, don’t make me wait). The upbeat tempo of “Permanent Vacation” has me reminiscing of my late teens when I used to sing along to songs by The Strokes. “Bear Claws” has me planning my next road trip just so my friends and I can sing it at the top of our lungs. With youthful sounds and catchy melodies it has been difficult not to keep this album on repeat.

My favorite tunes are “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Different,” and “Northern Boy.” Give these guys a listen, and you will be singing along in no time!

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Rhythm of Your Heart – Marianas Trench Single

Do you ever hear a new song that takes you back to your childhood? Well, if you are an 80’s kid and would like to take a trip back in time or if you are not an 80’s kid but would like to know what it was like then listen to this new song by Marianas Trench.  When I first heard “Rhythm of Your Heart” I felt some serious nostalgia for the good ole days when I played cassette tapes of Madonna on an old boom box in my grandparents kitchen. It also made me think about leotards and leg warmers (you know you had some). My friend and I would wear ours and dance around to the song “Opposites Attract” by Paula Abdul to entertain my Aunt who used to babysit me. I am sure it was the highlight of her day. I am so thankful to have come across this song this week. It is the pick me up that I needed.

So get out your leotards and leg warmers (preferably lavender) and give this song a listen. I promise it will put you in a good mood. Also, I think I need to watch The Goonies.

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2017 Year End Review

I have been really excited about music this year. My favorite band, Acceptance, reunited after more than a decade of being disbanded and released a new album, I found several new artists to add to my library, and I started this music blog. Thank you for taking the time to read about the music I love. I have enjoyed sharing these tunes with you. The artist that really stands out to me above all others this year is Irish singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy.  You can read my original blog post about him here.  I have not come across music like this in a while. You know, the kind of music you talk about daily (I think my friends are starting to avoid me). The kind of music you tell everyone about (I would shout it from a mountain top if I could). The kind of music that makes you feel alive in the best possible way (it’s  literally like magic). In all honesty, my standard of quality music has changed since I first heard him a few months ago while washing dishes (yes, hand washing dishes) after a long day. If you do nothing else before the end of 2017, go listen to his music. It will take you on an emotional journey leaving you craving more.

Here are some other artists I have had on repeat during 2017.

Thank you again for taking time out of your day to read these posts. It means a lot to me. I hope 2018 brings you much happiness.