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Showing posts with label Indie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indie. Show all posts

Jasmine V gets cozy with love interest in "That's Me Right There"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Saturday, August 30, 2014 0 comments

Jasmine Villegas has been fully entrenched in the entertainment industry since the age of 9, appearing in various television shows and music videos throughout her adolescence, including a leading role in Justin Bieber's "Baby." Now under the stage name Jasmine V, the 20-year-old L.A. songbird has her sights on a music career. After signing a record deal with Interscope Records last year, Jasmine shares her fresh hip hop new single, "That's Me Right There," which features Compton's own Kendrick Lamar that oozes confidence and star power.
"That's Me Right There," which has smooth R&B vibes and a killer booty-shaking beat, will be the first single from Jasmine's upcoming EP this October, with her full-length debut to be released in early 2015. Hailing from San Jose, the rising R&B pop songstress providing some smooth vocals and a catchy hook, while hip hop master Lamar comes in and steals the show with a vicious verse, as expected. As the title implies, "That's Me Right There" is all about Jasmine; backed by Harmony Samuels's trap-tinged percussion and lumbering synth-brass, the singer celebrates her own poise, self-assurance and realness.
"'That's Me Right There' is talking about being confident in a relationship," Jasmine told Rap-Up TV. "Basically saying you can leave your man or girl wherever and at the end of the day, nobody can take them from you." Even so, the cut is a team effort as fellow west coast native Lamar grabs the mic to deliver some characteristically masterful guest bars on the back end. Jasmine was excited to collaborate with the Compton MC. "He's amazing. So low key and he's so quiet, but he's such a humble guy," she said. "I was definitely honored and blessed to be on the same set as him."
But her new flick is pretty grown up. Jasmine keeps her love locked down in the Gil Green-directed video as she heats up the screen with a new man. Most of it features Jasmine dancing suggestively and woos the fellas on the court before portraying a budding romance with a handsome basketball player. They cozy up on the basketball court and on the hood of an old school Chevy, while Jasmine busts out some fierce moves suggestively. With a hoodie covering his eyes, Lamar makes a dark, creepy, and Slim Shady-esque appearance seated behind the wheel of his four-door car. There is no storyline to speak of, other than the basic romance-in-progress. The couple isn't unhappy, but they are clearly meant to be lower income and ethnic.

FKA twigs Rocks A Hindu Goddess Look In "Two Weeks"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Tuesday, July 1, 2014 0 comments

FKA twigs (literally, "Formerly Known As Twigs") may just be the coolest, most mysterious "it" girl of this year. And after her "Water Me" video had piqued our curiosity in 2013, the music lovers want to know more. Lucky for us, the Jessie J's former backing dancer has just released the music video for "Two Weeks," the first single from Tahliah Barnett's upcoming first full-length, "LP1," due out on August 12. The song is a sighing, soaring bit of electronic pop with her breathy falsetto and magnetic presence, and its lush slow-motion video matches the song's regal, ethereal beauty.
Two Weeks” a beguilingly straight-laced cut of silken R&B, is a commanding blast of raw sexual power. It captures everything that her unapologetically sexual music is about. "My thighs are apart for when you're ready to breathe in," she declares on the compelling, ecstatically filthy "Two Weeks." This is a song purely about lust, sex, and ecstasy delivered with the subtlety of a dime-store romance novel and it's enough to make you melt. Thankfully, "Two Weeks" is a new age sex jam that even luddites like us can comprehend. Filthy as sin and wholly aware of its own pomposity, it's a bawdy taster of FKA twigs' upcoming "LP1," and she is set to reign over the changing attitudes toward sex.
Of course, this isn't the first time Tahliah Barnett has luxuriated in the realm of carnal pleasures. "Water Me," "Papa Pacify" and "Weak Spot" are all pretty much concerned with doing the nasty, and by that we do mean the nasty. FKA twigs isn't much concerned with love. Lust and vulnerability are her songwriting vices, and on "Two Weeks" she exploits them with slow percussive intent. Falsetto sighs are rolled on top of rasping snare fills in extravagantly brash fashion so that you can't help but gurn along.
And FKA twigs' new video for "Two Weeks," directed by Nabil, is the same way, starting off with a simple focus on the British singer and then panning out to see that she is an empress looking over other small, little twigs dancing beneath her. As we see FKA twigs herself takes a seat on a throne to star as a Hindu goddess who can shoot water from the tip of her finger. The intensely choreographed video mirrors the disjointed otherworldliness of the track itself. The audience is not meant to feel bad for her, but rather be intimidated. It reminded me of certain Björk videos from the Vespertine era: an era of self-actualization through sexual experimentation.

honeyhoney Need Their Partner To "Turn That Finger Around"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Wednesday, November 30, 2011 0 comments

Los Angeles-based indie roots duo honeyhoney has teamed up with FILTER to unveil the music video for "Turn That Finger Around" off their new sophomore full-length effort, "Billy Jack," primarily produced by Raymond Richards, finds twenty-something musicians Suzanne Santo and Ben Jaffe threading sweet melodies with big acoustic guitar sounds, percussive banjos and countrified fiddles. It's strong both lyrically and musically and one that both my bluegrass friends and indie rock friends could get into.
Baby mamas, shotgun weddings and good advice from a cool roots band, honeyhoney is the jazzy, twangy, rollicking collaboration between vocalist Santo and guitarist Jaffe. The two began holding informal songwriting sessions and soon discovered a musical partnership. Adopting the name honeyhoney, which Santo says Jaffe came up with, but once it was set, he said it "sounded like a 60's girls group and that people were going to think he was a pansy." Santo liked it because it reminded her of the South and the way she talked to folks while she waitressed at an L.A. BBQ joint.
"It's a song about the difficulty of living with someone who points the finger, but forgets their own past." The song great... it's not my favorite on the album, but I like the authenticity of it. It's a song that a lot of girls I know could have written," Santo said about "Turn That Finger Around." The song pretty much had us at the hello of the first 12 bars, even before a word had been sung or the track had really dug in. Call it intuition, but we sort of felt that something great was coming. We were right. It both shimmies and shimmers with some revved up alt-country sturm and twang as Santos' vocals ride the steel strings with both insistence and soulfulness.
The music video for "Turn That Finger Around" has a number of great subtle elements, from the soft tone on such a heavy-topic track, to the almost familiar countryside. honeyhoney sings about some daunting life changes for a young couple in this track. The up-and-coming band duo, backed by the crack rhythm section of bassist Pat Taylor and drummer Gerry Porter ripped through barn stompers, Santo and Jaffe turned in some smoky harmonies on "Turn That Finger Around," the alt-country tone of the song really showcases such a story.

Seth Glier ended up unabashedly romantic in "Walk Katie Home"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Wednesday, July 20, 2011 0 comments

MPress Records & USA Today have premiered the music video for the talented singer/pianist Seth Glier's new single "Walk Katie Home" from his critically acclaimed album "The Next Right Thing," which isn't just an album title – it's a way of life. Glier, a boyishly handsome folk/pop singer, shows off his velvety voice and lyrical prowess in his sophomore project. The rising folk sensation set out to document the ways in which he and the people he encounters on the road, attempts to do "the next right thing, as opposed to the next thing right."
The emerging folk/pop troubadour fantasizes wistfully on this new catchy tune about a star-crossed romantic liaison with a certain girl in New York that's simply not meant to be. The easy-to-grasp melody, however, is the real thing, and the delivery from the Massachusetts-based singer rings true. He says the song is a reflection on what he wishes had happened: "I drove down to St. Marks Place in New York City one weekend to take a girl I had a crush on out to dinner," he recalls. "I ended up walking her home, and then she started dating a glockenspiel player. That's life, I guess." This is a young man with a distinctive voice, a falsetto that sticks to your ribs, and can he write songs.
Shot on a freezing cold day this past March at the strikingly beautiful Beacon Theater in New York, the Tom Moore-directed video boasts grand sweeping images of the gorgeous theater mixed with shots of NYC, the second character in this unabashedly romantic and tender love song. Featuring Glier and his love interest "Katie" played by up-and-coming actress Carissa Dagenais, the emotion of the video was heightened by Glier's visible breath in the performance shots at the ice-cold theater.
The 22-year-old will grab your attention with fearless vocal delivery, musical exuberance and seasoned songwriting beyond his years, if not with his powerful falsetto or his melodic prowess, then with what Performer Magazine calls his "intoxicating groove." Glier, who's winning legions of fans with his romantic ballads and moving lyrics, wants to touch people with his verse and music. "I'm an ambassador," he says. "I travel from place to place carrying my songs and stories with me, and I want people to leave my show changed. Some people won't remember the songs I sing, but they will remember how they felt while hearing them. That's what I want to do – to remind people, including myself, why we're here: to connect!"

Cara Salimando Proves She's One To Watch In "Cigarette Smoke"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Monday, April 18, 2011 0 comments

There are plenty of reasons why you should know who Cara Salimando is. First and foremost, she has a hauntingly beautiful voice, which is showcased on her latest single, "Cigarette Smoke," taken from her debut EP, "Dust," released in March. "Dust" is a simple and emotional indie album. though this artist is underrated, but her songs are more than just underrated. her five songs on the album are really rally nice to listen. just give a try, and you will love this album.
Salimando has deeply immersed herself in music. "I pretty much wrote 'Cigarette Smoke' in the shower," she said. "Maybe it's because I have so much time to think in there. I have no idea." "Cigarette Smoke," has a melodic, bittersweet and dreamy tone, is about a friend, Salimando said. "It's about how she struggles with reality and her relationships with other people because of her habits."
With a mixture of Michelle Branch, Colbie Cailat, and Missy Higgins, Salimando has a soulful voice beyond her years at only 19 years old. Salimando uses simple instruments such as piano and violins along with her melodious voice to tell stories through her songs. The New Jersey native signed a recording contract with Universal Motown Records, and worked with the same songwriters and producers who helped Rihanna get her start. "One thing that seems to come organically for Salimando is having an ability to blend beautiful vocal harmonies with soulful piano melodies," says her producer Jon Leidersdorff.
Standing at only 4'11", Salimando's pint-size stature is merely a facade which is used to hide her uniquely powerful and soulful voice. Salimando draws inspiration from artists such as Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor, two artists with which her music is often compared, powerful females who know how to belt out their feelings! When she is behind her signature instrument, the piano, her songs bring back memories of harbor towns, skyscrapers, full moons and bittersweet memories. Salimando is now set to release her debut full-length album soon, but for now, she's just excited to show her fans her brand-new video.

Sleepy Rebels Performer In Vaguely 19th Century For 'Magic Girl'

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Wednesday, February 23, 2011 0 comments

New York's Sleepy Rebels Premiered the first video on PopMatters for the band's song "Magic Girl," from the band's May release of their album "Yellow Tree." The video reveals the band as eccentric street performers in a remote town in an unknown history & geography. Sleepy Rebels are an über-catchy pop trio who offer a timeless formula of infectious melodies, memorable choruses, and an intriguing visual look, never something to discount the importance of in pop music.
The group is Jeremy Adelman along with siblings Bruce and Erica Driscoll. Not surprising given their sound, the band has put forth "positivity" as the basis of their message and music. We could all probably use a bit of that just about now as the political wars in the US and around the world flame on and lingering recession is putting a damper on what could be happier times. "Magic Girl" perfectly encompasses this upbeat aesthetic and the video's producer, Powerful Company, has created a lovely depiction of the group as street performers in some vaguely 19th century setting.
Powerful Company will be releasing some breath-taking projects in 2011. Adelman and Balassa formed the company. The pair are a true mom & pop musical powerhouse who found great success handling original music production and composition for advertising including national campaigns for VW, Hulu, Jaguar, and JCPenney. Their desires to make music outside the confines of the corporate creative process lead them to establish Powerful Company whose establishing project is the development and marketing of Sleepy Rebels. The New York based trio, collaboration comprised of Adelman and siblings Bruce and Erica Driscoll, have designs to re-establish the coolness of positive sentiments and ideals. "Yellow Tree" is the manifesto that soundtracks their rebellion!
Sleepy Rebels have the sunniest hooks you might ever hear in your life, and in the first months of 2011, they will unveil the first few projects created by this team of talent; they include three films that serve as music videos for Sleepy Rebels. Both surreal in nature, they are intended to establish the band with aesthetic & clever visual imagery & technique. Some artists have a sound which seems made to be heard on television. With songs such as "Magic Girl" that make any montage moment complete, that's exactly how we feel about Sleepy Rebels. You can hear them on "Private Practice," but believe me when I say it probably won't be the last time you hear their graceful notes on ABC.

Ashley Arrison Released The Hauntingly Beautiful "Caged Bird"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Wednesday, December 22, 2010 0 comments

Ashley Arrison is back with the music video for her latest single "Caged Bird," one of the most thematically and lyrically intense cuts off her debut full-length album, "Hearts on Parade," were created from a love of well-crafted country lyrics and pop melodies, as it addresses an abusive love. Arrison sings from a place of honesty and vulnerability against the backdrop of a stark, pounding piano, which is sure to send chills down your spine.
Arrison's songwriting, lyrical delivery, and heartfelt honesty shine through all of her work and provide a narrative everyone can relate to. Often teased by friends for slow, depressingly-fantastic, slit-your-wrist type songs, Arrison ventures out of her comfort zone on her debut album as she effectively plays with tempos. But let's not get up-tempo confused with feel-good, happy songs by any means. Does she have your attention yet? The intensely personal "Caged Bird," which left the crowd speechless. There's also the equally as heavy, "Caged Bird," a chill-inducing tale of an abusive love. The contrast of Arrison's sweet vocal tone against a stark piano is only magnified by a beautifully eerie string section.
Arrison's musical destiny was framed by the rich and diverse musical heritage that existed in her childhood homes of Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee. Her life experiences set the compass for her musical expression found on "Hearts On Parade," which is a complete package of gorgeous vocals and a catalog of songs just waiting to be heard and cherished. It plays like a musical journal thanks to mixture of autobiographical elements and imaginative lyrics in each song that are representative of the ups and downs Arrison has faced in life, making the album truly authentic and easy to relate to on multiple levels. Now this sweet southern songstress is launching her own career, touching lives with her gift of heartfelt melodies and stirring lyrics.
The music video, directed by Weiss Eubanks, opens with the singer in a dark, empty room. As the song kicks in, flashes of a girl running in a white dress fly across the screen, interspersed with Arrison in various settings. As the video unfolds, you learn that she is the girl in the white dress trying to flee the scene. The cinematography is stunning and captures the essence of the story - especially as the time lapse kicks in to match the dizzying effect of the song's string section. Check out the full video after the jump.

Rocky Loves Emily Are "Clueless" From Their "American dream"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Tuesday, December 14, 2010 0 comments

Rocky Loves Emily premiered music video on AOL.com for their new single, "Clueless," which can be found on the Detroit rockers' just-released EP "American Dream." Based on the title of the song, you might expect an Alicia Silverstone or Paul Rudd cameo in this brand-new video, "Clueless," by pop-punk/new wave band Rocky Loves Emily. But for as much as we love Cher and the rest of the gang from the '90s teen comedy, it's probably best that the Detroit six-piece kept the cultural references a little more contemporary.
The pop-rock group, who hail from a suburb of Detroit, has lived their vision every day since the band formed in early 2009. Because of their hard-working attitude and the band's creative ideas, all five tracks on the EP are accessible, lively and fun, inspired by good-time rock 'n' roll and even a little bit of country. They are uniformly catchy and the EP is enjoyable throughout so there's really no sense complaining. If it works, it works. And for the most part, it works. The standout track on the EP was the title track "American Dream." Unlike the band's first single "Clueless," which I found largely forgettable, this song really knocked it out of the park and started the EP off on a high note. All this fueled the group's mission to convey their new definition of what the American dream can mean.
"The inspiration behind the 'Clueless' video was popular TV shows like 'American Idol' and 'Making the Band,'" frontman Brandon Ellis tells us. "We thought it would be fun to do a similar idea about an 'open audition' to be the lead singer of Rocky Loves Emilyy. We hope you love it!" The video shows the band as a panel of judges, watching all walks of life come in for the audition. From biker dudes to beauty queens, it seems like Rocky Loves Emily has a tough task to tackle. It's quite the human tapestry. Then, the perfect candidate walks in and truly gets to live out a dream, just as the title of the band's new EP suggests.
"Our record portrays that just because you live in America, doesn't necessarily mean that 'the' American dream has to be your American dream." Brandon adds. "We all know that everyone has a specific dream in their heart. For instance, our dream is tour nonstop and meet as many people as possible all while trying to be sincere in what our fans are doing. The cool thing is, that's just our dream. Your dream is something awesome and unique." What is the American dream? For Rocky Loves Emily that dream isn't a white picket fence and a nine-to-five job. For them, the dream is something unique to each person, something that can only be defined from within. For Rocky Loves Emily, the American dream is traveling around the country in a beat-up van, making friends, and playing music that brings joy to people's hearts.

Live Hart's Journey Back To Love: "Please Don't Say It's Over"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Wednesday, October 13, 2010 0 comments

Live Hart has just premiered her highly anticipated music video for latest single "Please Don't Say It's Over." The video for song illustrates Hart's creative side with a mix of colorful animation. Directed by Adam Gambrel for Blulite Productions and shot in Winter Garden, Florida, the video represents a true indie artist at their best. "Working with BluLite Productions has truly been a blessing. Their professionalism and organization kept me at ease during the entire process. Adam created a video treatment that truly embodies the message of the song and its simplicity. BluLite Productions is the best!" says Hart.
"Live" is defined as "exciting; something very enjoyable, a word used to express how good something is or something happening that's got a vibe!" "Live" is Live Hart and her music. This aspiring singer/songwriter knew at a very early age that the creative urges inside had to emerge and be heard. Hart writes from personal experiences that are common and complex, free-flowing and thought-provoking. "Please Don't Say It's Over," the first single off her upcoming release, touches on Hart's journey back to love from a remorseful past and showcases her unique writing style.
Hart has opened for R&B superstar Monica & legendary smooth Jazz/R&B songstress Miki Howard. She has also showcased at this year's Florida Music Festival. Hart has worked with and has written songs for many other artists. Her most recent rendering, "The Rain," was recorded by newcomer Rachel Black. She has also been creatively linked to super soul/funk singer Honey Larochelle and good friend, Shaun Fisher on several writing and recording projects. Hart has already been recognized for some of the songs that are to appear on her upcoming album, she also received a 2008/2009 Effigy Award Nomination for "Best Song in Style R&B" for "Please Don't Say It's Over." From the first cut on the album to the last - Real Music lives inside Hart.
On "Please Don't Say It's Over," Hart's gentle voice glides over the delicate stitch work of acoustic strings and a pensive piano line. One of the hallmarks of Hart's songcraft is the layers of background vocals present in every track. You'll hear their dulcet refrains on the watery "What Is Love," and "This Is Me," a limpid R&B ballad. Lyrically, the song veers towards trite, but it's hard to get critical when you're being lulled by a gossamer slow jam. So don't be surprised if one day in the not-too-distant future you hear her on the radio. Here's what to listen for: soft, pliable vocals spread over breezy, acoustic R&B. Through her live performances, heart-felt lyrics and her love for man-kind, Hart continues to connect with fans through her music; creating a more deeper and soulful connection every time they meet.

Lissie's Video For "Cuckoo" Focuses On A Young Version Of Her

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Tuesday, August 24, 2010 0 comments

Following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album "Catching A Tiger" last week, the everyone's new-favourite-lady-folkster Lissie Maurus, known by her stage name 'Lissie,' has unveiled the heartfelt new video for her forthcoming second single "Cuckoo," which will be released on August 30 through Columbia Records. The video focuses on a young version of Lissie, we follow her as she first falls in love and becomes a musician.
Lissie is growing on us like a fungus to a toe. The angelic-looking, cigarette-smoking American is extremely talented. Lissie was born in Rock Island, Illinois, one of the Quad Cities on the banks of the Mississippi River. She's a straight-talking Midwestern girl, all flaxen hair and big blue eyes, and this girl is smart and gutsy and tough, with a big old voice to match it. Lissie, like Ellie Goulding, is one of those people who has shown up on indie radars everywhere despite not doing a huge amount to warrant it. Unlike, say, Florence & The Machine, there's no revivalist feel, and little that makes it hers. Perfect for cafes in New York perhaps, but it doesn't really translate to something you can be inspired by.
Not to be mistaken for Lissy Trullie, another highly regarded American singer-songwriter, Lissie deals in sun-kissed pop-blues straight from Laurel Canyon. Her 12-track debut conjures images of highways and horses, with Lissie's smoky tones echoing Stevie Nicks. The flaxen-haired singer has a voice that crackles with the influence of blues as much as it does with folk and a range and delivery that puts most rock singers to shame. "Catching A Tiger" is the perfect record for sunny days and driving with the wind in your hair, and "Cuckoo" is its latest single. There are many things from her life & history that make these songs and her spirit possible, some of it in deference to that spirit.
"Cuckoo" is the perfect embodiment of Lissie's potential to fulfill a large gap within the current musical market. Rather than be bogged down by the all too easily exploited morbid and unhappy memories that plague every creative genius, this song celebrates the defiance of youth and its petulance, delivering this message in an upbeat, subtly produced number that could very well and perhaps should be the independent, folk anthem of this summer. "Cuckoo" isn't as immediate as Lissie's amazing first single "When I'm Alone," but it's got a gorgeous feel-good vibe that should work well on radio. It's a well made song, just a country/folk pop tune done by
numbers. There is nothing original about this, and we get a song that could soundtrack a Hollywood movie, but not a real life.

Robert Francis Wants To Show Off His "Junebug" On New Video

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Monday, March 29, 2010 1 comments

A while back I was introduced to Robert Francis, the folk Americana sing-songwriter for his single "Nightfall" last December 7, and I have been listening to his sophomore as well as Atlantic Records debut album "Before Nightfall" ever since. Definitely drawing on his youthful energy, the barely legal Francis is working to make sure that you know who he is. He's now released a new music video on The Music Slut for his popular second track on this album, "Junebug."
The song, Francis's deep, reverb-loaded vocals evoke the nostalgia that the lyrics give off for a lost love. The video seems to play off the lyrics talking about a girl next door that Francis has always been in love with. As cliché as the song and the video maybe, the song works to show off Francis's good vocals and sweet attitude towards music.
There's something very Boss-like about the video for "Junebug," gets the 1970s Americana treatment and the song itself has that special quality that somehow defines all classic anthems from everyone from U2 to Springsteen influences that echo through this song, and conveys the kind of drama and yearning and imagery that the video seems to be going for, an immediacy of purpose, an intensity of spirit that seeps from every pore. It's also just a great Friday afternoon-into-the-weekend reliever.
Just 22 years old, Francis displays a songwriting talent and musical breadth that far exceeds his young age, and has prompted National Public Radio to compare him to classic American songwriters like Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle. He recalls the voice of simpler and more truthful era when people were crazier and sang about things that mattered. Maybe that's because of his unique musical childhood. After self-producing and playing nearly every instrument on his 2007 independent release "One by One," Francis now enlisted the services of Grammy Award winning producer D. Sardy for "Before Nightfall." Enjoy it hopefully as much as I did!

Robert Francis Has Been Captivating Audiences With "Nightfall"

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Tuesday, December 8, 2009 0 comments

Ever listen to a song and think, "I like what I'm hearing, but would really appreciate some form of corresponding visual whereby I could fully immerse myself in this wonderful little nugget of artistry"? Happens all the time, right? To help you bring your eyes up to the same happiness level as your ears, Los Angeles-based singer Robert Francis has created a music video for the single "Nightfall" off his recently released sophomore album, "Before Nightfall," which was officially hits stores on October 20.
It's been a while since I've been pleasantly surprised by an opener, but Francis was really so good, pouring his heart and soul into both his Springsteen-esque vocals and his beautiful pink electric guitar. During Jeff Coffman directed video "Nightfall," if you watch the plot while listening to the song, the ending might come as a surprise. The video has a retro look, uses lots of vintage stuff and the performance part was filmed inside a church. The video also aptly captures the hard edged road blues of Francis' sophomore album, "Before Nightfall", which is by far and away one of 2009's hidden gems and best discoveries for your music library. Francis' fluid voice glides across the divide between the music and the listener as thick as honey. Unbelievably heart wrenching and pure it only takes one listen for these melodies and lyrics to be trapped inside your head.
Artists are often plague ridden by their desire to create. Drowning in desperation to transform their festering emotion in reaction to the world around them into a format that they can share with others, to finally reach understanding is an enduring battle. The 22-year-old has seemingly melded many disparate facets of American rock/folk/country into a tasty music stew. Pedal steel, piano, guitar, and vocals come together in classic fashion. Francis' hooks are like that delicious secret ingredient, where you find yourself singing along before the tune is even over.
Though Francis' youth will certainly turn heads, the music he creates deserves more than just he's good for his age. I have to say this artist has grown both laterally (exploring by genre) and vertically (through his confidence). At 22, the future is bright for this indie wunderkind. He's currently touring with Noah and the Whale, Francis has been captivating audiences with his stunning delivery and haunting voice. The youngest child from a large family, Francis has spent many hours taming the emotions behind his chiseled lyrics that bleed of personal loss, love and responsibility. He will be performing at the Wiltern on the coming Saturday.

Pete Yorn &Scarlett Johansson|"Relator"(Video)

Posted by Kevin Z. Rong Wednesday, August 19, 2009 0 comments

The official sepia-soaked music video “Relator” from indie dreamboat Pete Yorn and singer/actress Scarlett Johansson has made its worldwide debut exclusively on Yahoo Music last Wednesday. “Relator” is the lead single from their new collaborative upcoming album "Break Up" due Sept. 15 via Atco/Rhino, which is a deeply emotive yet hook-filled duets album concerns itself with two lovers putting their tumultuous relationship into song, features 8 original songs penned by Pete, and one cover of “I Am The Cosmos” by Chris Bell of ‘70s band Big Star.
The duo recorded the album of duets back in 2006, before 24-year-old award winning actress 1st crossed-over into the music scene for her debut album "Anywhere I Lay My Head," an LP of Tom Waits covers. The album was heavily inspired by the late ’60s French pop stylings of Serge Gainsbourg and actress/sexpot Brigitte Bardot. The lyrics are powerful enough to impact you, but the singer has to give off some feeling.
Yorn and Johansson harmonize together perfectly, singing over a rock acoustic produced track. Johansson looks stunning in this sexy new video, she's seen sitting close to Pete while they are lingering on the bed, and puts her head on Pete's shoulder.
“The idea was of two people vocalizing their relationship through duets,” Johansson told Parade. “I always thought of it as just a small project between friends. It perfectly captured where I was in my life at the time.” And Johansson certainly does her best impression to emulate the gorgeous model's infamous pout. It seems like she isn't letting her music career fall to the wayside as she continues working on films.

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