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Quality Not Quantity - Something Special Going On

First up is Melanie Durrant a singer-songwriter who embodies real artistry through her very unique, edgy and soulful music style.  Born and raised in Toronto, Melanie attended the Earl Haig School of the Arts. She trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music and worked on an eclectic array of projects before she became an “alternative hip-hop soul” artist. Citing influences that range from the soulful swoon of Minne Ripperton to the hard-knock of Aerosmith to the “mercy me” melodies of Marvin Gaye, the radiant singer/songwriter has no problems crashing through the wall of sound. She has received multiple accolades though out her career including a Much Music Video Award nom for her single “Where Iʼm Going” and Stylus Awards winner for Single Of The Year for her song “Bang Bang” ft Kardinal Offishall. Melanie Durrant is also a three-time Juno nominee with nominations every year since 2013. Most recently she was nominated at the Sirius XMʼs Indie Awards for Soul & R&B Solo Art

Edie Brickell & New Bohemians - Chicago 2006 (Internet Archive)

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From the Internet Archive this is Edie Brickell and New Bohemians Live at Martyr's, Chicago, Illinois back on 25 October 2006. For those unfamiliar with the band we are can learn the following from Wikipedia (assuming it is accurate and that can be a big assumption) - Edie Brickell & New Bohemians is an alternative rock jam band that originated in Dallas, Texas in the mid-1980's. The band is best known for their 1988 hit "What I Am" from the album Shooting Rubber bands at the Stars. Their music contains elements of rock, folk, blues, and jazz. Following the release of their 1990 second album Ghost of a Dog, lead singer Edie Brickell married singer-songwriter Paul Simon after leaving the band. In 2006 they launched a new web site and released a new album Stranger Things. In recent years, the New Bohemians have released compilations and a live album and have recorded new material. In the mid-1990's Brickell, Bush and Withrow reunited as The Slip. In 200

Sundays Alternative Take - Five Fine Tracks

Background - Introducing the third full length album from Australian artist Lo Tide . 'Learn to Wait' features four different and unique vocalists from around the globe on the A side of the vinyl, with the B side comprising four deeply varied instrumental tracks. The LP showcases a collection of styles and production techniques including electronic elements, field recordings and everything in between. The album title is drawn from life's journey and the process of learning patience; whether related to music/creativity or both small and large life changes . Featured song 'Times Two' has a really stripped back feel to it, the variable beats & genuinely down tempo arrangement is quite hypnotic, a case of less is more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More Background - It was just last month No Artificial Colours kicked off Night Colours, a new project from the London

2015 - Out Of Our Inbox - June - Four

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Starting off this new music round up with The Phantom Sound . The background information goes as follows - Marisa is currently completing her first solo album. Her influences include artists from the late 70s and early 80s punk and new wave movements such as David Bowie, Roxy Music, Blondie, The Ramones, and Duran Duran. She is creating powerful, emotional, and honest songs inspired from that era, and combines it with rock in a new way. She’s been fortunate to work with several excellent and accomplished artists on this album. Ken Stringfellow of the Posies, Big Star, and R.E.M. is producing the album as well as playing on it. Clem Burke, drummer of Blondie, plays on several of the tracks and Pierre DeReeder, bass player from Rilo Kiley, also contributes, among other talented musicians. Her single,"Get to Me", has already won the top voted song on Charlie Ashcroft's Audition Show, and has had various radio play around the U.S.. She wrote and recorded this album in Ber

Quality Not Quantity - Four On Thursday

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On An On - 'It's Not Over'. Sometimes videos really can add something to a song. The music stands on it's own, the video just takes you somewhere, a kind of journey, oh enough words, give it a viewing and brighten up your day! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Presenting Welsh folk-rock duo Zervas & Pepper . I am reliably informed that - They make the phenomenally chilled-out old Laurel Canyon sound along the lines of Mamas and the Papas, The Byrds, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. The new album Abstract Heart is the perfect soundtrack to summer driving . Actually some fair comparisons perhaps, I would add they make very good Welsh folk come country come rock music. Add to that that interest is picking up in the UK with mainstream radio airplay and Mojo magazine giving them the big thumbs up, the quality of their music is setting them apart. More Here . -------------

An Australian Triple Play? - Why Not!

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All about Edie Green - Straight off the back of a sold out launch and a hot 4 out of 5 review from The Music for their EP 'New Heavy', Perth's Edie Green are ready to spread their gooey brand of indie rock to ears across Australia. Their sonic melting pot is a result of uninhibited jam sessions comprising of jazz trained drummer Tyler, glam-rock/funk guitarist Conor, metal-minded bassist Elliot and folk/neo-soul singer Sophie. Together they produce an eclectic and dynamic sound that flirts from blues-rock to funk-folk.  The first single born from this collaboration, 'Southern Palms', featured on Triple J Unearthed and earned the number 1 position on Twin Cities' Live n ’Local top 50 songs of 2013, also resulting in TV ad syncs. In the same year, Edie Green won the WA leg of the National Campus Band Competition and took out second place at the National final held in Canberra. They were then also selected as an Australian finalist in the RAW Independent Art

Alabama Shakes - Live at Ziggy's 2011 (Internet Archive)

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Another gem from the Internet Archive. This is Alabama Shakes back on the 13th November 2011 live at Ziggy's, Winston Salem, NC. The band opened for Drive-By Truckers who declared themselves fans of the band and invited them on stage to perform 'Everybody Needs Love' that evening. Alabama Shakes is an American roots rock band formed in Athens, Alabama, in 2009. The group consists of lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, keyboard player Ben Tanner, and drummer Steve Johnson. The group received three nominations for the 2013 Grammy Awards: Best New Artist, Best Rock Performance for "Hold On", and Best Recording Package for their debut album, Boys & Girls. With Glastonbury Festival happening this week in Somerset, England, Alabama Shakes are due on The Pyramid Stage around 2.30pm on Friday afternoon so I will be checking out the BBC coverage and hopefully enjoying some of their set. The band are touring Eur

Another Sunday - Another Alternative Take

Michael Plunkett has this to say about his music - I have created my own style of electronic music which mixes aggressive big hitter drops with the sing along parts influenced by Southern California punk rock . Well with a mixture like that I was curious and needed to listen and mighty pleased am I that I did. Check out the track Nick Diaz, and his Facebook page is Here . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quoting now - JayKode ’s infectious productions combine elements of trap, hip hop, and future bass, differentiated by his classically trained background. His versatility is unmatched, exemplified by a medley of remixes and originals associated with vastly different genres. Each release has gradually developed an inimitable sound known as “classical bass”. “Beehive” is the sonic representation of JayKode’s entire body of work, as well as his dedication to creating something new . Well if

More Weekend Goodies

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Background -  The Settlement (formerly known as Buddha in a Chocolate Box) are a five-piece rare alternative/folk outfit, sticking to their southern stomp roots. Their journey is to develop and spread an Australian folk/roots sound, never to be pigeon holed. Fuelled by fiddle and strong rhythm their music is bound to invoke! An exciting year looms for The Settlement in 2015, with constant festival gigging, and the release of their debut album. It all starts with their debut single with the new band name, 'Stomp' will be released 10th July 2015 . Website Here . This is a gutsy song which I sense has every band member playing from the heart. The 'alternative folk' genre may be a crowded place these day's however somehow I would imagine The Settlement wont find that the least bit troubling. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More from Australia  - After releasing the