There's something truly astonishing with the music that these two names have created throughout the years. I just wanted to bring back a little treat of the past that shouldn't ever be forgotten. It's because of these two and people like them that mold and shape our societies. After all...they're artists
So slow it down, cause you're moving too fast. Turn this on and feel groovy
Christopher Francis Ocean (born Christopher Breaux; October 28, 1987), better known by his stage name Frank Ocean, is an American singer-songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana. Breaux made an early career as a ghost-writer for artists such as Justin Bieber, Bridget Kelly and John Legend. In mid 2010 he became a member of OFWGKTA premiering on Domo Genesis' track, "SteamRoller". In February 2011, he released his debut mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra to critical acclaim. He released two singles; "Novacane" and "Swim Good". Both singles achieved chart success. Ocean went on a 7 show tour through North America and Europe promoting the mixtape. He is currently located in New York City.
The mixtape caught the interest of recording artists such as Kanye West, Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z, and he appeared on Watch the Throne. He wrote the popular track "Thinking About You" for Bridget Kelly. On January 5, 2012, the BBC announced that he had finished in second place in the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll. Ocean is currently working on his debut studio album, set to be released in the first half of 2012, and appeared at Coachella 2012.
If you've never been given the privilege of listening to The Weeknd, then I'm about to show you the way. Abel Tesfaye is the mastermind behind this project. Originally his first album was released for FREE and called it "House Of Balloons". This was 2 years ago in 2010. Now he has 3 albums out (Which have been released for free on his website as well) and they're all amazing. If you've never listened to The Weeknd, I'd say check it out! It's a little R&B along with the electronic scene...but honestly I believe in GOOD music and to me, this is great. Enough said, now just listen...
It's been a while since I've posted a blog about some of the new music I've been listening to...so I decided to talk about this fairly new band called Fun. It was formed by front man Nate Ruess who is more known probably from his past as the front man for a band called The Format. I think I discovered The Format when I was in high school and immediately loved their music. They created two albums, both are amazing and I highly recommend checking them out! Sadly to say the band had a falling out and decided to go separate ways musically. So here is a preview of the band called Fun! I think they're pretty cool
Click Here to listen
Fun. - Some Nights
I have to say, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros just may be my most favorite band right now. Ever since I heard "40 Day Dream", "River Of Love", and "Thanks, Little Man" I've been hooked. It kind of is disappointing that I haven't seen them live yet though. If you've never heard of the group, you should listen to the songs I just spoke about! If you want to get really crazy - check out this documentary they just posted on their live shows at The Old Vic Tunnels! Amazing...I wish I could have been there to be a part of that experience!
I was fishing around on the internet today and came across this killer sound by a band called The Elected. The song I listened to is called "Babyface". It's super catchy. I feel like it has roots with some 60's music because of the chord progression. The band's frontman, Blake Sennet, had officially quit music as of spring 2010 to pursue a career in film as a writer and director. After a year of the film industry he decided to come out with another album (Bury Me In My Rings) and you can catch one of his songs here! I enjoy it, hope you do too!
So I got an e-mail today about an open mic in San Diego. I am on the mailing list because I played once or twice there, and it just so happens that one of my friends heads it up! I started searching around his webpage and found this artist, Dawn Mitschele. If you enjoy acoustic guitar and beautiful female vocals, then you HAVE to hear this girl. She has an album out and it's called "In The Moonlight".
I'd say her style is close to a Norah Jones sound. Watch her video "Anchor" and check out her webpage http://dawnmitschele.com/.
If you've never heard of Beirut then you're in for a treat! It was originally supposed to be a solo project by frontman Zach Condon, but it later formed into a band and has evolved from there. Zach plays the flugelhorn, trumpet, and ukelele. One of the best things about this band is the way that harmony is incorporated into their songs. I love harmony. I think it's a beautiful thing when music is vocally and instrumentally harmonized together. I want to blend harmony into my music.
If you haven't heard any songs by Beirut, I'd suggest to check out their album titled "Gulag Orkestar". Here are a few of my favorites from the album:
Scenic World
The Canals Of Our City
Elephant Gun
The Bunker
Check it out and venture off into a different dimension of music. I think Zach Condon might be a genius
If you really like his style...one of my favorite songs is called "The Penalty"...listen to it here
I was playing a live show the other day in Zionsville, IN. and one of my friends, Bill, surprised me with one of his acoustic guitars to check out. I was caught off guard when I first walked in because prior to this, I was a little unsure if I was actually scheduled to play that night...I'd say about 5% of me was unsure. But I walked downstairs into the Wine Cellar and saw a guitar there and my heart sank. I was all excited to play and there was another guitar on stage, so I thought to myself, "Man, I was really hoping to play tonight!".
I took a glance around the room and saw Bill sitting there and he assured me that he brought his 1947 Martin Acoustic to play with that night. I was ecstatic! Not only did I have a new guitar to check out, but I was indeed scheduled to play! Haha.
I find it's the small things in life that really make it count. So Thank You Bill for letting me use your beautiful instrument...it was a night I'll never forget!
P.S. Here's a video to show you his sweet as Martin!
I recently found a new artist I really enjoy. He's a soulful, R&B singer who hails from Chewelah, WA. The 24 year old is the son of a pastor and sings from the heart about topics such as love and politics. I originally found him on Youtube and was blown away at his song titled "Unaware". (I like to try and attempt the song during my live performances). The video they produced is called "Live From His Mothers Living Room", and he is accompanied with some stellar musicians. If you get the chance you should check out his site: www.allenstone.net.
