By Anu | February 9th, 2013
The beginning of the year is generally a time to get reacquainted with work, curse the weather, and/or sulk generally about not having even started on our new year’s resolutions by February. But that’s why there’s music; music is a gift we have to generously share, especially the kind that speaks to the soul when our souls need speakin’ to.
I found myself with about 15 SoundCloud tabs of aforementioned divine intervention, so I thought I’d put some of those tracks together into one fancy present, which I am now giving to you.
This playlist features seven different artists to watch this year — some of which you may be less familiar with. So please relax, pour some red wine, take the weight of the future off your shoulders, and get acquainted with a few sacred voices.
"Kidnap Kid - So Close Ft. Sinead Harnett"
Sometimes the credit for a successful track can go single-handedly to the producers. In Kidnap Kid's newly dropped "So Close" and Disclosure's hugely popular (and rightly so) "Boiling" (below), Sinead Harnett carries more than her weight. She's the underground club version of Adele; when you hear her voice, it's hard to imagine another singer filling out the space as gorgeously. With 3,000 social media followers (and no disrespect to her amazing collaborators), I think it's time we give credit where it's due.
According to her Twitter, we can expect more music from the London-based songstress soon, so follow her on Facebook or YouTube for the update.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Disclosure - Boiling Ft. Sinead Harnett "
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Elli Ingram - Poetic Justice"
Between Jessie Ware, Emeli Sandé and Sinead Harnett, there's seriously something in the water over in the UK. You can also now add the 19-year old, lesser known (as of now) Elli Ingram to that list.
She's a Brighton native with only a few releases showing on SoundCloud and Youtube, but she's pulling almost 50,000 views and listens on this brilliant cover of Kendrick Lamar and Drake's "Poetic Justice" released a week back. According to her Twitter, all she really wants is a call from Kendrick Lamar, so spread the word, follow her on Facebook and help her get the acknowledgement she deserves. Regardless, the singer calls herself "independent and unsympathetic" so we can be sure she'll continue doing her own beautiful thing this year.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Lion Babe - Treat Me Like Fire"
Lion Babe is actually composed of two people, Jillian Hervey and Lucas Goodman, but with a name like that, a voice like that, and a mane like this, it's hard not to notice the former first. The NYC duo have only dropped their first single, "Treat Me Like Fire," and it's killer -- all you need is one killer song to draw over 200,000 views between YouTube and SoundCloud in two months! Fortunately for everyone, they are just getting started, so don't miss out on what's next! Follow Lion Babe on Facebook.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Hiatus Kaiyote - Nakamarra"
Melbourne's Hiatus Kaiyote describe themselves as "future soul," which is true enough, but soul singers of the past seem to haunt lead singer Nai Palm's jazz-infused, husky voice. I'm not the only one to notice this group's sublime sound. They've won "Best Breakthrough Artist Of The Year" at Gille's Peterson's Worldwide Awards, and drawn praise from the likes of Erykah Badu and Questlove, but I think their impact will only grow this year. Hiatus Kaiyote is hitting up the U.S. at SXSW 2013 for a couple of showcases, but they need your support to have a successful run. See how you can help out here and find out everything else you need to know about the band and their first album, Tawk Tomahawk on their website.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Arima Ederra - Questions Ft. Blu"
Las Vegas-based Arima Ederra dropped her first EP in December 2012, so her music is pretty new to the world. However, the songstress immediately brings to mind the soulfulness of a young Lauryn Hill, masked with her own brand of innocence. It's no surprise to find that her list of inspiration includes Erykah Badu, Mary J Blige and generally 90s R&B. Her combination of jazz, R&B and hip-hop is certainly felt with a nostalgic ease.
Credit also goes to the numerous producers and emcees she's collaborated with on her album, Earth to Arima, which you can listen to and download in full here.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"KING - The Story"
KING is actually three ladies in one majestic voice: Paris, Amber and Anita of Los Angeles, who according to their website were destined to meet. The group's formation may be organic, but their sound is completely supernatural. Their music is completely written, sung and produced by the trio, and touches on spirituality, destiny and "finding the music within themselves." Unfortunately, KING debuted with The Story EP in 2011 and since then, have had no recent updates on their website or social media. So why did I include them in this playlist? I absolutely love this track, and am selfishly hoping that those of us inspired, can inspire them to release some new music this year. So head over to Facebook and send the trio a few kind words of encouragement.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Keishaleisha - Should I Ft. New Brazilian Orchestra"
Canada's Keishaleisha is cleverly two lovely ladies, named (surprise) Keisha and Leisha. A visit to the pair's SoundCloud pulls up one lonely track released three years ago, "Lay With Me." The track is off an album featured on MySpace, but who uses MySpace anymore?? Anyhow, fans of the album could have lost hope, but in December 2012, the duo popped up on a collaboration with New Brazilian Orchestra and producer Häzel.
"Should I" is a hip-hop instrumental that sails with ease thanks to its beautiful production, Brazilian influence and the transcendental voices of Keishaleisha. If this track is any indication, we should be receiving more beautiful surprises from the duo in the near future. In case I'm getting ahead of myself, head over to SoundCloud and (kindly) demand new music.
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
"Keishaleisha - Lay With Me "
Download from: Soundcloud
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).