There's some talented folk in the world that deserve a wider recognition for their efforts - here are just a few of my current faves that I would love to see become massive so they can hire me to ghost-write their autobiographies & ask me advice on how to spin the "sex tape" scandals that come their way :D But for now, they're just here for the music...
Asher Monroe ~ Hello Baby (Acoustic): I wrote about young Asher a while back (and before when he was part of V Factory). In it's original format, Hello Baby is a propulsive, swirling pop-dance epic that invades your senses and makes you want to grab the one you love and shimmy. Shimmy hard. Plus Asher all suited & booted in the video? No problem with that at all :D The acoustic version naturally strips back the production & focuses on a sweet, seductive vocal over a gently strumming guitar. The melody of the song still shines through and gives you the chance to appreciate the emotive performance Asher gives, as well as the strength of the songwriting that allows the tune to be performed in a variety of styles. I'm still eagerly awaiting an Asher album and on the strength of this, it won't be long before the rest of the world succumbs to his charms & demands a long player also...
Derek Darker ~ Be Right Back: Watching the development of Derek Darker from accomplished boy bander to intriguing solo act has been both fascinating and rewarding. He built up a solo following through his own interpretation of popular cover versions (check out one of his more recent where he takes on my beloved Keane. It's a corker), but now is showcasing his skills as a songwriter through self penned songs. Be Right Back (written with Ash Jordan) is a plaintive plea for time in a relationship and allows Derek to get his inner rock god on (there's some serious grows in the verses) alongside an energetic & engaging guitar riff. The framework of the song is fully in tact with a chorus that begs to performed with a full band & chanted loud and proud at festivals across the country this summer. That's not to say that it doesn't work as a stripped back acoustic version either because the charm of Derek's vocal & the song's melody is there from the second the tune begins. Quite ace then :D
High Heels & Low Life ~ Daydreamer: Last time I wrote about HHLL, someone tweeted me that they didn't think this was my "thing". Granted, I tend to go for the fluffier side of pop but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a diversion every now and then, and frankly HHLL seem to be one of the most on point, exciting new acts I've stumbled across in a long time. Their new single (out July 1st), Daydreamer, examines whether you should follow your goals and aspirations over a percussive, throbbing breakneck handclap beat. There's something utterly commanding about this song that demands your attention and it's definitely that fusion of the distinctive female vocal pared with the almost poetic, lyrical rap that weave alongside each other, knitted tightly together. Often rap feels disjointed, forced in when it's a guest artist, but as a duo they know how to work styles alongside each other and the result is a fresh sounding, soaring tune that bewitches you to return to it often. Do check out the video above too - it's a doozy :)
Ethan Bourne ~ Titanium: It's quite fair to say that I've always been quite impressed by young Ethan ever since his days in Boy Banned (alongside the lovely Pob who also produced this track). He's teamed up with Jamie Cleaton for a simply mesmerising cover version of the giant David Guetta/Sia hit Titanium and everything about it is deliciously wonderful. Jamie provides a haunting, engrossing piano backing that frankly shimmers into being and acts as a gorgeous backdrop for Ethan's impassioned vocal delivery. Ethan clearly understands how to imbue a well known song with his own nuanced interpretation & he ably ebbs and flows with the music - holding back when he needs to, powering forth when the songs demands it but never overshadowing the music or making it overwrought. It's a subtle but necessary way to approach the song and the result is musical alchemy that stuns from start to finish. Good job all round then fellas...
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