AOTW [11] : Zee Avi
Says who regional artists aint good enough ? This Malaysian girl, Zee Avi is same age as I am (23) and her voice really blew me away. Especially when I find her lyrics really reflecting the reality of how romance is like in today’s society,, just alil dark as compared to the usual love songs.
I like her music because it is so catchy ! She sings,she writes,she plays the guitar and ukulele, how talented ! (I am dying to learn how to play the ukulele actually,really cute!) I feel like I’ve been wasting the past 22 years in my life!
Worth mentioning is that she was discovered on myspace and now signed to a label, just like that !
“One email came from Ian Montone, who had been shown the YouTube clip by Raconteurs’ drummer, Patrick Keeler, prompting Montone to get in touch and offer to release her music on the Monotone Label.”
Amazing how the social networking platforms such as myspace gives you the opportunity to discover your dreams !
I wanted to post her official video of “Bitter Heart” but copyright issues on youtube etc (buggers!), so here’s her recent TV debut on “Last Call with Carson Daly “ in US !
Bitter Heart – Zee Avi
Sun rays come down as seen when they hit the ground,
Children spinning around till they fall down down down.
I wait for you: it’s been two hours now,
You’re still somewhere in town,
Your dinners getting cold.
I rest my case you are always this late,
And you know how much I hate waiting around ’round ’round,
Bitter heart, bitter heart tries to keep it all inside,
Bitter heart, bitter heart shadows will help you try to hide,
Bitter heart, my bitter heart is gettin’ just a little fragile,
Bitter heart, bitter heart of mine.
And then you come and tell me the same reason as you did yesterday,
So tell me whats her name.
Doo doo da dum, doo doo da dum, doo doo doo doo doo doo da da dum dum, da da da da dum, da da da da dum, da da da da dum.
Bitter heart, bitter heart tries to keep it all inside
Bitter heart, bitter heart shadows will help you try to hide,
Bitter heart, my bitter heart is just getting a little fragile,
Bitter heart, bitter heart of mine, of mine, of mine, of mine, of mine, of mine.
AOTW [10] : Chase Coy
Meant to blog more this week but had to do some late-springcleaning at home before school starts in a week or so. Here’s artiste of the week – Chase Coy ! (You can find him on twitter @chasecoy)
Another teen with lovely voice and looking really cute on his myspace photos (I can’t help noticing,haha!) Love how he writes and record his own music even though the songs are rather short. I think his lyrics is able to relate to most teens as well. I personally like “Lullaby”, “Take Me Away” and “The Second That You Say” (which was quite Never Shout Never feel). Try “I NeedThis More Than You Know” if you prefer something more fast-paced.
This was the first song that caught my attention though, nothing beats sweet lyrics with a cute boyish voice.
A Lovely Sound – Chase Coy
Over fall break you’re coming down to see me
I know that the distance doesn’t make this easy
But when we come together it makes such a lovely sound
And that’s why I’d give anything I have to work this out
And everything I ever did didn’t matter up till now
You make life worth while like you’ve completed me somehow
And when we come together it makes such a lovely sound
That’s why I’d give anything I have to work this out.
For the first time in my life
I know that I’m in love
I could write a thousand songs about you
They would never be enough
But when we come together it makes such a lovely sound
That’s why I’d give anything I have to work this out.
AOTW [9] : Eagle-Eye Cherry
Randomly came across Eagle-Eye Cherry while looking at random music videos on youtube. Didn’t pay much attention to it till I came across the name again on my tumblr.
As usual, I like songs which contain lyrics that relates to me or at least meaningful enough to complete a song. This is pretty awesome for those wanting to fall in love again, but dare not make the move because you have once been hurt before. Sometimes all it takes is a simple promise (and I don’t mean empty promises) to make that someone feels loved and wanted again. (ahh..I sure sound very emotional here for a second,hur)
I have to say, another not-exactly-new-myspace artiste but here’s his hit from 1998 which I thought was quite a nice one (with really retro music video feel).
Eagle-Eye Cherry “Falling In Love Again”
I’m so tired
Of falling in love
Finding it easier to fall out
Can’t deny it
I feel it inside cupids fire
I can’t hide
I’m falling in love again
Ain’t nothing I can do
Falling in love again
Girl this time its with you
When I fall
It’s always the same
And I’m so tired
Of playing this game
It’s been so long now
Since I gave up my heart
I’ve kept it locked down
I don’t wanna get it harmed
So let me tell you now
I just want to be sure
That you wont hurt me
Can you promise me that
You got to tell me
If you’re going to break my heart
cos I don’t wanna take the chance
And if it ain’t true
All it’s gonna be
Is nothing but a poor romance
So give me that promise to hold on
And I’ll never let you go
We gotta have something to go on
I’m letting you know now
Falling in love again
AOTW [7] : Doll & The Kicks
I was checking out Morissey on myspace and came across Doll & The Kicks who happens to be his guest supporting act for his Europe tour. So as usual, I googled on Doll & The Kicks after listening to a few tracks of theirs. I find myself liking their quirky style and they reminds me of No Doubt in a way, maybe not music wise though. I like how unique they sound and I really have no idea which genre they actually falls under. (haha)
Quite a refreshing sight to see female singer in a band since lately most bands have male lead singers, Doll certainly has the spunky stage personality to pull off the indie/rocker attitude. In fact , I read that they actually sound even better live. You can follow them on twitter ! They may just be the next big thing!
Here’s one of their songs “Roll up the red carpet” which I found rather cute and catchy. Sadly I can’t find the lyrics to it but watch the video !
AOTW [6] : The Rocket Summer
I think a good singer should always learn to play a musical instrument or two, else they are just “idol singers”. I prefer to support singers who can write and compose their own music.
Don’t be fooled by the name “The Rocket Summer“, it is not a band but a solo project by @Bryce Avary – who is on twitter too !
I have to say, even though I thought I’ve quit that “rock era” since polytechnic days, I really enjoyed his music because it really perks me up to blast his songs at night. You can find some of his live performances on youtube which I thought was really good in terms of vocal quality and the atmosphere.
Apart from the usual rock, I think The Rocket Summer has really good emotional lyrics that I find most important to me when it comes to liking a song.
I like “So Much Love” and “Do You Feel” but I still prefer one of the older songs “That’s So You” which has this rather raw feel to it.
The lyrics is quite meaningful because lately I’m really just having a bad time but having the boyfriend around makes things so much easier to tolerate. I think it is also important to be proud of your other half in a relationship too, who wants to go out with someone whom you’re ashamed of ?! Be it the person as who he/she is or what they do for a living etc. You’re in love not because you love to be loved and wants to be in love – but to love the person as who he/she is wholeheartedly and being proud of his/her achievements, even if it’s just minor things like…er..winning a game on FIFA (haha).
I’m such a sucker for sweet lyrics, what’s new ! Enjoy the cute fan video, I don’t think they have an official MV for this song =)
That’s So You – The Rocket Summer
It’s a beautiful day
Now I’ll be ok that you’re not away
Yesterday was a terrible day
But now that you’re here I’m ok
Cause you don’t know how much I, I need you
Please don’t go
You’re so wonderful
This I swear, this I know
You, oh you, every single thing you do
I’m so proud of you
What you do
When you do the things you do
They’re so you
So thanks for your help
You shine so bright
You are the star that’s in my sky
And I am yours and you are mine
I’m so proud of you
That’s so you
AOTW [5] : Jonathan Coulton
I came across Jonathan Coulton on twitter and decided to check out his myspace.
One of the few artist who offers their music for free listening on his site and I thought his songs were pretty cute, especially the lyrics! He does have a nice geeky boyish voice that appeals to me. Love the geeky side of his songs and the way he uses internet to promote himself too.
Geeks FTW (for the win) ! Says who geeks can’t be cool someday ? From a computer programmer to a musician, I think Jonathan Coulton has done it pretty well !
You can also add him on twitter, @jonathancoulton too !
His “Re: Your Brains” is a funny song about *ZOMBIES* ! (Too much of Plants Vs Zombies, the game)
“All we want to do is eat your brains” I can’t help but to crack up listening to the song. Enjoy !
AOTW [4] : Yiruma
My family focus on the arts and music education alot while we’re growing up as kids. My sister had organ lessons (which she still plays with only her right hand) and drawing lessons. I’m probably jack of all trades,master of none – I was in the Keyboard Ensemble, Guitar club in secondary school and Guzheng lessons since the age of 9. Not forgetting those here and there flute,monochord zither,recorder,drums lessons I had as well.
I really admire those who had piano lessons since young (somehow I just can’t play the piano as well as I can with the Guzheng), I think the music coming from the instrument is just…romantic. I remember how I struggled with a song (Marriage D’ Amor) just to impress someone I used to like. (HAHA) Sadly, that’s the one and only song I can still play with my stiff fingers.
I came across Yiruma and his solo pieces, totally smitten ! I think a good instrumental piece is one that really brings out the emotions in you and reflecting on things that are happening around you. Alot of good pianist out there, but his music really attracted me.
Here’s one that I really like, “River Flows in You”
P.S : Since it’s all about Yiruma AND music today, tributes to Michael Jackson aka King of Pop as well. (Featuring Yiruma’s “Kiss the Rain”. RIP MJ.
AOTW [3]: Elbow
Will keep this one short since it is another crazy weekend for me.
Not a new myspace band but Elbow has been around for quite sometime.
Pretty big name in fact in the UK,especially after winning the mercury music award last year.
I think their music is quite spectacular and I like how I won’t get sick of their songs after listening to them on loop.
One of my personal favourite is “One Day Like This”, I really liked how they composed the song into such a musical piece, playing with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Really simple lyrics with soulful music, just really amazing stuff ! Love the Strings !
Take a listen and perhaps you’ll find yourselves getting goosebumps like I do.
I hope I’ll get to see them live during their Europe tour next year (*IF* I get to go on exchange,that is).
Elbow – One Day Like This
Drinking in the morning sun
Blinking in the morning sun
Shaking off the heavy one
Heavy like a loaded gun
What made me behave that way?
Using words I never say
I can only think it must be love
Oh, anyway, it’s looking like a beautiful day
Someone tell me how I feel
It’s silly wrong but vivid right
Oh, kiss me like the final meal
Yeah, kiss me like we die tonight
Cause holy cow, I love your eyes
And only now I see the light
Yeah, lying with me half-awake
Oh, anyway, it’s looking like a beautiful day
When my face is chamois-creased
If you think I’ll wink, I did
Laugh politely at repeats
Yeah, kiss me when my lips are thin
Cause holy cow, I love your eyes
And only now I see you like
Yeah, lying with me half-awake
Stumbling over what to say
Well, anyway, it’s looking like a beautiful day
So throw those curtains wide!
One day like this a year’d see me right!
(AOTW) Artist Of The Week : Never Shout Never
As a Campus Radio DJ on SMU Campus Radio for coming 2 years, I have always been actively promoting local/myspace artists on my radio shows. My co-host from my most recent show, Rachel and I decided to feature one myspace.com artist per week for our listeners and I really enjoyed doing that because sharing is always fun ! Not only do you get to “interact” with your listeners but you also have the “power” to “force” your listeners into listening to your current playlist. (Haha, Just Kidding!)
I blogged about blip.fm earlier on where I share my music picks on a regular basis, but it is getting frustrating with the preview clips and youtube videos feature. So I decided to bring the artist of the week (AOTW) segment to my blog instead ! I will feature either a myspace or local artist each week (but I will keep things short and sweet), so stay tuned !
To start things off with a happy note (no pun intended, you’ll understand later), this week I’m going to share with you this 6 people band “Never Shout Never“.
You can read more about them from their myspace profile. One thing I’ll like to highlight is 18 years old Christofer Drew (vocal) has a really unique voice, it really caught my attention when I first heard their songs. (And he looks really cute with his ukulele too ! Click here to watch him LIVE *warning : crazy fans screams and shakey hands*)
Here’s my favourite (and their latest single) “Happy”, I was telling Daryl (who also have his “Music Mondays” ) that I really liked the lyrics. One of those “puts a smile on my face” songs. In fact, their EP will be out soon and their songs are all available on iTunes, do check them out if you like their music !
< Never Shout Never – Happy >
You make me happy, whether you know it or not
We should be happy, that’s what I said from the start
I am so happy, Knowing you are the one that
I’ll love for the rest of my days,
(for the rest of my days), yes, all of my days!
you’re looking so cool, you’re looking so fly,
I can’t deny that when I’m staring you down
right dead in the eye, I wanna try to be the person you want,
the person you need,
it’s hard to conceive that somebody like you,
could be with, somebody like me
I’m happy knowing you are mine,
the grass is greener on the other side,
The More I think, The more I wish that we
could lay here for hours, and just reminisce.
Ooh ooh,
you’re looking so fresh it’s catching my eye,
why oh why, did I not see this before,
the girl I adore, was right in front of me.
and now I’ll take a step back,
and look in your eye and ask why,
It took so long for me too see, we’re meant to be.
I’m happy knowing you are mine,
the grass is greener on the other side,
The More I think, The more I wish that
we could lay here for hours, and just reminisce.
On the good the bad the ugly,
the smiles the laughs the funny,
oh all the things we put each
other through, it’s for you, for you
You make me happy, whether you know it or not
We should be happy, that’s what I said from the start
I am so happy, Knowing you are the one that
I’ll love for the rest of my days
I’m happy knowing you are mine,
the grass is greener on the other side,
The More I think, The more I wish that we
could lay here for hours, and just reminisce.
Ooh Ooh
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If you know of any good myspace/local artists (or if you’re one of them) and think I should do a feature, just drop a comment or email to exit18 (at) gmail (dot) com ! Looking forward to hear from you guys ! 
