If I had a magic genie with the ability to grant three wishes, I would first wish for all my debts and bills to be paid off for the rest of my life. Second, I’d wish for an infinite amount of money on a gift card to shopadidas.com. Lastly, but not least-ly, I’d wish to be a rap star. Don’t worry, I’ve thought very long and hard about this last wish. My rapper name would be “Bite Size” and I’d throw down some sick beats with my fellow rap stars such as Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B. and, of course, Bone Thugs. Most likely, my first music video would take place at night, dancing in the rain, with an army of back-up dancers swinging glow sticks around in an artistic pattern. Where am I going with this you ask? Cleverly transitioning into my pick for today’s featured artist: Kasper From the K.
Kasper From the K, born Timothy Lee Hoggard, is an up and coming rap/hip-hop artist from Henderson, KY. So, somewhere in a cornfield in Kentucky, little Timothy found this genie who granted him his wish to join the ranks in hip-hop stardom. Of course his genie’s name was Joel Hopper, a producer who has previously worked with Nappy Roots, Static Major and The Villiebillies; and this genie helped to bring a new level of musical wizardry to the hip-hop world by presenting to us Kasper from the K.
Kasper has developed a fanatical following throughout the Midwest, which naturally includes this Chicago native and FreshScouts writer. His songs have “peek-a-boo’d” on the airwaves and his list of singles include “Whatchagonnado” and “Kwad Up.” If my words aren’t luring enough to create a demand for Kasper, then just take a listen to the single “Shake It Down.” Aw yeah.
Check out Kasper from the K on:
Kid Sister – “Daydreamin’”
A cousin’s neighbor’s uncle’s half brother’s best friend’s study buddy of mine actually knows Kid Sister. True story. Knowing that I could potentially be best friends with a musical genius, I decided to explore Kid Sister’s melodious workings. I decided she’s pretty good. So now you can say a cousin’s neighbor’s blah blah blah knows Kid Sister and you guys are pretty much best friends.
Eliza Doolittle – “Rollerblades”
Do you hear that? It sounds a bit like lemonade stands, swimming pools, and freeze pops. Eliza Doolittle has a few intriguing and enjoyable hits which include this little delight with “Rollerblades.” I’ll support anyone who tries to creatively bring back a token of my childhood. This song even inspires me to lace up the ‘ol inline skates and practice by backwards couple skate maneuvers. Memories.
Iron and Wine – “Boy With a Coin”
Iron and Wine… like liver and Cabernet or shrimp and Merlot OR this singer-songwriter from South Carolina. The clapping paralleling with the guitar strumming in this song inspires for me an immediate reaction of toe tapping and enjoyment. Plus, he plays a banjo. Banjos have and will always be fun. If you dare to argue I’ll thumb wrestle you…to death.
Once upon a time, in a far away land (we’ll call this land “2001″), there lived a band who coined themselves The Calling. These gentlemen were popular among the princesses of America and drew in the hearts of acne-producing teenagers with their first hit single “Wherever You Will Go.” Now time passed and an evil wizard named “Indefinite Hiatus” came to the band and cast a spell leaving their musical careers dangling from the Cliff of Broken Dreams. My attempt is to creatively highlight this week’s throwback band, The Calling.
Upon initially hearing The Calling’s first hit single, “Wherever You Will Go,” I, along with many others sharing in my musical preference, were intrigued by the deep, melodic vocals of lead singer, Alex Band. To continue the seduction of new listeners, the song itself lured you in with the strumming of a soothing guitar and lyrics that seemed to pull from the diaries of first loves everywhere. Alex Band himself probably produced such emotions in the ladies with his siren songs. The song topped the charts and was even recognized as the #1 Adult Pop song of the decade by Billboard magazine.
So, where’d they go? Where’s Alex Band? Is he single? The band released a few more singles from their first album, Camino Palmero, including “Adrienne” and “Could It Be Any Harder.” Their music even made appearances in a few popular films such as “Coyote Ugly” and “Love Actually.” Their career allowed them to make a second album cleverly titled Two, but their popularity slowly faded after that. Until just now. When I brought it back. Let’s rekindle the romance and appreciate the talent of a band whose career may have ended too quickly. If anything, The Calling will always have that first single…and Paris (Casablanca reference).
Check out Camino Palmero:
My college years introduced me to a lot of things that I would take with me into adulthood (or what people keep telling me is supposed to be adulthood.) I drank my very first alcoholic beverage in college which eventually led to a few more alcoholic beverages. I learned about life outside of a curfew which usually meant the necessity to schedule more naps throughout the day. I was introduced to the 20 page paper due in a week which also introduced me to the life punishments that accompany procrastination. But most importantly, on one magical day during my sophomore year of college, I discovered the musical creative genius of a band called Florez.
As a sat at the desktop computer “kids” today would consider to be dinosauresque, I happened upon the Nashville-based rock band, Florez. As I listened intently through a few of their diddys (not to be confused with “P” diddys), I was immediately intrigued by the unique sound emanating from my speakers. Lead singer and guitarist Alex Florez paired with bassist Erik Huffman produced a sound combining styles from many different musical genres to produce energetic, yet smooth harmonies.
Despite their brief hiatus in 2006 so that bassist Erik Huffman could participate in a little show called Survivor, the band has traveled with several well known artists and bands including Gavin Degraw, Better Than Ezra, and The Doobie Brothers. Returning to the music scene, they were snatched up by the Hothead Group and recently released their latest EP Yellow Shoes.
So that’s enough facts to lure you in. We’ve done our job. Now do yours and take a listen to their music. If you’re in college, then I’ve held your hand through the first baby steps of a successful college career. Now grab a beer (if you’re 21+ of course), stay up until 2am, and write that paper before it’s too late.
Check out Yellow Shoes:
Galt Aureus – “Citadels”
The best part about this song is the dramatic, instrumental breakdown where if you owned a colorful ribbon attached to stick you could wave it back and forth in joyful celebration. If you’ve yet to purchase your ribbon wand, then you can simply use your first in pounding gestures to show your enthusiasm for what this dynamic duo, Galt Aureus (pronounced galt AWR-ee-uhs) has done with the song “Citadels.”
Rev Theory – “Hell Yeah”
The title of this song sends you the immediate disclaimer that it may induce whip lash…you know from head banging. If you’re not into head banging a faster paced toe tap will get the job done. It’s one of those songs where you may not remember any other lyrics aside from “Hell Yeah” but you remember it made you feel motivated…or sore…you know, from head banging.
Esmee Denters – “Love Dealer”
“Is that…no it can’t be…but it looks just like him.” Yes, it is Justin Timberlake showing his support for the equally talented Esmee Denters in this hip-hop single. Not sure why this song hasn’t blow up big on the Top 40 charts yet, but it gives us the opportunity to share it with you first.
