So how about that Peter Gene Hernandez? He is really destroying the charts right now, huh? You have a weird look on your face. Maybe this will help. Peter Gene Hernandez = Bruno Mars. That simple mathematical principle proves that this Hawaiian born soulful cat is here to stay. Bruno Mars combines old school soul swagger with contemporary pop appeal. It has been scientifically proven that his voice is causing global warming; on account of it being so hot. Scientifically = some random lady I sat behind on the train who was gushing to her crew about Mars’ mad musical skills.
Peter Gene Hernandez = Bruno Mars
We here at FreshScouts have had Bruno Mars in our ears ever since we featured him in our Weekly Jukebox back in January. This cat is smashing up the charts right now with the ultimate love song, “Just the Way You Are”. But let’s not forget about his smooth collabo with Travie McCoy on “Billionaire” and his memorable hook on B.o.B.’s “Nothin’ on You”. But wait, there’s more! Mars also co-wrote Flo Rida’s “Right Round” and K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag”. Yeah, let’s just say that Bruno Mars knows what he is doing and he is ready to destroy with his first full album that is scheduled to drop in October.
While we wait for the October release, we offer up a sweet little gem in the form of an EP. On It’s Better If You Don’t Understand (released in May 2010), Mars delivers 4 hot tracks that showcase what he can do. Mars has the formula down and knows exactly how to get his music to the masses. That formula can do a lot of damage if put in the wrong hands. Thankfully, he uses his power for good and we are the victors. If Mars can keep himself out of trouble, he will no doubt become one of the biggest artists of 2011.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Count on Me” and “The Other Side” (featuring Cee Lo Green & B.o.B.)
Check out his live acoustic version of “Count on Me”
Buy It’s Better If You Don’t Understand
Oh girl. Preach on Leela James. Preach on. Now, this is some soulful R&B right here. Soulful R&B not your thing? I don’t want to say you don’t have a soul…but dude, you ain’t got no soul. One listen to Ms. James will unlock the groove that you were born with. Invite your groove to come on out and let it stroll around for a hot minute.
Ms. James
Leela James’ deep, gritty tone sounds a lot like Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. This young woman’s voice reflects a style that is twice her age. But, her music doesn’t sound old. James’ music is relevant, refreshing and meaningful. The tracks on the recently released album, My Soul, are packed full of soul. You might be surprised at the hard driving beats that accompany her stellar vocals. Each track takes you to magical locations and then kindly introduces you to the next trip. I loved James’ 2005 release, A Change is Gonna Come, but I am IN love with My Soul. Don’t get caught sleeping on the music of Leela James. Step on up a get ready to be a part of something special through her amazing music.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Tell Me You Love Me”, “So Cold”, and “Mr. Incredible – Ms. Unforgettable”
Watch the video for “Tell Me You Love Me”
Buy the album
When I heard Ari Hest was part of a side project called The Open Sea, I didn’t have to wonder if I would like it. I just knew I would. Honestly, if Ari left me a voice mail message I would probably say the message is the single of the week. Yeah, we like Ari. Now, add the heavenly Rosi Golan into the mix and this thing just got real…for real.
Rosi Golan and Ari Hest
As individuals, Ari and Rosi have developed solid singer-songwriter careers that highlight their incredible voices. It is always wonderful to see when two talented individuals come together to make something new. We, the listeners, reap the benefits. Ari and Rosi’s voices fit together perfectly like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The finished product is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful showcase of what the human voice is capable of.
As The Open Sea, Rosi and Ari have created something special in their EP, Little Apple. The 5 tracks that they have chosen float effortlessly through the atmosphere. Their superb vocals and simple arrangements show off what they are both so darn good at. Little Apple is exhibit A for why more artists need to seriously look at collaborating. Do everything in your power to spread the word about this project. Support great artists and great music.
KC’s Personal Picks: “All in a Day” and “Starlight”
Check out their live performance of “All in a Day”
Buy the album
Maximum Balloon – “Tiger”
The video for “Tiger” reminds me a lot of a cake induced nightmare I had after one of my childhood birthday parties. Maximum Balloon is the brainchild of TV on the Radio’s Andrew Sitek. Sitek brings his creative indie flair to this track which also features Aku, the frontman for Dragons of Zynth. Meow, meow, and meow.
Buy the Single
KT Tunstall – “Fade Like A Shadow”
We have enjoyed KT’s music ever since her debut with Eye to the Telescope. This Scottish firecracker always brings the goodness. “Fade Like A Shadow” is the lead single off of her upcoming release, Tiger Suit. KT Tunstall’s career is certainly showing no signs of fading…like a shadow.
Buy the Single
Dirty Heads – “Lay Me Down”
Hold on to the last remaining days of summer with the music of Dirty Heads. These dudes are the embodiment of Southern California reggae rock. “Lay Me Down” definitely has a Sublime feel to it. Oh, that maybe due to the fact that Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome appears on the track. Chill yourself out with this summertime hit.
Buy the Single
Today’s music scene is saturated with auto-tune, lyrics with no meaning and airbrushed photo shoots. Andrew Dykers has been placed on this planet to save our ears. Dykers embodies fresh music. His lyrics come from the heart, not a thesaurus. Prepare to feel his music and let it wash over you. Yeah, it’s that good.
Andrew never signed with a major label. He hasn’t had his songs featured in CW television shows. You most likely have never even heard of him. Yet, he has toured all over the United States playing venues large and small. He has shared the stage with music industry heavyweights. Mainstream music would make us question his success as an artist. For me Dykers’ album Zoot is one of my personal top ten favorite albums.
Andrew Dykers
For me this album was less about mainstream popularity and more about meaning. Listening to Zoot always reminds me of the fall. While listening to the tracks this morning I can almost smell the leaves on the ground. Well, it helped that there are leaves on the ground. More importantly though is the fact that I got a chance to see Dykers perform live nine years ago right in the middle of the fall season.
And that is why Zoot is so amazing to me. One listen transports me. Dykers’ music is so real and so raw that it dares you not to be taken in. It was always clear to me that when on stage he became his music. He channeled the emotion of soulful performers that have come before him. Every movement and every word is intended to provoke an emotional response.
My reactions to this album are why I love music so much. Maybe you won’t have the same response from Andrew Dykers. And that is ok. To each their own, right? I would be shocked though if at least one track didn’t speak to you. I dare you to listen. I double-dog-dare you.
I would highly recommend that you give “Saturday”, “Do What You Gotta Do” and “In Spite Of You” a listen. Oh, and don’t forget my personal favorite “Shine”. The video below showcases Dykers on this track when he recently stepped back into the studio after a temporary vacation from performing.
Buy the album
