Gracie Ray on “Love, Quarantine,” Noble Breakups, and Rio
I predict that L.A. indie pop artist Gracie Ray will be one of the most important voices of the next decade. Long after the one-trick-pony singers have come and gone, she’ll be writing and singing songs that compare favorably to all-time greats like Sade, Valerie Carter and Roberta Flack. Gracie’s unique vocal phrasing, jazzy chord […]
Rue Delaney on A Faux Funeral and Her New EP
Both UK artist Rue Delaney and her label-mate Fauness have hypnotic voices that feel half-elfin – sorta like what Liv Tyler would have sounded like if she sang her lines in Lord of the Rings. Not only is Rue’s new single musically charming, but the lyrics are first-rate, too: Wipe the tears across my skin […]
Fairhazel on “Comfort Inn” and the Wilson/Nilsson Connection
Fairhazel is a British-born artist now residing in L.A. whose music is reminiscent of two Southern Cal melodic geniuses: Brian Wilson and Harry Nilsson. His latest single “Comfort Inn” features a Wilson-esque tempo change – and last year’s “I Wanna Die With My Blue Jeans On” has an impish Nilsson-y charm. Fairhazel’s “Save The Planet!” […]
Kyshona on “Out Loud” and Music that Heals
Photo by Nora Canfield Throughout pop music history, there have been artists whose songs have provided emotional healing, not just entertainment. For example, James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” has given emotional solace to millions of listeners dealing with their own surprise pain and dashed dreams. Roots-Americana artist Kyshona’s song “Out Loud” is a beautiful addition […]
Fauness Laments the Death of “Mystery” on a Powerful New Album
Photo by Sylwia Wozniak Like her musical idols Judie Tzuke and Valerie Carter, UK artist Fauness is a consummate artist – a mesmerizing singer who tackles serious themes in a way that’s wonderfully soulful and engaging. Her new single “Mystery” is not about Agatha Christie. The song explores how mystery itself is ebbing away in […]
Samantha Margret on “Rage,” Stylistic Evolution, and the Lure of Broadway
There are very few songwriters today who are ready to step into the shoes of Aimee Mann, Sara Bareilles and Lana Del Rey…but Samantha Margret is one of them. She tackles important themes in an astonishing range of styles. It may be a cosmic coincidence, but the title track of her new EP RAGE was […]
Imogen Clark on “Nonchalant,” Channeling Chrissie, and a Triumphant Tour
It’s hard to imagine someone feeling noncommittal and nonchalant about Australian indie rock sensation Imogen Clark. But apparently some knucklehead took her for granted, resulting in these defiant lines from her new single “Nonchalant”: I guess you’re too cool to want me enough Just know I won’t be waiting, you’re so nonchalant The music pundits […]
Chayla Hope on “High,” Celebrity Mixers, and Brilliant Branding
Photo by Lindsay Poyar Let’s face it: there are a lot of tepid vocalists today who hide behind studio gimmicks. But that’s not the case with Chayla Hope, whose voice has incredible power and precision at the same time. She reminds me a lot of Suzanne Palmer, who had a 2005 club hit with a […]
Su Lee on “Jump,” Velvety Vocals, and Trilingual Hits
Photo by Sela Shiloni One of the oldest clichés in pop music is “Here’s a new artist who’s about to become a household name.” But that’s precisely how I feel about the amazing Korean artist/producer Su Lee. Her new song “Jump” attempts the near-impossible: having a hit with vocals in English, Spanish and Korean. The […]
Crystal Rose on “Thought I’d Say,” Jazz Greats, and Cathartic Improv
Photo by Alvin Chua Publicists love to use the word “ethereal” to describe a client’s voice, but in the case of Crystal Rose, it’s absolutely accurate. Her newest single, “Thought I’d Say,” sounds to my ears like Steely Dan-meets-Patti Austin – a sophisticated, smooth and hooky song with just a little hint of jazz. (Trivia […]
