The Voice of Holland Season 2: The Final!
31 January, 2012 12:11 AM
This is it! The final is finally here! Chris Hordijk, Paul Turner, Erwin Nyhoff and Iris Kroes are the last remaining contestants and tonight, one of them will be walking away with the big prize. A car and a record deal, but most importantly, The Voice title! Who'll be the winner? ... This is The Voice!
Recap and videos after the JUMP ...
The Voice of Holland Season 2: Top 8 Perform!
29 January, 2012 12:22 AM
Only 2 contestants remain in each team but only one of them will make it to next week's big final. Will it be Charly or Chris? Iris or Sharon? Erwin or Neils? Paul or Wouter? The finalists are two performances behind knowing their fate. Who will triumph tonight? ... This is The Voice!
Recap and videos after the JUMP ...
The Voice of Holland Season 2: Top 12 Perform!
28 January, 2012 2:51 PM
Last week, frontrunners Marieke and Guy shockingly left the competition and now, with only 3 acts left per team, the competition will be brutal. By the end of tonight, not one but four contestants will be eliminated leaving us with our semifinalists. Who has what it takes to take the ultimate prize? ... This is The Voice!
Recap and videos after the JUMP ...
The Voice of Germany Season 1: Top 12 Perform!
1:33 AM
The Top 12 will perform tonight and the expectations are beyond everything, will they live it up or will they fall short? They can't play it safe at this point of the competition. Be ready to be awed and be prepared to unavoidable twists. This is it. Who'll leave us tonight?
Recap and videos after the JUMP ...
The Voice of Holland 2012: Top 16 - Part 2 - Perform!
26 January, 2012 2:34 PM
Well, here we are with Part 2 of the Top 16 as promised. While these performances are not so fun to find on the internet, it certainly does feel good and make up for it when one good performance is found. Part 1 showed us that the competition is fierce and just one okay-ish performance isn't going to make the cut. Part 1 also showed us how awesome Charly and Erwin are, can anyone top them? Read all about it here ...
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
The Voice of Holland Season 2: Top 16 - Part 1 - Perform!
2:29 PM
After the successful first season that kick-started The Voice going international, The Voice of Holland is back for a season 2. And with judges Roel van Velzen, Nick & Simon, Angela Groothuizen and Marco Borsato, it is sure to be a good one. Join Charlie (me) on this glorious adventure as I hunt down the performances on foreign Wikipedia and give you, the dear reader, an epic read experience. In this entry, the first half of the Top 16 will duke it out for a Spot in the coveted Top 12. Who has what it takes?
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
Voice - Danmarks største stemme Season 1: The Battles
24 January, 2012 7:40 PM
The Voice has become a really popular franchise so it's no surprise that Denmark has developed their own version. Judged by Aqua member Lene Nystrøm, Sort Sol member Steen Jørgensen, The Raveonettes member Sharin Foo and rapper L.O.C and hosted by Morten Resen, the show's already proved to be a success during the blind auditions, let's see if the show keeps being one when it starts competing against the X Factor.
Recap after the JUMP ...
The Voice of Germany Season 1: Top 16 - Part 2 - Perform!
23 January, 2012 8:47 PM
Last week was phenomenal and this week is going to be a bloodbath! The
mentors are giving their all to support the contestants but can they
handle the pressure? The stakes are higher than ever, the prize means
the winner will have a bright future in the music industry and they will
get a worthy recording contract to make that happen. The Top 16 will be
fighting for survival and a chance of winning, who'll be the stand-out
tonight?
Recap and videos after the JUMP ...
X Factor Denmark 2012: Bootcamp!
7:09 PM
I'M LOOKING FOR A DANISH TRANSLATOR, IF INTRESETED, EMAIL ME
After three weeks, the auditions have come to an end, and now it's time for the remaining cntestants to face the bootcamp stage, where the contestants will be whittled down to just 8 contestants per category which will advance to the Judges Houses. Who'll be tonight's standout? ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the JUMP ...
X Factor Denmark 2012: The Auditions
4:54 PM
I'M LOOKING FOR A DANISH TRANSLATOR, IF INTRESETED, EMAIL ME
Another season is starting and along with it, I'm coming back to recap it! Unfortunately, bong has decided not to come back this year, so we need a new translator! Pernille Rosendahl, Thomas Blachman and Cutfather are all back and also is Lise Rønne. Sarah is our latest winner and has enjoyed lots of success since her win. Who'll be our next champion? ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the JUMP ...
Interview: Maria Mohn
3:21 PM
One of the most beautiful voices on the latest season of Idol Norge, Maria Mohn was initally positioned as one of the frontrunners but somehow, she starting fading away and was ultimately eliminated in the 6th place. Known for her unique arrengments of popular tunes, Maria was one of my favourites of the season and she left a lasting impression on me with her hearfelt performances. There's no doubt the girl has a lot of talent and with the right songs, she can be a hit in Norway. Below, you'll find an interview we did over a month ago and I thought it was about time I posted it! ... Enjoy!
Interview after the JUMP ...
The Voice of Germany Season 1: Top 16 - Part 1 - Perform!
16 January, 2012 8:55 PM
Last week was phenomenal and this week is going to be a bloodbath! The mentors are giving their all to support the contestants but can they handle the pressure? The stakes are higher than ever, the prize means the winner will have a bright future in the music industry and they will get a worthy recording contract to make that happen. The Top 16 will be fighting for survival and a chance of winning, who'll be the stand-out tonight?
Recap and videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Zowie
14 January, 2012 8:28 PM
Signed with Sony and formerly known as Bionic Pixie, Zowie released her bubbly debut single "Broken Machine" in 2010 and went gold in her native New Zealand. Not long after that, she released her second single "Bite Back" to New Zealand and Australia. After being named one of the top 5 acts to watch in 2011 by blogger Perez Hilton, the electropop singer-songwriter Kiwi opened for Katy Perry's Australian California Gurls tour in the summer of 2011. I can best describe her sound as The Ting Tings plus new wave/synthpop. She has since gone on to release two more singles, "Love or Hate" and "Smash It" and plans to release her long-awaited debut album in 2012.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Yasmin
8:26 PM
She made her big breakout when she apperaed on Devlin's single "Runaway" in October 2010 and since then, this raising disco goddess hasn't stopped. Signed by Levels Entertainment, an imprint of Ministry of Sound, her debut single, "On My Own," was released on 30 January 2011 and instantly became a club anthem charting at #39, with the following single, "Finish Line" charting at #13. But her biggest bet is with "Light Up (The World)", which features Shy FX and Ms. Dynamite, and is set for release on January 15, 2012. It's a catchy tune and Yasmin's vocals sound great on it plus Ms Dynamite brings it a nice edge. Will this be the hit single Yasmin's been waiting for? Likely ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Willy Moon
8:26 PM
Perhaps the most intriguing artist on the rise is 21 year old Willy Moon from New Zealand, who might have been sent here from the past to save today's music. At the age of 17, in order to avoid a life of drug-dealing, Moon purchased a one-way ticket to London and never looked back. After making music in Berlin for a few, he went back to London with a new vision: to be an iconic pop star. Moon released his first single "I Wanna Be Your Man" in November 2o11, His music and style is basically '50s rock-n-roll with a modern twist. An interesting combination, the 21st century world has never heard anything quite like this. One would think that resurrecting music from a long gone era would be quite the risk but Moon makes it so throwback, it's relevant. While he is probably the strangest act out of the 56 nominated in the MDS Sound of 2012, he might be the one with the most potential to make a long-lasting impression in the coming year. Moon is currently writing songs for his debut album, one that I will highly anticipate and watch for.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: To Kill A King
8:21 PM
This guys definitely got something unique going on. Though sometimes it may sound a little weird, their sound is really distinctive and their music stands out from their genre, which I'd say it's folk, but this sounds much more contemporary, maybe electrofolk? But still more folk than electro. To Kill A King was only formed in 2009 by frontman Ralph Pelleymounter,Ian Dudfield and Josh Platman, to which they later added Ben Jackson. Based in London, the band is signed to Communion Records, same label as Michael Kiwanuka, and with a great EP already under the sleeve, "My Crooked Saint", the band is set to release their debut in the next few months, and that's somthing I'm eagerly expecting!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Tigertown
8:21 PM
Playing with your siblings isn't always a great idea, cause in many cases, the rivalries make the bands break up, Oasis anyone? Well, this isn't the case with Tigertown. The Sydney based indie folk band is formed of married couple Chris, who's the guitarist, and Charlie, the lead singer and each of them brought two siblings to the band, Chris brought Elodie (bass) and Alexi (keys) and Charlie brought Crystal (mandolin and vocals) and Kurt (drums), making it a big happy musical family! Their popularity began when a popular Australian radio, triple j, played their eponymous EP, which they recorded themselves. With a sound reminiscent of Angus and Julia Stone's, it's no wonder why they are so popular and if they play their cards right, they could be as big as them.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Trouble With Templeton
8:21 PM
You know something is good when you are amazed with only just one listen and that's exactly what happened to me with Thomas Calder, aka The Trouble With Templeton, a Brisbane raising indie musician. He first came into my spotlight with his first single "Bleeders", a haunting slow burner that builds amazingly and is accompanied by an eerie music video, which makes the listening experience even more wonderful. "Bleeders" is the title track of his debut album, which was released on November 4. It's certainly one of the best debuts I've heard in a while and I was left wanting more as soon as the final track ended. To sum up, he's one of my faves from this list, is he yours too?
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Staves
8:20 PM
This trio was first discovered by producers Glyn and Ethan Johns (The Rolling Stones, Ray LaMontagne, Kings of Leon, Laura Marlin) but their talent began developing long before. That's because the girls are sisters and as such, they've been playing music together since they can remember. And that shows in their music. Their single "Mexico" attracted lots of fans which were pleasantly surprised by their beautiful harmonies, their sweet folky sound and it's dusky melody. With an album expected for release on early 2012, this trio is definitely gonna win some hearts.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Paper Kites
8:20 PM
This independent Aussie folk quintet (Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, Dave Powys, Sam Rasmussen and Josh Bentley) made quite a stirr down under with their debut, "Woodland", a perfectly executed 6 track EP, which includes the fabulous "Featherstone" and "Bloom", two guitar driven tunes with an incrediblly soft vocal, making beautiful tracks, as all the songs in the album. Certainly one of the Australian revelations of 2011, will they take over the world now?
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Honey Trees
8:20 PM
Magic, that's the word Becky Filip and Jacob Wick repeatedly use to describe their music. And they are magical indeed! Originally hailing from California, this indie pop band dreams of finding their place in the people hearts. Their debut EP, "Wake the Earth", which was released in 2009, is made of some amazing 2008 recordings, such as "To Be With You", probably the best song to represent them. Becky's quirky voice takes us to a whole new world along with their dreamy and alluring lyrics. "Find Home", is the opposite to it, a perfect song to help us face the reality and gives us strength to get through everything. They are worthy and relevant as a band, and the best from The Honey Trees is yet to come...
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: The Good Natured
8:19 PM
I really can't describe how much I love this band and their music. English band The Good Natured, consisting of lead vocalist Sarah McIntosh, drummer George Hinton and Hamish, her brother the bassist. Their music is described as a Dark Electropop and songs like "Skeleton", "Your Body Is a Machine" and "Wolves" prove the musical theme to be captivating and addictive while their lyrics are witty and catchy. They released their music independently until 2011, when the band was signed by Regal / Parlophone Records and released their third EP "Skeleton" in June 2011. With their ability to stay loyal to the original sound and still put out catchy singles, The Good Natured will definitely win more fans and well-deserved recognition as they go forward in this new year with massive potential. But honestly, with music this good, how can they go wrong?
Video after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Templecloud
8:14 PM
Templecloud has been around for a few years but they recently achieved major recognition for their hit cover of Embrace's "One Big Family", which was used in an advertisement for KFC in the United Kingdom. Signed to Polydor Records, the band's lead vocalist Hannah Symons is only 23 years old and has a voice well beyond her years with her excellent soulful tone, her and producers Simon Gwilliam and Steve Evans make up the band. The "One Big Family" cover is a favorite of mine, haunting verses and a mesmerizing chorus. It also seems to be a favorite of the United Kingdom, shooting up to #11 on the UK iTunes chart. They are currently in the studio writing and recording their debut album. With such an impressive debut, we can only expect more great things from Templecloud.
Video after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Tanya Lacey
8:09 PM
Up and coming singer Tanya Lacey started her music career by featuring on Tinchy Stryder's song "Spotlight" in 2009, now she is best known for featuring in fellow MDS Sound of 2012 nominee Loick Essien's hit song "How We Roll". Lacey's music is R&B meets Reggae and Pop and her vocal ability reminds me of Alicia Keys a little bit. She released her debut single "Letter to My Ex/ Born to Fly" on December 2nd 2011 and as she says in the song: "I'm gonna be a star". We at MDS believe every word and look forward to an album!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: StooShe
12 January, 2012 7:52 PM
Another BBC Sound of 2012 act, this Salt N' Pepa reincarnation made of Karis, Courtney
and Alex, has been impressing with their catchy and fun urban material and critics are already loving on them. Now signed by Warner records, the trio's first single "Betty Woz Gone" is as sassy as you would expect it to be and has lots of nice qualities plus their voices sound much more stronger than you would expect them to. Is StooShe on the way of becoming the next En Vogue? Not at all, I'm confident they'll be better than them!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Spector
7:01 PM
This five-piece London band, signed to Luv Luv Luv Records, may be 2012 answer to The Beatles. Fronted by Fred Macpherson, they were announced as one of the top 15 of the BBC Sound of 2012 and from the moment I saw them nominated, The Vaccines and The Drums came to my mind, only difference is those placed in the Top 5, and Spector didn't. That's not saying they are bad. Their three singles to date, "Never Fade Away", "What You Wanted" and "Grey Shirt and Tie" were extremelly well recived and they will support Florence + The Machine on her upcoming tour.With an album also expected for this year, there's no doubt you'll be seeing a lot more from them!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: SoKo
11 January, 2012 6:05 PM
Just like the previous act, Stéphanie Sokolinski (aka SoKo), is a French actress and singer. Her actress carrer started in 2002 when she took part on a TV series and several different roles later, she was nominated for a
César Award as best actress for her starring part in the French film "À l'origine" in 2009. Her musical carrer started a bit later, 2007 to be exact, when she achived success with her song "I'll Kill Her", which was a hit in Denmark and Belgium. Notable for her unique folky tone, SoKo was signed by Because Music with which her debut album is expected to be released on February 6, 2012. Will this finally be the year this raising star tops the charts? If her 2007 hit is any indication of it, I'm willing to say it's definitely possible!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Slow Moving Millie
5:37 PM
English actress and singer Amelia Warner (aka Slow Moving Millie) made his big break in the music scene when her cover of The Smith's "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" appeared on a John Lewis advert, causing a major stir among the viewers. But that wasn't her first attempt in the bussiness. Before focusing on music, Amelia was trying to make it as an actress and she landed several roles, including Winter Passing, Aeon Flux,
and Stoned, as well as the 2000 BBC adaptation of Lorna Doone. In 2001, she "married" (or not) Colin Farrell but the "marriage" only lasted for a few months. Her music carrer only began in 2009, when she wrote the song "Beasts" which was later featured on a Virgin Media commercial and it was then released as a single. 2 years later, Amelia was signed to Island Records and released her first album with them, "Renditions" on December 9, 2011, which included two original tracks ("Beasts" and "Hart with a Crown and Chain") and eight ballad-style covers of '80s classics, such as "Feels Like Heaven" and "Wonderful Life". Tough she sounds beautiful on them, her strong material is surprisingly really strong and I hope she keeps writing for her following album, cause she's definitely got talent to spare!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Skylar Grey
3:38 PM
One word... "Invisible". One of my favorite songs of 2011 and the debut single for the upcoming album of Interscope recording artist Skylar Grey. She wrote the hook to the massive 2010 hit "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna and earned a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year for her contributions, she can be heard performing a demo of the song below. Grey's music can be described as dark and eerie pop/hip-hop while her voice has a similar tone to that of Sarah McLachlan and American Idol finalist Haley Reinhart. In the end product, her music balances itself out well. She has a great variety of influences, the most telling being Marilyn Manson, Sarah McLachlan, Bob Dylan and Death Cab for Cutie. Skylar Grey's debut album "Invinsible" is scheduled a January 2012 release, with Interscope behind her, the world should prepare to be wowed. This girl is definitely one to watch.
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Sabi
3:34 PM
Perhaps currently best known for being featured in the huge Cobra Starship hit "You Make Me Feel..." (a favorite of mine) in 2011, Jenice Portlock, better known as Sabi, is currently signed to Warner Bros. Records with a debut album expected in early 2012. Her hairstyle reminds me of Janelle Monáe and her voice is Rihanna-esque but her music couldn't be more original and out-of-the-box. Sabi says her album will incorperate her love for pop, alternative rock and urban music. With buzz singles like "Goodnight" and "Wild Heart" already gaining many fans, Sabi should be a highlight of Urban/Pop in 2012 and one to look forward to.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Ren Harvieu
3:27 PM
After a terrible accident in the summer, in which she thought she would never walk again, this raising Lancashire musician got back on her feet, literally, and went to became one of the top 15 acts on the BBC Sound of 2012. Before her accident, she was expected to release her debut album via Island and now, more than eight months later, the album will finally see the light in the near future. Ren's first single, the enchanting slightly dark "Through The Night" was released on December 16, and immediatly recived critical acclaim. Ren's voice is reminiscent of Rumer's or even to Adele's and seeing the success both have had recently, I'm confident Ren will follow the same path.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Rebecca and Fiona
2:48 PM
This triple threat Swedish act, compraised of DJs, producers and singers Rebecca
Scheja and Fiona Fitzpatrick, is one of dance raising acts, with their music heavily featured on Stockholm's club scene and beyond. "Luminary Ones", their first single, became one of the most played songs on SR P3, one of Sweden's most popular radios, and since then, the girls have toured with Robyn and played for the Swedish king. Their second single, "Bullets" charted at #6 and it was soon followed by their debut album, "I Love You Man" on November 16. The Universal act's best tune is definitely their first and for me, they haven't matched it yet. There's something about that song that really draws me, maybe it's their icy voices or maybe it's because the song is perfectly written, but to date, that's their best material. However, although they haven't got there yet, they did get it once, so I wouldn't be surprised if their next single is as great as their first.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Pearl & The Puppets (Katie Sutherland)
1:59 PM
Some may recall their bubbly hit "Make Me Smile" featured in a Victoria's Secret advertisement campaign in the United States, we at MDS just so happen to think that Katie Sutherland and indie pop Scottish band Pearl & The Puppets deserve much more exposure. Katie's voice has been described as being similar to Regina Spektor or Dolores O'Riordan and their music couldn't be a more perfect mix of quirky lyrics and a bubbly, easygoing beat. While it was announced on December 2nd 2011 that Katie will no longer be making music as Pearl & The Puppets, she will continue on with a music career under her own name and if it's anything like Pearl & The Puppets, this girl has a bright future awaiting her.
Video after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: NOVI
1:54 PM
Definitely not one of the most talked artists out there, Carolyne Neuman, who now goes by the name NOVI, has such a distinctive style, that there's no need for buzz to assure this girl will be popular anytime soon. And while it may not have happened in 2011, this Los Angeles based musician is hoping that's changing with the release of his debut album, "Now I'm Here", which includes the phenomenal single "Blackbirds", an addictive electropop tune which could make the looping queen Imogen Heap jealous and a great smooth voice, which flows so easily it's hard not to love it. I'm on the NOVI train since the first time "Blackbirds" played, are you on it too? I hope so!
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Niki and the Dove
1:54 PM
Gustaf Karlöf and Malin Dahlström, or just Niki and the Dove, although there's no Niki or Dove, are yet another Swedish act trying to make it in the electropop market, but what really differentiates this duo from other similar acts is their electronica retro feel and the impressive songwriting of Karlöf, matched with the equally sensational glacial vocals of Malin, oh, and the fact that they recently were announced as the 5th placers on the BBC Sound of 2012. Their first single, "DJ Ease My Mind", and the "The Drummer" EP, which soon followed, were released through the indie label Moshi Moshi, mainly known for Florence And The Machine and Lykke Li, so it's no wonder why this two are poised to be such a success and I'm confident they will be one!
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Mr Little Jeans
10 January, 2012 11:30 PM
Mr Little Jeans (real name Monica Birkenes), who is humble enough not to use her real name and realistic enough not to use a stage name, is a Norwegian currently living in London. In 2010, she released a 3-track EP, which included a cover of "Single Ladies", a song she made playful and quite addictive. Following the cover route, she took Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" making it a darker tune, to which the electro beats gave a whole new perspective. But that's not just it, her own original material is all about a really catchy electropop sound, which makes her highly commercial. She definetely has a place in the music industry!
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Michael Kiwanuka
10:59 PM
Winning the BBC Sound of poll is an indication of success and that has already been proved by previous winners, such as Jessie J, Ellie Goulding and Adele, so when Michael topped it earlier this month, all the roads pointed to that. The British musician of Ugandan heritage who draws influences from Bill Withers and Otis Redding, is currently signed to Polydor/Communion Records, with which he's expected to drop his debut album, "Home Again" on March 23. The title track has already made it to #37 on the UK charts and after the BBC announcement, it's all going uphill for the singer. So what did the pundits see on him to secure him the prize? Simple reason, his music comes efforlessly and it gives the listener a relaxing and earthy sensation, so it's not hard to believe everyone fell for him. And I've certainly fell too ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Maverick Sabre
7:52 PM
Without a doubt one of the most exciting acts of the year, London born, Irish raised Michael Stafford, who goes by the name Maverick Sabre and is mainly known for his appearence on Professor Green's "Jungle", is now trying to make a name of his own, and with the release of his debut album "Lonely and the Brave" on February 6, that is definitely happening. The Mercury artist's got one of the most intriguing tones and his soulful sound with a touch of reggae and his rich eerie vocals makes him a really unique male artist among many one dimensonal singers. "Let Me Go", which was his debut single charting at #16, is one of his strongest tunes, showing his urban stylings and his major chart appeal, which reassures the fact that this young artist will be reall big.
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
The Voice of Germany Season 1: Top 24 - Part 2 - Perform!
7:12 PM
Another singing competition has born: The Voice Of Germany (TVOG)! You
must be wondering if there is any talent left to be discovered, but
don't worry because TVOG has promising stars to begin with. Like other
The Voice Series the show starts with Blind Auditions then Battle Rounds
and now here we are at the Top 24. The mentors line up are Xavier
Naidoo, The Bosshoss, Nena and Rea Garvey. Xavier is the best male
singer in Germany, he won MTV Europe Music Award - "Best German Act"
twice in 1999 and 2002. The Bosshoss is a band with western country
genre, they covered some famous songs like Hey Ya (Outkast) and Toxic
(Britney Spears). With her band, Nena, reached international success,
they split in 1987 and Nena went solo. Last but not least is Rea Garvey,
he's been collaborating with Nelly Furtado and Mary J. Blige and he's
frontman of the German rock/pop band Reamonn, so no doubt the mentors
are intimidating! Join me and enjoy the ride...
Recap and videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Lucy Rose
09 January, 2012 7:29 PM
Warwickshire born singer/songwriter, Lucy Rose, who's known as one of the vocalists on Bombay Bicycle Club albums Flaws and A Different Kind of Fix, is an english singer who's got a voice to die for and it's something so perfect that I'm kinda speechless. With a sweet ethereal tone, Lucy, who has two singles out, "Middle of the Bed" and "Scar", is putting the final touches on her debut, which is expected to hit the stores anytime now. If there's any fairness in the world, Lucy's release should be getting a hit with this album.
Videos after the JUMP ...
The Voice of Germany Season 1: Top 24 - Part 1 - Perform!
3:55 PM
Another singing competition has born: The Voice Of Germany (TVOG)! You must be wondering if there is any talent left to be discovered, but don't worry because TVOG has promising stars to begin with. Like other The Voice Series the show starts with Blind Auditions then Battle Rounds and now here we are at the Top 24. The mentors line up are Xavier Naidoo, The Bosshoss, Nena and Rea Garvey. Xavier is the best male singer in Germany, he won MTV Europe Music Award - "Best German Act" twice in 1999 and 2002. The Bosshoss is a band with western country genre, they covered some famous songs like Hey Ya (Outkast) and Toxic (Britney Spears). With her band, Nena, reached international success, they split in 1987 and Nena went solo. Last but not least is Rea Garvey, he's been collaborating with Nelly Furtado and Mary J. Blige and he's frontman of the German rock/pop band Reamonn, so no doubt the mentors are intimidating! Join me and enjoy the ride...
Recap and videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Louise and the Pins
3:00 PM
Louise Hull and her Pins, who are her backing singers, made their breakout performance with their haunting cover of "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" on Demort O' Leary's radio show, and since then, the London songstress has been supporting the likes of Martha Wainwright, Regina Spektor, Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling. "Bell Jar" and "Beauty Strage" show the tenderness of her voice, which is a little soul, a little folk and a little country, all making a beautiful blend and sublime material. There's no doubt that this girl will be big cause all aspects of her voice point to that.
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Loick Essien
12:34 AM
Already climbing the charts and creating buzz in the UK, Harrow, North West London's Loick Essien first came on the music scene in 2008 appearing on Chipmunk's single "Beast" and Bashy's lead single "When the Sky Falls". Consistently having singles that top his previous chart performance, Eissen has massive potential. Signed with Sony Music, his amazing third single "How We Roll" ft. Tanya Lacey entered at number two in the UK Singles Chart and became his biggest single to date off his upcoming album "Identity", which is scheduled for a March 6th release. His latest single "Me Without You", is one of his best yet, not only beautiful and catchy but also debuting on the charts at number fourteen. His voice is best describable as a combination of Kanye West and Taio Cruz at their best. Add in Essien's dark and beautiful digital R&B sound, he is bound to really be one of 2012's biggest artists. Keep an eye out for this guy!
Videos after the JUMP ...
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Lianne La Havas
12:29 AM
One of BBC Sound of 2012 finalists, this 22 y/o Londoner could be easily compared to the liked of Corinne Bailey Rae or Andreya Triana, and for me, that'd be a really fitting comparisson. However, Lianne wouldn't agree with me, cause in her eyes, they all just have similar hair. That aside, La Havas was signed to Warner Bros. Records, after a buzzy appearence on Later... with Jools Holland, and is already working on material for her upcoming debut album due in early 2012, but in the meantime you can enjoy her soulish tone on her "No Room For Doubt" and on "Age".
Videos after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Leah Mason
08 January, 2012 11:40 PM
This folk/blues deep voiced Londoner became one of Geffen Records latest signings after many excellent tunes arisen, such as "Is There A Man" and "Never Can Tell" and a supporting gig on Ellie Goulding's tour. The truth is that I don't really know much about Leah but with a voice like hers, it's not really necessary, cause it speaks for itself. And that's exactly why I think this girl will be a star, just like Adele, the voice does it all and there's no need for anything else, not even words ...
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MDS Sound of 2012: Lana Del Rey
8:07 PM
Already one of 2011 biggest artists, Lizzie Grant, aka Lana Del Rey, took everyone by surprise with her debut single "Video Games", which made chart appearences all over the world, making Lana an instant star. Signed to Interscope Records, this self-titled "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" not only shines through her voice but she also shines with her songwriting skills. Her latest single, "Born To Die", which is the title track of her debut album (out on January 27), is an emotional tune, which will likely break your heart from beginning to end and it's overall an epic song, which is the feel of most of her material. All her songs sound epic and cause of that, Lana will release an epic album and take over the world!
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MDS Sound of 2012: Labrinth
6:46 PM
Signed to Simon Cowell's Syco, Labrinth became the first non talent show artist in six years to be signed to the label. He made his debut in March 2010, when his collaboration with Tinie Tempah, "Pass Out", reached number one and it was soon followed by another collaboration, "Frisky" which made it to number two. Labrinth’s debut
single with Syco, "Let the Sunshine", made it to #3 and his third collaboration with Tinie, now his own song, "Earthquake", was a #1 hit for the newcomer. But enough of numbers and putting it simple, Labrinth is Syco's RnB hidden gun and with the release of his debut album, "Electronic Earth" on March 19, they could have a smashing hit in their hands.
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MDS Sound of 2012: Kyla La Grange
6:06 PM
Early last year, I discovered Kyla in the form of "Walk Through Walls", her signature tune and one of 2011's best songs. "Been Better" and "Heavy Stone" followed and some time later, this UK singer was being tipped as the UK’s next big female soloist. Her voice is everything I like, unique and captivating with this squeaky tone I love, in a way that reminds me to Alex Winston or even Kate Bush. Signed to Chess Club Records, Kyla's debut is expected to be released this year and for me, it will be one of the best albums of the decade, yes, the decade!
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MDS Sound of 2012: Kitten
5:31 PM
I've been following Kitten for a while now, and as they say, "Kitten is your new favorite band", and the truth is that they are mine! With only 16 y/o, Chloe Chaidez, the lead singer, shows a lot of experience and maturity in her smoky voice and outstanding songwriting as in "Kill the Light" and "Chinatown", two hits to be. Their debut EP "Sunday School" shows a varied selection of catchy and emotional tunes and it definitely keeps me wanting for more, here's hoping this is the year they finally release their debut!
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MDS Sound of 2012: Keaton Henson
4:57 PM
One of the most interesting artists of the bunch, this London born musician and illustrator has got one of the greatest folky tones I've seen in a while and it reminds of the likes of James Vincent McMorrow and Angus Stone. The truth is that, although his art is a little weird, his voice is so unique that it's currently one of my favourites and all of his songs are great in their own way. His debut album, "Dear ..." is expected to be released on February 26, 2012 and being honest, I just can't wait!
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