Tich

http://www.youtube.com/user/Iamtichmusic

I'm a firm believer in checking out music that artists I like talk about. I mean, since I like them, it only stands to reason that I'd like what they listen to, at least a little, right? So when Louis Tomlinson tweeted about Tich's cover of "More Than This", I had to look into it, if not only for the fact that I love the song. What I ended up finding was a wonderful female vocalist who not only makes gorgeous covers of the songs I love, but who also makes amazing original songs.

If we're being honest, I was so excited to write the post about her, I almost double posted yesterday. But I exercised my self restraint and waited until this morning to post. Because of this remarkable self restraint I have (haha) I was able to become quite familiar with the songs she has on her youtube channel (I think I let her channel autoplay like.... four times in a row).

You see, Tich is the stage name of Rachel Furner, who started playing piano and writing music at quite a young age, so though she's only 20, she has the musicality of someone much older. Her voice is so clear and strong and I can't help but feel it's the voice that most female artists shoot to emulate, but never can. And because of that, I can't help but wonder how it is this girl isn't making radio rounds yet. Of course, I can only imagine it's a matter of time now before people pick up on how amazing she is as she has performed with artists such as Paolo Nutini, Pixie Lott, Justin Beiber and written music with Nick Jonas. (Oh, and in 2010 she performed at the iTunes Festival. Yeah.)

On top of all that, she just seems like such a genuine person. As we speak-- er... type-- her song "What I Meant To Say" is playing and the video consists of several clips of her and her friends just goofing off. Now, I like to pride myself in the fact that I'm an excellent judge of character, and this girl has the best kind of character. She not only captivates you with her music, but her personality.

Have I said enough about her to make you intrigued? No? Well, good, cuz I wasn't done yet anyway. You see, I was already pretty sold on Tich after the "More Than This" cover. I became completely sold upon hearing her cover of Queen's "No One But You." But the song that made Tich leap to the top of my favorite female vocalist list? Her own song "Breathe In, Breathe Out" that she wrote with Nick Jonas. The song is about the moment you realize you've fallen in love with someone, and who HASN'T been there before, right? But anyway, aside from the fact that it's so freaking relatable, she sings it SO passionately. I was completely blown away when I heard it. So much so in fact that I had to replay it just to make sure that I had heard what I thought I had. (If you were wondering, yes, I did. It still blows me away even though I'm sure I've added 100 views to the video.)

So yeah, I don't know if you guys get it at this point, but I think Tich is phenomenal. A lot of the comments on her youtube videos call for her to try out for X Factor, but if we're being honest, I don't think she needs it. She is wonderful on her own and I can't imagine she'll stay unknown for much longer. And if she does, than I have lost faith in the industry.

Go Download: Aside from the free download on her Facebook (which is also the Official Anti Bullying Ambassadors Campaign Song), we unfortunately don't have anything else to add to our iPods. Luckily, technology allows us to access youtube on just about anything now.

Have I mentioned that she's amazing yet? Thank you Louis!

Erik Hassle

http://www.facebook.com/erikhassle

I like Swedish things. Swedish Fish. Alexander Skarsgard. Swedish Meatballs. Now I can add Erik Hassle to the list. You see, my mom loves watching dance, and a choreographer named Kate Jablonski posted a new dance and the song was gorgeous. After much searching (Ok... I scrolled down to the comments section) I found that it was a cover of Robyn's "Be Mine" by Ellie Goulding and Erik Hassle. Now, I already am head over heels in love with Ellie, so it only stands to reason that I'd check out this Erik Hassle, especially given that his voice is so marvelous in the duet. And he DEFINITELY didn't disappoint. (Funnily enough, my good friend Luis wrote about Erik in October on his blog Album Confessions and honestly his post is probably more read worthy than my own lol)

You see, Mr. Hassle here has seen much success in Sweden, his album 'Hassle' making it's debut on Swedish charts and #2 and stayed on the charts for 10 weeks. Pretty damn impressive if I do say so myself. And as I went through all his songs on youtube I couldn't help but wonder, why the hell isn't he bigger here? He has such a powerfully soulful voice and sings about love and loss that everyone can relate to. ("You don't know what you've got until you're missing it a lot" he croons in his song "Hurtful" that was a free song on iTunes awhile back. Sadly enough, I missed that one -.-')

One of the best parts about his music is that even though they may tackle some pretty sad subjects, they have a strong beat to support them, making me want to dance along even though my heart is hit with all the feels. ("Nothing lasts forever, what the hell am I doing here, standing where you left me?" Seriously. If I wasn't too busy dancing, I'd probably be crying into my pillow.)

The 23 year old pop singer-songwriter is magnificent, and if we're being honest, I am completely confused as to why he hasn't been/isn't on the radio right now. I know a lot of people are losing faith in pop music, but if there is ANYONE who is gonna save it, I think it's Erik Hassle. 

Go Download: PLEASE just buy his whole album 'Pieces' because it's marvelous. But I guess if you're looking for a song to look into first, hit up "Hurtful." (You should also note that "The Thanks I Get" has GORGEOUS piano in it.)

(Just listen to his voice. Even the dog is mesmerized.)

I've been MIA. And for that I'm sorry, but my little sister graduated middle school and the grandparents came up thus we have been go go go.

But I promise that I will have something for you tomorrow, and the days to follow, to make it up :)

-exes&ohs

Cher Lloyd

http://www.facebook.com/cherlloydmusic

Who do you have to thank for this post? Savan Kotecha. That's right, Savan Kotecha, songwriter and vocal producer behind artists such as Usher, Carrie Underwood and One Direction. WHY do you have him to thank? Well, my dear readers, because he has been tweeting nonstop about Cher Lloyd and curiosity finally got the better of me.

After seeing yet another tweet about her latest single, "Want U Back," I took to Youtube in search of the song and was hit in the face with a catchy summer song. Of course, this led me to start searching her album because I am in need of some serious summer tune-age. What I found, was a great, fun album.

Now, if I were to describe Cher Lloyd's music to you, I'd have to say this: It's like if Nicki Minaj and Lily Allen's music had a baby that was influenced by Godmummy Madonna. That's really weird to read, I'm sure, but I really can't think of how else to describe it. But I promise, it makes sense when you listen to her.

Let's start from the beginning, yeah?

Cher Lloyd is another product of the UK's X Factor, having been a contestant on the seventh series. (Seems to have been QUITE an exciting season, no?) She made it to the final, finishing in fourth place before being signed by Syco Music (Simon Cowell's label, in case you were wondering). And I guess you can say the rest is history.

Her debut album, 'Sticks + Stones,' boasts collaborations with Busta Rhymes, Carolina Liar and Mike Posner as well as beats that get under your skin. The album peaked in the UK at #4 and now she's trying her hand at cracking America. You know, as a part of this major British Invasion we got going on. NOT that I'm complaining. You guys already know how I feel about all things British.

That all being said, I don't think I've ever heard an album that is just so freaking catchy the whole way through. Even the one song that I'm not particularly a fan of has me bobbing my head, even if I don't want to. ("Swagger Jagger" for those of you wondering. Though I do love the chorus.) Overall, 'Sticks + Stones' is a great first album. I'm genuinely excited to see her grow as an artist and let's be real, I'm EXTRA excited to blast her music in my car with the windows down. Get with it America, I wanna hear this girl on the radio.

Go Download: "Want U Back" just dropped in America TODAY! So go pick it up HERE!!! And make sure to keep your eyes open for when her album happens :D

All Night Affair

http://www.facebook.com/allnightaffair

It was pretty late last night/this morning when I decided it was time to go to sleep. I was drifting off when my email alert on my phone sounded. Now, normally, I would have ignored it and continued on my path to blissful coma but for some reason I was like "Let me just take a look at that." The email in question was none other than a Twitter follow from All Night Affair. Again, I probably would have ignored it until morning, but something kept me pressing forward and I found myself on All Night Affair's youtube channel. I clicked on the first video that had popped up-- a cover of The Fray's "Over My Head (Cable Car)"-- and that was when I decided staying up had been an excellent decision. Then his cover of "One Thing" by One Direction caught my eye and that was when I decided on my next Band That Needs Love Too.

All Night Affair consists of Dylan Ronan, who hails from Boston, MA and one of the things that I find most interesting about Mr. Ronan upon going through his Facebook were his influences. How many people do YOU know cite The Maine, The Summer Set and Lady Antebellum under their influences? Not many.

His covers are spot on and I think they're a great way for reaching out to a larger audience but I think where the magic happens is on his own tracks. Currently I'm listening to "Long Way Home" and it's taking all I have not to air guitar to this solo and keep typing. Ronan's vocals are reminiscent of Bryce Avary in my opinion, and I love it. It's like he took all the best bits of the bands I love (The Rocket Summer, The Summer Set, etc) and shoved them all together to create lighthearted, happy, pop-rock. Quite fitting if I do say so myself, ya know, since it's summer and all.

If anything, this is the type of music you pop in when you're planning on being out in the sun. At a beach? All Night Affair. Roadtrippin'? All Night Affair. Chillin' in my backyard because the beach is too far and I don't have the money to roadtrip? All Night Affair.

I think you get the point. I also think you get that I'm really pushing for you to go listen to him. So what are you doing still here?!

Go Download: You can get "Long Way Home" for free on Facebook!

(I couldn't resist, okay.)

Ryan Ashley

http://www.youtube.com/user/ryanashleymusic?feature=watch

I like when people refer me to artists to look into, especially when they're people that I don't know, because not only does it make me feel cool but it also gives me a new outlet. Generally I end up finding bands that sound alike because I generally find all my music through the same channels. So, it only stands to reason that when I was tweeted to check out Ryan Ashley, I made a mental note to do so. I mean, if someone was taking the time to tweet me to tell me to check him out, he must be decent, right? AND they also noted that the guy is only 16. Now, you should know that it blows my mind to find people with SO much talent when they are so young so curiosity got the better of me and I found myself on his youtube channel.

The kid has 22 videos up, covers that he's done over the past couple of years-- I think his oldest being done when he was 14-- and I mean, yeah, I'm blown away by his talent. (I also had a hard time believing he was only 16 because he just doesn't look 16, but whatever. That isn't the point lol. I guess kids these days just look older.) What I love about his covers is he doesn't just hit the track of the original song and redo it as it was, just with his voice. He turns them into more soulful renditions and makes them his own, which, in case you were wondering, means they come out stunningly. I also love how pure his voice sounds, if that makes any sense. It's refreshing to hear a voice that doesn't sounded jaded by the industry and just like they're singing to sing a song. It almost sounds like he isn't working at all, but more like he's just breathing and that voice is happening.

On top of that, you can also hear the amount of growth he's made over the past two years. Is he perfect? No. But the kid is only 16 years old, and if he can do some of the things he's doing now at this age, can you imagine in a few more years when he's 20? He's going to be a force to be reckoned with, that's for sure. But until then? Well, I guess we'll just have to keep watching his covers, now won't we? (And hoping for the day we can add him to our iPods legally. Not that I'd ever stoop to a youtube to mp3 conversion site *coughs*)

Go Download: Man, I wish I could download his music. But from what I can see, we can't download anything yet. But you should def keep an eye on his Twitter, Facebook and Youtube for updates :)

(You should all note that BTNLT alum Ed Sheeran thinks he's got a fantastic voice as well.)

Interview with Alex Marshall and Alex DeLeon

Check out my interview with Marshall and Singer of The Cab!

http://www.rockedition.com/interviews/artist-interviews/interview-with-the-cab/

Blitz Kids

http://www.facebook.com/blitzkidsuk

I've been on the prowl for new music. So with the constant email ping on my phone alerting me to the occasional new twitter follower, I've kept my eyes peeled. Then Blitz Kids popped up. What REALLY caught my eye about them was that Josh Franceschi of You Me At Six follows them, and since I love him, I was pretty certain they must be awesome. (Ya know, since YMAS is awesome. It only stands to reason, right?) Luckily, my logic was not flawed, and as we speak, I have them pumping at me via my headphones. (It would be my speakers if I weren't sitting in the living room, typing away while my mother watches The Talk.) But that's okay, because I can only imagine how great they'll sound blasting out of my car speakers, a theory I'll have to test out quite soon.

Anyway, the first song that caught my eye was "Story," which features Aled Phillips-- you know, the same Aled that sings for Kids In Glass Houses, just ANOTHER band that I adore-- and boy do I like what I heard. It's a polished rock track with killer guitar and hard hitting drums. Not only that, but Joe James' voice is like a breath of fresh air. It's like if the British rock bands of old had a love child with the rock bands now, creating a glorious mix that makes me want to bust out a leather jacket and drive around town with my windows down acting like a total bamf.

Of course, I'm sure that's the exact response they wanted as they ARE named Blitz Kids, also the name of people who frequented the Blitz nightclub and helped create the New Romantic period of the 80s most commonly depicted with eccentric androgyny. Obviously, this band isn't Duran Duran or Boy George. They very much look like men. It isn't that they're bringing back the New Romantic era PHYSICALLY, but they're doing so musically. The music is eccentric, and is a wonderful mix of all the good things in music. (Can I classify them as New Romantics 2.0?)

Aside from that though, without the rather awesome name choice (whether that's what they intended or not), I'm sitting here, bobbing my head and just rocking out. (I'm also getting curious looks from my mom and dogs.) I'm getting completely lost in their music, and I have found myself stopping periodically as I'm writing this because I just keep getting pulled in.

And before you think I'm just being biased because they're British and liked by two bands I love, you should also know that Rock Sound, Kerrang!, Big Cheese and Alter the Press quite enjoy them as well.

Obviously, I was right in assuming that Josh Franceschi has great taste in music, because these guys are the real deal.

Go Download: WELL, if you like their Facebook page, you can download their first two EP's for FREE! So go get on it!

(Have I mentioned how in love with this song I am?)

Droppin' By Real Quick Just To Let You All Know

That I haven't posted in a while because I had to write my final for school, pack, clean and drive back to Alabama.

Now that I am back here, I can officially find more bands to promo.

It may take a couple days since I don't have as much time to sit in front of my laptop like usual, but I promise you that within the next few days I shall have at least one new post for you.

But let's shoot for more than one, yeah?

-exes and ohs

Interview With Leighton Antelman of Lydia

Check out my latest interview with Leighton Antelman, lead singer of Lydia!!!

http://www.rockedition.com/interviews/artist-interviews/interview-with-leighton-antelman-of-lydia/

The Voice UK

It's a pretty well known fact that I believe I was born in the wrong country. I love everything about the England. The tea, the fashion, the music, the actors, the people, everything. So much so in fact that I have grand plans to move there after I graduate, a fact that my parents may or may not think I'm just joking about. Now that you've been filled in on my England obsession, it only stands to reason that all the live tweeting Sugarscape does for The Voice UK has pushed me to find out what the fuss is about. So yesterday, when I should have been working on my final, I found myself on YouTube. And that is when I stumbled across the holy grail. (Ok, less dramatically, it was a channel that posts full episodes in STUNNING quality.) Which led to a few hours of amazing UK talent. THAT then led me to write a post on my favorite artists on the show, which dear readers, is what you have your eyes on now!

Max Milner
Team: Danny O'Donoghue
Why I Love Him: Well, you see, first off, I am a huge fan of a husky voice and a guitar, both in which Max rocked during his blind audition. And as if he couldn't get better, he performed a mashup. Not just any old mashup. No, a mashup of The Beatles' "Come Together" and Eminem's "Lose Yourself." Show me someone else who can do that without looking like a complete fool. Then, he went and blew his competitor out of the water during the head to head round singing "Beggin'." (I'd also be lying if I said I wasn't slightly turned on by how intense and in Bill's face he got.) It legitimately sounded like they were throwing vocal punches at each other. And most recently, he pulled off a stunning cover of "Free Fallin'" accompanied with an acoustic guitar (and a shaker? Is that what I'm hearing?). It was a very intimate performance even though I was watching it via tiny YouTube video player. Point being, Max is hands down my favorite competitor on the show and I have my fingers crossed that he wins.
Favorite Performance So Far: I just really love his "Free Fallin'" okay. I posted it like three times on Facebook yesterday.


Vince Kidd
Team: Jessie J
Why I Love Him: I saw a comment on one of the YouTube videos that Vince was a male version of Jessie J, and as Jessie J is my queen, obviously I'm going to at least like this Vince Kidd a little. However, since I skipped the actual audition shows and only saw Max's audition, the first time I heard Vince was during the battle rounds, where he went against Jessica Hammond with "We Found Love." I was blown away by his voice and promptly started yelling at Jessie J, ya know, to make sure that she would pick him. (I get really into my TV shows, alright.) What I loved best about him was his voice could cover all the ranges. He did the soulful lower register that sent shivers down my spine, but also hit the falsetto high notes. And I know that this show is about the voice and all, but I just absolutely LOVE his look as well. After quickly adding him to my list of favorites, just slightly behind Max, I looked up his tryout, which was soulful/reggae style "Like A Virgin." To say that it was fresh to death would be an understatement. And I personally think he and Jessie are a match made in heaven.
Favorite Performance So Far: His voice during the battle rounds is by far the best. Just.... listen.


Ruth Brown
Team: Tom Jones
Why I Like Her: I don't think I've ever heard someone have SO much power in their voice before. It's almost like she isn't even trying and that's crazy. She's also really young, 19 I believe, so just imagine how she's gonna sound in a few years when she gets total control of her vocals. And if I'm right, I do believe she's never done vocal lessons? Mad respect. I don't particularly care for female singers. It isn't a secret. But with Ruth... I don't know. The segment where they're preparing the battle duet and she's singing and just burst out crying really got to me. She's so human and I can empathize with that. (What an odd statement, right? I'm sure you get what I mean.) Anyway, she hit the live shows with a rendition of "Get Here" by Oleta Adams and the amount of goosebumps that shot up and down my arms was out of control.
Favorite Performance So Far: God damn, "Get Here" just gets me every time.


Aleks Josh
Team: Danny O'Donoghue
Why I Like Him: Well if he isn't the most adorable little thing I've ever seen! Aha, I know that isn't the point of the show, but when Jessie J was talking about pretending to drown in the pool so a cute lifeguard would save her and he was like "If you were drowning in MY pool-" and I was sold. Maybe not so much on his voice, because I think a Jason Mraz song isn't a good song to audition for anything with, but I was sold on his personality. You know we here at BTNLT love a good personality almost as much as we love the music itself. Even though I liked him better in his battle duet, I still wasn't too sold on his voice, because it seemed to me like he was trying too much to be like James Morrison when he should have been trying to be like himself. No, I wasn't completely sold on Mr. Josh until his latest performance, "Dream A Little Dream of Me." His little charming smile paired with that old-timey voice and my heart was gone. Do I think he'll win? No, I think he needs to fine tune things a little more, but my goodness if I could vote, I'd vote to keep him in as long as I could.
Favorite Performance So Far: Do I even have to say it?


(I feel bad for not having anyone from Will.I.Am's team, but I honestly had to look up his team to even remember who was on it. Oops.)

Empire Holiday

http://www.facebook.com/empireholiday

It's been awhile since we've had a Siri Suggestion (that's catchy, I might keep using that) here on Bands That Need Love Too, but I figure since the girl cannot stop talkin about these boys, I'd FINALLY give in and talk about them :P So here we go.

First, can I just say that Siri first REALLY brought the guys up to me on our Dallas adventure, which happened after Spring Break so I've been hearing about them now for.... two months? Ish? Yes. And those are two months that I should have spent listening to these guys as opposed to ignoring her obvious promotions for them. Yeah, yeah, I know. I don't know why I didn't listen to her earlier either. Everyone makes mistakes right? With that being said, Empire Holiday's music is kind of like Breathe Carolina's (okay maybe I took that comparison from Siri lol), only with a little more emphasis on face melting beats. (I'm currently sitting here blasting "Ballroom Murder" and it's quite intense.) I literally can't decide if I wanna turn it up louder to rock out harder or turn it down to preserve my face, which I'm sure will melt off if I turn it up another decibel. Pair said body rockin', fist pumping, blood rushing beats with Christopher Shelton's clean vocals and Ronnie Hughes' screams, and you've got one of the most in your faces songs that I have heard in a long time.

So much so in fact that I would dare say that they seem to pull off what Breathe Carolina is going for far better than Breathe Carolina does (at least, in their newer stuff). Instead of putting 50% of effort into the dance side and 50% of effort into the hardcore side to create a decent song, they give both aspects all they have which definitely sets them apart and quite frankly I love it. I can only hope that they continue down this path because "Ballroom Murder" blows the rest of the music on their Facebook page out of the water. Not to say that their old stuff wasn't decent-- and I mean, who doesn't love a cover of "What Is Love?"-- but this glimpse of what they're doing now runs circles around it.

I'm glad these guys decided to continue on with the band after a quick hiatus (er, breakup turned hiatus?), because let's face it, what they've got going is quite promising. I greatly look forward to what they have coming up next. And I very much look forward to my dear, dear Siri dragging me along to their shows :)

Go Download: Their new single "Ballroom Murder," duh. I mean, I've only been talking about it this whole post and it's only .99. You really have no excuse to go get that bad boy on iTunes!

Tweakin' the Blog

Not that I think anyone care, but I'm tryin to play with things to make it look a little more legit. Make it look a little more organized. Make it a tad easier for you guys to sift through things. Ya know, that sorta thing. So I guess you can keep your eyes open for some changes. I'm not quite sure yet what all exactly is gonna go down, but hey! Leaves me more room to play with things :D

Interview with Pat Kirch and Kennedy Brock from The Maine

Hey guys!
Here's my interview with Pat and Kennedy of The Maine before the opening show of their tour!


http://www.rockedition.com/interviews/artist-interviews/interview-with-the-maine/