Solo Artist of the Week: Rita Ora

http://www.facebook.com/RitaOra

We continue Girl Power Week here at Bands That Need Love Too with our Solo Artist of the Week, Rita Ora! I've seen her name here and there, pretty much on tumblr because a girl I follow is quite a big fan of her, and I always make a note to myself to give her a listen, and then never do. Luckily, thanks to The Hits Radio (again) I finally heard her.

I honestly didn't know who I was listening to when the song came on, probably because I was only half paying attention (you know, because I listen to the radio when doing homework) but I quickly switched my attention because, wow, how boss is this girl's vocals and her track?

Admittedly, she's a little more known than I like to write about, what with her twitter having 900,000+ followers, but I can justify it if we pretend no one in American knows her. (Which, isn't a LIE per say. I mean, I did have to listen to British radio to hear her.) But I digress.

After falling in love with the song, R.I.P., I took to youtube to find all I could from Ms. Ora. What I found was a strong, soulful voice backed by rockin' dance beats that'd make anyone wanna move. I mean, that's kind of the main requirement for Girl Power Week if you haven't noticed. Rita Ora is the music you put on when you just want to have a good time. Her music is the music you blast while driving downtown through the city you love.

One of her singles, "How We Do (Party)," lyrically reminds me of Katy Perry's TGIF, only I personally think Ora rocks it so much better. Why I never heard it on the radio is beyond me. "R.I.P." is a harder song with heavier beats and showcases her voice better, which is probably why I love it so much. That, and it just makes me feel like the biggest badass.

In my own, humble opinion, Rita Ora has everything to make it big. She has the voice (as is apparent in her acoustic stuff), she has beats, and she has the looks. (Honestly, the girl is freaking gorgeous, and much like with Little Mix, I would LOVE to go on a shopping adventure with her.) That, and she just seems to be a pretty cool person. I mean, she cites Tina Turner, Ella Fitzgerald, David Bowie and Gwen Stefani as some of her influences. That's just... boss.

Let's just add her to the list of awesome talent coming from the UK, yeah?

America, you'd be remiss if you didn't learn to love her, like... now.

Go Download: Here in the US of A, you can pick up her single "How We Do (Party)" on iTunes! And if you're in the UK or Ireland, you can preorder her debut album 'ORA' which is set to drop August 28. No word on when it'll be out in the US though :(

And in case you needed proof of how amazing her voice really is...

Cherri Bomb

http://www.facebook.com/cherribombband


I don't know what it is this week, but I'm feeling particularly girl power-y. Maybe it's because of the Fab Five-- I mean, I'm STILL reeling from McKayla Maroney's vault. Dear lord girl, could you be more badass?-- or maybe it's because I just watched Kayla Harrison kick some serious butt in Judo this morning. (USA! USA! USA!) Whatever it is, I'm feeling the badass awesome girl groups. 


So today, we're gonna be talking about all girl rock band Cherri Bomb, who has not only performed at festivals like Reading, Sonisphere and now Warped, but they've performed alongside the Foo Fighters and the Smashing Pumpkins. As if I wasn't already feeling a little bad about my life with all these 15 year olds winning gold medals in the Olympics, this band is compromised of teenagers ranging from 14-16. That's right, you read that correct. Lemme just type it up again in case you need it. FOURTEEN TO SIXTEEN. What were YOU doing when you were 14? 


I can tell you what I was doing. I was a sophomore in high school with absolutely no idea at what I wanted to do with my life. Hell, I'm a month and a half away from 21 and I still am a lost cause. (In case you're masochistic and want to feel a little worse about yourself, when lead vocalist/guitarist Julia Pierce founded the band, she was 11. ELEVEN. At 11, I was mourning the end of *N'SYNC.)


That being said, I had already decided that these girls must be freaking badass, so I told my editor we should interview at Warped Tour (which we did, the video just hasn't been edited yet) and let me tell you something, they were just as awesome as I had decided they had to be. 


My first experience with their music was actually at their set that day as I shot their performance and to say I was a little shocked at the voice that came out of Pierce, because it's the sort of voice we haven't gotten from a rock female vocalist is a LONG time. Their music is quite reminiscent of the 90s female grunge that was so empowering because, hey, even girls can be rockstars, okay. 


When they performed, they performed hard, no holds barred and it just made me wanna move, alright?


So I came home and I decided to look into their album.


Now, it isn't without its faults. But look at how young they are. They have SO much more room to grown, AND, on top of that, it isn't even a bad first effort. In fact, I've heard much, MUCH worse. It's crashing guitars, angry vocals and in your face drums, which is exactly what you look for in a release like this. 


I'm glad I got to talk to these girls, because like I said, they're a bunch of badasses with rockin' music and livin' the dream that I always wanted. Keep an eye out for these ones. Before ya know it, they'll be giving some of the big rock names a run for their money. 


Go Download: You can pick up their album 'This Is the End of Control' on iTunes for just $7.99! That's like, nothing! (But if you just want one song, check out "Better This Way" because it makes me wanna throw my middle finger up in the air. Yeah.)

(These picture are just a few of the ones I got)

Little Mix

http://www.facebook.com/LittleMixOfficial

I have quite honestly been the worst about blogging. It isn't my fault, I swear. I haven't lost my love for discovering bands, nor have I lost my love for writing. I've just been so busy that my head has been reeling from all the things that I've been trying to keep up with. (And by that, I mean I've been having one HELL of a time trying to stay on top of Spanish.) However, you will all be happy to hear that not only am I on my second to last chapter of this god forsaken book, I have also found some time to introduce you to another group :)

You see, a couple weeks ago I picked my next band to promo, but now that I listen to them a little more, I come to find I've changed my mind, which left me in distress and in dire need of a band. Who should I tell you lot to listen to if I can't decide?! Then, as I was listening to The Hits Radio-- my current radio obsession, honestly if there is anything you get from this post, it's a new radio station-- and it played Little Mix's single that I've been desperately trying to decide if I like or not, it hit me. (Along with the realization that yes, yes I DO quite like that song.) Why don't I introduce you guys to this group?

Now, I know, I KNOW. You're probably tired of my weird British artist obsession. At this point I might as well change the requirements for this blog to be from England. I swear I don't do it on purpose, it's just that A LOT of really good stuff is coming out of there right now. Cool, glad we got that out of the way. Now on to the important stuff, shall we?

Little Mix is an all girl group who won The X Factor UK (ugh don't you give me those judging eyes) and if I'm being totally, 1,000% honest, I wasn't exactly a fan of their live performances. I mean, I thought they were good, but they weren't for me, ya know? I haven't liked a girl group since The Spice Girls, and even then I think I may have only liked them because I was young and all about girl power.

But I, for the life of me, could not escape these girls. Tumblr talks about them. Sugarscape talks about them. The Hits Radio talks about them. So finally, FINALLY, I gave in (Are you happy internet?) and I gave their single "Wings" a listen. And I still wasn't sold, but I can admit that it makes me break out my inner diva. I mean, you don't have to necessarily like a song to wanna dance to it do ya? (Ex- Anything from Katy Perry) Dear lord, it's quite embarrassing how bad it makes me wanna whip my hair back and forth actually, but I still wasn't sold. In fact, as I started this post, I still wasn't exactly sure how I felt, because like I said, none of their live performances I had seen from the show had made me think, hm, those girls are fucking boss.

Then, I came across their a capella versions of "Cry Me A River" and "Survivor." (Found HERE) and though they clock in at about 25 seconds a piece, I started to get it. They weren't hiding behind any of the extras that come with The X Factor-- you know, fancy lights, dancing, etc-- they were sitting on a couch, singing and beat boxing. (That's right. BEAT BOXING. Fierce.)

But, then I saw the link that would change everything. You see, dearest readers, sitting in the "Suggested Videos" sidebar was their live performance of Damien Rice's "Cannonball." It is honestly one of the most beautiful songs, and woah, who'd think these diva-licious singers would cover that song, right? So curiosity got the better of me and I clicked it.

And then it was like the stars aligned and wow. I GET it. Alright, England, you dragged me kicking and screaming on this one but I see why they won. I understand. The song showcased each and every one of them and my breath was taken away by how spectacular they are. They aren't just some pop girl group, but four soulful singers that are SO much more.

"Wings" may be the fun track that is gonna get them on radios everywhere, but "Cannonball" is, well, it's the song that's gonna get them fans. GOD I hope they have more like it on their album, because you best believe that I'll be getting it, as I hope many other people will, because I'd actually quite enjoy seeing these girls make it. With voices like that, they deserve to make it.

That, and let's be real, I kinda wish I could be them. Have you seen how gorgeous they are? And do NOT even get me started on their wardrobes. Hey Little Mix, let's go shoppin' together, yeah?

Go Download: WELL, unfortunately you can't download anything yet :/ If you live in the UK though, you can pre-order "Wings." We Americans, however, have to wait. They're worth the wait though!

And of course, the single, which is full of color and fun and yeah. I'm still whippin' my hair.

Zach London

http://zachlondon.tumblr.com/

I've been missing for the past week. I even promised to give you a new artist/band and didn't hold up to that promise. Which makes me feel like a terrible person who should not be allowed to run a promotional blog and have Spanish homework at the same time. With that being said, I've been scratching my head trying to find who to break my mini hiatus with. I've had three solo artists queued for a bit, and I'm ever in the search for more bands, since, well... this is BANDS That Need Love Too. So finally, after much agonizing, I've decided to come back to you all with artist Zach London.

Much like the many that have come before him, Zach London was discovered through on of my various social networks. (Tumblr this time for all those wondering. I'm assuming he followed me due to the One Direction part of my blog, as I don't think the post-hardcore/pop-rock part of it wouldn't call out much to his genre lol.) What intrigued me so much about him is that none of his sites-- well, his Youtube, Tumblr and Facebook anyway-- are more than three months old, which leads me to believe he is seriously THAT brand spanking new.

Now, let's jump into his covers, shall we? That's right, all the guy has up right now are covers. Three on his Youtube and one on his Tumblr to be exact, but don't look anything into it, because each one is stunning. I'm particularly partial to his cover of Usher's "Climax." Maybe it's because I already loved the song to begin with, but Zach London breathes such a rich, smooth feel into it that I can't help but just sit back and feel like I'm rolling around in something completely decadent. (Think chocolate fondue for the ears, yeah?) Not that Usher DOESN'T deliver some rich R&B, but it's Mr. London here who takes it above and beyond, his tone the perfect breathy and light that makes it seem more like a heartbreak song than it sounds when Usher does it. (Let's be real, when Usher sings it, it's baby making music. Is that too far?)

He also covered One Direction's "More Than This," which is actually my least favorite of his covers. Not because I don't like it, because honestly I think this boy is great, but because it's too faithful to the original version. It's almost like I'm listening to 1D's long lost sixth member, and personally, I would like to hear more Zach London, because if I wanted to listen to 1D, I'd throw their album on.

His other two covers, Beyonce and Frank Ocean's "Miss You" and J. Cole's "Work Out" are both great covers. "Work Out" is almost tied with "Climax" as far as favorites go for Zach's covers. It's uptempo and is just fun. It's good stuff AND he made it his own.

I really, sincerely hope that we get new music from him soon, whether it be another cover or if it be something of his own. I think he can breathe some new life into the R&B/Pop scene and would GLADLY buy an album from him. So I think, you should get to liking him too. That way we all can point fingers and say I told you so when he makes it big :)

Go Download: It's a sad, sad day when I can't post a link for you to download anything, but hey, you can give his songs a listen on his Youtube!

Lawson

http://www.facebook.com/lawsonofficial

I must be masochistic. There's no other explanation for why I keep finding artists outside of the US who I can't 1) see in concert and 2) download their music. But I guess it's a burden I'm all too willing to bear because let's face it, Lawson is spectacular.

I decided to look into them after seeing the boys of The Wanted tweet about them, and after seeing Sugarscape tweet a picture from one of their shows, I decided they would most definitely be worth looking into. And boy am I glad I did. Upon finding their YouTube channel, the very first thing I decided to watch was their cover of Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night." Why you ask? Well, I haven't seen any covers of "Marry The Night" and the fact that this British pop-rock band decided to cover a song that my pop expert friend regards as one of Gaga's best and most under appreciated single intrigued me. How would they cover it? And most importantly, how could they possibly do it justice? Well, the answer is quite simple. They stripped it down and slowed it into a gorgeous ballad feel that ultimately caused my to get chills. (It also did the same for Siri, so that's sayin' something. It wasn't just me lol) That cover alone was all I really needed to solidify my love for them. But I can't really justify writing a post mainly based on one cover, so I found myself listening to their latest single.

Now, if you're thinking that they can only pull off other people's songs, I'd have to call bullshit, because "She Was Mine" is a wonderful piece of pop to rival that of artists such as Parachute. It has ALL potential to get on the radio, and honestly I'll be quite disappointed if it doesn't make it's way to America ASAP.

I mean, it'd only make sense that they would break the US, right? They've toured with the likes of The Wanted, Avril Lavigne and Westlife. They also had their own headlining tour in May AND are a part of the lineup for T in the Park. Basically they're going places in the UK and with the amount of UK acts taking a crack at the US right now, I can only hope they'd join along.

That all being said it looks like their album isn't set to drop until September and we all know that means that here in the US of A we'll have to wait a couple months longer than that, but lemme be the first to tell you that this band is DEFINITELY worth the wait.

Go Download: You can pick up a download of their song "Red Sky" for nothing more than a tweet or Facebook like, which I SOOOO worth it. (Also, it might be time to dust off that youtube to mp3 converter so you can replay that "Marry the Night" cover as many times as you'd like.)

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.)

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.)

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?)

Bastille

http://www.facebook.com/bastilleuk

Oh I know what you're thinking, what Vicci?! You're posting more than once a week again! I know, it's crazy. But I told you I'd make up for my absence. It also helps that I just happen to have stumbled across Bastille and could not contain my joy over this discovery and just HAD to write about them.

You see, my dear friend Brenna turned me to this website called 8tracks (like I needed another music website) and I'm slightly addicted. Basically, it's a site where people can make and share playlists. So it's just a bunch of random playlists and all you really know about them is the title and the description if the creator feels so inclined to give you one. You don't know WHO is on the playlist until their song has played, which I find rather intriguing myself. And as soon as the playlist is done, it moves on to another random mix. So I'm sitting here, listening to this playlist, which is really just background sound as I already know a good majority of the music on it, when all of a sudden I am ripped from my reverie (ok, a little less dramatic, I was only blogging on tumblr afterall) by these wonderful beats and most notably, the lyrics. Quickly switching to the other tab that I had open, I saw the title of the song and the name of the band. "Flaws" by Bastille. And that, my dears, is what I like to refer to as Love at First Listen. I promptly turned to Spotify, in hopes that their music would be there, and as luck may have it, their EP, 'Laura Palmer,' and their single 'Flaws' were up, and they have been on repeat since. (In case you were wondering, this all happened this morning around 1 AM.)

That all being said, Bastille started out as just Dan Smith making music in his bedroom. Upon deciding he didn't want to be a singer-songwriter anymore, he decided to expand and become a band instead. And now I'm pretty convinced that they might be flawless. I'm looking for the catch here, I really am, but so far, nothing. Everything I've listened to has been wonderful. Live stuff, acoustic stuff, covers, all amazing. The harmonies are great and the musicality is spot on. I love the melodies they play, their music is just so catchy. I mean, really, if you couldn't tell, I'm completely in love with them, and it's only been a little over 12 hours since I discovered them. I also think this might be a good time to say that on top of loving the music, I absolutely adore Dan's hair.

So to sum everything up, I think it's only a matter of time before these guys hop the pond and come over to America. At least, that's what I'm hoping, because I can guarantee that I will be at their show so quick. (Though, I guess I have no issue with going to the UK to catch em c:)

Go Download: Everything ever. Aha, all joking aside, their EP, 'Overjoyed,' is up for preorder on iTunes, but you can listen to them on Spotify and you can also pick up their mixtape 'Other People's Heartache' FOR FREE here!!!

(The song that sparked my love.)

Emeli Sandé

http://www.facebook.com/emelisande

 Now, I know it has been a while. But for good reason. Not only have I been away trying to be a good student so that I can one day do this for a living, but I've also been away trying to find someone that I would be excited to talk about. I've come across so many acts that sound just like each other, and while I can appreciate them all, I was looking for something new and exciting. That new and exciting something came to me in the form of Emeli Sandé.

 My love for the Scottish soul and R&B singer is all due to tumblr. While perusing the One Direction tag (Yeah yeah, I know. I'm a fangirl. What can I say.) I saw a post about a song called "Read All About It Pt III." Now, I don't know what it was that pulled me to it, because it obviously was NOT One Direction-- though it did tie in and belong in the tag after I found out the reasoning-- but I just had to listen to it. Maybe it was because of the couple of lines of lyrics attached, or maybe it was because I was on this search for something to add to my iPod. Whatever it was, it led me to some of the most beautiful music I have listened to.

 You see, Sandé started as a songwriter, writing for acts like Tinie Tempah, Cheryl Cole, Professor Green and several others. Soon after she tried to break into the singing business as well, and eventually landed a record deal in 2011 with EMI Records. Now, not only has she boosted her writing resume to include Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle she's released her album 'Our Version Of Events.' And by released I mean she's released it in the UK already, where it entered the charts at #1. We here in the US have to wait until June 5 to own it (Or, you know, legally own it.) Can I also mention that she won the Brit for Critics' Choice at this year's Brit Awards? So she's already got the UK with her charm, and with the latest wave of British artists hopping the pond and trying to dominate the US (One Direction, The Wanted, Ed Sheeran, etc) I wouldn't be shocked if she puts us under her spell as well. (Fun Fact: She made her US television debut on April 19 on Conan! Check it out here!!)

 Now that we've talked all the fun background stuff, let's talk about the facts. The girl is fabulous. She has a gorgeous voice, she can play the piano and her lyrics are just downright beautiful. Her music is the stuff you pop in while sipping on a glass of wine and winding down after a long day or while your soaking in a nice long bath. It's the kind of music you pop in to get yourself focused. It's the kind of music that you listen to when you need a good cry. Most importantly, it's the type of music you put on when you just need to feel understood, because let's face it, Ms. Sandé is saying everything we have always wanted to say, just could never say it as eloquently.

 Not only that, but I believe that what she writes isn't written with the intention of making it a radio hit. She writes about are themes that people SHOULD be hearing about. In the description of her latest music video, "My Kind of Love," she wrote

During my time studying medicine, I found it hard to write, but one of the things that inspired me were the patients and the interaction that they had with their loved ones during their time of illness. When people arrived at the hospital, money and status became irrelevant and only health mattered, which sparked an honesty between people which was amazing. This interaction, declaration of support and love, was the inspiration for "My Kind Of Love" and something I wanted to try and portray in this video.

So yeah, I firmly believe that what she writes is art. It has surpassed the point of music and become something infinitely more beautiful. (Wow how many times can I say beautiful in one post?)

 Anyway, I think at this point you can tell that I'm completely in love with Emeli Sandé. Her album is amazing. Her videos are amazing. She's amazing. Signed, sealed, delivered. She's bringing something back to the music scene that I think has been sorely lacking, and I personally cannot wait to see more of her.

Go Download: You can preorder 'Our Version of Events' on iTunes for just $7.99, which is practically stealing. You also get her song "Next To Me" as soon as you do :)However, my personal favorites are "River" and "Read All About It Pt III." (Though "Read All About It Pt III" doesn't seem to be on the US version of the album.)

Why You Should Just Give In to Boy Band Era 3.0

If you're my age-- 20 for all those wondering-- chances are you remember *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys (I mean, my age group kind of grew up with them). And if you were anything like me, they were one of your very first band obsessions (if not the first). Some of you may even have the honor of calling one of them your first concert (I got to see *NSYNC for my 10th birthday). So obviously, if you were like me, when Boy Band Era 2.0 came to an end you were distraught. Sure a few popped up here and there, but none with the same gumption that captured our hearts like *NSYNC and BSB. That all changed when Big Time Rush hit the scene. You may argue with me on that, but I promise you, the Return of the Boy Band started with them. Unfortunately, I think they got the proverbial short stick as upon opening the gateway to this new era of boy band, they unleashed the likes of One Direction and The Wanted. That, however, is another blog all together. You see, if you're like me, you're relishing this resurgence of boy bands. You also have friends or know people who are NOT as enthusiastic as you are about this return. But why does it have to be that way? How can people blatantly hate such fun, happy music? Maybe it's because it's the cool thing to hate things that are popular, or maybe they just dislike adorable boys that sing adorable things. But I'd be willing to put my money on the fact that they are just worried about being judged for openly appreciating these groups and therefore make up for their secret shrines by drinking some haterade. (Am I allowed to say that still? Is my age showing?) That being said, here is a list of reasons why you SHOULDN'T feel guilty about nodding along to the catchy songs of Boy Band Era 3.0, because let's face it, you're probably gonna be hearing these songs for awhile.

1. These Aren't The Goody Two Shoe Boy Bands That You Grew Up With
Sure, maybe they look like it, and maybe their songs might show a bit of lighthearted nature (EX- "Every time you come around you put a lightning bolt on my face"), and their fangirls certainly do not help but do NOT get it twisted. These are boys ranging from 18-23 and two of the three aforementioned bands are from the UK where they aren't as uptight as those of us in the US. Maybe it's because I was like 7 when *NSYNC happened, but I don't think they ever did interviews like this. Nor do I remember them making music videos like this. (Dost mine eyes spy stomach licking?) So really, the argument that they are "too young" is a load of crock.

2. Like Any Boy Band, They Have The Looks


(Also, chances are if you're a red blooded female, you've already seen the new Ponystep photos, but just in case you missed them

(Also, I spy with my little eye a wet boy band)
Okay, maybe this was just so I could go through pages and pages of Google image results. I'm back on task now.

3. They Really Can Sing
Not that I am claiming my boys in *NSYNC and BSB can't. That would be the most blatant of all lies. However, let's take a second to listen to some of the trademark harmonies that come with boy bandom.



So, really, the "They can't sing and people only like them for their looks" argument is pretty invalid too.

4. They Have Impeccable Taste In Music
What does this have to do with anything you ask? Well, if they like good music, they are influenced by good music. You want a list of the artists that they appreciate?
One Direction: Two Door Cinema Club, The Fray, Queen, The Beatles, John Mayer and The Script.
Big Time Rush: Taking Back Sunday, Incubus, Donna Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead and even some broadway (Shout out to Carlos for his love of Rent!)
The Wanted: Oasis, Switchfoot, Queen, Coldplay and Boyz II Men.
So now I've just made your "They aren't 'real music' and don't know what 'real music' is" argument invalid. (And quite frankly this argument just makes me angry so before I go off on a tangent, I'm gonna move on.)

5. How Can You Hate Fun Music?
We all need a little happy from time to time, don't we? I'd be lying if I said that my iPod wasn't full of deep, meaningful songs that tug at the heartstrings or that make you think. But sometimes you just don't want to think. You just want to listen to something that blatantly lays it out there for you and has a catchy beat. And since when has that ever been a bad thing? Seriously. If you don't find yourself bobbing your head at least once to any of the following songs, you probably just don't have much of a sense of fun.



Yeah. Happy music. If you have an argument against happy music, you obviously just need more of it in your life.

6. They Can Also Tug Heartstrings
On the flipside of that, everyone loves a good ballad. Everyone. Especially one that makes you feel like YOU are the person your boy band of choice is singing to.



So there goes your "They only make stupid pop music" argument.

I could probably keep going, but let's be real, at this point I'm beating a dead horse. An extra dead horse. The main point of this is to point out that the majority of people who act like they dislike boy bands so much do so because they don't realize that there is no reason to hide a true like for them. of course, if you genuinely STILL don't like them, then you legit don't like them. And cool for you because that means you probably aren't 1) A female, 2) Between the ages of 12 and 25 or 3) A "hipster" that dislikes anything that is part of the "mainstream."

Remember When

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Remember-When

Hah, the title kind of makes it look like this is gonna be a nostalgic post. Well it's not. It's a post about a pretty darn good band who just happens to have a nostalgic sounding name. It actually only took me half a song to decide that these boys would be this week's Band That Needs Love Too. Now, I know what you're thinking. That's totally jumping the gun. That's like basing a love for an album on the minute thirty iTunes preview of one song. But sometimes, you just know.

And with this band, I just new. Maybe because they seem to fit the candy coated confection sounds that I've been craving lately (Helloooo Boy Band Era 2.0), I don't know. But there is just something about Kyle Nelson's voice that just captured my heart, or... I guess my ears rather. Citing bands they like as The Summer Set, The Ready Set, Stereo Skyline, Never Shout Never and a handful of others, it's quite obvious to see where they fit in the pop rock genre that I know and love so well.

They are just a good time. Their music doesn't have any undertones that make me want to curl up and cry, they are just good, pure, pop rock. It's the type of music you can relate to and pop in on a hot summer day (or, if you're in Texas like me, a hot spring, summer AND winter day). To say that the music they are making is groundbreaking would probably be an overstatement, but it honestly feels like they aren't making it with an agenda. To me, and I could be wrong, but it feels like Remember When is just aiming to give you something to listen to that will make you smile.

Well you have succeeded boys, if that is indeed your mission, because I'm sitting here enjoying it like no other.

Go Download: The debut album 'Forever A Dream' from iTunes! But, my personal favorite is "Secret Valentine." (Which is NOT a We The Kings cover lol)

Folk Family Revival

http://www.facebook.com/folkfamilyrevival

Oh goodness, it has been a LONG past two weeks. Spring Break kicked my butt, and I'm pretty sure I came away from it more tired than when I went in, and then this past weekend I spend in Dallas going against hordes of teens to see One Direction. So I am SO sorry that BTNLT has been kind of dead. But you can thank our good friend Jeremy Burchard (You know, the one from Moonlight Social that always manages to keep popping up in my posts?) for my "revival!" (Am I funny yet?)

Based out of Magnolia, TX, Folk Family Revival sounds like you'd imagine they would from their name. At least, that's what you could say if it wouldn't be such a dastardly understatement. You see, sure, they fit the bill as folk. You can get that just by looking at a picture of them. But it is some of the cleanest, best sounding folk I have found in a long time. This is the type of band that you would see opening for Mumford & Sons, The Head and the Heart, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers and Ray LaMontagne and while you may have gone in never having heard them, you'd leave knowing that you'd look them up as soon as you got home.

The band consists of three brothers and their friend (who they met after sticking up for him during a fight that went down at church. I just find that absolutely adorable) but according to their bio on Facebook, they consider themselves a "band made up of four brothers." Lead vocalist Mason Lankford brings a voice that has the perfect amount of country tinge to it, giving their folk that slight edge that many folk bands are missing. His brothers Barrett and Lincoln both take up bass and drums respectively, and push along the music wonderfully. (In fact, as I type this, their song "Mountains" is playing and I legitimately feel like I need to be stomping my foot on the wooden floor of a country bar.) Of course, I am NOT leaving Caleb Pace, honorary Lankford brother, out of the mix. Without his electric guitar, lap-steel and mandolin skills, this band wouldn't have as much energy. And I mean, what's a folk band without a little mandolin, right?

With all that being said, their debut release 'Unfolding' was released last July, so I am quite late to this family, which I am very sad about actually. But note, though I am late, I am here to stay.

Are you ready to "Join The Family?" Because you should be.

Go Download: I am absolutely in love with the song "Dream All Night" so if you can only afford ONE song, that should be the one you get. But if you can afford the $9.99, you NEED to buy their album from iTunes.



This song comes in a CLOSE second as my favorite.

Carney

http://www.facebook.com/carneytheband

How might most people know Carney? Through Reeve Carney AKA Spider Man. Not movie Spider Man, but broadway Spider Man. I fall into the category of finding out about Carney via Spider Man: Turn Off the Dark. Of course, I didn't actually listen to them until my dearest Siri mentioned how much she loved Reeve Carney so I checked them out and we've kind of had an ongoing appreciation for them ever since.

What do I like most about Carney?

Their music isn't just rock, but a return to that dirty, bluesy, hear-it-in-a-smokey-jazz-bar sort of rock. It's very '90s. And lord knows I love me some '90s rock. ('90s anything really.)

Also, I like them best live. I'm pretty convinced that if you haven't listened to their 'Live at Molly Malone's' album, you are SERIOUSLY missing out. Reeve's voice is just so raw and earnest and I can't help but feel that he could tell me anything through singing and I'd probably believe him.

And, I'd like to point out that their video for "Love Me Chase Me" is DAMN sexy. As is their live cover of "I Want You." Both will be posted below and you can tell me if you agree with my assessment.

I also think it's awesome that his brother, Zane, is in the band with him. I just love brotherly love and I think it's the cutest thing ever when siblings like each other enough to do stuff like a band together.

I'm not too sure, so don't quote me, but I'm pretty sure that the band is currently not doing as much because of Reeve being on broadway, but if I were you, I'd keep my eye on them for when they do take to touring again. I know I will.

Go Download: Live at Molly Malone's on iTunes!!! But if you only want one song, I'd check out "Think of You," either live or recorded. It's gorgeous no matter what.

School Boy Humor

http://www.facebook.com/schoolboyhumor

I won't lie, when I saw that I was being followed on Twitter by School Boy Humor, I thought it was something like Total Frat Move. Don't ask me why that was my first thought, because I'm not really sure why either. It just kinda happened.

But curiosity got the better of me and I looked into them, and I was quite surprised to find that SBH isn't a website about douchey things guys do, but in fact a rather good band.

Based out of Little Rock, AR, School Boy Humor is made up of twin brothers Phil and Anthony Evans and they have some of the catchiest beats I have heard. Their sound runs somewhere between The After Party and Breathe Carolina. What does that mean, you ask? It means they come at you harder than just your usual pop-punk/rock, but without the extra screaming vocals. (Not that I have anything against either, as my readers very well know.)

In fact, their beats are so infectious that as I sit here typing this, I can't help but bob my head with it. If you need something to get you pumped up or just want to listen to some damn good and catchy songs, SBH is the band for you.

But don't think that means they only do upbeat dance songs. These boys are versatile enough to make a heartwrenching love song or two. Don't believe me? Check out these lyrics. "There's nobody like your body when it's next to mine. I'm holding my breathe while you're holding on tight." Now, call me a sucker for love, but that is just sweet, ok.

There is also something to be said about a band that gets shit done. Since I have liked them on Facebook and followed them on Twitter, I don't go a day without seeing them promoting shows they're doing and responding to fans and inviting them to shows. Not only are they doing their time, but they seem like genuinely nice dudes, which gets you pretty damn far in my book. I missed them while they were here in Texas because I had work, but you don't have to miss them! They have tour dates up HERE. From what I can tell, they're currently up north, but it's only a matter of time before they get back down to the south.

Also, if you're in Texas and wanna see them in Arlington on your Spring Break, you definitely should. If it weren't for me working and covering SXSW, I'd be there in a second. (But mark my words, I WILL see these boys.) Information about that event HERE!

(One last sidenote: They definitely did a song with Jeffree Star, which is kind of badass. Just sayin.)

Go Download: You can pick up their albums, EPs and singles on iTunes. But personally, if you want a super fun song, check out their latest singles "Sex & Rock 'n Roll" and "7 Minutes In Heaven" :)





Also, I enjoy this cover. So you get TWO videos for these boys :D

We Caught the Castle

http://www.wecaughtthecastle.com/

So I was checking my Tumblr, you know, to see if anyone thought any of my posts were interesting enough to reblog and whatnot when I saw that I gained a new follower! Gaining a new follower on Tumblr always excites me because I figure they're following me because the genuinely like what I post, which means they like me because my Tumblr is basically what the inside of my head looks like. Anyway, so I checked out who followed me, and much to my surprise, it was a guy by the name of Joe Sellers, and he is in a band.

Upon clicking on the video he had posted of his band, I just HAD to listen to more of their music. I have mentioned before that I am not a fan of the female voice. My iPod is dominated by men, mainly because women can just be so damn whiney. But We Caught the Castle's front woman Hollie Elizabeth could sure as HELL hold her own on my iTunes library. While I come to find that many female vocalists in the pop-rock/punk genre are often compared to Hayley Williams or Cassadee Pope, I can't help but feel that Hollie not only could run circles around the two, but should be one of the voices others are compared to instead. (Not that I have anything against Hayley Williams or Cassadee Pope. They just are not my favorite female vocalists.)

But Ms. Elizabeth's voice isn't the the main component of what makes WCTC so good. No, this band is one of those bands that has found the magical combination. Maybe separately they are all great, but together... well... together they're fucking menace. While Hollie is the main voice, Robbie Everett (Bass), Simon Jackman (Lead Guitar) and the aforementioned Joe (Rhythm Guitar) all contribute vocals, creating such a wonderful contrast to blast from my speakers.

Don't think that this means I've forgotten Zak Watson, the band's drummer, because this boy holds it down. Generally, I'm not immediately captured by drums. I am aware that they're there, but I get caught up in voices first, and then guitars, and so on. However, this time around, my ears are just drawn to the pulsing, driving, crashing sounds that he's doling out on his drum set, and boy are they pleased.

I also think I should mention that Simon rocks a killer guitar solo in their song "Say What You Want." (Fun fact: I just listened to that song three times in a row because I liked it so much.)

Basically, these guys are where it's at. As far as I'm concerned, I would consider them my favorite female fronted band, and that is saying something. They are definitely a gem, and I kind of feel like I need to personally thank Joe for following me on Tumblr so that I could discover them.

ALSO, they're going to drop an album in March. They're doing a launch party for it March 23, so I can only assume that it comes out around that time. So if you're in Reading, you should DEFINITELY check it out. (Just add this to the many list of reasons as to why I live in the wrong country. -.- I need to get to the England. STAT.)


Go Download: Everything they have on iTunes. Seriously. That's like, $6. So worth it.

Attack Attack! Interview

Hey guys!

This isn't really a band promotion as much as it is me spreading my interview with Andrew Wetzel of Attack Attack!

Check it out HERE!!!