Aurgasm

singer-songwriter // folk pop

Sydney Wayser possesses an ear for melody and talent for songwriting that results in a collection of intimate and playful tunes. The half-French, half-American songwriter grew up in Los Angeles with frequent trips to Paris (and is now based in New York). This worldly charm is heard throughout her music, whether it’s the Southern-inspired “Banjo Bayou” or the dreamy allure of “Bells”. Though the majority of her sophomore album, The Colorful, was recorded on children’s toys and piano, there is nothing childish about it. Wayser’s alluring vocals and her unique instrumentals combine to rapturous effect. The Colorful wanders between light-hearted fun and poignant melody with ease.

Charming instrumentals and smoky vocals.
Sydney Wayser - Bells
Sydney Wayser - Banjo Bayou
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folk-pop // acoustic

Israeli-born New York-based Rosi Golan’s debut album The Drifter & The Gypsy (2008) is 11 vibrant and neatly-crafted folk songs. Mostly accompanied by acoustic guitars as well as drums, bass, piano, banjo and mandolin, the album sways between folky tunes and mellow ballads. “Follow The Arrow” (not featured on the album) is probably the most uplifting, up-tempo and contagiously melodic track from Rosi’s repertoire. Another highlight (taken from the album this time) is the clever folk-driven “I Don’t Wanna Wait”, delivering catchy chorus with such a charming simplicity. The Drifter & The Gypsy will appeal to these who enjoy the tiny bit whimsical sounds of such artists as Ingrid Michaelson as well as the lovely songwriting of Lucy Schwartz.

Bright and light-hearted melodies.
Rosi Golan - Follow The Arrow
Rosi Golan - I Don’t Wanna Wait
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folk-pop // acoustic

Some of you might be familiar with Marit Larsen as a former member of Norwegian teenage duo M2M, known for their hit “Don’t Say You Love Me” (1999). Following the duo’s break up Marit has shifted from the sugary sweet pop to a subtler and more mature kind of songwriting. Her second solo effort, The Chase (2008), is all about the rich yet unpretentious arrangements and memorable melodies. Featured below, “Steal My Heart” is one of Marit’s slow paced numbers and a great example of her orchestral pop crafting. The song evolves around the gorgeous strings and overall delicate instrumentation that carries Marit’s soft vocals.

Sweet melody to melt your heart.
Marit Larsen - Steal My Heart

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singer-songwriter // indie folk // holiday

After hearing Canadian songwriter Meaghan Smith’s sweet and carefree songs it shouldn’t come as a surprise that she grew up in a house of music, with her piano-teacher mother, bassist father and three talented sisters. Her affinity for the sounds of the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s features heavily in her music as well. While the jazz-influenced indie folk of Meaghan Smith embraces instrumentation from older eras, the Canadian songwriter gives it her own contemporary twist (Meaghan herself dubs it “modern vintage”). Regardless of what you’d like to call it, her unique take on the holiday classic, “Silver Bells” and her original winter song, “It Snowed” is just what you need to get you in the holiday mood!

Traditional holiday songs go “modern vintage”.
Meaghan Smith - It Snowed
Meaghan Smith - Silver Bells
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swedish pop // singer-songwriter

Laleh’s album, Me and Simon (2009), shines with pure pop energy and good fun. There are no experimental edges for avant pop lovers, yet there are enough memorable melodies and clever hooks to keep your attention. Iranian-Swedish artist Laleh crafts vibrant pop songs, sweet lullabies and ballads, sung mostly in English with the occasional French and Persian (not to be confused with Arabic) ear candy. Laleh’s stand-out track and my personal favourite is “Simon Says”. With its lovely arrangements, subtle multi-layered vocals and playful lyrics, this one you will carry and hum for the rest of the day.

Strong melody and a somewhat naive quirkiness.
Laleh - Simon Says

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brazilian // world

Having lived and performed in Brazil, Chile, Peru, Portugal and France, Bïa is truly a world artist. Musically active for over a decade yet relatively unknown, Bïa released her solid and versatile studio work Nocturno in 2008. Largely acoustic and soothing, it’s an ideal summer album. Nocturno combines gentle Bossa and Samba beats, Portuguese Fado influences with a distinct saudade quality, and delicate touches of jazz, rock, and klezmer music.

Mellow, summery blend of bossa and jazz.
Bïa - Caminhar
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chanson française // folk pop

French chanson tradition, Chinese folk motifs, Continental jazz and Latin notes are interwoven together into a colourful collection of songs on Jessica Fichot’s debut album. The versatility of her debut Le Chemin (2007) mirrors her multicultural and multilingual background. Often accompanied by piano and accordion, recalling the rhythms of waltz, polka and cabaret music, Jessica’s elegant songwriting evokes the images of 19th century Parisian coffeehouses and dance halls. “1,2,3″ is a fine example of her inventive songwriting, clear vocals and a distinctly French instrumentation.

Delightful arrangements from the heart of Paris.
Jessica Fichot - 1,2,3
Jessica Fichot - Le Grenier
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folk // singer-songwriter

Some of you might have seen Allie Moss performing with the lovely Ingrid Michaelson. Her debut EP Passerby (2009) reveals Allie to be a strong and promising singer-songwriter on her own. The extremely captivating “Corner” displays Allie’s songwriting skills as well as her sweet vocals and clever phrasing, setting the tone for the rest of her EP. From bittersweet to soft and melancholic, Passerby is a solid and well-crafted collection of folk-pop songs.

Gorgeous melody carried by pitter-patter production.
Allie Moss - Corner
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electro-funk // grimey synthpop

Maneuvering brainwaves routed by intricately synthesized polymers of Moloko and Phon°noir familiarity, Frances Noon and Lazlo Legezar have materialized an undulating ecstasy that voyages vital force and bites at your feet. His surreal chorus of extravagant noises deploys a fulgent realm for her iridescent vocals; fluently shifting between sinister and saccharine to timid and giddy. As their motley, crystalline wisped sounds are consumed, a subterranean purlieu emerges. In a carnival’s bygone mystique of bright lights and smiles since ceded to a hitchcock bale, are mad hatters absconding to unite with strawberry shortcakes, rampantly dissolving the absurd, unwanted, depreciating rationalities that impersonate rainbows and he-man transgressions of societal laste. Where We Are threshes trip-hop’s quintessence into dizzying bits and pieces then coalesces to form a twisted treat of enigmatic, aural candy.

Trip-Hop in the age of Twitter.
My Toys Like Me - Superpowers
My Toys Like Me - Bats
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indie pop // singer-songwriter

Lucy Schwartz, whose songs range between stripped-down ballads, jazz-inspired pop and indie folk, is that rare combination of talented songwriter and skilled performer. Lucy’s debut album, Winter in June (2007) offers a glimpse of this young singer-songwriter’s burgeoning talents. The delightfully catchy “I Don’t Know A Thing” is a shockingly self-aware admittance, delivered with a carefree shrug and smile. Lucy continues to surprise, displaying raw vulnerability as well as youthful exuberance in her songs. “Gone Away” is a tender and aching ballad, delicately crafted with a sensibility that belies her young age. Keep an eye (and ear) on this one.

Sweet and lovely pop gems.
Lucy Schwartz - I Don’t Know A Thing
Lucy Schwartz - Gone Away
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