pop posts

Amanda Jenssen

Sunday, March 23rd, 2008 by Paul Irish

pop // soul

Last summer I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Stockholm, Sweden. The music scene is incredibly active there, but if you go expecting to see some DJs or global acts you know, you might be a bit surprised; the country produces so much music that it’s pretty self-sustaining. Amanda Jenssen emerged out of their Idol 2007 competition and just scored a #1 spot on the charts with this track, and yet, there’s hardly any coverage outside of Scandinavia. The chorus has an obvious pop sensibility, but her soul-driven vibe (think: Amy Winehouse) is showcased in the verses. (Thx, Christofer!)

Strong, soulful, and Swedish pop music.
Amanda Jenssen – Do You Love Me?

Justine Electra

Friday, March 14th, 2008 by Julija

electro-pop

Referring to her own style as laid back electro-blues, actively performing, DJ-ing and remixing, Melbourne-born Justine Electra reflects the surreal electronic adventures of Berlin’s underground scene, techno clubs and squat parties. Using a bunch of loops and samples, Justine incorporates her experimental attempts with a doze of subtle bitterness in her standout track “Killalady”. Repeated sound effects, bluegrass harmonica riff and the trippy lyrics of “Blues & Reds” is another example of her eccentric mix of musical oddities.

From edgy to mellow folktronica nuances.
Justine Electra – Killalady
Justine Electra – Blues & Reds
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Windy & Destiny

Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 by Julija

indie-pop // psychedelic

Working in a minimalist apartment studio in Tel Aviv, Windy & Destiny present the psyche-reflecting soundtrack of their lives. The gentle pulsations, guitar waves and warm female vocals of their debut album evolve like an ever-changing mini-psychedelic experience, transforming into a rhythmic and relaxing musical structure. At times more uptempo and catchy, and at times tenderly melancholic with a shoegaze vibe, Words For Such A Riot (2007) is somewhere between adorably sweet and slightly menacing.

Dreamy notes and darker hints.
Windy & Destiny – In Another Day
Windy & Destiny – A House For You
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Smolik

Sunday, January 20th, 2008 by Julija

electronic // downtempo

Downtempo styled, subtle orchestral arrangements of Polish pianist and producer Andrzej Smolik conjure a sonic universe of smooth and dreamy modern pop gems. With delicate electronic whiffs of Zero 7, the beautifully crafted and sensual synthlines of “Cye” and “A Million Cheap Tricks” carry warm female vocals, a bouncy comforting feel and melodic appeal.

Relaxed tempo, unwinding at the end of the day.
Smolik – Cye (feat. Kasia Kurzawska)
Smolik – A Million Cheap Tricks (feat. Maya Singh)
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Soha

Thursday, December 20th, 2007 by Julija

français-africain // pop nouveau

Originating from Western Sahara in Algeria, growing up in a multi-cultural environment, Soha blends a variety of styles in her work. Mixing musical traditions from around the world, the prominent Cuban, Latin, jazz and soul influences, Soha gives an appealing vivacity to her sound. The soulful beats and warm equatorial flavours of “Tourbillon (Serre-Moi Fort Si Tu M’aimes)” contain a seductive quality, while “C’est Bien Mieux Comme Ça” creates a festive yet relaxed pace.

Pulsing with passion and energy.
Soha – Tourbillon (Serre-Moi Fort Si Tu M’aimes)
Soha – C’est Bien Mieux Comme Ça
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Sea Wolf

Sunday, December 9th, 2007 by Michelle

singer-songwriter // indie folk

Alex Brown Church, the man at the helm of Sea Wolf, enlisted the help of other members of the Ship (a collective of bands and artists in the LA area), to flesh out the tracks on his debut album Leaves in the River. The well-crafted and detailed album is testament to Church’s discerning ear and his years of songwriting with the band Irving. The darkly emotive songs are forlorn and soothing at once, a characteristic that makes the record one of my favorites of this year.

“Like a sudden rush of water through your heart and lungs.”
Sea Wolf – Middle Distance Runner
Sea Wolf – The Cold, The Dark & The Silence
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Micky Green

Tuesday, December 4th, 2007 by Julija

electropop

Renaud Létang, one of the most sought-after French producers, known for lending his hand to Feist, Jamie Lidell, Manu Chao and Peaches, took interest in the songwriting attempts of a young Australian model Michaela Gehrmann a.k.a. Micky Green. Combining his professional skills, Micky’s desire to create music, and focusing on rhythmic structures, the two recorded White T-Shirt (2007). Blessed with a stylish production, “Oh!” provides the listeners with fashionable electro beats, while retro-romantic “Now it’s gone” is both surprisingly quirky and delicate.

Electro-tinged treats.
Micky Green – Oh!
Micky Green – Now It’s Gone
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Maia Hirasawa

Sunday, December 2nd, 2007 by Julija

swedish pop // singer-songwriter

Multi-instrumentalist with a strong background in jazz, a member of Hello Saferide, Maia Hirasawa is one of the most adored artists in Sweden. Since her solo debut, Maia has received highly positive reviews throughout Scandinavia, been nominated as one of “the Women of the year” in two Swedish magazines, and her first single was mentioned in several audio blogs. One of her fun pop type songs, “Crackers” instantly makes the day colorful and lively, as listening to the catchy melody line, you will find yourself smiling and singing.

Glimpsing into a world of pop perfection.
Maia Hirasawa – Crackers
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Daphné

Friday, October 26th, 2007 by Julija

french pop // intimate songwriting

Featured on Aurgasm three years ago, The Lovers transfered a catchy rumba riff into their delightful lounge track “Crick Crack”. In 2007, exploring her entrancing style, French chanteuse Daphné adopts the same riff to her delicate arrangements of “Musicamor”. Beautifully comprised of Daphné’s airy voice and Gonzales’ piano playing, “Un Homme Sous Influence” reveals such a personal sense of poetry. Daphné manages to take her listeners on a voyage of subtle emotions and sentiments, and was compared to a fairy by the French press.

Enchanting voice weaves into well-crafted compositions.
Daphné – Musicamor
Daphné – Un Homme Sous Influence
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Vincent Delerm

Thursday, October 18th, 2007 by Julija

chanson française // singer-songwriter

Vincent Delerm revives French chanson tradition by incorporating certain retro elements with his eccentric tendencies and the feeling of melancholy. Catchy, jaunty piano driven “Il Fait Si Beau” is vibrant with enthusiasm, while “Natation Synchronisée” charms with its whimsical string arrangements, Vincent’s calm, relaxed voice. Pianist, composer and singer, Vincent possesses a good sense of humour, and his elegant songwriting style keeps the chanson compelling and modern.

Surprising blend of youthfulness and nostalgia.
Vincent Delerm – Il Fait Si Beau
Vincent Delerm – Natation Synchronisée
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