Listen and Learn

The Kooks are a British rock band coming out of the U.K. and have been making waves over there for a year or two. It looks like they have their sites on conquering America as well, but I don’t think that will happen until they have covered Europe. But, they are well on their way!

They are a mix of British rock with a bit of American classic rock. Add in a little funk and some acoustic guitar and you have got yourself a nice little sound there. The lead singer, Luke Pritchard, is only nineteen years old, and rocks some crazy curly hair. The lead guitarist, Hugh Harris, is probably one of the youngest in the music biz being just shy of seventeen years old.

The Kooks broke out into the scene in 2005 with their single “Eddies Gun”, and then followed that with their critically acclaimed debut album, Inside In/Inside Out. The album features the ever so popular songs, “Naive” and “Oh La”, and many other rocking melodic tracks.

Definately check these guys out and I know you will not hesitate to buy their album. Inside In/Inside Out is available on iTunes and you can also check out some of their live performances out on YouTube.com.

Autovaughn is one of many bands that come out of Nashville having nothing to do with country music. It is a common misconception that it is filled with only country artists, when in fact, it is a major city of all music. This goes especially for up and coming rock artists.

The members of Autovaughn have said to been influenced by many 80s artists such as Tears for Fears and Duran Duran. This explains their New Wave sound in the song “Stay Another Night” on their album Space.

They are also influenced by such artists as U2, Pearl Jam and the late great Jeff Buckley. Their sound is a good blend of indie rock and English New Wave. Autovaughn is definitely a band that can speak to a few different generations.

Check Autovaughn tunes out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/autovaughn

This indie band is a breath of fresh air. Castledoor formed in September of 2004 in Silverlake, CA and are currently not signed to a label…although they should be. This group consists of two married couples and a few other talented musicians.

The lead singer, Nate Cole, has an amazing original voice that catches you off guard at times. Their songs are a blend of good vocals, interesting piano melodies and a bit of funky rock. Maybe it’s the marriages they have among them, but they know how to compliment each other’s musical talents.

Although very young, Casteldoor has a lot of potential to be a great band if they play their cards right. They have a great dynamic that could appeal to a lot of different people, which is extremely marketable for them.

Check out some of their tunes on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/castledoormusic

Regina Spektor is a new, fresh talent with a very special voice. She is probably a cross between Fiona Apple and Jewel, but definitely has her own style.

She comes out of New York with a punk sound of Acoustic/Alternative. Each of her songs are very different and have their own story. My favorite is the track “Fidelity”, which has a video out on VH1 that you can vote for on their countdown.

Regina’s latest album, Begin to Hope, can be bought on iTunes and other Internet music stores. She is up and coming so definitely look out for her.

Check out Regina Spektor’s MySpace to listen!: www.myspace.com/reginaspektor

Amos Lee is a beautiful, natural voice from Philadelphia who has captivated many with his soulful sound. He has toured with the likes of Nora Jones, and shares a similar sound.

He is definitely considered folk rock, but his voice brings a soulful jazzy feel in some tracks. Amos is mostly acoustic but keeps it very interesting. Some acoustic artist’s songs can sound very similar with the same beat, but he changes it up with every track.

Amos just released his second studio album, Supply and Demand, which showcases his unique writing style and amazing vocal talent. It’s an album that you can listen to in very different moods, with not a bad track on it. You can find Supply and Demand on iTunes as well as many other mp3 music sites.

Listen to Amos Lee on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/amosleeofficial

This soulful Scottish has already made his way to the United States. Although Paolo Nutini is only 19 years of age, he has the talent of a music veteran. His sound is soulful acoustic and is inspired by many artists such as Ray Charles and Van Morrison. Paolo’s debut album, These Streets, is out and you can buy it on iTunes.

Listen to Paolo Nutini tunes on MySpace!: http://www.myspace.com/paolonutini

Not a band, but one man. The name is confusing, but that isn’t even the start of it. Citizen Cope is actually Clarence Greenwood. He hails from Brooklyn but has lived all over. His music is very progressive and different from anything you have ever heard.

Citizen Cope’s sound could possibly be categorized as a mixture of soul/rock/folk, but also mixed with beats that are well known with hip-hop. But you can’t put him into any sort of box. Every song is different, takes you to a different place every time. Listen to one album of his and you will understand what I mean by an eclectic group of sounds.

He has already made a big impact in the United States being feature on television shows such as “The O.C.”. In fact, his RCA album, The Clarence Greenwood Recordings, has had every track from it licensed numerous times to be in films and television.

You won’t understand what I am talking about at all if you don’t go check Citizen Cope. We will continue to be seeing a lot more of him.

Listen to some tunes on Citizen Cope’s MySpace!: www.myspace.com/citizencope

Vedera comes out of Kansas City with a lead singer, Kristen May, that can belt with the best. She holds her notes but doesn’t boast too much to where it is annoying.

Chord magazine says, “She [May] is not only blessed with an enormous voice, but she clearly knows how to use it, crafting expectant verses and choruses that deliver in a big way. With so many generic male singers littering the landscape of indie rock right now, its refreshing to hear such a distinctive female voice.”

Although with a powerful singer comes with powerful musicians. Bassist Jason Douglas, guitarist Brian Little and drummer Drew Little back her.

Check out Vedera’s MySpace site to listen!: www.myspace.com/vedera

Greenwheel is an energetic alternative band from St. Louis that really knows how to rock. Their album, Burning the Bridges, is doing awesome in the Midwest. What they are best known for are live shows. I have not personally been to a show but I have heard that they can really put one on. Definitely give them a listen and I promise you will enjoy!

Listen to tracks from Burning the Bridges on Greenwheel’s MySpace!: www.myspace.com/greenwheel

Upside is an alternative rock band out of Denton, Texas that is prepared to rock your face! The lead singer is entertaining and the rest of the band is a quadruple threat of pure rock n’ roll attitude.

I have had the pleasure of going to a few Upside shows myself, and they can really put one on. A lot of bands have talent, but few can really be entertaining and sound good live. From beginning to end, the show is high intensity. The band’s lead vox, Sid Goldsmith, has an awesome voice and really includes the crowd in the show. Guitarist Ben Mosier, bassist Rob Hocking and drummer Owen Setter really keep themselve in rock mode the whole time by playing off each other. You can tell the whole band just enjoys playing their music together.
They are recently working on some new tracks for an album due out in the next year. If it is like any of their past albums, it will be full of awesome guitar riffs and all out variety.

The band enjoys touring all over, so be prepared to see them in a city near you. Until then, go check out their songs on their MySpace!

Check out Upside tunes on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/upside