Listen and Learn

The Shore comes out of L.A. and they sure do have that laid back California vibe to them. Their music is very easy going; good to listen to when you want to relax. They add a humanistic touch that has been lacking in the music industry lately.

Though not signed with any label, somehow their music made it out to me in Oklahoma. Not sure how I found out about them, but I am glad I did.

The lead singer, Ben Ashley, has a voice that actually sounds like he could be British. I don’t know if he has an accent or it is just the way he holds out his notes. It reminds me of many European musicians and their style of singing.

As their MySpace site says, they categorize themselves classic rock/psychedelic/pop. This is where I get the California in the 70s type of feel when I listen. The Shore definitely can be enjoyed by all generations.

Check The Shore out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/theshore

If you are a fan of the kookiness of Bjork, Imogen Heap is the artist for you. Even if you aren’t, you have to check this girl out!

Although electronic music is not really my thing, Imogen does it for me. She really knows how to keep her songs sounding different from each other, unlike most electronic artists. Her voice is truly captivating and I can’t think of another artist who sounds like her.

She comes out of London and is with the indie label Megaphonics. She is starting to gain a real audience in the United States. Her song “Hide and Seek” was on the finale of the television show “The O.C.”, which proved to give a major boost in the charts.

Like me, most people believe the electronic music scene is void of true musical talent. My views have changed drastically. If you are skeptical, you really need to give Imogen a listen.

Check out Imogen Heap’s tunes on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/imogenheap

Ray Lamontagne has one of the most amazing, heartfelt voices I have ever heard! His music is acoustic/folk masterpiece! Not to mention, he has this humble appearance about him that is not found in artists of his talent. He comes out of Maine and is well loved by his northerners. In due time, the south will catch on!

Lamontagne is with the major record label RCA and has just released his second album, Till The Sun Turns Black, which has gotten rave reviews. A favorite of mine would have to be the song “Three More Days”. Has a bit of a soulful voice in this one!

This is definitely not mainstream type of music, but he might not be able to keep himself low key for long.

Check out some Lamontagne tunes on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/raylamontagne

I have just a minor obsession with this Canadian band! They come out of Toronto, Ontario and are making waves. They just released the album Self Control for Life’s Speed in the United States this Fall, which was released in Canada this past April.

My favorite song is “Into Your Hideout”, which is featured on their latest release. The lead singer’s voice goes into a falsetto that resembles Chris Martin’s from Coldplay.

You know when you find those bands that just really mesh well? Pilot Speed is one of those. So…I encourage you to just give them a listen! Their music speaks volumes.

Check Pilot Speed out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/pilotspeed

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The Hero Factor is a very popular band out of Tulsa, Oklahoma that has been making some noise for a while. Having its start over six years ago, the band has a following all over the United States. Extremely popular with the college scene, they have been performing at universities and clubs all over the south and some in the north.

The band would be categorized as indie rock. The lead singer, Ben Kilgore, has some soulful pipes on him that are not usually found in that scene. His voice alone can attract fans by the hundreds to venues that can hold them.

Their first recorded debut, Tulsa City Limits, a live set that shared the club’s name, was recorded in 2003. After long anticipation, in February 2005, they followed with their first studio album, Interactions. This was then followed by another live set, Live at Suede, which had a few tracks from the studio record as well as some new tracks. Since signed with the Indie label Nobility, they have come out with the EP, Battling Chimaera.

Some tracks that have become popular are She’s Out There, Breathe, Run and Come down. The latter two are found on their new EP and are also available to hear on their MySpace. But I recommend hearing them at a live show! They put on an amazing show that will keep you there until the last song…and keep you wanting more.

Check out The Hero Facor’s MySpace!: www.myspace.com/theherofactor

This artist should be taking the United States by storm very soon. Jose Gonzalez is an Argentinean Swede singer and songwriter who is critically acclaimed all over Europe. The UK absolutely loves him and there are good reasons why.

Though having a very distinct sound, it is very reminiscent of Elliot Smith, which is someone he is influenced by. His Argentinean father was very eclectic in his music choices enjoying American and UK pop classics as well as Latin American music. This soon rubbed off on his son, who has dabbled into everything from hardcore to indie rock.

Jose came back to his six-string and mellow voice. In 2004, Jose signed with London-based label Peacefrog, releasing his UK debut, the EP Crosses. When his album Veneer dropped that April, he had already started a buzz around town.

Veneer is one of those albums that you can listen to over and over again and never get sick. It’s mellow, enchanting and goes through a variety of emotions. The track, ‘Heartbeats’, was originally by a Swedish band The Knife and a Vaneer highlight. Critics alike have called Jose’s version something “timeless”. The tracks ‘Heartbeats’ and ‘Crosses’ have more than likely been adopted into listener’s all time favorite song lists.
Give him a listen and you are sure to become a fan!

Visit Jose Gonzalez on MySpace! : www.myspace.com/josegonzalez

Yes…the lead singer is female! Danelle Phillips, formerly of the Tulsa band Fridgebuzz, joined the remaining members of VASTU to form Congress of a Crow.

Danelle was more pop than rock before she got with the VASTU guys. She has an awesome voice that has a good range and is very distinct. She not only sings, but also plays the guitar and trumpet. The other band members include: Adam Tichenor, guitars; Wil Sutherland, guitars; Matt Mayo, bass; Nathan Lindley, drums.

Their sound is like Incubus with a touch of Fiona Apple. But I don’t want to put them into some sort of musical box. Their music is ever changing but always has that rock sense of style. They put on a great show and never let the intensity fall. Be sure to check them out live!

Check them out on MySpace!: www.myspace.com/congressofacrow

This guy has one hell of a voice! David Cook is the former lead singer of the Kansas City based band Axium. Now he is focusing on his solo career and has put out his first album, Analog Heart. Not to be typically corny, but it is work from the heart. His sound would be considered alternative rock, but he strays away from the ordinary. The track “Silver” is the one to listen to. It includes deep vocals that compliment painful words, which is always a good mix.

I have personally seen him live, acoustic and full band, and he never misses a beat. David Cook is one to look out for! So…look out!

Listen to David Cook music on MySpace: www.myspace.com/drcook

Midwestkings (MWK) is a diverse alternative rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma that has been making waves in the Midwest for a few years. From albums to live shows, they are talented musicians through and through. They have a song for everyone and can relate to many generations.

I have personally been to many live shows and have been impressed time and time again by this talent that has been undiscovered. The lead guitarist, Neal Tiemman, writes the music and can play a mean guitar. Andy Skib, the lead singer, has an amazing deep voice that has a lot of range. The whole band just performs well together and you can tell they really enjoy the music they play.

They have two previous albums, self-titled Midwestkings and Judging a Bullet. The latter came out in September of 2004 and is an amazing mix of rock tracks. A long awaited EP album, Incoherent With Desire To Move On, will be coming out in fall of ‘06 sometime around November. Be prepared for these guys and go check out a live show. They won’t let you down!

Listen to MWK music on MySpace: www.myspace.com/mwkmusic