Artist Review: Liv Lapaz

Sometimes, eccentricity is all that is needed to make good music. A desire to do something different, a willingness to exploit all the available resources and talent can take you places. Don’t believe me? Take a look at Liv Lapaz. Berlin-based independent artist Liv made his album Drown, Yeah with just a $50 guitar bought from a trashy Chinese music store in Beijing, and an iPhone. Apparently, he didn’t even own a laptop when he started recording the songs in 2011-12. But that hardly has any effect on the melodies he was able to coax out of “Li-Li” the guitar.

I was a little sceptical about the attempt at first. I mean, many have failed to create good music even with expensive studio equipment. So it was natural on my part to feel as I did about Liv’s ambitious yet down-to-earth venture. But then I listened to the whole album, song-by-beautiful-song, and it left me appropriately chastised for having pre-conceived notions about the artist’s recording methods.

Though I must admit, Liv is by no means a brilliant singer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t expect great songs from him. I mean, one doesn’t really have to be a Celine Dion or a Whitney Houston to sing a good tune. If it is simple enough, and if you put enough emotion into it, you might just end up with an awesome track that can redefine what good music stands for.

All the layering, all the arpeggios, add to the surreal experience that is Drown, Yeah. The songs have a signature, authentic sound that can only come from a single inspiration on the artist’s part. The lyrics are, more often than not, a little weird. But they are the good kind of weird that can totally pass off as being a tad eccentric. The guitar “Li-Li” is as much an artist on this album as is Liv. She has a presence, constantly emphasized by the haunting sounds and rhythms that he charms out of her.

Amongst the hauntingly honest tunes on offer, my personal favourite would be Lady Lamonade, The Deep and Das Kind und der See. Although, Melancholia is worth a listen too. Actually, you should listen to them all and decide for yourselves. But in my honest opinion, this is one experiment that merits attention.

I was very curious as to the fate of “Li-Li” after listening to the songs. So I went over to Liv’s official website and hunted down this piece of info:

Every Box(of limited edition CDs of Drown, Yeah) also contains a piece of "Li-Li", the acoustic guitar and only instrument that was used on the album. Li-Li was smashed after recording was finished. It was then cut into exactly 100 pieces, one piece for each Limited Edition Box.

I found that quite sad. It kinda reminds you of the typical heroine from Chinese folklore – a peasant girl fakes being a princess to save the Emperor’s life. All goes well, but the heroine dies of a stray arrow from an archers’ tribute. But if you are big on owning unique memorabilia, I’m sure you would like the concept of owning a piece of an instrument which was instrumental (pun totally intended) in the success of the album.

Verdict: An experiment in eccentricity that proves to be quite successful!

Rating: 4.5/5

Listen and Rate | 3 1/2: First Recordings

3 1/2 is a LA based indie-pop act led by vocalist Leila Jarman. Their debut EP, First Recordings is a collection of musical confectionery and candy-floss tunes. The songs have a '90s indie feel to them, and the cute cover definitely adds to that feel. Plus, that cat-head-on-band-members cover is just too cute to be ignored. The kitten at their feet is an added bonus. :D


They recently won the Deli LA magazine's best emerging artist competition. KXLU 88.9 FM Los Angeles and The Smell sent the band to SXSW, where they played some really great shows.


The EP is available as FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD on Bandcamp. You can also order a CASSETTE TAPE version via their Bandcamp profile.


Rate this effort:

What do you think of 3 1/2's debut EP First Recordings?
	Awesome! (5 stars)
	Good (4 stars)
	Worth a listen (3 stars)
	Meh (2 stars)
	Don't bother with this one (1 star)
pollcode.com free polls

Artist Review + Free Album Download: Gates

Gates is an ambient Rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey. Formed in 2010, this fledgling ensemble has already recorded two albums, the latter of which (named You Are All You Have Left To Fear) released just last week on 29th May, 2012.

The band includes guitarist Ethan Koozer, once part of the dreamy indie-rock band Lydia. Though, don’t expect to hear Lydia-influenced music here! Whereas Lydia’s tunes were reminiscent of chill-wave indie rock sounds, Gates assumes a more aggressive tone – like that of an angsty teenager denied of his/her dreams. Like this you mean is a far cry from the vibes given out by guitarist Ethan Koozer's former musical mates.

Although Gates has been compared to the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Mineral, there is also a dash of Three Days Grace to their music. The song The Sound of Letting Go, with its powerful riffs and emphatic chorus is an excellent example of this.

All their songs have an angst, which hits you in the form of crashing cymbals, dreamy leads and aggressive bass lines. The lead vocals are an appropriate match for the sometimes-hot-sometimes-cold emotion of both the music and lyrics. Sometimes he lovingly croons into the microphone, sometimes laments his misfortunes and at other times screams his heart out as the instruments behind him hit a heartfelt crescendo.

Check out their limited edition CDs and Vinyl records. Apparently, the artwork and the overall aesthetic aspects were personally looked after by all members of the band. That is something you don’t get to see often. Personally, I feel their artwork pretty much represents what their music stands for. It definitely is a good idea to snag one of their original limited edition CD or vinyl while it lasts!

Gates have opened for acts like Moving Mountains, Pianos Become the Teeth, Brian Bonz, Rival Schools, Prawn, Gifts from Enola, and Punchline. They have even completed a successful tour of the US (or at least half of the US). Both their albums are up for free download.

So, my verdict is, they definitely deserve a listen!

You can DOWNLOAD both their albums for FREE.

Rating: 4/5

Artist Review + Free MP3: They Know

We all know The Beatles are a shining beacon of great music from the glorious past. The Doors, likewise, are another great offering from about 40 years ago whose music vibes still run strong even today. There aren't many artists today that exude the quaint retro charm that the contemporaries of these powerful icons did. Although no single artist or band can ever equal their musical prowess, there are those that come real close to capturing the zeitgeist of that era. They Know is one such band.

Originally an electro-acoustic duo consisting of Daniel Ehart (lead Guitars, vox) and Lee Raden (Keyboards, vox), They Know have been consistently producing tunes that would instantly appeal to both today's youth as well as children of the flower power decades.

[Pic: Lee Raden (left) and Daniel Ehart (right)]



Lee and Daniel are the resident song-writers of this act; sometimes writing individually, sometimes collaborating and otherwise giving significant inputs to the process. Though not yet a complete album (although work on it is definitely underway), all the songs carry a shared thread of sincerity along with the honest vocals of both Raden and Ehart. Couple that with deeply poetic lyrics, light percussion and melodious acoustic guitars, et voila! You have a unique, soulful sound!

What I love most about They Know is that they do not pretend to be something they are not. You will not find overtly pop references to love, life and all things in-between. Yes, they do write about these things, but in their own personal way. No cliches whatsoever. And personally speaking, Mr. Ehart has found himself a fan in yours truly. After Marko Saaresto, if I've ever liked someone's voice, it would be Daniel Ehart's. It is by no means perfect, having those little flaws. But it's the flaws that make his renditions so brutally honest and earthy.

Their album is expected to be out by late Summer or early Fall 2012. Meanwhile, you may find them on their Facebook page. Don't forget to download Summer '78 and Who Stole Your Heart Away for FREE here!!

Artist Review + Free MP3: Hana Kim

There are some songs that you feel are apt for your life's soundtrack. They may have lyrics that fit your situation, or they may have an upbeat tune that you can imagine playing in the background as you walk down the street on a sunny day. Indie/Soul singer-writer Hana Kim's music falls under such a category.
Imagine your life being one big chick-flick, and then imagine Hana's music playing in the background as you ponder over a Long Distance Call (a Phoenix cover) or consider living in Mexico. Her mellifluous, soulful voice, when accompanied by the piano, as in the song Leave You exudes a Colbie Caillat-like innocence, while the upbeat song Good Feeling has a peppy Lily Allen-like vibe. There is not a single discordant note to be found in this sleekly produced live in-studio album aptly title Studio Sessions.

But Studio Sessions isn't her only album. She released the single Almost Famous not too long ago and played at such venues as The Viper Room, Saint Rocke, Hard Rock Cafe, Room 5 Lounge, and many universities including CSU Los Angeles, UC Santa Barbara, CSU Long Beach, CSU Pomona, and many more. She has also participated in many events such as the Chula Vista Festival, San Diego Asian Film Festival and Asia's Got Talent (with Kaba Modern), KONNECT Panel, and been featured on media internationally (such as Paraguay's National TV Show "El Gigante De La Manana"). 

Another one of her EP, titled Until You Believe, was released back in 2010. It is evident from her work that she has a consistently appealing sound and continues to deliver impeccably produced music along with her dedicated posse of musicians. Check out her EP here. Also, Check out her video for the song Mexico which is also available for free download below!!

 Free Download: Mexico by Hana Kim.

Watch: (I Should Be a) Communist by This Many Boyfriends

This Many Boyfriends is a quirky Indie Pop band based in Leeds (UK) who swear they'll "knock your blocks off" if you call them "twee or cutesy". Influenced by the likes of  PJ Harvey, Spearmint and Joy Division. (I Should Be a) Communist is set to release on 21st May through Angular Records. Check out their funky, quasi-communist video here!

                            

Artist Review: Harry

It has been so long since I last wrote anything on here, it has been giving me pangs of guilt every time I checked my email and found a beautiful comment or a new artist update. But I'm back now and the first thing I'm gonna do is tell you about a great new artist!

Harry is a singer-songwriter from London (UK), with a sweet voice and a much mature outlook towards life than could be expected from kids his age. At just sixteen, Harry has succeeded in creating a medley of beautiful  tunes that touch your heart, whatever your age may be. His music portrays the innocence of youth with an uncanny peek at the mature soul inside. He has an easygoing, earnest manner of singing that is soothing to the ears. 

'This Is War' is a song that has an Enya-esque quality to it. Harry sings of war with such a calm demeanor that completely contradicts the nature of the idea that the lyrics convey. Most teen artists talk of being who you are, of being free and wild. Harry talks of being cautious, keeping your head down and being inside a shell. Of a life where enemies hide behind every corner and lurk in every shadow.
This Is War has the music that can lull you into believing he isn't warning you of a vicious war at all! Instead, it feels as if he is telling you of a faraway time when some faceless strangers fought their wars and left memories of the bloodshed; to be recounted by loving mothers to their little ones while they are being tucked into warm beds. Nowhere is the music harsh or exactly “war-like”. It kinda reminds one of The Call by Regina Spektor. The ribbons of string instruments in the background build up to an excellent, classical-inspired climax. This could be a perfect song to be considered for the next Hunger Games movie soundtrack. 

Harry's second song, ‘Bicycle that can fly’ shows the vulnerability of a lost child as analyzed by an adult mind. The song was apparently written when he was just ten years old. I wouldn't venture as far as to say that he had a really deep meaning in his mind when he wrote it originally. But maybe now, for people who listen to it at a much older age, it definitely has some philosophical connotations. The music is simple and elegant and accentuates his voice instead of drowning it out in a melee of instruments. The ribbons of cello in the background give the song a poignant quality. The minimal use of acoustic guitar evokes the feeling of a sunny day and fluffy clouds. The video is a dash of eccentric genius! Definitely something to make a note of.

I like how the strongest element in both songs is Harry’s voice, which is untouched by any kind of fancy filters or effects. His ability to emote the lyrics that he is singing is what makes the songs have the impact that they do. I guess some people are just born with oodles of talent, eh? Anywho, here is a sample of some of Harry's other songs. And you'll have to admit, these are just as great as the two I just reviewed. Enjoy these until I return next time with another interesting post. :)

Verdict: Harry is definitely an artist to watch out for. He just might be the next big thing!