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

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

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

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

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