Thursday, June 27, 2013

Psychée : Brilliant, Eery & Loveable

It's that time of the week and I'm still going through my Oasis thing. I never really got into Oasis before, so they definitely deserve my time, though I still hold it against Noel for commenting rudely on Kurt Cobain's suicide. You just don't do that, it's like Keith Richards commenting rudely on John Lennon's suicide. Anyways, this week's artist has got a fantastic cover of Oasis' "Supersonic". It's down to earth, as is she, though she pulls you in with her mesmerisingly simple cover. Nothing fancy, but just right! Great style too! Check her out.


Great isn't it? I just love it when a person just does the song. I don't think anyone quite does songs like George Possley, who's nearing Danny McEvoy when it comes to upload rates, but this girl is definitely good. Not a flaw in her style, and nothing fancy either. She's the kind of performer I'd love to sit and listen to in a bar. Simple, and easy.

Now, let me just remind you to subscribe to her channel and also check out her Facebook page, which is highly unappreciated. You can definitely see she's put a lot of thought and time into it. She's got a bunch of other great covers on Youtube, including one of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven." I must admit, I was never a massive Cure listener, but there's definitely a uniqueness to them and their style. So, here's this girls' brilliant take on it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhff0gnR0rQ

Sweet stuff. It definitely takes on a nature of its own when done acoustic, and her French tainted accent gives a beautiful edge to the song. Once again, her style flows through the song and her guitar playing is precise yet raw, in a sort of Cobain manner, that I always appreciate. I'd honestly love to say a thousand things about this girl, whose channel is blowing my mind as I write, but in this case, I think it's best you discover it for yourself.

One thing I will say, is that she's got an original that drew me right in. Entitled "In Your Nightmares", it's a song that I'd love to cover some time. Keep an eye out for that. I might do it. Until then, I hope she uploads a couple more eery yet pleasureful songs like that. Brilliant, eery yet loveable! Thanks again for supporting Youtube's artists and reading on! Check back next Thursday for another fantastic artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQglBPIWJuQ

Alex Hamel

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Evan McHugh : Delicate, Stunning Little Ditties

It's that time of week, and I've got another fantastic Youtube artist for you! I came across this guy earlier today when looking up covers of Oasis' "Don't Look Back In Anger." I've been going through an Oasis thing this past week, and although I used to really admire Noel Gallagher and dislike Liam Gallagher, I've found that the feelings have changed now. Ever since I saw Noel Gallagher put down Kurt Cobain in an interview, ever so disrespectfully, I got turned off his personality. However, Liam's "Whatever" approach to everything, seems almost comical to me. He's a cartoon, a caricature, which makes for a fabulous rock n' roller, who genuinely doesn't care. I wonder how "Don't Look Back In Anger" would sound with his vocal on it. I guess we'll never know. However, Evan's cover is smooth, soulful, and I know you'll love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPZfpiqwv8A

Brilliant, isn't it? Evan's crooner like cover really takes the song into a different dimension, allowing the listener to stand back and really take in those lyrics that Noel beautifully crafted (despite his disrespectful Cobain comment). It's definitely not what I was looking for, but I guess fate brought me his way. It's almost as if Jason Mraz decided to cover the song. I didn't imagine it would sound this good with that style, but I was wrong, it's great!

So, if you loved that cover, make sure you subscribe to Evan's Youtube channel, and "like" his Facebook page, which recently surpassed 1000! He's got a bunch of a stunning little covers on his channel, as well as some great originals, which you can check out on his album "The World Will Move Along" (available on iTunes). Another cover of his that caught my ear, because is suited him perfectly was of Burt Bacharach's "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." Have a listen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENZDqEy9CqM

He really does that song justice! Some songs just suit people like a glove and that is definitely one for Evan! The sound of the ukulele also compliments his voice beautifully. Quite different from my rather dynamic style of singing, he treats his voice like a finely tuned instrument that's as delicate as a feather. It's great that there are some many different sounds in the sea of artists, and that the each can appreciate the other!

Now, regarding his originals, I actually like them more than his covers. One that really grabbed me is called "I Want You More." It still holds that delicate, jazzy style of his but incorporates an almost Tom Waits - like melody. If you've ever listened to "Chocolate Jesus", you know what I mean. In any case, this original's a treat and I'm definite you'll enjoy it! Thanks again for supporting Youtube's artists! Check back next Thursday for another fantastic artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndfE39slFVg


Alex Hamel

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Ollie Bryan : Bright & Shiny Songs

It's that time of week and I've got another fantastic artist for all of you. I felt like finding a real down to earth guy today, who just does the songs the way they're meant to be. No added effects, backing vocals and so on. Just a guy who plays the songs brilliantly. And luckily, after about two minutes of listening to Oasis covers, I came across Ollie Bryan doing a raw, acoustic version of their masterpiece "Hello." I loved it and I know you will too, so check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLDiSL2IipQ

Great stuff, right? When I saw that this video was from back in 2010 I was worried he might have stopped posting but luckily he keeps on going, and you can check him out on Facebook, Twitter etc. He's an active musician. And what about that cover? He does it in a very "Noel" way, which suits him terribly. And though he may not have done it intentionally his shadow against the wall adds a certain eeriness to the song that I love. As for the guitar, he's doing Noel justice with that smooth sounding tone and easy strumming.

So, if you dug that cover, make sure you subscribe to his Youtube channel, check him out on Facebook and all the rest. He's got a bunch of covers that are just great. Another one that caught my ear (and my eye, since he grew up), is of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside." I might have heard that song every night while working at The Bull in Richmond back in 2010 but I'm still not crazy about it. Nevertheless, this acoustic rendition is stunning and I think you'll agree with me. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psK-pnpffnY

Aside from the fact that Ollie's grown up, he's evolved as a musician. The texture of his voice just developed tremendously, as did his guitar style. It all glues together and makes for a beautiful performance that would capture anyone's ear at a gig! I've got to say that I love it when artists stick to their passion and really don't give up. Even the ones who make it. Some people think that making it means they can kick back and relax, but honestly, why? If you love music, you gotta keep at it and I respect this guy for doing just that!

Now, I never mentioned that Ollie is a fantastic songwriter. He's got a bunch of stunning little ditties on his channel that you can browse through and check out. There's definitely a lot of John Mayer/Jason Mraz in that original stuff. A song of his that stood out to me is called "Quite Like Jane." Like a lot of artists, Ollie shines most when playing originals. So, make sure you have a good listen and enjoy his bright and cool style that flows throughout his music. Thanks for supporting Youtube's artists! Check back next Thursday for another fantastic artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pJNnb92cb4

Alex Hamel

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Krista Hughes : Captivating & Emotional Sounds

It's that time of the week and I've got another fantastic artist for you. I hope you haven't been too lonely without the daily posts, but remember, if you do come across an incredible artist that I haven't written about here, feel free to send them my way! Now, I came across today's artist, while surfing across Youtube after posting last week's artist. I almost wanted to post her right away, because I loved her sound so much, but decided to hold on until Thursday. I don't want to confuse you guys. I actually came across Krista in a suggestion box beside my cover of "Cryin'" by Aerosmith. Needless to say, I think her cover is far superior to mine and I'm loving that pure telecaster sound she's got against her epic voice. Check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GQgZOCnYIE

Brilliant! She's got that full sounding voice that just sounds incredible when she goes for those high notes. And she's doesn't hold back that growl either, and I love that. As for that stunning Telecaster, I love how countrified the song becomes when played alone on it. It definitely compliments Krista's unique tone and works beautifully for this Aerosmith classic. There's not much more I can say on this, except can you imagine how amazing this would sound if Krista had the equipment certain other artists have (e.g. Boyce Avenue, Christina Grimmie)? I only hope she gets the chance to create videos like that some day.

Now, I obviously subscribed right away, because, I love Aerosmith, and I loved her cover. But, if you're not convinced that you need to subscribe to Krista's channel, give me a little more time. She's got tons of great covers, as well as some neat originals, that I'll get to later. Another cover that caught my ear was of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." The song's been covered countless times but I never tire of hearing it. Krista's soulful sound is almost reminiscent of Shakira's Unplugged session back in the late 90's here. Have a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--oR5Uokcng

Beautiful cover. I really love it. And I've got to say that microphone does a great job capturing the essence of Krista's guitar and vocal. Though, something tells me she'd be incredible to see live. I'd definitely go see her if I ever had the opportunity. As opposed to Dolly's high and crystal clear vocals, Krista's got more bass in her voice, as well as that sweet crackle that shows up every now and then. All I can say is that her sound has a whole lot of personality that I'm loving, and I hope you're loving it too!

Now, regarding her originals, I came across a song of hers called "Hazard" that she recorded in a studio. It really gives us the opportunity to peer into the corners of her voice that is so captivating and emotional. It also proves that she's more than a performer, she's a fantastic songwriter. So, if you love this as much as I do, I urge you to subscribe to her and check her out on Facebook! And thanks for supporting Youtube's artists. Check back next Thursday for another fantastic artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjnzpoFomno

Alex Hamel