Andy Gruhin Inks Deal with Sony/ATV

I'm stoked today to bring you guys some news that will knock you fucking over. Andy Gruhin has been a presence on NewRockNews43 since 2010, just after I started writing. He's one of the first artists I discovered, and one whose career I have followed through his two releases, and now up to the amazing news he announced at the start of this week. Gruhin went on record with me a day ago, saying that he has just concluded talks with and signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV.

Andy Gruhin

Gruhin released his first EP, World Out There, in the summer of 2010. The recording was the result of just four days in the studio (almost unheard of for the sort of production it boasts), and featured full-band versions of the title track, "Higher," "Little Piece of Summer," "Short and Beautiful," and the epic track (and Gruhin's own self-described anthem), "Sore Losers." The EP also included as a special bonus track a diamond-in-the-rough song that had been my favorite Gruhin track since I was lucky enough to hear a skeletal version of it about a year prior. The acoustically stripped-down track "Without My Wings" was (as far as I was concerned) a sign of things to come. While "World Out There" and "Higher" boasted high-octane guitar riffs and addictive drum fills, "Without My Wings" showcased a different side of Gruhin's artistic abilities. The guitar riff was simple, yet what drew me in form the first finger-pluck were the lyrics; "Lack of liquor broke my heart with a thud" are words every lover can relate to as they pen a retrospective love song, pouring over the letters that were sent and received months ago. And as the chorus is reached and crescendos, the piano and female backup vocals give the track an ethereal quality that makes it an unforgettable song, and one of Gruhin's best pieces, acoustic or otherwise. But the acoustic version was only the beginning for this song.

Andy Gruhin's first EP, World Out There

In the summer of 2011, Gruhin followed up World Out There with Let the Darkness Grow!, an EP so unapologetically brash and edgy that it stands out in ways other artists wish they could achieve. On the new EP were a slew of new songs, but I was immediately drawn to a rerecorded full-band version of "Without My Wings." I wasn't disappointed. I was blown back from second one as Gruhin's guitar exploded from the speakers, and his new anthemic vocals replaced the breathy whispers of the acoustic version. To join the new vocal arrangements and energy was a blasting rhythm section, and a note progression that Gruhin inserted just after the second verse, the latter of which still sends chills down my spine. My pick for the lead-single of the EP, "Without My Wings" has been on constant rotation on my college radio show Underground Takeover, and regularly draws thousands of listeners every week looking for new underground music. Along with the newly recorded version of "Without My Wings" were the high-energy tracks "The Fairest," "Wasted Words," "Under My Skin," and the power balled "I'll Follow You," as well as the title track. If World Out There was a solid hit for Gruhin, on Let the Darkness Grow! Gruhin hit it out of the park.

Andy Gruhin's second EP, Let the Darkness Grow! 

Yet as brilliant as the first two EP's were, during our last conversation, Gruhin let drop the comment that, "the material I'm writing now will make the first EP's look like shit." On the eve of inking a publishing contract with Sony/ATV, Gruhin stated that the new material he's working on will make the long wait worth it. "The first EP was only four days in the studio," Gruhin said, "and the second was only about seven. For the next recording, I hope to be able to spend more time so that I can really get the best versions of my songs on it. I'm also looking to do a music video, so I'm trying to see about that as well."
Gruhin has clearly made a full leap forward, but I still can't wait to see what happens next for him. From Gruhin I heard that new material is certainly in the works, and that he'll be working on sharpening his writing skills so that his next release will be his best yet. I have an interview with Gruhin in the works, so keep checking back, because you don't want to miss any of this! I knew it was only a matter of time until Andy Gruhin blew up, and NewRockNews43 is going to be there every step of the way as he takes off. In Gruhin's own words, the feeling behind the new opportunities on the horizon is simple: "I'm just excited to have this opportunity and I'm ready to show the world what I can do." 

Learning Not to Break with Not Without Grace

Hey all, it's good to be back! After so many final exams I can't even see straight, NewRockNews43 is back with some great new reviews, new albums, new bands, and maybe even some interviews too! As I've been so busy with school lately, I haven't had time to keep up with the domestic NRN43 vets, let alone the international acts. But that makes for the best sort of surprises now that I have time to sit back and focus on the music. Some of my favorite things to come out of the past few weeks are new songs by that amazing Swedish alternative-pop band, Not Without Grace.
I first discovered and fell in love with Not Without Grace when I come upon their Mysace page and heard their songs "Cut Me Loose" and "Hide Away." The musical approach these guys (and girl) take is one that is unique and altogether exciting, and one that sets them apart in my mind from everyone else I've ever heard. A tranquil mix of alternative rhythms and lyrics and pop vocals set against pseudo-folk instrumentation, the music that Not Without Grace sets ablaze through the speakers wraps around me and just pulls me in. As that was the feeling I had when I first heard this band, I'm more than excited now to see what kinds of new tracks they've been busy working on.
One of the first tracks I heard from the new NWG catalog was "Devil in Me." The one thing I can say about this song is that it's got a great rhythm, and lyrics that are quite addictive. It has quickly become one of my favorite tracks of the past three months. "Say It" and "Old Man," too, released shortly after "Devil in Me" appeared on NWG's Youtube channel, have been on constant rotation for me. The slowed down and tranquil mood of "Say It" was just what I was looking for when I was studying for my finals, and as I listened, it was almost as if I could see the colors in the music flash before my eyes. Yet "Old Man" took it to another level entirely: the steady and deep rhythm of the song melded perfectly with Christoffer Franzén's guitar work, and as Linnéa Herlogsson took me even higher with her dynamic vocals, Alexander Herlogsson worked to a crescendo in the song with his own fretwork. One of the best efforts I've heard from Not Without Grace, "Old Man" is one of the must-hear tracks from their new list of releases.
Yet all three of those tracks are at least a couple months old, and Not Without Grace aren't staying idle for a moment. A couple weeks ago, they released "What I've Done," a track that is beautiful in its composition and masterful in its execution. Linnéa Herlogsson's voice is angelic and soft over the simple beat and rhythm on the cymbals. Every time I hear this girl sing, I wonder how she can hit those impossible notes, and then just lose myself in the brilliance of her vocal abilities. Yet the guitar work on this song also stands out in bold ways. Franzén's notes are transcendent and philosophical, painting pictures before my eyes as Alexander Herlogsson keeps things moving with his chords and riffs. The ways that Franzén and Alexander Herlogsson compliment each other in their playing is something that NWG as a whole definitely benefits from. An amazing track in every aspect, "What I've Done" is NWG"s way of proving that they have what it takes to be taken seriously as musicians and performers.
Even "What I've Done," though, isn't the most recent of NWG's releases. Uploaded just about a week ago, "Break" is a new sort of Not Without Grace song that I'm bristling with excitement for. A little darker than the songs that I've heard from Not Without Grace before, "Break" goes down to the deepest depths of human emotion and releases a musical explosion in the brightest of technicolors. Linnéa Herlogsson's voice is pensive almost as she sings the verses, but when she gets to the chorus, it blasts forward and with a rush, I'm taken away completely. The guitar work here by Christoffer Franzén and Alexander Herlogsson is impressive in ways that give me chills: to me, it's like these two guys have taken simple guitar chords and notes, and placed them in such a way that they seem to be coming from a whole army of guitarists. When I sit back and realize that there are only two guitarists playing here, I'm floored, as it sounds like there are guitarists all around me propping up the exceptional vocals of Linnéa Herlogsson. The semi-dark undertones of "Break" procure for Not Without Grace yet another key that I am doubly sure will unlock bigger things for them. In ways that are most commendable, Not Without Grace create a most unforgettable song in "Break," and one that will be on permanent rotation for me for at least the next four months. The bottom line here? These new songs are must-hear tracks, as they open up the Not Without Grace to new directions for their legacy, and I'm even more excited now to see what they come out with next. Brilliant composure, brilliant quality, brilliant execution. Just brilliant.

Key Tracks: "What I've Done," "Break," "Say It," "Old Man"           

Eric Shelby's Tape Deck Train Wreck

This is another one of those articles that just seems to have inspired itself. When I came across this new artist a few days ago, I thought I'd only check him out briefly before heading off to bed. Well, that certainly didn't happen. One song led another as I listened, and before I knew it, I had gone through the whole playlist, containing all 11 tracks that make up the album. I knew there was something different about this guy; if I listened to his entire album without realizing it, that's definitely a broad flashing neon sign that there was something special there. And when I went back the next day, I saw just what was lying beneath.

Coming out of Boston, Massachusetts, though now settled in San Diego, California, Eric Shelby is a refreshing breeze of pop-punk in a music scene that seems to have lost that special kinda groove he's selling. Recorded in a tiny home studio in Middleton, Massachusetts, Eric Shelby's debut album, Tape Deck Train Wreck, is a mix of punk rhythms and attitude and pop melodies that seem to come out of nowhere to rest permanently in your mind. One thing that I absolutely love about Shelby's debut effort is that there are no filler tracks here; true some are a little catchier than others, but all that depends on your taste and mood. The bottom line though, is that Shelby has crafted a simple, yet oh-so-effective pop-punk album that rekindles my love in the marriage of simple pop harmonies to punk beats. With backup vocals by Boston native and singer Lauren Vancheri, Tape Deck Train Wreck is certainly my pick this week for "album you'll play over and over again until your speakers explode."
Though tracks abound that will make your ears happy, the first song that really strikes me is "Abandoned Eyes." Shelby's guitar is simple and melodic, and in his vocals there's something addictive. It may be his vocal rhythm or the way his deep-set voice meshes so well with Vancheri's backing vocals, but whatever it is, "Abandoned Eyes" is a song I can't get out of my head, no matter how hard I try. I distinctly remember lying awake for about an hour after hearing this song, just humming it over and over in my head, and if that doesn't say single-gold than I don't know what does. One thing that Shelby certainly doesn't fall short on is his lyrical talent: this guy has lyrics that fit together perfectly like pieces of a puzzle, and when I hear them, I flash over to the lyrics of Owl City and Yellowcard. Funny and clever, yet clearly romantic, Shelby's lyrics paint a tapestry of vivid emotion and feeling. When coupled with Vancheri's backing vocals, the result is solid gold. 

At just over 2:40 long, "Abandoned Eyes" is anything but long. But for a song like that, a short timing seems to fit nicely. I then move to "Turn Up the Twilight" and "Envy," two great tracks that boost Tape Deck Train Wreck in the greatest ways. But it's when I get to the title track about halfway down that I'm simply floored. "Tape Deck Train Wreck" starts with a simple note progression that flies into a hot riff backed by great drums and bass. Shelby's voice is mirrored by Vancheri's, and the melodic dialogue that elapses between the two is just magical. The chorus on this song is something I can't get passed. Shelby's voice just goes up and up, and then down again, leaving me spinning in a flurry of harmonies and guitar notes. This is definitely the lead-off single in my opinion: Shelby can't go wrong with this one, and when listeners get a chance to hear this, they'll be tripping over themselves to hear more. Most certainly Shelby's finest hour, set against an array of other amazing tracks, "Tape Deck Train Wreck" has opened a whole new door for me in pop-punk and pop-rock. Clearly one of my favorite songs this month, this is one I'd immediately suggest to anyone looking for a song to play to set the mood. 

Wrapping up the album is "Serial Thriller." Aside from having a clever title I wish I'd come up with myself, "Serial Thriller" conveys the feeling of leaving behind all that once was for something new on the horizon. The best way to wrap up the album, "Serial Thriller" possesses great guitar with mild distortion and an interesting set of beats behind the backdrop. His voice steady and strong, Shelby finishes his album in a fit of brash grace and raw talent. What sounds like polish here is just the underlying talent and vision this guy definitely has inside him. If I were any sort of record company or radio station, I'd bet big on this guy, he's going places, there's no doubt in my mind. It's just a matter of time before he's opening shows with a who's who list of bands and artists.

Sounds Like: Smash Mouth, Busted, Blink-182, Good Charlotte

Key Tracks from Tape Deck Train Wreck: "Abandoned Eyes," "Tape Deck Train Wreck," "Serial Thriller," "Envy," "Turn Up the Twilight"

Check out Eric Shelby more at: http://ericshelby.com/home/, http://www.myspace.com/ericshelby1 and http://www.purevolume.com/ericshelby      

Ryan Knorr's Path of Greatest Resistance

I know I promised you guys another article before the week ended, but I was entertaining company and it just didn't get done. I do thank you all for your patience as always, and now I certainly think that it will have been worth the wait.
I must be in a real acoustic phase right now, because after discovering Cloé Beaudoin early last week, I was traversing Youtube once again looking for someone new for all you out there and found this guy. The minute I heard him, it blew my mind, and I could feel an article forming in my mind.
Out of the Midwest in Waukee, Iowa, Ryan Knorr is a taletnted-beyond-belief acoustic singer-songwriter whose lyrics and melodies resonate is the best ways with everything I feel. It's always seemed to me that I gravitate towards emotional and deep music, both in melody and lyrical content. I like fun and stupid music too, and am a proud fan of Bowling for Soup, Busted and Eve 6. But when the night calms down though, I think the reason I lean more towards a song that hits me deep down is because I'm just a hopeless romantic.
"What About Me" was the first song I heard by Knorr on his Youtube channel, and I was immediately struck by it simple-yet-catchy melody. It was acoustic when I first heard it, but when I navigated over to his Myspace page, I heard the studio version, and to be honest I can't decide which one I like better. The acoustic version is soft and simple, but the studio version has just the right rhythm in the background, and the note progression is something for Knorr to surely be proud of. The bottom line is, both version of this song are great, and the message is something that everyone can relate to. A song with lyrics that make me think that Knorr is speaking directly to me, "What About Me" is brilliant in its simplicity and its universal potential. This is most certainly one of Knorr's five-star tracks, and as a starting song, I'm already eager to see what else he has to offer.
Though "Meant to Stay" and "47 Feet" will call me back to them later, I'm quickly drawn to "8:14," a track that seems to take influence from Matchbox Twenty's "3am" in the best way. The Matchbox influence can be heard faintly in the background, but all the rest is Knorr. This one, like many of Knorr's other tracks on his Myspace and Youtube, is acoustic, and is fantastic in every sense of the word. Knorr's vocals are soft and strong at the same time, balancing between heart-felt emotion and brilliant resilience. The lyrics penned by Knorr, like the rest of his songs, are intricate and serve universal potentiality, with little plug-in stations that everyone can relate to. It seems that this is one of Knorr's greatest talents: writing a song that is strong and emotional, but simple and bottom-line enough for everyone to be able to connect to.
The last track I can find words for is "Everything." To say anything about this song other than that it might be one of his best performances ever wouldn't even begin to give Knorr his due credit. If the lyrics, which are self-aware and bare in the best way, weren't enough for you to get excited about, then how about the way Knorr stretches his minimalist acoustic chords to their musical limits? I've never really seen an acoustic artist who utilizes the minimalist technique pioneered and popularized by the Pixies and the Melvins, but now after seeing Knorr craft it so seamlessly, I'm dually floored and impressed.
Knorr has most certainly found a way to make acoustic music something new, with a new edge and creative takes on the old forms. His lyrics are simple and relatable, and his music resonates with me in the best way. As an artist myself, I'm not even the least bit embarrassed to say that I'm totally jealous of Knorr's ability to write flawless acoustic songs with just the right amount of pop, and hooks that would make any guitarist green with envy. Simply put, Ryan Knorr is an artist brimming with talent and creative vision, and is proving it every day on his Youtube and Myspace. This guy has no need for major labels or any of the record company politics that pervade the music industry. He's got the talent, the integrity and the vision, and those are the things that are gonna take him to the top. Keep and eye on this guy, and you'll be ahead of the curve that's soon to follow. No doubt.

Sounds Like: Matchbox Twenty, Plain White T's, Goo Goo Dolls

Key Tracks from The Path of Greatest Resistance: "What About Me," "8:14," "Everything," "This Bridge," "Meant to Stay"

Check out Ryan Knorr more at: http://ryanknorr.com/, http://www.myspace.com/ryanknorr and http://www.youtube.com/user/knorrby11

Megan & Liz Striking My 6th Sense

In the week that's gone by since my last post, so many things have happened. Among them, the great Ronnie James Dio, singer for Black Sabbath (in their later years after Ozzy), Heaven and Hell and Dio, sadly died of stomach cancer. Let there be a moment of silence, for the world has lost one of the most amazing artists to ever come forth from metal. Dio will be sorely missed, and his devil horns will live forever in rock tradition.
But let's move to something more positive; something that will lift us up from sadness to amazed acknowledgment of brilliant talent. In the same way that Meg & Dia blew my mind just a couple of years ago when I saw them open for Bowling for Soup, so too this duo is poised to break out onto the acoustic-pop scene with grace and gusto.
Megan & Liz are two talented-beyond-belief twins from Michigan, who for one irrational reason or another are not yet signed to any major label. Listening to the music these girls have up on their Myspace, though, there is a big part of me that wonders if it's even because a label hasn't taken notice. With the raw talent that clearly pours from these sisters, the artist in me says, 'well why do they even need a record label?' They're garnering thousands of hits all on their own, and I'd be amazed if some of their songs didn't go viral.
While Megan provides the majority of the instrumental structure with her skills on the piano and guitar, both she and Liz share songwriting responsibilities and credit, as well as both contributing vocals to the flawless pop arrangements. The talent these girls have is only further exemplified by the intertwining of their individual talents to create a tapestry of color and sound. In fact, their song title "Images Acoustic" seems more like an adjective describing their song-structure and melody than a title for a particular song.
With that, though, let's dive in, so I can show you precisely why these girls got my nod of amazed approval this week.
The first track that's on their Myspace setlist, and the first one I listen to, is "Maybe, Possibly." The song rests seamlessly on a soft acoustic chord progression provided by Megan as she and Liz wrap me in their twin, yet not-merely-interchangeable, voices. As one girl goes up, the other harmonizes and the result is a pop-song that would make Brittany Spears cry because it kicks "...Baby One More Time" in every sense, from style and structure, to performance and execution. As Megan (or Liz, lol, because I can't tell them apart just by their voices) fades in, Liz (or maybe Megan) fades out just slightly; just enough to give the song a surround-sound feeling. This is a simple song. And that's most certainly a compliment. Megan and Liz have taken the simple pop song and simplified it further: just a guitar and two girls who can sing their hearts out. Most definitely the best song I could start with.
The second song I listen to is "6th Sense." One of the things that I love about this song right from the beginning is the driving guitar rhythm that Megan delivers as she and Liz chime in and out, and the voices move so quickly that it's impossible to keep track. That, however, is the beauty in it. I'm so unable to keep up that I get lost in the music, and as the melody bleeds from the speakers, is seeps into and sticks in my ears as clever lyrics rest on the syrupy voices of the twins. One of the other things that makes Megan & Liz different from so many other pop acts out there, and one thing this song certainly benefits from, is a recurring set of lucid, intelligible lyrics. So many pop songs are filled with lyrics about someone's ass, or a fast car, but these make me think deeper, and the wordplay is something that makes the song all that more enjoyable. Absolutely a five-star track if there ever was one. Brilliant.
The last couple songs I'll spoil you guys with here are "Images Acoustic" and "The End." Images Acoustic" is for all intents and purposes the perfect pop song. So rarely have I seen a pop or acoustic act able to make use of the Pixies' loud-quiet-loud dynamic with just a guitar and vocals, but here Megan and Liz do it without even thinking about it. The guitar is a little quite during the verses, but blasts off in melody and feeling as it climbs into the chorus. The change is just sent further into the stratosphere by the crescendo of crashing voices from both Megan and Liz, building on each other to deliver a song that is unforgettable. This will definitely be the song that you can't shake for the next week, and certainly the song you won't want to. The minor bridge in the middle gives the song a twinge of philosophical feeling, before wrapping with the voices of both girls lying perfectly with the guitar notes. One of my new favorite songs.
The latter of the last two, "The End," is the first one I hear where Megan has opted for a piano over a guitar, and after listening to it, I'm glad she did. With ivory notes that serenade as her voice mixes with Liz's, Megan delivers an instrumental track that is short, sweet, and the no-brainer pick for any romance movie soundtrack. There is absolutely nothing I could think of to make this song any better: if you listen to this and can't see why it's raw talent personified, then there's just nothing you can be taught about music.
At first glance, these girls might seem the typical rip-off of an act like Miley Cyrus or Aly & AJ, but after listening to any one of their songs, that thought should be banished from your head. Now I'm not so much a fan of Miley Cyrus or Aly & AJ, though I'm sure they are all quite talented. But what I see here in Megan & Liz is a raw talent that has not been refined by a major record company: this is pure talent and emotion, and the bottom line is, if these girls can do this with no help at all, then it seems to me that the idea of the major record company is obsolete. Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I'm just running my mouth at this point. That's a definite possibility. But my point stands firm: Megan & Liz are the next pop-rock act poised for a viral takeover of the acoustic underground. Mark my words, these girls are gonna be huge.

Sounds Like: Meg & Dia, Vanessa Carlton,, Tegan and Sarah, Michelle Branch, Aly & AJ

Key Tracks: "Images Acoustic," "6th Sense," "Maybe, Possibly," "The End"

Check out Megan & Liz more at: http://www.myspace.com/meganandliz and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Megan-and-Liz/110825535603587?ref=ts#!/pages/Megan-and-Liz/71493558675?ref=ts

And We'll Weather These Stars

It's been a few days since I updated you guys on some new music, and in that time, aside from taking a well-deserved break, I found you a new artist with some sick tunes that you absolutely have to hear. This is precisely why I take breaks: so I can find you the best of the best to listen to when I get back, and in that respect I've certainly succeeded this time, if I do say so myself.

Out of New York City, New York, comes WeatherStar, a rock trio comprising members Cameron Walker (lead vocals and guitar), Brandon Delp (bass, guitar, and keyboards), and Billy Toti (drums). Much like Owl City did just a few months ago, WeatherStar is building a large following very quickly. This could be due to Walker's smooth melodic vocals, or the clever, sing-along lyrics he pens for WeatherStar's catchy songs. Whatever it is, he better keep doing it, because only an idiot would say it wasn't working. 

WeatherStar's debut self-titled EP is available for full listen on Purevolume and Myspace, and even a few of the tracks are free for download. The only thing better than rocking out to a sweet song on the net is being able to take it with you when you leave. The first song I  listen to is one of these free downloads. "Wish You Would Stay" is a blasting track that starts with a bombastic drum crash amid pounding guitar riffs that tear me apart from second one. There's something about it though; it's so melodic and tuneful that I have no way of stopping myself from humming along. Things slow down a little during the verses, as WeatherStar depends on the Pixies' loud-quiet-loud dynamic, and as the chorus approaches, we take off in a blizzard of notes and melodic vocals. Everything about this song is perfect: there isn't one thing I would change. If you like anything pop-punk, emo-pop, powerpop, or just something that rocks hard and has a great melody, "Wish You Would Stay" is definitely the song to start with. Clearly the destined lead-single for WeatherStar's EP, it's a song that will take WeatherStar right to the top of the Billboard 200. I'd stake everything I know on it. Certainly the best first song I could listen to to get me hooked in and yearning for more.  

Though I enjoyed the two tracks preceding it, "Sick of Tonight" and "Weather or Not," I love the track "Planes, Oceans and Symphonies" in a different way. This song is slowed down, more low-key than "Wish You Would Stay," and for that it's all the more brilliant. WeatherStar proves it can be soft and emotional as much as hard-rockin' and riff-oriented. Walker's voice on this one is so smooth and polished, I'm jealous myself as a singer. I'd give my left thumb to be able to sing like that. A great song all around, and one I could definitely listen to all day, "Planes, Oceans and Symphonies" is easily a five-star track on the EP.

The last track I listen to from the EP however, is my second favorite, only behind "Wish You Would Stay." "Postcards" begins with a brilliant acoustic segment with piano accompaniment, and reminds me in so many ways of a Busted song. As a huge Busted fan, this is only to WeatherStar's benefit. Then the chorus blasts in, and with anthemic, heart-felt lyrics, "Postcards" is definitely the power-ballad on the EP, and it'll be no time before this is all over the pop stations all around the country. This song is easily as incredible as anything Matchbox  Twenty of Third Eye Blind. There is no way to make this song any better than it already is. Walker's vocals, polished and emotional, are only matched by his fantastic guitar riffs and acoustic strums. 

WeatherStar was one of Purevolume's best unsigned artists of 2009, and now hearing this EP, it's no wonder at all why. You'd have to be a braindead moron to think that this music couldn't go anywhere. Walker better pack his bag and prep himself, because once word really gets out about him, he'll be opening venues all over the country amid screaming fans that will fill the void with their vocals when he wants them to sing along. Walker and WeatherStar are on their way up, and nothing short of a full-stage apocalypse is going to stop them. And maybe not even that would be enough to do it.

Sounds Like: Busted, Owl City, All Time Low, Mayday Parade

Key Tracks from WeatherStar: "Wish You Would Stay," "Postcards," "Planes, Oceans and Symphonies," "Sick of Tonight"

Check out WeatherStar more at: http://www.myspace.com/weatherstar and http://www.purevolume.com/WeatherStar

Gabrielle, You Sooth My Soul

It's been a few days since I posted because college applications are kicking my ass again, but thankfully I found this angel of a girl, with a voice that makes my soul bleed and smile at the same time. She comes from Bath, England, U.K., and her name is Gabrielle Aplin. With prowess on the piano and the guitar, this girl's voice is like Amy Lee's kicked up a few keys, and opens a whole new door in my head for what someone can do with the simple combination of a piano and singing.
I'm hooked on this girl's music, and the first song I listen to on her Myspace tells me all I need to know about her incredible talent. "The Liar and the Lighter" is a piano-driven track that is like rubbing silk across my ears. With a voice as sweet as ambrosia, yet as powerful as the beat of an angel's wing, Gabrielle Aplin just nails it with her incredible pipes and a slow piano accompaniment that pushes this song over the edge. Everything about it is right. The piano starts and stops, the keys get low then loud, and her voice travels over all of it, a pure melody in and of itself. A perfect song for any pop singer, or any rock artist looking for a slowed-down ballad. If she is shopping a demo around to record companies, I hope this is track number one, because no record producer in his right mind would ever pass up such talented musician.
The next track, "My Heart," continues Aplin's sound on the piano, but this piano sounds more Evanescence than pure pop-rock, and with a voice that's taken on more strength and courage, Gabrielle is just a serenade to my ears. You don't need to be into pop music like Taylor Swift or Rhianna to like this girl. Her chords are so strong that they can appeal to everyone, and I'm talking about the piano and her vocals. One thing I particularly love on this song, aside from the light violin track in the back, is her double-tracked vocals, and the drums that build in towards the middle. Though the drums are not perfect (and I wouldn't expect them to be for an unsigned musician), her vocals give the song an ambiance that just wraps around you and envelops you. Absolutely brilliant.
The last track on my set-list is "Reverse," a song that's abandoned the piano now in favor of a more acoustic sound with acoustic guitar accompaniment. A very stripped-down song, this track has a very acoustic, almost folk ambiance, and it just works. Her voice is so versatile, it fits along strong piano notes as well as light guitar plucks. And with a tune that just sticks in your head, I wouldn't pass up signing this girl for anything if I had my own label. Even if pop's not normally your genre of choice, check this girl out, you won't be disappointed.

Sounds Like: Evanescence, Taylor Swift, Berlin

Key Tracks from demo: "The Liar and the Lighter," "My Heart," "Reverse"

Check out Gabrielle Aplin more at: http://www.myspace.com/gabrielleaplin