Nearing summer again, and a new song of the season! I personally think my top song right now is going to sweep the charts during the summer, but I could be wrong... Of course, there are only a few more months to prove me otherwise.
1. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q
I've never attended a music festival, but the idea intrigues me. Walk the Moon will be performing in the Way Home Music and Arts Festival in Oro-Medonte, Ontario July 24, 25, and 26th. The beauty of the festival is that it isn't only one artist performing but multiple. Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Hozier, will also be there.
2. Geronimo - Sheppard - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-SeaCZE2TM
Another one of Scooter Braun's projects. Even though he's only managing their introduction to the States, as they're an Australian band, he is heavily involved in the future of Sheppard. Everything Braun touches seems to turn to gold. So far, he's turned Justin Bieber into an international household name, launched Ariana Grande's career in an upward trajectory, helped foster Cody Simpson's career, played a part in Ed Sheeran's American domination, and now he's focusing on this band. You can only expect great things.
3. Youtopia - Armin van Buuren feat. Adam Young - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTgh-QwvyVo
I find it so interesting to research an artist's works and projects. A lot of the times, artists tend to build relationships with others in their industry, and work together. A common misconception is that the industry creates a lot of competition. While I'm sure there is some, Adam Young is just one example of disproving that idea. The amount of work he has done for other artists, as a producer, writer, vocalist, or engineer is amazing, and not just for some knock-off artists, but for some huge names. It's nice to see that team mentality in the industry.
4. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
A huge thing in today's Christian music industry is bands leading worship. In the previous generation, it was mainly solo artists, with the major exception being Hillsong. However, now the tides have turned, with the majority of new worship material coming from worship bands such as Vertical Church, and Rend Collective. Rend Collective comes from a bunch of young people meeting under the name Rend, to find a real expression of church through prayer and mission.
5. Stained Glass - Jon Guerra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhfpgrqgAso
I heard this song for the first time in Chicago at the Act Like Men conference. As an acoustic solo song, in an atmosphere with hundreds of men ready to worship, the emotional impact is off the charts. Jon Guerra's control over his vocal falsetto is amazing, but my favourite part of the song is the lyrics. The words are piercing, but in a simple, eye-opening way.
6. I'm Going Free (Jailbreak) - Vertical Church Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2ZMjmZMo1o
This was another song I heard during my trip to Chicago. While the band didn't actually play it during the conference, it was on one of their albums we listened to on the way to Chicago. The upbeat tempo matches the fast lyrical change perfectly. My favourite part is the chorus, that sticks in your mind for a long time afterwards.
7. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
Apparently, Skrillex and Diplo together form the duo Jack U. Founded in 2013, the DJ duo group work together and mainly feature solo artists for songs. The album that featured this song was the debut project for the duo. Because they are a DJ duo, every song off this album features an artist. And these artists aren't just any artists. Jack U has partnered with Kiesza, 2 Chainz, and of course Bieber!
8. This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
This song is a cool example of the new transition in worship music from a more laid back sound to one that utilizes a rock feel and electronic equipment for inspired purposes. While not to the point of discarding all instruments and just using a DJ, the song does utilizes some electronics to drive the catchy musical lines home. Finding that perfect combination between instruments and electronic effects is paramount to the success of a song such as this one.
9. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Still all over the news! Not only did he host the Much Music Video Awards, but he also hit the YouTube trending charts when he made an impromptu appearance in the West Edmonton Mall. A young teen was singing this very song for karaoke, when Ed Sheeran joined her to sing along, and make her day, and very possibly, her year!
10. One Last Time - Ariana Grande - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg92RrNhB8s
Why, in the industry today, do all female artists have to be sexualized to sell? Even the ones with talent, such as Ariana Grande, don't focus on their music. Instead, it's all about their body, their provocative music videos, photoshoots, e.t.c. Take this song without knowing about Grande and her eccentric clothing and acts, and it really is a good piece of music. The sexualization of every female artist ruins it for me, and tarnishes the female talent that is present.
Sunday, 28 June 2015
Monday, 1 June 2015
Best Wah Pedals
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| Dunlop |
This is the best wah pedal out there in my opinion. It is also the best one to start off with. The price isn't abnormally high, the features are extremely simplistic, yet the pedal gives off an amazing sound. The brand name is also time tested, and regarded as one of the best companies in the industry.
This wah pedal is rather large and heavy, but that also means it is extremely sturdy. The action of the pedal is also very smooth, other then the fact that the pedal effect has to be turned on through clicking a button. The actual sound that comes from the pedal is amazing. The sweep is perfect, with both extremes producing great cutting tones. Either of the extremes can be fit in to any song, and the wah wah effect, sweeping from either extreme.
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| Musician's Friend |
This is another stellar pedal. Again the tones emitted are great, and the pedal itself is of a fine build. Ibanez is known for its more rocky feel, and this wah is no exception. The sound does tend to be more gritty, or harsh, but that makes it a perfect fit for rock genre songs. Add this in to a solo, and the flair will make you sound like a hero.
The build of this pedal is extremely strong. It does differ slightly from the standard CryBaby shape, and includes some sound options that the simplistic CryBaby doesn't have. However, the shape can be slightly awkward, especially when trying to squeeze onto a crowded pedal board.
3. Fender Classics Fuzz Wah - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/fender-classics-series-fuzz-wah-pedal - 150.00 - 3.6/5
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| Audio Fanzine |
As for build, the pedal again is decently sturdy, modelled after the CryBaby. However, the unique feature is its slanted pedal, that controls the wah. This to me is awkward, and again leads to trouble on a pedalboard. I'm also not a huge fan of the sound options to the side, with two foot switches.
4. Zakk Wylde Z-45 Signature Wah - http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/zw45-zakk-wylde-signature-wah - 200.00 - 4.3/5
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| Vanz Guitars |
The pedal's aesthetics are also slightly different, with a metallic silver look the go to option, instead of the classic black finish. The grip is also styled into Wylde's signature bullseye pattern. Overall, this pedal gives you much of what you can get with the original CryBaby, with some additional cool stylistic features.
5. Digitech Whammy (5th Generation) - http://digitech.com/en/products/whammy-5th-gen - 200.00 - 4.0/5
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| Digitech |
This is one interesting wah pedal. Everything about it is extremely unique, even it's name. Titled the Whammy, it serves much of the same purpose of a wah pedal, but more in the style of a whammy bar. There are multiple features on the pedal. You can go for harmony, or the whammy setting, and set your own octaves to alternate between. The whole pedal allows for extremely simple programming for the sound you want. The pedal is also shaped into a nice box shape, which is nice, and it is colorful (bonus!)!
The actual sound, like much of Digitech's equipment, is heavily electronic, and does not allow for the natural vibe that some of the other pedals generate. Also in my opinion, having to click the button in the lower corner of the pedal is slightly awkward and perhaps too time consuming, especially in certain situations.
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Top Ten Songs for May
May was a rather uneventful music month. There are only a few new additions to my list, with many of these songs carrying over in the same spot from last month's list. However, the few new additions are awesome, claiming high ranks in this month's top ten!
1. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q
Another dance party song in the Ramson household! I love the fact that this song uses instruments, rather then electronic equipment. It goes to show that you can still create upbeat, catchy tunes using guitars, drums, and bass. Actually, all three of those instruments stick to basic principles in this song, yet they still combine to create an amazing single.
2. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
Much like a few other songs I have been focusing on, this one also relies on a guitar riff to drive the song forward. With a chorus/reverb effect, the picking fills the space of the song nicely, and contributes directly to the dynamics. Picking also allows for a transition into strumming, as well as for changes in the volume of the notes, which also contributes to a nice smooth build within the song.
3. Youtopia - Armin van Buuren feat. Adam Young - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTgh-QwvyVo
My brother turned me onto this song, and I immediately had to buy it to relisten to over and over again. I'm not a huge fan of electronic dance music, as many people already know, but whenever Adam Young, or Owl City as he's better know, releases a new song, I'm always interested. He seems to connect himself with catchy songs constantly.
4. Baby I Need You - Kim Taylor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxhALen93E
One aspect of my musical practice that I have been focusing on is acoustic guitar picking such as the one in this song. Having that style in a song adds rhythm, and a sense of uniqueness. It also allows for dynamics to play a factor in the song, especially when the song is a ballad, again like this one. The picking in the song seems to rely on hitting the root bass note, and then playing a pattern between two or three treble notes.
5. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4
As I mentioned last month, the amount of covers of this song is staggering. And, as much as I like the original, I do like some covers more. One would be Jason Castro's soulful version from American Idol. Another would be Lincoln Brewster's Christian take, titled Another Hallelujah. The test of a real classic is the amount, and the quality of the covers that follow in the years after its release.
6. Where Can't I Find You - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-em44bgX-o
I prefer acoustic slow songs over fast rock songs, but this is quickly becoming one of my favourite songs. Not only is the music driving, and upbeat, the lyrics are great as well. I cannot rave enough about this band. Their career is one I will be closely following for many years to come.
7. She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BYmmTI04I
I've been working on a cover for this song, and while researching other covers, I've realized that I enjoy the song more with an acoustic sound. With the right voice, an acoustic guitar, and a cajun, this song is opened up to a really cool vibe, and some interesting interpretations. Even Five Seconds of Summer's own acoustic version sounds better then the original!
8. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
I know a lot of people really dislike Justin Bieber, and to a certain degree I agree with them. However, as I continually say, the fact is that he has real talent. I recently watched a video of him just singing in a car (with James Corben I believe), and he hits every note perfectly (even though they are his own songs). I personally believe that he doesn't need to rely on electronics to make his voice sound great, it is naturally a good voice.
9. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
This past month, the YouTube official video for Hideaway went past 230 million views. That's an amazing accomplishment, especially for the video only being online for about a year. Surprisingly, there is also a video online of Kiesza playing the song acoustically. It sounds really weird, yet she's able to pull it off because of her vocal power.
10. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Almost fell off the list for this month, but still this song halfway through the year, is number one for song of the year. It continues to be a massive hit on radios, and on iTunes, and with Ed Sheeran constantly in the news, it seems it won't be falling down any time soon.
1. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q
Another dance party song in the Ramson household! I love the fact that this song uses instruments, rather then electronic equipment. It goes to show that you can still create upbeat, catchy tunes using guitars, drums, and bass. Actually, all three of those instruments stick to basic principles in this song, yet they still combine to create an amazing single.
2. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
Much like a few other songs I have been focusing on, this one also relies on a guitar riff to drive the song forward. With a chorus/reverb effect, the picking fills the space of the song nicely, and contributes directly to the dynamics. Picking also allows for a transition into strumming, as well as for changes in the volume of the notes, which also contributes to a nice smooth build within the song.
3. Youtopia - Armin van Buuren feat. Adam Young - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTgh-QwvyVo
My brother turned me onto this song, and I immediately had to buy it to relisten to over and over again. I'm not a huge fan of electronic dance music, as many people already know, but whenever Adam Young, or Owl City as he's better know, releases a new song, I'm always interested. He seems to connect himself with catchy songs constantly.
4. Baby I Need You - Kim Taylor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxhALen93E
One aspect of my musical practice that I have been focusing on is acoustic guitar picking such as the one in this song. Having that style in a song adds rhythm, and a sense of uniqueness. It also allows for dynamics to play a factor in the song, especially when the song is a ballad, again like this one. The picking in the song seems to rely on hitting the root bass note, and then playing a pattern between two or three treble notes.
5. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4
As I mentioned last month, the amount of covers of this song is staggering. And, as much as I like the original, I do like some covers more. One would be Jason Castro's soulful version from American Idol. Another would be Lincoln Brewster's Christian take, titled Another Hallelujah. The test of a real classic is the amount, and the quality of the covers that follow in the years after its release.
6. Where Can't I Find You - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-em44bgX-o
I prefer acoustic slow songs over fast rock songs, but this is quickly becoming one of my favourite songs. Not only is the music driving, and upbeat, the lyrics are great as well. I cannot rave enough about this band. Their career is one I will be closely following for many years to come.
7. She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BYmmTI04I
I've been working on a cover for this song, and while researching other covers, I've realized that I enjoy the song more with an acoustic sound. With the right voice, an acoustic guitar, and a cajun, this song is opened up to a really cool vibe, and some interesting interpretations. Even Five Seconds of Summer's own acoustic version sounds better then the original!
8. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
I know a lot of people really dislike Justin Bieber, and to a certain degree I agree with them. However, as I continually say, the fact is that he has real talent. I recently watched a video of him just singing in a car (with James Corben I believe), and he hits every note perfectly (even though they are his own songs). I personally believe that he doesn't need to rely on electronics to make his voice sound great, it is naturally a good voice.
9. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
This past month, the YouTube official video for Hideaway went past 230 million views. That's an amazing accomplishment, especially for the video only being online for about a year. Surprisingly, there is also a video online of Kiesza playing the song acoustically. It sounds really weird, yet she's able to pull it off because of her vocal power.
10. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Almost fell off the list for this month, but still this song halfway through the year, is number one for song of the year. It continues to be a massive hit on radios, and on iTunes, and with Ed Sheeran constantly in the news, it seems it won't be falling down any time soon.
Friday, 8 May 2015
NEEDTOBREATHE's The Outsiders Album Review
Rating: 9.0/10
Website: http://www.needtobreathe.com/?frontpage=true
Purchase: http://www.amazon.ca/The-Outsiders-Needtobreathe/dp/B0029O09TC
NEEDTOBREATHE is quite frankly an amazingly unique band. Not only do they attempt to work against the status quo of the current popular music industry, they do so with flair. Sticking with classic band instruments like guitars and drum, rather than the popular electronic equipment dominating today, NEEDTOBREATHE have crafted a sound that they can call their own, spearheaded by vocal specialist Bear Rinehart.
This might be one of the best albums I have ever heard, from one of the best bands out there. The record is filled with hits, and even the lesser songs are extremely good. For me, the highlights are Let Us Love, Something Beautiful, The Outsiders, and A Girl Named Tennessee. However, the other songs are really quite something as well. All the songs hold true to NEEDTOBREATHE's crafted sound, with a folky kind of feel to it. The band makes perfect use of a basis of guitars, drums, and then filters through some extras like banjos, extra percussion, e.t.c. The sound created works for both fast and slower paced songs, and is extremely catchy, yet motivating as well.
Another surprising aspect of this record is the emphasis placed on the lyrical content. Almost every single one of these songs contain meaningful lyrics. There is no mumble jumble, with every song created for a specific purpose. That purpose is served by a combining effort through the music and vocals.
Website: http://www.needtobreathe.com/?frontpage=true
Purchase: http://www.amazon.ca/The-Outsiders-Needtobreathe/dp/B0029O09TC
NEEDTOBREATHE is quite frankly an amazingly unique band. Not only do they attempt to work against the status quo of the current popular music industry, they do so with flair. Sticking with classic band instruments like guitars and drum, rather than the popular electronic equipment dominating today, NEEDTOBREATHE have crafted a sound that they can call their own, spearheaded by vocal specialist Bear Rinehart.
This might be one of the best albums I have ever heard, from one of the best bands out there. The record is filled with hits, and even the lesser songs are extremely good. For me, the highlights are Let Us Love, Something Beautiful, The Outsiders, and A Girl Named Tennessee. However, the other songs are really quite something as well. All the songs hold true to NEEDTOBREATHE's crafted sound, with a folky kind of feel to it. The band makes perfect use of a basis of guitars, drums, and then filters through some extras like banjos, extra percussion, e.t.c. The sound created works for both fast and slower paced songs, and is extremely catchy, yet motivating as well.
Another surprising aspect of this record is the emphasis placed on the lyrical content. Almost every single one of these songs contain meaningful lyrics. There is no mumble jumble, with every song created for a specific purpose. That purpose is served by a combining effort through the music and vocals.
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| Wikipedia |
Monday, 27 April 2015
Top Ten Songs for April
April was a wonderful month of worship! While I was able to listen to a few new contemporary songs, my main focus this month was worship material. A lot of the stuff I listened to wasn't exactly new, but these songs are still extremely relevant. Each worship tune uniquely influenced me, as many praise and worship songs usually do.
1. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
My new favourite worship song for the moment. It is extremely unique in its style; normally this folkish type of song isn't used in a worship experiment, but Rend Collective have done an amazing job using the genre for that purpose. The dynamics are also extremely special, with smooth transitions from each section of the song.
2. Baby I Need You - Kim Taylor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxhALen93E
I love slow acoustic songs like this one. This might classify me as slightly sappy, but I do love emotional songs. They seem to take music to another level with a new purpose. A stool, one mic and an acoustic guitar provides perhaps my favourite musical experience in the world.
3. I Really Like You - Carly Rae Jepsen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77PzXCKDyVQ
BEST Dance song EVER! My siblings and I have been having awesome spontaneous dance parties whenever we hear this song. It is extremely upbeat, catchy, and also a typical pop song. It's good that this song has been mediocrely successful, as I like Carly Rae Jepsen as an artist. I first saw her on Canadian Idol, and her enthusiasm, dedication and passion were hard to miss.
4. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4
I have only recently started to re-listen to this song, even though it is one of my all time favourites. I've been researching for more ideas for cover songs for my band Called Out, and this one popped out at me. The amount of covers of the song is staggering, but I think it is because the song is so open to interpretation. Clearly, this song is a classic.
5. Where Can't I Find You - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-em44bgX-o
About 3 years ago, Sky Terminal used to do something called Off the Floor Fridays, where Marcel, the lead singer, would do acoustic covers of his own songs. These videos, still on YouTube, show his raw talent, that has been refined even more so with this new album released last year. His control has improved, his tone, almost every aspect of his vocals have all progressed forward!
6. She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BYmmTI04I
I'm actually surprised that this band has completely fallen off the face of the Earth. Last year, especially during the summer, this song was huge, being played all over the place. Yet now, I haven't heard of them in what seems like forever. The band and their sound seemed to be so unique, and fresh, especially for a boy band.
7. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Although released last year, this song is strongly building up a case for song of the year already. It is dominating the iTunes charts, radio charts, YouTube hits, e.t.c. And Ed Sheeran is plastered all over the news, with new music collaborations, goodwill stories, and essentially making sure his name is a household topic, if it wasn't already!
8. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
For a debut album, this record is filled with celebrity guest singers. It includes Justin Bieber (of course), Kiesza, and many other top performers. That's a great way to start off as a band, or dance duo as these guys prefer to be called. Actually, from what I can gather, the duo's name is Jack U, and their individual names are Skrillex and Diplo.
9. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
Interestingly, the majority of the song was finished within 90 minutes. Kiesza's producer developed the track, and before she had to leave for a flight, she wrote and cut some vocal tracks for the song. The actual writing process apparently took around 10 minutes only. Later, they finished up the track, and the rest is history.
10. This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
Another amazing artist story! Phil was raised in a Christian home, but said he began to make the faith his own when he started to lead worship for his youth group at the age of 13. Since then, he has travelled worldwide spreading his worship music to different churches, and has released seven CDs. God has truly blessed the ministry of this man.
1. Boldly I Approach - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDnVD7gu5Y
My new favourite worship song for the moment. It is extremely unique in its style; normally this folkish type of song isn't used in a worship experiment, but Rend Collective have done an amazing job using the genre for that purpose. The dynamics are also extremely special, with smooth transitions from each section of the song.
2. Baby I Need You - Kim Taylor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxhALen93E
I love slow acoustic songs like this one. This might classify me as slightly sappy, but I do love emotional songs. They seem to take music to another level with a new purpose. A stool, one mic and an acoustic guitar provides perhaps my favourite musical experience in the world.
3. I Really Like You - Carly Rae Jepsen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77PzXCKDyVQ
BEST Dance song EVER! My siblings and I have been having awesome spontaneous dance parties whenever we hear this song. It is extremely upbeat, catchy, and also a typical pop song. It's good that this song has been mediocrely successful, as I like Carly Rae Jepsen as an artist. I first saw her on Canadian Idol, and her enthusiasm, dedication and passion were hard to miss.
4. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4
I have only recently started to re-listen to this song, even though it is one of my all time favourites. I've been researching for more ideas for cover songs for my band Called Out, and this one popped out at me. The amount of covers of the song is staggering, but I think it is because the song is so open to interpretation. Clearly, this song is a classic.
5. Where Can't I Find You - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-em44bgX-o
About 3 years ago, Sky Terminal used to do something called Off the Floor Fridays, where Marcel, the lead singer, would do acoustic covers of his own songs. These videos, still on YouTube, show his raw talent, that has been refined even more so with this new album released last year. His control has improved, his tone, almost every aspect of his vocals have all progressed forward!
6. She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BYmmTI04I
I'm actually surprised that this band has completely fallen off the face of the Earth. Last year, especially during the summer, this song was huge, being played all over the place. Yet now, I haven't heard of them in what seems like forever. The band and their sound seemed to be so unique, and fresh, especially for a boy band.
7. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Although released last year, this song is strongly building up a case for song of the year already. It is dominating the iTunes charts, radio charts, YouTube hits, e.t.c. And Ed Sheeran is plastered all over the news, with new music collaborations, goodwill stories, and essentially making sure his name is a household topic, if it wasn't already!
8. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
For a debut album, this record is filled with celebrity guest singers. It includes Justin Bieber (of course), Kiesza, and many other top performers. That's a great way to start off as a band, or dance duo as these guys prefer to be called. Actually, from what I can gather, the duo's name is Jack U, and their individual names are Skrillex and Diplo.
9. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
Interestingly, the majority of the song was finished within 90 minutes. Kiesza's producer developed the track, and before she had to leave for a flight, she wrote and cut some vocal tracks for the song. The actual writing process apparently took around 10 minutes only. Later, they finished up the track, and the rest is history.
10. This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
Another amazing artist story! Phil was raised in a Christian home, but said he began to make the faith his own when he started to lead worship for his youth group at the age of 13. Since then, he has travelled worldwide spreading his worship music to different churches, and has released seven CDs. God has truly blessed the ministry of this man.
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Top Ten Songs for March
March has been a decent month for music. There's been some new singles released, some old songs taking the rise, and some exciting band news. I've also finally started my new band project, Called Out, and have released two videos of original songs on the YouTube channel. Hopefully, soon I'll be able to post some cover videos using some of these top songs from each month.
1. This is Living - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFR-tV2whAU
I actually prefer the acoustic version of this song to the original. Especially in the choruses, the sound is eerily similar to many of Ellie Goulding's hit songs. However, this song holds a beautiful purpose. Hillsong Young and Free have harnessed that new hip female sound, and produced multiple contemporary songs along the same line as the pop industry, but again, with a praise and worship aspect.
2. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
I'm probably going to get vilified for including this song on my list, and in the second spot! However, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Justin Bieber might have one of the best vocals in the male industry today. I understand his behaviour is certainly lacking, and his maturity level is quite low, but musically, there's a reason Scooter Braun snatched him up off of YouTube so quickly.
3. This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
Released in 2013, this song has only recently begun to dominate the charts. Amongst many Christian lists, this is the praise and worship song of the year. Catering to young and older people alike, the upbeat song combines a mix of electronics and strong guitar, bass and drum rhythms to create an anthem song. This past month I had the opportunity to learn the electric guitar part of the song, and it was definitely one of the most fun songs I have ever learned.
4. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
Another interesting story for this artist! Kiesza is Canadian, born in Calgary. She was in the Royal Navy Reserves as a Naval Communicator, teaching herself to play guitar during sing alongs with the crew. She also entered the Miss Universe Canada pageant, and gave away 4500 CDs to troops serving in Afghanistan in 2008.
5. Sugar - Maroon 5 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg
Apparently Maroon 5 isn't regarded as musical talent by many in the world. Still, I stand by my decision to include them in this list. I personally think the whole band is way better than a lot in the industry today. They are an experienced band that knows how to continually produce massive hits.
6. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I've been playing around with this song quite a bit, as I prepare to post it as my next cover for my band Called Out. I've found that it is an extremely enjoyable song to cover. The rhythm is easy to flow with, the vocal range is challenging but sounds amazing, and the guitar part allows for a lot of freedom to experiment. This might be Sheeran's greatest song in his ever-growing list of hits.
7. The Stand - Hillsong - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5iZBTNYrk
This is one of my favourite all time worship songs. Actually, with the combination package of Came to My Rescue, the two create an amazing impact in a service. The song is simple, but powerful. The lyrics stand for something unique, a cry to the Lord.
8. Where Can't I Find You - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-em44bgX-o
It seems every new song that I hear from this band is amazing. This one is from their older album, but their unique sound is still present. It is definitely a rock genre, but the lead singer's vocal's, Marcel Preston, can also be extremely smooth. They recently played at Air Raid hosted by Life 100.3. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend, but I've heard they sound amazing live as well.
9. Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6oxXwRWFTo
A lot of the times with bands, there is a constant flow of old members leaving and new members being added to replace them. The great thing about Big Daddy Weave is that all the members except for one have been with the band since day one. All but the drummer have been committed to the cause since 2002. And the drummer only recently left, in 2013.
10. Supernova Sunrise - We Are Leo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Gxvze4fBE
I always like when the electric guitar is given a key role in a song. The repeated riff in this song drives the pace forward, and makes sure to provide the song with an electric atmosphere. Actually this band, just like Sky Terminal, was at a past Air Raid. I'm really going to have to pay more attention as to when these concerts happen.
1. This is Living - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFR-tV2whAU
I actually prefer the acoustic version of this song to the original. Especially in the choruses, the sound is eerily similar to many of Ellie Goulding's hit songs. However, this song holds a beautiful purpose. Hillsong Young and Free have harnessed that new hip female sound, and produced multiple contemporary songs along the same line as the pop industry, but again, with a praise and worship aspect.
2. Where Are U Now - Skrillex and Diplo feat. Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKS1xjqEv8o
I'm probably going to get vilified for including this song on my list, and in the second spot! However, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Justin Bieber might have one of the best vocals in the male industry today. I understand his behaviour is certainly lacking, and his maturity level is quite low, but musically, there's a reason Scooter Braun snatched him up off of YouTube so quickly.
3. This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
Released in 2013, this song has only recently begun to dominate the charts. Amongst many Christian lists, this is the praise and worship song of the year. Catering to young and older people alike, the upbeat song combines a mix of electronics and strong guitar, bass and drum rhythms to create an anthem song. This past month I had the opportunity to learn the electric guitar part of the song, and it was definitely one of the most fun songs I have ever learned.
4. Hideaway - Kiesza - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D70UT2wUnoM
Another interesting story for this artist! Kiesza is Canadian, born in Calgary. She was in the Royal Navy Reserves as a Naval Communicator, teaching herself to play guitar during sing alongs with the crew. She also entered the Miss Universe Canada pageant, and gave away 4500 CDs to troops serving in Afghanistan in 2008.
5. Sugar - Maroon 5 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg
Apparently Maroon 5 isn't regarded as musical talent by many in the world. Still, I stand by my decision to include them in this list. I personally think the whole band is way better than a lot in the industry today. They are an experienced band that knows how to continually produce massive hits.
6. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I've been playing around with this song quite a bit, as I prepare to post it as my next cover for my band Called Out. I've found that it is an extremely enjoyable song to cover. The rhythm is easy to flow with, the vocal range is challenging but sounds amazing, and the guitar part allows for a lot of freedom to experiment. This might be Sheeran's greatest song in his ever-growing list of hits.
7. The Stand - Hillsong - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5iZBTNYrk
This is one of my favourite all time worship songs. Actually, with the combination package of Came to My Rescue, the two create an amazing impact in a service. The song is simple, but powerful. The lyrics stand for something unique, a cry to the Lord.
8. Where Can't I Find You - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-em44bgX-o
It seems every new song that I hear from this band is amazing. This one is from their older album, but their unique sound is still present. It is definitely a rock genre, but the lead singer's vocal's, Marcel Preston, can also be extremely smooth. They recently played at Air Raid hosted by Life 100.3. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend, but I've heard they sound amazing live as well.
9. Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6oxXwRWFTo
A lot of the times with bands, there is a constant flow of old members leaving and new members being added to replace them. The great thing about Big Daddy Weave is that all the members except for one have been with the band since day one. All but the drummer have been committed to the cause since 2002. And the drummer only recently left, in 2013.
10. Supernova Sunrise - We Are Leo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Gxvze4fBE
I always like when the electric guitar is given a key role in a song. The repeated riff in this song drives the pace forward, and makes sure to provide the song with an electric atmosphere. Actually this band, just like Sky Terminal, was at a past Air Raid. I'm really going to have to pay more attention as to when these concerts happen.
Saturday, 7 March 2015
Ed Sheeran's Multiply Album Review
Rating: 8.6/10
Website: http://www.edsheeran.com/home.htm?force=show
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/x-deluxe-edition/id858512800
Arguably the most talented male musician in the world today, Ed Sheeran has produced yet another amazing album. And once again, the album is incredibly interesting, and possibly one of the most diverse ever recorded. With this being Ed Sheeran's second studio album, he is still developing his sound, which is possibly why he dabbles in hip hop, and variations of his classic acoustic style. However, the highlights of the album remain in Sheeran's niche; him and a guitar.
While it may seem that the hip hop side of this album is something new, really this is just the product of Sheeran's development in the genre. Heavily influenced by artists such as Pharrell Williams, while internationally Sheeran has garnered acclaim for his hip hop work, I find the strongest part of this album is when Sheeran remains true to his roots. When he crafts a song with just his guitar and his voice, he makes magic. Highlighted by Thinking Out Loud and One, Sheeran continually displays his world class skill at songwriting. For this album, rather then just stick with ballads, Sheeran has played around with some classic guitar riffs, and time signatures to create original material. Yet, overall, his style has not changed, rather it has improved.
Ed Sheeran deserves a lot of credit for this album, and for the start of his young career. He is one artist to keep an eye on for the future, as he continues to take the world by storm. I hope he continues to stick with his acoustic work, rather then venture too far into the world of electronic music, or even the hip hop genre.
Website: http://www.edsheeran.com/home.htm?force=show
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/x-deluxe-edition/id858512800
Arguably the most talented male musician in the world today, Ed Sheeran has produced yet another amazing album. And once again, the album is incredibly interesting, and possibly one of the most diverse ever recorded. With this being Ed Sheeran's second studio album, he is still developing his sound, which is possibly why he dabbles in hip hop, and variations of his classic acoustic style. However, the highlights of the album remain in Sheeran's niche; him and a guitar.
While it may seem that the hip hop side of this album is something new, really this is just the product of Sheeran's development in the genre. Heavily influenced by artists such as Pharrell Williams, while internationally Sheeran has garnered acclaim for his hip hop work, I find the strongest part of this album is when Sheeran remains true to his roots. When he crafts a song with just his guitar and his voice, he makes magic. Highlighted by Thinking Out Loud and One, Sheeran continually displays his world class skill at songwriting. For this album, rather then just stick with ballads, Sheeran has played around with some classic guitar riffs, and time signatures to create original material. Yet, overall, his style has not changed, rather it has improved.
Ed Sheeran deserves a lot of credit for this album, and for the start of his young career. He is one artist to keep an eye on for the future, as he continues to take the world by storm. I hope he continues to stick with his acoustic work, rather then venture too far into the world of electronic music, or even the hip hop genre.
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