Old soul in a young man

19 year old singer, songwriter Jake Bugg has been taking the UK by storm. Despite his age, he grew up listening to all the classics: from the Beatles to Jimi Handrix, from Oasis to Bob Dylan. His musical education was definitely varied, which is plain to sees in his work.

Jake Bugg is part of the current folk wave that seems to be sweeping the UK (and I couldn't be happier), but he has a sound that is quite unique. His voice has the same old soul sound you can find when listening to Dylan, and his lyrics portray a maturity that isn't common for a 19 year old.

Although he is young, Jake already has three years or performing under his belt. He's played at Glastonbury, and will soon be performing in Toronto. He's a performer that needs to be seen to truly appreciate, but until he's in Canada, here's a taste of what Jake Bugg is best at.

Breathe Easy, Rachel Sermanni has Arrived

Earlier this week I learned of an amazing new folk singer out of Scotland. Once I heard the interesting new sound that Rachel Sermanni was bringing to the genre I knew I had to share her with all of you. Although Rachel Sermanni is quite well known in the UK (already winning over the Mumford and Sons boys as fans), her first show in North America just happened over the Valentines' weekend, at the International Folk Alliance in Toronto.

Rachel Sermanni is an incredible talent. The control and focus she has in her vocals are hard to find in much more seasoned singers- that's why it's so surprising that she is only 21 years old. She also brings a depth to the lyrics- that often only comes from life experience. The wisdom within her lyrics and vocals is touching to anyone that hears it.

Not only is Rachel an impress vocalist, she’s also a really sweet girl. I can’t help but love singers more when they have great personalities (and Rachel really does).To understand what I mean check out her sit down with JianGhomeshi on Q.

This singer cannot be stopped. She is on the path to overtake the North American market and I couldn’t be happier. Rachel Sermanni is definitely an act that you need to know about.

Breathe Easy Rachel Sermanni

The Irish Charm

Irish vocalist Lisa Hannigan first got notoriety singing with Damien Rice (yes, Rice fans, she is that girl). For several years Lisa Hannigan sang Damien's songs, toured with him, and wowed fans. However, Damien Rice hasn't played much in the last couple years and Lisa felt it was time to go her own way. So, in 2007 Lisa Hannigan became a solo musician.

If you are a Damien Rice fan, don't expect Lisa's music to sound anything like his. Although Lisa still holds onto her folk roots her songs definitely have a pop feel. Unlike Rice's heavily emotional lyrics, Hannigan likes to find the brighter side of things. Her music is uplifting and fun. You can't help but smile along with the songs.


Hannigan isn’t just a vocalist. She is also a pretty accomplished instrumentalist playing guitar, bass, violin, several types of percussion, as well as many different cultural instruments. She is an incredibly talented musician; often receiving critical acclaim for her work.

If you follow music closely you will find that Lisa Hannigan is one of those 'artists’ artists'. She’s a musician that many musicians know and love. She has worked with artists like Gary Lightbody (from Snow Patrol), Glen Hansard, Damien Rice, Herbie Hancock and more. Why not be in the know too.

 

An Act the Critics Love

With the current New York Times Review of Passenger (4/5), I can finally talk about this amazing musician. Passenger is my favourite act to come out of England in the last couple years. However,
he hasn’t been able to gain the traction he really deserves, until now.

Passenger originally started as a UK band in 2003. However, in 2009 the band split up and singer, Mike Rosenberg, continued on with the name for his own solo career. Brighton raised, Rosenberg spent a lot of time establishing himself as a serious folk/rock musician. Even as he sells out small venues around Europe, Australia, and North America (he had his first couple headline shows at the end of 2012), he continues to busk everywhere he goes.

 For Mike, it really is all about the music. You can hear his love and passion in his songs. But, you can truly hear and see it at his live shows. Often the venue is so quiet you could hear a pin drop as the audience becomes emerged in the music

Passenger also loves to collaborate with others. This only continues to strengthen his music. His 2010 release Flight of the Crow was completely duet work. For an artist that has only put out three albums, that’s a rarity.

When critics love an act, you know you need to see it for yourself (since they so rarely love anything). And be sure to watch some of his collaboration videos.

Sometimes you Need a Woman

I tend to have a love for male artists more than female (I honestly don’t know why but I have always gravitated to them). However, my love for this next band makes up for my male dominated, musical obsession. 

Daughter (the London based, female led, trio) is so incredible that I have to listen to at least one of their songs a day just to get my ‘fix’. Lead singer, Elena Tonra, originally started Daughter as a solo project but quickly discovered it was better with Igor Haefeli and Remi Aguilella. Although both men (Igor and Remi) add a great deal to Daughter musically, Elena is still the heart and soul of the band. The best part about Daughter is Elena’s unique and breath-taking vocals. With beautifully poetic lyrics (which come a close second to Elena’s voice), daughter is a band that cannot be ignored.  

To read more from Elena herself click here. (NWS)

I could have linked any of the 4 songs from Daughter’s first and only EP The Wild Youth into this post. I could have used Medicine to show the soft side of the band. Or I could have gone with Love to showcase how the band isn’t scared to experiment a bit with their sound. But no song encompasses everything that Daughter has to offer better than Youth. So, here’s a live version of Youth (because Daughter really does need to be heard live). 

 To read more from Elena herself click here. (NWS)

When Folk meets Soul you get Foy Vance

With the current US tour of newly established, British superstar Ed Sheeran underway it's the perfect time to introduce North America to one of the opening acts, Foy Vance. This North Irish singer, songwriter and guitarist is definitely getting attention, and fast. The incredible thing about Foy Vance isn't just his voice (which instantly puts you at peace), it's how he mixes folk and soul so well. Few singers can mix genres and come out with something worth listening to. Foy Vance comes out with something ingenious.

Aside from his ability to create a new genre, Foy Vance also does something magical with his guitar. He has figured out how to use the guitar to enhance the song, not to overwhelm it. The guitar is always secondary to the lyrics and vocals; it's never the core of the song. 

Two of his songs have been featured in episodes of Grey’s Anatomy (Gabriel and the Vegabond and Homebird). That should tell you what to expect of this musician. If you want a song that gets deep inside you and makes you feel something you can’t explain, this man is the one to do it. 

So, I have added one of his greatest songs Guiding Light for you to hear for yourself. Foy Vance has already established himself back in Ireland, now it’s time for North America to jump on board. This is one artist you have to know.