Charlie Baldwin, better known as the producer Kasket, was destined to create music. After all, it's in his genes...literally. The son of legendary jazz guitarist Ray Russell, Kasket's production aesthetics flow in the same vein as jazz, yet also include inspiration from branches of electronic music such as drum and bass, dubstep and house music, as well as Hip-Hop, ultimately morphed into his distinct sound.
To listen to Zara McFarlane sing is like being blessed by the first feeling of warmth of the morning sun. This is more than just an appreciation - this is beauty in all of its glory. It also begins to become vividly clear why McFarlane is not only looked upon in the same light as past jazz greats, but is considered to be one of the leading artists of the current generation of UK jazz vocalists. Her confidence is evident while her glowing smile creates a comforting welcome into her world. Unafraid to push the depths of her voice, Zara McFarlane is the singer’s singer who understands the true power that music has to offer as well as her ability and importance to deliver it in its purest form.
The word demented means “to act or behave irrationally due to anger or stress”. However there is something provocative at the way London-based vocalist and musician Sonia Stein sings about the topic, especially when it relates to relationships. There is a striking boldness within the tone of her milky voice that resonates without having to be overly brash. Her vivid lyrics, written like that of storytelling folk singer, reels you into her quiet storm of thoughts, making you "get it" and almost instantly side with her emotions. The grey area between Stein's reality and illusion of feelings in her music is only the crosswalk to a beautiful place, no matter the direction.
Austrian producer Simon/off isn’t concerned about being pigeon-holed into one particular genre, but rather having the flexibility to navigate between sounds to produce a great outcome. The results are forward thinking electronic music that could indeed glide through various styles, whether garage, grime, broken beat, bass or jungle – all which are boundless and prodigious.
The Parthenon, goddesses, Olympians, Plato, and lengthy engravings in the pages of history are immediate thoughts when discussing the city of Athens, Greece. However, if you scroll past the usual topics of talk pieces regarding Athens, and focus your attention on the creative happenings of the city, what you will discover are artists and musicians redefining a new meaning of Greek identity and modern cool. Fever Kids, the group consisting of singer, musician and songwriter Stella Chronopoulou aka Σtella and Alex, the guitarist for Keep Shelly in Athens, are fostering a wave of polished pop that is undeniably riveting.
To call producer and DJ Rui Da Silva a fixture in the world of house and dance music is an understatement. After all, this is a man who not only created the first dance label in the country of Portugal, as well as produce chart topping records, but his remix discography includes acts such as Jennifer Lopez, Nelly Furtado, and David Morales. Establishing himself as one of the most well rounded artists in the business, he continues to leave his mark as one of the most proficient producers, DJs, engineers, and writers today.
The word "fabulous" couldn’t fit the singer Ulla Nova more perfectly, as her titillating music and striking style creates the perfect marriage between contemporary and luxuriously classic. While the London based singer and performer possesses an air of mystery, her fashionable presentation evokes the very idea of what one would consider the epitome of glamour.
While Sydney, Australia may boast a reputation for its high quality of life and beautiful people, the city has also been a recent focal point for a wave of incredible musicians and artists creating an array of outstanding music and self definition. You can say that singer Sarsha Simone has inherited all of Sydney's shining rays of goodness, packing a voice that of a classic soul vocalist and gorgeously stunning looks that will stop you dead in your tracks. Building a name in the nu soul, r&b, as well as Hip-Hop circuit, Simone's sincere approach to music and fashion unquestionably makes her one to watch out for as a force to be reckoned with.
Sometimes the best music does indeed come from collaborations. In the case of Paskal and Urban Absolutes, their particular production chemistry is a perfect blend. Whether releasing tracks such as “Gotta Make It Right” featuring legendary Chicago vocalist Byron Stingily or the deep, sultry “Still in Love”, Paskal and Urban Absolutes have been responsible for creating some of the most amazing house records in the past few years.
Lea Lea is powerful - not simply because of her soulful commanding voice, her undeniable presence or even her ability to physically transform into a musical warrior. While these attributes are a given, Lea Lea is powerful...because she knows it. There is no selling of sex but her naturally gorgeous appearance makes you overly want her. Instead of crying a river over heartbreaks on her recordings, she sings about social unrest. This is the kind of “first lady” power that can transform decades old systematical structures. This is power with purpose.
