Happy Holidays!

Hope everyone has a safe and great weekend surrounded by love! Its been crazy the past few weeks, and I'm spending Christmas without the laptop... but I'll be back in a few days with more music posts and cool features! Have a rockin' holiday season! I'm off and ATL bound!

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LIST: 30 Favorite Discoveries of 2010

Whether through LIVE shows, music recommendations, or just searching on my own...I came across A LOT of amazing musicians in the past year, that I'd never heard of until this year.

So, I thought I'd share with you this mix, containing one song from each of the 30 artists that I was delighted to discover this year. Of course, there's still a couple weeks before the end of 2010...so who knows. I may update this to be 50 favorites. Keep following us and see...

Until then, I hope you enjoy these amazing artists as much as I do!

(In Alphabetical Order)

Abraham The Poor

Beats Antique

Davy Mooney

Dylan LeBlanc

Emrah Kento

Harper Blynn

Ingram Hill

Jane Lui

Jason Poe

John Brodeur

Kate Earl

Katie Costello

Katie Todd
Mad Planet

Meiko

MEN

Mike Grutka

Mixtapes & Meltdowns

Mr. Little Jeans

Mumford and Sons

Phoebe Legere

Ra Ra Riot

Red Directors

Second Dan

Shayfer James

The Famous

The On Fires

The Walla Recovery

The Weepies

Tom Goss

GOODIES: Local Natives Make Gorilla Manor Available for Remixing

Love some Local Natives? How about remixing songs? Now you can do both and have the opportunity to end up on a special compilation album.

Local Natives have just made Gorilla Manor completely available for remixing. That's right! You can remix ANY of the songs on this critically acclaimed album. The band will then check out all the submitted remixes and release their favorites on a special compilation later this month. However, 12/15 is the deadline to submit. So get to it!

Visit http://stems.heroku.com for more information on how to get started, as well as check out some of the remixes already submitted!

SINGLED OUT: Katie Costello - Ashes, Ashes

There's something about Katie Costello's lovely voice that is just so captivating. It's distinctly beautiful and easy to get lost in. I just love it and I think you will too! Check out this song,"Ashes, Ashes" from her soon-to-be-released album, Lamplight (out in Feb 2011).

 
Download now or listen on posterous

Katie_Costello_-_Ashes_Ashes.mp3 (4234 KB)

www.katiecostellomusic.com

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: Antje Duvekot - "Long Way"

A recent LIVE performance of one of my favorite songs, by one of my favorite artists... Check out the lovely and talented, Antje Duvekot performing "Long Way".

I remember when I saw her perform this song in Athens, GA a couple years ago. (Read about that show HERE.) Took my breath away then, still does now. While Antje has several shows in the US, the Netherlands, and Germany I haven't seen anything for GA yet. (Click HERE for tour dates.) I do hope she comes back soon though! I'd love to see her perform LIVE again!!!

www.antjeduvekot.com

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

DISCOVER: Phoebe Legere

If you haven't already, you need to check out Phoebe Legere's newest release, Ooh La La Coq Tail. An album not to miss, Phoebe's voice is absolutely delightful and complements this collection of jazzy melodies perfectly. Like the cover design, this album is both fun and flirty. Listening to it, I feel the urge to don a little black dress, throw on some heels and grab my boyfriend for a night out on the town!

"Playing Me Like A Piano" is definitely one of my favorites! I love the play on words and the flirtatious innuendo. I think its awesome that she has a song called "Crazy White Trash", that playfully keeps your toes tapping. Then, on the same album, you have the sensual "Prelude To A Kiss", and "Earth Singing World" where Phoebe's piano playing is captivating.

In addition to her talents as a singer, composer, pianist and accordionist; she is also a painter, a poet, and a film maker! So cool!!!

Check out this piece called "Appropriate Kiss and Wolf"!

Intelligent and incredibly multi-talented, I find Phoebe Legere absolutely intriguing. Keep it up, and keep inspiring, Phoebe!!

For those of you in NY on 12/21, you can experience LIVE performances at 8pm & 10pm at the Iridium Jazz Club (212.582.2121). You can also stop by there on the third Tuesday of every month, for more performances of The Phoebe Legere Quintet!

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: Val Emmich & Friends (featuring J. Blynn and Pete Harper of Harper Blynn) - Nowhere Man (The Beatles Cover)

Check this out! It's Val Emmich with J. Blynn and Pete Harper of Harper Blynn performing a cover of The Beatles' "Nowhere Man".

I love Val. I love Harper Blynn. I love the Beatles. I love my awesome friend, Ellen, for sharing with me this amazing LIVE performance she captured. She's pretty amazing and all over the music scene in NY! Thanks again, Ellen!!!

With all this love going around, I gotta share it right? Of course! Hope you enjoy it!!!

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

I DIG: Harper Blynn

 

Harper Blynn is one of the best bands I've come across this year, and definitely an instant favorite. Their first song I heard was a cover of Beyonce's "Halo". So amazing, I gotta say it gives the original a run for the money. I featured it in an earlier entry, HERE. I just can't get enough of these guys out of Brooklyn, NY.

I have been listening to their recently released self-titled EP, Harper Blynn and OMG! I'm so glad their music found it's way to my ears! The EP is a collection of passionate vocals, addictive music and incredible songwriting. I think my favorite would be a tie between "Every Impulse" and "Start All Over" and "Bound to Break". I just can't decide.

The band's name comes from songwriters, Pete Harper and J. Blynn, who share the lead vocals, though bandmates Sarab Singh and Whynot (yes, that's his name!) sing as well. These guys have a magic about them that I want to be a part of, and listening to them allows me to do so. Their emotion comes through in their songs and wow...it sometimes can be overwhelming. I LOVE these guys!

I hope they'll come to Athens or ATL in the near future so I can see them LIVE! They recently toured with Greg Laswell and Cary Brothers over the summer. And it looks like if you are lucky enough to be in NY in Dec, you can catch one of their next LIVE performances. Click HERE for details of their shows at Rockwood Music Hall.

www.harperblynn.com

On Facebook

On MySpace

On Twitter

On YouTube

VIDEO: Dido - Thank You / A WORD FROM: Jen

I still love this song. Brings back great memories of great friends. So, enjoy this blast from the past on this Thanksgiving holiday.

Check out the Official Music Video for Dido's "Thank You", HERE.
----------------------------------
It's been over 2.5 years now, since I started A Million Watts of Sound as a way to share my passion for music, artists, songwriters, and the inspiration they bring. I am thankful for all the support and the opportunities it has brought into my life. It has grown into quite a community of inspiration, discovery and creation. I hope that I continue to do for you, what it and you have done for me...and that is bring happiness. So to all the artists and music lovers out there...THANK YOU!!!

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

RELEASE: Mr. Little Jeans - Rescue Song

I love love love, Mr. Little Jeans (aka Monica Birkenes). She's easily become one of my favorite artists I've discovered this year. Back in September, in a post featuring her song "Faking Gold", I mentioned the rumor of a possible new single releasing this year. Well, it's not a rumor anymore. YAY! Just got word she's releasing a double A-side single for "Rescue Song"/"Valentine" on November 29th!

You may recognize "Rescue Song" as it's been featured in HP's "Create Amazing" campaign. Check out the video here:

Both songs are incredible. How can you not fall in love with that voice? It's a force to be reckoned with! Wanna hear both songs before the single release? Check out Mr. Little Jeans on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/mrlittlejeans100. Then go get them on 11/29!

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: White Lies - Bigger Than Us

White Lies recently released the music video for "Bigger Than Us", the first single from the band's highly anticipated sophomore release, Ritual, which comes out on January 18, 2011. Great song. Kinda reminds me of Depeche Mode... The video is crazy amazing. Check it out...

For more on White Lies, visit www.whitelies.com.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

LISTEN: mixtapes & meltdowns - Paper Weight

A couple months ago, I came across the lovely music of Laurie Stark, also known as, mixtapes & meltdowns, on www.thesixtyone.com. "Something to Humble Me" blew me away. It's not on the six-song EP I am reviewing, but check it out HERE and fall in love anyways. After listening to just this one song, I knew I needed to hear more. Whether paired with sexy beats, or gentle guitar strumming, Laurie's voice compliments her musical arrangements incredibly.

Self-recorded and produced, Paper Weight was released in August 2010, and is a must have for music lover's everywhere. Surprisingly, there isn't as strong an online presence for mixtapes & meltdowns out there as I expected. At least, not yet, So, I feel compelled and somewhat obligated to share this special treasure I found with all of you, and remedy that.

An instant fan of her music, it's hard to pick favorites. I love all the songs on this EP. However, "Feels Like Rain to Me" and the title track, "Paper Weight" are definite standouts.

Back in September, I was fortunate to exchange a couple emails with Laurie. She is a true artist, and kindly shared her appreciation of my support. I hope that you'll take a listen to the beautiful music she has to offer, and join me in supporting her. Go get this album!!!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YBOA8U?ie=UTF8&tag=yourill-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003YBOA8U

Much love, Laurie. You rock. Keep it coming... :)

mixtapes & meltdowns

On last.fm

On MySpace

On TheSixtyOne

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: Red Directors - Carbon Life

This video is crazy, but the song is freakin' awesome! I got much love for Red Directors. For more about this awesome band, check out www.reddirectors.com.

Carbon Life - Red Directors from Red Directors on Vimeo.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: Harper Blynn - HALO (Beyonce & Dirty Projectors Cover)

Oh my god! This version of "Halo" is sick!!! I like the original, but this is one of those rare occasions when I think the cover is even better than the original. (Sorry, Beyonce!) Harper Blynn's version rules.


http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: Jane Lui - Jailcard

I am really digging the voice of the lovely, Jane Lui! Check out her cool new video for "Jailcard"!

For more on Jane, check out www.janelui.com

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

UPDATE...11/09/10

Hello, fellow music lovers. Sorry it's been a little sparse here lately. October was a crazy month, and I spent a lot of it Rockin' the Vote. But now that elections are over, and I've had the past week to re-energize, look forward to seeing more posts here. I did get to see a couple amazing shows last month and I can't wait to tell you about more about them. So please stay tuned!

For even more music related ramblings, quick updates, shows to check out, and more, make sure to follow us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Million-Watts-of-Sound/145728518772456

VIDEO: MEN - "Off Our Backs"

MEN, the awesome Brooklyn based band and art/performance collective, recently premiered this video of their song "Off Our Backs". Enjoy! For more about MEN and their music, check them out at www.menmakemusic.com.

While the single releases soon on 11/09, you can pre-order the 12" vinyl here: http://www.iamsoundrecords.com/store/men/
Check out the "Off Our Backs" (Lemonade Remix)!
   (10648 KB)
Listen on posterous
http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

DOWNLOAD and/or SHARE: Mike Grutka/Mike Grutka Project - Lullabye

Lullabye

by Mike Grutka/Mike Grutka Project

Share Lullabye

via arielpublicity.net

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

SHOW REVIEW: Local Natives at The Masquerade - 10.15.10

No one has been working harder than the L.A.-based folk rock band, Local Natives. After touring extensively behind their debut album Gorilla Manor, including performances at Coachella, Bonnaroo, and a stint in Europe, they have made it clear that they are a band not to be missed. I first had the great pleasure of seeing them live at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival this past summer. After waiting five hours in the grueling heat, the wait was worth it. Their performance was incredible, unbelievable, mind-blowing...exceeding my expectations x 1, 000, 000.


The second time around was no different. The venue may have been smaller and the fans a lot less smelly, but the show was just as electrifying. Devoted fans, myself included, waited hours before doors opened knowing that being front row at the Masquerade was the place to be Friday night of October 15th. After securing our spot in the front row, my friends and I waited with anticipation as the first band, The Union Line,came on stage. By the end of the first song I knew that this was the perfect band to open with. With their beat- driven songs and perfect harmonies, this band was the right complement to Local Natives. The Ruby Suns came on next. The crowd became intrigued as they began setting up their instruments, decorating them with gold foil and white Christmas lights. 80s synth-pop was the first thing to come to my mind. Their tropical dance beats got the crown pumped for what was to come.


Grinning from ear to ear, completely and utterly happy, there was no other place I would have rather been. About 11:00 pm, the audience got what they were waiting for. Local Natives took the stage and immediately opened with "Camera Talk." The album's most energetic song got the crowd jumping up and down, with hands in the air, all of Atlanta could have felt the energy bursting from the small venue.

They performed all twelve songs off their album, but added their own little twist to the beginning of songs such as "Sticky Thread" and "Who Knows, Who Cares" (my personal favorite) leaving the audience to guess what was coming up next.


The always handsome Taylor Rice let the crowd know that this audience was one of the best they have ever had, making the audience increase the volume of their cheers.
After a short break filled with chants of wanting more and a slow clap initiated by my group of friends, they came back out to play "Stranger Things," but what the audience was really looking forward to was "Sun Hands." The already high energy in the room was was building as the song approached the anticipated breakdown. Ever the entertainers, the band added a build up leading up to the breakdown. As soon as it hit, the audience went insane, not caring about who they ran into, but instead being led by the driving beat of the percussion.


Local Natives are unstoppable and always leave the crowd wanting more. I'm more than excited to see what they have in store next.

Myself, Taylor Rice (guitarist and vocalist), Brian Jimenez

Ryan Hahn (guitarist and vocalist) and myself

Friend, Andy Hamm (bassist), and myself

Setlist

1. Camera Talk
2. World News
3. Warning Sign (Talking Heads cover)
4. Cards and Quarters
5. Sticky Thread
6. Wide Eyes
7. Shape Shifter
8. Cubism Dream
9. Airplanes
10. Who Knows, Who Cares

Encore
11. Stranger Things
12. Sun Hands

www.thelocalnatives.com

SNAPSHOTS: Beats Antique - New Earth Music Hall - 10.16.10

Wow. Beats Antique rule! The music is insane and Zoe Jakes is breathaking.

See the full gallery on posterous

Review, photo gallery, and videos to come so stay tuned. Meanwhile, enjoy the mobile pics!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone, powered by CREDO Mobile.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

SNAPSHOTS: Abandon The Earth Mission / Lynx - New Earth Music Hall - 10.16.10

Awesome band from Athens, Abandon The Earth Mission, started the night right.

See the full gallery on posterous

Followed by LYNX, originally from CO, but now based in the Bay Area. She is badass.

See the full gallery on posterous

See next entry for snapshots of headliner, Beats Antique.
Review, photo gallery, and videos to come so stay tuned. Meanwhile, enjoy the mobile pics!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone, powered by CREDO Mobile.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: French Horn Rebellion - This Moment

Check out the video for This Moment, by the awesome French Horn Rebellion!!

I LOVE the cheezy 80s era photo shoot stuff going on in this video. The music alone is catchy enough but the video makes it way more fun! LOL. This feel good song really perks up your energy. I mean come on...how can you not want to start tapping your feet, sway your head side to side, or bust out into some full on crazy dance moves after a listen? I LOVE IT!

This song is from the brand new EP "This Moment", which releases on November 22. It's one of 2 brand new original tracks on the EP, which also includes three remixes. The band will be self-releasing this in conjunction with new UK indie Once Upon A Time Records.

For more on this awesome band, check out www.frenchhornrebellion.com

If you are in the Los Angeles or NY area, check out one of their upcoming shows!
Friday 10/15: Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex (TILT Magazine) w/Jamaica 11:00pm
Monday 10/18: Los Angeles, CA @ Bardot (It’s a School Night)
Thursday 10/21: New York @ The Studio at Webster Hall - The Rumble @ CMJ (9:15pm)
Thursday 10/21: New York @ Backstage Bar – Hype Machine CMJ showcase (Midnight)
Saturday 10/23: New York @ Santos Party House – Windish CMJ Showcase (1:30am)

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

DOWNLOAD and/or SHARE: Second Dan - Today

Today

by Second Dan

Share Today

via arielpublicity.net

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

DOWNLOAD and/or SHARE: Davy Mooney - Maybe Tomorrow

Maybe Tomorrow - Ghosts of Music, Past

by Davy Mooney

Share Maybe Tomorrow - Ghosts of Music, Past

via arielpublicity.net

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: Mad Planet - Love Addicts

One of the treasures I've recently discovered is the delicious music of Mad Planet. This song, "Love Addicts" is one of my favorite songs from their album, All Elephants. Watch this really cool video of it here.

www.madplanetmusic.com

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

CREATIVE ALLIES: AM’s Tour Poster for Future Sons & Daughters

This is my entry for a contest via www.creativeallies.com to design the tour poster for AM, celebrating the release of the album "Future Sons & Daughters".

http://creativeallies.com/creation/dmb-AM-Flyer-Poster

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

SPECIAL: Happy birthday, John Lennon. We're still keeping the dream alive.

I was only a child when the world lost John. He would've been 70 on this lovely Saturday, were he still around today. However, his spirit still lives on, as his message continues to inspire the world.

One example, is how Google pays tribute to John Lennon. Recognizing his birthday, with this really cool interactive google doodle, featuring "Imagine".

You may say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.

Those words still ring true today. For all the dreamers out there...stay inspired. Make those dreams come true. We have the power to make this world a better place. John is an example of how one person can make a difference. Never forget that power inside you, and use it to make positive change.

It may be John's birthday, but we're the ones who still continue to receive the gift of the legacy he left behind.

www.johnlennon.com

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

ON THE ROAD: Local Natives

I've been hearing a lot of good things about Local Natives lately and it's clear that they are a band not to miss. Especially LIVE. Local Natives are currently on a headlining tour with The Union Line and The Ruby Suns, having played earlier dates with The Love Language.

Our very own dynamic duo,Becky and Brian, will be at the ATL show so you can definitely look forward to reading about it here, afterwards. Meanwhile, check out the list of upcoming tour dates to see if they are coming to your town and experience Local Natives for yourself!

10-09 Austin, TX - Austin City Limits

10-11 New Orleans, LA - Tulane University $@
10-13 Birmingham, AL - Work Play Soundstage $@
10-14 Nashville, TN - Cannery Ballroom $@
10-15 Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade $@
10-16 Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle $@
10-19 Toronto, Ontario - Mod Club $@  SOLD OUT
10-20 Montreal, Quebec - La Tulipe $@
10-23 Boston, MA - P aradise Rock Club $@  SOLD OUT
10-27 Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero $@
10-28 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club $@
10-29 New York, NY – Webster Hall $@  SOLD OUT
10-30 New York, NY – Webster Hall $@ 
@ with the Union Line / $ with the Ruby Suns

www.thelocalnatives.com

SHOW REVIEW: The xx at The Tabernacle - 10.06.10

Coming off a momentous victory of The Mercury Music Prize and long strenuous touring across seas, The xx show no signs of wear and tear. There was no other place to be in Atlanta on a Wednesday night than watching the xx perform their self-titled album at The Tabernacle. After the synth-drum pounding of Zola Jesus and the ambient electronic jam sessions of Warpaint, The xx took the stage at 11:04 to an electro drum-pounding introduction before jumping straight into the first track off the album “intro”. After adding a dab of continuous rhythmic beats here and there the band delved into “Crystalised”, their first single. Their setlist was accompanied by a few covers, including a Womack & Womack cover, and songs like “Basic Space” and “Shelter” added additions of electronica which kept the audience interested and entertained. After a small intermission, the band came out and completed their set with “Stars” to a beautiful backlight of small bright lights representing the night sky.

For a beginning band whose career has just recently spawned, The xx have the stage presence of music veterans. They know when to heighten or soften the moods of songs along with guiding the energy of the crowd. Songs with slow tempo were heightened with a fast electric dance pace, greatly satisfying the audience. Although The xx are overdue for a long break after several years of touring, we were informed by Oliver Sim, guitarist/vocalist, that Atlanta was to expect a visit in the near future. The announcement was was met by a vibrant array of screams, some of which were my own, from an Atlanta crowd already eager for their return.

Photography by Becky Cruz

Setlist:

Intro

Crystalised

Hearts Skips A Beat

Basic Space

Fantasy

Shelter

Show Me Love

Teardrops

VCR

Islands

Night Time

Infinity

Stars

www.thexx.info