Introducing 'Hiatus Kaiyote'

Hiatus Kaiyote

They call their music “future soul.” They have a name that is deceptively simple, yet makes you second guess your pronunciation because of its spelling. They have a lead vocalist whose voice could make the most resolute non-believer suddenly believe in whatever she wants you to. They’re another band to add to the growing list of definitive soul music acts coming out of an isolated part of the world. They are Melbourne, Australia based four piece Hiatus Kaiyote.

Read full story at SoulBounce.

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Introducing Kwabena Adjepong

Kwabs

There are a few different types of singers out there. There are the ones we loosely use the term in regards to — yes I’m talking to you Rihanna, Madonna and any reality star who releases a single for “fun.” There are singers who can really blow, and are on top of their game, this is where I’d put Beyoncé, Usher (when he sings the right material) and various other R&B singers. Then, there are singers who are on a whole other level, who when they open their mouths appear to be not merely singing, but to be possessed by the holy spirit. Their voices make you feel things so deep within you that you surely didn’t ask to feel at that exact moment — be that pain, joy or heartache. Donny Hathaway,Stevie Wonder and Etta James are in this category for me. Well, now there’s a fresh new name to add to this short list: Kwabena Adjepong.

Read full story at SoulBounce

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Introducing 'Runforyourlife'

RFYL

The email subject simply read “Sex, Ball Sweat & Funky Jesus.” My interest was piqued, torn between wondering if I was about to unleash some kind of foul smelling virus or be pleasantly surprised, I let my curiosity guide me, and thankfully, curiosity won on this day, as I was introduced to Melbourne, Australia based collective Runforyourlife.

Read more at SoulBounce.com

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Jess Harlen "Let You Down" Music Video

Jess Harlen

Melbourne, Australia based, New Zealand born soul singer Jess Harlen recently released her sophomore album, Park Yard Slang, which has been receiving critical acclaim Down Under. To accompany the album she also released the music video for lead single, “Let You Down”…

Read more at SoulBounce.com

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ERIC LAU presented by Grindin & Funkdafied

Eric Lau Flyer

“..There’s beauty everywhere, from the smallest things, to the largest things in the universe. I feel, when I make music, it just comes through me. I’m just trying to be a part of everything else.” ERIC LAU ON MAKING MUSIC (Excerpt taken from The making of QUADRIVIUM2011)

RETURNING to Sydney for one night only is one of hip-hop’s fastest rising and critically acclaimed producers - ERIC LAU (UK)! Grindin Music and Funkdafied have teamed up once again to host the return of Eric Lau who will be providing nu soul, jazz and hip hop revelers with a DJ set at The Burdekin (1st Level) on MAY 26TH, 2012.

Supporting DJ’s on the night will showcase a talented pool of music aficionados who have worked tirelessly over the years by their own merits, developing and cultivating Sydney’s niche music community providing a strong thread of music parties, festivals and events for us to enjoy.

The night will feature DJ’s FRENZIE, HUWSTON, JC (FUNKDAFIED) and CMAN for a night of quality music one searches the depths of dusty basements, locked in vaults that are only stumbled upon through endless digging in crates (or illegal downloading).

Join us for an education into the trajectory of hip-hop and experimental nu-soul music from the past, present and future!

www.ericlaumusic.com/

Buy tickets from Moshtix

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Soul singers shine on ‘The Voice’ Australia

What do you all think of the Australian version of ‘The Voice’? Everyone has an opinion on reality TV; people seem to either love it, hate it or live by it! Personally, I think that in the past it hasn’t been brought to us with the best of intentions. It has been geared towards creating drama and shoving mediocre, brain numbing, generic pop down the viewers throat.

While we are yet to see how ‘The Voice’ will play out, in these early days we can all agree that this show has been a huge success. Not only has it been a success in terms of ratings, but because, to my absolute joy & delight, it has given a few of Australia’s hardest working vocal talents some very overdue and well deserved love. To me, this can only be a good thing!

Here are some of my favourite performances from the show so far. These performances delivered that raw soul & funk sound that’s been missing from Australian TV.

Check out Diana Rouvas, Mahalia Barnes, Carmen Smith and Darren Percival doing their thing below, and head over to iTunes to purchase the recordings.

Diana Rouvas - Work It Out

Mahalia Barnes - Proud Mary

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Album Review: Jess Harlen – Park Yard Slang (2012 LP)

Jess_Harlen

Life lessons, life’s ups and downs, life regrets, life loves, and the stories that come from living a ‘real’ life are the prominent themes in Melbourne based vocalist Jess Harlen‘s latest album Park Yard Slang (Obese Records). Behind Harlen’s individually sweet yet haunting voice are songs that scratch below the surface, and have real meaning.

Read full review at Mosca Media

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