Regina Spektor

While some may already know this fabulous singer, i happen to know a lot of people who have never heard of her. She is one of those artists that you either love or hate. I happen to love her voice, her unique style and her eclectic mix of music. She is originally from Moscow, Russia; her father was a violinist and her mother, a music professor, so you can say music is in her blood. She now lives in New York.
She grew up playing classical piano, which she infuses into her music, along with her guitar skills. Her songs are whimsical and very different from most songs you've ever heard. Her voice is definitely unique to her. She has a very broad range in her voice and she uses all her talents to her advantage.
One of her most popular tracks is called Fidelty, which she released in early 2007. It has a funky fun vibe to it. Her style is one of a kind. Everything from her hair to her clothes to her voice. Go to her website and check her out for yourself.

ADELE

Another artist you may have seen recently on VH1 or MTV videos is U.K. singer/songwriter Adele. She has one of the most beautiful, soulful, and sultry voices that I've heard in a very long time. With inspirations like Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald and Eva Cassidy, it's no wonder she's such a fantastic singer!

Her first single off her debut album 19 is called Chasing Pavements. Her songs are powerful and very eclectic. She can go from very sweet melodic songs to loud energetic songs with hard beats. Her sassy attitude comes across in her videos- check out her song Cold Shoulder. The two things that remain constant throughout, are her profound lyrics and beautiful voice. Her white skin, light eyes, and curvy figure, make her seem almost innocent; it is hard to believe that such a powerful voice emanates from within. Apart from writing and singing her own songs, she also plays guitar. I highly recommend checking out her YouTube page, where you can find out a little more about her and see her other videos.

What do you think?

Jason Mraz

Some of you may know who Jason Mraz is, but for those who don't, i wanted to share with you a little bit of his talented work. His fun, quirky lyrics set him apart from most other artists. Every song has a unique sound. He changes the melodies and the beats in such a way that you never find yourself bored or wanting to change to the next song. Not only is his music different and funky, but so is his personality. He has a great spirit, and it comes through in his music. I'm going to see him for the first time live on December 5th at the Fillmor on Miami Beach! Can't wait!
Years after releasing his first two albums- Waiting For My Rocket To Come and Mr. A-Z, he's back with his newest CD: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. He took a few years to come back because was "rediscovering himself". His website will explain more. Please go check it out, it's fun and funky just like him!
His newest album is a side of Mraz that most fans had not yet seen. Previously his music was interlaced with quick verses and random analogies, but this time things are a little different. While he still kept this album alive and interesting, he added a whole new spin to it. This time around i feel his lyrics are so much more heartfelt. He wrote very emotional songs in this album, songs that everyone can relate to. The album has everything from reggae beats like in his first single I'm Yours to soft mellow melodies like in Love For A Child. There are melancholic songs, sweet songs, and songs that you just want to get up and dance to. If i were to give you a small play list, it would look a little something like this:

The Remedy
You and I Both
I'll Do Anything
Geek In The Pink
Wordplay
I'm Yours
Only Human
Live High
Make It Mine
If It Kills Me
A Beautiful Mess

ENJOY!

Ray LaMontagne

I thought i would start this blog talking about one of my new favorite artists. I found out about him just a few a weeks ago while reading John Mayer's blog. His name is Ray LaMontagne and he's been writing music and touring for about ten years. A little synopsis of his life: He was born in New Hampshire and has five siblings. His father was also a musician, but had little to no contact with his family. Ray was inspired to start composing and singing one day after hearing Stephen Still's "Treetop Flyer". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_LaMontagne

I have not stopped listening to him for the past two weeks. His beautiful raspy voice and sweet lyrics automatically draw you in. With a scruffy, almost hippie look, he has no problem captivating audiences with his folksy music, that touches the heart. His lyrics are extremely relatable, every song evokes a different emotion. It's easy to understand the emotion and the meaning behind his words.
I want to give you a small play list that i think really encompasses his music trajectory. From his first album Trouble, released in 2004, you need to listen to :

Jolene
Trouble
Shelter
Forever My Friend
Hold You In My Arms

From his second album, Till The Sun Turns Black:

I Wish I Could Change Your Mind
Can I Stay
Three More Days
Empty

His latest album, just released on October 14, 2008 is called Gossip In The Grain, and from there you need to check out:

You Are The Best Thing
Let It Be Me
I Still Care For You
A Falling Through

I'll leave you with some more video and let you decide for yourself

Hello everyone!

I thought this project was a perfect opportunity to share with others my love for music, and talk about both established and newer musicians that I really admire. I'm going to use this opportunity to give you a little insight into the kind of music I enjoy and the type of artists that are currently on my play list. I don't go anywhere without my Ipod. In fact, I realized just the other day that I haven't listened to the music on the radio in months. It goes with me in the car, on my walk to class. It saves me from boredom and from any annoying conversation that might be going on around me.

I listen to anything from jazz and blues to classical music. I have a different play list for every mood I may find myself in. Of course i have the classic 80s play list, complete with artists from The Police to ACDC to Madonna. Then there's the love play list, the break up play list, the one I listen to when I want to dance, and the one I listen to when I want to fall asleep.

Maybe some of you will discover new songs and artists you might like and hopefully my posts will do them and their music justice.