Kentuckyseven

Premiering right here on Kentuckyseven, the wonderous band Charity Children (Chloë Lewer, Elliott McKee) and their debut single ”Elizabeth”.

Starting out as street musicians in the streets of Berlin, for the first time ever their music can be heard outside the pavements of Berlin. This band from New Zeeland has got a unique sound, indie-folk at its very best. The unique sound is created from an impressing 15 musician strong ensamble that has created this over the last two years.

A full album will be released during 2013, this single is the first taste of what’s to come. We say: magic. And as one of a few chosen ones, we are proud to be able to present: Elizabeth

The single will be released 18th of february… but for your ears, right now, here on Kentuckyseven:

Kanada, is Johan Hammarbäck and his acoustic guitar. This Stockholmian has painted a perfect picture with his vocals and his strings. No hidden agenda, heart on the sleeve, pure and unafraid. It is really up close and personal.

This first release from Kanada is very much about the person behind the music ”These song are about my life, a lot of things has happened to me in the last few years, I’ve become a father, I’ve been married, divorced, found a new, true love and found myself in the process. And it’s all in these songs”

Hammarbäck explains ”After listening to Johnny Cash’s American albums and hearing (Swedish rock star) Ulf Lundells album Xavante it hit me that I could do this on my own, just record my songs, my voice, my guitar. So thats what i did”

Take a listen. The EP ”If Not for You” is out today.

Wanna know more about Kanada… check out: kanadamusic.com

Kentuckyseven favorite returns with an album in march next year. John Grants new album is called ”Pale Green Ghosts” (Bella Union/Co Op Records), following up Queen of Denmark from 2010.

From the new upcoming album comes the first tune and video, the title tune: Pale Green Ghosts.

Check it!

Ever since 2007, one album has been haunting me. Stephanie Dosen’s -  ”A Lily For The Spectre” (Bella Union) that had to be one of the greatest, and most well kept secrets of that year.

The album is pure magic, and Dosen’s voice and presence is everything I wish for in genuine music. Her voice. Her distinct yet subtle way of presenting her stories, is nothing less than divine.

Stephanie Dosen, a Wisconsin born singer/songwriter of fantastic proportions, that later moved to UK and in 2008 became the lead vocalist for Massive Attack on their european tour. And the later, toured with the Midlake and also contributed with vocals on ”Bring Down” from the album ”The Courage of Others” (2010).

Been waiting to see what would be following that album up, but it has been really quiet, until the rumors start spreading that an album might be on the way…

An album with Simon Raymonde in the form of a band called Snowbird… And if you read about it on Bellaunion.com, we can expect contributions from Radiohead, Midlake and Jonathan Wilson. This is bound to be great, beyond great.

What you might not know: Dosen is super talented when it comes to knitting and designing… http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/

I had the opportunity to ask Stephanie some short questions… here is what she said:

- What are you listening to, right now?

”-My fountain, birds, wind chimes & ambient anything.”

- Best book read in a while?

”The Sea Priestess by Dion Fortune.”

- Your hopes for this year?

”Finish my book and get the Snowbird record out!”

- Three artists who inspire you?

”Joni Mitchell, Indigo Girls, Cocteau Twins.”

- Who deserves a breakthru in 2012?

”Whoever Einstein came back as.”

We are so looking forward to the Snowbird album, meanwhile…

A lily for the Spectre is one of my absolute favorite albums… if that has not already been made obvious… Listen for yourself:

I am fully aware that I am a sucker for real grit-folk-americana-music. So this band really hit the spot. Hailing from both North Carolina and California, the two singer-songwriters Avi Vinocur and Patrick Dyer Wolf created ”Goodnight, Texas”, a band that makes music the way it was supposed to be like.

The music sounds exactly as I expected after seeing the album cover from their forthcoming debut ”A Long Life of Living” which will be released october 2. It is winding, real, filled with mandolins and banjos and simply amazing harmonies.  If you are looking to find something real this fall. This is the album to look for.

Check out their sweet www.hiwearegoodnighttexashowareyou.com and take a listen to the first single of the album…

Photo: Catie Laffoon

A strong voice could make all the difference. And when the lyrics and music co-operates with it, it becomes a fairytale. Like in the case of Shevy Smith.

Shevy Smith sounds just like Emmylou Harris did on the albums from the early eighties. Smith grew up in Kansas and ended up in California after a career in Nashville. Her upcoming album ”Ad Astra” contains a wide variety of styles and feelings, but mostly a warm and great sensation of love for the music.

The single ”Shine” off the forthcoming album drips of country and that Californian sun. Take a listen.

A while ago, I stumbled upon this duo, based in Portland Oregon, and I am still pleased that I did.

When I first heard their single from the upcoming album I felt like everything was more than all right. The voices of Andrew Stonestreet and Daniel Dixon together with their exquisit music is just what the doctor ordered. Think a cleaner Local Native’s with more folk, more roots, more of that warm fuzzy feeling.

What really hits me is the deep sensation of closeness to the heart. It sure sticks to you, and I eagerly await the album.

Greylag’s debut EP ”The Only Way To Kill You” arrives in May 2012 on Ninth Street Opus, I suggest you check out the single. And wait for the rest… Spring is near.

April 9th, a date to write down. Kentuckyseven-favorite M Ward is releasing his seventh solo album.

A 12 track album, created together with 18 extraordinary musicians.

The album ”A Wasteland Companion” will be out april 9th on Bella Union.

We will sure be waiting…

Our dear friend Rocky Votolato plays his latest song – Little Spring – who will be the first single on his forthcoming record.

This one is recorded in Rockys bedroom,  great stuff as always.

If you wanna help Mr Votolato fund his album – check out Kickstarter.

Rosie Thomas just announced the release of a new album.

The album ”With Love” will hit the streets  Febuary 14th on Sing-A-Long Records,  produced by Dave Bazan and Blake Wescott, and features performances by Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), BroBro Brian Thomas, members of Sufjan Stevens’ band, and plenty of other talented musicians/friends.

With a back catalogue like Rosie, this is something to look forward to. Greatness to expect.

Meanwhile…

Rosie on Spotify