O'Spada - Time

The most enigmatic singer off of 35Bag's self titled album, I loved Julia Spada's earnestly soulful voice and cute accent. After checking out some of 35Bag's Youtube videos, I found out she is the lead singer for the group O'Spada. Here is their video for "Time," a peppy tune with a nice 80s throwback vibe. But 80s throwback in a good way, not in the "enough is enough!" way often seen a couple years ago with the 80s synth resurgence.

No Distance Just Grace" by Afta-1 & SPEAK

AFTA-1's collection of "Love Is Real" mixtapes are some of the smoothest down-tempo affairs that I've heard in recent memory. In fact, through them I first heard the timeless "Tiden Flyver" which I posted about back in March.

I recently ran across this video he had done with the emcee SPEAK. I love stop motion music videos and can't recall having seen too many hip hop ones.

Kissey Asplund

Kissey is one of those artists that are immediately memorable after a first listen. Her record "Plethora," feels like some living breathing sea creature from another planet due to it's often unconventional ebbs and flows it's the songs. It's definitely one of my go-to listens when I feel the need to escape and clear my mind. Enjoy this beautifully shot artist highlight from a few years back, as well as the song "Do You," which I just ran across for the first time!

Jack Peñate - Tonight's Today

I'm usually the one that introduces my friends to new music so it was a great surprise when one of my best buddies told me about Jack Peñate. I'm not sure why but when listening to "Everything Is New" I felt an air of excitement that I haven't felt since some of Nelly Furtado's earlier work. The album has got this exciting world music feel to it where you can tell Jack is a big connoisseur of all different types of cultures and music. To me, that's about the sexiest characteristic an artist can have!

Here's Tonight's Today off his album "Everything Is New"

Throwback: Esthero - That Girl

Here's a throwback video from an artist who in my opinion needs no introduction. A big reason why I make music today is because of Esthero. I'm eagerly awaiting her next album but in the interim I continue to play "Breath from Another" and "Wikked Lil' Grrrls" like I just bought them a couple days ago.

Enjoy "That Girl" off of the critically-acclaimed "Breath from Another!"

ReneeDion - Nothing At All

I ran across ReneeDion on and fell in love with this song. I had to look her up and joined her Facebook page and after she accepted me we actually chatted for a bit! There is nothing like running across a talented down-to-earth and humble artist; it's always such an inspiration for me and my craft.

Enjoy "Nothing At All" below off of ReneeDion's gem, "Rhapsody Inn!"

Kings of Convenience - Boat Behind

I adore Kings of Convenience. They are a true testament to the old adage of less being more. When I listen to them sometimes I ponder about how the hell they are able to create such lush and full sounding songs with often only a guitar and two voices. They also remind me that a bazillion instruments and layers often hurt my own songs more than help.

Enjoy the video for "Boat Behind," which compliments the song like a perfectly fitted glove!

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Bright Lit Blue Skies

I ran across Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti on LA's KCRW radio and partly due to the station's eclectic mix of music, I could not gauge if they were a new group or if they were some obscure band from the late '70s. Thankfully because of Shazam (if you've got an iPhone it's a must download) I was able to catch their name. With great warm melodies, a soft refreshing lo-fi sound and solid pop sensibilities, I always find their album "Before Today" a pleasure to listen to!

Check out "Bright Lit Blue Skies" below, the first music video off that record. It seems like it was a blast to shoot, for sure!

Numaads- Now

Following my post of Taylor McFerrin's "Place In My Heart" comes another beautifully shot video thick with ambiance and quiet, potent emotion. I've been highly anticipating Numaads first full-length album after their all too short three song EP released last year. Sounding as if it could be the distant cousin of a lost Groove Theory B-side, "Now" remained stuck in my head the majority of the second half of 2010. Enjoy!

Taylor McFerrin f. Ryat - Place in My Heart

After watching and listening to this breathtaking video, I am kicking myself for missing Taylor McFerrin's LA concert a couple months back at Little Temple. I won't say anymore, just watch and thank me later!

Taylor McFerrin feat. Ryat - Place in My Heart from Simon Benjamin on Vimeo.

P.S. In case you were wondering, Taylor indeed is the son of the great Bobby McFerrin!

Ilya - They Died For Beauty

This video is a throwback to one of the most beautiful albums I have in my collection. I just came across this homemade video to the title track of Ilya's "They Died For Beauty" and thought the two were a perfect pairing. Enjoy!




As a bonus, here is my favorite song off of the album (well favorite amongst favorites), "All For Melody."

Eagle Nebula - Waiting...

Eagle Nebula's "Cosmic Headphones" debut is an album I still listen to quite frequently. On top of featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow's homegrown "fonk" production, Nebula's flow is so unabashedly original, playful and insightful that it brightens up my day every time I listen to it.

So I was over the moon when I just found out about her free LoveBomb EP which can be found at her Bandcamp page, . Featuring production by Daru Jones that greatly compliments Nebula's often intergalactic flow, if you love hip hop this is a must-listen! Enjoy the official video for "Wating..." below!

KING - The Story

I ran across KING's "The Story" EP on Moovmnt.com and immediately fell in love! These 3 girls completely self-produced this EP and it sounds unlike any other artist or band that I've heard of. That's why when gearing up to post the video to "The Story," I was completely enthused to hear that none other than Music Queen Erykah Badu recently signed KING to her own Control Freaq record label! And here I was earlier this month worrying that this talented group might not get the attention they deserve. That news seriously made my entire day!

Enjoy the video to "The Story" and get your ears ready to listen to some fresh, new and most importantly, substantial music!