The CO [Band]

Name: The CO
Where from: Nashville, USA

I personally think there is an excessive amount of self-proclaimed pop/rock bands out there and find it difficult to try and find new music in the genre when there's so much to listen to. I found The CO by going through some of Tyler Ward's videos. I wanted to see if I missed anything, seeing as I've become something of a fangirl, and I fell upon a collaboration done by Tyler Ward & The CO...of course, I had to see what they were all about.

At first listen the band reminds me a lot of a generic and slightly more pop-sounding combination of Kings of Leon and, at times, Muse. After a few more listens, however, started falling into their own and I've found a soft spot for their music. Though it can come across as generic and nothing special, everything that pulls the band apart from everything else is, for one, their lyrics, in addition to their vocalists beautiful and melodious rockstar voice. Everything together starts to sound like a cocktail of great bands put together, which is awesome.

Their song entitled '3 AM' is reminiscent of an Incubus/Muse/Kings of Leon lovechild. I am more than okay with that. In fact, it's just about everything I've dreamed of in terms of collaborations. This is no substitute for those three bands to come together as one, but it's a fair alternative until I can get my fantasies fulfilled.

Of course, it's not a band without a song about love losing touch. Their song "Might Be Leavin'" is perhaps the token love-lost track. Though formulated, I can't say it's a bad song nor can I say it's anything but real. Everyone goes through heartache and everyone's got something to say about it. It also wouldn't be a rock band without a song about making mistakes and wanting to start over- "Permanent Mistake" fills those shoes and then some.

It's not that I'm bashing the generics the band has to offer, just that it is what it is. I enjoy their music very much and think you should take a few minutes to check them out. I think they're worth the time and deserve to be put out there, so go see what you're missing!

Here's where you can check out The CO:

YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
The CO Official Website

Laura Mary [Singer]

Name: Laura Mary
Age: 18
Where from: Canada
What she does: Singer

I fell upon Laura Mary while searching for 'The Last Song I'm Wasting On You' by rock group Evanescence and her cover of said song came up. It always amazes me when people dare cover Evanescence- it's not an easy task and one with some pretty high expectations. As I am a singer myself and they are my favourite band, I tend to judge Evanescence covers harshly. Naturally, I had to check it out and see how she did. No one compares to Amy Lee, that goes without saying, however I have to say Laura Mary surprised me.

Her voice is beautiful and flows nicely with the style of piano ballads Evanescence/Amy Lee put out and for someone who claims to not be taking voice lessons, it's very nicely developed. Her technique seems well rounded and she's got a beautiful, rich tone to her voice. One of the key aspects in Evanescence songs, I think, is the high notes Amy can flawlessly touch, and Laura reaches them, and then some.

She's very naturally talented, Canadian [I guess I'm biased that way, hehe] and seems to be an easy going girl with a bright future ahead of her. I think she deserves to be promoted [hence this posting] and I look forward to hearing more of what she has to offer!

To check her out [and please do!]:

Laura Mary's YouTube

Return from short hiatus!

Hey guys & gals!

So it's been over a month since our last post- for that I am very sorry. Finals and, you know, life were happening and some things needed to be sorted out. But, we're back and going to go through some minor changes, but for the most part things will remain mostly what we are right now- a blog to keep you in the know about upcoming/underrated talent.

Hope you haven't been turned off by our short hiatus, and we look forward to hearing any questions/comments you have for us!

Again, very sorry for the hiatus! Thanks again for your ongoing support, we appreciate it!

-The Music

Eppic [Rapper/Songwriter]

Name: Eppic
From: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
What he does: Rapper/Songwriter

I don't know if it's just me, but rap seems to be one of those things that portrays a broad set of themes through a very powerful art. I mean, each rapper has their style and their own ways of doing things...but it's rare that I find one I care to listen to past one or two tracks due to insincerity and tracks done with only half the emotion necessary. It just seems like something that has to be done right, otherwise it's just not as effective. I guess it's just one of those things that either works or doesn't for me. Either way, Eppic caught my ear and interest when I saw him perform on a collaborative video with Krista Nicole, which we've previously featured [click on her name to see her article!], and I have to say, I'm intrigued by his style and performance. I can't say all rap I've heard sounds half as genuine as Eppic's. Every word spoken means something, you can feel it. In my opinion, that's what makes a rapper true to his art.

Though most of the videos on his YouTube page are covers, there are originals good enough to hold us off until some more material is released, which I'm very much looking forward to. The covers themselves, however, are pretty awesome. Most recently Eminem's 'Space Bound' was covered as a collaboration with Krista Nicole, and being an Eminem fan I listened with an analytical ear and a skeptical attitude. I have to admit, though not perfect, it was pretty darn great! Eppic's delivery against the soft vocals that define Krista's style was very nicely balanced. There's a certain air of confidence and an honest foundation to his style and delivery that makes you believe anything he says as if it were his own story, and who knows...it could very well be. Whether it is or isn't, it's very well done and there is a lot of talent in him.

Funny enough, Eppic also collaborated with another of our features- Julia Sheer. They recently released a video together, produced by Tyler Ward, called 'Doubt' which is very much worth a look-see [video is posted below]. Aother track I very much enjoyed was 'Will You Still Love Me', which is instrumentally more on the Funky Rock-Hip-Hop fusion [is there such a thing? Now there is!] side of things, which is a very welcome move in styles.

This is definitely someone to look out for, so keep your eyes and ears open!

Here are some links you can check out:

YouTube
Twitter
Facebook
MySpace
ReverbNation

Hello there :)

We're working on a very special addition to the blog, so stay tuned for some really cool stuff. In the meantime, I want to remind you all that if there are any artists you believe deserve to be featured on 'Music, It Is', don't hesitate to suggest them!

You can send your requests/question/comments several ways, as listed below:

Twitter
E-Mail: themusicitis@yahoo.com

OR Leave a comment to this post.

Thanks for your continued support and I look forward to developing this blog and seeing where this goes.

Peace!

-The Music

Alex Goot [Singer/Musician]

Name: Alex Goot
Age: [Mystery!]
From: New York, USA
What he does: Singer/Musician

I can't help but get giddy around guys with thick-rimmed glasses. But don't under estimate his nerd-esque look, Alex Goot is immersed in his craft and quite skilled, might I add. His broad knowledge of instruments is put to use in his videos, where he tends to play several instruments to later bring it all together with some smooth, ear-pleasing vocals.

It's talent such as Alex's that makes me wonder why certain people aren't more known. He's probably more qualified than most 'artists' out there. I understand the entertainment value of certain performers, as someone who genuinely appreciates music as an art however, I can't help but notice the ones who have talent versus the ones who use music to amplify their talent. Alex is a genuine musician and I absolutely love the way he uses his skill in each video.

There's an obvious trend of YouTube musicians making nicely put-together videos documenting the process of making the music come alive, which essentially creates a music video in its truest form. Alex is not above this. His videos basically enable us to see what instruments he uses and shows off his remarkable skill with a variety of instruments. I really dig musicians who can apply themselves so universally and remain genuine as musicians and people in general.

To see all the Alex has to offer, click some of these links:

YouTube
Facebook
Twitter

Ally Rhodes [Singer/Songwriter/Musician]

Name: Ally Rhodes
Age: [Mystery!]
From: Omaha, Nebraska/Nashville, Tennessee, US
What she does: Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Every once in a while an artist comes along that plays the strings that resonate directly with the heart. Ally is just that artist to me lately. With a beautiful voice, fair balance of originals and covers and subtle sense of humour, she captivates emotions and feelings I didn't know existed at that moment.

Ally's voice is soft, genuine and expressive in a most heartfelt fashion. She transmits the essence of the emotion behind the song like it's nobody's business, probably due to her genuine spirit and honest-to-goodness connection to her art. It shows that music is her niche and that she's got a whole lot of heart.

It's important for an artist to find their unique style in order to stand out amongst the crowd, otherwise you just lose sense of originality and once your 15 minutes of fame are up it's hard to get back in the game. Ally has a strong sense of creativity, and her quirky, down-to earth personality shines through her music as well as in her general presence. She isn't trying to be anyone but herself, and to succeed in the industry while keeping true to yourself can't be easy, but somehow I don't think anything will bring this girl down and make her a manufactured product of a material industry.

Ally's connection to music is apparent in her videos. She's dedicated and sings like nobody is watching and like there is nobody judging, and that's how it should be. I absolutely love when artists are capable of being so independent of opinions and avoid molding themselves to fit the social standards. It shows real musicianship, artistry but most importantly it shows that she is true to herself and is well worth a listen to, at the very least.

Here are some links to check out Ally Rhodes:
YouTube
Facebook
MySpace
Twitter