Pentatonix

Source: http://www.ryanseacrest.com

I've seen Pitch Perfect and the movie made me appreciate a cappella even more. The creativity injected into the covered songs made them sound way better than the originals. One day while scanning the news feeds of a social media account, one of the blogs I'm subscribed to posted an entry claiming that a cover by Pentatonix surpassed the original-- the song was Royals by Lorde. I'm currently hooked on the latter so I was really curious. As soon as the video played, I had goosebumps all over.

Pentatonix - Royals (Lorde Cover)

Pentatonix hails from Arlington, Texas naming their group after the musical mode with five notes in an octave-- the pentatonic scale. They are the winners of NBC's a cappella singing competition The Sing-Off during the third season. Their first two EPs PTX Vol. 1 and PTXmas were released in 2012 and the third is to be released this 2013 with covers and original songs. 

The group posted several renditions in their YouTube channel; some, if not most, are viral. I must say they recreate the songs impressively. I'm not surprised how they became the champions of The Sing-Off Season 3, they absolutely deserve it. Pentatonix gives each one of their covered songs a certain flair that wasn't there in the original. These guys know what they're doing and they're doing it real good. They are catching a lot of attention in the biz with their remarkable blending techniques and phenomenal bass and percussion. Kudos to this exceptional ensemble. 

You SHOULD listen to these as well; get ready for goosebumps:

Pentatonix - Evolution of Music

Pentatonix - Somebody that I Used to Know (Gotye feat. Kimbra Cover)

Pentatonix - Since U Been Gone/Forget You Medley (The Sing-Off Performance)

Pentatonix - Video Killed the Radio Star (The Sing-Off Performance)

See and hear more:

http://www.youtube.com/user/PTXofficial/videos

P.S. Their Sing-Off performances are golden. If you haven't seen them yet you better watch them now. *Wink*

Yuna

Source: http://blogs.kcrw.com

I came across one of Yuna's music videos about a year ago while watching one by Zee Avi. Youtube has this thing of displaying similar artists which was an advantage to me; if not for that, I wouldn't have known up to now about this exceptional musician. I was curious especially because of the headscarf she wore-- it kind of reminded me of Erykah Baduh but I was actually clueless as to what her music would sound like. I loaded the video and as soon as I heard her voice I knew I was gonna love the rest of her songs.

Yuna is a Malaysian singer and songwriter. At 14, she began writing her own songs. Myspace was a key element in the discovery of her potential as an international musician; she publicized her tracks on the site back in 2006. With three international releases (Decorate EP, Yuna, Sixth Street EP) up her sleeve it won't be long until her next step to success in the music industry. Her next album Nocturnal is on the works and will be ready for our appreciation on the 29th of October this year. I'm excited as to what beautiful melodies and rhythms she cooked up. 

Have a listen to this Malaysian sensation:

Yuna - Decorate

Yuna - Come As You Are (Nirvana Cover)

Yuna - I Wanna Go

More of Yuna's sound:

http://www.yunamusic.com/

https://myspace.com/yuna

Lorde

Source: http://www.billboard.com

I'm glad to have come across another budding musician with exceptional sound. These days it's hard to find genuine musicians with something striking and unique to offer. 

I'm talking about Lorde. This 16 year-old kiwi has been topping the charts with her hit single Royals. I'm amazed that at her young age she had come up with great tracks (yeah, she writes her own songs). The Love Club EP is a collection of equally awesome electro-pop songs I can't seem to choose a favorite. This 30th of September, her debut album Pure Heroine is scheduled for release. I'm looking forward to hearing more from music's next big thing.

Lorde - Royals

Lorde - Tennis Court

Lorde - The Love Club (Live on KCRW)

Listen to the full The Love Club EP
Stream the up coming album Pure Heroine

Wild Belle

Source: http://quitmumbling.com

How about we listen to something new and different. I just learned about this sibling duo, Wild Belle, through my favorite blog Messy Nessy Chic. Their debut album, Isles, was released early this year last March. Members Elliot and Natalie Bergman grew up in a family of musicians-- no wonder where they got their talent. This brother-sister collaboration fused their jazz, reggae and soul influences into a musical style they can call their own. 

Their sound is light and laid-back but in a way edgy which is a breathe of fresh air. Thought I could enjoy their music while chilling and relaxing wherever (but of course I'd choose the beach or somewhere near the ocean sipping a nice cold drink and soaking up sunbeams). You might think the same when you hear them so have a listen.

Wild Belle - Keep You

Wild Belle - Backslider

Wild Belle - It's Too Late (Live - Conan on TBS)