::GET FAMILIAR:: 2014 Artist Watch

 ::GET FAMILIAR:: 2014 Artist Watch 
   List compiled by Gypsy Soul team members: Gypsy, Daniel Harris, Nocturnal Charm

The very core of who we at Gypsy Soul are begins with a love for those artists that are JUST under the radar ready to explode to the top. There are several artists we have our eyes and ears on but we want to hip you to ten in particular that we think you should get in tune with. Over the years we have presented and introduced you to artists that have gone on to be nominated for GRAMMYs, be featured in national magazines, have become BET Music Matters artists and more...our hopes for the artists below are just as high. So stay ahead of the curve and though its not Friday we encourage you to get familiar...

1. Drea d'Nur

Two of my friends sent me messages about Drea d’Nur but I was so busy I didnt get to listen to her for at least two weeks from the initial recommendation...big mistake. I was and still am taken with her emotion filled voice that conveys longing, agony, but hope and love in each marvelous note. Her debut digital album Day Of D’Nur is a 10 track jewel released in September of last year. “Cry For Change” and “I Hid My Love” are certainly stand outs that warrant close attention to the lyrics as you are moved by the production.The team at Gypsy Soul are confident that those who love talent and substance will enjoy Day Of D’Nur. Drea is certainly an artist we will be keeping our eyes and ears on in 2014 and we hope you will too!

Band Camp | Facebook | Twitter

2. Rob Milton

We first introduced you to Rob Milton back in June and since then, Rob continues to come into his own as he further establish himself as an up and coming singer/songwriter. Shortly after the release of his Developing EP, Rob released the Soul + Mind EP and the Subject to Change EP, which was recorded at Converse's Rubber Tracks Studio in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to his soulful voice and very relatable lyrics, what we love about Rob is his unstoppable drive to deliver good music to his audience. Rob is set to release his latest offering titled Electric Feel, which reunites him with longtime friend and producer Roman Lee Norfleet. Rob says of 2014, "this will be a dope year!" We could not agree more and we definitely believe that you should be watching for Rob Milton.

                Website|Twitter|Bandcamp

3. Kooley High

If you are like us (and most other music lovers), you are starving for good hip hop! For some time, what we know to be "mainstream" is, quite frankly, pretty lame. So, we suggest that you do what Dead Prez said and instead turn on Kooley High. (At least until they get on your favorite radio station. Then turn that joint back on!) This North Carolina based collective started making music together in 2007 with the mission to "delight, electrify and ignite seas of listeners thirsty for something new from the world of hip hop." It is amazing that a young group coming up in today's hip hop environment is still able to make pure, simple hip hop. (Crazy flow/style, actual bars and dope productions.) Since the 2011 release of their latest album Kooley High Presents: David Thompson, the super-group has done concerts, collaborations and are currently in the process of working on a new album to be released some time this year. Kooley High is most certainly a group that you should keep your eyes and ears on this year.

         Website|Twitter|iTunes

4. KING

When this talented trio released their EP The Story in 2011, KING literally took the music world by storm. Not only did their smooth, soulful and supernatural sound move music fans, they gained the respect of very well respected and noted musicians, including "His Royal Badness." On the heels of the release of their new single "In The Meantime" this past Spring and touring with Laura Mvula for most of this past Summer and Fall, KING looks to keep their momentum flowing with a full album release some time this year. This is an album that we are definitely keeping our eyes and ears on in 2014 and we KNOW that you will too!

                                                       Website| Facebook| Twitter

5. Mara Hruby

When Mara Hruby released her From Her Eyes EP, she released very pure and graceful renditions of a few of her favorite songs. As if covers aren't difficult enough, Mara chose to cover some of her favorite male artists including Van Hunt, Andre 3000 and Bob Marley. However, her bold and fresh approach to each track took great care to preserve the original feel of the song while successfully introducing us to her wonderful talent and skill. Whether performing on her own or with the Romantic Movement collective, Mara continues to display her wonderful songwriting and singing talent across the country. She is definitely an artist to watch for this year. If you are blessed to have Mara in your town, it would be in your best interest to check her out!

                                                                       Bandcamp|Twitter|Youtube

6. Hyleen Gil

Just like personal style, musical style is what you make it. The wonderful thing about making good music is there is no one right way to do it. Take Hyleen Gil for example, when the French singer/songerwriter/musician released her Elusive album with producer Gotta, she turned pop hits like "Georgy Porgy" and "American Girl" into beautifully crafted pieces of work. Hyleen eludes conventional thinking and the self proclaimed "sound creator" can't be put into a category or group.  One listen and it will become immediately clear why we believe Hyleen Gil is an artist to watch in 2014.

                                                                                               Bandcamp|Facebook|Twitter

7. Cocaine 80s

They are a Chicago based collective. Some of their members include producer No I.D., Hip Hop luminary Common and musician/producer/singer/songwriter James Fauntleroy. These three alone are all heavy hitters in their own rights. When a collective like this is comprised of prolific songwriters, skillful artists and a celebrated producer, how could we NOT keep our eye on them? They describe their sound as "powder retro, mellow, renaissance, twisted vibe swagger tunes." For a collective stacked with this much talent, this is a pretty accurate description and we think you should really watch for Cocaine 80s in 2014.

                                                                             Website|Facebook|Twitter

8. Bobby Valentino

 Going simply by Bobby V these days, the former Mista-crooner has totally reinvented himself with the Late 2013 release of Peach Moon.  A 6-track offering that finds Valentino trading in his trademarked, over-stylized Tim and Bob production for a late 90's neo-soul feel that perfectly suits the maturing 30-something lovers that've grown up listening to his music. 

Picking a fave out of this set proved incredibly difficult, so i decided to break the rules a bit and highlight two.  The first is "Koko Lovely".  No shade to the artist, but this honesly woulda fit perfectly on D'angelos Brown Sugar.  The 'mumbling', the falsetto, that nasty bass and even the lyrics take you back to burning incense in college dorms, headwraps, cornrows and Love Jones.  "Love Abuse" (and  "Back to Love"-yeah i cheated again..lol) on the other hand is Bobby V. making a serious case for bringing back one of the most played out terms in modern times, "Grown and Sexy".  Smooth piano chords and a steady hi hat set the tone for V's confession of being a regretful playboy, who is truly longing for his TRUE love to return.   

Bobby V. has shown that longevity in adult R+B is possible without over the top, immature gimmicks(Mcknights'  "Let me show you"), just plain cornball ish (ROBERT!!) or a rapper verse on every song.  Make good music and the people will continue to keep listening.  Keep listening, yall.

 Website | Twitter

9. Thundercat 

If avant garde/fusion jazz is supposed to be for the snobby and purist set, someone forgot to tell Stephen Bruner aka Thundercat.  In addition to touring with Erykah Badu over the summer and working on numerous projects with his buddy/boss Flylo, 2013 saw him gift his burgeoning fan base with the follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut album, Apocalypse. 

  Where his debut offering was moreso a technical showcase on his mastery on bass in a free jazz format, this album features a more traditional but NEVER conformative collection of fusion/funk/jazz/soul SONGS that not ONLY impress but make u boogie as well.  Songs like the instant EDM classic, "Oh sheeiiitt its X", shine light on his playful free-wheeling side as his suprisingly polished vocals glide over bass and synths and tells the tale of a partygoers night on the aforementioned lovedrug.  On "A message for Austin", Thundercat grieves over his recently departed friend and colleague.  The tune is foreboding and grim, yet triumphant as he croons of missing and one day seeing his dear friend again.  

Beyond overall technical talent, one thing that sets this guy apart from alot of his peers is his range. Whether its the emotional rollorcoaster displayed on this album, or his credits which range from playin with Badu to SA-RA to Suicidal Tendencies, he seems to be able to do it all. And with what i've seen so far in his musical career, I have no doubt in 2014 that he'll be doin even more. 

WEBSITE | TWITTER

 10. Joonie

When listening to Contrast by Joonie I immediately thought to myself that this is clean, pure, R&B- something that has seemed to have gotten lost or hidden into days mainstream record pool. There is so much that can be lauded on this album. Quickly, as the album played, many of the tracks became favorited with a mental star or thumbs up. But "Far Away" stood out, made me move and smile and imagine a warm day (though in reality the hawk is so out right now). Donald Hayes and his horns adds so much to the track. The use of all of the instrumentation from the piano, drums, and horns across the album are so expertly blended together yet so individually amazing on each song increasing my love of production on this album. The production is such a compliment to Joonie's soft but very strong voice. Joonie is brand new on our radar, we hope you will give Contrast a listen and load and keep an eagle eye on this incredible artist.

WEBSITE | Facebook |Twitter

We hope that this list give you a few artists that you can discover, follow, and/or support! Let us know after you give them a listen what you think of our recommendations and thoughts in the comments section!