List Compiled by Gypsy Soul Team Members: Nakera Lee and Daniel Harris
#GetFamiliar is much more than a headline to us. We see it as a duty. With so much of today's music being relegated to Top 40 playlists and flavor of the month tunes, our goal is to get you familiar with artists who may not fit the Pop mold but are just as, if not more, deserving of you attention.
1. Kelela
When it comes the core
of music, many of us music lovers tend to dissect more than just the body of
work that an artist produces. In 2013, this Washington, D.C. native Kelela
scratched the surface of the industry with her EP Cut For Me. In 2014, tracks
such as “Bank Head,” “Cut For Me,” and “The
High” allowed Kelela to emerge in the industry with her soulful and
sultry vocals impacting the entertainment industry and introducing a new melodic
sound.
Singer-songwriter, Kelela, began singing Jazz standards at
local cafes after transferring from Montgomery College to American University.
With many years of musical experience under her belt, Kelela has traveled coast
to coast to strengthen her craft and build a name for artistry. With countless
tour dates, international and local, Kelela has kept the music coming; being
featured on a track with Bok Bok entitled “Melba’s
Call” from his new EP. With more music in the works, 2015 will
definitely see more of Kelela in tour and through musical production. The
industry has just caught a glimpse of Kelela and her music and with tracks such
as Enemy
and Go
All Night, this is most certainly just the beginning.
2. Sampha
Oftentimes, we listen to artists that have been
in the industry for quite sometime and we do not realize that the great body of
work that is created comes from a team of creative minds. After following an
artist for quite sometime and just recently realizing that one of his pieces of
work was aided by the amazing Sampha the only reaction that I had was
‘AMAZING.’ Many music-mavens may have heard of Sampha as he was featured on
the track “Too Much” with Drake and
this was not the beginning of his artistry. Sampha released his singles, “Too
Much,” and “Happens” in November 2013. Following the release of those
tracks, Sampha released his debut EP Dual in July 2013.
Playing the behind the scenes role for quite some time,
Sampha was instrumental in the musical works “What You Won’t Do for Love,” by
Jessie Ward and Lil Silva’s “Salient Sarah.” His most recent EP Sundanza released in early
2014 helped to catch the attention of many and helped to land him as one of the
featured Coachella artists of 2015.
With more music scheduled for release in 2015, Sampha is
most certainly one of the talented artists to watch.
When her first album, The Beginning, was released 5 years ago, those who listened immediately knew that Brittney Wright was beginning an incredible career. Not just a Gospel artist, Brittney's voice and skill transcends being put in such a box. Though her music is filled with soul stirring, uplifting lyrics and melodies, Brittney shows amazing depth in her style and delivery. The Beginning was not only a great way to showcase her talent, it also sent a clear message that Gospel, as we know it, has changed for the better.
In her latest offering, Fight 4 U,which was released on New Year's Day, Brittney combines incredible introspective lyrics with her unique style. From its onset, Fight 4 U proves to be much more than just another album. It's an album that is transparent, honest, hopeful and sincere.
With this amazing release and shows to follow, Brittney Wright is definitely an artist to watch in 2015.
Tuxedo is Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One. Two Grammy nominated artists who have collaborated to bring some serious funk back to music. Think Prince, Morris Day, Zapp and Roger and Shalamar. Yes, THAT serious! What started off as an exchange of mixtapes in 2006 morphed into a virtually mysterious Internet release in 2013. The Tuxedo EP is just three songs but each song is proof positive that Tuxedo brings the funk. Let's not be fooled, the "Tuxedo EP" is much more than a trip down memory lane. While they may borrow the 80s Funk and R&B vibe, Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One are still able to give listeners a true sense of who they are as artists.
This year, the duo will release their first full length album, Tuxedo. This album is shaping up to be one hell of an experience. With a March 3rd release, and a ton of tour dates to follow, Tuxedo (both the album and group) are set to take over summer. Tuxedo is available now for pre-order on iTunes.
This is no pet project. This is not an attempt by "the suits" to try and create the next big thing. The Hue is an organic and genuine collaboration between two of Houston's finest group, H.I.S.D. and Radio Galaxy. Both groups possess out of this world abilities and both groups seem to create on a cosmic plane far beyond comprehension. For these groups to join forces and share their immense talents with each other and the world is truly something special.
Gearing up for their debut release, Aurora, The Hue has released two hard hitting singles. Both "Drive" and "Slick" feature the classic "boom-bap," head nodding sound that every Hip Hop head will appreciate along side The Hue's signature smooth, laid back vibe. If these tracks are any indication of what we can expect from Aurora, it is safe to say that Aurora will be on definite repeat.
6. brandon*
Imaginative and creative. Those are the two words that come to mind when thinking about the music and artistry of brandon*. A composer, musician and producer, brandon* does much more than "makes beats." There is art and precision to his approach. brandon* has a deep appreciation for music and successfully displays that appreciation in each and every production.
On May 18th, brandon* will release the third installment to his Dreamscape series. The first two installments have been nothing short of genius. Dreamscape is a perfect example of how free brandon* is. He masterfully blends elements of Hip Hop, Jazz and Bossa Nova, a combination that would come across very few minds and even fewer minds to execute.
With an extraordinary and ingenious approach to music and production, brandon* is definitely an artist to watch in 2015.
With an extraordinary and ingenious approach to music and production, brandon* is definitely an artist to watch in 2015.
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