Sound Wave: Sam Sparro

Sam Sparro - The Shallow End

EP Beat: Kimbra

Settle Down EP   5/5


   A brief introduction to the Kiwi wunderkind, on her North American debut the Settle Down EP, and the love affair with Kimbra begins. 

Video of The Week: Kimbra

Kimbra - Good Intent

   Last week's V.T.W. (Video of the Week) featured Gotye getting a helping hand from Kimbra, the lovable Kiwi who's been slowly turning out bits and pieces of her debut album Vows. This week Kimbra takes center stage with her latest single to get the video treatment 'Good Intent.' The stylized throwback video is suiting given Kimbra's addictive vocals, a mix of St.Vincent and Blossom Dearie, coupled with the song's alluring blend of jazz and pop. A cleverly choreographed tug-of-war between good and evil, there is surely a few good things to be found here, an quirky, noir pop track and Kimbra, as gorgeous as ever. 

  Proving her success with Gotye on 'Somebody I Used To Know' wasn't a simple one off, there's plenty more to come from the New Zealand native with her debut Vows set for release in her homeland and Australia next week. Kimbra won't make it to North American shores till early 2012, until then enjoy a fun music video from one of Shattered Vinyl's 10 Artists To Watch in 2011!

Video of the Week: Gotye

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)

   Musician Walter De Backer's (Aka. Gotye) second single 'Somebody That I Used To Know' off his forthcoming third album Making Mirrors, is already a number one hit in his native Australia. Accompanied by the always impressive Kimbra (Shattered Vinyl's 10 Artists To Watch In 2011) who joins in the third verse of Backer's tale of a failed romance. Using stop motion and body art, the simple yet alluring video compliments Gotye's hit single. 

Check out the videos for Gotye's previous single from Making Mirrors 'Eyes Wide Open' and Kimbra's single 'Cameo Lover' below:

Single Selections: Kimbra

Kimbra - Cameo Lover   3.5/5   Youtube

   The neo-soul/pop songstress from New Zealand drops her latest single 'Cameo Lover' from her forthcoming album Vows. Complete with vibrant tambourines 'Cameo Lover' channels equal parts Motown and contemporary pop spun in the mould of a classic 50s pop tune that's a refreshing departure from the dance heavy pop dominating Top 40.

10 Artists to Watch In 2011

   2010 was another great year in music and 2011 proves to be equally as exciting, and with so much music to look forward to, we've decided to look at ten artists worth watching in the new year. Whether they are new or familiar faces they all look to make 2011 a year worth remembering. 

10. First Rate People  Myspace

  First Rate People aren't exactly creating phenomenal buzz, but that's not to say they haven't already earned enough praise and proven themselves to earn a place as one of 2011's Artists to Watch. 

 The Toronto based outfit started 2010 with praise from Pitchfork, with their first single 'Girls' Night' a bouncy alt slice of '90s R&B, that's pure infatuation and highly addictive. 

 The band followed up their impressive first single with a self-release debut EP, It's Never Not Happening, and their second single, 'Gentlemen's Club' featuring Luke LaLonde of Born Ruffians on backing vocals. That was 2010, so why are they worth watching in 2011? 

   There's no word on what's next for the young Toronto band but if First Rate People manage to produce even one song like the aforementioned singles, full of optimism, relaxed beats and continue to channel a healthy dose of '90s R&B, alt rock and pop elements circa the Tom Tom Club it will be well worth the wait. 


   Gentlemen's Club (feat. Luke LaLonde & GenerationFK) by First Rate People by Shattered Vinyl