soul // soft r&b The transatlantic success of British retro-soul singers is nothing new. From Amy Winehouse to Adele, British female artists have been strongly dominating the musical landscape for nearly a decade. LeaLea Jones delivers that kind of British retro-charm with an über-cool beat that brings to mind such Aurgasm favourites as Anjulie and Corinne Bailey Rae. She first captured my attention back in 2010 with her catchy single “Cake” and is currently working on her debut album. “Dry”, taken from the upcoming album, might be some of the finest urban grooves I’ve been listening to lately, offering some solid yet not overly produced beats and sweet soul vocals.

Sultry doze of neo-soul, jazz and R&B.

LeaLea Jones – Dry

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pop // folk Armed with her distinct multilingual vocals and an array of instruments, including toy piano, accordion, violin and percussion, French-American chanteuse Maïa Vidal crafts sweet and quirky pop-folk songs. Maïa’s debut album God is My Bike (2011) falls somewhere in between the sweet melancholy of Alondra Bentley, charming cabaret pop of Lonely Drifter Karen and Jessica Fichot’s tender waltzes. “Follow Me”, featured here, gives a good taste of Maïa’s quirky, yet accessible and playful songwriting.

Whimsical folksy melodies. Maïa Vidal – Follow me + Purchase/Visit

tropical pop // indie folk The sunny calypso pop of Jonquil is somewhat of surprise considering the band hails from the decidedly untropical Oxford, England. Geographical location aside, the four-piece’s effervescent indie pop is vibrant, uplifting, and completely infectious. If the horns, keyboards, tropical percussion and uptempo guitars weren’t enough, Hugo Manuel’s falsetto soars through each song with an anthemic flair. “Fighting Smiles” and “Get Up” from their One Hundred Suns EP are a must-have for your summer playlist. Tropical pop with an English twist. Jonquil – “Fighting Smiles” Jonquil – “Get Up”

bliss-pop Breezy with a beat, their infectious, sunny, pop songs are riding waves and moving your shore. Pop doesn’t enter my playlist often, but this I cannot resist. Milo Greene is a new quintet in Los Angeles, harmonizing bliss like Local Natives drenched in glee from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. (thx, Elana)

Takes me away. Milo Greene – 1957 + Purchase/Visit

soul pop // avant-jazz-pop “You’ll hear smoky soul, flights of dazzling invention and intricate layers of deeply felt emotion. With a voice that belies her age; twenty year old Kimbra already enchants her audience, having been inspired by jazz greats such as Nina Simone, while also bringing a contemporary edge more akin to Bjork and Camille.” I haven’t been this excited about a song in a while. (thx, benschwarz) Vocal precision, soul-felt thumps, & beauty Kimbra – Settle Down + Visit

Retro // Electronic-chill Lance Ferguson is one of the most prolific Funk & Soul producers in the retro scene, being the guitarist and producer for The Bamboos, Kylie Auldist & Cookin’ On 3 Burners, as well as having produced for a slew of acts on the Tru Thoughts, Freestyle Records & Record Kicks labels. On Her 12 Faces he teams up with Australian artist Megan Washington as the main singer among a few instrumental tracks. This second album as Lanu displays the full breadth of Lance’s versatility as a producer and shows he can do more than retro-soul or raw funk. Schizophrenic? Not quite, but many faced for sure. All songs tell a story, be it vocalized or written in melody. “Beautiful Trash” is an uptempo, sunny affair that has Washington bouncing along a retro vibe. “The Roosevelt Blues” is equally playful (both in vibe and execution) and envelops you in a lo-fi sumer breeze. Australian multi-faceted sunshine sounds. The Roosevelt Blues (feat. Megan Washington) + Purchase/Visit

indie-pop // singer-songwriter Over the last few years numerous indie artists went vintage with their music. Katie Costello’s quirky retro melodies share the current trend and similarities with Rosi Golan, Lucy Schwartz, Laura Jansen and Regina Spektor and yet evolve into her own original and captivating sound. Set to release in early 2011, Katie’s album Lamplight is a collection of contagiously melodic, clever and soulful piano driven pop songs that will capture the hearts (and ears) of many. “Ashes Ashes” offers a sweet taste of the upcoming album, while the lyrical “How Do We Know” is taken from Katie’s latest EP. Sweetest melodies. Katie Costello - Ashes Ashes Katie Costello - How Do We Know + Purchase/Visit

avant-pop // glam folk-pop By the end of 2010, it’s safe to say that British female-fronted pop projects strongly dominated the year’s musical landscape. Florence Welch’s charming extravagance, Natasha Khan’s (Bat for Lashes) dark-ish melodies and Marina Diamandis’ sparkling pop debut received critical acclaim on both sides of the pond. Fallulah, a.k.a. Copenhagen-based Maria Apetri, certainly reflects the current musical tendencies. While her debut album The Black Cat Neighbourhood (2010) offers quirky melodies and somewhat dark, richly layered soundscapes comparable the British diva invasion, she adds a rather unique touch of Balkan folk to her sound. The Black Cat Neighbourhood displays Fallulah’s strong songwriting skills, rich instrumentation that includes everything from folky strings, ukulele and glockenspiel to irresistible whistling and hand-claps along her expressive, distinct vocals. Quirky and glamorous pop gems. Fallulah - Only Human Fallulah - Use It For Good + Purchase/Visit

indie pop // french eclectic The Dø is one of those musical gems I’ve been meaning to write about for a long time. Now, with their debut album A Mouthful (2010) finally released in the US and the recent North American tour, is the time to introduce this French-Finnish indie pop act. The Dø first captured attention of European music lovers with their song “The Bridge is Broken”, written for a contemporary dance performance Scène d’amour back in 2005. A Mouthful, a rather eclectic collection of songs, evokes similarities to the sweet quirkiness of Nina Perrson, the Knife’s electro touch and the sharp playfulness of Lykke Li. “At Last” carries rich guitar riffs, piano and bluesy harmonica arrangements woven with Olivia’s yearning, seductive vocals. Ukulele driven “Stay (Just A Little Bit More)” is simply a little delightful track. Somewhat eccentric, playful melodies. The Dø - At Last The Dø - Stay (Just A Little Bit More) (stream only) + Purchase/Visit

indie folk // alt pop It’s hard to believe that the intricately layered melodies of Folded Light are the product of two friends (and not say, a legion of musicians), but it’s true. Steve Damstra and Jaffe Zinn make up the Los Angeles-based band, who released their self-titled debut in 2009, and Kelly earlier this year. Folded Light’s deceptively simple and catchy soundscapes belie the complexly woven arrangements beneath them. There is an oddly cinematic feel to Folded Light’s music; “Landscape” in particular conjures up images of open roads and rolled down windows. (It doesn’t come as a total surprise to learn that both Zinn and Damstra have other film-based projects: Zinn is currently finishing post-production on his first feature length film and Damstra composes music for television and film). Summer might be winding down, but take a listen to two of my favorite songs from Kelly, and see if you can’t extend the feeling a bit longer. The hints of lo-fi fuzz amid rolling guitar licks made “Kelly” one of my summer jams, while “Landscape” is a delightfully woven fabric of intricate melody, sweet vocals and humming instrumentals. Delicately fuzzed-out melodic harmonies. Folded Light - Kelly Folded Light - Landscapes + Purchase/Visit

cabaret // folk pop // singer-songwriter If you think that April Smith and the Great Picture Show sounds like the name of some 1930s vaudeville act — well, you wouldn’t be so far off. The upbeat and retro stylings of April Smith and her band bring to mind cabaret acts, jazz, and swing with an indie twist. As we saw at SXSW, there’s a swagger to her live set as well as the band’s recordings. April’s brassy vocals are well matched by the myriad of instruments backing her, including piano, upright bass, horns, accordion, drums, guitar and even a ukulele. Her album, Songs For A Sinking Ship, was a true-blue grassroots effort, financed by her fans on Kickstarter.com and the result is stunning, quirky and lively. This is burlesque with a swagger… and a heart. Take a listen to “Colors” and “Movie Loves A Screen” below and just try to refrain from clapping along. Boisterous indie pop meets swingin’ cabaret. April Smith and the Great Picture Show - Colors April Smith and the Great Picture Show - Movie Loves A Screen + Purchase/Visit

indie pop // singer-songwriter Singer-songwriter Laura Jansen has popped up a few times on Aurgasm before: once last year on the Jason Kanakis track “Anything,” and most recently when we covered her set at SXSW last month. It’s about time for a proper introduction. Laura’s unique indie piano-pop is exceptionally lovely, and manages to showcase her incredible songwriting and ethereal vocals at the same time. She skillfully combines rich instrumentation and sweet melody, with gorgeous results. The songs on her latest EP, Single Girls, run the gamut from playful to reflective and wistful, but they all manage an expressive eloquence that is mesmerizing. Take a listen to “The End” and “Single Girls” from Single Girls and see for yourself. Eloquent and sweet piano-driven indie pop. Laura Jansen - The End Laura Jansen - Single Girls + Purchase/Visit

singer-songwriter // folk pop Sydney Wayser possesses an ear for melody and talent for songwriting that results in a collection of intimate and playful tunes. The half-French, half-American songwriter grew up in Los Angeles with frequent trips to Paris (and is now based in New York). This worldly charm is heard throughout her music, whether it’s the Southern-inspired “Banjo Bayou” or the dreamy allure of “Bells”. Though the majority of her sophomore album, The Colorful, was recorded on children’s toys and piano, there is nothing childish about it. Wayser’s alluring vocals and her unique instrumentals combine to rapturous effect. The Colorful wanders between light-hearted fun and poignant melody with ease. Charming instrumentals and smoky vocals. Sydney Wayser - Bells Sydney Wayser - Banjo Bayou + Purchase/Visit

folk-pop // acoustic Israeli-born New York-based Rosi Golan’s debut album The Drifter & The Gypsy (2008) is 11 vibrant and neatly-crafted folk songs. Mostly accompanied by acoustic guitars as well as drums, bass, piano, banjo and mandolin, the album sways between folky tunes and mellow ballads. “Follow The Arrow” (not featured on the album) is probably the most uplifting, up-tempo and contagiously melodic track from Rosi’s repertoire. Another highlight (taken from the album this time) is the clever folk-driven “I Don’t Wanna Wait”, delivering catchy chorus with such a charming simplicity. The Drifter & The Gypsy will appeal to these who enjoy the tiny bit whimsical sounds of such artists as Ingrid Michaelson as well as the lovely songwriting of Lucy Schwartz. Bright and light-hearted melodies. Rosi Golan - Follow The Arrow Rosi Golan - I Don’t Wanna Wait

folk-pop // acoustic Some of you might be familiar with Marit Larsen as a former member of Norwegian teenage duo M2M, known for their hit “Don’t Say You Love Me” (1999). Following the duo’s break up Marit has shifted from the sugary sweet pop to a subtler and more mature kind of songwriting. Her second solo effort, The Chase (2008), is all about the rich yet unpretentious arrangements and memorable melodies. Featured below, “Steal My Heart” is one of Marit’s slow paced numbers and a great example of her orchestral pop crafting. The song evolves around the gorgeous strings and overall delicate instrumentation that carries Marit’s soft vocals. Sweet melody to melt your heart. Marit Larsen - Steal My Heart

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singer-songwriter // indie folk // holiday

swedish pop // singer-songwriter Laleh’s album, Me and Simon (2009), shines with pure pop energy and good fun. There are no experimental edges for avant pop lovers, yet there are enough memorable melodies and clever hooks to keep your attention. Iranian-Swedish artist Laleh crafts vibrant pop songs, sweet lullabies and ballads, sung mostly in English with the occasional French and Persian (not to be confused with Arabic) ear candy. Laleh’s stand-out track and my personal favourite is “Simon Says”. With its lovely arrangements, subtle multi-layered vocals and playful lyrics, this one you will carry and hum for the rest of the day. Strong melody and a somewhat naive quirkiness. Laleh - Simon Says

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brazilian // world Having lived and performed in Brazil, Chile, Peru, Portugal and France, Bïa is truly a world artist. Musically active for over a decade yet relatively unknown, Bïa released her solid and versatile studio work Nocturno in 2008. Largely acoustic and soothing, it’s an ideal summer album. Nocturno combines gentle Bossa and Samba beats, Portuguese Fado influences with a distinct saudade quality, and delicate touches of jazz, rock, and klezmer music. Mellow, summery blend of bossa and jazz. Bïa - Caminhar + Purchase/Visit

chanson française // folk pop

folk // singer-songwriter Some of you might have seen Allie Moss performing with the lovely Ingrid Michaelson. Her debut EP Passerby (2009) reveals Allie to be a strong and promising singer-songwriter on her own. The extremely captivating “Corner” displays Allie’s songwriting skills as well as her sweet vocals and clever phrasing, setting the tone for the rest of her EP. From bittersweet to soft and melancholic, Passerby is a solid and well-crafted collection of folk-pop songs.

Gorgeous melody carried by pitter-patter production. Allie Moss - Corner + Purchase/Visit