Genre Hoppin’: Set to release his major label debut “Troubadour” on February 24th, Somalian born rapper K’naan has an all star cast helping on the album with appearances from Mos Def, Damian Marley, Maroon 5, and on his latest single “If Rap Gets Jealous”, which features Kirk Hammett of Metallica. K’naan has stated that his “main objective is good art,” and if his single w/ Hammett is any indication of his upcoming album, America and the rest of the world may have a rap artist with some real messages dethrone Kanye and Lil’ Wayne as the voice of this generation.

Unsigned New York rockers Vaeda have been hard at work on new tracks. Progressing from the work on their 2006 album, “State of Nature”, this trio has coined their own excellent power ballad with “Breathe” and a strong rocker with “Vultures”. Look for an EP or album to come out from these guys in the coming months.

Soulful singer/songwriter Jared Lee has just signed a publishing deal with Chrysalis Music Group (Outkast, Gnarls Barkley, Kylie Minogue) and is busy making some new music at the moment. Check out “Hold You Down” which would feel at home on any Top 40 station.

Aussies: An Australian band worth a listen is Birds of Tokyo which features singer of successful Australian hard rock band Karnivool.
19 Year old singer, and Australian Idol runner-up Jessica Mauboy is topping the Australian iTunes charts with her single, “Burn” which has the dance/pop feel of many of the top digital sellers here in the states.

Quick Picks:

Green River Ordinance – “Come On” – A Capitol signing that soccer moms and Matchbox Twenty fans could fall for.

Tom Gabel – “Random Hearts” – Against Me! front man with a knack for infectious hooks.

The Veer Union – “Over Me” - Universal has another rock band with more power ballads…Oh, and they’re Canadian.

Hockey – “Too Fake” – just signed to Capitol.

Dead Confederate – “The Rat”

Soundcheck is written by Dallas Osborn who currently attends San Francisco State University and works on the Live 105 (KITS) Action Team.