By all definitions, Jack White collaborates a lot. At least more than the average musician. That’s why when I said collaborations, his name popped up into my mind. Most of his projects are collaborations, and whether they are your cup of tea or not, you have to admit that there are sparks and indisputable quality throughout all of them.
After all, I’m talking about a joint intellectual effort that takes people out of their cocoon and allows inspiration to shoot up. Sharing the stage or the studio can be a recipe for greatness, can resurrect a career, advance it, or even start one, but it can also be a recipe for disaster. Not everything is game-changing. Probably because chemistry is key. But before talking about chemistry, you need to show your face to the world, schmooze around, make yourself available.
Worry not, I’m not here to state the obvious, just to point fingers. You make and play music, but waiting by the phone with all your works nicely wrapped is not enough. You need to do more. Be ready to create, but also to shake hands, to download, to upload, to smile nicely and impress deeply.And I’m not talking now to the overactive “beast”, spreading its musical kingdom through real and virtual territories. I’m talking to the other just as talented… extreme, innocent and lost, not knowing how to start and where to go.
Buzz Track: Good Bye
Los Angeles based Figs Vision has become a Kings favorite. They know how to craft memorable indie pop melodies ala AWOLNATION and Imagine Dragons. Upcoming music in a movie awaiting release titled ‘Transit’. They have 50k combined streams on their songs.
Contact: gunner@figsvision.com
Buzz Track: The Perfect Fight
Newly formed alt rock Swim. has emerged from the suburbs of NJ/PA. They take influences from Foo Fighters and Lifehouse creating their own vibe while remembering that hooks and choruses are important. The band has secured upcoming shows in the East.
Contact: swim.isaband@gmail.com
Buzz Track: Fire Heart
Los Angeles based pop rock artist Chikk recently signed an exclusive co-publishing agreement with multi-platinum producers The Underdogs (Beyonce, Chris Brown) music publishing division. Her writing skills and vocals got her the attention which led to opportunities to write for various Disney and today’s up-and-coming artist. She will be releasing her EP shortly which will be available on iTunes.
Contact: bcmclane@aol.com
Buzz Track: Karma’s Not Pretty
LA teen sensation, Temara Melek, is hotly tipped as the one to watch, with the release of her brand new single ‘Karma’s Not Pretty’- an infectious slice of teen pop/rock that packs a punch. It will be released in the UK. Temara co-wrote the single with ‘The Voice USA’ winner Cassadee Pope and was produced by the award-winning team, Stacy Jones and Mike Schmid. US magazine picked her as one of their Hot Hollywood Teens to keep your eye on this year. Alongside that she has been nominated for an Album of the Year award at the LA Music Awards.
Contact: dani@straightfwdmusic.co.uk