MUSIC: Laura Roy Self-Titled EP

From the first track Laura Roy had captured my attention and had me tapping away at my keyboard. That for me, is how I know it's a great release. Sometimes I'm sat at my keyboard wandering what to type about artists, though I might like the song they don't necessarily get me excited. Whereas Laura Roy's self titled EP wasn't one of those occasions for me. I couldn't wait to share her music with you.

The album sounds incredibly fun, it's the kind of EP that will get you up dancing just from the melodies alone. The R&B pop singer is incredible! It's not surprising that she has shared the stage with artists such as Jully Black, JRDN, Ludacris, Rakik and Freddy Gibbs and attended the prestigious Gordie Sampson Songcamp put on by the Grammy-winning writer in Nova Scotia for four years as well as being invited to participate in songwriting camps via The Songwriter's Association of Canada in Montreal and Toronto in 2015. It was here that Laura had the chance to write and connect with producers and writers like Rob Wells (Justin Bieber), Alex Greggs (Lady  Gaga) Caitlyn Smith (Meghan Trainor, John Legend) and Gordie Sampson himself (Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill). Reading her background it's not surprising that she had managed to create a fantastic self titled EP.

The six track EP is filled with potential hits which is why it got me so excited. The R&B singers music has synth pop sounds mixed with soulful melodies and catchy hooks. Her songs are incredibly catchy and makes you feel like getting up and dance and have fun. The opening track, 'Don't Chase The Feeling' is a prime example of this. The verses are understated but incredibly well written building to this crescendo of a chorus which is so catchy and playful. The bridge shows Laura Roy's more soulful and powerhouse of a voice. It's a brilliant opening track for the EP.

'Looking the Other Way' is next which is a bit more soulful and reminds me of 90s R&B. A song about a broken relationship with lyrics such as 'because you had it, then you lost it, now you're mad that I'm okay' something that most of us have experienced in our lives. Her songs are easy to relate to as well as positive and encouraging for you to get on with your own life. It's clear that she's taken everything she's learnt to create this brilliantly put together EP.

'Bright Lights' is definitely my favourite track off the EP. A song about 'trying to make it on my own' and chasing after your own dreams. I can imagine this in a movie - you know about a team or a star that lost their opportunity and by the end of the movie they get it all back a little bit like Disney movie Ice Princess (just me?). I just think it's so optimistic and encouraging. Laura's voice sounds incredible and you can see her music taking over the charts with this track.

'Full Moon' is a lot softer and definitely exploring her more soulful side whilst still keeping her pop and synth sounds. Again it's a beautiful track about love and 'holding it together'. A song about soul mates and 'finding our way through the dark'. It's romantic about holding on to the people you love through anything. It reminds me a little of Carly Rae Jepson with a little more soul in her voice.

'Take Me Down' has more fight to it, especially melody driven. Her voice takes a bit more of a blues tone to it, particularly in the beginning. It's a little bit more alluring and sultry. Again, Laura uses her powerful soulful voice at the beginning of the chorus. She's managed to find an amazing balance between her soul and R&B influence with a current pop and synth sound, which makes her incredibly unique.

'Plastic' is a little more darker. Definitely more of her soulful sound is coming out in this track, reminding me a little of Rihana's 'Unfaithful'. It definitely has that moody edge to it like that track had too. This track definitely shows off her vocal range and abilities, she's not hiding behind anything. Especially when you listen to her acoustic version you can hear what an incredible artist Laura Roy is. The EP is full of potential and I can't wait to see what Laura Roy has up her sleeve next. Incredibly underrated she is a rising star and one to watch out for. You can download her EP on iTunes now or listen on Spotify.

Check out Laura Roy's acoustic version of 'Plastic' below:

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MUSIC: Jamie Moon - Oh, My Heart

Jamie Moon, a Nottingham based musician has recently released his new EP 'Oh, My Heart' and with an indie cool sound to the EP it was something that definitely caught my attention in the mix of music that I listen to lately. Going back to my roots Jamie Moon's latest release definitely hits home with me in that respect. The five track EP deals with every aspect of love someone can go through and it's wonderful to be able to go on this journey with the artist.

'Oh, My Heart' has a clear direction from the start, with an almost softly spoken voice, there are clear influences from Ben Howard but without sounding like he's imitating the already established artist. Singing about his own experiences it's hard to not get captivated by Jamie Moon's lyrics and unique voice.

'Bloom' the opening track obviously describing the beginning of a new relationship and watching it blossoming. With an acoustic sound to all his tracks, this has a bit more depth with an airy voice coming through every now and again, the arrangement of this song is gorgeous. It sounds very cautious like you are when you first get into a relationship. Towards the end it builds into a crescendo as if he's finally telling the person how he feels. Incredibly romantic.

'Wallflower' starts more upbeat with an easy going vibe to the acoustic track. Very pop, the song sounds effortlessly cool and cheerful. 'Falling to pieces around you, what you doing to me' finally opening up and admitting his own feelings and wanting them to want him too. It's a very hopeful song that will no doubt have you smiling.

The title track is up next. 'Oh, My Heart' is a lot softer and a lot moodier. Depicting how he will 'meet you anywhere' and do anything for the person, to me it sounds like a song of holding on when maybe the other person isn't. I imagine this to sound incredible live, the intensity that Jamie Moon could no doubt get into it would make for an amazing performance.

'Fear For Your Life' is next starting with that simply acoustic guitar and finger picking. A track about moving on in your life and making  more commitments to a person and how it can be scary. With the sound of a drum that sounds like a heartbeat makes it intense and sound a bit edgier and rockier. This is my favourite track on the EP. It's something that I'm definitely relating to a lot at the moment but it also sounds very positive. The track is also completely open and honest which helps Jamie Moon stand out. This is such an incredible stand out track and it's easy to see why he's gathering a supportive following.

The final track on the EP is 'The Day We Met' a heartbreaking account of how he fell for her when he first met her 'can't help but notice you were sad, from the moment that we met'. It's beautifully written and will be pulling at your heartstrings no doubt. You can buy Jamie Moon's 'Oh, My Love' EP here.

Check out Jamie Moon's music video for 'Fear For Your Life' below:

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MUSIC: Nicky Davey - Been Lovin' You

Nicky Davey are a rock soul duo from LA and have just released their single 'Been Lovin' You', After being contacted about the band and checking them out it's quite obvious why these guys are featured on the latest NOW 57 (American version) compilation album and are in the company of big names such as Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Ellie Goulding and more with the single.

'Been Lovin' You' has a very cool and effortless tone to it, with a voice that reminds me a little of Justin Timberlake meets Adam Levine maybe, they've created an incredibly catchy song which tells the story of someone falling in love and trying to get the girl. It's a very relatable song about loving someone and 'take our time' with growing their relationship. With a slick voice that's very soulful in a pop sound, the guys have created something very unique. It's definitely a pop song but with a unique twist that catches your attention and stands out from everything else available in the charts. The duo have managed to mix an old school sound with modern music to create a beautiful track that will have you singing and dancing along in no time. The duo are also working on new material for an EP set to be released in Spring 2016 which I'll definitely keeping an eye on. 

Check out Nicky Davey's music video for 'Been Lovin' You' below: 

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MUSIC: Mi'das - Too Little Too Late

A little while ago I wrote about Mi'das and his 'Stronger' EP. To day he released the music video for his second single off of the EP, 'Too Little Too Late' which is released June 22nd. I'm so happy that he is releasing this song as his second single as it was, personally, one of my favourites on the EP and really stood out for me.

Mi'das himself describes the songs story as 'being afraid of getting old and having regrets about how you lived your life about making too many compromises and not following your dreams. It's one of my favourite songs because it mixes my soul and gospel influences wit my love of songwriters and results in the song having a timeless feeling'. 'Too Little Too Late' is exactly that. It has a really cool melody to it and makes you think about your life and where you really want to go. It's easy to sit and live the 'easy' life or the life that you're 'expected' to live rather than the life you want to live. This song, for me, is encouraging for you to go and live that life that you want. Despite it's message it still has a very optimistic approach. I like the use of a gospel choir and which reinforces the idea that living for the moment and following your dreams is something everyone struggles with. The song has that classic sound which Mi'das makes it seem completely effortless. It's a really beautiful song with a lot of soul behind it.

Check out Mi'das music video for 'Too Little Too Late' below:

Have you listened to Mi'das before? Let me know what you think. 

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