::Artist Roundup::
Dirty Vegas
Band ingredients: Paul Harris, Steve Smith, Ben Harris
Hail from: Kent and South London
In the know: when the band won the Grammy for “Best Dance Single” there was no acceptance speech because the trio was hanging out in a bar.
Where you’ve heard them: their song “Days Go By” from their self-titled album was featured on a Mitsubishi commercial
Sound: dance-electronica
Website: www.dirtyvegas.com
Latest project: One released in stores Oct. 18, 2004
What’s different on this album: less dance, heavy guitar and trademark brit-pop
fever sound
Rotation worthy: Yes Yes Yes
The Golden Republic
Band ingredients: Ben Grimes (guitar, lead vocals), Ryan Shank (drums), Harry
Anderson (bass), Kenn Jankowski (guitar, keyboard)
In the know: band was founded by cousins Ben and Ryan
Formerly known as: The People
Discography: The People (Sept. 21, 2004)
Sound: 80’s new wave punk-glam rock
Toured with: Sondre Lerche, Idlewild & Nada Surf
Website: www.thegoldenrepublic.com
Why you should listen to them: they may be reminiscent of bands you hear nowadays but they’re seriously talented with guitar heavy songs, catchy hooks, and concrete vocals that remind the listener of what progressive rock should sound like, minus the arrogance.
Rotation worthy: Yes I definitely think so
Lizz Fields
Hometown: Philly
Sound: Jazz soul
In the know: she used to sing back up vocals for Jill Scott; she sold her first CDs in the furniture store she worked in
Discography: By Day By Night (Nov. 25, 2003)
Why you should listen to her: because she has a fresh jazz sound known for her
strong, unique style of scatting and is known to put on an incredible live show
Website: www.lizzfields.com
Where you can find her performing: NYC, London, L.A., Chicago
Rotation worthy: Oh yes
John Legend
Who is he: Kanye West’s first R&B singer/songwriter piano playing protégé
Formerly known and made records as: John Stephens
Just another R&B singer? Maybe? But he’s stepping into the scene Alicia Keys style with the voice, the driven piano, and the authentic talent to write his own songs.
Other sounds: hip-hop, soul, reggae
Debut CD: Get Lifted (Dec. 28, 2004)
Collaborations: Jay-Z, Britney Spears, Talib Kweli, Common & The Black-Eyed Peas
In the Know: Legend worked with Lauryn Hill in creatively producing popular track “Everything is Everything”
Website: www.johnlegend.com
Rotation worthy: hopefully worth the wait
