Noise 101: Four artists that will make your day
by Claire Miglionico
Arts Editor
Photo courtesy of aheartisaspade.com
Florence + the Machine is the latest U.K. import that’s making noise on this side of the ocean. The band first got recognition on BBC Introducing, which led to mainstream success.
Lead singer, 24-year-old Florence Welch, is a stylish redhead who knows how to belt one out. Her voice is soulful and the sound of her band — a.k.a. “the Machine” — is a wild combination of soul and rock. They released their debut album, Lungs, in 2009. Welch says the name Florence + the Machine was a private joke.
“I made music with my friend, who we called Isabelle Machine to which I was Florence Robot.”
Photo courtesy of sfcmusic.wordpress.com
BEST COAST
Best Coast is your wave-friendly indie-pop trio from Los Angeles. The cover of their debut album, Crazy for You, sports a cute little cat and has lyrics like “I wish he was my boyfriend” that make us sing along to Bethany Cosentino’s fuzzy lead vocals. Best Coast rocked the airwaves with their single “Boyfriend” all throughout last year. Catchy surf rock at its best, “Boyfriend” was named “best new track” by Pitchfork Media — a Chicago-based web publication that focuses on underground and independent music.
Photo courtesy of sfcmusic.wordpress.com
MAN MAN
Photo courtesy of jezebelmusic.com
Quirky Philadelphia, Pa., band Man Man defines “experiment” in experimental music. On stage, they are wild and crazy and play with pretty much anything within reach, making them some of the most versatile musicians out there. Frontman Honus Honus, puts on a show like no other. He can throw on a night gown and still totally rock the show. Man Man opened up for Modest Mouse in the past and played the Calgary Folk Music Festival this past summer.
Photo courtesy of jezebelmusic.com
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Baker
Local indie-melodramatic singer-songwriter Smith is set to be the next big thing in North America. Her strong jazz-influenced vocals are mesmerizing to the ears and her love for classic songs definitely shows up in her romantic and catchy lyrics blended with slow acoustic instruments. Smith played the Calgary Folk Music Festival this summer and has been at various street festivals across the city.
