Nikewomen NFR Blog

Free Download from Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: The Stills

Brittany.JC — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:30:46 GMT

The Stills are an indie band from Canada. They have been together since 2000 and have released four albums and a bunch of singles. Their latest album entitled,"Oceans Will Rise" was released on August 19th and is chock full of great tunes!

One of my favorite songs on this album is, "I'm With You". It is addictive, upbeat and has a great groove. This makes it the perfect song to run to! The musicality of this group can also be heard in this song through their intricate arrangements. This song makes me wish I could play the guitar!

Make sure to check out the Stills web page at www.thestills.com There you can listen to more of their songs and see a complete list of the their tour dates.

-Brittany

As always, you can download their track "I'm With You" right here on nikewomen.com!:

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Brazilian Girls

Brittany.JC — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:35:32 GMT

When I lived in New York City last summer I went to a concert series in Central Park. There were tons of bands playing, but the one I really remember is The Brazilian Girls. The first thing I noticed when I saw them perform, was that of the three members, only one is a girl. Also, the lead vocalist was singing in French, so I didn't think they were even Brazilian!

It turns out that none of the members are Brazilian, but once you hear their songs you don't really worry about their name. This pop/electronic group has one of the most unique sounds that I have heard in a long time! Their songs showcase influences of reggae, pop, rock and tribal music and each track is like a new surprise. One of their newest songs is called, “Good Time," and is one of my favorites. It is really fun and has a repetitive drumbeat that will keep you nodding your head.

The Brazilian Girls have a new album entitled “New York City" that was just released on August 5th. The album is also available now on itunes. For more info on the band visit their myspace page at www.myspace.com/braziliangirls.

-Brittany

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Jessie Baylin

Brittany.JC — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:05:48 GMT

When I found out that Jessie Baylin recently moved to Tennessee it didn't surprise me. Her song “See How I Run" definitely has a country sound all the way down to the twangy guitar in the background! Even though I am not the biggest fan of country music, I really like this song. With lyrics like “moving quickly, trying to catch what's mine,' this track is extremely positive and sure to inspire.

Jessie Baylin is not a country artist, this singer/songwriter hails from New Jersey and has a very diverse sound ranging from folk to jazz. One of her jazzier tracks is “I'll Cry For The Both Of Us." This song is one of my favorites and really displays the melodic tone and true range of her voice.

If you want more information on Jessie go to www.jessiebaylin.com. There you can check for tour dates, look at pictures and download her latest songs.

-Brittany

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Bitter:Sweet

Brittany.JC — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:54:47 GMT

Imagine walking into a really chic boutique or a swanky bar. Now think about the song that would be playing in the store. That song would probably sound something like “The Bomb" by Bitter:Sweet. The repetitive baseline and sultry nature of the singer's voice definitely gives it a flirtatious feel. Then, out of nowhere, the tempo speeds up with the help from a keyboard and a blaring trumpet! This song is very retro and will immediately make you feel like you're the ‘60's!

Bitter:Sweet is an electronic/trip-hop duo from Los Angeles. Shana Halligan serves as lead vocals and Kiran Shahani provides the unique beats. Another song of theirs that you've probably heard is “The Mating Game." Like many of their songs, this track has been used on several popular television shows and movies. Their latest album “Drama" is available on iTunes now.

-Brittany

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Jamie Lidell

Brittany.JC — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:29:09 GMT

Jamie Lidell's music cannot be put into any bubble. His music takes its influence from many different genres ranging from soul to alternative. On his latest album, “Jim," each track is like a box of chocolates…You never know what you're going to get!

His song, “Another day" sounds like the 1960's Soul, Pop and R&B hits our parents grew up listening to. The piano and hand clapping is reminiscent of a Sunday morning at church; the singers in the background channeling a gospel feel. If the gospel flavor doesn't get you, the combination of soul and funk are sure to get your toes tapping!

Lidell is currently on tour and will play several shows in the U.S. throughout the year. His sound is so unique and unlike any others that are out right now, he is definitely worth a listen!

-Brittany

Check out Jamie Liddell's "Another Day" from the album JIM:

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Styrofoam

Brittany.JC — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:45:34 GMT

I've never been to the future. But I would imagine that the music there would sound something like Styrofoam. This one-man music maker is from Belgium and his music is categorized as indie/electronica/pop.

“Happy beats and sad lyrics" is how musician Arne Van Petegem of Styrofoam describes his sound. A perfect example of this combo can be heard in the song “After Sunset". The lyrics read, “will you be there to catch me if I'm falling," however, the beats remain extremely upbeat and happy!

Styrofoam also has more lyrical tracks like, “My Next Mistake". This song has stronger influences from alternative music and is less electronic. One thing I can say of all of his songs is that they have very catchy choruses. Every song on the new cd will have you singing out loud within seconds. One of my favorites is “Bright Red Helmet". In addition to its highly electronic sound, it also has a chorus that is really fun to sing.

If you haven't heard of Styrofoam, you are missing out. His new album, “A Thousand Words" was released in the US on June 10th. You can listen to tracks off his new CD and check out tour dates on http://www.myspace.com/styrofoam

I hope you enjoy the exclusive footage of the live version of my favorite song "Bright Red Helmet"!

-Brittany

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: SantoGold

Brittany.JC — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:00:28 GMT

One artist that I immediately connected with was Santogold. Santogold a.k.a. Santi White is a Philadelphia native with a very unique sound. I like to call her music a little bit of everything. She has influences from 80's pop, punk rock and Caribbean beats. I can honestly say that she doesn't sound like anyone else, so listening to her is like experiencing something brand new.

Santogold has had a lot of success on the Internet, and just recently hit the big time with her debut album entitled, “Creator." It was released in April and was a quick addition to my ipod! My two favorite songs are the rock-inspired, “L.E.S. Artistes" and the more Caribbean sounding, “Shuv it." I love both of these songs on her CD, but I also had the chance to experience them live when she performed at SXSW. Her set was amazing. She has a great presence on stage and really connected to her audience.

Major magazines have called Santogold a new artist to watch in 2008 and I can't agree more. If you want to hear more from Santogold, check out her my space page at www.myspace.com/santogold.

-Brittany

NikeWomen.com Featured Artist: The Submarines

Brittany.JC — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:00:50 GMT

The Submarines…What a perfect duo! This indie pop pair from LA not only has a great sound, but they also have a great story - a love story. Blake Hazard (vocals/keyboards) and John Dragonetti (vocals/guitar) are married now, but in the past, their break-ups served as inspiration for their music. So much so, that their second album “Declare a New State," features many songs about how sad they were to be broken up. My favorite song off of this CD is “Peace and Hate." It is a conversation between the two and really takes the listener through a range of emotions.

At SXSW I got to hear their whole set and it was great! I love to listen to their music when I am trying to relax. Both of their voices are so soothing and melodic. Their songs range from having a guitar folk feel to sounding very electronic and futuristic. It is the perfect combination.

The Submarines will be touring and their new CD Honeysuckle Weeks was released on iTunes in April. It will be available in stores on May 13th. If you want more information on The Submarines check out their websitewww.thesubmarines.com or on their myspace page at www.myspace.com/thesubmarinesmusic.

-Brittany

“In the beginning, we all start
as a tiny seed, then a tender sprout.
With water, light and the hope of love,
we grow up toward the skies above."

John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard recorded Honeysuckle Weeks, their second
album as The Submarines, as summer vines blossomed and the sun coaxed green
grasses up around the stones leading from their East LA home to their garageturned-
home-studio. Honeysuckle Weeks weaves together themes drawn from
their immediate surroundings and experience: the garden outside, and the push and
pull of life and love inside.

After touring behind their debut, Declare a New State, in the US and Europe, The
Submarines were ready to make an album that felt good not only to record but to play
in a live setting. “Our first album was hugely cathartic for us to make,
dealing with a breakup and getting out the sorrow, but we've been ready to freak out
and have a lot more fun this time around. We're thankful not to have to make that
record again, to be in a better place," says Hazard. Honeysuckle Weeks also marks
the duo's first album made collaboratively; Declare a New State was written
separately during a breakup and recorded upon their reunion.

Sonically, Honeysuckle Weeks is a glorious collage of The Submarines'
wide-ranging influences, from old-school dub (most evident in tracks like
“1940" and “Fern Beard") to intricately layered electronica (as in the psychedelicclassical
“Submarine Symphonika" and “The Thorny Thicket") to vintage pop
(as on “Swimming Pool" and the Santaria-inspired “Xavia"). While some songs
started with a traditional guitar-in-hand approach, many began with
instrumental tracks composed by Dragonetti, which Hazard then completed
with words and melody, drawing on each of the their musical strengths.
Dragonetti--who masterminded the recording--says, “The glitch is enjoyable,
but so are the Beatles, so I just try to follow what the song calls for." The duo
was also joined on a number of tracks by the phenomenal Section Quartet.
The record is as diverse in theme as it is in sound. The time-warped “1940"
conjures the things that go bump! in the night, while “The Wake Up Song"
portrays a couple's start to the day--the act of preparing to leave the house,
setting the stage for relationship dynamics. “You, Me and the Bourgeoisie"
addresses the need for social consciousness, while acknowledging the
hypocrisies inherent in our own contemporary lives. The most prevalent
theme in the record, however, is the garden. Whether it's thorns wrapped
around the heart in “The Thorny Thicket" or plants taking back the city in
“Fern Beard," the leafy tangle surrounding The Submarines' studio made its
way into the songs with a fresh energy. The days when the garden grew while
the album blossomed were The Submarines' Honeysuckle Weeks.

Honeysuckle Weeks will be released on May 13, 2008 through Nettwerk
Records, followed by US tour dates.

NikeWomen.com Featured Artist: Cut Copy

Brittany.JC — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:15:49 GMT

Cut Copy is an electropop group from Australia. SXSW introduced me to the sounds of Cut Copy and I haven't looked back since. Their music is heavy on synthesizers and keyboards. They take a lot of their influence from 80's music as well as the indie scene.

Cut Copy is made up of three people. Dan Whitford (lead vocals/keys/guitar),
Tim Hoey (guitar/bass/backing vocals/sampler), and Mitchell Scott (drums). Their performances are definitely high energy. They performed at a rooftop party at SXSW and the show was unlike any other that day. In addition to the intense light display, they were jumping up and down and really having fun on the stage. The strong chemistry between the band members can really be seen during their performance.

Their lastest album, In Ghost Colours was released at the end of March. My favorite track is “Lights and Music." I also really like the futuristic sound of “Far Away." To help publicize their record, Cut Copy will be touring around the US. You can check out their touring schedule on their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/cutcopy.

-Brittany

Cut Copy are set to return in 2008 with the shimmering timelessness of In Ghost Colours. Haunted with machines of the past and sounds of the future, In Ghost Colours inhabits the kind of space in time where trends are irrelevant and music is about feeling rather than following and 1969 is just as relevant as 2020. At once both jacking and jangly, electronic and organic, Cut Copy have crafted a record filled with glorious sounds and moods and that unashamedly pops with hooks and melodies for eons…

In Ghost Colours traverses genres effortlessly, from already-anthem Hearts On Fire's epic sax-house to the noisy bliss of So Haunted. For Cut Copy the record was an exercise in drawing parallels between favourites old and new and trying to find a meeting point in between - from the vocoder-ed robo-pop of French house to prog's soaring harmonies to the texture of shoegaze, In Ghost Colours lands at some sort of trans-galaxial intersection between these disparate planets.

This idea was something that appealed to Tim Goldsworthy, DFA's in-house producer,
programming guru, synth mogul and eventually “muse" for In Ghost Colours.
Goldsworthy was enlisted to get nerdy on the project after a series of conversations with the band, who were admitted DFA fans, and when front-man Dan Whitford found he had
found an equal to his obsession with ELO's Time record. When it was revealed that
Goldsworthy had dropped out of school to follow My Bloody Valentine around England in
the 80s and could pinpoint every pedal that was used for every sound on Loveless the
contract was signed in blood. And so the band travelled to New York in early 2007 to spend 6 weeks tracking In Ghost Colours at DFA's Plantain Studio in the West Village, geeking out on DFA's collection of vintage analogue equipment and on an endless hunt for decent coffee.

The songs that Cut Copy had collected in the period since Bright Like Neon Love arrived
in New York as promising bones of a more assured, song-based follow up. Upon
encountering Goldsworthy's approach to recording, which Dan revealed involved “a lot of experimentation. A lot of the time it was a matter of listening to where a track was at, then going over and picking up a random piece of gear, or messing around with pedals and filter, and seeing what you could get from it. Whether it ended up in the finished track or not, it was all a part of the process, and it was a fun and experimental one." This approach meant some sounds you hear on the record are entirely unique and impossible to replicate. From the epic trance breakdown in Far Away, to the sawtooth synth bass on Out There On The Ice, to when an old radio receiver was plugged direct into the analogue desk for Voices In Quartz, these sharp, succinct pop arrows to the heart are benefited from an array of special sonic sparkles.

The progression from Bright Like Neon Love to In Ghost Colours is brazenly apparent
from opening track Feel The Love, an acoustic guitar led stomp of a space rock tune, instantly unforgettable and with recognizable Cut Copy glow. Where Bright Like Neon Love was charmingly vague and hazy, In Ghost Colours is directly to the point and efficient in it's songcraft, with vocals much more apparent and Whitford's imprint all over every track. The record is sewn together with passages of woozy dreamscapes between the straight up jams.

NikeWomen.com Featured Artist: Chromeo

Brittany.JC — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:01:50 GMT

Not many groups mix together the sounds of a synthesizer, keyboard and a talk box. But Chromeo is able to use all of these instruments to create their highly unique and innovative sound. When I hear their music, I immediately think of the eighties. Their catchy beats and even more addictive choruses make it hard not to dance.

Dave 1 and P-Thugg are the duo that make up Chromeo. They hail from Canada and have been best friends since childhood. I met up with them at SXSW after they had just performed in front of a packed house. Their fans were so amazing and almost all of them were singing right along with the band. I had never been to one of their performances before, so I snuck all the way to the front row to snap some pictures!

My favorite Chromeo song is definitely “Fancy Footwork." As soon as I heard it I put it on my ipod! I also like the song “Needy Girl" and Chromeo said that it is usually a crowd favorite. If you haven't heard their songs, you need to check them out. I guarantee you will become a fan!

For more information on Chromeo, visit their MySpace page.

Unique Sounds of SXSW

Brittany.JC — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:15:40 GMT

I have heard about SXSW in the past, but never thought I'd have the chance to go. SXSW (aka. South by Southwest) is one of the largest music festivals in the nation and artists from all over the world perform there.

The festival took place in Austin Texas. Downtown Austin was busting with fans eager to hear their favorite bands. 6th street was the most populated area. There were dozens of concert venues and thousands of people. I didn't have to walk more than two feet to hear a new band. Most of the time, I didn't even have to go into the bar to hear the band. You could hear the drums and guitars blaring just by walking down the street!

I started off my SXSW experience by meeting up with the Dollyrots. They are a punk band from LA and they shared some awesome stories from their experiences on tour. By the time their concert was over it was almost 2am. I was exhausted, but 6th street was still alive with people and music!

The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind of interviews and concerts. I had the chance to meet Cut Copy, Santogold, Simian Mobile Disco, Kate Voegle and Chromeo. The members of “All Time Low" invited me inside of their tour bus. I had never been in one before, and boy are those things nice! Something else that was nice? Their shoes! All of them were wearing really sweet and colorful Nike's! They inspired me to spruce up my collection and get some new pairs. Any excuse to shop! I rounded out my weekend by interviewing pop artist “Ferras" and the indie rock duo, “The Submarines."

Each artist was so different and had their own unique sound. That is what was so awesome about SXSW. There was music for everyone! Not only was Austin great, but SXSW let me hear some of my favorite bands live. It also introduced me to some really great new artists. I can't wait to go back next year, but next time I'll be wearing some fresh Nike's like “All Time Low!!"

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Earl Greyhound

Brittany.JC — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:23:15 GMT

Is rockalicious a word? Well, if it is, that is definitely how I would describe the sound of Earl Greyhound. EG is a rock trio that hails from Brooklyn. The mix of male and female vocals matched with hard rock drumming from Big Ricc Sheridan all contribute to this band’s unique modern update on a classic sound.

Earl Greyhound’s current single “S.O.S.” is the perfect mixture of hard 70s rock with a little touch of the blues. Singer and guitarist Matt Whyte’s voice soars above others as he belts out the lyrics with help from vocalist/bassist Kamara Thomas. They are a perfect singing duo. Even though they are singing loudly, it never feels like they are yelling at you! Towards the end of the song they really chill it out and harmonize like a high school choral group. It’s pretty impressive.

S.O.S is such a fun song. It’s hard and groovy with a touch of Classic Rock psychedelica. Relentless and driving, it’s an easy song in which to get lost. It rocks pretty hard, but there is also something very rhythmic about it. For me, it’s the type of song I’d memorize and sing out loud with my friends! S.O.S -- “across the Universe!”

Rockalicious!

Have a listen and for more information on "Soft Targets", click on the iTunes link below:

Earl Greyhound began with the collaboration of songwriters Matt Whyte and Kamara Thomas in the Spring of 2002 in New York City. The pair began performing regularly as a duo on piano and guitar in NYC and began to craft the sound that would become Earl Greyhound.

Whyte and Thomas developed the act into a much louder one with Matt on guitar, Kamara on bass, an assortment of different drummers and began playing in New York as Earl Greyhound. After having completed Soft Targets in Brooklyn in the Fall of 2005 Earl Greyhound played New York City clubs a shitload despite the absence of a permanent member on drums. One fateful evening at a gig at Southpaw in Brooklyn, Earl Greyhound found a friend in Roots guitar player Kirk Douglass. Douglass became a fan of the band and then brought his friend and Gold Crowns bandmate Ricc Sheridan to EG gigs for the next few weeks. It wasn’t before long that Matt and Kamara realized they had found their dream bandmate, or dreammate and Earl Greyhound hit the ground running with Big Ricc Sheridan on drums.

Soft Targets was released in October 2006 on Quicksand’s Walter Schreifel’s New York label Some Records. The album, and even more so the band’s live show, quickly drew heaps of critical attention as they relentlessly toured for the next year and a half in the States, Canada and Japan. The Fall of 2007 was spent almost entirely in bigger, classier venues on tour opening for Chris Cornell and the band’s good friend Shooter Jennings. After three months on the road the band safely landed back in NY and began work at their 24th Street space preparing for the release of their sophomore album.

There's something about Teyana Taylor

Tereza.O — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:29:25 GMT

There’s something about Teyana Taylor. It could be her effortlessly sharp dance moves. It could be that disarmingly rich, powerful voice. It could be her unique hip hop/skater chick style. But it’s probably something intangible—the authority with which the diminutive 17-year old commands an audience. She’s got the kind of power—the kind of witchcraft that makes you think, This girl’s gonna be great.

I chatted with Teyana, who’s about to release her first album From A Planet Called Harlem (Star Trak/Intersope), before her performance at NYC’s Club Marquee. I was impressed by how cool—and grounded—this girl is. The self taught dancer picked up most of her moves from watching music videos and street performers. But those breathtaking moves don’t come so easy. “I go to the gym from 11 to 2 (at night)” says the chanteuse, “I do the treadmill, weights, and crunches.” Recently, Teyana added ballet training to her repertoire. “I learned new ways to strengthen my body, and picked up on different ways to move.” As for her distinctive style, Teyana’s not a follower. “If I see something that’s hot, I get it,” she explains. She also confesses to having over 100 pairs of Nike shoes.

Teyana’s skyrocketing to the top of the music biz. But if she weren’t singing and dancing? “I’d play basketball,” she says. “I played for two years and I was really, really good.” Wanna be a triple threat like Teyana? She offers some words of wisdom, “Work hard, remain humble, and don’t be afraid to be an individual.”

Can’t get enough Teyana? You can also download her single “Google Me” on iTunes.

-Tereza Ohley

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Kreesha Turner

Brittany.JC — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:33:23 GMT

Kreesha Turner is a brand new face on the music scene. She hails from our neighbor to the north, Canada, and has a fresh sound unlike any other. And we’re introducing her to the world with our first Nike Song of the Week.

Turner’s sound is as eclectic as her influences. Her new song “Bounce with Me” is definitely one for the Girl on the Go. It is a fresh mix of “old meets new.” Channeling R&B, jazz and pop with a swinging Fifties vibe. “Bounce with me” would be an ideal song to run to or train to. Its high energy vibe will keep you pumped up until you cross the finish line!

Her album isn’t in stores yet. But you can listen to it here:

Kreesha Turner, a native of Edmonton, Canada is blowing up the charts with her debut single, “Bounce With Me” from her forthcoming album “Passion". If you haven’t heard her infectious voice yet – you soon will. Her music has been featured all over television: from cable networks to reality shows to primetime trailers, and her new video for "Bounce With Me" is coming soon. Shot by iconic director Lil’ X – the video showcases Kreesha’s unique sound and star quality charisma and is sure to be a hit with music television everywhere. Kreesha is signed with Virgin/EMI. Look for her debut album to drop in Spring 2008!