Pearl and the Puppets

Pearl and the Puppets is 21-year old Katie Sutherland. She grew up in Kirkintilloch, Scotland. Pearl is a singer, songwriter and musician, playing guitar and other instruments. Pearl left college to embark on a full-time career in music, and in a matter of months has already moved miles along the path to achieving her goals. She has signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell, and is managed by 21st Artists (the company whose rosta includes Elton John, James Blunt, Lily Allen and Just Jack). Aside from writing songs on her own, Pearl has also co-written with singer/songwriter Ben Parker, songwriter/producer Matty Benbrook and Deacon Blue founder and principle songwriter Ricky Ross. Recently Pearl has been recording tracks with producer Stephen Street, whose impeccable production credits include The Smiths, Blur, The Cranberries, Morrissey and the Kaiser Chiefs. Let's hope they're working on their debut album/EP right now!

@ Glasgow, UK

♫ Acoustic, Indie, Pop
♥ Because I Do (mp3)
♥ Lower Ground (mp3)
▸ Myspace

Coeur de Pirate

A random artist browse in MySpace, the first in last few months, delivered me a very talented singer-songwriter from Canada,
Coeur de Pirate (Béatrice Martin) is 18 year old, playing the piano since age of three. After five years of music education, she started in March of 2007 to compose her own songs. Members of Hello Brumaire noticed her and asked her to join their group where she contributed as a pianist and vocalist. In spring 2008 Béatrice left the group to concentrate on her solo-project Cœur of Pirate. Having given only four concerts, it is MySpace that gives Cœur of Pirate its fame. Her first, selftitled album "Coeur de Pirate" was released Sept 16 by Grosse Boite records. (translated from a French bio)

@ Montreal, Canada
♫ Acoustic, Pop, Folk
♥ Comme des Enfants (mp3)
♥ C'etait Salement Romantique (mp3)
▸ Myspace

Rökkurró

Hatched in a dim lit attic in Reykjavík, at the dawn of 2006 Rökkurró's five founding members began conversing in smooth tones, drawing inspiration from the silky sunrays that crept through the windows. A self-released 4 track EP hit the streets only 6 months after they had formed and this EP, along with a powerful performance on one of the off-venue shows at Iceland Airwaves 2006, landed them a record deal with local label 12 Tónar. They released their first album “Það kólnar í kvöld...” (It gets colder tonight) in November 2007. Rökkurró present music that is at once soothing and forceful. The folk-tinged reverie of the wailing accordion and carefully plucked guitars sends you off sailing through the clouds while the dramatic cello and clever drumming demand your full attention.

@ Reykjavik, Iceland
♫ Alternative, Folk
♥ Ferdalangur (mp3)
♥ Allt Gullid (mp3)
▸ Myspace

Lucy Schwartz

When I discovered Lucy Schwartz a while ago, I promised myself to have a closer look at her later, but totally forgot about her in all the summer-vacation-madness.

Lucy Schwartz is a singer/songwriter with an “old soul” that belies her young age of eighteen. Although her influences are varied, the result is a truly original and timeless musical voice. She just released a CD of original songs titled "Winter in June". The film "The Women" will feature two new songs Lucy wrote for the opening scene and the closing scene of the movie. In 2007 she was the winner of the International Songwriting Competition in the teen category for her song "I Don't Know a Thing". She was voted favorite artist in the October 2007 BMI podcast featuring Los Angeles songwriters. This year, Lucy’s songs have been featured various TV series.

@ Los Angeles, USA
♫ Indie, Pop
♥ Blue Sky (mp3)
♥ I Don't Know A Thing (mp3)
▸ Myspace

The Narrative

The Narrative was just a random download for me, never heard of them before, liked their albumart and decided to give it a go, despite all the other new stuff waiting for me. Very fortunate since I really love their sounds, songs and EP! Everyone that can handle catchy indie rock/pop songs should really try this one!
The Narratives are: Suzie, Jesse, Charlie & Brandon all from New York. "They travel, stay home, watch movies, read books. They love their family, friends, and music. We work hard for the things we love." Their debut EP "Just Say Yes" released this summer.

@ New York, USA
♫ Indie, Rock, Pop
♥ Libra (mp3)
♥ Castling (mp3)
▸ Myspace

Emma-Lee

Emma-Lee is another great discovery through last.fm.
Her sound is at times swingin' jazz, at others dreamy 50's pop, with hints of folk and blues all delivered by a voice rich and sweet as a red velvet cupcake. While Emma-Lee grew up listening to songwriting greats like Joni Mitchell and jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Emma-Lee's weakness still lay in the appreciation of a great pop melody. Now 25 years-old, Emma-Lee's music shows a confidence that would make even her most veteran contemporaries smile. She's been nominated for Best Female Artist & Best Jazz Artist at Toronto's Independent Music Awards,has had her songs used in four different films and has been entertaining audiences at some of Toronto's best venues. After releasing two EPs, "The Waiting Room" and "The Sneak Peak", her first album "Never Just A Dream" released in 2008

@ Toronto, Canada

♫ Pop, Folk, Jazz
♥ That Sinking Feeling (mp3)
♥ Isn't It Obvious (mp3)
▸ Myspace
▸ Official Website