Toronto’s Alternative Hip-Hop Collective Earthphonics

Today’s spotlight is on experimental alternative hip-hop group Earthphonics. The band is an eclectic group of three talented musicians who are from three different parts of the world. Earthphonics does a great job integrating their different musical styles to create one consistent, worldly sound. Check out their video for their single “Heartbeat” below, which really shows off their raw passion, and energetic talent.

 

Earthphonics consists of rapper/songwriter AO Gorman, lead vocalist Nicki Mack, and guitarist and producer Paul J. Doron. The members are from Ghana, Slovakia, and Poland respectively. Between the three extraordinary musicians, Earthphonics finds a way to channel a voice that isn’t always heard in modern hip-hop these days. They want to focus on the language that is music and how we can use it everyday to communicate with others more effectively. The group has done a lot of self-promotion to accompany their many performances across the Toronto, Ontario area. Check out their newest song, which was released yesterday, titled “One.”

 

Lastly, enjoy their behind the scenes video for their performance at Landmark Showcase in May 2016, where they won the semi-finals and will be advancing to the final round. It will take place on August 27th at the Mod Club in Toronto. Looking to buy tickets for the final round of the Landmark Showcase? Click here.  Make sure to follow them on Gigmor for more music and updates on Earthphonics!

 

Written by Gigmor guest blogger: Ari Kapner

Trending Now: LaTasha Lee and the BlackTies

Thursday’s spotlight piece is on LaTasha Lee and the BlackTies. They are a retro-soul band whose sound is sure to take you back in time. LaTasha Lee was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and from a young age her mother, Michelle Crayton, knew she was bound for the spotlight. LaTasha continues to shine today, it’s the passion and soul in her voice that channels some of her all time favorite artists into her work.

 

 

LaTasha cites many artists as influences to her music. Among others, LaTasha acknowledges Etta James as one of her biggest influences. From blues legends like BB King and Muddy Waters, to more recent R&B successes like Mary J. Blige and Amy Winehouse, her musical style beautifully encompasses the sounds of yesterday.

 

 

In 2012, LaTasha made it onto FOX’s musical competition program The X Factor, where she placed in the top 50. The next year, LaTasha Lee and The BlackTies released their self-titled album on record label Carnival Beats Soul. Alongside the album, the group recorded over 25 music videos (of originals and covers) for their Youtube channel. After the buzz from the album, LaTasha Lee and The Black Ties got spots at two of Texas’ biggest music festivals, South By South West and Austin City Limits. Her newest single “I Regret It” is available on iTunes so make sure you send LaTasha Lee and The BlackTies some support!

 

 

Written by Gigmor guest blogger: Ari Kapner

Spotlight on Vancouver’s Untitled Sequence

The first Gigmor spotlight of the week is on Canadian Alt-Rock band Untitled Sequence. Formed by four British Columbia Institute of Technology students and friends, Untitled Sequence is currently working on their 10 track album hopefully to be finished by the end of 2016. Though primarily an Alternative rock band, the four piece cites having Folk, Blues, and Psychadelic influences.

 

Untitled Sequence is led by vocalist Sean Lyons who, we interestingly found out, cannot whistle. On drums is Brandon Wright, alongside Dan Keen on guitar, and Trevor North on bass. The group would frequent the Railway Club, an iconic 85 year old venue in Vancouver that was shut down in late 2015. Although a pretty experimental band, Untitled Sequence is known for their consistent energy at their shows that they claim is unforgettable.

 

Personally, I thought these guys had a really unique sound. The two songs that really stood out were “Josie” and “Harpoon,” both smooth, relaxing belters that are honestly great driving jams– think long highway type deal. Check out their live version of their track “A Perfect Nothingness” below and be sure to check out Untitled Sequence’s page to shoot them a follow on Gigmor.

 

 

Written by Gigmor guest blogger: Ari Kapner