"It just comes out this way."
That's what emerging singer/songwriter Alice Boman said when asked in a recent A-Sides interview if her voice has always sounded so unique. It was probably a nice way of saying "oh no - not this question again." Even so, it's hard to not compliment this or any really for having a distinct voice that doesn't get lost in the crowd so to speak. Boman is dropping her EP IIon June 3, and unique barely scratches the surface in describing her emotionally - dare I say - vulnerable singing style and substantial lyrics. It's not a huge shock to discover she considers Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan as influences. "This is how I sing and play...I guess it's from what I'm inspired and influenced by - which is simple songs."
On April 23, the Scandinavian singer performed at a private showcase at The End in Brooklyn. Moments before, she fielded a few questions from A-Sides (I took a few quotes above), and performed "Lead Me" off the new EP exclusively for this series. Watch her fight off the wind, and kill it on a BK roof top. And, I should point out before you watch, EP II will be released in the states along with her stellar debut EP Skisser. As for whether she's a good "skisser," Boman cracked, "I don't know if I'm a good skisser. It's the Swedish word for sketches. I might be a good skisser, but it's just a Swedish word." Watch the video, which was filmed by Plotkin with music recorded by [the end], and check out Boman's music video for first single "Waiting" below. Wait no more.
Rachel Ann Weiss is more than simply Kathleen Turner's daughter. That said, like her famous mom, the Gods have been generous in the vocals department., Whereas Turner's voice is sultry, seductive, and whatever other word you want to toss out here, Weiss's voice - specifically her singing voice - is well - rich, retro jazzy soul. Gene pool. Dive in. Anyway, the singer/songwriter just dropped her new EP Too...Something, and it's a four-song gem of honest lyrics and impeccable vocals that was recorded at Brooklyn's Atlantic Sound Studios and London's Air-Edel Studios. Weiss has been touring throughout the East Coast as well as hitting a few festivals like SXSW. Last month, she played the MOVE Music Festival in Albany and recently wrapped up some dates with Jessica Childress. At the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY late last month, she performed a pair of tracks and sat down for a candid A-Sides chat. Filmed by Sam Cooperman.Watch. Listen. Love.
* For an A-Sidesexclusive, unreleased live track by Weiss, click here.
A-Sides "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its Top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve"based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week NO MATTER WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED (think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks, and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls, and - most importantly - the songs my two-year-old son gravitates toward by stomping his feet in approval. Yeah, you read that right. This weeks follows below (LW= last week's rank).
12. "Against The 70's" - Mike Watt
11. "Reverse" (LW-12) - SomeKindaWonderful
10. "Come with Me Now" (LW-7) - KONGOS
9. "Lanterns" (LW-11) - Birds of Tokyo
8. "Keys" (debut)- Hooray for Earth
7. "Think of You" (debut) - MS MR
6. "Blue Moon" (LW-4) - Beck
5. "Fever" (LW-3) - The Black Keys
4. "Alienation" (LW-2) - Morning Parade
3. "Seasons (Waiting on You)"(LW-5) - Future Islands
2 ."Peaches" (LW-1) - In the Valley Below
1. "Now Hear In" (LW-6) - Cloud Nothings
About A-Sides Music
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series was established in August 2011 and usually features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing. Artists have included: fun, Rob Zombie, Pharrell Williams, Courtney Love, American Authors, Imagine Dragons, Gary Clark Jr., and more! A-Sides theme written and performed by Blondfire.