As Yelle prepares the release of their new EP on February 11th and debut of their latest track, “L’Amour Parfait,” Antidote offers an interview with Julie Budet from their last Montreal appearance. The sound booms from the speakers as I enter Montreal’s The National venue. It is nearly empty except a few staff readying the bar and the sound system for tonight’s show.
Chvrches is always welcomed by my ears when I’ve put on my headphones as of late, although with only 2 songs released thus far, the band have still amassed a large number of plays on my iPhone. The use of electronic elements feels redundant to speak of at this point (since it’s hard to find a new artist or group not using some sort of beats or synths).
Sky Ferreira is a difficult woman to explain to those who don’t know her… yet. She is practically a veteran of some fashion cliques, indie circles, hipsters, etc. A model, a singer, an actress in a new film by Grant Singer titled “IRL,” and the list goes on. While many 20 year old vocalists would jump for the chance to work with an A-list producer or co-writer, Ferreira has already worked with some of the best.
Goulding covers “High for This” by the Weeknd as a bonus track on Halcyon, a fitting choice due to Goulding’s own aspirations for a dark emotional album with glistening, intoxicating, and original sonics. She is successful for the most part, although never reaching the heights of the Weeknd. Ellie forms a dramatic and thought-out sophomore album that takes the listener on a somewhat depressing path through a glorious soundscape.
Stevie Wonder’s 1973 album Innervisions is one of his many masterpieces from an extensive and impressive collection. Funk, Pop, and R&B all take turns at center stage. Michael Jackson and Prince both have Stevie Wonder to thank as a clear inspiration. To this day almost any artist in r&b will reference Stevie Wonder as an influence.
The big question is what came first, poppy electronic-meets-rock hits or Dragonette? Dragonette is doing what they have always done, except now the same beats, high vocals, and catchy hooks flow through every radio by a number of pop stars. The band has stuck by their original style and sounds more radio-ready than ever, thanks partially to the mega-successful “Hello,” by Martin Solveig and Martina Sorbara, the lead singer.