UNSIGNED FIND | Sanders Bohlke
SANDERS BOHLKE
Acoustic/Soul/Folk
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WHO: Sanders Bohlke
WHERE: Oxford, Mississippi
CONNECT THE DOTS: Opened for Badly Drawn Boy
YOU WILL LIKE HIM IF YOU LIKE: Cooing, “ooh”-ing, and the plucking of acoustic guitar strings
Sanders Bohlke describes his sound as “experimental neo-folk,” which makes sense considering his songs are very acoustic-based. The thing is, there’s something more beyond the guy-with-a-guitar picture. His songs seem at times to be infused with a bit of a soul element that calls back to Maxwell, and honestly, that’s never a bad thing. This is best translated in Bohlke’s live rendition of “Search and Destroy,” which can be found on his Facebook page, along with a few other videos. Again, it’s a very subtle tinge of soul, so I might be overemphasizing it. Heck, it might not even be there, but it’s what I hear. (Feel free to comment below and let me know what you hear!)
[LISTEN]: Sanders Bohlke – “Weight of Us”
“I’m not ready, I’m not ready for the weight of us… The time has come, let us be brave. Shake off all of your sins, the time has come, let us be brave, let us be brave.”
“Weight of Us”–arguably Bohlke’s most well-known track–is fit for a momentous Grey’s Anatomy montage. With it’s drumming beat, sweeping build up, and lyrics that call us to bravery, you can just picture Cristina running around the hospital to look for Owen so that she can declare her love for him after deciding to take the plunge (Note: Or insert any other two main characters who are obviously in love but can’t admit it). You get the picture–it’s a hard song to dislike.
[LISTEN]: Sanders Bohlke – “Quiet Ye Voices”
However, I think that there are others that perphaps better showcase his talents. “Quiet Ye Voices” is one of them. With more intricate instrumentation, layered harmonies, and even handclaps (and who doesn’t have handclaps?!), Bohlke has a fuller, more orchestra sound in his recordings that never loses its warm tone.
But to be honest, I find him strongest and most compelling in his life performances. There’s just something about the way his voice extends and reaches and fill the expansive space that grabs me. I’ll leave you with this chilling live rendition of “Fighter Pilot.”
[WATCH]: Sanders Bohlke – “Fighter Pilot” (Live in a loft in Jackson, Mississippi)
[LISTEN]: Sanders Bohlke – “Weight of Us”
If you like it, buy it! Support independent musicians!
EAR CANDY | Sia leaks “The Corner,” “Bye Bye Bye”
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If you haven’t heard of Sia (Sia Furler) by now, I don’t really know what to say. The Aussie musician and songwriter has provided vocals for Zero 7, collaborated with Christina Aguilera and Beck, and of course is famous for her ‘breakout’ single, “Breathe Me,” which was featured on the finale of Six Feet Under, as well as every other dramatic television shows out there.
Of course, she is also notorious for her kooky, quirky music videos. (She tapes her face into contorted expression and sings with a plastic bag over her face on “Buttons.”) No, this girl isn’t weird at all. Well, okay, maybe she does have an overflow of creative genius, so what else is she supposed to do–right?
Sia took to her twitter last night to leak 2 free tracks–“Bye Bye Bye,” which was already released on The Babysitters (2007) movie soundtrack, and “The Corner” a ‘new’ unreleased oldie! As to why she was leaking theses track, Sia replied simply:
Guess the holidays really do put everyone in a good and giving mood!
[MP3]: Sia – “Bye Bye Bye” (right-click, save as)
[MP3]: Sia – “The Corner” (right-click, save as)
