New Single: Heatwave

If you've heard of The New Cities you know they are French Canadian. The boys have just released their new single, "Heatwave" for their up coming album. "Heatwave" is more of a lighter pop tune than their previous music which was more grittier in guitars and synths, but it is still a solid song. The New Cities have not completely changed their sound but it looks as though they may be geared toward lighter pop for the next album. Have a listen to "Heatwave":

New County

This band I discovered watching the MTV show The Real World. This band has a real energetic vibe. With only one EP and a recent single, New County is just getting into the business. Their sound is a blend between alternative and feel good pop music but the EP - "Lives We Lead"(2010) contains more than that. The song "I'm No Him" is mellow and has a slight country edge to it. New County's lyrics are well written and honest. Check out the songs, "Impossible" (which was featured on the Real World), "Circles" and their newest single, "Open Up to Me" - which you can listen to below:

Parachute

Parachute, hailing from the US is a 5 member band who's music is slightly mellow. Their sound can be relaxing as some songs are acoustic and lyrical while most other songs are backed up by a piano and/or a full string section to give them a full sound to some stunning melodies. A few songs even feature a smooth saxophone. The  uplifting song "Something to Believe In" from their 2nd studio album "The Way it Was" (2011) is an example of a song with the saxophone that comes in towards the end of the song with strong back up vocals from a gospel choir. This is one of their more up-paced songs. On Parachute's debut album "Losing Sleep" (2009) listen to "She is Love" a beautiful acoustic love song as well as "Under Control",  and "The Mess I Made". From their newly released 2nd album listen to "Kiss Me Slowly", one of the most powerful and beautiful love songs I've heard in a while, "You and Me" and "Forever and Always". The lead singer has a very soothing and lyrical voice which adds greatly to the incredible melodies and instrumentals.  Check out here Parachute's new music video:

Breathe Electric

Grant Harris, the lead singer and mastermind behind Breathe Electric is incredibly talented.  Grant, an unsigned artist from Chicago writes, produces and mixes his own music and is backed up by a band when he tours. His sound is pure pop/ electronic using mostly synthesized sounds to create an incredibly pumped-up club environment. His first album, "Honestly" came out in 2008 and is ok, but not nearly as good as his EP - "Emotion" in 2009 and yet even more brilliant is his 2nd album "Lovestruck"(2010) which has the most club feel to it. For a one man, unsigned artist, his music (starting at Emotion) sounds professionally written and recorded. Grant has also recently released two singles, "Last One You Love" and "Dreamin" both exceptionally well recorded. My favourite songs of his are: "Last One You Love", "One in A Million", "Lovestruck" and his cover of "Never Gonna Give You Up". His next single will be coming out July 5th. Grant only has one music video and I am posting it here. Also make sure to check out YouTube videos of him live - his shows look awesome and it looks like he mixes his beats live on stage! On YouTube you can also find popular songs such as Katy Perry's "E.T" that he has remixed.

Simple Plan: Get Your Heart On

Simple Plan have just released their 4th studio album called Get Your Heart On. The guys have been working very hard on the album for years taking the time to add collaborations with artists including Rivers Cuomo (front man of Weezer) on "Can't Keep My Hands Off You", Natasha Bedingfield in " Jet Lag", K'naan in "Summer Paradise" and Alex Gaskarth in "Freaking Me Out".  Still fluent in French, the boys of Simple Plan have added a French version of Jet Lag featuring Marie-Mae of Quebec. Everyone should give this album a listen. They are a true pop/ punk band and have gone back to their roots on this one - it is fun and energetic similar to the sound of their very first record, "No Pads, No Helmets....Just Balls". There is nothing extraordinary about Get Your Heart On, but if you like feel good music and just want to rock out, this is a solid summer album to listen to. I would recommend the songs: "Jet Lag", "Loser of the Year" and "Summer Paradise".  The last song of the album is "This Song Saved my Life" and is one of their most special songs because it was written by the fans. They also took 25 lucky fans into the recording studio to do some back up vocals. Check it out because it really shows how music effects people.