WELL I WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’
YOU WERE ON MY MIND.
Making one’s way in the rugged terrain of the music business means knowing your passion, honing your skills, and sharing who you are with the world. And it can be a daunting process, not for the fainthearted.
So what would you do if you WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’ and found not yourself staring back, but a musical icon of your choosing? Would it make things easier? For five featured artists from the upcoming youbloom Los Angeles Music Festival and Summit, the answers vary. Read on to hear their thoughts…
Case Bargé: ‘I wouldn’t want to wake up as another artist. My goal is to grow into the best artist that I can be. I feel that nobody can do or be you better than you.’
Like a dark dream shot through with sharp-as-a-knife clarity, Bargé’s music blends ambient tones and synthy, electronic landscape sounds with rhymes so deftly spat you get the sense they must be red hot. It’s top class hip hop with more than enough food for thought for a feast. For fans of: Tyler, the Creator, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q
Kiana, Rocky’s Revival: ‘That’s a super interesting question!! Wow! I mean, I think every artist is unique in their own way, and has their own story. It’s hard to say ‘I would definitely be him or her’. I feel like I’d like to get inside the brains of a few artists such as Paul McCartney or Brian Wilson – for songwriting purposes. But I’m pretty satisfied with being me (ha). That’s not to say I think I’m amazing or anything, it’s just, I can’t imagine what it’s like to be someone else. Does that make sense?’
Exquisite instrumental arrangements underpin clever and thoughtful lyrics delivered with deft harmonic skill and a powerful sense of confession. A heartfelt yet wry take on the singer/songwriter duo genre. For fans of: Sarah Bareilles, The Pierces, Nerina Pallot
Brother Neil: ‘I don’t think I’d like to be any of the musicians I admire or listen to from the past. Their individual sounds that appeal to me are usually a result of the struggle or hardships they’ve pushed past with their love of music. Specific sounds are the result of persevering over adversity. I love so many musicians and artists but I don’t want to live their lives. Aren’t we lucky to get to listen and learn without their pain? Ask me who and when I’d like to see play or play along with and we’ve got a different conversation.’
The always bewitching mix of meandering acoustic plucking and aching brown-eyed soul is a winning combination no matter which way you spin it. Brother Neil has this craft nailed, and he takes his time letting listeners know it. Songs meander from Sunday-morning-love-confessional to spring-in-your-step adventure tunes. Expertly played, with uncommon chord changes to make it that much more exciting. For fans of: Lord Huron, Horse Feathers, Stephen Stills
Jon, Shannon, Brian and James, drums, bass/synths, guitar, and guitar/vox, Silent Generation: ‘That one’s easy: the Beatles in February of 1964, because that was the beginning of “Beatlemania”, which was one of the most famous historic events in pop culture. You can see what a blast they were having during that time.’
Triumphant electro-pop for everyone, booming drums drive swelling tides of synth, with confident vocals riding the high. Reminiscent of some of the best late 80s offerings of similar genres, and irresistible catchy. Sure to be an effervescent live show. For fans of: M83, Empire of the Sun, Two Door Cinema Club
Luke Clerkin: ‘John Lennon. Not only was he a fantastic musician and songwriter, he also used his celebrity to bring change to the world.’
We are so excited to welcome youbloomDublin 2016 artist Luke Clerkin to sunny California for youbloomLA 2016. We really loved his performance in Ireland and now west coast festival goers will get a chance to enjoy the heart-on-the-sleeve musical stylings that make him so good. Underneath the acoustic sensibility and raw, tell-all vocals lies a darker heart, giving voice to a big bad beyond we can’t wait to sink our teeth into. For fans of: Tim DeLaughter & The Polyphonic Spree, Brendan Benson, Josh Rouse
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