Monday Mix: The Raveonettes - The New Respects - Kosi

The Raveonettes - This Is Where It Ends.

Background promo - The Raveonettes have released the new track "This Is Where It Ends" .

"This Is Where It Ends" is the ninth track release from the band's official Rave-Sound-Of-The-Month playlist where the duo will continue to upload a freshly recorded track on the last Friday of every month until December.  The 'anti-album' will feature a collection of new tracks that aren't bound by the constraints of the format.  Join the Rave-Sound-Of-The-Month and subscribe to the playlist here.

The Raveonettes also continue their new Pledge Music Campaign where fans can pledge for the CD and vinyl of the forthcoming new album. Sign up for the Pledge Music Campaign here. Bands website here.

'This Is Where It Ends' the latest song from The Raveonettes 'anti album' is melodic and quite atmospheric. Whispered vocals and a sometimes sparse musical background gently lead into a sweeping soundtrack. Love it!

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The New Respects - Trouble.

Background - Nashville's The New Respects has released its new single, “Trouble,” making the track available to purchase and stream at all outlets. “Trouble don’t you find no home by me” is the recurring message throughout this anthem, proclaiming that while there is trouble around every corner, we can choose how we respond to it. Fans of the group have responded in a much more personal way than The New Respects ever imagined, sharing anecdotes of how “Trouble” inspires them. 

It was a chance meeting in Nashville that brought The New Respects together with producer/drummer Jeremy Lutito (of indie-rock group Leagues). Lutito took an immediate liking to The New Respects' soul/rock sound, and produced this single along with the group’s upcoming project.

The New Respects is a family affair, made up of three siblings, twins Alexis (bass) and Zandy Fitzgerald (guitar), along with their brother Darius (drums) and cousin Jasmine Mullen (vocals/guitar). Since forming five years ago, The New Respects' sound has evolved from acoustic instrumentation to the vintage soul/rock feel heard throughout the new single, “Trouble.” The group is heavily influenced by the gospel music they were surrounded by growing up in Nashville, and that extends to artists including Aretha Franklin, Alabama Shakes, and John Mayer. Facebook here.

Powerful vocals and soulful rocking music spells 'Trouble'. This really is a a great song, one that has hooks that dig deep.

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Kosi - Morning After Blues.

Background - Kosi (née Akosua Gyebi) is a New York City based singer/songwriter with nappy hair and jazz roots. Although she always brings just a little drama to her compositions and interpretations, she's more than just a drama queen. She's got piercing eyes and a voice that's larger than her body. But, small as she is, she won't fit in a box. She switches styles more quickly than you can follow, from jazz, to rock, then folk, but never more than a few steps away from the blues.

She cites Abbey Lincoln and Nina Simone as her main influences, and has been compared to Tracy Chapman, India Arie, Ma Rainey, and Bessie Smith. However, despite her comparisons and influences, everything about Kosi, from her nappy hair to her sometimes bare feet, from her occasionally jarring lyrics to her now-she's-sweet-now-she's-screaming dramatic interpretations, radiates authenticity. "I am not creating anything," she says, "nor am I deconstructing anything. I am neither an iconoclast nor a follower. I am simply myself, and that is enough." She's more than enough. You definitely want to hear this girl sing... if you can handle it. Kosi is currently the lead vocalist of straight-ahead jazz group Sweet Blue Fire and indie rock group The Goddess Lakshmi.

I Know Who I Am, Kosi's fourth and latest album, is a concept album telling the story of guilt, absolution, love, and self-actualization through original jazz and negro spirituals. Along with Kosi's first two albums, Pictures of Us and One More Cup of Coffee, each of which is comprised of eight of Kosi's original songs and two jazz standards, and her third album, Ghosts Appearing through the Sound, which is a tribute to Abbey Lincoln. Website here.

'Morning After Blues' is a beautiful piano lead blues song, that provides one aspect of the music Kosi delivers. Be it blues, jazz or any other style she chooses to adopt, the consistency of engaging vocals, natural music and genuine commitment is always there.

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