New Release/Video: Dean Risko - "Trouble"

As the opener for a heavy hip-hop slated Kosha Dillz presents OY VEY LA event at The Viper Room on Wednesday February 15th, the young opener Dean Risko delivered an unexpectedly soulful set of quasi pop-tunes, including "Trouble," a potential future hit that he just released a video for.

The 23 year old Johannesburg, South Africa native sings, raps and even has a little b-boy steeze wrapped up in his skinny, stylishly fashioned frame. His whole ethos and style reminds me a lot of Mike Posner, just with less cheesy lyrics and a swagger that seems a bit more authentic. Its like Risko is doing what Posner does better than Posner does it. Maybe its because Risko is a better dancer, because Risko is more attractive (doesn't he look a little like the white guy from Chromeo) or maybe it's just because Dean hasn't been cast in the limelight yet. I can't really put my finger on it, but there is certainly something that I am feeling a bit more than I felt "31 Minutes Til Take Off." Go see Dean's live show if you're not convinced by the song, writing and video. (Caveat - Mike Posner's live show is still superior to Dean's. Dean is solid and carries a performance well - but Mike's got a bit more experience and a whole band.)

Dean penned "Trouble" himself and with hooks like "I don't know where you're from, but you're in the wrong place if you're looking for love. Now, if trouble is what you want. Well, come and get you some, come and get you some" - Dean is hitting on themes that resonate for many. The Echo Park resident carries himself with a casual demeanor, but an intense hunger to succeed, and with tracks like "Trouble" it is only a matter time before he does.

Follow dean on twitter at www.twitter.com/deanrisko.

The "Trouble EP" is his first official release and is available for download/purchase at deanrisko.bandcamp.com.

New Release/Video: Dean Risko - "Trouble"

As the opener for a heavy hip-hop slated Kosha Dillz presents OY VEY LA event at The Viper Room on Wednesday February 15th, the young opener Dean Risko delivered an unexpectedly soulful set of quasi pop-tunes, including "Trouble," a potential future hit that he just released a video for.

The 23 year old Johannesburg, South Africa native sings, raps and even has a little b-boy steeze wrapped up in his skinny, stylishly fashioned frame. His whole ethos and style reminds me a lot of Mike Posner, just with less cheesy lyrics and a swagger that seems a bit more authentic. Its like Risko is doing what Posner does better than Posner does it. Maybe its because Risko is a better dancer, because Risko is more attractive (doesn't he look a little like the white guy from Chromeo) or maybe it's just because Dean hasn't been cast in the limelight yet. I can't really put my finger on it, but there is certainly something that I am feeling a bit more than I felt "31 Minutes Til Take Off." Go see Dean's live show if you're not convinced by the song, writing and video. (Caveat - Mike Posner's live show is still superior to Dean's. Dean is solid and carries a performance well - but Mike's got a bit more experience and a whole band.)

Dean penned "Trouble" himself and with hooks like "I don't know where you're from, but you're in the wrong place if you're looking for love. Now, if trouble is what you want. Well, come and get you some, come and get you some" - Dean is hitting on themes that resonate for many. The Echo Park resident carries himself with a casual demeanor, but an intense hunger to succeed, and with tracks like "Trouble" it is only a matter time before he does.

Follow dean on twitter at www.twitter.com/deanrisko.

The "Trouble EP" is his first official release and is available for download/purchase at deanrisko.bandcamp.com.

Brit Star James Morrison at Sayer's Club Tonight

The sweet sexy voice of James Morrison is going to bring Sayer's Club to its knees tonight at an exclusive event - but maybe, just maybe, he makes a surprise appearance at Sayer's Club later at night with the house band?

Did you catch this Brit on TV last week? Seriously - he crushed it. I've never seen him live - but its hard not to recommend someone with a voice this good. SO - if you find yourself with some spare time late night and are willing to take the gamble - attempt going to the Sayer's Club and see if he appears with the house band. I'm taking a stab at it. Even if he doesn't - the house band is always good and they mix a great cocktail at Sayer's (...not saying its a cheap cocktail).

Here is a video of him performing earlier this month at Dominion in New York - the same spot we held our CMJ party!

Brit Star James Morrison at Sayer's Club Tonight

The sweet sexy voice of James Morrison is going to bring Sayer's Club to its knees tonight at an exclusive event - but maybe, just maybe, he makes a surprise appearance at Sayer's Club later at night with the house band?

Did you catch this Brit on TV last week? Seriously - he crushed it. I've never seen him live - but its hard not to recommend someone with a voice this good. SO - if you find yourself with some spare time late night and are willing to take the gamble - attempt going to the Sayer's Club and see if he appears with the house band. I'm taking a stab at it. Even if he doesn't - the house band is always good and they mix a great cocktail at Sayer's (...not saying its a cheap cocktail).

Here is a video of him performing earlier this month at Dominion in New York - the same spot we held our CMJ party!

Singer/Songwriter Robert Kelly in L.A. this Week

While Andrew W.K. gets rowdy with like-minded partyers at Echoplex and The Lonely Wild treats westsiders to their Americana at The Central SAPC, Nashville’s Robert Kelly will be pleasing fans and recruiting new ones around 11 pm tonight at The Hotel Café.

If Tuesdays are tough, or the notice isn’t enough, Kelly does it again on the 12^th at On The Rox at 8:45 and on the 14^th at 3Clubs at 11:45.

Kelly’s recently released debut full length, We Are Poetry, appeared at #15 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts. And rightfully so - the album was produced by Thomas Doeve, the same man responsible for production on Andrew Belle’s The Ladder, and Doeve captures Kelly well in his arrangements.

Although singer/songwriters often elude my i-pod playlist, Kelly’s energy and sincerity invite the casual listener in. Kelly’s guitar and the accompanying instrumentation on the 10 track offering complement Kelly’s voice and lyrics well to create a solid album.

While not pushing boundaries anywhere they haven’t been, We Are Poetry delivers.

Robert Kelly will be in Los Angeles until May 22^nd. You can check out more and listen to his music at http://www.myspace.com/robertkelly

Jesca Hoops Brings Sunshine

(Dani Canto - Wiki Commons)

American singer/songwriter turned Manchester resident Jesca Hoop brought smiles and sunshine to the faces of many music supervisors and industry heads at the Go Music Supervision mimosa breakfast earlier this morning.

Hot off of her opening performance for The Eels at The Music Box last night, Hoop impressed the crowd with her delicate guitar strumming and beautiful voice. In the intimate home setting, she even shared some charming stories behind her songs too. The brief 5 or 6 song set was mostly Hoop originals, including a couple songs from Hunting My Dress and a quick "Happy Birthday" in honor of host Gary Calamar.

I missed her at The Music Box, but heard it was great and today she was marvelous. I don't know when she'll return, but keep her on your radar.