Grant Sharkey

A brand new craze is taking internet by storm! Local musician Grant Sharkey is running a unique project to release 40 albums in 20 years, that's right 40 albums in 20 years! This caught my attention yesterday as I was shown his Onesie Song and I fell in love with the song instantly, it had a real happy go lucky vibe and I think it could be a viral hit. So today was the release of his first album, with quirky songs such as Pork Pie Hat and I'm Sorry To Hear You're A Racist this wonderfully weird musician is sure to be turning heads in the music industry. 

For fans of Diablo Swing Orchestra and Tim Minchin

Download his album right here.

Watch his video for The Onesie Song here.

Find Grant Sharkey on Facebook and his official website.

Open Mic night @ The Royal Oak; Southampton 30/10/2011

Last night I entered The Royal Oak in Southampton for the first time; I always pass this pub but had never been in it. I really liked the warm homely atmosphere it gave and the moment you stepped in you felt welcome immediately as everyone shows such kindness. I was ready to enjoy some local music for an open mic night that some friends of mine were to take part in that night.

The first lot of musicians to play were the two hosts and their friends; being since it was Halloween hosts Neil and Mario took another identity in the form of Paris and Kim; they did look great dressed up as ladies. I loved how they made everybody feel at home and comfortable; Neil sang Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffanys and Titanic love theme My Heart Will Go On incredibly well. It gave off this loving vibe to me and my friends; we swayed and sang our hearts out along to a fantastic opening band last night. This gave me some indication that it was going to be a fantastic night.

Next up were a band called Simon Says; I know bass guitarist Rory Heap in the band so it was great to see his band in action. I really loved the happy sunshine sound these guys produced and a song about Peanut Butter Jelly just made me smile. Frontman Simon Tinmouth's unique, energetic stage presence intrigued me very much since I haven't seen stage techniques like it before and it really worked. I also loved their unique cover of Keisha's Tik Tok, would definitely like to watch them again very soon.

Find Simon Says on Facebook

An evening full of talented musicians and acts last night indeed; definitely increased my love for open mic nights. Also would like to mention Jamie Russell gave an excellent performance on his guitar and I've also got a CD from his band so expect to see a post about that very soon.

If you happen to be in the Southampton area on a Sunday please come to their open mic nights; you will not regret it at all, it's the place to be when you want to leave your troubles behind for the night.

Tuomaslotte rates it:  TTTTT

6 Minutes To Sunrise

Recieving a page suggestion from a friend today on Facebook; it lead to a band he was now part. They are four piece alternative rock band called 6 Minutes To Sunrise who hail from Southampton; 6 Minutes to Sunrise keep up the excellent reputation that Southampton has for music. Listening to them I really love their grungy tunage with the clear melody that shines through like a sun coming out on a cloudy day. Similar sounding to Pearl Jam mixing it up with Foo Fighters. From the three songs I have heard I can definately see a versatile sound from them; it's brilliant when a band shows that from day one. Hope to hear more from them soon and hopefully see a gig from them. You can listen to their music on Facebook and MySpace.

Find 6 Minutes To Sunrise on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace

For fans of Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters

Vithor Moraes

This post is all about a very talented young Brazilian keyboardist; I mentioned him briefly at the beginning when he did an outstanding cover of Nightwish's The Poet And The Pendulum. Browsing through his YouTube channel I can see he has covered a lot of songs by Nightwish, After Forever, Epica and Within Temptation. I also love how some of the videos are edited; very much like professional music videos. I hope his musical career esculates; it's clear he could be the next master of the keys a.k.a Tuomas Holopainen. Here is one of his covers.

Find Vithor Moraes on Facebook and YouTube