Civil Twilight, Justin Nozuka, and Soul Position

I've got a few great artists for you this week.  The first is a trio from Cape Town, South Africa called "Civil Twilight".  They are mostly influenced by British pop/rock bands that they heard coming out of Europe when they were growing up.  This repertoire of artists includes Radiohead, Muse, The Verve, U2, The Police, etc.  The influence of these groups is definitely  evident on the self-titled debut album.  The lyrics are inspired and the vocals are powerful, yet warm and soothing.  The music is very melodic and has that epic arena rock sound heard from Coldplay or U2.  Civil Twilight are a great up and coming group that I think will inevitably make it big.  Take a listen to a few tracks and you're sure to be a fan.

Civil Twilight - Letters From The Sky


Civil Twilight - Human


Civil Twilight - Trouble


I discovered Justin Nozuka just after his debut album "Holly" was released.  Justin is a young singer/songwriter from Canada.  He writes incredibly personal and passionate songs that have some depressing subject matter, but with catchy melodies that give much of his music an uplifting tone.  He has a soulful and sometimes bluesy sound that will have you singing along and wanting to play the album all over again.  The talent that he displays as a 16 year old is enough to make your jaw drop.  With his sophomore album "You I Wind Land And Sea" slated to drop at the end of March Justin has released some demos to fans receiving his newsletter.  Take a listen to a few of those tracks as well my favorite from "Holly."

Justin Nozuka - I Think I'm In Love [Demo]


Justin Nozuka - Swan In The Water [Demo]


Justin Nozuka - Be Back Soon


I thought that since I haven't had many hip-hop groups to share with you lately that I would feature one as my group you must hear this week.  Soul Position is a collaboration between satirical lyricist Blue Print who hails from Columbus, OH where I grew up and DJ RJD2.  They are on an independent record label out of Minneapolis, MN called Rhymesayers which houses some of my favorite rappers.  These are two artists at the top of there game who make some incredible songs together.  This is rap as it should be; intelligent and observant artists rapping about problems with society not becoming part of a fad.  Take a listen to these songs and pay attention to the lyrics.  Unlike some rappers today, they actually make sense.

Soul Position - Hand-Me-Downs


Soul Position - The Cool Thing To Do


Soul Position - Priceless