JayeL Audio

This week an insane amount of bands, managers, dj’s and music industry folk descended on Austin, TX for South by Southwest. From everything I’ve drooled about over the past few years, it sounds like its mecca for a music fan.  Bands perform show after show with day parties and bar nights that create insane 1 night line-ups like this.  Its probably best that I don’t ever try to attend.  It sounds like a panic attack waiting to happen.

Anyways, while researching what Michigan bands would be represented at SXSW this year.  I recognized Kinetic Stereokids and Craig Owens of Chiodos (from my hometown of Davison), but had never heard of Tunde Olaniran.  He was described as a “techno/R&B” artist from Flint, MI.  By way of Nigeria/Germany/England, but still, Flint.  When I lived in the area, I wasn’t really into the local music scene (other than these gems), so when I read that description, I had to hear more.

I was more than impressed with what I found.  I’d probably classify Tunde Olaniran as more of an electro/hip-hop act, than “techno/R&B’, but what do I know?  Olaniran’s collaborations with producers CLP on “Superconfidential” and “I’m So Trill” are stellar and catchy rap-inspired electro.  “Just Call Me Free” from Infinite Modulation, allows the Olaniran to bounce over the looped soul track, interspersing rhymes with slick crooning.

I have a feeling Tunde Olaniran will have even more buzz after SXSW.  I’ll keep you updated.

CLP – Superconfidential ft Tunde Olaniran

CLP – I’m So Trill ft Tunde Olaniran

If you’re going to SXSW, Tunde Olaniran will be performing with CLP on March 20th at Brush Park at noon and on March 21st at Karma Lounge at 11pm.

Pick Tunde Olaniran – Inifinite Modulation here.

I never thought I would say this, but apparently, I like dance music. This might have been obvious to those who have been forced to listen to my party playlists, but not I’m not referring to danceable rap music by Timbaland, Flo Rida, and others. Since returning from Acapulco Spring Break last March, and frequenting Palladium and Mandara, names like Girl Talk, Bob Sinclair, Million Dollar Mano, and Armand Van Helden have been showing up on my i-Pod. Whether it reminds me of how amazing that trip was or its just mindless fun sound, the synthesizers and thumping bass have struck a chord recently.

While Sam Sparro probably wouldn’t classify himself with those listed above, he does make dance music that is more than enjoyable. After being co-signed by one of the best blogs in the Midwest, My Old Kentucky Blog, Sparro’s sound has been described by some as “electrosoul” and similar to artists like Goldfrapp. I was quickly hooked on Sparro’s latest single, “Black and Gold” in late 2007. Its synth driven beat, psychedelic lyrics, and catchy hook makes for head nodding fun. While I can’t say I understand how the colors black and gold relate to the evolution vs. creationism debate, the track’s pulsing sound makes you quickly cast aside any need for debate. Look for Sam Sparro to make an impact across the globe with his debut album this summer.