Explore the Unknown

By Leah S. Pritchett

Leah opens your mind and ears to eclectic musicians around the globe. From signed to unsigned and obscure towns to big cities, this column catches music missed by the mainstream media. So pick up your headphones and take a leap into an invigorating journey that will keep you on the tip of your toes and ears.

Nicola Roberts

Dance/Pop - Signed - England

This past summer I had this impulsive urge to be a ginger. After looking at countless hair magazines and going back and forth with my hairstylist I decided to just Google “orange hair.” To my luck I came across Nicola Roberts, a sultry British pop singer who captivated my heart.

Just when I thought I had found the girliest music ever; Marina & the Diamonds, I was mistaken. Formerly a member of British sensation Girls Aloud (don’t listen, your ears will bleed), Roberts released her first solo album titled Cinderella Eyes (released in September 2011). Her single “Beat Of My Drum” is exhilarating. You can’t help but want to dance and shake your tail feather every time you listen to it. However, my favorite is “Lucky Day.” I can imagine myself skipping around town in a colorful dress with sparklers in my hands. I know it’s a nauseating scene from a chick flick, but it is all I can think about. Though Roberts has become one of my favorite artists, the orange hair didn’t last too long. I missed my blonde roots.

Try your luck at www.nicolarobertsmusic.com

Nurses

Experimental Rock – Independent Label - Portland, Oregon

I am not sure what my deal is with falling upon bands from Portland, but I guess the music scene is too great over there. Nurses has a certain sound that I can’t compare to any band, which is why I have fallen incalculably in love with them. The band has three albums out, Hangin’ Nothin’ But Our Hands Down, Apple’s Acre and their most recent, Dracula. “Way up High,” “Technicolor” and “Dancing Grass” are my top three songs; One from each album. When I am driving late at night I roll down my windows and blast their tunes. I get this revitalizing feeling that I’ve never felt with a band before. Am I giving this band too much credit? Ugh….YEAH! They need to come down to South Florida or at least play a show when I am back in Portland come this March. PLEASE TELL ME YOU’LL BE PLAYING!?