Alright, reality check time for you all bands out there: if you thought trying to get noticed coming out of your little hometown in Anywhere, USA was tough, try attempting to get noticed in ICELAND. Yep. Iceland. Really don’t need to say anymore after that, but then how would I introduce to the magical wonders that are Of Monsters and Men?

After first winning this nationwide music competition called Músiktilraunir (which is bad ass enough on its own), Of Monsters and Men got their US debut from various radio stations, which helped launch their American careers. Being compared to everything from Arcade Fire to Mumford and Sons, this six piece (yes, SIX piece… I know its awesome) have been on a non stop upward spiral thanks in large part to their ability to create such songs as “Little Talk” and “Six Weeks”. You are NOT going to want to miss out on hearing them, and be sure and do it soon, for you never know what surprises we’ll have in store for you once SXSW comes around!

So, is it summer yet? Seriously, I don’t know what part of the world you live in, but if it’s in one of those places that actually has a “winter” (like with snow and cold weather and all), then you’re right there with me. Now if you are in one of those parts of the world, well sucks for you. I was rocking shorts and flip flops this weekend. Regardless, one of my favorite parts of summer is turning up the seasonal tunes and just sitting outside and enjoying life. This year, I am greatly looking forward to doing that with Current Swell.

Hailing out of western Canada (yes, there has been an influx of Canadian bands being profiled on here lately), this four-piece sometimes six-piece group are making quite the impact. Enjoying success everywhere from their home country, to the states, and even as far as Australia, just one listen and its not hard to hear why. Blending a bluesy surf vibe with just some fun tunes, enjoy what Current Swell has to offer, and bring on summer!

This is probably a first for me. Not too long ago, I wrote about Gotye, a new artist whose single “Somebody That I Used to Know” has been garnering them national attention. That’s not new to me; I get to listen to amazing new artists all the time. What’s new this time round, is I’m as infatuated with the artist that accompanies Gotye, as I am with him; She has some incredible music of their own. Her name is Kimbra, and she is magical.

Originally born in New Zealand, now based out of Melbourne, Australia (where I’ve actually spent some time; shout out to all my Oz friends!), Kimbra’s been enjoying her own share of musical recognition with her debut EP Settle Down. With a jazz, pop, folk sound, she’s able to create music that’s just not been heard for some time (if ever). Currently on tour supporting Gotye (fitting, right?!), if you get the chance, do not miss her. If you do, just enjoy the title track from her EP, “Settle Down“, and enjoy!

So, apparently, you don’t need some crazy back story anymore to be a good musician. This is news to me, especially since it seems like every band I’ve written about lately has a story that’s fitting to an M Night Shyamalan flick. But no, not today. No ‘I was born in a barn to blind parents and my older brother was a goat’, or ‘I learned to play guitar while I was a travelling the country as a vacuum salesman with my dad’. At least, I don’t think this artist did. Maybe. I can’t find a damn thing about her. Just adds to the mystery for me that is Daughter.

Yep. That’s it. Daughter. Simple. To the point. Just like the artist behind the name, Elena Tonra, a Brit who’s been making quite the name for herself overseas (who knew?!). Adding to said mystery, she’s still not as big over here. Well no more! At least I hope not! I say this, because I’ve recently listened to her latest EP His Young Heart, and it is glorious. Her sultry voice matched with the subtle yet encompassing music help create a sound that pushes its way to your soul and hangs out for a while. An absolute must hear to start off the new year, do yourself a favor and check her out for yourself. I’m not even telling you which song to listen to this time. Instead, take all her music and choose yourself. Trust me, whichever you listen to or watch first, will keep you coming back for more.

I’m not gonna lie, I really like being the first to talk about new artists. I enjoy exposing others to music they’re not familiar with. Or I just really like wearing my “I listen to bands that don’t even exist yet” T-Shirt (yes its a real shirt). That being said, it has recently come to my attention that several people I know are not familiar with today’s artist, and that makes me sad. This artist is getting exposure left and right, rightfully so, and there’s a good chance you’ve already heard him. However if you haven’t, then let me introduce you to Gotye.

Gotye (pronounced “Go-T-A), or otherwise known as Wouter De Backer, is a Belgium born Aussie who has been making an incredible name for himself lately. That’s most likely due to his amazing vocal abilities matched with his gifted songwriting capabilities. The single that’s truly getting his name out, which is the one you may have heard by now and just realized who it was, is “Someone That I Used to Know”, a collaboration with Kimbra (No I’m not making these names up). Scope out the video of it for yourself, and if by chance I was the one that introduced him to you, well then your welcome.