I want Kipling to settle down – so I play the song Settle Down. Does Kipling like Kimbra?
I want to settle down
I want to settle down
Won’t you settle down with me?
I want to settle down
— from Kimbra’s Settle Down
A discovery from New Zealand finally lands with a splash Stateside.
Introducing: Kimbra!
Kimbra shows remarkable poise for someone so young. She has the of-the-moment jazzy inflection but shapes this into her own alternative/pop confections. Kimbra readily admits she’s inspired by a diverse group of artists — among them are three music icons: Nina Simone, Bjork, and Prince. I place her in a similar grouping with Lenka, Adele, Duffy, and Amy Winehouse.
She spent three years in Melbourne, Australia working on her craft and then putting finishing touches on her first album, Vows, which has not been released in the USA as of yet. I believe this to be a wise step. The first Settle Down EP, an iTunes release, allows Kimbra to venture into the tough music scene without having to jump in all at once. The four songs on the EP are catchy jazz-influenced singles, including a stirring version of Plain Gold Ring, recorded live at Sing Sing Studios. The song Settle Down pulled me in with its beginning silken rhythm and the accompanying video is worth viewing again and again. The video is smart filmmaking that tells a story, matching the lyrics in a playful manner. Check it out here:
As the end of the year approaches, I’m so happy to have discovered the music of Kimbra. Listen to the music and make the most of what time is left in 2011.
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All of these comments came from the old Posterous Blog:
zencherry (Twitter) responded:
Now I wonder how many Nebraska Jones there’ll be in the next year or two. 😉
Wonderful post as always! 😀
20 days ago stauroylla88 (Twitter) responded:
OMG Who IS she who IS she, where did you FIND HER???!! Justin, she is Amazing!!! I’m gonna look for her now. You just make my day… I love to hear (& discover) new music – thanks justin :))
many hugs and kisses to Kipling, & all the Dogs!!!
19 days ago Justin responded:
ZC, I love that line in the song because the name just fits the vibe . . . it’s rare when the video story lines up so well with the lyrics . . . Thank you for the comment too!
19 days ago Justin responded:
Hi S, She’s a find who only had this small EP released with tiny fanfare at iTunes in the States . . . I can’t wait to hear her full-length album when it’s available here.
Kipling and Zippy say hello to you and your family 😉
17 days ago Amberr Meadows responded:
I love her voice! Thanks for giving me new music to adore. Happy holidays to you and yours, too!
17 days ago Justin responded:
You’re very welcome, Amberr — It’s nice to run across really great new artists! I can’t wait to listen to her album.
2 days ago Cathy responded:
Hi Justin, wonderful pictures and beautiful lyrics. Thanks you. HNY. Cathy xxx
1 day ago Justin responded:
Happy New Year to you, Cathy… I hope 2012 is a year of writing — both thoughtful and humorous 🙂
Cool blog!
i love your blog, i have it in my rss reader and always like new things coming up from it.