Friday, September 25, 2009
On the Eve of CMJ and the MLB Postseason, Jesse and Erica Beef Up Their Roster of Talent
Wheels is back for another week of jam-packed goodness. From pop to hip-hop, we always keep it fresh and keep you in the know. We’ve already started thinking about CMJ over here, so keep your picks to click in our inbox at [email protected], and give us the skinny on the good shows in N.Y. so that Erica (@rknthefreewrld) can keep our readers in the loop on Twitter.
ONE TO WATCH
Sun (www.facebook.com/sunhomusic): Asian pop sensation with over 4 million albums sold overseas and 30 #1 chart positions makes a beeline for the U.S. market. With a team of industry veterans behind her including legendary manager Johnny Wright, David Foster, Diane Warren, director Joseph Kahn, and producers Danja and Rodney Jerkins, Sun is clearly poised for stardom. Her latest single, “Fancy Free,” from the upcoming album Cause a Ruckus, is now available on iTunes. Leveraging her position as the first Asian artist to have a #1 hit on the U.S. dance charts, Sun has overcome a plethora of challenges to make her dream of becoming a singing sensation in America a reality. Having always turned to music in rough times, she just hopes to return that positivity to audiences everywhere. In Asia, Sun is known to sing big, melodramatic ballads, but here in the States, we get a feel for her carefree side on catchy potential pop hits like “Fancy Free.” When she’s not working on her music, she can be found manifesting her humanitarian side by counseling young teens, opening schools and orphanages and raising her 4-year old son. Motivated by the desire to be a role model, Sun maintains that no one is perfect and the way to honor oneself is to talk about the good and the bad. To that end, her songs are about love and empowerment, pain and the things that happen in everyday life.
ON DECK
Burn Down the Mission (www.myspace.com/burndownthemission; @burnthemission) moved to L.A., escaping the trappings of the endlessly burgeoning Williamsburg indie scene to make an album rife with R&B-tinged pop hooks and sleek production. The band teamed up with producer Warren Huart (The Fray, Augustana, Hot Hot Heat) and mixer Mark Needham (The Killers) to make their debut record, Caroline, an album that already has label brass paying attention. We’re digging this band, whose sound lies somewhere between The Killers and Maroon 5, but with their own special touch. Most recently, BDTM has played for all the label heavy hitters and will be showcasing next Monday (9/28) at the Viper Room. The show is open to the public and will feature a plethora of other intriguing acts. For free entry, simply utter the password “gold” at the door.
BAND/ARTIST UPDATES
Black Dada (www.myspace.com/dblackdada; @dblackdada) Former featured artist is now impacting at Urban radio. The video for the single “Imma Zoe,” which is about strength of character, was Jam of the Week at MTV two weeks ago and can now be seen on both MTV and BET. In addition, this buzzing rapper will be featured in Urban Network magazine next week. Keep your eyes peeled for this rising young star, and be sure to watch the video to get a better understanding of what Black Dada is all about.
Hymns (www.myspace.com/hymnsband; @hymnsband): These Brooklyn southern-roots rockers are packing a 1-2-3 punch with their new EP Appaloosa (three stars in Rolling Stone), tours with Daniel Johnston and Nicole Atkins this fall and an “Artist to Watch” nod from Spin. And, get this, they’re doing it all on their own, with no agent, publisher, lawyer or label . Go get ’em, guys.
