High Notes, Vol. 7

Birdie Busch
Penny Arcade

Ever since Birdie Busch’s remarkable debut, I’ve been anticipating what her follow-up would be like. With Penny Arcade, I can rest easy; Ms. Busch hasn’t lost the charm or subtle sweetness that made her debut so cherished. With a penchant for singing deceivingly effortless songs capped with a voice that while perhaps is not extraordinary, is like sugar on a savored dessert.

The song ‘Water’ is a lovely example of Busch’s unpretentious songwriting. As a bonus, also included here is a demo version of the same song, originally heard on her MySpace page.

Birdie Busch - Water From the album Penny Arcade BUY: iTunes | Amazon

Birdie Busch - Water (demo) Album version found on the album Penny Arcade

Alexa Wilkinson
Lullaby Appetite

Alexa Wilkinson is someone I heard while listening to an Internet radio station awhile back. I knew nothing about her, but thoroughly enjoyed ‘Of Graves,’ a song found on the artist’s Lullaby Appetite, released in July of this year. Apparently, I wasn’t alone, as the song has become the first single of the album.

The young songwriter’s album is a mish-mash of pop, jazz and folk-infused rock. Some might say it’s unfocused, but others might say that Wilkinson confidently pilots through each genre with relative ease.

Alexa Wilkinson - Of Graves From the album Lullaby Appetite BUY: iTunes | Amazon

Jesca Hoop
Kismet

For those looking for something a bit different, the music of Jesca Hoop may be something to seek out. Her highly anticipated full-length album, Kismet, was released last month and she’s become an in-demand artist on Nic Harcourt’s long-running ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ radio show.

As for her music, Hoop’s sound has been compared to everyone from Kate Bush, Björk, and even Liza Minnelli, as she has an abstract approach to her delivery. Her singing can be equated to a roller-coaster; she often loops high and low, and the songs here can sound like something out of a fantasy - magical and surreal.

Jesca Hoop - Dreams In The Hollow From the album Kismet BUY: iTunes | Amazon

April McLean
Darbytown Road

Like Joan Jones (featured twice before on Womenfolk), April McLean is also one of a handful of musicians and singer-songwriters attached to the Circle Back Music group, a record company who prides itself on its non-corporate identity. Her first album, Becoming earned her national exposure when songs of hers were featured in TV series, Felicity. Her second album, the just released Darbytown Road, is another remarkable work and will no doubt become a successful follow-up.

Featured here is ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors,’ a memorable song of want, frustration and self-analysis.

April McLean - Rock, Paper, Scissors From the album Darbytown Road BUY: iTunes | Circle Back Music