Uzi & Ari

Despite the name, Uzi & Ari is not a duo consisting of members named Uzi and Ari, but rather a dynamic band lead by mastermind Ben Shepard.  Due to a  constantly changing lineup, Uzi & Ari's sound has been somewhat different throughout each of their albums.  On each song Shepard's voice is a familiar and recognizable one without sounding repetitive.  With a wide variety of instruments and a mix of upbeat and mesmerizing songs in each album, Uzi & Ari is one of the most interesting bands of which I know to this day.  They are currently working on a truly amazing project for a new album and stage production you can find out about here and if you are as enthusiastic as I am about this project you should consider lending a hand.  If you check out their myspace and watch their music video above for the song "Mountain / Molehill" and you will not be disappointed. 


-Neon Vegan

Jhameel

I am willing to bet that you have never heard any music as carefully put together as Jhameel.  Having mastered multiple languages and releasing his self titled album by the age of nineteen, Jhameel is no doubt an inspiration. His song "Androgynous" was recently featured on BBC's Best in new music with Gary Crowley.  His usage of abstract instruments combined with his powerful lyrics and soft voice creates a pleasurable listening experience blended into a meaningful work of art.  He will be releasing a new album in a matter of months, however, his current album is free on his website under the "music" section along with some live recordings, covers, and extra tracks, and yes, they are all free.  I highly recommend listening to his "Buy You a Drink" and "Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl" covers, just some personal favorites.

Jhameel: "Buy You a Drink"

Jhameel: "Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl"

-Neon Vegan

Japandroids

Japandroids is a Canadian duo composed of Brian King and David Prowse and if you haven’t already heard of them you will very soon. They are becoming popular faster than it takes their catchy tunes to fill your head. The best way to describe this project is to imagine a punk rock band created by an intergalactic explosion and an electric shock with a touch of teenage angst.  So if you like noisy jams, excessive cymbals, loud vocals and radiant lyrics, listen to their hit song "Younger Us" that makes kids want to stay invincible forever and adults miss the days they too enjoyed the elusive thrill of not giving a damn.

Japandroids: "Younger Us"


-Neon Vegan

TaughtMe

TaughtMe's unique, subdued, artsy sound is the brainchild of founding member Blake Henderson.   It's one of those projects that you hear once and recognize instantly thereafter.  The collage of distinctive percussion carefully layered with Henderson's dream-like voice is the perfect soundtrack for a rainy night drive through an illuminated city or an early morning coffee in a log cabin surrounded by snow covered pine trees.  I ask nothing more of you than to take a few minutes out of your time right now to check out his myspace and watch the video above featuring a song entitled "Where I'm At".

-Neon Vegan

Vince Dynamic

I first contacted Chris Tanner, frontman of Michigan-based indie/pop project Vince Dynamic, in December 2009.  We got talking and decided that we should meet up while they were on tour.  Surely enough in early July 2010 Vince ended up playing a show in my hometown and blew the audience away.  Their songs feature vintage sounding guy/girl vocals, cheerful lyrics, original beats and a perfect mix of electric and acoustic guitar that keep the privileged listener attentive throughout the entire song.  They just came out with a four song EP called "Dot Com Slash E.P." which you can purchase on iTunes or right here.  They will soon be releasing a full length album so be on the lookout.  Check out their myspace too while you're at it.

http://www.myspace.com/vincedynamic

The video above is one of my personal favorites entitled "Young Jersey Friend" which is featured on the new E.P.  Hope you enjoy.

-Neon Vegan

The Beginning of Neon Vegan

Hello, my name is Ryan. I started Neon Vegan because there is a lot of music I love and would love to share with the world. On this blog I will share with you many of the artists I love and hope you appreciate their music as well.