You never know what you’re going to get when you find an artist that doesn’t fall in the bounds of a specific genre. Sometimes it is just too erratic and “art for art’s sake.” I know there is merit in pushing boundaries, and it’s great to challenge the status quo of music, but I still need melody, and I still want to enjoy what I’m listening to. I don’t care how avant-garde you are. If I don’t like your music, my opinion isn’t going to change just because you think you’re original. You can write new stuff all day that no one has ever composed or dreamed of, but if it’s garbage then I don’t know what all the fuss is about. There is another case though.
Some artists can’t be placed into a solid genre for a better reason. Sometimes artists are just putting together albums that reach far boundaries that become a sublime blend of music that keeps you guessing the entire record. Sure, I love it when bands like AC/DC put out albums because you know exactly what you’re going to get, but I also love being surprised and finding something fresh in a new album.
I recently stumbled upon the music of Jamie Lidell. He is a solo artist from England. He currently lives in Nashville and puts on one hell of a show. He achieved his fame looping rhythm tracks with his vocals and performing as a one man show. I caught wind of this because he is featured on a Simian Mobile Disco track that I love (Off the Map). His music is incredibly soulful, super rhythmic and a complete dance marathon of melody laden music. I can’t imagine this guy being a secret in the music industry much longer.
Both of these songs are the night and day of his music so just in and check out the range of this up and coming artist.
Check out his website for more.
The Music Court 
Like – first song is kind of Charlie Winston like. Didn’t like the second much. Sounded like a poorer R&B style than I’ve heard lately.
I’m with John. First song, I loved. Had the same kind of retro feel as Fitz and the Tantrums to me.
Not so keen on the second song. I like the rhythms, but it was a little too electronic for me.
And so help me, in the long jacket, he kept reminding me of Rick Astley.
Ha! I agree. I like the first one a lot more too. While I do agree that the second one is a lot closer to modern R&B, I don’t think it falls off the map enough to “be” modern R&B. I really just used the two videos to show the range of the artist. Jamie Lidell got his start doing electronic music live where did did all the music with him mouth and a loop machine. Sometimes what makes someone a better artist is he range they can occupy. (For example) I love Mumford & Sons but I swear to God their next album better try something new.
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