Week of 1.19.15 :: Folk Rock * George Ezra - Budapest

Here's another good one to add to the #Britlist! The States can be a bit slow to react to music trends happening across the pond (see: Hozier, Ellie Goulding, Biffy Clyro..), so here's one that will keep you on par with your fellow music-loving Brit counterparts. 

Recently nominated for 4 BRIT Awards, including British Breakthrough Act, George Ezra is quickly gaining air-time on US radio stations across the country. After opening for Sam Smith's North American tour in January, George is scheduled to play a few European shows in February, and then he'll be back stateside to open for Hozier in March .

While most of those shows are already sold out, don't worry - you can still catch George play because he'll be sticking around the US to headline his own tour, beginning in Philadelphia on March 24. [He will also be playing sets at Coachella in April 2015.] Ezra's latest album, Wanted on Voyage (Sony), was released overseas back in June 2014, where it found success and a spot at Number 1 on the UK Charts. But the US version was just released via Spotify today, with an official release date of January 27, 2015. 

Wanted on Voyage is a solid folk/pop-rock album, with a clever variety of upbeat pop, thoughtful folk, and edgy rock. Ezra's bass-baritone range is his most unique weapon, and paired with catchy acoustics and a happy tambourine, it's hard not to listen to songs like "Blame It On Me", "Barcelona'", and "Stand By Your Gun" on repeat. [Plus, you catch just a hint of that lovely British accent!] If you're looking for benchmarks, I'd say George Ezra is comparable to Hozier, Newton Faulkner, even Phillip Phillips. Having a voice "beyond his years", George is easily going to catch the attention of a wide range of audiences, but don't be fooled - this 21-year-old is only just getting started. Check out his chart-climbing song "Budapest" below: 

 And if you're a fellow Chicagoan, come hang out at Metro in Wrigleyville on March 30!

-VS-

Photo courtesy of www.georgeezra.com.