Sparks that never fade

      
          What is it about music from the UK lately? There seems to be this flood of artists and singer songwriters that are producing consistently good music (barring of course anything thats come out of X Factor). Adele, Florence & The Machine, Mumford and Sons, Ellie Goulding, Laura Marling, and these are just the discovered talent. If evidence from the internet is any indication, the UK is bursting at the seams with undiscovered artists. It must be something in the water! One such musician is eighteen year old Gabrielle Aplin from Bath.

          It is a bit of a concern that an eighteen year old has accomplished more in a year than I do in a month! Gabrielle Aplin is another example of how powerful the internet has become. This girl has been singing on youtube for, I think, a couple of years at least, and has gathered to herself, a large and loyal fan base. This kid has released two EPs on itunes, the most recent of which (Never Fade) has placed 14 in the UK album charts, and in the top hundred in the US, and she has just finished touring across Britain and Ireland (so sad I found out after the fact that she was in Dublin). All of this has been on her own dime, with no record label to her name, and with her own original material. Like I said, a very accomplished young lady.

          It's no wonder either because she is good! Aplin plays guitar, and piano, she has been gifted with a very sweet voice (with an adorable hint of an accent), and her lyrics are nothing short of poetry. Songs like "Reverse" and "The Day the World Went Mad" tackle heavy subjects that teenagers in the music business are far too happy to ignore. Topics ranging from the intricacies of romantic relationships- "we come to realize, it's us that we despise"- to more social, and cultural musings-"I watched people I loved turn into rust". Her songs show a wisdom and maturity way beyond her years.

          Gabrielle's music style is also unique- just a girl with a voice and a guitar is refreshing and genuine. She probably won't become the next Justin Bieber (thank goodness) but I think it's safe to say that she will maintain her musical integrity and respect. She has fans that won't grow out of her, rather ones that grow right alongside her! Sometimes it's the raw and unpolished craft that makes people sit up and listen. I'm already a fan, although not a subscriber (I'm not really a full time youtube person) but go watch some of her videos, and if you like her, you can purchase her EPs here. Wishing you all the best in the future Gabrielle!