I Missed My Calling

Those that know me best, know that I believe I missed my calling - to be an A&R Rep (short for Artists and Repertoire).  These are the people at the record companies that are in charge of finding new talent.   This is my dream job.  I love music and believe I have a good ear for voices, artists and music that will be popular.  I am sure I am not the only person stuck in corporate America or a blue collar job that thinks they have this talent.  But, over the years, I have been able to identify songs and people that are going to be big, before they are. Oh well, I have 6 kids so I guess I will stick to my current job.

I was just in Finland and introduced my good friend Alfred Cheng to a few new artist and songs.  He generally tolerates my imposition of new music.  However, once in a while, I think he actually appreciates it.  With that in mind, I thought I would put together a list of the 7 best female singers I know - that you have (likely) never heard of.  I hope you hear someone you like.

• Jaymay - Jaymay is one of these little known, folksy, niche, artists that actually got her start on YouTube (think Justin Bieber).  She is now signed to a record label but is still not well known.  

   

• Tristan Prettyman - Not sure Tristan should be on this list. She actually is fairly well known. Her ex-boyfriend is a superstar - Jason Mraz. But, most people I talk to have never heard of her.  So, here you go.  Tristan singing "Love, Love Love."

  

•  Holly Starr - Holly is a terrific and certainly completely unknown Christian singer.  My niece Heather Hayselden, introduced me to her a few weeks ago.  She has a great voice and I think will end up being a star (pun intended).  Enjoy "Don't Have Love." 

•  Jamie Grace - Another (fairly well known) Christian singer.  She has risen to fame in the last year or so.  She is fairly well known because she is on a record label owned by tobyMac.  Here she is with a fun Christmas song called "Christmas Together."

   

Jamie's biggest song is "Hold Me" featuring her boss - tobyMac.

   

 Now for two artists that have really big songs, but are not very well known. Yael Naim and Priscilla Ahn.

• Yael Naim - I am sure you have heard the song "New Soul" (likely on an Apple commercial).  But Yael Naim is a great talent and more than a one hit wonder. Here is "New Soul."

   

•   Priscilla Ahn - As I was listening to one of my Pandora stations and they played a song called "Dream" by Priscilla Ahn.  It is a great song that shows off her unique voice.  I only like a few of her other songs.  She needs some work on diversity and creativity, but I like her. 

   

• Jayme Dee - I saved the best for last. Jayme Dee is absolutely terrific. Last year one of Brittany's friend, April Brown, introduced me to her.  I was hooked after about 15 seconds.  Jayme was unsigned at that point, but has since signed with a major record label - Universal Republic Records. Here is Jayme singing a cover of Foster The People's song "Pumped Up Kicks."  She made this cover before she was signed to her new label. 

   

This next song is Jayme's newest (available on iTunes). This is one of her first post-record-label songs.  It is called "Tip Toes."

   

Here is Jayme Dee singing an informal, fun and incredible version of "Santa Baby."  Posted 4 days ago.

Wow.  This girl is really good!

Enjoy!