Model Behaviour

On Tuesday, I went to the Drake Underground to hear two new-comers to the local music scene. Both were obviously "indie" (i.e., unsigned) but were more pop than experimental. Opener Good Ghost had an electro-pop meets Lana Del Ray vibe. As they pointed out, they had "one dance song". But they played a nice set: understated beats, quiet guitar, and mildly plaintive lyrics. It was low-key but not snooze-inducing. I was impressed with the quality of these young musicians.

It was a large crowd for Mieke's EP release. This alias was the musical nom-de-plume for model Elissa Mielke. She played most of her set with just her and a piano. From photos online of her artfully tousled blond mane and sloe-eyed gaze, you might be expecting soft, airy pop. But with her strong jawline, assertive voice, and penchant for confessional, prose-like lyrics, she oddly reminded me more of Carrie Underwood or Shania Twain even if there was nothing country in her music. Mielke said that this EP was a big step for her, and not only because she "spent all her money on it". It was an admission that music was her main passion, even if it was a "career that makes no money". To that end, she was joined on stage by a growing number of musicians to play through her EP. These songs had more "pop production" and I could see mainstream radio play for them especially crooner Sleeping Alone.

Both of these young acts have strong material and talent. It will be interesting to see their progress in the days ahead.