Ritual • Breathe

Ritual is more than a musical group. It is a collaboration between Cassidy Haley and Jillian Ann, who together make music, fashion, and imagery that is as unique as the people making it. You've seen and heard Haley on this blog before, as I am a big fan. This music video, directed by Jean Renard, is an example of that, for it features an original song, as well as original fashion by Cassidy and Jillian. Both are strong and bold, capturing a youthful essence that is fresh. And both are named "Breathe", and share a wonderful layered and textured feel. This is the official music video for "Breathe".

You can find the song on Bandcamp, where you can name your own price. You can also purchase it on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Ritual, visit the official website. For those interested in teh social media, you can 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. For more about the individual members, you can find Jillian Ann at her official website, and Cassidy Haley at his official Bandcamp site.

Heard It Last Week • Sam Smith, Aris, Cassidy Haley & Spencer Day

Album covers from (Clockwise): Sam Smith, Aris, Spencer Day, and Cassidy Haley.

I thought it might be nice to revisit some of the new music I posted about last week, in case you missed it. Among the great music I offered up last week, I reviewed three albums by out and proud artists, and a sweet new music video from a British soul singer. That music video was "Leave Your Lover" from Sam Smith, a fantastic song that will be found on his upcoming release, 'In The Lonely Hour'. The song is a beautiful pl;ea to a very special someone. Smith turned many heads with two show-stopping performances on 'Saturday Night Live', and he upped the ante with the new video released last week. People were certainly talking about it! This is a clip of Smith singing the song live for YOU FM. Please enjoy Sam Smith performing an acoustic version of "Leave Your Lover".

'In The Lonely Hour' will be available June 17, 2014. You can pre-order it from iTunes. You can also pre-order the disk from Amazon. For more about Sam Smith, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. I was recently introduced to the music of Aris, a Brooklyn singer/songwriter with a big talent and a sexy growl. I loved his album 'Twilight Revival', and the fantastic song "Twilight". The handsome singer also wrote the song, which was also a fantastic music video. The album also included a wonderful remix, and cut the music video to work. This is Aris with "Twilight (Dancehaus Remix)".

'Twilight Revival' is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. To discover more about Aris, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. I have been a fan of Los Angelos singer/songwriter Cassidy Haley since I first discovered his debut album. Now he has come out with his sophomore effort, 'The Lovers'. It is another exceptional release, and keeps me wanting to hear whatever might be coming from Haley next. I hope there might be a music video or two to come, but until then, I will be enjoying the audio experience. Today I offer you the final cut from the album, a favorite of mine. This is Cassidy Haley with "Bones Gone Grey".

You can purchase 'The Lovers' via iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Cassidy Haley, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. I've made no secret of the huge musical crush I have on Spencer Day, with his rich voice and smooth style just bowling me over every time I listen. His latest album, 'Daybreak', has hit the iStreets, and I just gobbled it up like it was Halloween candy. With a combination of original material and great cover songs, the album a delicious aural pleasure. Check it out for yourself, including this fun take of an old classic. This is Spencer Day singing "These Boots Were Made for Walkin'".

You can purchase 'Daybreak' from Bandcamp. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can check out my original posts for more music and thoughts about the released music.

Cassidy Haley • The Lovers

I first discovered the music of Cassidy Haley when his good friend, Adam Lambert, was on American Idol. The mention of his name managed to make me look up Cassidy and his music. I instantly became hooked, and not just because he is a truly handsome man. His first album, 'The Fool', was an exciting combination of Pop and Indie Rock, taking the best of both genres, and giving it the best of the talented Haley. I first wrote about Haley's music over three years ago, sharing the videos for "This Time" and "The Fool" from that debut offering. You can check it out HERE.

It might have taken a bit of time, but the sophomore album has finally arrived. 'The Lovers' came out in February, and somehow I missed that. But since it is my birthday week, I am going to take a look at it now. The nine-song collection takes up where 'The Lovers' left off, with some high quality music coming out of my earbuds. The album kicks off with the slow tempo "Everything", which Haley delivers with an aching heart, which sounds like an audible tear. Next up, we hear "Never Again", which shows off a rough-hewn side of Haley's normally smooth voice. This is an audio track for Cassidy Haley's "Never Again".

The third track on the CD is "Wandering the Night", a song that begins with an eerie feel which belies the positive message. There is a seductive quality to Cassidy's vocals, a growl coming deep from the soul giving weight to the questions being asked. "Only Human" begins with an electronic beat that might be Morse Code, or might just be music. There is a wonderful quality of questioning to the song, of searching for answers we are allowed to be a part of, like peeping toms. As soon as it begins, "Breakdown" has an enigmatic quality that drew me in. This is the audio track for Cassidy Haley's "Breakdown".

The tumultuous end of "Breakdown" dovetails nicely with the lovely beauty of "So Simple". The song stays true to the name, pairing a simple melody with wonderful lyrics only offering more truth. Haley shows a wonderful richness and texture to his voice in "Innocence". There is a delicious fullness to it we have yet to hear on the album. There is an inherent sadness to the story of a man struggling with love. That leads to the next track, which you can hear for yourself. This is Cassidy Haley's "Vagabonds to the Marching Troupes".

The album draws to a close with "Bones Gone Grey". The song is a beautiful sweeping tune, with a strength found in the heartfelt lyrics. I am not definite, but I think this is my favorite on the album. But they are all so good, it is a tough call. The album doesn't Rock as much as the first, but it has a moodier feel, and allows Cassidy to truly soar with his amazing voice. He has added so much more texture and nuance to his performances, I can't help but be engaged in the work. You can purchase 'The Lovers' via iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Cassidy Haley, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Cassidy Haley • Moon River

On Saturday mornings, I just like to offer up little gems,Something not too sweet, but not too bitter either. Just a nice balance, to really leave me wanting a bit more. This morning, I offer up a classic song covered by rocker Cassidy Haley. Written by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini, "Moon River" won the Academy Award for Best Song in 1961. It was famously featured in the iconic movie Breakfast At Tiffany's, and sung by Audrey Hepburn. This acoustic cover is quite lovely, and highlights the depth of Cassidy's voice, and why I love to hear his music. Oh, and his being really hot doesn't hurt, either.



For more about Cassidy Haley, check out his official website.

Cassidy Haley - This Time

The other week I happened across an article on After Elton featuring an artist I wasn't particularly familiar with, Cassidy Haley. The handsome young out performer sprang from the exciting and experimental LA rock scene. Prior to devoting all his time to music, Haley also was co-owner of the fashion company Skin.Graft, whose pieces have been seen everywhere, from the stages of American Idol to some of the biggest music stages in the world. But in early 2009, he sold his part of the company in order to invest himself in his music on a full-time basis, and after listening to his latest CD, 'The Fool', it was a great decision.

The sound he courts is the alternative sound, the sounds of Seattle, Washington, and Athens, Georgia, mixed together with the healthy buff placed on by LA production. I think of bands like Incubus, who broke free from the grunge scene and matured, developed, and grew. There is much polish in Haley's work, as can be seen in his latest video, "This Time".



The first single off 'The Fool' was a song called "Spindle". It combined a rock mentality with a pop veneer to elevate the song. The video is an interesting idea of bedtime stories and old films, combined with the beautiful and often uncovered by of Haley.



There were a couple of other videos released for the album, but I think I will save them for another post soon. For more information about Cassidy Haley, check out his official website. You can purchase the latest album on iTunes. To get the single, "This Time", click here.