Cary Brothers, Sara Bareilles, Gary Jules, Dan Wilson, Greg Laswell, Meiko, Priscilla Ahn, Joey Ryan, Joe Purdy, Tom McRae, Chris Pierce, Brian Wright, and Buddy

Whatever you think of Zach Braff or indeed his film making, there’s no question that his feature film debut, Garden State, was a generation-defining affair, if for no other reason that the soundtrack to the film introduced a number of indie musicians to a wider audience on a scale that hadn’t really been seen before and hasn’t really been repeated since. Whilst it was probably The Shins that enjoyed the greatest exposure - with two songs featured and a now-famous mention in the script - there were some genuinely underground artists involved, too, including Cary Brothers; that’s the name of the solo singer, not of a band of siblings. Brothers’ track ‘Blue Eyes’ was featured in the film and epitomises his soft brand of acoustic balladry, although he’s also collaborated on electronic music with Tiesto and pursued various DIY projects. He’s now turning his attentions to a third solo full-length album, so expect some fleshed-out, full-band shows to follow its release, as and when it happens; for the meantime, YouTube is home to a slew of superb acoustic performances by Brothers; it’s when he strips his song down to the bare bones that they really come to life.

Ever since I'd heard "Gravity" I knew that I wanted to see Sara Bareilles live. That song just read my heart, mind, and soul. Her voice is unique. I'd seen many of her videos after that on YouTube, but seeing her live was just surreal. Felt almost like an out of body experience.

Sara Bareilles is the real deal. This girl can sing, and she does so effortlessly. I especially adore it when she plays an instrument simultaneously. I have no personal musical talents, so that type of thing thoroughly impresses me.

I was just in awe the entire duration. Her presence doesn't require fancy pyrotechnics or a hoard of back-up dancers and a bunch of antics which are only there to distract from the real fact that the main act has very little talent.

I liked seeing "Gravity" live along with "I Choose You", "King of Anything", and her rendition of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". Sara is really funny too! She has no filter and just speaks her mind, praises the audience when there is a need and also criticizes us when we need it too, or have gotten out of control. Oh, and I loved seeing her sing "Uncharted" too!

She is just so great. I am already plotting and planning how I can see her again this very summer. Sara Bareilles is a phenomenal talent, so understated.

Cast your mind back to the Christmas of 2003; in musical terms, it marked what would be the final meaningful race for the coveted number one spot before The X Factor era truly set in. If you’re into novelty acts, too, it was quite the selection of tracks battling to reach the summit; years before Keith Lemon, Leigh Francis launched a tilt for the top with his Bo! Selecta Christmas song, whilst Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne lined up a weirdly moving rendition of Black Sabbath’s ‘Changes’ and, of course, The Darkness - at that point at their commercial peak - released their classic festive effort ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)’. The winner, though, came from leftfield; singer Gary Jules pulled it off, with a mind-numbingly depressing version of ‘Mad World’ by Tears for Fears. He’s largely flown under the radar since, but he continues to record and tour, with his most recent record, Bird, dropping back in 2008. He’s recently returned to prominence, with Zach Braff featuring the song ‘Broke Window’ in his new movie, Wish I Was Here; it might mean a return to the UK for his minimalist live shows, which involve simply the piano, the guitar, and the superb, haunting voice.

With a Grammy Award under his belt, you know you’re going to experience something truly magical when you see Dan Wilson perform live. I first came across him through his work as the leading member of Semisonic, but after listening to his folk-rock solo work I was absolutely captivated by it and began listening to his music, desperate to see him live. When I finally managed to get tickets, I was incredibly excited with high expectations, which were definitely met and exceeded.

He opened the show with his version of Someone Like You, which he actually co-wrote with Adele, and did an incredible rendition of the track, accompanying himself on the guitar with samples of Adele’s voice harmonising on top of his own. He played through his new album, Love Without Fear, in its entirety chronologically, which was awesome as it’s such a new album. Hearing his reasoning behind some of the song choices was incredible, and having those kind of insights gave me a real understanding of how he reaches into his life to produce incredible music. From start to finish he gave an incredible performance and sung his heart out encouraging everyone to sing along, and everyone had the best time.

I’ve been a huge Greg Laswell fan since he did a gorgeous, melancholy version of Cyndi Lauper’s classic “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” back in 2007 and shocked the whole world with his bravery. I love that he is always taking risks and never lets his music become stale—it is what makes him an incredible recording artist and an even better live performer. Greg is so charming on stage and always talks to his audience like they’re his friends, completely obliterating the imaginary gap between artist and fans. He is always telling stories, talking about the performance and the city he’s in, and making the crowd laugh— it definitely amps up the positivity in the room, especially when some of his songs can fall on the sadder side. Perhaps I wouldn’t go see Greg live if you’re in a post-breakup state of mind, but I would definitely see one of his performances if you’re looking for a completely heart-rending night of music. He has a way of connecting with his audience unlike anyone I’ve seen before, and his music is genuinely beautiful. While he’ll throw in the occasional silly cover to recharge his audience, for the most part his stuff is calm, lilting, and easy on the ears.

At eighteen, Meiko left her hometown to showcase her talents to a wider audience. After a brief stop in Miami, she set down in Los Angeles and began her career in earnest, playing venues all over Southern California and writing at a prolific pace. She performed at Hollywood's Hotel Café. In early 2007, Meiko performed at the Sundance Film Festival and caught the ear of Paste Magazine editor Josh Jackson. In September 2007, she toured nationally with Brett Dennen and in October, toured the U.S. as the opener for Mat Kearney. In 2008, Meiko performed at the Sundance Film Festival and SXSW, and participated in the nationwide Hotel Café Tour, which also included Rachael Yamagata, Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers, and Sara Bareilles. Due to Meiko I became aware that I should know better than to be friends with boys with girlfriend's, and just how to avoid that kind of explosive situation. I want to go back to not only my first time seeing her live, but my first time hearing her. I was just surfing the internet when her name popped and I thought to myself strange name lets give her a try. I am forever glad I hit play because my life was changed. Meiko has soul and gusto and makes you believe in yourself. Her story is one for the books she chased after what she wanted and she got it. I currently being in a similar situation find it so helpful. Unlike most other artists, you leave completely sure she's from this earth and not cloud nine, not gloating or self righteousness to be found in her. She didn't just wonder why the grass was greener on the other side she investigated for herself. She left people at the sidelines wondering. Her music is a raw down to earth experience. When I look at her I don't feel like I need to be her but I need to be like her. Her music probes curiosity and I for one don't believe that it ever killed the cat.

Priscilla Ahn: a national treasure, and to be revered by anyone interested in folk/country music. My first Priscilla Ahn track was 'Find My Way Back Home', featured in the movie My Sister's Keeper. After that, I heard 'Dream', which was featured on the series Grey's Anatomy. The songs had found a way to be both bubbly and melancholy, combining Ahn's honey-lined voice with simple, but evocative, guitar melodies. I fell in love almost instantly. Priscilla Ahn performed at Unforgettable 2009, singing what is arguably her greatest hit 'Dream', and completely winning over the audience. A petite, soft-spoken young woman, she sang on stage with such enticing modesty and calm, that it was impossible not to be moved by both her presence and her music. When she pulled out her ukelele to sing 'Find My Way Back Home', the level of adorable very nearly overshadowed her immense talent.
She has practised and honed her talent, and moulded herself into a perfect concoction of melancholy yet uplifting tones. Ahn is definitely one to watch in the future, as she continues to make her listeners fall in love with her every tune and composition. It isn't enough just to hear her charming performances; you become enamoured by each and every one.

Cant’ Get It Right Today from Joe Purdy’s 2006 album You Can Tell Georgia, is one of my favourite songs. I sing it in the shower, in the car, so I was incredibly excited to see Joe Purdy in concert. Of course I’m super into all of his other music, so it was pretty cool to see him live, and he exceeded all expectations.
On a recording when he has backing from his band on many of the tracks, it’s difficult to appreciate what a talented multi-instrumentalist Purdy is. Throughout his live show he changed his setup multiple times, switching from keys, to guitar, to harmonica, and back again. With his vocals soaring over the accompaniment, you really begin to comprehend the complexity of his music.
As Purdy released a whopping 12 albums over just 8 years, I was interested to see how he would select his set list, as it wasn’t a album specific show. He chose to take us on a folk rock journey of his career, working chronologically through his work, and it was fascinating to hear his musical progression unfold. He finished with a preview from Eagle Rock Fire, which sound set to be an awesome album, I can’t wait for it, and hope there will be a tour.