Ones To Watch - Szilvia

While Sweden continues to churn out sophisticated electro-pop starlets like Robyn, Agnes, Lykki Li, Janet Leon to name a few, Eastern Europe is fast becoming a hotbed of internationally compatible pop talent.  Over the years we've seen pop stars emerge out of Russia (Alsou, t.A.T.u., Serebro) and Romania (Inna, Alexandra Stan), trying their hand at becoming international crossover  success stories, each with their own varying degrees of success in both Europe and the United States.  Next up - allow me to introduce you to Hungary's own Szilvia Péter Szabó, known simply by her first name, Szilvia.  While she remains relatively unknown outside of her native Hungary, this girl DEFINITELY has what it takes to make it on an international stage.  Check out the video for her new song, "Never Again," co-written by Szilvia, Joe Lawrence and Paul Britt.

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V V Brown Unleashes New Sound on 'Samson'; Announces New Album and Record Label

Photo Credit: Paul Kalirai

Following the decision to SCRAP her completed sophomore album, Lollipops & Politics, UK singer/songwriter/model/entrepreneur and lover of vintage fashion, V V Brown is back in a big way with her new single, "Samson."  For those of you hoping for "Shark In The Water" part II, don't hold your breath.  While nothing like her Top 40-friendly signature song, "Samson" isn't a complete diversion from the rest of the material found on her beautifully layered 2009 debut, Travelling Like The Light.  "Samson" has an epic sound...reminding me of something you might hear in a movie montage leading up to a massive medieval battle scene.  Hauntingly dark and gritty, "Samson," while totally different than "Shark In The Water," is a bit more reminiscent of past singles, "Crying Blood," "Game Over" and even to a degree, her last single "Children."  Call it unconventional pop, indie pop- call it whatever you like. "Samson" isn't Top 40 material but it is 100% V V Brown and that, I think, is why I like it so much.

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