(music) artist #oftheday: emeli sandé

Emeli Sandé, born Adele Emeli Sandé, is a London-based Scottish singer and songwriter. I just heard about her from watching some clips on the upcoming 2013 BRITS Awards. Sandé was nominated for three categories, those of Best British Female, Best British Album and two nods in Best British Song.

Her voice and tone often remind me very much of a more clear-toned Leona Lewis, clearer and more classic R&B. In "Clown," Sandé sounds like a sweeter, higher-toned Mary J, and in "Daddy" her voice reminds me of a less-nasal Rihanna. To be honest, the color of Sandé's voice isn't very distinctive, but it is extremely supple and definitely has power and range. She's a solid performer, which you can see in her live videos. As a songwriter, she's also skilled in crafting a sound. I like that every song has a bit of a dark tinge to it, sonically speaking, even though the lyric material may be hopeful or sweet. Not in a depressing way but in a more atmospheric, Batman-movie sort of way.

On first listen, my favorite songs from her 2012 album Our Version of Events are "Where I Sleep," "Next to Me" and "River." A little more bare bone, "Suitcase" and "Breaking the Law" have a nice acoustic sound.

If you like what you hear, you can check out Sandé's Vevo/Youtube, visit her official website and/or buy her album. There's also a cute interview here where you can get to know a litte more about her.


Emeli doing "Where I Sleep" live: