Hailing from Cambridge, London-based multi-instrumentalist Nick Mulvey is producing tracks that demand to be heard. The sickeningly talented twenty-six year old's signature style  is an epic fusion of Latin-style beats with rhythmic strumming that has subsequently earned Mulvey a place on this year's BBC Sound of 2014 poll.

Until 2011, Mulvey was a member of the Mercury-nominated jazz outfit Portico Quartet however, it appears his solo career is the one that will see him soak up the success and recognition he deserves - it's not hard when you've got a sound like this.

With a degree in music from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, Mulvey's multi-cultural influences mesh well together alongside the likes of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Nick Drake. Now signed to Mumford & Sons' Ben Lovett's record label Fiction, the singer is tipped to promise something radically different for 2014.

Previous offering 'Nitrous' is one that incorporates a cover of Olive's 1990s dance classic 'You're Not Alone' and a decent dose of Mulvey's own intense beats - it's track like these that see him flesh out to the fullest. As well as this, the softly-spoken intro on latest track 'Cucurucu' paired alongside the organic and natural guitars that follow is something quite spectacular that will ensure Mulvey's longevity.

With lush orchestration, sauntering melancholic melodies and having encompassed a vast array of influences... let us count the ways that Nick Mulvey delights. He's an exquisite talent with as many heart-in-mouth moments as you like and a quiet-loud contrast that draws listeners in time and time again. Nick Mulvey is advancing to greater levels of success this year and we're excited to watch as the endless possibilities of his sound unfold. 

Words Lauren Wade

http://www.nickmulvey.com/

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https://twitter.com/nickmulveymusic

https://soundcloud.com/nick-mulvey

http://www.youtube.com/NickMulvey

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Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman in 1941) is one of those legends that everybody has heard of. Described by Time's 100 Most Important People of the Century as a "master poet, caustic social critic and intrepid, guiding spirit of the counter-culture generation" he is a planet to be explored, the voice of a generation and a man who can never be matched.

 

An early CBS Records campaign stated that "Nobody Does Dylan Like Dylan." Bob Dylan does not have one definitive sound though; over the past five decades he has altered his music to suit himself, the situation he was facing and in order to surprise/shock the public. However there was one major theme that threaded throughout each of his records - they were to the heart of the matter and reflected life. They made people care again, when interest was fading away.

 

Some of Dylan's early songs became anthems for US civil rights and anti-war movement. Therefore it is not difficult to see why he struck up a friendship with The Beatles in the 60's. John Lennon was also concerned with issues and current events, his most famous piece of work 'Imagine' demonstrates the depth of his worries for the world. It could be implied that without Dylan's influence on the young Beatles, albums such as Rubber Soul, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's would never have been created. Dylan's influence was something that the fab four often voiced, as when his second album 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan' was released in 1963, George Harrison went on to state that "We just played it, just wore it out." John Lennon also commented that "For three weeks we didn't stop playing it. We went potty about Dylan."

 

Bob Dylan was (and still is) an important figure in the history of music for the following reasons: he paved a new direction for musicians of the future to follow, he redefined the acceptable and showed people it was okay to be different. Poetry was made cool again (which has never been an easy task to take on), Dylan was the inventor of folk-rock. He's been said to be the hardest working man in music, with his never-ending tour but most importantly he changed things for the better. In the early 1960's when freedom riders were boycotting the buses (due to segregation) it was Bob Dylan's music which was listened to, as it increased their hopes and morale at living in a society made up of peace and equality.

 

Bob Dylan was the man who cared, made people care and still continues to.

 

 

What is your opinion of Bob Dylan? Are you a fan of his music or has my article inspired you to check out his work? Comment below to get your voice heard.

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Each week I find a few bands/artists that I have never really listened to before, and try them out. This is what I have had stuck on repeat all week.

 

• Tame Impala - I discovered this band through hearing their song 'Elephant' used to advertise the new season of 'Made in Chelsea' on E4. NME and XFM are also giving this song major airplay.

 

• Phoenix - My friend Emilie introduced me to this alternative french band last week, as she said they remind her of me. I will definitely take that as a compliment as they sound brilliant, and are quite similar to Two Door Cinema Club (but only slightly). You have probably heard their song '1901' as it has been used on many ads, over the last couple of years.

 

• The Strypes - This band were featured in NME magazine recently, so I decided to give them a try. A few people have commented that they sound similar to how The Beatles did during the Hamburg era. Listening to their music, I can see where this observation stems from however they have a sound of their own mixed in too. I honestly believe this band will be massive in a few years - I'm backing them 100%.

 

• Jake Bugg - He's my favourite artist at the moment and I've posted about him previously, but he's gotten so famous lately due to the media hype surrounding him, that I could not resist including him in my list. His album is set for release on 15th October (which is also my Birthday) and I will be investing in a copy asap. In his music, Bugg strongly resembles Bob Dylan mixed in with The Beatles; the 60's vibes are too distinct to ignore. He's like a saviour come to rescue the music industry from ruin. Some of music's greatest stars have noticed him this year including: Noel Gallagher and The Stone Roses. Jake Bugg is set to be the biggest breakthrough since The Vaccines, so make sure you keep an eye on him.

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