If You Like Elle King Check These Artists Out

Elle King's song "Ex's and Oh's" is exploding all over. The tune's bluesy swagger is an infectious jam that breaks up the pop soundscape of 2015.

A quick back story for Elle, she is the daughter of comedian Rob Schneider and model London King. She was born in LA and after her parents split grew up in Ohio with her mom and stepdad. Her stepdad introduced her to music and she learned to play guitar when she was 13. Her album Love Stuff came out in February.

If you like the sound and style of Elle King, then I have two other artists you need to check out (and if anyone from Jazzfest is out there out them on your stage).

First up, I've written about her a few times already, ZZ Ward. She calls her sound 'Backporch Blues Meets Hip Hop.' That is such a perfect way to describe it. Her last album Til the Casket Drops is classic from track one on. the new stuff I've heard from her forthcoming album This Means War sound like a beautiful evaluation of Ward's sound. Like the first single "Love 3X," this is my kind of love song; hardcore and sweet.

Here's another from the new album.

The other singer you need to get on board with is New Zealand born Gin Wigmore. Where ZZ Ward has a hip hop influence in her blues, Wigmore has a strong alternative rock streak in stuff. Her 2011 album Gravel & Wine is a marvelous dose of grit, light and power.

Wigmore's new album Blood to Bone just came out this summer.

It's wonderful that Elle King is bringing this unique blues-fusion sound to a growing audience.  And it's a great pathway to some great music that will rattle your soul and addict your ears.