Helping you discover the best in new music
There is an awful lot of music these days to try and get your ears around. When someone - in this case producer/singer-songwriter Norine Braun takes the time to sift through hundreds of submissions to select top tracks representative of this variety, it’s a great chance to sample the scenes.
Listen for free and then download (no DRM) Next Wave or Evolution of the Blood Star or buy a hard copy CD.
Evolution of the Blood Star
"...This album is simply a masterpiece: it has detached elements from jazz, pop, trip-hop and soul without ever losing a sense of ‘cool’. Everything is rich and varied, daring but soothing and beautifully poetic." - Alex Jasperse - Muses Muse
"...this singer-songwriter goes from the jazzy, to the funky and even out to the rocky. But Be Brave Do It Right shows of her soul roots, within the framework of a jazzy ambience that snags the ear from the first note, and holds it until the last has faded. Despite this disparity of styles in one song, it works well for a smooth and creamy result!" - Dave Chislett - Matchbox Recordings
"On first listening... WoW! Will be putting this in a playlist real soon!" - Kathryn May - The Kat and Eye Jukebox
Next Wave
"What an amazing collection! Some of these tracks just blew me away. Can't wait to introduce these songs to my listeners." - John - JD Interactive
"IT GOOD WARM IT ALL GOOD" - james stewart/djwagonmaster madsoundzradio
"I was never much of a fan of compilation recordings...until now. These artists represent some of the best Indie's around and has some of the best sounds available. Each song has excellent production values and clarity and the performances are outstanding." - Bert Gagnon Neon Productions Radio Musictogousa The Songwriter's Network
"Norine Braun solidifies her reputation as a tastemaker of distinction with her new Braun and Brains compilation, Next Wave. These twenty songs represent the cream of the crop from an enormous variety of styles." - Jon Sobel - Bagel and the Rat
Next Wave will only be available through 2008 and then becomes a coveted collector’s item. Get a copy while you can and discover some fantastic new music while supporting the independent spirit!
The journey to Evolution of the Blood Star has transformed Norine Braun
  Evolution of the Blood Star MP3 Download (Full Album - $8.88) Buy on CD Baby |
The mere listen to Norine Braun's “Evolution of the Blood Star” one will begin the expedition to self discovery, and as each song filters into the soul, your own fate is realized. Braun’s music and lyrics are uplifting, kind and soft-spoken, as if an authentic conversation between two people.
Experience fully Norine Braun's latest CD, 'Evolution of the Blood Star', a reflection of her own very personal progression; what began as the natural walk towards achievement, the next step, it became something more. Braun too was transformed, a psychic inheritance so to speak. Each thoughtful stride and enriched moment is instilled into each note. And as you listen, you become part of the music.
The title track, 'Evolution of the Blood Star', whispers of childhood memories, and a healing that takes place when one discovers an inner strength to overcome. There is a sense that a life is nothing without the awakening, that precious moment, and copious moments joined collectively when one realizes what truth is. Forgiveness. And of the letting go.
Braun was having fun with this one, and that is mirrored in the bounce of 'Conformity 451'. Her throaty voice is heightened, tantalizing, and one can’t help but succumb to the beat and begin chanting along! Winner in the Artists for Literacy International Songwriting Competition, this timely song was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s 'Fahrenheit 451'.
This multi-genre album is already receiving high praise; Braun was chosen from a sea of artists to win the esteemed award Female Singer-Songwriter of The Year in the Jazz category at the LA Music Awards in November 2006. Her song 'Crystallize' boasted the honors; it is optimistic and heartfelt; you will be swept up in the dreamlike nature of Braun’s voice, pure to the ear. Sheila Hash, of High Four Records, reacts to the song and says, "From the minute Norine began singing I knew I would love this song. I literally got the urge to break out into song and dance, definitely a voice that could turn around even the worst mood."
Braun is a sweet honest woman, a rarity in this world. Her empathy for humanity is felt in each composition, a joyful amalgamation of downtempo, jazz, pop and rock. Pop, as a genre, and music altogether would be incomplete without the magical artistry of this distinct singer songwriter. And for those who have never given this particular variety of music a chance, "Evolution of the Blood Star" is the perfect gateway!
Braun and Brains Music Riding High Tide with Next Wave CD
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The Next Wave compilation is another captivating project by Braun and Brains Music, geared to broadening its scope to include new independent labels and artists. "Our mission is to offer the best in unique and imaginative unsigned music and to provide creative promotional opportunities for independent artists," the President of Braun and Brains Music, Norine Braun clarifies.
"These songs stand out in that they have all the elements of a great composition, such as outstanding and brilliant melodies, poetic thoughtful lyrics, excellent and intriguing productions." Braun offers. "The songs are brimming with intense emotional expressions, polished heartfelt performances and authenticity. Most of all they moved me in some way." Norine Braun is a songwriter-recording artist with 5 independent releases and her distinct sound has charted on college charts including Top 10 and has been featured in film and TV. She was honored with the Stonewall Society Musician of the Year Award for album Now and Zen and Winner of Artists For Literacy International Songwriting competition.
The contributing artists and their unrivaled sounds are a reflection of the brightest and most talented artists selected from hundreds of submissions sent to Braun and Brains Music from around the world."Diversity in the compilation is very much treated like an album though the genres are widely different, it flows like a solo artist album or great mix tape. The project is put together by an independent artist not a corporation so the bottom line is about putting together a work of art, making a statement about independent music today." Braun explains. "These songs rose to the top as we waded through submissions and the dedication of the artists to their craft and muse was apparent with one listen. With many listens the songs remain fresh and compelling."
Next Wave includes tracks from a contrasting group of independent artists and gives them a platform to showcase their talent. From Norine Braun's sophisicated 70's retro blend, the disturbing yet contagious goth pop of Morgan, the merry Americana melodies for morose malcontents by MINiMAL,the emotional folk and blues offerings of Holly Figueroa, the gritty R&B flavoured hip hop of Flowto the soulful rock sounds of Raymond Fiore - the ensemble is unprecedented and enthralling.
With an uncompromising blend of sounds and lyrics, Braun and Brains Music has been successful in assembling an array of eclectic, emotionally charged artists and their songs that are certain to tantalize and mesmerize even the most discriminating ears. Each song was hand-picked for its ability to engulf, captivate and charm its audience and regenerate their longing for consequential lyrics and engaging musical composition.
"This is a chance for music lovers to discover the best in new original artists from around the globe who are not only world class performers but also perform their own original music." Braun announces. "These artists excel in all areas: songwriting, performance, arrangements, production, uniqueness, the X factor. They each have their own unequivocal sound and seem destined for greatness. They may be the best new artists you have never heard of but soon will be hearing much more of."
Next Wave produced by Norine Braun and Mastered by Craig Waddell Gotham City Studios
© Braun and Brains Music
The Independents
NEW COMPILATION SHOWCASES THE CREME DE LA CREME OF INDEPENDENT MUSIC TODAY
Braun and Brains Music releases a brand new compilation album "The Independents" on September 28, 2005. The CD features 18 outstanding independent artists, who were selected from hundreds of submissions. The genres requested in the call for submissions included pop, rock, alternative and singer-songwriter. "We are honored to showcase such incredible and diverse talent for our inaugural compilation," Norine Braun, mastermind behind the compilation enthuses.
"The Independents" project is a brainchild of Braun and Brains Music, which is now broadening its scope to include new independent labels and artists. "Our mission is to offer the best in unique and imaginative unsigned music and to provide affordable and creative promotional opportunities for independent artists," the president of Braun and Brains Music, Norine Braun says.
Listen to the stellar line up of our first compilation on The Independents CD page.
