Artist Profile: Fyfe Dangerfield

By our guest blogger, Jessica Bender

Not many people in the United States know who the avant-garde pop band Guillemots is. The indie band has done pretty well for themselves overseas. Their 2006 album, "Through The Windowpane," was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize, had some chart success with their singles “Trains to Brazil” and “Get Over It,” toured with Rufus Wainwright and has former Beatle Paul McCartney as a fan. With all of this success under their belt, one would think that they would try their luck in their states.

Instead, only front man Fyfe Dangerfield is making the trip. While his debut album as a solo artist may be hitting America in mid-March, Dangerfield already is being buzzed about. With his retro sound and genuinely sweet lyrics, the man is sure to set many hearts racing and listeners tuned in.

Some of the tracks from Dangerfield’s forthcoming release, "Fly Yellow Moon," have been put up on his MySpace page, so it’s a good opportunity to preview his talent. One of the tracks, “When You Walk In The Room,” has been circulating the Internet for the past few months. This one, in particular, is a personal favorite of mine. From his parched-sounding screech in the first few seconds to the bubbly combination of California-tinged-guitar and vintage piano, it’s a fun love song that will somehow find its way on my Valentine’s Day playlist. Fyfe also knows how to play simply, as in the song “Firebird” and “Don’t Be Shy." He knows how to make beautiful music with an acoustic guitar and heartfelt lyrics. It almost makes you forget that the rest of the instrumentals are taking a hiatus. The switch-up from high energy to mellowness between songs creates a good medium. The 29-year-old’s first single, “She Needs Me,” showcases his talent in a pretty, adult-alternative package.

While the album might be lost in the mix of other, more popular singer-songwriters in America, "Fly Yellow Moon" is worthy of a listen. Fyfe Dangerfield may initially seem safe with his musical decisions, but he does show that he isn’t afraid to have fun and play around with the auto-tune a bit. Trust me, the auto-tune not a bad thing on this record. Also, Dangerfield will be going on a tiny tour to promote the album. If you’re in the New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia or Austin area between now and mid-March, I highly recommend previewing him at one of his live shows, where it’s a near guarantee that he’ll serenade you into a haze of cheerful lust.

Below is the music video for "She Needs Me." What are your thoughts?