Artist of the Week: Jacob Vanags

Unlike many breaking singer-songwriters, Jacob Vanags' weapon of choice is piano. Hailed as a talented piano rocker by some critics, Vanags provides much needed diversity in today's music scene. Accompanied by strings, horns and percussion on many tracks, it's his catchy vocals and strokes of the piano that continually stand out.

Jazzy songs like "All That You Have" quickly grab the listener's attention. Extremely energetic, Vanags' music is different than anything else out there right now. While the piano-infused "Toss Up" brings to mind that of fellow singer-songwriter-pianist Brendan James, "Stuck" holds slight resemblance to Jason Mraz with his rap-like banter throughout the song.

Additionally, "Antarctica" showcases an eerie string accompaniment and piano feature at first listen. While at times his vocals overpower the track, when paying close attention to the tale within the song, this only seems fitting.

It is no doubt that Vanags attempts to break the mold with his second EP, Pulses are Pluses. In fact, it's releases like this that are needed to shake up the music scene and introduce something new to music fans and indie lovers everywhere.

Of his EP, Vanags has said, "The title Pulses are Pluses really captures the heart of this EP. I hope the concept of understanding how we all have so much to be positive about in this life, even in the lowliest of times, will really come across with this new, energetic sound."

I couldn't agree more.

Recommended: For fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Augustana, Owl City, Brendan James.

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