-Posted by Oscar M-

Zee Avi is a prime example of how far a clever hook and a simple acoustic melody can go. Let’s not forget her smooth jazzy voice while listening to the many well written, simple, and light tunes to be released on her May 19th debut via Monotone/Brush Fire Records. So where did this new little songwriter come from? Zee Avi is from Malaysia and gained recognition in the US from YouTube. She became an internet sensation and before you knew it she was signing a deal with Jack Johnson’s singer songwriter hub Brush Fire Records (not to mention that Ian Monotone had a helping hand in her career as well). Who’s Ian? Well if you’ve heard of The White Stripes, M.IA., The Shins, Against Me!, and The Raconteurs than you know Ian Monotone. He is owner of Monotone Inc., Monotone Records, and he manages all of the names listed above.

Zee Avi will release her anticipated debut album on Tuesday, May 19th through Brush Fire/Monotone and has prepped her audience with a current tour. She will make her stop in LA on the 20th and will be live on KCRW that morning. Not off to a bad start for the 23 year old musician who recorded her music by a video camera and released it via dozens of videos on YouTube. Now with a proper CD and the right support it is just a matter of time before Zee Avi is heard in every commercial, movie trailer, and other music friendly sources there are. One of my favorite tracks besides the single “Bitter Heart” is her cover of Morrissey’s “First in the Gang to Die.”  Her voice is so intriguing, it draws in you with the first note.  Enjoy the video and tunes.

Cry Baby Cry (The Beatles cover)

MP3: Zee Avi – Bitter Heart
MP3: Zee Avi – The First In The Gang To Die (Morrissey cover)