Taylor Davis

A pretty girl, a penchant for game and other epic themes and an impeccably refined violinist. This is what truly defines Taylor Davis.
The smoothness of her playing is something that will capture you mind, body and soul. Plus the fact that she is pretty and has an inclination towards themes related to games and fantasy will make you smile (and for guys, you'd probably want to marry this lady). This talented violinist has covered themes such as Assassins Creed 3, the James Bond theme (Skyfall) and many more. Some of her songs also include pianist Larade Wit who is equally supreme on the piano. This is one artist you should always have on your playlist.
Violins, though more classical based, has been given a new dimension and meaning thanks to artists such as Taylor Davis. There is definitely a classical touch to her violin playing. And the way she brings in all aspects of music from different corners of the musical spectrum is amazing.
Her subtle playing style combined with the ever beautiful classical touch gives her songs (even the covers) a touch so fluid that you will immerse yourself in her music in no time.
Her album Game On: 2 Player Mode featuring Larade Wit is available on her website. This album is a delight, specially for the gamers out there.
Here's a video of her playing the LOTR theme (Yes, I am obsessed with LOTR):

The Art Of Fusion

The Art Of Fusion is a project conceptualized by Rafael Sotomayor. It is by far one of the most innovative projects I have come across in a very long time. Rafael Sotomayor is a vocalist-cum-hang drummer. His project, The Art Of Fusion, is a collaboration (or rather an array of musical experiments) between him and many artists from around the globe.
Rafael, a talented musician himself, somehow has a knack for finding other musicians that are equally brilliant and talented. This is the best part about this project. One moment you're listening to a Hang Drum and Cello duet and in another you'll be listening to some awesome reggae with Rafael giving vocals. Rafael has capitalized on the fact that there are still some epic musicians in the world and has gone ahead and brought them all together in one big bowl of resplendent confetti.
Watching The Art OF Fusion live is surely going to be a treat. The project has the ability to satisfy everybody's musical taste, which, in my opinion, is by far the toughest thing to do in this world. Having so many unique sounds blend into the ginormous dimension of music is something that is very rarely seen and somehow The Art Of Fusion have perfected it to glory. Exotic rhythm structures, musically arresting melodies and the quaintness of it all makes this musical experiment stand out among the million others that are present today. You can listen to more songs of this phenomenal project on their website.
Here's a video by The Art Of Fusion - Deustad
 

Peter Hollens - The A Capella Specialist

Peter Hollens is living proof that humans can do unthinkable things with their mouths (and a brilliant voice). I first heard him with Lindsey Stirling (an artist I featured earlier) covering the Game Of Thrones theme song. The cover was fantastic and I decided to take a deeper look at Peter Hollens.
Each one of his songs were a class apart. Be it his covers or his originals, every one of his songs had something special about them. Calling him a genius would be an understatement. His rendition of Misty Mountains (from The Hobbit OST) gave me goosebumps. I could actually picture Middle earth and The Shire in my head. He has even covered the Skyrim theme, Moves Like Jagger and many other songs.
He is not one of those serious (I will only perform type) artists. He enjoys his A Capella thoroughly. His voice is blessed. There are some artists that can go up on stage and perform without really needing a sound check. I am sure Peter Hollens is one of them. His voice quality, pitch control, harmonies and sense of melody are quite exquisite. Artists such as these make you feel less blessed (If you tend to believe in God that is). He is an artist you will want to listen to again and again! He even takes requests. And what's best - his humility. The guy is very humble and down to earth. Watch his videos, you'll realize why.
His album is up for grabs on his website and it features his originals as well as some brilliantly executed covers. Do not think twice. Buy the album. NOW!
Here's a video of him covering Misty Mountains (my favorite) -

Lindsey Stirling - One of the wildest Violinists EVER!

The Violin is something that is calm and soothing and most of us do think of Violins as a part of a Symphony/Orchestral groups. And then comes along Lindsey Stirling, an American Violinist whose music will put all our presumptuous doltishness to rest. She is like one of the Powerpuff girls. I am pretty sure she was "sculpted" using sugar, spice and everything nice. Then came chemical X which gave her super powers.

OK, now back to being serious. Her music is like a tidal wave that hits you with tremendous force and energy. She somehow has managed to squeeze in all sorts of aspects of music into her compositions. Her compositions have been infused with The Harp, Dubstep, Rock n' Roll and what not. These are the kind of things that make an artist incredible. The energy and the flamboyance with which she plays is phenomenal and the way she structures her music (be it the originals or the covers) is something that is extremely smooth (even here smooth seems to be an understatement). 

Lindsey is one artist who is a pleasure to watch. Purely because of the sheer energy and her florid playing style. Some musicians are great to listen to, some are great to watch. Lindsey Stirling is a beautiful lump of both. Apart from the fact that she is extremely talented she is also extremely cute (I don not mean this in any perverted manner whatsoever). Her expressions and music is a combination that will make you smile. Her renditions of The Lord Of The Rings theme and Phantom Of  The Opera are psychedelically hallucinatory. She enjoys her playing which is evident in pretty much all of her videos.

Here is one of her songs - Moon Trance (the video shall remind of Michael Jackson's Thriller in bits and pieces):

 

Montana Skies - The Cello-Guitar fusion!

Their name is a metaphor for musical freedom (according to their website). And when you listen to their music you will definitely agree. Jonathan (Classical Guitar) and Jennifer (Cello) are the duo that comprises Montana Skies. A duo that is unique, talented and quite mesmerizing to hear. Their music is pretty much similar to drugs/alcohol (or whatever way you like getting intoxicated). Montana Skies' music will please your ears, take you on a high and will make sure you sway one way or another.
Jonathan's Guitar playing is quite scrumptious (Yes, you read that right. It is bloody delicious) and his feel is full of flamboyance and resplendence. What amazes me about his technique is the ease by which he pulls off his playing. It looks way too easy and effortless (and mind you, it really isn't).
Jennifer's Cello playing has the perfect pinch of aggression and smoothness to make sure that the music hits the perfect musical spot. Her melody lines and phrasing is serene and well as bold. It is quite lovely when you hear John and Jen's (Yes they're also called like that) playing. Their music is something that will hit you instantly and about 10 seconds into any of their songs you will probably find yourself in a parallel universe of sorts.You can find more music on their website and you can also purchase the album from there. Don't think twice. Go for it.
Finding the right video to put here was quite difficult, I can assure you. All their songs are so nicely done. After a lot of thought and what not I have decided to show you their version of Pink Floyd's - Another Brick In The Wall.

Akin Unver - Talent from another dimension

As a musician, when I watch/hear a super talented artist there are one of the two feelings that I go through:
1. Get Inspired - Practice harder
2. This artist's a genius. Don't even try catching up with him/her
Akin Unver gave me a bit of both feelings. This is the first time that something like this has ever happened to me. He is a multi- faceted instrumentalist. I have watched videos of him where he plays The Chapman Stick, Guitar, The Cello and The Piano. The really cool part? He's equally good at playing all the instruments. We have all heard of "The Jack of All Trades". Well this guy is a master of all trades. His original compositions as well as covers speak volumes of musical (ingenious) beauty. Akin Unver is skilled and one can't help but think if he hails from a parallel universe where all the uber-talented people belong. The more you listen to him the more elated you feel. Akin Unver is pure talent and he is someone who should be touring the world (and other planets where life may exist). He is that good. His songs are beautifully structured and his compositions as well as his playing ability is something that are woven in gold. When you listen to his music you can't point out to one favorite. All of his songs are bloody brilliant. He's even played Bach on the Chapman Stick. He is definitely one the most unique artists I have com across in a long time. You can listen to his songs on his website and I do recommend you go there right now and listen/watch his stuff. You shall not be disappointed. Here's a video of him playing The Sonata in F minor by Domenico Scarlatti on the Chapman Stick (even deciding what video of his to put took me quite a while. Again, yes, he is that good!):

Sacha Talens - Music that will grow on you

Let's start by being honest here. The first time I heard a Sacha Talens song it didn't really hit my musical sweet spot. However, a while later I decided to give his songs another listen. And WHAM! It hit me bang in the center of my sweet spot.
Sacha Talens' music is the kind that won't grasp your ear buds instantly. But it grows. Steady, smooth and nice, it grows on you and at the end of it you thank the heavens that you gave this man another listen. His music is not something that is usual. It isn't something that will make you go "Ahh yes! Typical singer-songwriter". There is this unexplained rawness in his music and his voice. There are always things in the world you look/hear/feel and you never know why those things are so beautiful. Sacha Talens' music is one of those things. You hear his music and somehow it has the ability to make you feel at ease. His songs have a bit of a bumpy quirkiness, some nice grooves, really well-written lyrics, beautiful chord patterns and a voice that is probably the perfect lining around the song. It is like eating a delicious pie blindfolded. His first album, The Bathurst Moment, is releasing on 14th January, 2013. You can check out his songs on his website.
Here is a video of his song Fish Tank Blues:

Mustered Courage - What a band!!!!

Here comes another talented act from Australia. They call themselves Mustered Courage and from the first time I heard one of their tracks on YouTube they have been my go to artists when I am in a desperate need of a smile on my face. Mustered Courage are an alternative/bluegrass/folk 4-piece outfit that make some jolly good music. The band comprises Nick Keeling (Lead vocals and Banjo), Julian Abrahams (Guitar and Vocals), Josh Bridges (Bass and Vocals) and Paddy Montgomery (Mandolin and Vocals). Calling the band tight would be an understatement. Their music is something that is exuberant and will definitely put a smile on your face (similar to the smile when you thank god for something wonderful).
Nick's Banjo playing and vocals are quite brilliant. He has this special sort of vibe that adds a lot of groove to the band. When you look at Julian you may most probably may think of him as just another guitar player. Watch/hear a few of the band's songs and your opinion will change in a matter of a few seconds. His guitar playing is crisp and clear and his playing style is something that you wont get to hear too often. Paddy Montgomery is the silent-type (or so he looks) Mandolin player of the band. His Mandolin playing adds a new dimension to the band and keeps the sound of their songs alive and kicking! Josh's playing is something that holds the band together in perfect sync. Playing the Bass in an outfit such as this is definitely not an easy job, but Josh seems to have perfect bass lines to keep it moving and grooving.
Their vocal harmonies are incredible. An outfit that has all four members singing and playing with insane harmonizing skills is something that is extremely rare to find. Their first album is out and is available on their website. Definitely a must buy.
Here's a video of the band covering Seal's Kiss from a rose: