Throw this into the category of guilty pleasures-- POP music, which I have always enjoyed and very recently, as of today, have been teased about. (Thank you, Ace!) And that's perfectly all right. Really. No. Really.
Last week, Justin Timberlake announced he created a new recording label, Tennman Records. Today, he announced his first recording contract is going to the YouTube phenomenon Esmee Denters, from Holland.
Her covers of hit songs, in which she’s been recording in her own home in front of a web cam and then posting on YouTube, have been viewed over by the millions, including the 3 million views for this cover of the Justin Timberlake track "What Comes Around." (I actually think, as this post is dated May 28, that this recording is Esmee’s audition for Tennman Recordings.)
If you are familiar with JT’s version, you’ll appreciate the increased emotional integrity that Esmee adds to the tune. JT mentions at the end of the clip that Esmee’s version is better than his. I like JT’s version for the nice, smooth, groove factor. But Esmee’s vocals, on the other hand, reach further inside, grab me, and refuse to let my attention go.
Esmee’s debut album is expected in stores later in the year. You can learn more about her at her website, www.esmeeworld.com.
Congratulations Esmee on the recording contract. I look forward to your debut.
