While I’ve been writing reviews and the occasional A Moment’s All I Ask here at MGF for a while now, I’ve been wanting to shake things up a bit by starting a new column. So, welcome to the first edition of VIII, where I will regularly feature eight performers or albums that are on the move, all of whom you should know about.

Little Jackie, with her new album The Stoop, is the creation of genre-defying singer/songwriter Imani Coppola and multi-instrumentalist Adam Pallin. What I like about her sound is the soulful nod to Motown (along with little bit of riot grrrl and some hip-hop), while taking on many of the social and cultural issues that consume society today. The beats are feel-good with some positive soul—the perfect album to groove to while you’re doing household chores. I dig her strength and swagger.

Hit to Watch For: “The Kitchen”
Official Digs: myspace.com/littlejackiemusic

Kellye Gray’s “Everything Must Change” from her 2007 release, KG3 Live! at the Bugle Boy, is another one to check out. I just got turned onto Kelly’s music thanks to a friend recommending her on YouTube. The equality video is extremely touching and I’m looking forward to hearing her entire album.

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QrvoieA170
Official Digs: http://www.myspace.com/kellyegray, kellyegray.com

Ida Corr is a fabulous artist from Denmark, who’s doing some interesting thing in the soul/house/dance genre. “Late Night Bimbo” is raunchy without being trashy—with some sexy jazz mixed with some R&B/disco beats that make it a perfect burlesque song.

Official Digs: myspace.com/idacorr, idacorr.com
Reason We’re Hearing It in America: Ministry of Sound America, an offshoot of the already-immensely popular British label named after the immensely popular South London nightclub.

Ari Gold is one of the best DJs on the indie scene, breaking though with his hit song, “Go Where the Music Takes You”. This is pop-catchy, fun, recognizable and worth getting on the dance floor for.

Official Digs: myspace.com/arigold, arigold.com

We found Rideshare courtesy of our new favorite music site, The Next Big Sound, so be sure to check them out. I will be featuring artists from The Next Big Sound each week here in VIII. Rideshare, featuring producer/vocalist Isaac Chevako and vocalist Jabril Faraj, hail from Wisconsin and seamlessly blend hip-hop, trance and alternative rock for a truly unique listening experience. Check out “Be”, with an opening that reminds me of Mika, if Mika was more electronic.

Official Digs: rideshare.thenextbigsound.com

Illinois band Bright Like Japan are more pop in nature than any of the artists I’m featuring this week and will fit more of the flow of people who like the pop sound. I’ll be interested to hear how their sound forms over time because they have a ton of potential to go mainstream. “Wish I Had More” is catchy and could easily find a niche in Top 40 radio (digging the band name, too).

Official Digs: brightlikejapan.thenextbigsound.com, myspace.com/brightlikejapan.

The Black Mosettes blend soul with blues and garage-rock for an enjoyable sound. This is a band that would probably be worth checking out live, as their energy translates well in the studio recording, and it would be interesting to see what kind of chemistry they would have with a live crowd. Their stage show has been hailed as among the most exciting in the talent-packed Boston scene between fans and critics alike. Listen to their cover of “Are You Ready” to get a taste of what the Black Mosettes are about… by the way, I think Kid Rock would love this band.

Official Digs: myspace.com/blackmosettesboston,
blackmosettes.thenextbigsound.com

The very talented, Swedish-born Theresa Andersson creates non-traditional pop music and has become quite the YouTube sensation. The singer/songwriter, who is now based in New Orleans, looks at music in the purest of organic sense and it’s a welcome change in the pop landscape. Andersson plays every instrument, and recorded her new album, Hummingbird, Go!, in her kitchen. The album shows her meticulous musical approach and has me eager to hear her entire release, as she takes elements from her life and her surroundings and applies them to her music.

Official Digs: myspace.com/theresaanderssonmusic
The Song to Hear: “Birds Fly Away”—organic pop/jazz/folk = gorgeous.

Thank you for reading, be sure to hear my new corresponding radio show, VIII, at The V at IRABBroadcasting.com every Saturday at 8p EST! You’ll hear these great artists featured here every week! Keep rocking out and keep supporting up-and-coming artists.