Homing Pigeons Remain a Viable Technology

Written By: Alex MacKenzie

I decided to post about Alysha Brillinger's tunes for a couple reasons. I'll be honest, the first few Brillinger songs I've listened to aren't the usual feather to tickle my fancy but a couple stand out points cannot go unsaid. First off, Alysha was raised in Kitchener and apparently her banner for the K-W Live Music Concert Series is plastered out and about.  She has just played a show in the area, and has another show coming up on September 16th at the L Lounge in Kitchener. Which means she is arriving just in time for all the back to school folk to get their back to schooling on at a lounge with some live music.

But back to the tunes. Though the current tunes she has posted around the internet are not necessarily MY cup of tea, there are some strong aspects to whats going on. Mingling in a mixture of pop, blues, reggae, jazz, and alternative, Brillinger has put out some very accessible tracks. Alysha clearly has a strong voice, and has put together some well constructed pieces. I imagine if I was able to take the opposite gender's perspective for a second here my opinion would be much more positive (though I don't really have anything negative to say, save for this feather tickling cup of tea issue). Especially for a song like Better Soon, a song which I can do nothing but respect:

Though 'Better Soon' does not show it, the most promising aspect of Alysha Brillinger's unfolding musical endeavour is her ability to touch on tones left by that of Amy Winehouse. A song like Boy Ho, where the lyrics didn't quite hit the spot for me (though I respect the potential appeal), is heavy on this same swinging upbeat sound with full instrumentation. This had me drawing the link to her current label Lava / Universal Republic Records - both owned by the Universal Music Group - a label in which Alysha Brillinger intends to put out a studio LP with by Christmas time.  Lava is an interesting label that might lead Alysha Brillinger towards a more edgy soulful sound, singing songs meant for that hypothetical smoke filled lounge and whiskey soaked breath of fresh air.  As an aside, Amy Winehouse's albums were distributed in the States by Universal Republic, and Alysha lists her as an influence - and just did a cover of one of her songs:

So what were my main points that could not go unsaid? Well, Alysha Brillinger has been spotted by a couple labels that have put out notable tunes. Alysha has started to build a buzz for herself, and her upcoming album will be very indicative of the potential her music career holds. Combined, this Toronto- Mississauga- Kitchener - something or rather based musician, is an act local music fans might want to get familiar with.