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Summer is creeping up on us with a fiery passion it would seem. With summer comes relaxing, barbeques and spending time with those who mean the most to us, our friends. This month I chose an artist who I was introduced to by a very close friend of mine, who has an amazing ear for music. I usually tend to steer clear of suggestions from friends (especially if its an artist they adore) because I don't want to hurt their feelings if its something I don't like. Then again, well all have different tastes in music right, which is why there is so much diversity out there for us to enjoy. This month I give you a singer/songwriter from Montreal. His name is Jason Bajada, and his music will speak directly to your soul and make you not only relax but take note of his immense talent.

I am sure if you hail from Quebec you have probably heard of Bajada before, however for those of you who have not, let me give you a little background on his musical career. Bajada released his first album back in 2003, titled Puer Dolor with a follow up coming along in 2006 with Up Go The Arms. However, his real strength as an artist and a songwriter came with his 2009 label release Loveshit. This album brings the listener on an amazing journey from start to finish; with the first song Cut, Watch, Leave to the last track You Are A Runner and I Am My Father’s Son, which is a cover of Montreal based band Wolf Parade. Though the songs on the album were birthed across North America (Halifax, Los Angeles) it was recorded in Montreal with the help of Les Troublemakers (LINK. The first single off the album was Ten Days In Miami, which was the first song that Bajada actually penned for the album (you can catch the VIDEO here). The album goes through the emotions of a relationship heartbreak and everything the encompass that. The songs range from 'bouncey' to wanting you to sit down and cry along with the emotion. Tired Of Talking, is one of my personal favorites on the album and I find myself on numerous occasions humming it around my apartment as I work, something that I am sure was the intention of the track.

Bajada has had a very fruitful touring career to date, being able to tour with such artists as Martha Wainwright, David Usher, The Church and Black Diamond Bay to name just a few. If you have any intentions of being in Quebec at all this summer, I think you should take the time out to check out one of Bajada's shows. He is playing numerous shows through June and July in the Quebec area. Trust me when I tell you, it will be an experience that you will enjoy and one you will remember. I know from personal experience, as I was able to see Bajada's performance during Canadian Music Week. You should also look for, in the next couple of days or so an interview With Bajada, where we talk about his music and inspirations.

All in all I believe that Bajada's voice and song writing talent will keep him around for a very long time within the music community. I know that I will be looking forward to what he has to bring to us for his followup to Loveshit. If you are looking for some music that will mellow you out, please make sure to head on over to iTunes and purchase his latest venture or purchase it at a show.

Music has a way impacting us all on different levels. It has a way of opening not only our ears, but our hearts and minds. I think you all should let this voice and music open your mind and let it make you think. Also, if you happen to attend Bajada's shows this summer, I would love to hear what you think and how much you enjoyed it. Therefore, if you do, please hit me up in the gmail and let me know all about it.

I leave you with the video for Cut, Watch, Leave. Also, if you want to know more about Bajada or check out more videos, please head over to one of the links listed below.

I had never heard of Jason Bajada until Natty announced that he would be this month's featured artist, but I trust in my homegirl's taste in music completely, so I was excited to expand my horizons and listen to him!

My instincts were correct! As soon as I turned on the first song on his MySpace page "Cut, Watch, Leave" I was in love! It's soft acoustic folk-rock and I love, love, love it! Bajada's voice is soothing, akin to Cameron Hood of Ryanhood or Brad Barr of The Slip. This is exactly what I needed to calm my stressed out nerves and help me relax for a bit.

Of the offered tracks on his MySpace page, I especially love "Cut, Watch, Leave", "Ten Days in Miami", and "Tired of Talking", but all of them were amazing songs and I'm going to go right now and buy the album "Loveshit" on iTunes. Thank you Natty for introducing me to this awesomeness, and thank you CANADA for producing top quality musicians!

Jason Bajada is yet another of the fantastic artists that I have discovered through being a part of The Sound Faction. Although many of the bands who I come across here are great, Jason Bajada is probably one of the most enjoyable yet. When Natty introduced the Sound Faction girls to Jason B at the beginning of the month, I was unsure of what I would think. To be honest, I was expecting a slightly harsher varient of music. Therefore I found Jason Bajada to be not only appealing, but the exact opposite of what I was expecting.

Newest album, Loveshit (Awesome name) is filled with tracks that capture a lighter sound; airy and simple, without causing one to break out the tissues. My favorite of what I have heard, being a song called "Piles of Clouds". This song has a swaying rythym and cute lyrics; i'd suggest it to anyone.

If you like softer music as much as I do, then I can imagine that Jason Bajada would catch your interest. As for me, I assure you that Loveshit will be found in my 'June: Study for Finals' playlist.

Like Caity, I hadn't heard of Jason Bajada before Natty declared the Montreal based folk singer this month's band. Also, like Caity, I was pleasantly surprised by the mellow sound of Bajada. His music reminded me why I like folk/indie pop music. The sound was mellow, but not so mellow that I felt like I should go take a nap. To me, the sound was similar to Guster, if Guster was a single person.

The Myspace offerings illustrate Bajada's ability to take the folk, acoustic sound, and make it relaxing, but engaging. My favorite songs from the Myspace playlist were "Cut, Watch, Leave" and "Ten Days in Miami," but all the songs were awesome.

As Caity mentioned, Jason Bajada has a new album out, Loveshit, which I need to download from Itunes and add to my beach mix now. Also, Bajada has some upcoming summer shows in Quebec, which I would recommend going to, if you're in the area. So, if you want some great mellow tunes, but are sick of Jason Maraz and Jack Johnson, check out Jason Bajada. You will not be disappointed..

Unfortunately I only had time to listen to two songs before my computer started screaming at me and shut off. When it finally started up again I was all excited to go and have a listen, only to learn my speakers are in a funk. Awesome, huh? I knew ABOUT Jason because I am also friends with the friend who told Natty about him, but I hadn’t gotten around to listening to his stuff. I must say, I shouldn’t have waited. The two songs I got to hear are definitely two songs that make me want to hear more. (Damn speakers!) Which is exactly what I will do when I can! You should too. If your speakers are working!

Sorry for this rather short(er than usual) blurb. But like I said, my computer kind of sucks. Go listen!

Like most of the other girls, I hadn't heard of Jason Bajada until he was chosen for this months feature. Well, I'm sitting down and listening to his MySpace now, and I am truly loving this. The fantastic Montreal music scene has provided us with another wonderful artist!

Mind you, I think I would have to be in the mood I'm in right now (very calm, just sitting back and relaxing in my apartment), but in that mood, his music is fantastic. I've mentioned many times before that I listen to a wide variety of music, but the feel of his stuff strongly reminds me of one of my favourite artists, Anna Nalick. If you've listened to her at all, and you enjoyed it, I would definitely recommend giving Jason Bajada a listen. The vibes of the songs are really very similar in my opinion. His music is sweet and has just enough groove behind it to bop your head along. I would thoroughly recommend "Tired of Talking" (the first song that I listened to), for this calm easy going happy feeling. I'm sitting here listening to his MySpace as I write this, and I'm now on "Cut, Watch, Leave" and must again strongly urge you to go give this a listen. This one doesn't have the same happy feeling that "Tired of Talking" gave me, but the exact opposite. It's a sad feeling, but it's not a depressing song. He just chooses his words and his melodies so well, that your heart aches for him. This is a bit of a feat unto itself which impresses me, seeing as a lot of music these days tries to move you and make you feel what it wants you to, and falls very short.

To sum up this somewhat rambling review, go to Jason Bajada's MySpace, and listen to what you find there. I really, really like it, and am actually planning on going and buying some of his songs as soon as I'm done writing this, because I'm really digging his chill, cathartic sound. I can only hope you do this same!