The Year of Basia Bulat?

Sure, it's only a couple of days into 2007, but that doesn't mean we can't start making predictions of what musicians will be big this year. Don't feel ashamed if you haven't heard of Basia Bulat yet, but you might want to get on the bandwagon now so that you don't look like a fool later on. The incredibly gifted singer-songwriter from London, Ontario (but originally from Toronto) seems to be heading towards big things, with a steady Internet buzz building around her debut album Oh, My Darling. The album will be released in the UK in March by Rough Trade, but currently does not have North American distribution (which, quite frankly, smells).

It's hard to pinpoint what makes her music so wonderful. Her Joni Mitchell-influenced folk songs have an elegant grace to them, and her voice is a perfect match, sweet and understated. Her band does a lovely job making the songs complete, delicately adding strings, piano and percussion to put everything together. Check out two songs from her upcoming album off her Myspace, as well as a cover of The Strokes "Someday".

For all these reasons and more, go check out Basia performing at the Drake Hotel tonight. Doors are at 9pm, it'll cost you $7 and Barzin opens. Basia is fantastic to see live, not only for the music but because she obviously loves every minute that she is playing for people.

Photo from Basia's Myspace