Kina Grannis (Feat. Fresh Big Mouf) – Royals (Lorde Cover)

I have to be honest, I’ve never been one to really follow or keep up with YouTube artists and/or musicians. It’s probably some weird thing about my not wanting to be too heavily influenced by or envious of other cover artists’ work. Yet, there are those particular moments and songs and artists who have that capability to draw me in than any other artist–maybe it be their musical aesthetic, interests, personality… They have to really captivate me to draw me in.

I have to say, this was a completely innovative idea incorporating the whole Metro-station vibe into a mini-music video (as it seems that anyone can literally make their own music video now!). Her standing in the business of the commuter crowd around her was sweet.

Not only was the rawness of this recording felt–and also the quality of its recording–but Kina took a simpler take on this song, seeming to simply layer recordings on top of each other–from the bass notes, beats, drums, and Kina’s main vox and harmonies. Kina’s vocals are generally sweet and easy to listen to, which makes it very infectious.

Is it just me, or did the harmonies starting at 1:09 through 1:27 (and 2:30 to 2:41) of the song COMPLETELY remind you of Dia Frampton and Meg Frampton (Meg & Dia)’s vocals? I can swear I heard Dia’s more country-laden deeper tone in there, and Meg’s higher-pitched register in the background. It was weird, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Dia lent some harmonies in this recording, as they have had collaborated on a cover a few months ago (“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line).

Also, I can’t get over Kina’s look. It’s simple and fitting for her, though her hair-do and clothing remind me so much of Dia’s clothing style back in the days of Warped Tour 2006/7/9 and Something Real, with her boy-cut hair and tomboyish clothing, inspired by archaic, gothic, and sweeter indie prints… Moments of Kina’s side-swept hair running across her face are totally reminiscent of Dia as well! Though, Kina’s totally owning that look right now–and I can’t help but say to myself, “She’s trying to look like Dia right now.” (When that obviously isn’t so much the case.)

Before I get even more off-topic though, this is a cool cover and who doesn’t like this song? Even if the original may be getting a lot of radio-play, I can’t seem to get tired of it. And of this rendition of it.

It isn’t an amazing cover, or is it completely original, but, it is fun and cool to look at. Sweet, nonetheless!