This Is How Great Aaron Espe Is

 

He is unbelievable...and covered the song.

    This is how great Aaron Espe is. I was introduced to him by an old crush that first shared the song "Hope in a Maybe" with me. I'm pretty sure she was 110% positive I was "The One" for her, and that song honestly gave me a lot to ponder..when she shared it, and the day after Christmas when I got an email from her saying she didn't want to contact me anymore. His music helps me calm down, think clearer, and remember I'm not alone.

    Now to add more reasons why this guy just rocks (in a whisper-rock, chill, acoustic, singer/songwriter way). He is so intentional with his fans (answering fan email..what in the world.). He writes about his life. His genuineness/rawness comes through with every blog post and each song. It's not just music, it's a look into an independent artist's life who is making it his mission to care for his family and himself and share his talent with the world. 

    Go give 'im a listen, and consider subscribing on Bandcamp for as low as $5 a month. If you don't wanna' do that, listen to or buy his stuff on that website so he can actually profit from you supporting him. As much as I love Apple Music/Spotify, they're fatally flawed because they hardly support their artists.

    I for one cannot wait for this concept album coming out s00n, and I hope you join me in supporting this guy. He is something else.

Christmas Series #1: Andrew Belle

It's that "time of year again" and...this year, I wanted to share how much I love Christmas music. Please follow this blog closely as you never know what's gonna' show up on Tuesdays, Sundays, Fridays, Thursdays, Mondays, and other days too. Or don't. 

This is Andrew Belle

This guy..well, honestly.. I don't wanna' say toomuch about him. Just go check him out. 

Very much a singer/songwriter kinda' guy, but...what a voice. What a TALENT(s). He rules. This is the first song I heard from him, "In My Veins," but...it's Christmas. It's time to reveal one of my top FIVE Christmas songs of all time. 

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a song that seems like everybody has done. I have about 14 versions in my library. You know what though? This is the only one you need.

He adds another layer of meaning to this song. He adds melancholy, yes, but..it's deeper. It seems to be riddled with hope, even if this year has been so tough for so many. Notice the slight/massive lyric change towards the end and tell me that doesn't inspire. 

UPDATE: He now has three total Christmas songs. Including two originals... "Whatever Happened to Christmas" is brand new, and this one from four years ago, "Back for Christmas..."SO good.

Merry Christmas!

Are You Down Like Silver?

Back at it. Please, people, join in me supporting some more tunes that need to be heard by the masses!  

Down Like Silver

Found this duo a long time ago, and... I can't believe I haven't told this blog or hardly anyone about them! Have you heard of Peter Bradley Adams? What about Caitlin Canty? Well, if you have then you'll know you'll like these two. And if you haven't, join me. The water's fine.

This is one of those chill duos, that you can listen to anywhere. Maybe to wind down at the end of the day, or maybe when going on a long night drive. 

Maybe a little of that Novel Ideas sound, or Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors (Nashville country?), but his more chilled library. I can't get enough of them and hope you can't either. 

Good news? They released a new song earlier this wild year, so give it a listen! "Against the Night" quite honestly nails their sound pretty well, but seek out all their music, it's worth it. 

With Wind in Sails You'll Go Far

It's that softer sound, with a folk-acoustic touch

When I want to share something softer, but still an indie sound, I can't help but blab about it the best way I know how. So, Wind In Sails is how you can..float along and listen to some greatness.

He is all about being genuine and real in his lyrics, and of course.. I love that. It's a softer folk-acoustic-rock sound that is just hit perfectly.

Look for the song "Heart to Focus" as the lyrics make quite a lot of sense and speak such wisdom, particularly in today's messed up society. Please go and 'Like' his facebook page and I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

i Wouldn't Mind Having These (The) Inlaws!

Lookin' all right!! 

Let me start with a few questions. It's ok, the first one should be easy: Have you heard of Steven Curtis Chapman? How about his son CALEB (no, not all caps, but his sons are in a band called Caleb? NO? Let me try again, how about Colony House (because that's what "Caleb" is called now)?!

If not, there's a young lady named Jillian Edwards. WHo married one of those sons (Will)! And, Caleb and Will and Jillian are in a band!! Yes, indeed. The news is that good.

Well, i thought it was time for a nice chill duo sound again, so there you have it. The Inlaws have quite the chill, folksy, and perfect sound. Please check 'em out and enjoy.

Personally, i like their song "Future" the best, but maybe that's because that's the first one i heard? They're all great though, please the support EP! And let's keep hoping for more tunes from such a great li'l group!

Sun Rai Requires Sunglasses, in a Good Way

Jazzy Talent via

Felt it was time for something quite different again. And "different" is good.. Most of the time. Sun Rai is no exception. From Australia, he's got a sound you wouldn't expect..i'm pretty sure!

Some jazz, some pop, some indie.. = All great! And did i mention he's from Australia? Pretty nifty, indeed.

i'm trying to get more international music in my library, so if you know of somebody, please submit away here! And Sun Rai? Yes, go follow and support away! He's got quite the deal on his new EP "April Skies."

My Name is (not) You, but Someday Soon..

So much classiness. via 

While i love linking you to free music, it's always good to remember that: it's crucial to buy this amazing music as well. Artists need to eat....so they can keep making music, of course!! So feed them, the poor incredible people. This is a band that must eat..because. If you don't think so, well...you may just be..wrong.

Check out "Fortunate Ones" which is the first song i heard and immediately thought it was more than enjoyable. Once i decided to buy their full-length record, my heart just..was going to say "melts," but i feel that cliché won't do it justice, so my heart actually falls, cracks and shatters into tiny pieces in a happy and understanding heap when i hear "One Good Reason."

Why is this duo so far up on my list of best duo's ever? Maybe it's the harmonies and honest lyrics. Maybe it's the indie and folksy sounds. Maybe it's the..plain, sweet accented (she's from Scotland!) talentful (yes, here that's a word) little group whoM i got to meet while they were backing up Joshua Radin on his tour. Please, dive into My Name Is You, they need your support and are too incredible for words.

Meager Fare is Far from a Meager Sound!

                                  Pleasant folk, who are more than pleasant!                   via

Please excuse the Serious Lag in my postage... However, while i've been away...holy shmokes,
have i got some tUnes to share! Coming from near where i'm finishing my undergrad life, is yet another good ol' find on NoiseTrade!

Welcome in some pleasant acoustic and folk sounds with Meager Fare's EP. Pretty sure that banjo is scattered in these guys' music, and it's just fine. Great harmonies too, that might make me want to sway and sing along with a smile.

When i was finishing up Summer '13, i couldn't stop giving "Alibi" a listen.. And, i participated in a give-away and won!! They were so nice and went out of their way to make sure i got my free TEE! Anyway, these guys deserve some more attention like crazy. Please go give them a 'LIKE' on that facebook page, and listen (and maybe sway?) away!

[A Little] Pop But More Than jake Jess Penner

                                   A pretty and Classy one!                                             via

Time for another pretty lady voice. What's that? You're doubting me? Well shuckidarns, go download her second album then! Fine! It's called Growing In the Cold and of course it's free, but..i mean really, can't you tell Tipping her wouldn't be too much to ask?

Jess Penner is just.. Plain Classy! Although different and a little less pop-ish, her first full-length album (Love, Love, Love) is still a great listen, but if you like the NoiseTrade option more, that's fine too. i Can't decide what i like better, but if i had to pick i guess it would be the Cold one...because, i like..the cold and the poppy-ness of it but, i'm weird and i digress.

She has a loverly voice that combines well with the synthesizers, chimes, acoustic guitar, light drum beats, and whatever else is goin' on! But seriously, check Jess Penner out please, and thank Hawaii they let her settle in California to create some tunes! Plus, it turns out her mom makes Saturday Waffles-- a vital key to being successful in life..i know.

Bronze Radio Return Needs to Arrive on the Radio!

                      Some energetic sounds, but the Right ones!                      via

Oh this band! i Don't really want to write too much about this amazing band. i Feel you'll be able to fill it all in when you download this free sample. It's called A Bit of Bronze and it's just..too stinkin' good.

Seriously, these guys are a bigger band, but their sound is...so..filling! Not only banjo, but i'm talkin' harmonica too! Acoustic guitar, harmonies, crashing drums, swinging electric guitar, and on and on! What else do you need to know? That i'm hoping to see these guys live because i know it will be breathtaking?

Honestly, you've got the link to the free stuff. If you just can't handle it, like me, here's their new album on Amazon, called Up, On & Over! Go jam to some energetic guys named Bronze Radio Return, who have got the right indie and folk sounds!

If Feeling Alone, Just Remember We Are Lonesome Animals

                           Such a Lovely sound!                              via

Sorry about the inactivity friends! Shuckidarns..getting caught up in Summer. Needed to help you all out though so here's Somethang! Well...i was hoping i'd have more info on these lovely subjects. It's crazy how secretive this group is!! Next to impossible to find pictures, bio, let alone names! For starters, i know they work with William Fitzsimmons, or did in the past.

Especially for this album, Soft Light, he had a pretty big hand in it i'm pretty sure. In other words, if you like that Fitzsimmons but would like a female version..holy..shmokes. Have you found it!

Frankly, the only reason i know of these pretty mellow voices and sounds is because of Fitzsimmons! If it weren't for him...whew. Don't know how long it'd be before i'd hear of them, let alone find them online! Lonesome Animals don't even have a standard facebook page if you look at the URL. Naturally, not having much out there on the World Wide Web, their 'likes' are Far from where they should be!

Think of it as more of that stuff to just..relax to. Go to sleep to, lie to and hope you don't fall asleep during, or any number of activities..ahem. It can be sorta' folk, with an ambient touch most likely as well. Tuneage. That's what it is.

Their excuse for not going on tour yet is needing somebody to take care of their plants?! Shoot..i'd be more than honored and Thrilled to do that if i could meet them and attend a show! Please take a listen and...take it Easy.

You Haven't Heard of The Likes Of Us?!

                 It's an over the moon sound!           via

Guess what time it is? Oh yes. Gotta' love these dynamic duos right?! i Know, i know. Before i forget, head to that fantastic tune donating site and download their album "The Likes of Us." Then close this page and listen..and..wish your life was as fun as those sounds.. Oh excuse me! You can keep reading if you'd like...naturally.

On their StageIt.com show, i asked if they want me to say anything specific on this here site. They replied, "Hmm, good question... That we're ridiculously good looking..?" Obviously they have a great sense of humor. Of course that's far from all there is about these two.

Honestly, these two are so far up on my list of Best duos i put them up there with Little & Ashley. The Likes Of Us has got that flawlessly over the moon sound. It only makes sense as they say a big influence has been the 1940s-- a euphoric time period, i think!

Besides being filled with talent, joy, and lyrics inspired by some golden years, their songs contain quite a bit of acoustic guitar pickin'/strummin', some orchestra infusion, light drum smatterings, and more.

i Know they would appreciate your support, so believe me when i say...you don't have to listen to samples of their music before you download that free album. It's just... Worth it! In all the meanings of that word, "worth!" Got me?

Not just a Phoenix, but a Nonaphoenix!

                  It's a distinct and rare blend!                    via

Does this guy look familiar? Well, shoot i can't help it. i Like following a few artists and this guy fronted the late (*sniff*) Heyhihello. Certainly a pretty poppy sound, but this Nonaphoenix is..a Different story!

Still the same vocals that you loved (if you've heard of his other project which broke up last year), but this a lot more of a folk/indie sound!

Of course with nice folk, there's gotta' be a banjo and yes, there is. It's quite good, to be Sure. In fact, if you want to dive right into the banjo sound, check out "Ghosts." If you're looking for that happy sound, look no further. Jakub uses Nonaphoenix as a perfect outlet for just that.

What's the neatest about this project is that, if you liked his other project, it's not a complete change. He's calling it "pop and folk" which is quite a distinct and rare blend.

Please go 'like' his facebook page. i'm positive of two pieces of information: he only has less than a thousand 'likes' and he would greatly appreciate the support. So, delight yourself in some mo' folk-indieness!

Wishing to Travel to the The Gray Havens

                            Their sound is just put Together!                      via

Another duo?? Pretty dang much friends! And there's even more good news. Wait what?! More good news you say? Affirmative. Their EP Where Eyes Don't Go is FREE. So hurry over, go download and dance away..or not...and read this instead.

Now i have to be honest in saying: if you're looking for a duo with a perfect balance of the girl and guy singing, The Gray Havens has more of the guy's voice. However, you can hear harmonies in a few songs, and vocals in the verses of a song with the prettier one (well, come on now, i am quite Straight and she is fine am i right??) in a song called "Let's Get Married." It's soo...cheerful!

Their sound though is so, put Together. In fact, the guy, Dave, kinda' reminds me of Jeff Carl at times! So if you liked him, check these two out as well! They can be acoustic, piano, horns, ukelele, cymbals, etc.!! It can sorta' be all over the place, in a grand way!

In closing, their name is a cool story and you can read about it on their webpage at thegrayhavensmusic.com! Hint: Thoughts of Lord of the Rings is not too far off! Haha..

So yeah, another wife and husband duo, but i think i can't get enough of those, so get used to it (Nono, don't worry i'll continue to review other obscure ones but i like the idea of a husband/wife duet because well..maybe i'm just hoping for that in the future...ahh).

From Out West With Wesley Blaylock

           Soft and sad-happy, but melodious and Indie!      vie

i'm hopeful this guy looks familiar to you? If you've heard of Deas Vail, then you're in the clear because Wes is their lead singer! What's really neat is, his wife (Laura) plays with him in the band and is featured in his solo EP on the song "Falling Over You!" Go right ahead and stream it on that great old website Noisetrade.com!

If you're streaming it, you can tell something is certainly different about this guy. He sings in a sort of falsetto that is wickedly High. But, isn't it talent-infused-goodness?? He knows how to carry and push his voice wayY up there and somehow..make it sound terrific!

Basically, it's safe to say, by downloading this you will have a singer/songwriter that not many know about and sounds different than everybody else. i Like his voice because it's a pure, emotional soft, but high sound. It can go above the instruments well and fits well with his music.

Speaking of instruments, what is expected? Well his solo work is quite a bit different than his band's, but they're both so GOOD. If you're more into finding something to jam to, than check out Deas Vail. If you want something to listen to on a rainy day or fall asleep to, than check out the EP! It's got a lot more just acoustic guitar and soft drum beats.

Please check out this man, Wesley Blaylock. He may be soft and sad-happy, but it is definitely a melodious indie sound that should be discovered!

Enjoying Carefree Jeff Carl

                           He's just plain smooth and content-like               via

Ah, here's a character. A friend of mine introduced me to this guy and i took an immediate liking to him. In talking about the music that comes from this talented man, my friend said, "Every time i listen to Jeff Carl i can't help but be in a happy mood; i just love to sing along with his music."

That about sums it up for this talented one. But in terms of his sound, i personally would describe it as just plain smooth and content-like. He's a multi-instrumentalist for sure playing keys and guitar!

To top it, he's got an amazing range! His vocals can be quite low and almost kind of a quiet talking, but then can be a kind of high pitched "Ooh!" sound. These two fit together like finding the last puzzle piece and putting it in.

i'm pretty sure the first song i heard by this guy, and the the one that exemplifies his talent best, is "I'll Be Gone Tomorrow." i Extremely encourage you all to check that out as well as the rest of the EP which is.... FREE! So please, go to Jeff Carl's facebook page and 'like' him. His lyrics, sound, and overall remarkableness make this guy a Real indie champ!

The Expertise of One eskimO

                        They're simple and quirky!                         via

Ah, so peaceful. That's what could be said about this group. If you want something to fall asleep to, but still want that definite indie noise, you've found 'em! i Found these guys by searching on Amazon and getting their self-titled first album for $5 and immediately liking it. They have a simple and quirky sound, and as they're from the UK they stand out among other artists.

i Decided to post this picture because it really captures this kind of fantasy land they attempt to bring you to, especially if you watch 'The Adventures of One eskimO.' When they released their debut album, it wasn't long after that they decided to do a 10-part animated film to accompany the record..

Basically, it is so cool and just plain cute, i'm sure you'd enjoy these Adventures. The song featured in that first episode is "Astronauts" and was actually the first song i heard. It was an immediate favorite for me, so please go take a listen.

Their sound can vary from being quiet acoustic guitar, to piano, to electronic synthesizers and slow beats on some drums. Whatever the sound is on a particular song, i hope you take a liking to this foreign music and seek out more! One eskimO only have one LP and an EP or two, but we eager fans have high hopes for this year!

In the meantime, go look up this little group! Just don't if you're trying to finish some project; you might not want to be productive at all, and you might realize, "It's a funny old world, full of headaches in turn..."

A Minute Review of the Best Little & Ashley

                      L&A are just right!                               via

So, i'm sure you've heard of Amazon's Kindle, and seen those funny commercials which are normally in stop-motion...does the one on the left look a little familiar? Guess who that is?! Annie Little (now Ashley) who also sings on a lot of the advertisements for the Kindle! Her husband Marcus Ashley, pictured next to her (yes, he's a fortunate man..), also produces the songs with her and they have a sound which can light up any room.

Little & Ashley is a duo fit for kings and queens. Look up the words "cheerful" and "flair" in a dictionary and i'm pretty sure you'll find, "See 'Little & Ashley'" as proof this pair is a synonym of both words. The vocals are nothing short of just right and the instruments chosen are broad, as i'm sure you know if you've seen any of the commercials. Their sound ranges from soft synth beats and loops, to electric guitar rockin' out like in "Thousand Falling Stars" (Hint: no cost, free...)

In recent news, these two are parents! & they have a full length album coming out sooon!! i Know, too much to handle. i'm still trying to contain myself. In addition, this li'l group of merry but busy people are talented actors as well and have been in several commercials (not including Amazon), TV shows, and movies. To learn more, watch this video about their lives together.

i Had the huge pleasure of meeting them (couldn't go see them at their show not being 21 at the time, which stunk royally), and they are the most humble and nice individuals. So, go check these two out and 'like' them as their facebook numbers are too low (less than 3.5K) and start enjoying the best duo that ever was!

A Lot More to Just Jonathan Jones.

           J. Jones, the face of Talent                  via

Waking Ashland, We Shot The Moon, and his own solo stuff! This man plays the musics and knows what it's all about! Multi-instrumentalist including the piano and guitar, "Talent" is basically his middle name. The two bands listed above are both projects he was/is the lead singer of and does quite a superb job at it. If you haven't heard of Waking Ashland, sadly that band broke up, but never fear because We Shot The Moon (WSTM) is still kickin' it (new album out March 5!!), as well as Jones himself is churning out tunes on his own.

To be fair, WSTM has more of an alternative rock sort of sound. With that being said, i have to explain why this guy is on my site if his band's sound isn't too much indie.. Here's the kicker: The fact that he isn't well known makes him way indie! More importantly, his newest solo album Community Group sounds very much like an indie record and it's terrific, so please give it a listen!

As i've already explained, he is incredibly talented and it doesn't take a genius to realize this musician should have a lot more popularity by now. His lyrics are earthy and his sounds are addicting. Whether it's rockin' guitar riffs or slow piano ballads, it is so entertaining. Lastly, this guy is genuinely amazing at reaching his fans. i Participated in backing his Community Group project and ever since he enjoys replying to me on social media. That right there is not just a musician but someone you can call a friend. Oh, by the way, why not get some more free music: "Claim Me" by WSTM!

What's Striking About Jonathan Stark?

                            Stark plays a different tune                  via

Like The Novel Ideas, i've got to start with a download link to this guy's phenomenal album! Found on Noisetrade.com (so free of course), Medicine Bow is just one of those albums to put on when you're in that mood to sit back and think...or not think and just let the music pool. Granted, he's got quite a different sound to him, and it might take a few listens, but give it time! In fact, you know that coffee shop that's everywhere with the green sign and strange lady with the hair? They've certainly given him a chance and play him over their speakers! Neato, i think.

At first listen, some of his songs may seem almost flat! It is really a different tune, but that's what i love about this guy. He stands out from the crowd like crazy and that's the way i want to live my life. Well, i don't know if i'll be growing my hair out and getting inked, but i do appreciate Who this guy stands for and how his vocals are compared to other artists.

In terms of what his songs include instrumentally, it is certainly broad. There may be strings, simple acoustic guitars, melodic electric guitar riffs, chimes, to even harmonica on songs like "Comfort." Once again, i've chosen to review an artist that has less than a thousand fans on facebook.com, so please go check him out, and chill out!