Christmas Series #5: Stephen Day

The man himself

Ahh...this feels right. Was just listening to this, and thought I needed to make sure I shared it on this here blog. 

This guy's discography is fantastic, so get on it. He's possibly a mix of Ben Rector, Gavin DeGraw, and more? This guy is so great... Please, just agree with me and move on.

Christmas is here. So this one just hits so. It really does, in every sense of the way that sentence ended. This song has been in my "Best of Christmas" genre ever since I heard it four years ago. 

It has these lyrics that make me smile just toomuch (re: ill-fitting sweaters). And feel toomuch, too (I'll let you decide which ones those are). 

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Christmas Series #4: Maggie Chapman

 

The One Who Sangs

Well, it's about time I put some more diversity on here right?! Been too long. I love female vocalists/musicians, so...apologies for not being more inclusive during this Christmas season.. But, excuses excuses. Get to the good stuff! 

This is a treat here. Maybe got that Nashville country/singer-songwriter/sad/happy sound. She lives in Nashville (as far as I know), so maybe that encourages her sound, but it really works. I mean she's beautiful in every way, so what's not to like?!

On to Christmas. The first song I heard was this masterpiece, "Could've Been Summer," and so of course I started following her. The next year I heard "Make It Rain, Dear" and I thought, "Perfect, if I only I wasn't so single." 

But enough about those personal touches. "Could've Been Summer" is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, for a number of reasons. Go give her a listen! 

Merry Christmas!!!!

Christmas Series #3: William Fitzsimmons

 

The Legend

I wish I didn't worry toomuch about word counts and so on because this man...what can be said in a short post about a guy that encouraged me with his art to consider a career in counseling?

 If that doesn't hype you up to listen to some sad/amazing songs...I'm not sure what will. 

Definitely of the mellow genre, Fitzsimmons writes incredibly raw. He's so good I put him in my top three artists of all time. So give him a listen, quick. 

His Christmas EP is a mix of covers and originals that you need to put in your earholes. Also quick. My favorite song from the EP is "Will Christmas Come for Me (O Child of God)" and I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me every year I open it back up. 

As a dear friend said, "I love how musically it is with minimal instrumentation..." I'm telling you and so is my friend, listen to him. He won't ever disappoint and his newest album comes out in the new year. 2021 does have a lot of pressure on it, but this will certainly help alleviate the pressure. 

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Series #2: Ivan & Alyosha

 Somewhat of a throwback...re-uploading this with fixed links, and of course...it's CHRISTMAS TIME.

 

                                                      They are just smooth!                                        via

I'm sure you've heard of that now-famous group The Avett Brothers? Well, let me introduce you to something that's similar but with a little more of an indie twist! These guys know how to play some serious tunes with their folksy-indie-rocky sounds. Hailing from Seattle, they've released new music and you better get ahold of it!

They are absolute pro's at what they do and I find it unimaginable that they don't have a bigger following. 
They have quite a neat sound as noted already and it includes some amazing harmonies to great folk-rock guitars and drum beats. The vocalist is very prominent and can be heard easily over the instruments, but all in a way that smooths over nicely.

Enough with the chit-chat. It's time for Christmas. Their first Christmas song I found from I&A was this beauty, "Being Home for Christmas" and I had to track it down on Amazon... Now it's released to the masses, so go snag it and enjoy it.  

The lyrics while personal to the band (I imagine), seem to connect with me. Especially this year. There is going to be a stark difference this year, and I intend to be grateful for the memories I've had and the opportunity to make new ones in the future. 

I really hope you can go support this great group of indie goodness. They know what they're trying to play and they play it impeccably.

Merry Christmas!!

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!