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 #6: Jillian Edwards

With the tumultuous beginning to this year, and with my birthday right around the corner...I bring some good cheer. This singer is one of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter-inlaws and she's just..what we need.

The Woman Who Wins

This lady will always be in my top three female vocalists. I found her surfing the Noisetrade.com, back at the end of Summer '09. Her music has only become deeper, and her talent shines bright in it all.

I referenced her with this old blog post, but I need to talk about her own stuff. 

The song that really got me was this "Nonfiction Love Song," but it only was uphill from there. 

"Hurry upp!! Get to some Christmas." Ok ok, here we go. Well, actually, if you clicked that link you'll find her Facebook page and lives videos..like the one mentioned above. Listen, she's friends with Ellie Holcomb, so why not just take my word for it and go support her! 

Their side project together is pure..perfection. 

I love her Christmas music, and her whole EP is great. Of course though, her original songs are SAHLLID. 

"All My Christmases" is that kind of foot-tapping sugary sweetness you want around this time of year. No matter how different it is this year, it's still Christmas. Nobody can stop it. It comes quicker every year, they say. So put on some Jillian Edwards and sit back and sip something warm. 

Merry Christmas!!!!!! And Happy New Year!

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!

Heard of Brady Alan? Tell Your Friends and Your Mom!

Just the man

This guy. Oh, what can you say? When you're proud to call him a friend, and he's just dropped a full-length album? 

Not convincing yet? Let me try again. This guy. He records, mixes, produces, and writes all of his own material. Sometimes even in that order!! Well, maybe not exactly. But still shreds on multi-different-instrumentations. He just knows how to do shtuff! 

Let's see here. Some of his songs might cause you to think of John Mayer (a major influence to Brady), or a different singer-songwriter that's in that vast (confusing) category. While other genius work might encourage you to think of bands like Two Door Cinema Club or Vampire Weekend. And maybe Electropop, and bedroom pop too? Or just simply, "Pop," whatever that is today. 

Honestly, if you're trying to categorize this man and put him in a box, pick someone else to hit play on. He's got funny songs, fun songs, cool songs, chill songs, quiet acoustic songs, loud electric songs, happy songs, and (my favorite) sad songs. 

Brady Alan you say? Yes, I say. Go give this dude a listen. He lives in Nashville with a host of people, but sure stands out (and shines) among 'em. His newest work is my favorite, and you can hear the effort and passion in it. Have fun, and keep listening!

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. 

The NOT Fickle Friends

It's been too long and I wish it hasn't! I wish this blog hadn't gotten broken (had technical difficulties for far too long). I wish I could've posted about these guys years ago.

I wish so much right now so I better skip all that let you know, you're missing out if you haven't jammed to this British-pop group yet!

The first song I heard was "Swim" and I was hooked. They're catchy, groovy, and everything you need in a good electronic pop group.

They're new album just dropped and it's all great. Please check this group out, and start swimming or dancing!

I Nodaway to Music! Chris Jobe

Maybe I'm just in a Summer mood, but it's a good mood, overall. Great music to be had, that is for sure. Especially when it comes to these guys known as Nodaway!

If you like Walk the Moon (WtM), you've found the band that needs to tour with them....a few months ago. When I read that it was for "fans of WtM" I was extremely skeptical, trust me. I enjoy WtM and think they can't be copied in the least, but Nodaway has hunted that unique sound and made it GREAT, again.

Just listen to "Lonely" and tell me it's not got that fun sound that is toomuch happy, in the best way. Please go 'LIKE' these folks called Nodaway and pay attention! They're liable to release some new amazingness that you may miss!

Feeling Fialta & It's Good!

Chill and poppy, these guys know how to!

Yes..more indie rock-ish pop harmony stuff! Fialta is one of those Californian bands that just hits the spot for me..especially these Summer days!

I think, this band is so great it'd be neat if you could go support their debut album on Bandcamp! Pay close attention to "Fiesta, My Love" as it has that summer catchiness and the sweet melodies that will be sure to make you sway.

So, go get your suit on, don't forget sunscreen, and support this talented Fialta group! I'm stoked because they're recording new music, and it'll be out "soon!"

The Great Scott (Harter)

New Nashville Sound and great at it!

In the mood for some solo artist choons?! Check out this guy's EP "Nobody Knows My Name" on my favorite website..like..ever..literally.

Scott Harter has that sound if you're looking for catchiness and alternative poppiness. But it's not the same ol' same ol' lyrics either. They're simple, and sometimes that makes an artist stand out..especially if they're honest and real.

There might be just a li'l of some Nashville "twang," so it might appear like country at times..but not to worry if you're not into that genre! His musical influences include Garth Brooks, so it does make some sense! Haha.. Just go and support OK? Solid stuff..!

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.

It's Just About a Young Summer

And so, it was time for more. More classiness. More beauty on the inside and out. More fantastic earcandy! So yes, Young Summer is sweet.

While named Bobbie Allen, Young Summer is quite the moniker for this kind of pure magic. If you're looking for that indie/pop/electronic sound, but are tired of hearing guys work at it..you have found the perfect woman. (Yes, women win, often. This one is no exception. Appropriate that i'm posting on Mother's Day? More of a fact that women just keep winning? My mom wins all the time.)

Singing with that real and raw emotion that i can't seem to get enough of, one can certainly feel it in every word sung. Something about the, realness, just resonates and hits me right in the heart. i Hope it does the same for you.

In talking about how she's on the rise and building a stronger fan base, Coachella in California certainly helped! Nono, she should have been on the lineup for Coachella, but she did support Odesza in a few songs! and that was a flawless performance that maybe (hopefully) made Zyra a little concerned?... Anyway, please, go to Young Summer's page and he'p her out! She's close to 10,000, but that's not near enough. Being on the radio more is a necessity and so many people are missing out!

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!

The Blue of Colors (is the Best Color)

Pensive rocking out is what he do's! via

Back to a little bit of the pop/rock side of good music, Blue of Colors does it all right. And i mean that, this guy do's it Right.

While using some sort of auto-tune, and slamming guitars and drums, it is the fantastic combination of it all that makes it work so flawlessly. i Get into fun lyrics like his because, it simply makes me smile. Just check out his song "Jenn's Song" and you'll see what i mean..(and maybe i relate to it too, soo, who cares!?)

Head over to the Blue of Colors facebook page and be sure and click that 'LIKE' button. Quite sure it is appreciated, and check out this guy's stellar project!

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."

Silver Trees in a Perfect Forest

Acoustic folk pop = straight killing it    via

Thought it was time for some softer tunes. You can stop looking for some with Silver Trees. He's got a new EP out now that's completely worth the purchase, but because you may doubt me....stay on that Noisetrade link and enjoyy!!...then..go buy the new EP Fighting the Rust.

He's definitely got some pop/folk-ish sounds, but they're flawless. It frustrates me that i've taken this long to post him on here, but now that Silver Trees has a place on this here li'l blog, i'm glad.

As you probably can see from the facebook page, he needs some serious 'LIKES!!' Please, please help and support such talent. Here's to hoping for that full-length album sometime "soon!"

The Hubbub of Rocketboys!

                        Rock on with some Rocketboys!                     via

Here's a nice rockish noise for you! What's more? The lyrics are terrific! Just check out the appropriately titled song "The Best!" The Rocketboys are a neat group of guys I saw open for The Almost and Relient K, and it was quite the show!

This band live sounds a whole lot like their recorded selves, and that is something to be treasured today. While it may be a little harder than some of the bands that i've posted on here, give these guys a listen too!

The Rocketboys' (formerly known as Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys) Facebook profile deserves some attention for sure, so please go help 'em out! i Know they'd appreciate it. And, rock a little with some good music!