Noteworthy Artist: Kina Grannis

I collect new music in the way some women collect shoes. I have specific categories, special artists, and beloved songs. While I remain OCD in my compulsion to remain hyper-organized and clutter free, I'm a bona fide hoarder when it comes to my songs and vinyl records. I frequently go on Spotify binges to discover new tracks to tuck away into my increasingly growing stash. Ask me if I feel like I have a problem. Go ahead...ask. I know I do.

I recently came across the lovely singer-song writer Kina Grannis, and I just loved her right away. She has this breathy style of music that isn't overladen with the electronic beats and synthesized sounds of today's ridiculously vapid pop music. Emotionally meaningful and easy to listen to, her vocals are reminiscent of Ingrid Michaelson (another favorite of mine). And if I've said it once, I'll say it again and again and again: singers who write their own music will always have a superior edge in my opinion. There is a great mental and emotional collaboration that occurs when they sing their own music, because they're basically singing out their own diary. In addition to the incredible vulnerability this lends a song, who can interpret a song better than the actual writer? Great examples of this are Sam Smith, Adele, The Beatles and so many others.

Some of my current favorite Kina songs are "The Fire," "Write It in the Sky," "Oh, Father," and her cover of "Chandelier." Never heard her music? Catch it here, and have an amazing Sunday!

XOXO

Camie

New Album Review: The Ol' Razzle Dazzle by Missy Higgins

No one does chill like Missy Higgins. Her music has become the staple soundtrack for TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and other hit shows. Her style is the perfect blend of thoughtful but quirky at the same time. It's a formula that's earned her several top 10 singles and three number one albums in Australia. The singer-songwriter hasn't produced any music since 2006, so fans were waiting anxiously for a new album, and Higgins delivers beautifully in her latest album The Ol' Razzle Dazzle. I think the title doesn't do her music justice. I'm not sure why she borrowed it from one of the hit songs from the musical Chicago, but title aside, it's a winning album. She creates mix of song that are achingly wistful and deeply meaningful as well as her trademark upbeat acoustic tunes. Songs you don't want to miss are "Everyone's Waiting", "All In My Head", "If I'm Honest" and "Cooling of the Embers". Some of her more upbeat tunes include "Set Me on Fire", "Hello Hello" and "Temporary Love" and "Watering Hole".

Love her music? If you live near the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, you can attend her concert at the Granada Theater this September 12. In the meantime, catch her latest album here. I also included her entire collection for good measure:)

XOXO

Camie

Spotlight on Music Album: The Head & the Heart

Oh Seattle, there's so much to love about you: a glorious skyline, outdoor fun, artsy people, and a great a downtown scene that makes you want to stay and play for a bit. Ok, so maybe Washington is known for its overcast skies and fictional residents like the Cullens, but it also has a fabulous performing arts scene. Proving its worth in the music industry, Seattle has recently delivered yet another great band called The Head & the Heart. These relatively new artists met up in 2009 and self debuted their eponymous album The Head & the Heart. Their sound is decidedly Indie folk-pop (quite a mouthful, but an accurate description), and it's as heartfelt as it is innovative.

The group of artists create their sound with a gorgeous mix of piano, violin and vocals, and they enhance their melodies with deep lyrics that will make even the most romantic heart happy and the intellectual head rejoice. The use of percussion is subtle and never distracting from the music, making for the perfect easy listening soundtrack. What I love about this group is that they do indeed mesh together that perfect balance of all that makes the head and heart work together. According to the band, "So many decisions in life and in the music we love can come down to a critical tug between the logic in our heads and the hot red blood beating through our hearts. The Head and the Heart live authentically in that crux, finding joy and beauty wedged there. Our music pulses effervescently—both explosively danceable and intuitively intelligent. With Americana roots and strong vocal harmonics that swell like a river, this band finds its anchor in solid songwriting that has even the jaded humming along by the second listen."

If you're unfamiliar with The Head and the Heart, expect to hear more of them as they continue their speedy rise to becoming a well-known name. The band has hooked up with other Indie Musians open for Vampire Weekend, My Morning Jacket, Death and other great artists, but they've gained more attention and now headline for themselves. Be sure to check out their album here, or their tour dates to catch their latest show!

XOXO

Camie