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

Spotlight on: Daughter

Being a Libra means life is a little bit of a paradox. I can be both incredibly spontaneous or I'll deliberate a situation forever and ever amen. I can make snap decisions, like packing my bag and jumping on a plane at the drop of a hat and without regret I might add. I love anything that lends itself to making memories or having an adventure. On the other hand, I can mentally paralyze myself analyzing at every possible angle of a situation. I'm talking a full on mind paraplegic over basic choices like ice cream: I can't move I don't know which flavor to chooooooooooseeee, waaaaah! (This actually happened to me oh...um, this summer. It's harder to decide than you might think!).

 I carry my paradoxical tendencies over to the music scene. Most of the time, listening to music is a very organic process. I feel the song in my blood, the lyrics settle into my bones and I connect to the music in a very visceral and beautiful manner. There are other times when I have to think over a song, analyzing it and deliberating over it. When songs stand up to my scrutiny, I find they often become favorites. Simply put, I love anything that makes me laugh loud and long or leaves me deep in thought.

A musical group that I have a pure emotional, intellectual insta-love for is Daughter. Wistful, heartfelt, and somehow delicate and gut-wrenching, their songs have it all. Listening to Daughter's music is like reading through Pablo Neruda or Sylvia Plath (two favorite poets...don't get me started on poetry, I love it so!). The songs are written with a deep sense of pain and sorrow that is expressed in such a beautiful way that it's like musical poetry.  The best genre description is that they're moody folk-music with a electronic blend that is a perfect snow day mix. Their second EP was released by Mumford & Sons label. Songs like "Youth," "Landfill," and "Medicine," and "Smother" are not easily forgotten and reach listeners one a more complex level in a way only music can. For fellow sensitive souls, I have a feeling (pun intended haha, ok, enough, enough) you'll also love this music. Be sure to check out "Still" which is just lovely in the most chill, reflective way possible. Much love and happy Sunday Funday!

XOXO

Camie

New Album Review: The Civil Wars

And they did it again! After releasing an amazing Americana album a couple years ago, The Civil Wars crafted yet another gorgeous set of beautiful tunes. This band is my not so guilty southern little secret and they need to be yours too! I'm on a mission...each one reach one! Chances are you've heard at least one of their songs. At the end of The Hunger Games ---a movie roughly everyone in the entire solar system has seen---the band pairs up with Taylor Swift to sing the end credit song "Safe & Sound." It is true I do not often enjoy Taylor Swift. I generally can't stand her, actually. I did like her song "We Are Never Getting Back Together" during the quick five-ish minutes my man and I broke up, but like my resolution to never again eat processed, chemically-ridden Craft Macaroni & "cheese" (which is irresistibly delicious and I will gladly fist fight someone over this truth), I simply was not able to be as resolute as Taylor Swift. So he and I got back together, thus ending my need for listening to her music. Fortunately, the song "Safe & Sound" lacks any of Swift's over the top cutesy, catchy nonsense that she often calls music and is a truly lovely song.


When the band was still relatively new on the scene, Noteworthy Music wrote a review about this indie-folk band, which you can read here. Truly, there are endless reasons to love The Civil Wars, and here are the top three in no particular order (which I am throwing together on the fly):

1. Their clever double entendre name. True, the band has a delicious, old Southern flare that hearkens back to a storybook time. I love our American era of fiddles and balls, of gowns and plantations, when the North fought against the South and both chivalry and corsets were in style. The band captures the feeling of these times with such authenticity, that I almost feel transported in time when I listen to their music. But even more than the band's tribute to our unique and fascinating American history, the songs are a rich tapestry of love stories, woven with lyrics so beautiful and sensitive that it's impossible to not relate to them. The true theme of The Civil Wars focuses on the interaction between lovers, and love isn't always civil. In the wise words of Pat Benetar, love is a battlefield and one that can leave us unrecognizable once the smoke clears.With great emotion and insight, The Civil Wars spin out one tale after the next about love lost, found, and redeemed. Nothing makes a little Libra happier than that!

2. The extraordinary vocal skills of singers Joy Williams and John Paul White. Oh.MY.WORD--->can these people sing or what?! Their vocals are simply stunning, and not in this over the top, all over the place kind of vocals like true music diva Maria Carey. The lack of audacious vocal craziness enhances the quality, tone, and message of the music. In addition to this, the harmony is pristine and near perfection. Seriously.

3. The unique sound of the album; it is SO not mainstream. Not even a little bit! Just when you feel like your ears are drowning in lame Miley Cyrus songs and the same top 10 overplayed hits of the summer, here comes a breath of fresh air! Do I love it or do I love it?! That should be an easy answer. I love it.

In their eponymous album The Civil Wars, the band continues their sumptuous blend of lyrics, melodies, and vocals. Listen to the entire album here. And don't forget to find us on facebook, instagram, or bloglovin. Now go do yourself a favor and walk away from the Bieber-fever tunes and indulge in some non-mainstream music. Your head and your heart will be so very glad you did.

XOXO

Camie

Noteworthy Artist: Andrew Bird

What do you get when you mix a bit of pre-war jazz, a dash of gypsy folk-rock and a side of baroque pop? The whimsical sound of Andrew Bird. In a style that is pure pleasantries and the essence of simple joys, Bird creates music that is just, well, fun. I love the use of guitars and fiddles throughout each album. People say music takes you places, and I absolutely agree. Bird's music takes you to a place that conjures the same feelings are true-blue skies, open meadows, and that perfect day that knows how to hide away from the stress of everyday life.

As a child, Bird was heavily influenced by classical music, Irish tunes and bluegrass. The American singer-songwriter has a degree in violin performance, and his early self-released album Music of Hair showcased both his violin skills and his love for European folk traditions and music. He later join the band Bowl of Fire but left the group in 2003 to radically reinvent himself and his art. He's known for his free-flowing improvisation at concerts and his ability to play multiple instruments throughout shows. Bird's latest album Break It Yourself is a fine realization of his talent as both a musician, singer, and song-writer. Listen to his albums here:

XOXO

Camie

New Album Review: Babel by Mumford & Sons

Let's just say time does indeed fly when you're having fun, and I've been having a non-stop parade of wonderful experiences that have kept me oh so happy, but far too busy to blog. Trips to Chicago, Austin and abroad have satisfied my wanderlust but made it difficult to fit in music reviews:) Plus, fall is always a busy time for DFW Music Studio as students get back into the swing of things. My man and I just got back from my birthday trip to Belize, Cozumel, and St. Lucia, and we threw in a road trip to New Orleans for good measure. I'm a road trip fanatic, and my DJ skills make up for my overwhelming lack of navigating skills. M&S new album came out just in time for my Libra birthday month, so I got to listen to the entire album (ummm, several times, much to my mister's chagrin) as we made our way to New Orleans. The verdict: absolutely BRILLIANT! M&S didn't disappoint at all!!! Hooray!

Keeping with the same glorious folk sound that brought English folk music to the spotlight in a big way, the music and lyrics are rich and meaningful. While the sound is distinctly true to M&S, each song is refreshingly unique and doesn't sound like a giant repeat of their first hit album. Whether or not you're a fan of the band, it's a pretty big accomplishment to reach an audience so wide that their music is even played on progressive rock stations that spin out tunes by 9 Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson.

The album contains a fabulous mix of fast tunes as well as heartfelt slower songs. I know there's a lot of action with mandolins and banjos, but those boys can rock my face off. The band has been on a relentless touring schedule, and the road has definitely influenced their sound. With an added edge of brightness and energy, many songs capture the energy and high that comes from touring the world. But there's also the sense of longing for stability and companionship that create heavier emotions in this album. Songs like "My Love Don't Fade" and "Ghosts We Knew" express the pain of going through difficult times and needing support. A true gem on the album is "Lover of the Light" which is played with such gusto and emotion that it's obvious the band threw all they had at the track. There wasn't a single song I didn't enjoy, so I have to say: bravo, Mumford & Sons! Listen to their album here:

XOXO

Camie

New Single by Mumford & Sons - I Will Wait (Official Audio)

I always get really nervous for my favorite alternative/indie bands that hit the scene and accidentally make it big. It's such a hard act to follow, and more often than not, the band loses it's je ne sais quoi quality that made them a hit in the first place. Mumford & Sons took the music world by storm, and their success was unprecedented. Raking in awards and accolades, the band's popularity has only increased since their first album debuted. And a killer debut album at that. I think I had it on repeat to such an extent, it was borderline unhealthy.

So here's where I get edgy for one of my all time favs: will they be able to keep their magic going in their second studio album or will the spell have worn off? Good news. From the sound of their single "I Will Wait", it looks like we can expect more of what we know and love. The album is due to be released September 24th (five days before my birthday, happy birthday to meeeeeeeeee!) and if it's anything like this single, we have a lot to look forward. See for yourself!

XOXO

Camie

 

Noteworthy Artists Seryn: Indie-Folk Done Right

My boyfriend tells me I have a inner hippie that is barely hidden away, and he's probably right. I drive a hybrid, eat a completely organic, clean diet, and have a mad love affair with nature. I'm a complete dork, I absolutely know it, but I love keeping life simple and natural. As much as I love city life, there's a part of me that wants to roam about with no buildings in sight. I think people's personal tastes are mirrored in their music preferences, and so I doubt it's much of a shocker that I have a strong penchant for Indie-folk music.  Folk music has great origins. It was created by people who needed to tell stories to one another when no television sets existed; it carried heartbreak and high hopes for men and women who often didn't have the paper to write dear diary entries. There's something truly beautiful and a little haunting about today's folk music...when it's done right, that is. An Indie-folk song that doesn't stray too far from it's origins has the ability to evoke a strong emotional response in me.

Finding a great Indie-folk band can be difficult, but when I do, I'm hooked. Mumford & Sons rocked my soul and had a steady spot on my play list all last year.I've yet to find a band who captures the same wild, heartfelt, open air and endless hillsides feel of M&S...until I stumbled across the band Seryn. How can I put this...I have uncontrollable love for there music. It's achingly beautiful and simple, as folk music should be. The band released it's debut album in 2011 and was named a favorite at the SXSX that same year.

Happily, they'll be playing this Saturday at Live Oak Music Hall in Ft. Worth and also this Sunday at A Secret Living Room in Dallas. Because my man loves me, he's taking me to one of the shows. There is nothing hippie about him, so folk music is not his thing. He's gonna love the show (not)! But I will! I've included their entire album below for you to listen to. I recommend Track 1 So, Within, 5 Towering, Track 6 Our Love, Track 9 On My Knees.

Chelsea - violin, percussion, and bird chirps

Aaron - bass, trumpet, cello and bear roars

Nathan - guitar, guitar, geeeter, banjo, and guitar. And some mouth sounds.

Chris - drums, banjo, pump organ, guitar, accordion, bells, earthquake stomps

Trenton- ukulele, banjo, accordion, sings the sung songs

Pictures from http://www.facebook.com/serynsound

Music from http://www.serynsound.com/