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: Reflektro and Her by Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire was one of those bands that any music purist was crazy about before they became, well, Arcade Fire. They were the underground Indie group that everyone loved to love, and it was really no surprise hat they became a huge success in the mainstream world of music. Still, we music snobs like to point out frequently that we stumbled upon their music and adored them with a deep devotion before the rest of the world discovered them, handed them several Grammy awards, and therefore made concert tickets about four times more expensive.

Whenever my favorite off-the-beaten path bands produce a new album post-fame, I always get nervous for them. What if they cave in and sound mainstream? What if they lost their je ne sais quoi quality? What if they start buying $500 grudgy looking tops and skinny jeans to still look hispter but really aren't anymore? I held my breath for Arcade Fire with each album they release. Despite their success, this band refuses to lose their Indie appeal. Following their wildly successful album The Suburbs, the band just recently released their album Refelktor and Her. Good news, kids: the album is quite good. It has a bit more of a 70's flare with a dash of funk than former albums, but it's still the same great vibe that we've come to know know and love. It has a bit more sass as well, which I'm always a fan of as I'm sure any regular readers know. Be sure to check out their latest album. I've included their former albums so you can pull a marathon Arcade Fire music session if that's the way your day needs to play out. Enjoy!

XOXO

Camie