Enjoy.
mewithoutYou is based out of Philadelphia, PA. They formed in 2001, & it started out just as “a bunch of jokers… a side band that none of us took seriously but we kind of immediately got signed on a fluke. So we’re like ‘Alright, let’s do it…’”*. Beginning with the release of the EP “I Never Said That I Was Brave” [Kickstart Audio; 2001], they were signed to Tooth & Nail Records only shortly after & followed the EP with “[A-->B] Life” in 2002. Sticking with that label, they’ve released 3 more LP’s, & a 5th album is in the works. & at the mention of recent & to-be works, mewithoutYou is contributing a cover version of Nirvana's "In Bloom" in “Come As You Are: A 20th Anniversary Tribute to Nirvana’s Nevermind” – to be released by Alternative Press. This song is from their 2009 release “It’s All Crazy! It’s All False! It’s All a Dream! It’s Alright!”.
The amazingly fun music video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fRFMkFbH8I&ob=av2e
& here's an acoustic one recently released for Sleepover Shows:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UQmSDaS_kA
* - http://www.drivenfaroff.com/2006/10/02/mewithoutyou-interview-september-29th-2006/
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Collector - by City of Snow
New video out today! "Due to unfortunate circumstances..."*, it didn't get out on Sunday like planned, but it's here. Check it out!
City of Snow is based out of Hamilton, On; with members hailing from Ancaster, Grassie, Greensville, Hamilton, & Woodstock. The once 5- now 4-piece band (as of earlier this month**) wrote & recorded their debuting EP “True Reason” which was released on April 16th, 2011. Within the past year, City of Snow has been noticed not only on the local scene, but even somewhat internationally (at the very least, I’ve seen a couple articles on their new material on an American website***); recently, they won the People’s Choice award from a “battle of the bands night at the Playhouse Theatre to raise money for City Kidz”^, in addition to competing in Metroland’s Best of the West battle, where they made it to the championship round; they ended up second only to Burlington’s Koetta. This song is from “True Reason”.
The new music video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLbvUvq6BaU
* - https://www.facebook.com/cityofsnowband** - http://www.myspace.com/cityofsnow/blog/543930541 (the font colour is hard to see, but just click & drag over it to highlight the post, then you can read it)
*** - for example: http://www.indievisionmusic.com/tag/city-of-snow/
^ - http://www.flamboroughreview.com/news/article/296429
Also: you can download "Man Down" for FREE from their PureVolume page:
http://www.purevolume.com/cityofsnow
Monday, August 29, 2011
Mighty to Save - by Don't Wake Aislin
Female fronted independent rock band. Enjoy. :)
DWA is based out of
Also: you can download remixes of their song "In Loving Memory" for FREE from their SoundCloud page:
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Breakdown in 3/4 - by Project 86
Can't get this one out of my head lately.
P86 is from Orange County, CA. They began in 1996, with vocalist & main lyricist Andrew Schwab (who also writes some awesome books & articles - go check them out!*), guitarist Randy Torres, & drummer Alex ‘the Hatchet’ Albert, with bassist Steven Dail being added the following year. (& as an interesting fact that I learned only this evening) - Their name comes from an old slang term (see Schwab’s description below…). Their self-titled debut album was released on BEC Recordings in 1998, to be followed by what became the pretty much the epitome of their early music career, “Drawing Black Lines” [BEC; 2000]. Much touring & festival appearances ensued; & they were switched over to BEC’s parent company Tooth & Nail Records for their next release “Truthless Heroes” [2002]. After a dispute of sorts, they independently released “Songs to Burn Your Bridges By” in 2003, only to reconcile with T&N to re-release the album with 3 new songs & new artwork in 2004. From there on, their career climbed, & they just celebrated 15 years of Project 86 this year with the release of their first live album: “15. Live.” (advertised also simply as “XV”), released in Dec. of 2010. This song is from “Songs to Burn Yours Bridges By”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJjCxalA0ls
In an interview that posed the question of the origins of the name, Andrew Schwab responded:
“Actually, 86 is kind of the root for the name. The generation before us kind of used that phrase to describe when they would kick something out, give it a boot, get rid of it. … we were kind of throwing around the idea of just throwing a number in the name, & Project 86 is like the whole idea of being rejected, or separate, or not going along with the group.”
http://www.hmmagazine.com/exclusive/project_86_the_beginnings200306/index.php
* - http://www.andrewschwab.com/blog/
P86 is from Orange County, CA. They began in 1996, with vocalist & main lyricist Andrew Schwab (who also writes some awesome books & articles - go check them out!*), guitarist Randy Torres, & drummer Alex ‘the Hatchet’ Albert, with bassist Steven Dail being added the following year. (& as an interesting fact that I learned only this evening) - Their name comes from an old slang term (see Schwab’s description below…). Their self-titled debut album was released on BEC Recordings in 1998, to be followed by what became the pretty much the epitome of their early music career, “Drawing Black Lines” [BEC; 2000]. Much touring & festival appearances ensued; & they were switched over to BEC’s parent company Tooth & Nail Records for their next release “Truthless Heroes” [2002]. After a dispute of sorts, they independently released “Songs to Burn Your Bridges By” in 2003, only to reconcile with T&N to re-release the album with 3 new songs & new artwork in 2004. From there on, their career climbed, & they just celebrated 15 years of Project 86 this year with the release of their first live album: “15. Live.” (advertised also simply as “XV”), released in Dec. of 2010. This song is from “Songs to Burn Yours Bridges By”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJjCxalA0ls
In an interview that posed the question of the origins of the name, Andrew Schwab responded:
“Actually, 86 is kind of the root for the name. The generation before us kind of used that phrase to describe when they would kick something out, give it a boot, get rid of it. … we were kind of throwing around the idea of just throwing a number in the name, & Project 86 is like the whole idea of being rejected, or separate, or not going along with the group.”
http://www.hmmagazine.com/exclusive/project_86_the_beginnings200306/index.php
* - http://www.andrewschwab.com/blog/
Saturday, August 27, 2011
As She's Walking Away - by Zac Brown Band ft. Alan Jackson
mmmm....
Zac Brown himself was raised in Dohlonega , GA. Atlantic ] was released, Brown launched his own record label (for other artists, of course) Southern Ground Artists, Inc. In addition to the label, he also co-wrote & released the cookbook “Southern Ground” with follow band member Coy Bowles & also a photographer by the name of Jeffrey Skillings. The Zac Brown Band’s sophomore studio release came Sept. 21st, 2010 – it was called “You Get What You Give”, & that too was released on Atlantic . Beyond those releases, there has also been 2 live albums, an EP, & 2 independently released albums (those two before being signed). This song is from “You Get What You Give”.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Kill Lies - by Reform the Resistance
Music video for this song released yesterday!
Reform the Resistance is based out of Nashville, TN, but 2 of the 3 members are from Phoenix, AZ. RTR’s background comes from the band Justified, who began their career in 1999, but ended in 2004. In 2007, brothers Jason (voc’s, guitar) & Sambo (bass, bg voc’s) Moncivaiz met drummer (& bg vocalist) Ryan Dugger after Dugger’s little sister “stumbled across a ‘drummer wanted’ ad on Justifide’s old website written by Moncivaiz brothers”*; Reform the Resistance was then born. They released their debut EP “…And It Begins” [ind.] in Sept. of 2007. Following the EP came several European tours & other dates in the U.S. In Oct. 2010, they finished recording their album “The Truth is Dangerous”, & released it first independently, but then Doug McBride - owner of Gravity Studios, where the band recorded the drums – sent the album to Wuli Records (with whom he had been working on other albums with). RTR was then signed to Wuli in March 2011, & “The Truth is Dangerous” was officially released on April 26th, 2011 (hard copies released May 17th). This song is from “The Truth is Dangerous”.
& the music video was released just yesterday:
http://www.vimeo.com/25744714
(& if you’re in the U.S., you can view it on the actual channel they posted it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=405gUJYl8xE
(the Vimeo page is actually that of one of the production guys – not the ‘official’ way to view the video; being in Canada, it’s the only one that works for me…)
* - http://www.facebook.com/ReformTheResistance
& you can download “…And It Begins” for FREE from their ReverNation page:
http://www.reverbnation.com/reformtheresistance
Reform the Resistance is based out of Nashville, TN, but 2 of the 3 members are from Phoenix, AZ. RTR’s background comes from the band Justified, who began their career in 1999, but ended in 2004. In 2007, brothers Jason (voc’s, guitar) & Sambo (bass, bg voc’s) Moncivaiz met drummer (& bg vocalist) Ryan Dugger after Dugger’s little sister “stumbled across a ‘drummer wanted’ ad on Justifide’s old website written by Moncivaiz brothers”*; Reform the Resistance was then born. They released their debut EP “…And It Begins” [ind.] in Sept. of 2007. Following the EP came several European tours & other dates in the U.S. In Oct. 2010, they finished recording their album “The Truth is Dangerous”, & released it first independently, but then Doug McBride - owner of Gravity Studios, where the band recorded the drums – sent the album to Wuli Records (with whom he had been working on other albums with). RTR was then signed to Wuli in March 2011, & “The Truth is Dangerous” was officially released on April 26th, 2011 (hard copies released May 17th). This song is from “The Truth is Dangerous”.
& the music video was released just yesterday:
http://www.vimeo.com/25744714
(& if you’re in the U.S., you can view it on the actual channel they posted it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=405gUJYl8xE
(the Vimeo page is actually that of one of the production guys – not the ‘official’ way to view the video; being in Canada, it’s the only one that works for me…)
* - http://www.facebook.com/ReformTheResistance
& you can download “…And It Begins” for FREE from their ReverNation page:
http://www.reverbnation.com/reformtheresistance
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Living the Dream - by Downhere
"On the Altar of Love" just released today - go pick it up!
Downhere is a group of “Canadians mostly living in America”*; based out of Nashville, TN. The band started as Jason Germain & Marc Martel – both the key songwriters & singers – who were roommates at Briercrest Bible College in Saskatchewan; they had left for the college in 1996 & were already into writing together & began recording some of their songs for their Recording Arts class. They were signed to Slyngshot Records in 1998 & released what became their first independent album (it was self-titled). Following this, they acquired other musicians & began touring for the album – the college itself even helped with the act, supplying a van, sound gear, lights, & sound technicians. The musicians that joined them at first were drummer Jeremy Thiessen & bassist Tyson Manning along with guitarist Corey Doak. 2 years later, in Feb. 2001, they were signed to Word Records & re-released their debut with a few new songs replacing some others. By that time, however, Manning & Doak left the band & Glenn Lavendar took over the low frequencies. Since that member switch-up, they’ve remained the same but have since switched labels (to Centricity for their 2006 release “Wide Eyed and Mystified”), & have released 4 more studio albums plus other EP’s & a Christmas album to boot. This song is from their latest, “On the Altar of Love”, released just today, Aug. 23rd, 2011 on Centricity Records.
http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/listeningparty/party1.asp (this song isn’t one of the singles from the album, so you can go here to listen to it; it’s the 5th track)
(^ & if the link were to not ever work, you should be able to go to the top menu bar, & under 'Music', go to 'Listening Parties' & find the album somewhere in there...)
* - https://www.facebook.com/downhere
Downhere is a group of “Canadians mostly living in America”*; based out of Nashville, TN. The band started as Jason Germain & Marc Martel – both the key songwriters & singers – who were roommates at Briercrest Bible College in Saskatchewan; they had left for the college in 1996 & were already into writing together & began recording some of their songs for their Recording Arts class. They were signed to Slyngshot Records in 1998 & released what became their first independent album (it was self-titled). Following this, they acquired other musicians & began touring for the album – the college itself even helped with the act, supplying a van, sound gear, lights, & sound technicians. The musicians that joined them at first were drummer Jeremy Thiessen & bassist Tyson Manning along with guitarist Corey Doak. 2 years later, in Feb. 2001, they were signed to Word Records & re-released their debut with a few new songs replacing some others. By that time, however, Manning & Doak left the band & Glenn Lavendar took over the low frequencies. Since that member switch-up, they’ve remained the same but have since switched labels (to Centricity for their 2006 release “Wide Eyed and Mystified”), & have released 4 more studio albums plus other EP’s & a Christmas album to boot. This song is from their latest, “On the Altar of Love”, released just today, Aug. 23rd, 2011 on Centricity Records.
http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/listeningparty/party1.asp (this song isn’t one of the singles from the album, so you can go here to listen to it; it’s the 5th track)
(^ & if the link were to not ever work, you should be able to go to the top menu bar, & under 'Music', go to 'Listening Parties' & find the album somewhere in there...)
* - https://www.facebook.com/downhere
Monday, August 22, 2011
Renegade - by Manafest
Video premier on NewReleaseTuesday.com for this song...Chris Greenwood, aka Manafest, is from Pickering, On. Although originally aiming to be a professional skateboard (<-- to my understanding, anyway), Greenwood was in a skateboard accident in 1998, & this led him to focus on music. He first shot was “Misled Youth”, an EP released independently in 2001; followed by an LP by the name of “My Own Thing” in 2003. However, Trevor McNevan, of Thousand Foot Krutch & FM Static fame, caught wind of his album & he brought his music to Tooth & Nail Records. BEC Recordings (a subsidiary of Tooth & Nail) signed him on, & his label debut came in 2005 & was titled “Epiphany” – the album that started to get him noticed & considered as a clean version of Eminem. He has since been a Juno, Dove, & GMA nominee, & has released 3 more LP’s & most recently a live CD/DVD, all on BEC; & while Manafest is Chris Greenwood, McNevan is heavily involved in a number of songs (including this one). This song is from “The Chase” released March 30th, 2010.
The music video premiered just today on NewReleaseTuesday.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVNY4SY6Gyw
& for kicks, here’s “Avalanche” & "Bring the Ruckus" (both from "The Chase") from the Live release (actual song starts at 36 seconds
"Avalanche": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyx29wc7eyQ
"Bring the Ruckus": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHWcgWXXJ5E
The music video premiered just today on NewReleaseTuesday.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVNY4SY6Gyw
& for kicks, here’s “Avalanche” & "Bring the Ruckus" (both from "The Chase") from the Live release (actual song starts at 36 seconds
"Avalanche": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyx29wc7eyQ
"Bring the Ruckus": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHWcgWXXJ5E
Sunday, August 21, 2011
If you want a crash course on the science of sound...
... then watch this 12 minute, 49 second video. It's a cool, rather informative video by Vi Hart - the one who does all sorts of different videos related to math, doodles, & other fascinating factoids.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_0DXxNeaQ0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_0DXxNeaQ0
Words Remain - by Josh Garrels
I've been in a bit of an indie sort of mood lately as it turns out; & it's been fueled by amazing artists & music such as this. You really should hear the live version Mason Jar Music released of him & their team did earlier this year........ right NOW!
Josh Garrels is from Pontiac, MI, but is now in Portland, OR. & simply put, “Josh Garrels is a lot of things, or has been: son of a hippie commune, skater boy, suburban drug dealer, music/design student, coffee roaster, urban shepherd, & now nation- & globe-trotting minstrel of hope & healing”*. He released his debut “Stone Tree” in 2002, & “Underquiet” in 2003, before starting his own label, Small Voice Recordings on which “Over Oceans” [2006] & all subsequent albums were released; & all his projects are self-recorded, -produced, & -distributed. His latest is “Love & War & The Sea In Between”, released on June 15th, 2011 (& he’s made it available for FREE – links below). This song is from his LP “Jacaranda”, released in 2008.
Live (released Feb. 2011 from the Mason Jar Music team):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdQxWVh6hjU
Album version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSp1FIyB-o0
& here’s some other cool things to check out:
5 questions from Noisetrade to Josh Garrels
http://blog.noisetrade.com/2011/07/five-questions-josh-garrels/
Mason Jar Music (hook: “Preserving Analog Principles in a Digital Age”)http://masonjarmusic.com/
& download Josh Garrel's latest, "Love & War & The Sea In Between" for FREE from:
http://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/
* - http://www.myspace.com/joshgarrels
Josh Garrels is from Pontiac, MI, but is now in Portland, OR. & simply put, “Josh Garrels is a lot of things, or has been: son of a hippie commune, skater boy, suburban drug dealer, music/design student, coffee roaster, urban shepherd, & now nation- & globe-trotting minstrel of hope & healing”*. He released his debut “Stone Tree” in 2002, & “Underquiet” in 2003, before starting his own label, Small Voice Recordings on which “Over Oceans” [2006] & all subsequent albums were released; & all his projects are self-recorded, -produced, & -distributed. His latest is “Love & War & The Sea In Between”, released on June 15th, 2011 (& he’s made it available for FREE – links below). This song is from his LP “Jacaranda”, released in 2008.
Live (released Feb. 2011 from the Mason Jar Music team):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdQxWVh6hjU
Album version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSp1FIyB-o0
& here’s some other cool things to check out:
5 questions from Noisetrade to Josh Garrels
http://blog.noisetrade.com/2011/07/five-questions-josh-garrels/
Mason Jar Music (hook: “Preserving Analog Principles in a Digital Age”)http://masonjarmusic.com/
& download Josh Garrel's latest, "Love & War & The Sea In Between" for FREE from:
http://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/
* - http://www.myspace.com/joshgarrels
Saturday, August 20, 2011
What's Done is Done - by Dignan
A wonderful hauntingly beautiful song from an equally amazing album. Another one that you should REALLY check out...
Dignan is from McAllen, TX. The band is listed as 3 on their Facebook page, was 5, but originally only started out as a project of 2 of them, spending "late nights in the local church sanctuary with their guitars; Drinking Pepsi & writing songs until 5am"* - & that was the start. They recorded their first EP, "The Guest" [Bearded Beauty] in 2007. They started playing big time shortly after, at events & festivals such as SXSW (South by Southwest) & Cornerstone, & they have also shared the stage with the likes of Color Revolt, Plain White T's, & Ra Ra Riot. "Tangled Woods", a 3 song EP, was released in 2008, also on Bearded Beauty. Their latest album, however, was a 'DIY' project; "Cheaters & Thieves" was released on June 26th, 2009 & has since been raved about. According to their Blogspot page, they've been working on new music. This song is from "Cheaters & Thieves", which you can get for FREE on Noisetrade.com.
& here's a live video:
& here's the FREE download from Noisetrade:
& for kicks: here's a live cover of "In the Air Tonight", originally by Phil Collins
Friday, August 19, 2011
Find You - by Brianna Gaither
I heard the song for the first time yesterday & was like 'wow'. You should download the album while you can (I think only 'til this weekend).
Ms. Gaither is from Edmond, OK; born on Aug. 23rd, 1989 (go wish her a happy birthday on Facebook when it comes in 4 days). She began learning piano at 5 years old, but unfortunately, she found it "somewhat unenjoyable"; but "a change of heart occurred at age 16 when [she] discovered that [she] could actually use the instrument to accompany lyrics & melodies [she]'d been writing all [her] life. Quite the epiphany"*. Her first release was an EP - "New Thoughts EP" [ind.] in 2009, followed by a regional tour to support. Her next & newest release: "Love is Patient" [ind.] hit streets on Jan. 29th, 2011 (Feb. 1st on iTunes)(& for the rest of the week - & only, I believe - you can download the album for FREE on Noistrade). This song is from "Love is Patient".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwqfyrEKTaY
FREE download (again, I think only for the remainder of the week... I think...):
http://noisetrade.com/briannagaither
FREE download (again, I think only for the remainder of the week... I think...):
http://noisetrade.com/briannagaither
Thursday, August 18, 2011
update about that post I said I was going to make:
I finally have the list, but just not ready yet. Hopefully over the week you'll see it. Then, hopefully over the rest of your lifetime you'll live it (like I hope to try to do). :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
What Love Really Means - by JJ Heller
Just heard this song for the first time this evening - love at first hearing.
JJ Heller is based out of Phoenix, AZ. Her musical career started roughly 7 years ago at San Jose Christian College (near San Francisco, CA). Shortly after graduation, she married & relocated to Phoenix. Her debut, an EP titled “Songs That I Know” [ind.], hit the streets in 2004. Co-writing with her husband, Dave, they released 3 more LP’s & 2 EP’s before, as she states, “A year of blessing & change”*. 2010 saw the release of “When I’m With You” [ind.] – the singles “Your Hands” & “What Love Really Means” obtained quite a bit of attention, & she saw some of her music appearing on TV – on ABC’s “Make It or Break It” & CW’s “One Tree Hill”. The album itself made it to #9 on Billboard’s Folk Albums chart, & #31 on their Heatseekers Albums chart & featured itself & its songs in other charts as well. JJ has a new album, “Deeper”, set to be independently released Oct. 11th, 2011; & also a new baby set to be ‘released’ sometime September. This song, as mentioned, is from “When I’m With You”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgGUKWiw7Wk
* - http://www.jjheller.com/biography/
JJ Heller is based out of Phoenix, AZ. Her musical career started roughly 7 years ago at San Jose Christian College (near San Francisco, CA). Shortly after graduation, she married & relocated to Phoenix. Her debut, an EP titled “Songs That I Know” [ind.], hit the streets in 2004. Co-writing with her husband, Dave, they released 3 more LP’s & 2 EP’s before, as she states, “A year of blessing & change”*. 2010 saw the release of “When I’m With You” [ind.] – the singles “Your Hands” & “What Love Really Means” obtained quite a bit of attention, & she saw some of her music appearing on TV – on ABC’s “Make It or Break It” & CW’s “One Tree Hill”. The album itself made it to #9 on Billboard’s Folk Albums chart, & #31 on their Heatseekers Albums chart & featured itself & its songs in other charts as well. JJ has a new album, “Deeper”, set to be independently released Oct. 11th, 2011; & also a new baby set to be ‘released’ sometime September. This song, as mentioned, is from “When I’m With You”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgGUKWiw7Wk
* - http://www.jjheller.com/biography/
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Change - by Steven Curtis Chapman
I've had this song in my head for a few days now... & also: I've to go to work early tomorrow, so for the sake of time, I'm keeping this post short:
Mr. Chapman was born Nov. 21st, 1962, in Paducah, Kentucky. He's released 14 studio albums to date (not including Christmas, or "The Abbey Road Sessions")(his latest release "re:creation" was released Aug. 9th, 2011 on Sparrow) and has won dozens of awards (wikipedia states 50 GMA Dove Awards & 5 Grammy; & there's probably more to come ;)). He has 3 biological 'kids' (I say "'kids'" because… they're not really children anymore… lol), one of whom (Caleb) sings with him & has his own band, has 2 adopted (Maria was the 3rd - died, 2008) & has been married for 26 years. This song is from the first album I ever got of his - "Speechless", released June 3rd, 1999 on Sparrow Records.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqBROlAiqlE
Mr. Chapman was born Nov. 21st, 1962, in Paducah, Kentucky. He's released 14 studio albums to date (not including Christmas, or "The Abbey Road Sessions")(his latest release "re:creation" was released Aug. 9th, 2011 on Sparrow) and has won dozens of awards (wikipedia states 50 GMA Dove Awards & 5 Grammy; & there's probably more to come ;)). He has 3 biological 'kids' (I say "'kids'" because… they're not really children anymore… lol), one of whom (Caleb) sings with him & has his own band, has 2 adopted (Maria was the 3rd - died, 2008) & has been married for 26 years. This song is from the first album I ever got of his - "Speechless", released June 3rd, 1999 on Sparrow Records.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqBROlAiqlE
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Cheval Glass; I Never Got to See the West Coast - by Emery
I was just going to post "The Cheval Glass", but then I heard "I Never Got...", & was like, ...
(So, here's both - the former if you want to bang your head; the latter if ... if you want to be moved).
Emery is from Rock Hill, SC. They formed in 2001, & moved to Seattle, WA for music. “The band was named after a first grader that Toby Morrell (lead voc’s; guitar, bass) met while working as an intern for a teacher in college”. Before signing to Tooth & Nail Records, they released “The Columbus EEP Thee” [ind.; 2002]; then came “The Weak’s End” [T&N; 2004]. They’ve since released 4 more LP’s, & 1 additional major EP – “While Broken Hearts Prevail” [T&N; 2008] - & an anthology (“Are You Listening” [T&N; 2010] of their first 3 label LP’s. These days have found them switched over to Tooth & Nail’s subsidiary record label, Solid State Records, where they released their latest album “We Do What We Want”, released Feb. 17th, 2011. These songs are from “We Do What We Want”.
"The Cheval Glass"
Music video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6woMBnN-n6I&ob=av2e
Lyric video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLCg7-hrQeA
"I Never Got to See the West Coast" lyric video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8BEqLxUgbw
& AltPress.com featured the stories behind the album, track by track, as stated by Toby Morrell:
http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/track_by_track_emery/ - it’s an awesome read, really. It’s a deep album.
& for kicks, here’s what it says about “I Never Got to See the West Coast”:
"This is one of the darker songs I've ever written. We have talked to so many fans that told us our music got them through wanting to kill themselves. That is a stunning thing to hear. It's astounding to me that God would use our music to help someone in such a serious situation. I wanted to tell a story in this song to let people know they are not alone and that this world would be worse without them."
(So, here's both - the former if you want to bang your head; the latter if ... if you want to be moved).
Emery is from Rock Hill, SC. They formed in 2001, & moved to Seattle, WA for music. “The band was named after a first grader that Toby Morrell (lead voc’s; guitar, bass) met while working as an intern for a teacher in college”. Before signing to Tooth & Nail Records, they released “The Columbus EEP Thee” [ind.; 2002]; then came “The Weak’s End” [T&N; 2004]. They’ve since released 4 more LP’s, & 1 additional major EP – “While Broken Hearts Prevail” [T&N; 2008] - & an anthology (“Are You Listening” [T&N; 2010] of their first 3 label LP’s. These days have found them switched over to Tooth & Nail’s subsidiary record label, Solid State Records, where they released their latest album “We Do What We Want”, released Feb. 17th, 2011. These songs are from “We Do What We Want”.
"The Cheval Glass"
Music video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6woMBnN-n6I&ob=av2e
Lyric video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLCg7-hrQeA
"I Never Got to See the West Coast" lyric video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8BEqLxUgbw
& AltPress.com featured the stories behind the album, track by track, as stated by Toby Morrell:
http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/track_by_track_emery/ - it’s an awesome read, really. It’s a deep album.
& for kicks, here’s what it says about “I Never Got to See the West Coast”:
"This is one of the darker songs I've ever written. We have talked to so many fans that told us our music got them through wanting to kill themselves. That is a stunning thing to hear. It's astounding to me that God would use our music to help someone in such a serious situation. I wanted to tell a story in this song to let people know they are not alone and that this world would be worse without them."
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Bridges - by Windsor Drive
Back from another weekend, this time at a different cottage.
But aside from that, I came home with this song in mind & I think everyone should hear it (& download it for free because you can from the band's PureVolume page!).
Windsor Drive is from Weston , WI Windsor Drive ) in their hometown of Weston. Their debut, an EP “Meet the Tide” [ind.], was released on July 3rd, 2007. Attention has since been drawn to them, as they’ve been not only on over a dozen national tours, but also “profiled on… E! News with Ryan Seacrest… featured by Clear Channel as an ‘Artist to Watch’ in the CHR/Pop format, & WGN America Midday News invited Windsor Drive to perform live on air for its national audience”*. Since their debut, they’ve dropped two more EP’s: “Bridges” [ind .; 2009]; & “Under the Weather” [ind.] - the latter just earlier this year. This song is, of course, from “Bridges”.
But aside from that, I came home with this song in mind & I think everyone should hear it (& download it for free because you can from the band's PureVolume page!).
(& this is a vid. just of some live concert footage)
& here's:
their PureVolume page, where you can download "Fall" & "Bridges" both from "Bridges" & for FREE:
their ReverNation page, where you can download "Skin to Skin" & "Make Believe" (from "Under the Weather") both for FREE - well, just for the price of your e-mail address:
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Update on Pillar
So, just as an update: Rob Beckley (voc's) wanted to startle some fans (but primarily thank them), it seems, as earlier today he posted:
"There was nothing in the post that we were done, just a simple thank you. For those of you that don't know we have taken this last year to step back and be with families and do some things in life that we have missed out on. Yes there will be another record! We are just focusing on our families right now. -rob"
Just thought I should let you know.
"There was nothing in the post that we were done, just a simple thank you. For those of you that don't know we have taken this last year to step back and be with families and do some things in life that we have missed out on. Yes there will be another record! We are just focusing on our families right now. -rob"
Just thought I should let you know.
'Fender Rhodes Piano Groovin'' - by Sketchboxx
A YouTube user by the name of Sketchboxx posted this, & seeing as I could not get onto this (due to Blogspot.com doing some updates), I figured elevator-like music would be appropriate.
Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYGDAspkXIY
Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYGDAspkXIY
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The News:
Pillar posted just minutes ago on their Facebook page:
"Over the last 13 years it is safe to say that we have had the most incredible fans ever. I just wanted to thank all of you for your support and for all you have done. I am thankful for each of you - Rob"
Giving no other indication of what the future may hold for the chart topping band, it's left to their fans imaginations as to what they may announce next. Many seem to be fearful that this may very well be the end of what many are calling their "favo[u]rite band". More news to come (I hope).
~~~
The band States released a video just today announcing they have a release date for their upcoming album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF2E-KL-uXc
(coincidentally, the video contains what sounds to be a cover of "Ballroom Blitz")
~~~
Steven Curtis Chapman released his latest project, "re:creation". The album contains 6 new songs plus new recordings (basically, covers) of 8 of his biggest hits. In a video about the album, Chapman also explains about "a happy new instrument" that he, for the first time, began to play - the ukelele. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_pImRGISww This album features his first usage of this instrument - "Long Way Home", as well as other awesome & new renditions of some classics of his.
I just thought I should share this news with you.
"Over the last 13 years it is safe to say that we have had the most incredible fans ever. I just wanted to thank all of you for your support and for all you have done. I am thankful for each of you - Rob"
Giving no other indication of what the future may hold for the chart topping band, it's left to their fans imaginations as to what they may announce next. Many seem to be fearful that this may very well be the end of what many are calling their "favo[u]rite band". More news to come (I hope).
~~~
The band States released a video just today announcing they have a release date for their upcoming album:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF2E-KL-uXc
(coincidentally, the video contains what sounds to be a cover of "Ballroom Blitz")
~~~
Steven Curtis Chapman released his latest project, "re:creation". The album contains 6 new songs plus new recordings (basically, covers) of 8 of his biggest hits. In a video about the album, Chapman also explains about "a happy new instrument" that he, for the first time, began to play - the ukelele. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_pImRGISww This album features his first usage of this instrument - "Long Way Home", as well as other awesome & new renditions of some classics of his.
I just thought I should share this news with you.
Ballroom Blitz - by Sweet
I came home after picking something up in town, & this song comes on as I pull in the driveway... of course, not while I'm driving where I roll windows down & crank it. :P
Sweet (also referred to as The Sweet) is from the U.K.
Original video:
Extended:
Monday, August 8, 2011
Hey! something that looks more like the stereotypical blog post & not music related!
I've been meaning to post something unrelated to music for sometime, & use this as a typical blog, & I found myself with a link to an article, & a thought from the past weekend.
Just in the past hour, a page I 'like' on Facebook brought me back to Relevant Magazine. I figured I might as well share an article that I found to be an awesome reminder & a bit of an encourager in a way.
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/26398-we-need-boring-christians
"We Need Boring Christians" - written by Andrew Byers.
& as I mentioned in last night's post, I was away on a retreat to a cottage just a few hours north of where I live - beautiful scenery, including rocks, & trees, & trees, & rocks, & rocks & trees, & trees... & water (see: this song; - the actual song starts at 1:16 & that's the last mention of music in here ;). But amidst all the sights & settings, there was another purpose to being there as well. It was a youth retreat, & the focus was on 'identity'. What really ministered to me is our actual identity, if you're a believer, as Christians. I'm going to snatch the list on Thursday (it's from a book - I'm going to make a copy of the list for myself so I can be reminded) & I'll post a few here within the next week (as I may not have time before Monday/Tues. next week...). It's something I know I need to be more aware of & act upon. Hopefully you'll find it useful, too.
P.S. It's from the book "Stomping out the Darkness" - by Neil T. Anderson & Dave Park.
But in the meantime,
take care.
Just in the past hour, a page I 'like' on Facebook brought me back to Relevant Magazine. I figured I might as well share an article that I found to be an awesome reminder & a bit of an encourager in a way.
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/26398-we-need-boring-christians
"We Need Boring Christians" - written by Andrew Byers.
& as I mentioned in last night's post, I was away on a retreat to a cottage just a few hours north of where I live - beautiful scenery, including rocks, & trees, & trees, & rocks, & rocks & trees, & trees... & water (see: this song; - the actual song starts at 1:16 & that's the last mention of music in here ;). But amidst all the sights & settings, there was another purpose to being there as well. It was a youth retreat, & the focus was on 'identity'. What really ministered to me is our actual identity, if you're a believer, as Christians. I'm going to snatch the list on Thursday (it's from a book - I'm going to make a copy of the list for myself so I can be reminded) & I'll post a few here within the next week (as I may not have time before Monday/Tues. next week...). It's something I know I need to be more aware of & act upon. Hopefully you'll find it useful, too.
P.S. It's from the book "Stomping out the Darkness" - by Neil T. Anderson & Dave Park.
But in the meantime,
take care.
Falling Apart - by Canopy Red
Listened to this song for the first time in a while. & it seems to have grown on me a bit.
Canopy Red is from Tallahassee , FL. Nashville , TN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R0Ij7oQKTs
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saints & Sinners - by I Am Empire
This song crossed my mind this weekend during a retreat I was at.
I Am Empire is from San Jose, CA. Beginning in 2008, they have since toured with the likes of Flyleaf, Sublime, The Wedding. They released their self-titled debut album on April 13th, 2009 [ind.] attracting the attention of a number of record labels, including Tooth & Nail Records. They signed to T&N in 2010, & released their label debut “Kings”, produced by Rob Hawkins (Fireflight, Disciple), on January 25th, 2011. The album itself is a look into what singer/songwriter Austin Lyons has been through. “The whole album is about abandonment, particularly the fact that my father is the one who abandoned me” says Lyons. His biological father left while Austin was just 10 years old, only to be eventually replaced by another man – one who Austin would come to love & respect, & “[adapt] his last name” – who left the family again because “he wanted kids of his own”. But Austin Lyons has another message, too, stating “Even if you’ve been abandoned, you need to dig past the depression & ask God to help you find the joy in your circumstances”*. This song is from “Kings”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHWFVUCPyKc
* - http://www.toothandnail.com/artists/290/I_Am_Empire/bio/ (<--all the quotes are from here)
Also: you can download this song & “Brain Damage” (also from “Kings”) fro FREE from their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/iamempire
I Am Empire is from San Jose, CA. Beginning in 2008, they have since toured with the likes of Flyleaf, Sublime, The Wedding. They released their self-titled debut album on April 13th, 2009 [ind.] attracting the attention of a number of record labels, including Tooth & Nail Records. They signed to T&N in 2010, & released their label debut “Kings”, produced by Rob Hawkins (Fireflight, Disciple), on January 25th, 2011. The album itself is a look into what singer/songwriter Austin Lyons has been through. “The whole album is about abandonment, particularly the fact that my father is the one who abandoned me” says Lyons. His biological father left while Austin was just 10 years old, only to be eventually replaced by another man – one who Austin would come to love & respect, & “[adapt] his last name” – who left the family again because “he wanted kids of his own”. But Austin Lyons has another message, too, stating “Even if you’ve been abandoned, you need to dig past the depression & ask God to help you find the joy in your circumstances”*. This song is from “Kings”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHWFVUCPyKc
* - http://www.toothandnail.com/artists/290/I_Am_Empire/bio/ (<--all the quotes are from here)
Also: you can download this song & “Brain Damage” (also from “Kings”) fro FREE from their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/iamempire
Thursday, August 4, 2011
What Would It Be Like - by Salvador
Mhmm - that's an excellent question.
Salvador is based out of Nashville, TN, but is originally from Austin, TX. They formed in 1999, & released their self-titled debut on June 20th, 2000 on Word Records (on which all of their records have been released). Not long after they released their sophomore album, "Into Motion" in 2002, they scratched into Billboard's Top 200; their fan base continued to grow, & in 2004, at the 35th GMA Dove Awards, they won Spanish Language Album of the Year for "Con Poder" [2003]. They've since dropped 5 more releases plus a 'Best Of'. They're currently working on a new record. This song is from their album "Aware", released April 29th, 2008.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Guide to an Escape - by Rue Royale
Just heard about this acoustic folk-pop duo today. Needless to say, they have at least one new fan as of this afternoon.
Rue Royale is based out of Nottingham, UK. Husband/wife duo Brookln & Ruth Dekker - originally from Chicago, IL – started performing together in spring 2006. They first released an EP, “The Search For Where To Go EP” [ind.; 2006] before their bigger & self-titled debut LP in 2008, which was followed up with extensive touring, including much in Europe. The do-it-yourself couple are completely independent, having “printed, snipped, sewed, and stuffed 7,500 Rue Royale CD’s”*; hand-made knitted goods also appear on their merch tables (including hot water-bottle covers). Their next release was an EP, “The Wapping Press Session” – it was a tour EP they recorded in Aug. 2010 before their next release, which was the LP “Guide to an Escape” - independently (<-of course!) released on March 3rd, 2011. This song is from the album of the same name.
The music video was released just today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAFqDO89qrY
* - http://rueroyalemusic.com/?page_id=2
& you can download their Christmas EP (I know, it’s a little out of season right now, but nonetheless) for FREE from their BandCamp page:
http://rueroyale.bandcamp.com/album/christmas-ep-2009-2010
Appropriately titled “Christmas EP”, it was released in Dec. 2010 (or perhaps just updated in 2010..?).
Rue Royale is based out of Nottingham, UK. Husband/wife duo Brookln & Ruth Dekker - originally from Chicago, IL – started performing together in spring 2006. They first released an EP, “The Search For Where To Go EP” [ind.; 2006] before their bigger & self-titled debut LP in 2008, which was followed up with extensive touring, including much in Europe. The do-it-yourself couple are completely independent, having “printed, snipped, sewed, and stuffed 7,500 Rue Royale CD’s”*; hand-made knitted goods also appear on their merch tables (including hot water-bottle covers). Their next release was an EP, “The Wapping Press Session” – it was a tour EP they recorded in Aug. 2010 before their next release, which was the LP “Guide to an Escape” - independently (<-of course!) released on March 3rd, 2011. This song is from the album of the same name.
The music video was released just today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAFqDO89qrY
* - http://rueroyalemusic.com/?page_id=2
& you can download their Christmas EP (I know, it’s a little out of season right now, but nonetheless) for FREE from their BandCamp page:
http://rueroyale.bandcamp.com/album/christmas-ep-2009-2010
Appropriately titled “Christmas EP”, it was released in Dec. 2010 (or perhaps just updated in 2010..?).
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Time Freeze Moment - by St. Bagu
Felt like listenin' to a bit of hip-hop tonight.
St. Bagu is from based out of Chicago , IL
You can get the EP for FREE here:
or here:
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