So Peculiar. So great.

If you asked me who the most peculiar person was, I think I could honestly say, Regina Spektor. Listen to just one song and you will know what I mean (take “Music Box” for example). Just do it.

To some, Regina Spektor is a pop star-but to too many others, she is unknown and just, “kinda weird”. Regina has been around since 2001 and overtime has grown largely in the pop genre, but started as an independent artist and continues to make music according to what she wants, not what some "big man" record label says.

Regina Spektor is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. Spektor was born in Moscow, USSR in 1980 to a musical Russian Jewish family. She earned her way up by recognition through performances in the anti-folk scene in downtown New York City, most importantly at the East Village's Sidewalk Cafe.  Spektor began promoting herself by selling self-published CDs at her performances during this period: 11:11 (2001) and Songs (2002). In 2004, she signed a contract with Warner Brothers' record label Sire Records to publish and distribute her third album Soviet Kitsch, originally self-released in 2003.

To me, Regina Spektor is truly a gem. Almost every song is accompanied by her piano, sometimes more, sometimes less. She has maintained her unique style over the years and has become very popular because of it. Regina sings a variety of styles and subjects. Sometimes it is the most simplest of things like washing the dishes or finding a wallet, and sometimes you will hear beautiful songs about love, loss, God, and then finally, she sings about things that simply just don’t make sense. She has songs for every mood.

If you haven’t heard of her, or fallen in love with her yet-go out and do so. A warning, she is peculiar, but so great. I would suggest listening to at least a few of her songs, and listening to them again-you might get used them, and you might love them.

One of my favorite music videos is and will always be Fidelity, by Regina Spektor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wigqKfLWjvM

Ms. Libbie "Folk" Linton

I heard the name as I waited to hear Fictionist play at Sammy's Rexburg, but, I didn't mean much to me. She was opening for the popular band and since I had never heard of her I decided to grab something to eat next door. when I came back she was just finishing her last song. She seems like a meek humble girl. She was passionate while singing and I could tell she loved what she was doing. I was disappointed I missed it. After that unfortunate event, I decided to look her up.

Libbie Linton has a unique and subtle loveliness to her music. She is a n American folk indie artist. In reading her short autobio, she says that "early influences led to a proclivity for progressive folk themes and for writing unique, memorable, and literate songs."

Linton began performing at overcrowded house shows while in her early college years. Eventually, this led to 2006 home recording of 7 songs, packaged one-by-one in sewn cases, titled “The Shackleton EP”. Since the Shackleton EP was released, Linton has further developed her own idiosyncratic style. She toured with Fictionist and was a wonderful touch to their more indie rock style concert. From what I saw, she was singing for the love of music, not the love of fans. Her easy flowing vocals run perfectly with the simple folk style instruments she chooses to use.

As I continue to study her and her music, I can recognize a passion in her voice. With time, I think that passion will broaden her fans around the country.

Her chill and fun personality is a plus to her music. You can find out about what she is up to what get to know her better by visiting her blog: http://libbielinton.blogspot.com/ . You can also find her on Facebook, and on her website: http://www.libbielinton.com/index.html

The Sultry Leftover Cuties

“Imagine Billie Holiday playing ukulele under a palm-thatched hut in 1930's Waikiki and you'll get a taste of the soothing sound of Leftover Cuties.”

With influences such as Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong-to name a few- Leftover cuties have taken the new and beautifully mixed it with the classic. They have a jazzy, yet modern take on their music, delicately mixing sultry crooning, tender melodies, and bittersweet lyrics.

The group are located in VA, California and their five-person band consists of: Shirli McAllen- Vocals /Songwriter, Austin Nicholsen- Ukulele / Songwriter; Stuart Johnson- Drums, Ryan Feves- Upright Bass, and Mike Bolger- Piano/Trumpet/Accordion. Quite the group they have if you ask me.

It is great to see bands sticking to the classics, bringing back that feeling of sultry and jazzy music-a simpler age.

Redfine Magazine said it perfectly when they wrote, " a band like Leftover Cuties could start a similar movement, by reminding the indie rock masses of the overlooked jazzy greatness of the near past". Many indie artists are using the term “indie” as a set style of music, fearing to try anything too new. There seems to be a habit now of the “weird indie” type. But Leftover Cuties are incredible by being so original and sticking to it. They are an example to aspiring musicians.

Lean more about them by checking out their website: http://www.leftovercuties.com/

The Tallest Man on Earth

Matsson is man that is very much so, unique. Mainstream music lovers might possibly be annoyed and dislike it after a minute or so-and I don't say that naively because I just got asked to turn it off while I was listening to him. Despite those "boring people", indie music lovers are not surprised by the unique sound of Kristian Matsson’s voice and music style.

The Tallest Man on Earth is the moniker of folk musician Kristian Matsson of Dalarna, Sweden (born April 30, 1983). Mattson plays guitar, banjo and piano and has released two full-length albums, the first entitled Shallow Grave and the second entitled The Wild Hunt, and two 5-track EPs. Kristian Matsson is the former lead singer for the band Montezumas and released a self-titled album with Montezumas in 2006 before releasing a solo self-titled EP in 2007. Since then he has produced four more music forms (singles, EP’s, album’s)

His voice is rough yet emotional, which makes his music so special. If he feels angry, or even intense happy emotion about something he sings louder, if he feels something is sensitive he will do the opposite. He has great instruments to accompany him-the banjo is so underused nowadays and it is lovely to see someone doing what they want, and doing it well.

I love finding an out of the ordinary sounding artist. It becomes refreshing. The Tallest Man on Earth is a very refreshing singer that everyone should at least listen to once. Well, maybe twice, usually you appreciate it more the second time.  You can do so on youtube, facebook, myspace, and other search engine forms.

To hear the raw talent of this singer, check out his stream of live performances: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLRTleMY_mc

Josh Ritter

Finally, someone from Idaho. From a small place in 1976 called Moscow, Idaho comes a budding American Singer-songwriter. With music influence by Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, this soft sounding artist has come a long way through school and experiences to show the world his talent.

Ritter attended Oberlin College to study neuroscienc but later changed his major to the self-created "American History Through Narrative Folk Music". At the age of 21 Josh recorded his first album Josh Ritter at a recording studio on campus, 1999. Since then Ritter has produced over 22 albums, EP's, and singles.

Ritter has a soothing voice tone that meshes so well with his simple guitar that he uses most of the time. He writes about beautiful stories people can relate to and just think about while being soothed by his music. Coming from a small town Ritter never put himself in the celebrity scene. He is a genuine guy and has been rumored that his concerts are so personable and fun.

You can see and hear all about him at his website:  http://joshritter.com/

The Soul of Indie Music

Once again I am going to bring to you a different kind of indie music. I was surprised myself when I first heard the group and knew they were indie. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings are a Funk/R&B/Soul with an indie label.

The group aims to capture the essence of funk/soul music as it was at its height in the mid-1960s to mid-1970s. They are so focused on doing so that they completely rid of modern digital recording methods in favor of using traditional analogue recording equipment. The type of instruments used by the band may also be considered limited to those that would have been available up until the mid-'70s.

The original incarnation of the band, the Soul Providers was formed in the mid nineties by Philip Lehman and Gabriel Roth AKA Bosco Mann. The Soul Providers began recording an album consisting of James Brown inspired instrumentals and vocal collaborations with Deep funk legend Lee Fields. It was during these sessions that Roth and Lehman discovered vocalist Sharon Jones after she recorded backing vocals for one of the Lee Fields tracks. Then in 2000, due to a growing difference of opinion, Lehman and Roth decided to go separate ways and both set up new labels.

The bands influences are James Brown, Eddie Bo, Lyn Collins, Marva Whitney, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Mahalia Jackson, The Meters. If you listen to a song, or moreover watch a music video-you can clearly see why and how those are their influences.

Now, the Brooklyn, New York located band, under their indie record label, are continuing with their idea of what great music is and staying strong against all those who call their ways primeval. I call it genius. The way they are taking music and completely abandoning all though of what music nowadays should be is incredibly intriguing.

You can learn more about them on their myspace page or at daptonerecords.com



 

Location Location

Garbett Homes Fork Fest was a wonderful place. Free indie music all day long. I had the opportunity to hear amazing music in so many different styles. One band I was very impressed with was Location Location. After they played, the friends I was with could not stop talking about them-they were definitely a favorite of the day. And that's saying a lot considering there was over 30 artists.

The style of the Utah based band is unique, they use a variety of instruments to create an almost techno song. Usually Techno isn not my favorite, the the way it is composed makes it work so nicely. Not only is the music nice, but the lead singer has an incredible voice. It is smooth and the high belting notes come to easy and impressively. His voice has a lot of emotion in it when he sings, which is also extremely impressive. Overall the band had an amazing talent for composing songs, the synthetics, drums, guitars, vocals, all could have been overdone in one way or another, but it has such a nice blend.

Jamie Gadette, of City Weekly praised them by saying, "(...) a seamless dash across a frostbitten digital landscape. Snow Covered Morning opens like a slow thaw, with Bently’s warm, textured baritone draping over the title track’s crackling-icicle transmission. "

When we congratulated the band after the show they were extremely humble. In fact, they seemed unsure of their music, not as confident as I would have imagined. The band has been in the business for a while but hasn't really grown popular too far out of Utah. That was a surprise.

I recommend checking them out on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/locationlocation.

They are way to talented to remain a local band. Check them out, listen to their music, dance to it. You will be impressed I'm sure.

Can't Stop Won't Stop

The term "indie" is a nick name coming from the word, independent. Being an Independent, “indie” artist simply means without a major record label, no boss. Typically that means the artists don’t have anyone telling them how to sound, so their music can often times be unique, different, etc. Over the years though, with that "different" tone that we find common in indie artists, the actual word "indie has become more than just a description of the independence, but more of a style of music. With that, people are surprised to hear different sounds than the typical folksy, maybe rock music. But, indie can very well mean hip hop. These artists are just as indie as the others, they just may like dancing and "bringing the funky"  just a bit more.

A Provo, Utah native group called “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” is an unsigned hip hop group that has made a name for themselves with their exciting and unique rap and singing styles. The group consists of three members, two singers(or rappers), and a DJ. They are young, but definitely on their way to making it big.

I had the opportunity to hear and see them perform at Sammy’s. (http://ericarphoto.blogspot.com/2010/11/photos-from-cant-stop-wont-stop-show-in.html)  They had the entire place jumping up and down. It was clear they knew what they were doing. The group moved around-and off the stage as they sang and rapped catchy songs that the audience tried to sing along to. Their music is fun and easy to dance to.

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop describes themselves, and their music, “  [we are] straight up party music for straight up party people. Word to ya momz.” Their band influences are Aesop Rock, Breakestra, J5, The Beastie Boys, SiD, Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, Doomtree. Maybe that will give you an idea of what they are like. If you like any of those artists, or just even like hiphop, check them out on Facebook or Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cswsmusic. You won’t be able to keep yourself from dancing at least a little bit-"the funk" will come.

Iron & Wine

I recently have come to Love Iron & Wine. Iron & Wine is the stage name for a  Samuel Beam (born July 26, 1974), an American singer-songwriter.  His whispered vocals and beautiful guitar make the perfect match for a “homespun indie folk” artist. His style of music is truly beautiful. The Iron & Wine station on Pandora is one of my favorites. Music for those who love pretty soft music to listen to while their thoughts are free to explore or focus.

Beam was raised in South Carolina, Beam received his bachelors degree in art from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and later his Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University Film School. As an interesting fact, The name Iron & Wine is taken from a dietary supplement named "Beef Iron & Wine" that he found in a general store while shooting a film in school.

Since 2002 Beam has been creating albums, EP’s, singles, and even a few download only’s - all beautiful music.

Iron & Wine is truly unique-and I think it is evident he wants that. He looks as if he were a hitchhiker traveling in different countries. He has a giants beard and most photos of him he looks rather peculiar. None the less, it is intriguing and honestly, when you make music like he does, It doesn’t really matter what you look like.

Find out more about Iron & Wine at his website: http://www.ironandwine.com/

The Cute Girl

Skyler Stonestreet. My first impression was just a cute, almost too pop-singer trying to be unique with her image. But after listening to more than just “Heartbreak”, I’ve discovered Skyler’s music is quite intriguing. Her lyrics are honest and the way she sings is so innocent. Her songs are crafted like personal stories, some happy some sad, all whimsical vocals and punchy guitar and piano parts.

She comes from Santa Barbara, an unsigned artist who it still on her way to making it big in the indie/pop music business. She seems young and naïve in her image and as an artists, but in a beautiful way. She sings of heartbreak, of having fun, or being young and in love. Her music is similar to Regina Spektor, Kate Nash, Ingrid Michelson and Mindy Gledhill.

She has only a few youtube videos up and when you search her, you simply get her myspace and youtube fan page: http://www.myspace.com/skylerstonestreet . She  keeps her fans up to date with quirky and fun updates. She recently wrote a song for the charity Bring Me Hope based on an excerpt from a volunteer, You can check out their website and a preview of her song here: http://bringmehope.org/sounddelivery.html

If you like those artists mentioned earlier you will love Skyler Stonestreet, it only took a few songs for me to love and appreciate her music. She has a modern edge to her indie/pop/acoustic music, and although you may not have heard of her before, I wouldn’t doubt that she becomes very popular in the next few years.

Just Pause, and Listen

I first heard of the band Bon Iver from a friend who is very passionate about music.  He told me of this man, Justin Vernon, who, after an apparent terrible break up, went to a cabin for a time and simply made music, although that wasn't his original intent. He used all his own equipment for the instruments and recording, and would have to do the actual recordings at unusual hours of the night-when there weren’t cars racing by. I could hear complete sincerity in his voice. In such a simple song I felt so much emotion and passion from what he was doing. He may not have had the most beautifully smooth or necessarily mainstream-talented voice, but the words he carefully chose were incredible. A mixture of honest words, simple guitar and drums, and the incredible melody’s, the music Bon Iver creates is so beautiful I can’t help to pause what I’m doing and simply listen.

The Band Bon Iver was founded in 2007 by American indie folk singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. The band further consists of Michael Noyce, Sean Carey, and Matthew McCaughan. Vernon independently released Bon Iver's debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago in July 2007, the album that he worked on in the cabin. That album is the only true album that Bon Iver has made-yet, but along with that they have produced an EP, Blood Bank, which was produced early in the year of 2009, and numerous singles-one where he is a featured artists among stars like Kayne West and Jay-Z.

Since that first time hearing Bon Iver-“Skinny Love” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrMmr1oMPGA&feature=related ), I have had an odd craving to hear more. I am still discovering the band, but I am loving it. Each song has a level of emotion and truth that is so hard to find in music these days. To me, good music doesn’t have to be a pretty voice that can belt a high note, or a catchy tune I can dance to. Music is something that can make me feel. It is art. And Bon Iver is so beautiful in that it can render up emotions in me I didn’t necessarily know were there. They deserve to be known not only in the indie rock world, but among anyone who enjoys pausing and simply listening.

Quirky and Sweet-The Perfect Blend

I first heard Mindy Gledhill, as I’m sure many Latter-Day Saint music lovers did, when she came out with her album Sum of All Grace. I remember my family would listen to her every Sunday, sometimes even all day, just her, on repeat. She was one of the few artists that we could actually do it with. We fell in love with her light and honest voice in which she carried the music as if on a cloud with her sweetly airy voice. The songs were unique, yet still so sacred and beautiful. She was a family favorite. I remember I didn’t think it could get much better than a new Sunday album. Until I found out she produced more than just Christian music.

My mother came home excited about the new CD she just purchased, Feather In The Wind, and immediately played it throughout the house. It was so different to hear Mindy singing fun pop/indie music, yet she still had the same beauty and innocence in her voice that I loved. 

I had a chance to hear her when she came to perform at Sammy’s Grand Opening.(http://ericarphoto.blogspot.com/2010/10/sammys-grand-opening-mindy-gledhill.html) She was so great! So quirky, so friendly and so full of spunk and happiness. It was great to watch someone really love what they do. Not only that but her second album, Anchor, was even better. Her unique yet beautiful songs were a perfect blend. She describes herself as an “Indie singer songwriter that will leave you floating like a scoop of vanilla cream in a strawberry soda”, and I couldn’t agree more.

Something that amazes me even more is the woman herself. Mindy is a self released artists, strong in her religion, and also a mother and a wife. It was clear she had a good head on her shoulders when she kept her family a big part of her live performance in Rexburg. She would recall fun memories, talk about her love for them and even more, sing about them.

Mindy Gledhill is becoming popular in the greater Utah/Idaho region but I’m sure if indie music lovers from around the world listened, they would fall in love. Her personality and image is quirky and sweet, and her music is easy and fun. Similar artists are Skylar Stonestreet, Ingrid Michelson, Priscilla Ahn, Regina Spektor, and Ingrid Michelson.Find out more about Mindy Gledhill on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mindy-Gledhill/23178133045?v=wall#!/pages/Mindy-Gledhill/23178133045

My Lullaby

For over two years there was particular song I listened to almost every night. The song became almost a lullaby to rock me to sleep. Unfortunately my lullaby came from a burned CD given to me, so I never knew the name or artist. The song is beautiful. The voice is innocent and young sounding. The words are clear and simple-yet profound and so touching. I loved more than anything to just listen to the song while drifting into unconsciousness. After months and months of wondering where this song came from, I just came to the realization that I would never know the true origin.

 About a year ago I heard about an artist by the name of Sufjan Stevens. There was much talk about the beauty of his music so I decided to check him out. The sound was so familiar-suddenly, it hit me. The song I had loved for years was not going to remain unknown-It had a name, and an artist: Casimir Pulaski Day, by Sufjan Stevens.

Sufjan Stevens born 1975 is an American singer-songwriter and musician born in Detroit, Michigan. Stevens first began releasing his music, beginning with 2000 release A Sun Came, on the Asthmatic Kitty label, http://asthmatickitty.com/  which he formed with his stepfather. Since then Stevens has been producing music and catching the attention of listeners. Many people might consider Stevens a folksy artist, as my first impression of him was, but since 2000- Stevens has released albums of varying styles, from the electronica of Enjoy Your Rabbit and the folk of Seven Swans to the symphonic instrumentation of Illinois and then Stevens even produced Christmas-themed Songs for Christmas.

Stevens is considered part of the folk revival in indie pop, but looking at his work, it is evident that his influences are very broad. He uses variety of instruments, often playing many of them himself on the same track, and writes music in various time signatures. His music is becoming more known to more than just the folk scene. With his recent album, The Age of ADZ, his unique style and independent lifestyle has proven Sufjan Stevens one of the great artists in the indie world. His unique ability to capture hearts I’m sure will only progress as he continues making music that can be a lullaby for people like me.

Les Sages: "The Wise"

This is no ordinary five person band. What makes this group so interesting? Well first off, they are a signed, touring band performing on a small Rexburg stage. But if you look closely you might see an odd resemblance between the members. That's right, they're all siblings.

Les Sages, (pronounced “Lay-Sahj”) french for "the wise", is the name of this ambient indie rock band. http://lessages.com/. Band members Chris, Joe, Peter, Andrew and Clara Larson come from Seattle. They stretch from ages 28 to 16. All of the boys have served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and have or are currently attending Brigham Young University. Each of the blond haired band members take turns playing, strumming and singing.  Their music consists of the piano, tambourine, bongo drums, two guitars, and of course lead and back up vocals.

As I sit listening on the retro couch in this small Sammy's arena, their music brings thoughts of travel whether alone or with friends, the type of music I would like to listen to on the road. There is a constant bongo drum beat along with the occasional tambourine. They play a variety of songs, slower songs that have clear lyrics that are easy to relate to, and then faster more exciting songs, to keep things interesting.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show and would suggest them to fans who enjoy music that is soothing yet packs a punch like Brand New or the slower jams from taking Back Sunday and Death Cab for Cutie.

This concert that Les Sages is performing in is being held to benefit the Pakistani flood victims. Along with Les Sages, Sammy's featured another artist, Sarah Grether. Many people showed up to enjoy the music and then donate and support to this cause.