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.

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

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.

A Lasting Echo

Sometimes great talent is found in odd places. But on a small Rexburg, Idaho stage is not where I thought I would find one of my new favorite bands.

 

 http://ericarphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/Musicians

Working for the school newspaper as a photographer, I was assigned to shoot the "Sammy's Grand Opening", a new diner type restaurant in town celebrating their opening by having Utah native artists perform. The main stage artists included The Neighbors, Benton Paul, Mindy Gledhill, and Fictionist. It was one of the most fun shoots I've done-being able to get up close to these artists while awesome energy and music filled the area. I noticed that I particularly loved taking photos of the band, Fictionist. The beat was catchy and as the night went on I continued to be impressed. Their music consisted of the guitar, bass, piano (synthetics), the drums, and amazing belting vocals.

 

Their sounds don't fall under some of your classic indie slow, or folksy music, but instead more of a rock indie sound. According their website http://fictionist.com/, they would describe themselves as a six-person band that creates a wall of sound comparable to classic bands such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Pandora lists the following bands as similar artists: The Format, Rockfour, Ryan Lindsey, The Gurus, Otter Petter.

 

After the show I talked to a few of the band members, very kind and fun people, and they gave me a “photographer” discount on their two CD's Invisible Hand, and Lasting Echo. You can find links on their website to buy their albums, and if you become a fan on Facebook, you can get free monthly downloads of new songs. Definitely work the click of a button and a few bucks out of your pocket.