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.

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.

Falling in love all over again

As I was sandwiched between 2 half-asleep grown men in a small Ford Focus for over four hours, an old friend of mine-Death Cab for Cutie-was playing in the background. As I drifted in and out of consciousness I couldn't help but love every uncomfortable minute I couldn't sleep. Back in my early high school years I remember having quite a few songs that I would listen to almost ritually-usually in my nostalgic, possibly depressed moods. They were definitely a love of mine for sometime. Unfortunately over time I've lost that iPod, and more importantly lost my connection with Death Cab. But for 90% of that drive I had the pleasure of listening once again, from Tiny Vessels to songs that I have never heard the name of. It was like falling in love all over again. I can't believe I have been deprived of it for this long. Death Cab for Cutie is an American indie rock band formed in Bellingham, Washington in 1997. The band consists of Ben Gibbard (vocals, guitar), Chris Walla (guitar, production), Nick Harmer (bass) and Jason McGerr (drums). Their music has a sort of tone that you can just fall asleep happy to. It also has some of the most beautiful lyrics. I find that they come across very honest, and I love more than anything music I can relate to in some way or another. Now I need to go out and get a hold of all their music. I am so behind. I think I will always love Death Cab-they are a classic example of true Indie music.  Now I'm actually looking forward to the four hour long drive back to Rexburg, lodged between grown men; as long as my love, Death Cab for Cutie, is with me the whole way.