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TAVIA – A Walk in the Madness

There have been moments in my life that have caused me to feel like I am moving in slow motion. It usually happens when I am experiencing some type of traumatic event, much like the death of a loved one. It is a strange feeling and one that is almost impossible to describe. In those moments of turmoil, I somehow find clarity. My entire world may be spinning out of control, but an odd sense of serenity bubbles around me. When I heard “A Walk in the Madness” by TAVIA I was reminded of this feeling. This song perfectly captures what it is like finding peace when surrounded by chaos. 

I came across the song by way of my Apple New Music Mix playlist. Throughout the songs entirety I kept saying to myself, ‘Wow, this is so good.’ I have had this tune in heavy rotation for a couple weeks along with the single “Dreamer, Dreamer.” TAVIA has a beautiful, soothing voice, and the production of these songs are stunning. 

Give TAVIA a listen and let me know what you think. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this incredible artist. Keep your eyes peeled for her EP, A Walk in the Madness, coming out September 19, 2019!

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The Rocket Summer – Sweet Shivers

Typically, I do not get too vulnerable in my posts, but it is really hard to say anything about The Rocket Summer (TRS) without sharing why this music means the world to me. A friend introduced me to TRS in my early twenties, around the same time the sophomore album Hello, Good Friend was released. I was so intrigued by the talent of the man behind the solo venture, Bryce Avary, and the optimism of the album and became a fan immediately. 

Now, fast forward a few years and a few TRS albums later to me having my first child. I had always heard about the joy of becoming a mother, but I was not adequately warned of the possibility of despair that might come along with it. I felt immense joy when I saw my precious baby for the first time. He was, and still is, such a wonderful soul. Call it what you will, postpartum depression or mommy blues, but the sadness set in and I genuinely thought I would never be happy again. I put on a brave face, but I felt empty and alone. Even with support around me I did not think anything would make me feel whole again.

Then, by some miracle, I chose to play a TRS song and felt a little better for the first time in a while. For the first time in weeks I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. I had every single album by TRS on repeat for at least a year afterwards because I could not mentally bring myself to listen to anything else, and when I tried to veer away to a different artist, it felt as if my brain were taking a beating. Eventually, I started to feel like myself again. I really do not know what I would have done without TRS’s music during that time. It gave me hope, it made me smile, and was the light I needed when I felt surrounded by darkness. Music like this is the reason I have a blog. My hope is to share music that might help someone, wherever they may be in this mortal journey. 

TRS’s seventh album,Sweet Shivers, is here, and it is brilliant. The layering, distorted guitar sounds and attention demanding bass lines have my neurons in overdrive in the best way possible. This is music therapy at its finest. Blast “5 4 3 2 1 Z” and dance your worries away,  press play on “The World’s Greatest” as a reminder to be hopeful when you feel lost, or crank up “Slomo” and soak up the beauty of the world while taking a long drive in a vintage convertible (if you can do that sort of thing). “Morning Light” is probably my favorite track on the album. You can feel the weight of darkness doing everything in its power to push you down in the production of the tune while the lyrics give you the optimism you need to fight back. And, I have to give a nod to the flute part in “Apartment 413.” I guess it is time to dust off my flute and give her a play. 

I hope TRS brings a little peace your way today. He will be touring very soon (Charlotte here I come!). Click here for more info. 

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Julia Michaels- Inner Monologue Part 2

Julia Michaels’ songwriting career led her to write songs for big names like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Gwen Stefani, but when she wrote “Issues” she could not give it up. The first time I heard that tune it was being sung by Niall Horan a couple of years ago in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. I remember falling in love with the lyrics and started looking Micheals up before Horan’s cover was even finished. I have been following her music journey since that day, and I really felt like I needed to share my love for this woman’s art because the honesty in her writing is so therapeutic. 

Her latest release, Inner Monologue Part 2, dropped June 28, 2019 following the January release of Inner Monologue Part 1, and it is absolutely incredible. In “Falling For Boys” I am so blown away by the contrast between the production and what you get lyrically.  The tune begins light and airy like a daydream, but then real life hits and you are reminded that it is not always all sunshine and rainbows. It is really hard to pick a favorite, but I am obsessing over “Hurt Again” and “Work to Much” at the moment. 

I hope you love some of these tunes as much as I do. Micheals is set to tour the world this fall. Click here for more info. 

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SYML

Born in Issaquah Washington, Brian Fennell began writing songs in his teens leading him to front the band Barcelona, which ultimately lead him to venture out on his solo project, SYML. I saw him live in March of this year in Atlanta, and he elaborated on the name SYML, meaning ‘simple’ in Welsh. The significance derives from his appreciation for simplicity and learning that his biological parents are Welsh.

I first heard SYML last year when his tune “Girl” was added to a playlist of mine. I fell in love with the song, both in its sadness and beauty. It makes me think of my own children and everything I want for them in this life. When he announced he was playing it at the show I shouted, “I love this song!” With quick wit he responded, “It would be pretty bad if you didn’t like a song someone wrote about their daughter,” and everyone chuckled. I should mention that his sense of humor is on point, and I appreciated his openness and willingness to connect with people throughout his live show.

I am so happy with the release of his self titled debut album. “Clean Eyes” has an upbeat vibe that reminds me of when I used to listen to The Killers on repeat in college. “WDWGILY” is one of my favorites and the production of this song is magical. “Wildfire” is another tune that stands out to me and is an ode to the tragic fires that happened on the US West Coast. “Bed” is another showcase and gives me a sense of comfort and peace. “Where’s My Love,” a jump starter for SYML by way of the MTV show Teen Wolf, is also on the album.

SYML is one of my favorites, and this album is beautiful. Give him a listen and let me know what you think!

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Jack Gray

A friend and I went to Atlanta to see Dean Lewis in March, and we left completely blown away by his opening act. “Wow, he is really good!” were the first words I uttered when I heard Jack Gray for the first time. Then, after a couple of songs into his set, the 20 year old Australian proceeded to play his guitar and piano simultaneously while singing. I turned to my friend in amazement, and before I could beat her to it, she shouted, “we are looking him up after this!” I left the show that night singing Gray’s tunes and awoke the next morning with them still in my head. His acoustic set was magnified by the studio versions of his songs with a fresh alt-pop sound, adding just enough electronic mix without overproducing. My favorite tune is “Down Side of Up.” Any song that can get me through the dreaded chores of vacuuming and mopping with a lasting smile is one to treasure forever (not that I was doing that today or anything). I also love “Drunk Talk.” There is something so dreamy and hazy about it, which I guess is the point, right?

Give Gray your attention and press play on some of his tunes. He is one to watch for sure. 

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Dean Lewis – A Place We Knew

I cannot believe it has only been a couple weeks since seeing Australian singer/songwriter Dean Lewis at Terminal West in Atlanta. I also cannot believe that his debut album is finally with us! I remember when he only had one song available, and I searched every week for anything new. His song “Waves” is still one of my favorite tunes and one that I turn to when I need inspiration, especially on a late night drive home. The title track “A Place We Knew” is the heart of the album and holds my favorite take away lyrics, which coincidentally are,  “your heart is my home.” If you need a jump start to your day, then press play on “Hold of Me,” “Stay Awake,” or “Straight Back Down.” One of my friends recently told me that Lewis’ song “Be Alright” reminded her of how I helped her through a difficult time. It is really interesting how things come full circle because I recently tweeted that Lewis is like a walking endorphin and that his gig put a smile on my face for days. He never seems to slow down and is always so positive. So, cheers to Dean Lewis for making the world a little better, inspiring people, and  bringing friendships closer.

Give this album a listen, and let me know what you think. Lewis has a few festivals lined up. If you want more information or tickets, click here. 

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Bowie on the Radio – Ryan McMullan Single

Have you ever found yourself reflecting over your day and thinking, “man, today was great”? Don’t you wish that you could hold on to those moments? Sometimes the hustle and bustle of everyday life can make it difficult to acquire a perfect day, but if you need a reminder of what those great days feel like, then you should listen to “Bowie on the Radio” by Ryan McMullan. From Northern Ireland, McMullan is no stranger to great story telling and helping the listener create beautiful imagery through lyrics. He had some luck thrown his way early in his career which gave him the opportunity to support Foy Vance and Ed Sheeran on tour and sounded off everyone’s “ones to watch” radar. This tune is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and be the most played song on your road trip playlist.

McMullan will begin touring the US in April with Snow Patrol. Click here to see if you can snag a ticket. 

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2018 Year End Review

Music has been good to me this year. If you have taken the time to read my blog or just listen to the songs I recommend, thank you. I had the opportunity to attend three great concerts during the year. 

The first was Niall Horan’s Flicker world tour. I received a few laughs from people and a few perplexed looks, mostly because I seemed too old to go to a Niall Horan concert. Was I naive to think the crowd would be a little older since this was a solo gig and not a One Direction concert? Yes, absolutely. I was probably the oldest person there with the exception of the parents who brought their daughters. But, I had the best time because Horan is magical. There were thousands of people packed into a steamy hot amphitheater in Charlotte NC, and he managed to make me feel like I was the only person there.

Next, was Justin Timberlake’s Man of the Woods tour. I traveled from SC to PA to meet up with my sister in law for the concert, and let me tell you, it was worth every single mile. Timberlake is a legend and one of the greatest performers I have ever seen. He danced, he sang, he had a drink, and he connected with people. It felt like I was there to cheer on an old friend just doing his thing. We even managed to snag floor passes which made the experience even better.

Lastly, I made my way to Atlanta to see an up and coming artist named Dermot Kennedy. If you have had a conversation with me in the last year then you have probably heard of him. I cannot stop myself from telling people about his music. I swear Kennedy lifted me up and took me somewhere else for the better part of an hour. He filled a void I did not even know I had. I was elated and my soul was full, but I still felt the sting of sadness as he humbly said thank you and left the stage. He is other worldly and will do great things, of that I have no doubt. 

Music is a gift to all of us, and I will cherish the experiences I had from each show. They were so uniquely different from one another yet all gave me what I needed. I will end this post with a few of my favorites from 2018.

Dermot Kennedy: Mike Dean Presents Dermot Kennedy Mixtape

I was having a really hard day the first time I heard Dermot Kennedy. I genuinely disliked every single new song I played that day, with the exception of one. Kennedy’s “Moments Passed” pulled me in through music, hooked me with his voice, and kept me with lyrics that stimulated my mind. I was so excited when he announced new music. This mixtape is a must listen folks.

Favorite Tune: Couldn’t Tell 

Alec Benjamin: Narrated For You Mixtape 

Alec Benjamin creates beautiful, innocent stories through music. The songs are so honest and meaningful, and the intricacies that he uses in his production is the new pop. 

Favorite Tune: Water Fountain 

Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness: Upside Down Flowers 

McMahon is one of my go to’s musically, and I love his latest album. It really takes you on a journey through his musical life from his days in the band Something Corporate until now. I found myself reminiscing of my college days and had a realization that I have been along for the ride the entire time. Music really is a beautiful thing. 

Favorite Tune: Paper Rain 

J. Cole: KOD

I have to give my husband credit for this one because rap is not a go to for me. Luckily, he only listens to the good stuff. J. Cole’s song “Once an Addict (Interlude)” hit me to the core. I feel so connected to the song because of my own family dynamic. It is real, and it is raw.

Favorite Tune: 1985 (Intro to “The Fall Off”)

Justin Timberlake: Man of the Woods

I had several people tell me that they were unsure if they really liked this album because it was different from his previous work or because it did not sound like Justin Timberlake. I completely understand that, but I also know that Justin Timberlake never sounds like Justin Timberlake. He is ever changing and never limits or labels himself. For me, he is always one or two steps ahead of everyone in terms of creativity. This album is no different. When I heard “Filthy” I knew it was going to be great.

Favorite Tune: Midnight Summer Jam (because I’m from the south and well…have you heard the song?) 

I am excited to see what new music 2019 brings, and I wish you much happiness. 



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Delta – Mumford & Sons Single

I remember the first time I ever came across Mumford & Sons. I was watching the 2011 Grammy Awards, and they had a shared performance with Bob Dylan and The Avett Brothers that completely blew me away. Now, I do not think Spotify was even an option at this point in the US, and digital copies via iTunes were not acceptable to me so I made the dreaded trek to an actual store to buy a physical copy of Sigh No More. It was worth every mile and every human interaction, and I fell completely in love with that album. I mean seriously, if you incorporate an accordion into your songs then I will love you forever. 

A few years and a couple albums later and Mumford & Sons is making me fall in love again with the tune “Delta” from their 4th album titled Delta. I am obsessing hard over the unpredictable production and beauty of the song. Their last album, Wilder Mind, really pulled away from the sound I fell in love with, but Delta is the meet in the middle, sweet spot album that will satisfy your love for the old Mumford acoustic sound and their newer electronic sound. You can find tour dates for Delta here. 

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Birthplace – Novo Amor Single

Novo Amor caught my attention when the tune “Birthplace” was added to a playlist I was listening to a few days ago. I was intrigued by the production of the tune with its mixing of strings, piano, percussion, and bits of brass. It is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. Naturally, I looked up more from this Welsh artist and found his debut album titled Birthplace to be an incredible piece of art. Each tune bleeds perfectly into the next, which is something hard to come by these days with more focus being on stand alone singles from many artists. The beauty in the world changes when you hear music like this. Sunsets seem more vibrant, stars shine a little brighter, and clouds tell a story.

I have had this album on repeat for three days and counting. If you like Bon Iver you will most likely like Novo Amor. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.