Previous Artist Introductions
SJ Tucker is a creative, adventurous songwriter hailing originally from Arkansas. You can hear vast musical influences flowing through her music, but she’s forged a compelling sound all her own. From her album Mischief, we’re pleased to present two terrific songs: Neptune and the very witty Salad of Doom.
[Filed under T]
Originally from Hong Kong…California-based songstress Jane Lui brings together lush vocals and finely-honed pop sensibilities, resulting in some wonderfully accessible music. We’re pleased to be able to share Illusionist Boy from her album Goodnight Company.
[Filed under L]
Massachusetts-based Jamie Kent crafts and performs sophisticated tunes with apparent effortlessness. As a musician trying to make his way in the new world of music, he’s formed The Collective…a new model allowing fans to pledge their support in return for exclusive access to cuts of his music and the opportunity to help direct his career decisions. From his album, Neoteny, we’re pleased to present Ama San.
[Filed under K]
Irish singer-songwriter Simon Fagan specializes in Americana music with big arrangements, and we’re delighted to be able to share a perfect example with the absolutely lovely (and nearly-10-minute) Time To Go, from his album Outside Looking In.
[Filed under F]
Originally from Texas…San Francisco-based Billy Schafer intially tackled the drums, but eventually shifted to guitar and began writing his own material. From his album First To Believe, we’re presenting the lilting My Mona Lisa (The One).
[Filed under S]
And finally, New Hampshire’s Martin England tells his worldwise musical stories with a guitar in the tradition of Steve Earle and Johnny Cash. From his new album Razed and Reconstructed, we’re pleased to be sharing a sobering tidbit of musical wisdom: Do What The Man With The Gun Says
[Filed under E]
Sometimes, singer/songwriters slip into highly-derivative ruts. They might have great lyrics, but they sort of slough-off when it comes to creating music to support the words. In that regard, Zach Maxwell was a really nice surprise. He brings a lot of soul and passion to his music, and he doesn’t sound like anyone else we’ve heard lately. From his collection Silent Beat – EP, you’ll want to check out I Wanna Meet and When I Rise.
How many 17-year-old musical powerhouses have you encountered in your life? Well, Larzz Principato isn’t like most kids his age. And he’s clearly out to prove that with his band Show Me The Skyline. They may not be the deepest, most original songwriters you’ve ever heard…but what they ARE delivering is a top-notch, highly-polished sound that’s scratching the itch of their target demographic. And that makes Larzz and the boys worth keeping an eye on. You’ll be seriously impressed with the song May from the album Rumor Has It.
When you think of punchy indie rock, you think Portugal…right? Well, you just might after you’ve heard The Doups. They’ve been garnering notice in band competitions and showcases since their formation 3 years ago, and have been writing and recording as well. Take a listen to their track Now I’m Going.
One of the main goals of good songwriting is to create a sound that people can relate to…but that they still find surprising enough to be interesting. Michael Behm has been hammering out a career as a songwriter and performer for many years. He’s continually making new connections with his music and finding new fans who appreciate his finely-honed, melodic songwriting. From his self-titled album, enjoy Where I Belong.
Jensen Keets grew up loving great songs from strong songwriters like Elton John and Billy Joel, and struggled to decide which of her two passions to pursue professionally: music or fashion design. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology and recording her first (self-titled) album, she’s still determined to make a go of both! So, keep an eye out for her own fashion line someday…but in the meantime, we think you’ll appreciate her song Me World.
Chad Hollister‘s sweet, smooth and jazzy song Change (from his recent self-titled album) cries out…in the gentlest way possible…for folks to break out of their ruts and let fly with a fresh new take on things. Go ahead…take the first step…by grabbing the tune!
The music of Maree McRae fills the ears and the heart alike. Her warm, mature vocals bring to life a solid collection of songs on her two albums. We’re pleased to be able to share two songs with you…one from each album: Let Go from her new album Urgency, and I Won’t Settle For Less, the title cut from her first album.
Adam Stokes has just released his second album as well. It’s called October Sky, and you can download the song Night From Day.
Jeff Krantz has travelled an unusual path these last 2-3 years. Feeling trapped in a 9-5 desk job, he dreamed of making his living doing something with his music…at that time, little more than a hobby. It wasn’t long before he was being mentioned by Billboard and Newsweek…not to mention receiving a letter of encouragement from the legendary Cat Stevens, who had heard some of his early demos. He built an audience of 10,000+ on Second Life under the pseudonym Hep Shepard, streaming 200 performances from his New York loft. Coming up? A “virtual” tour…10 countries in 6 weeks, with a zero carbon footprint! You’ll enjoy Landmine, from his new album The Last One To Know.
Corey Smith specializes in tight, incisive lyrics delivered with an energetic musical hook. From his latest album, Keeping Up With The Joneses, you a good example (“love is a compass, it’ll turn you around…a hundred-eighty degrees, the arc of a rainbow”) with Arc Of A Rainbow.
David Homyk is a New York-based singer, writer and producer who has worked with some pretty big names in the music business. But based on the hooky pop sounds of It’s So Easy Now, from his album True Story, he might well be poised to stir up some waves of his own.
Also from New York, Shayna Zaid & The Catch offer up an infectious toe-tapper of a song about “b-e-a-u-tee-ful” Bonita from their eponymous EP.
Richmond, VA-based alt rockers One Friend have brought us their energetic tune Marquees to share with you.
David Wilcox is a bit of a legend in the world of singer-songwriters. Sort of an artist’s artist. He’s been around for a very long time, turning out great song after great song. His easy way with an acoustic guitar and his smooth vocals are a great vehicle for the very human quality of his songwriting. It’s a real treat to be able to present 3 songs from his album, Open Hand. Sit back and enjoy David’s masterful music with Modern World, Open Hand and Red Eye.
It’s a delight to hear musicians who are comfortable in their own skin. And JJ Soul Band (hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland) are a perfect example of such comfort. We liked them so much that we’re bringing you FOUR of their songs. Their smooth, soulful jazz will remind one (at times) of a gentler, less angry Steely Dan. But, in contrast, JJ Soul’s husky voice feels much more at home in the lead vocal role than Donald Fagen’s ever did. Check out a video while you’re downloading At The Mall, Front Page News, Getting Colder By The Year and I’ve Been Had Again, from their album Bright Lights.
Tulsa’s Stars Go Dim is another of those indie bands that deserves to be heard by a wider audience. The songwriting by Joey Avalos is more than capable, and their sound features standout lead vocals by Chris Cleveland. From the album Love Gone Mad, they’re sharing 3 songs with us (check out a video while they’re downloading): Get Over It, Love Gone Mad and Come Around.
Nick Daugherty will inevitably be compared to Jason Mraz, but there’s always more room in the world for quality pop music with a soulful, jazzy flair. Nick’s songwriting is substantive, and his vocals are a great fit for his appealing persona. From the album Movin’ Higher, enjoy the title track and Staring At The Sun.
Songwriters on a mission can often come off as pretentious and downright irritating, but Brant Christopher doesn’t let the message hamper the music. His personal passion for ending global slavery has provided a solid incubator for quality songwriting, and his vocal prowess and top-notch production provide a great frame for the jewel of his message. From the album, Climb, you’ll want to hear Criminal and Shoes for Margaret.
If you’re into labels, you’re likely to find the UK-based band In Isolation filed under Post Punk/New Wave (which may not sound appealing to you personally). All we know is that their song The Wrong Girl is great stuff. Check it out!
New Yorkers Christian Yorke, Mark Mangold, Jonny Cragg and Jordan Brooks created their band The Radiants just a couple years ago, but they’ve already crafted a solid, accessible sound. And we’re able to share with you their tune Say You Will (see the video) from their album The Radiant 1.
Virginia’s Emmet Swimming features an easy alt-rock sound that will not only have you listening, but wanting to hear what else they’ve done. And there’s plenty to discover from this band with 7 albums under their belt. From their Bathing in the New Economy, check out Don’t Call Her.
While Iowa may not be the first place that comes to my when thinking of hotbeds of musical activity, The Nadas just might challenge your preconceptions in that regard. Their music isn’t easily stuffed into a category and dismissed. Their musical energy and creative arrangements will draw you in, while their solid songwriting will keep you listening. Satisfying stuff. From their album Almanac, check out the songs Long Goodbye (see a video) and Wrecking Ball.
Straight outta Orlando, Megaphone is brimming with energy. Punchy guitars, slick vocals and solid hooks (a la Foo Fighters) drive their sound. From their album, Exit Silent Mode, they’ve brought us Write It Down to share with you.
Chris Kirby is one of those guy who just “gets it”. From the beginning of one of his tunes, you know you’re gonna like this. Great groove, sassy soulful vocals, infectious hooks and perfect production values. We’re very proud to introduce to this gifted artist with a tune from his new album Vampire Hotel. It’s called Lift This Fog.
And speaking of “getting it”…where has all the great good-time rock gone? Well, it appears that Loomis and The Lust has been keeping at least some of it for themselves out in Santa Barbara. Fortunately, they seem ready to spring it on the world! Their new album, Nagasha, is just a 5-song EP…but every single cut is just dripping with celebratory energy and hooks that just won’t let you go…but won’t let you sit still, either. Enjoy the “primal” tune Bright Red Chords (and check out the video, too!).
Stephen Luke knocked around music for years, but eventually life dragged him away…including the often mundane (but rewarding) task of raising a family. It took a significant hand injury to refocus him musically. He cut two tendons in his index finger while opening a box, the repair of which required surgery and months of therapy. And, wouldn’t you know it…the therapist recommended that he pick up the guitar again to help speed the functional healing of his left hand. Enter another of our Cincinnati-based featured artists…Kelly Richey (see below), who “…took me from pitiful to powerful in six months. It lit a fire. I couldn’t stop playing and started writing songs again.” Kelly then agreed to produce his first album, No Man’s Land…and you can hear that reignited passion in the bluesy tune, Long Way From Home.
Singer-songwriter Lisa Bianco brings us a resilient ballad about holding on thru the hard times, called Sideways. It’s from her new album, Post Data, which she says addresses “the new and constantly evolving relationship between people and a data-saturated world, searching for the personal connection that breathes life into humanity…and music”.
Roy Genauer is the songwriting force behind Assembly Of Dust, and as is the case with virtually all truly interesting music, it’s the songwriting that sets the band’s music apart. But they didn’t stop there, bringing in musical guests as diverse as Richie Havens, Mike Gordon (Phish), Martin Sexton, Bela Fleck and fretboard master Jerry Douglas. As you listen, you’re going to love the fact that we’re able to present three songs from this talented band, from their new album Some Assembly Required: Arc Of The Sun, Leadbelly and The Second Song.
Roy Jay spins a hopeful tale of a man launching off in a new direction in his life with the sprawling 8-minute epic, California Grey…from his album, Lucky Guy.
Aman(da) Walther and Shei(la) Carabine met in high school music class and decided to combine their voices and songwriting talents (not to mention their names) to form Dala. They have an interesting gift for word pictures…for example: “She wears her body like a lifetime achievement…it fills the silence when she doesn’t know the words…”. Acoustic guitars, lush vocals and airy arrangements are the foundation upon which they build their brand of fresh folk/pop. We’re privileged to offer three songs from their album Everyone Is Someone: Anywhere Under The Moon, Levi Blues and Lonely Girl.
While Eastern Canada is not generally thought of as a hotbed of country music, hell hath no fury like a husband scorned…and The Divorcees are living proof. Yes, they’ve got fiery vocals and solid instrumental chops, but what sets this band apart is the truly interesting songwriting. And, you’ll be happy to hear that we’re able to present three songs from their album Last Of The Free Men: After The Storm Is Gone, Letter On The Window and Mining Man.
Brad Hammonds built his early musical reputation on his guitar prowess as part of the duo Brazz Tree. But while those chops are fully on display, he’s added some creative melodic approaches and jazz sensibilities, plus an almost hypnotic vocal style to create quite the musical stew on Through It All, from the album of the same name.
Jennings came to focus on music in an unusual way. After the death of her mother, her father (a former musician) gave her a choice: go thru therapy to deal with the grief…or record an album. Her choice might be somewhat obvious, as she brings her fresh vocal delivery and a pop/electronica groove to Falling Higher, from her album Femtastic.
It’s not often that you hear someone say, “That girl can flat play the guitar!”. But as blues legend Albert King told Kelly Richey when she found herself on stage with him some 20 years ago, “That guitar is like a gun: if you pick it up, you better mean to use it.” Kelly clearly took those words to heart, and has continued to develop her growling blues-rock stylings over the years and something approaching a dozen albums. She’s sharing two songs with us: Talks All Over Town from the Eyes Of A Woman album, and Now You Need Me from Sending Me Angels. [
Doug Folkins brings his rootsy musical sensibilities to his story of longing, featuring Italy (the country) and Emily (the girl)…and you just know he’s planning to stay there for as long as it takes for her to show up…watching the flow of city life pass by him as he scans the crowds for her face. It’s a story well-told. The song is called Streets Of Rome, and it’s from his self-titled album.
It’s funny how some people’s lives come to be defined by a single event…at least, in the public perception. Think Monica Lewinsky or Linda Tripp. Believe it or not, they probably lead full, interesting lives…but as far of most of us are concerned, we think, “isn’t she the one who…?”. So it is, to some degree, with Lori Lieberman. She’s been a respected singer-songwriter for several decades now, but one event has come to define her life in the public consciousness: She visited an L.A. club nearly 40 years ago and saw a young Don McLean (American Pie) in concert, and was deeply moved. She wrote a poem about the experience, which grew into a song which she recorded on one of her early albums. Her performance didn’t connect with the public-at-large for whatever reason…but another by Roberta Flack did…in fact, becoming one of the signature songs of the Seventies. And Killing Me Softly With His Song was picked up 20 years later by The Fugees, becoming the top-selling single of 1996. The same song has been recorded by acts as diverse as Englebert Humperdinck, Tori Amos, Perry Como, The Jackson 5, Alicia Keys, Frank Sinatra and Luther Vandross. Great song, right? Well, it all started with Lori…and we’re delighted that she’s enabling us to share the song wtih you (a newly-recorded version), as well as He Needs You…from her new album, Gun Metal Sky.
The Pimps of Joytime are one of those bands that leave you satisfied, but at the same time, wanting more. Incredibly infectious rhythms and grooves borrow liberally from multiple musical genres, including latin, hip-hop and jazz. From their debut album, High Steppin’, they’ve brought us two songs to share with you: Bonita and Joytime Radio.
Chris Huff is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer specializing in hooky retro-pop songs that combine different genres. From his album Death and Texas, he’s sharing his song For The Trees.
Ju-Taun (pronounced zha–táwn) hails from South Jersey. Jake and James Evans, Peter Garcia and Samoeun Cheng offer up an exuberant, richly-orchestrated fusion of vintage soul and R&B. From their upcoming album Love Changes Things, they’re sharing their song Go Slow with us.
8 Ball Aitken hails from Far North Queensland in Australia, where he spent his adolescence as a farm laborer on a banana plantation. As a hard-partying 19-year-old, it was a conversation with an Aboriginal elder that caused him to rethink his path and rechannel his energy into a more constructive lifestyle. Pouring himself into his music, he’s emerged on the world stage with a hard-driving alt-country sound. From his album Rebel With A Cause, he’s sharing two songs with us: Cyclone Country and Yellow Moon.
Jessie Murphy In The Woods is a trio that combines indie pop with dark humor and classical sensibilities, consisting of Marcia Webb (flute, pan pipes, and clarinet, Wurlitzer electric piano, vocals), Amy Stratton (horn, flute, vocals, percussion), and Jessie Murphy (lead vocals, acoustic guitar). All are accomplished musicians in their own right…together, they create unique soulful stylings. There’s an infectious joy in the new album, Eight Belles, that sweeps the listener in its wake. By turns ethereal, mystical, spiritual and haunting, the NYC-based trio plays with a sense of wonder and discovery that makes them one of 2009’s singular new acts to watch. Check out New York City Lights.
We’re excited to introduce you to Butterfly Boucher (pronounced BOW-chur), a lovely young Aussie lass (now Nashville-based) who’s just released her album, Scary Fragile. She’s previously toured with Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan, so she’s not exactly new to the scene…but you’re definitely going to want to hear her song, Gun For A Tongue.
Over the past 5 years, Alexi Murdoch’s music has been quietly engaging a fast-growing audience across the globe. After the unprecedented indie success of a first home-spun EP in 2003, which ultimately sold over 50,000 copies, Murdoch released the critically acclaimed debut album Time Without Consequence through his own label in 2006. Rolling Stone quickly named Murdoch one of that year’s “10 Artists to Watch,” while Interview lauded his “ability to directly communicate a wellspring of deep emotion”. While his songs have been featured in such films as Gone Baby Gone and Garden State, as well as the trailer for Academy Award-nominated foreign film Paradise Now, his work on Away We Go represents the first instance where Murdoch is the primary musical voice of an entire film. A total of eight of Murdoch’s songs are featured in Away We Go which opens, fittingly, with All My Days, also the opening track from Time Without Consequence. The song has also been used in its entirety in the movie’s theatrical trailer, which is already creating a buzz about the film’s music.
Jars of Clay has quite an extensive history as a band. Believe it or not, it’s been 13 years since the two-time Grammy winners first emerged on the national stage with their big hit, Flood. You’ll want to check out the title song from their new digital EP, Closer.
Bruce Holmes sings with an easy comfort…as if he’s already been there and he doesn’t have anything left to prove. His lovely folk melodies accompany his simple messages of home and love and family…the stuff of life. He’s brought us 3 songs from his latest album, Life’s An Intelligence Test: Angels, Shine and We Were A Family, as well as the title track.
Tom Fox hails from the UK, and he’s one of those artists that leave you scratching your head and wondering, “Why don’t more people know about this guy?”. His stuff is far better than most of the junk cluttering up the radio airwaves these days. His melodies and arrangments are fresh and smart, and his vocals are impeccable. Really sweet grooves right out of the gate on every cut. You’ll find three of his songs here: Lady Lady, Replay and Through the Passing of the Years.
Charlie’s Root Fusion hails from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We were treated to an evening of their music recently and enjoyed their energy and superb chops as they presented their unique blend of Swamp Boogie, Chicago Blues, Memphis Blues and Rockabilly. We had a feeling you might enjoy some as well. Fortunately, they’ve given us their kind permission to share with you their tune, Hard-Pushin’ Papa.
Jeff Wofford is one of those renaissance men you hear about from time to time. Author, blogger, dad, game designer, seminary student…and yes, musician.
He wrote and produced a nice batch of songs some years back, and then set the whole thing aside to pursue other stuff that he felt was more important for the time being. Lucky for us, he’s still willing to share them with those who want to listen. We’ve posted “Londontown” and “Trouble” on this site and two others over on our sister site, ChristianMPFree.com. We’re betting that you’ll enjoy these. Great hooks, solid production and some interesting retro musical influences flowing throughout.
There’s no album to buy, no merch to push, no nothing. But, if you like these songs as much as we do, be sure to drop by Jeff’s web site and let him know. You’ll the downloads on our MP3 Music Downloads page.
Two new songs this time, from two energetic young bands:
Slippin Digits is based in Wooster, Ohio…and they’re serving up an angry modern rock breakup song they’ve titled “Salsa”, adorned with some tasty layered harmonies.
And from upstate New York, meet SKooBER, formed in late ’05 by Tawni Bates and Andrew Weaver. Their song, “Now What Do We Do?” offers a solid power-pop beat with a tip of the hat to 60s pop sensibilities. It’s a toe-tapper.
So…where is this free music of which we speak? On the Music page, of course! 
You’re going to be very impressed with Olly Hite!
His musical stylings have been described as “David Gray meets Mozart”…and that seems as as fair a description as any to start.
From the south coast of England, Olly has played and composed since he was young. He spent his high school years and early twenties playing in a piano rock band called Urban Swallow. However, he has always written ballads, and after the independent film “Ordinary Monday” selected Olly to write the soundtrack in 2003, he decided to concentrate on writing and recording his own piano ballads, which eventually would become his first self-release “In Everyone”. In the past 2 years, he also met Shelley Payne, who composed the string arrangements on his album. Olly is looking to tour England and possibly the US in support of his new album. He has a wife, Amy, and a young daughter, Willow Rose.
