Tag Archives: new music

Free Download of the Week: “Carousels,” The Well Reds

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Two years ago I watched The Well Reds on stage at Rock By the Sea and got stupid giddy when they played a new song called “Carousels.”  I instantly felt it and knew it was going to be a favorite of mine, and have been bugging them for a recorded version it ever since.  Today, I am over the moon to FINALLY have a copy of the song.  How, you ask?  Well, because IT’S AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW ON NOISETRADE (along with their first single, “BPM,” released back in January, and a couple of tracks from their first EP, Violet).  For free!  I tell ya people, go snap this one up right now….

With a church-inspired keyboard opening and massive soaring vocals, “Carousels” really showcases what is to come from The Well Reds. Front man Jeremy Ezell rocks the singing, but songwriting credit goes to drummer Torin Degnats, says Ezell. The lyrics delve into what happens when the craziness of everyday life spins us to the point where we lose focus on what’s important.  I’m anxiously awaiting an official release date for their new album, Volume, due out sometime this spring.  The fan-funded album has been in the works for the last year and “Carousels” is a big indication that we are all in for a treat.

In addition to the free download, these talented Atlanta gents have also put out a video for this spin-inducing song… It’s dramatic, but the point rings through loud and clear. Perhaps we should all take heed of the message to open our ears, and take time to connect with each other… “We’d be fine if we’d all slow down.”

 

The Well Reds will be in Charlotte on May 16th, playing at The Evening Muse with King Super and the Excellents.  See this talented band in a small venue before it is too late!  Snag tickets here for $8…a complete steal. See ya there!

More The Well Reds:  Web | Facebook | Twitter | Free Download of “Carousels” on Noisetrade | The Violet EP on iTunes and Amazon

New Music Giveaway: Paperhouse, Burn the Room – NOW CLOSED

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Burn the Room

New Nashville duo Paperhouse drops their first EP on Tuesday, April 1… and it’s gonna leave you in need of a cold shower! Your chance to win a copy here….

Ever listen to a new band and just say, “Day-um?”  Well, if not, now’s your chance to win some new music from one that I think is going to make some waves.  Let me re-introduce you to Paperhouse.

The very first time I heard Paperhouse, I was blown away. This new modern country duo out of Nashville is nothing short of SMOKING HOT. Sultry songstress Megan Conner and lyrically gifted guitarist Shane Hines have teamed up to give Nashville a little shake, and the result is downright golden.

On Tuesday, the pair is releasing their first EP, Burn the Room, and I have a feeling they are going to turn a few heads with it.  Five songs that will go straight to your blood…beginning with the addictive “Cannonball,” a rocker about putting up (and letting down) walls for the right person.  The title track is a fiery bedroom song that’s sure to be the soundtrack to a few babymaking sessions this summer (not for me, kids!).  And just when you feel like you might need a shower, they slow it down for “Before the After.”  My favorite track on the album is probably “Waking Up Ghosts,” a darker rhythmic number (there’s clapping) with a killer chorus.  The EP closes with the haunting “Sky Red”…. and completely leaves me wanting more.

I’ve been a fan of Shane’s for a really long time, and I love all his previous work.  But when I heard this EP, I couldn’t help but think that he’d found his sweet spot.  These two were MADE to sing together.

Shane was nice enough to send me an extra copy of the EP … So, I’m going to pay it forward.  Leave a comment on this post or email me by 11:59 PM on Monday night and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win this delightful little piece of ear candy (I pay postage, unless you live in Siberia….).  I’ll announce the winner here on Tuesday.

AND… If you just can’t wait, check iTunes first thing on Tuesday morning and download a copy of Burn the Room! (Grab it here).  Also, if you’re lucky enough to be in Nashville, Paperhouse will be having an EP Release show on Monday, April 7 at The Basement.

Happy winning…

UPDATE:  Congrats to Alison Robinson who won the Paperhouse EP!  Thanks to everyone who entered….

More Paperhouse: Web | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Earworm of the Week: Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, “Firecracker”

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I was torn this week. I have a couple of songs that have been on non-stop repeat, but I’m going with the one that makes me most happy it is almost the weekend.

Canadian Michael Bernard Fitzgerald – referred to often as just MBF – first caught my attention on The Sixty-One a few years back (Sidebar: oh, I miss The Sixty-One! I’m sure Jess and Brad will lament its demise with me.). His unique voice grabs you straight away, but it’s his humorous and effortless mix of singer-songwriter and hip-hoppy style that will keep you smiling.

His new album, YES, dropped this week and the crazy addictive, drum beat heavy “Firecracker” opens it up with a bang. It was actually released on a pre-album EP a few months back first, but in those few short months, MBF’s name has been popping up everywhere…even on my beloved Rock Boat, where he’ll be one of the performing acts this year. The new album is a guaranteed happy…check it out.

 

P.S. What I may love most about this fella is his social media consistency. Everywhere from Twitter to Facebook to his website, he’s ilovembf. If that isn’t worthy of a follow, I don’t know what is.

More Michael Bernard Fitzgerald: Web | Facebook | Twitter | Yes on iTunes | Yes on Amazon

Introducing Southbound Honey (Kind Of)

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When it comes to music from my favorite artists, I have a real hard time keeping a secret.  Luckily, I got permission to spill the beans on this one.

Southbound Honey

Tara Keith and Christopher Jak are Southbound Honey

Christopher Jak, aka the man who has penned my favorite line of any song ever in the history of the world, has been making new music.  And it’s lovely.  And he’s not alone.

Meet Southbound Honey, a sweet collaboration between C Jak and rising country star Tara Keith.  Originally hailing from Canada, this gal has got a serious set of pipes, and earned a spot on Canadian Idol at age 16.  In 2012, she was selected to play at the Grammys Social Media Rock Star Summit.

I haven’t gotten the full story about how C Jak and Tara teamed up, but what I can tell you is that they are making some pretty sweet music together.  Or maybe the opposite of sweet… I got to preview five of the new tracks today, and you’ll have to just trust me for now that they are crushing, dripping with longing, lonely, jealousy and regret.  With the exception of one, each of the songs centers on some sort of troubled relationship – a strained marriage falling apart around a kitchen counter, a gal discovering her man a’ cheating, a one-night stand that changed both parties – all the elements needed for modern country hits.  And hell, as if I need to say it, Jak and Tara sound really great together.

After 10 years of harmlessly stalking Jak and his music, I have an enormous respect for his deft lyrical skills, and long-time fans will definitely find “Jak” in these songs – some more than others.  Two in particular are stunning and ring with his signature poetic frankness.

So the sad part for ya’ll reading this is that there’s pretty much no details to give, no music to share, no websites to link to, no promo photos to post (well, maybe there’s something if you look here – gotta love Instagram).  They made their debut back in June at the Fort Collins Music Experiment and just recently played the city’s New West Fest, garnering some attention from industry types, but the project is still relatively new. Jak’s pretty mum on stuff, but I know when he pops his head up to tell me about things that they’re getting serious.

So hang tight a little longer, and get ready to get a little stuck on Southbound Honey.  I promise, you’ll be the first to hear more as soon as I do.

More Southbound Honey: Twitter

Something New: Paperhouse

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Shane Hines and Megan Conner are Nashville's newest duo, Paperhouse.

Shane Hines and Megan Conner are Nashville’s newest duo, Paperhouse.

Chasing around unknown bands and artists for years has allowed me to meet some really incredible musicians, and in a few cases, call them friends.  One of those people is Shane Hines, a songwriter originally from the Washington, D.C. area, now living in Nashville.  As a writer, Shane is one of the most honest that there is.

A few years ago, Shane moved to Nashville and is really finding his stride there, nurtured by a community of songwriters and kindred musical souls.  More recently, he’s teamed up with Megan Conner, a smoky-voiced country sweetheart, to form a new duo called PaperHouse.

I know, I know.  Duos are the “it” thing right now and everyone seems to be doing it for the sake of doing it.  But, some people are just born to write and sing together, and sometimes the stars align to make it happen.  That is very much the case with Paperhouse.  One listen to their desire-driven, hard-driving rocker of a first single, “Cannonball,” and you’ll agree that the band name is a bit of a misnomer.  This musical house is as sturdy as they come.

Keep your eyes on this pair, gang.  I have a gut feeling about them.

More PaperHouse:  Web | Facebook | Soundcloud