BRANDI CARLILE

Brandi Carlile

What they say about her:

After debuting with her self-titled album in 2005, the Washington state-bred Carlile saw her fanbase mushroom with her sophomore disc, The Story. Among the growing legion of Carlile fans is Elton John. “Brandi has an amazing voice,” he says. “She’s a great songwriter and has a tremendous career ahead of her.” On May 3rd, the acclaimed singer-songwriter marked a milestone with the release of Live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony. The live performance features arrangements from Elton John’s legendary arranger Paul Buckmaster as well as Sean O’Loughlin, renowned for his work with Chris Isaak and Belle & Sebastian. “A live album is something we always wanted to do,” says Carlile, winner of Seattle’s City of Music Breakthrough Award in 2010. “We wanted three studio albums and then a live record since we, above all things, consider ourselves a live act. Performing is the cornerstone of our career.” For Fans Of: Indigo Girls, Katie Herzig, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Ray LaMontagne, Johnny Cash

What I say about her:

Well this is really a NO BRAINER people!! Her new cd is very refreshing! If you liked her before you will LOVE her now!! Go! Go!! GO!!!

This week in music!

Arthur Wachnik

What they say about him:

Much of the music on his debut album 'Least of These' comes out of Arthur's experiences as an urban missionary in the Greater Toronto area where he lives with his wife and 3 sons. It features some pretty amazing Canadian talent including Fergus Marsh (Bruce Cockburn/Peter Murphy/Steve Bell), Tony Lind (Hewit), and Juno nominated producer Douglas Romanow. Arthur has been nominated for 4 Covenant Awards and is currently working on his second album.For Fans Of: Phil Wickham, Delirious?, Gungor, Rich Mullins, Ben Folds.

What I say about him:

For the first note of the song "Don't waste your love" I knew I would like this album. From the great lyrics that swirl in and out of the music to the vocals, this is a must get album!! It comes with 5 amazing songs that you will want to keep on repeat.


Graham Colton

What they say about him:

Hi Friends, Due to the overwhelming response to my Twenty Something EP I am once again partnering with Noise Trade offering my new CD, 'Pacific Coast Eyes' as a direct download for a very short time only. This is my first independent record since my first self titled album and it took everything I had to make this album happen. Thanks so much for your support! Oh yeah...tips are greatly appreciated! Cheers, g. For Fans Of:Counting Crows, Augustana, Matt Nathanson, Better Than Ezra.

What I say about him:

All I have to say is A-MAZE-ZING!!!! I got the first one that was posted. So I totally recommend this one! GO GET IT!!! :)

Happy Listening

New Music for this week!!! It's good stuff!

Cary Brothers

What they say:

Cary Brothers is an indie singer-songwriter from Los Angeles who first gained national attention for his song "Blue Eyes" on the Grammy-winning "Garden State" Soundtrack. Brothers recently released his second album "Under Control," which premiered at #1 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter Chart. As one of the most-licensed artists in film and television, he has had over 65 songs featured in shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "Bones," and the recent hit movie "Easy A" in addition to appearances on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "The Late Late Show." He is the co-creator of The Hotel Cafe Tour and has toured worldwide with artists such as Imogen Heap, Sara Bareilles, and The Fray. In the electronic dance music world, Brothers has found success collaborating with DJ Tiesto on a club remix of his song "Ride" as well as original material for Tiesto's latest collection "Kaleidoscope." This sampler includes a cover of Level 42's "Something About You" as well as an acoustic version of "Blue Eyes". For Fans Of: U2, Pete Yorn, Joshua Radin, Ingrid Michaelson, Greg Laswell.

What I say:

This album was my favorite download for this week! I love it! IT IS A MUST HAVE!!! You get 4 songs with this download. From the sweet harmonies of "Something about you" to the beautiful lyrics of "Alien". This album captured me with the first note. WELL DONE!! Now what are you waiting for? Go to Noisetrade.com and get it.

Graham Colton

What they say:

Hi Friends, The Twenty Something EP is an acoustic batch of songs I recorded as demos for my new album 'Pacific Coast Eyes,' Thanks so much for listening and hope you'll grab my new album too! See ya soon! For Fans Of: Counting Crows, Augustana, Matt Nathanson, Better Than Ezra.

What I say:

Graham has some good lyrics. I wasn't so sure why they said it was for fans of Counting Crows...hummmm... I guess I will have to pull out some of my older music and see what I can find out. This album download will get you 6 songs. This is a very laid back album. My favorite song on the album was a toss up between the Title track "Twenty Something" and "Love comes back around". I say this is a must have! :)

Songs for Joplin

What they say:

Songs for #Joplin started as an idea to help a tragedy-stricken town and quickly became a charity that people were talking about. With acts like Derek Webb, Waterdeep, Sara Swenson and Oil Boom this charity album gained social media attention from all over the country… before it was released. With your help, Songs for #Joplin can be a success and a major blessing to Joplin, MO. Please donate and download the album, and help to rebuild a community. IMPORTANT: The "Tip" Slider is how you choose how much to donate. Also, Consider changing the tweet or facebook message from "FREE Music from... " to "Donate and get Music from..." 100% of the profits will be donated to Heart of Missouri, United Way. For Fans Of: Black Keys, Destroyer, Waterdeep, Derek Webb.

What I say:

Good compilation cd! I only have one thing to say: GET THE DOWNLOAD AND DONATE!!!!! It's for a worthy cause and you get good music in exchange. :)

Luke Brawner

What they say:

After 10 years of fronting TX-based folk-rock band, Poor Rich Folk (noisetrade.com/PoorRichFolk), I spent most of 2010 & '11 writing & recording my first solo project, entitled Flannelgraph Sessions. Flannelgraph Sessions is a series of 12 songs inspired & influenced by the idea that the Bible can only really be understood when studied in the context of real space & time. I'm convinced that we can't begin to understand the things Jesus did & said without first understanding the world & culture in which He did & said them. His religious background, His geography, His lineage...these things all matter. The goal of this project is to stir your interest in the Old Testament, in Judaism (& Christianity as a part thereof), the land & culture of the Bible, etc. Thanks for giving this sampler a listen. Pre-order the full length album on 180-gram vinyl or as a digital download now! Releasing July 12th, 2011. For Fans Of: Poor Rich Folk, Caedmon's Call, Jars of Clay, Derek Webb.

What I say:

Well when they say that he is for fan's of Caedmon's Call and so forth they are not kidding. He kept the sound from Poor Rich Folk mixed in Jars of Clay and Caedmon's Call. I liked the mellowness of the music. His voice is very nice. This download will get you 4 songs from the Flannelgraph Sessions. I think that if you love the above mentioned artist that you will definitely like this album.

Until next time. Happy Listening!!

New Music for this week...

Courrier

What NoiseTrade says about them:

Like a new wind in an often dry and monotonous music ”business,” Courrier’s music is refreshing indeed. With a penchant for melody in the likes of alternative-rock bands like Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, and Kings of Leon, Courrier writes songs as soothing as they are sincere. It is in this duality that Courrier finds their message. In the beauty of existence and the pain of experience, lead singer Austin Jones’ voice even reflects the honeyed grit of reality, while the ascending harmonies and radiant guitars anthem the intimate.

For Fans Of:

Coldplay, Death Cab For Cutie, Switchfoot, U2, The Arcade Fire

What I say about them:

What a breath of fresh air. In this download you get 4 songs: Right as Rain, Paper Ghost, For your Sake and Running Right. Austin has an amazing voice!! From the vocals to the heavy acoustic guitar and piano to the mix, what a great job!! This is something that I definitely recommend. GO GET IT!

Matthew Mayfield

What NoiseTrade says about them:

My new album, 'Now You’re Free', is everything I want it to be. Honest, anthemic and diverse. The songs are full of hope, which in some ways is very new to me. They are the sound of a fresh start. I’m excited about attempting to change something with this record. It could be someone’s mood for a few minutes, the temperature in their room, or the way they watch the sunset driving down the interstate. Music has changed everything for me. I want to be a part of that for other people. So here I am. 27 years old and still climbing the ladder. Partially because I love it, partially because I’m addicted to it. I still tour in a van. I still rummage through the gummy worms at 4am fuel stops. I still look out the window for hours because I can’t sleep in a moving vehicle. I still miss home. And I still dream. A wise man once sang, “I know it’s only rock n roll…but I like it.” I hope you do too. -MM

For Fans Of

Ryan Adams, Damien Rice, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam

What I say about them:

Matthew has it all. Beautiful voice. Compelling lyrics. What a great musician. This album comes with 4 songs: First in Line (Which I LOVE), Open Road, Tonight and Missed Me. Seriously talented. From the moment the music started I was pulled into the beauty of it all. GOT TO HAVE!

Katie Herzig

For Fans Of

Peter Gabriel, Feist, Elbow, Pheonix, Enya

What I say about them:

I have always been a fan of Katie! This is just a one song download: Make a Noise! As always Katie has done it! It's a beautiful song! Once the full CD is done it is going to be a MUST HAVE!

Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken

What NoiseTrade says about them:

The forthcoming 'TN EP' is a captivating sonic experience that documents the next chapter in the ongoing story of two highly confessional singer-songwriters who spent the last 10 years learning to partner as writers, parents and musicians. As with all gifted songwriters and songs, if you listen closely, you’ll find your story reflected there, as well. Get the single 'From You To Me' now, get the full EP on June 28th.

For Fans Of

Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, She & Him, The Weepies

What I say about them:

Well I thought it would be something I liked. I love Derek, but I do have to say that I didn't really care for the song. Vocals are a great blend. The music however was not my cup o'tea. The download is only one song "From You to Me." Sad to say I probably won't be purchasing this cd when it comes out.

Happy Listening!!

This week in Music...

Ivan & Alyosha

Hometown: SEATTLE, WA

Genre: FOLK/FOLK ROCK

For Fans of: THE LOW ANTHEM, TRENT DABBS, THE CIVIL WARS

I&A has that old country/folk style in "Glorify" and then you hear the song "Living for someone" and it has a different feel to it. I really like this band. The vocalist has an amazing soulful voice! It was refreshing to hear their music.

Burlap to Cashmere

Hometown: BROOKLYN, NY

Genre: FOLK ROCK/INDIE

For Fans of: THE CIVIL WARS, DEREK WEBB, MATTHEW PERRYMAN JONES, ANDREW PETERSON, KATIE HERZIG

I have always been a fan of Burlap to Cashmere so I might be biased on this. I really liked the song. It's got a new edgy feel to it. Very guitar driven. It's a must have for B2C fans.

Darren Flowers

Hometown: CANYON, TX

Genre: FOLK/TURNTABLISM

For Fans of: MAT KEARNEY, AMOS LEE, GAVIN DEGRAW, JOHN MAYER, JAMES MORRISON

This man can sing!! I love the song "Only You". I want a man to sing this to me. :) The songs are well mixed. Darren's fingers on the guitar and voice singing is making this girl swoon. Also check out (I think it is track 4) "Sense of you". WOW.

Molly Parden

Hometown: JONESBORO, GA

Genre: FOLK/POP

For Fans of: BESIDES DANIEL, MINDY SMITH, OH DORIAN, INGRID MICHAELSON, JAYMAY

I immediately loved this artist. Molly's voice is beautiful. "Cream Soda Kiss" is just so sweet and makes you want to sing along. "Love Bird" has the old country feel to it, beautifully done.

Well, this is it for this week. Happy listening!

New Music for the Week

SANDRA MCCRACKEN

Hometown: NASHVILLE, TN
Genre: FOLK ROCK/AMERICANA
For Fans of: PATTY GRIFFIN, NEIL FINN, THE WEEPIES, SHERYL CROW, SUFJAN STEVENS

Okay to be honest, it was a slow start to the album but once I got into the album it flowed really well and I enjoyed the music. Sandra has a beautiful voice and the music really supported her.


JILL PHILLIPS

Hometown: NASHVILLE, TN
Genre: FOLK ROCK/INDIE
For Fans of: AIMEE MANN, NEIL FINN, JONATHA BROOKE, THE CARDIGANS

WOW! This Gospel artist is amazing. I actually owned one of her songs for a couple months now and didn't know it was her. I love it. This album "Nobody's got it all together" is a good album to add to your collection. Very beautifully done!! Go Girl!!!


JON MCLAUGHLIN

Hometown: ANDERSON, IN
Genre: POP
For Fans of: BEN FOLDS, BILLY JOEL, ELTON JOHN, MATT WERTZ, DAVE BARNES

The song that you get with this download is called "What I want", and it is exactly what you want. His heavy piano and rhythm is so driven that the lyrics just float perfectly in and out of the tune. Must have!


SLEEPING AT LAST

Hometown: WHEATON, IL.
Genre: INDIE/FOLK ROCK
For Fans of: NICK DRAKE, SUFJAN STEVENS, RADIOHEAD, BON IVER, SIGUR ROS

I absolutely love these guys. This is the second album that I have the pleasure of owning. Their soulful tunes make you just long for more. AMAZING! Lyrics and arrangements are blended together so beautifully.

The music today is brought to you by...

NOISETRADE.COM

So I have been getting a lot of new Free music from Noisetrade.com and I decided that I would start doing a review of the new stuff to let people know what is worth listening to.
Now I know what you are thinking... WHO is she to tell us what is good? And what isn't good!?
Because I said...
That is all that matters. Because I said. :)
If you don't like what I have to say then please feel free to comment.

So let's start this out right.
Today I downloaded:
Judd and Maggie

Hometown: FREDERICK, MD
Genre: INDIE/FOLK ROCK
For Fans of: FLEETWOOD MAC, THE CARPENTERS, WILCO, PAUL SIMON

You get 14 songs with this download

They are good.
Great lyrics and melodies to accompany. The vocals sound a little rough at times. They could use some help on the harmonizing, but I guess it is artistic liberty and vision.

"Always", "Disappear" and "There you are here I am" were my favorite. I was humming with it by the end of the song.

I give this album a 3 1/2 star rating.