The Native Sibling (February 22, 2015)

Sometimes things are just better when they are simple.  Yes, we have the technology to make music sound layered, complicated and computerized but often it's when you strip all of that away and let the pureness of voice and instrument shine through that perfection is achieved.  The Native Sibling isn't complicated - it is a brother and sister - they sing, there are guitars, sometimes pianos or other acoustic instruments - and it sounds so good.  Their latest release, "Letters Kept to Ourselves" is soft, sweet and warm and while I haven't seem them live I am pretty sure that what you hear on their album is what you would hear if they were standing in front of you.  This is music to get lost in and hope you never find your way out.  "Letters Kept to Ourselves" is available on Noisetrade as well as most digital music sites.

Have a great week and enjoy the music!

Ira

AJR (February 15, 2015)

Go check out AJR​, three brothers from NYC who are getting ready to release their debut album which is full of modern pop goodness.  If you pre-order you'll get 4 tracks right away and each is outstanding.  These guys sing well, write well and create music that is fun and interesting.  Looking forward to hearing the whole album when it's released in a few short weeks! For now I'll just these songs on repeat!!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira

Connor Zwetsch (February 8, 2015)

Sitting here watching the 2015 Grammy's, I can't help but wonder what the awards might look like if there was more of a focus on new music and musicians and not just the traditional music "industry" that has been running things for decades.  I wish there were more outlets for great artists like the ones featured in this group to gain greater exposure.  Thanks to all of you for checking out our Emerge Music artists and for spreading the word to your friends!

Connor Zwetsch is an incredible talente who, in my book, should be up on the Grammy stage in the near future.  Her music flows so beautifully and effortlessly in her debut EP, "What Comes After." "Wasting Water" has more of a rock sound leaning towards The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men and even Mumford and Sons. "Open Road" sounds like it borrowed its opening melody from Matchbox 20.  "Candy Bars" make Connor sound like a real story teller in addition to a wonderful singer and musician.  Now is the time to check her out, not just because there are five great songs here but also because you can get them for free on Noisetrade.

Thanks for the support, have a great week and enjoy the music,
Ira

Alan Doyle (February 1, 2015)

It's Super Bowl Sunday so I'm of course featuring a Canadian artist this week (figuring that most of our American readers are busy with football tonight).  Alan Doyle may be best known as the lead singer of Great Big Sea (one of my all time favorite bands) but his solo work is phenomenal! His most recent album, "So Let's Go" is one of the best collections of music from a singer-songwriter I've heard in years.  His distinctive voice can do no wrong to me but this album runs the gamut from drinking party songs (1, 2, 3, 4) to radio ready pop songs (I Can't Dance Without You) to gorgeous ballads (Laying Down to Perish).  There are hints of Canadian and Irish folk music which just adds to the diverseness of the music. For fans of Great Big Sea these songs will sound familiar and comfortable (and if you don't know Great Big Sea stop what you're doing and go check them out). I'm loving this album from start to finish and hope you will too!

Have a great week and enjoy the music!
Ira