Summer Music: Get Downloading!

Clearly, I have not been very good at maintaining a blog since starting graduate school, but I recently discovered (and rediscovered) a couple bands that I really need to share with you. Most of these finds have been through NoiseTrade, which has been my primary source of new music discoveries in the last few years.

1. Jordan Ruiz
(FREE ALBUM DOWNLOAD HERE)
If you are remotely interested in bands like Bon Iver, Iron and Wine, or Josh Garrels, then you should DEFINITELY check out Jordan Ruiz. His music is beautiful, smooth, and calming without being boring - which in my opinion, is difficult to achieve. His new album, The Mountain, is a wonderful soundtrack to life: road trips, studying, reading a book, or just relaxing with friends. I highly encourage you download it today.

Be sure to check out his first album, Sundial Heart, which is available for free download as well!

2. Nickel Creek
(band website)
Sadly, this album is not free, but that's probably because it's selling like hotcakes without any extra publicity. Nickel Creek is an amazing Grammy-winning folk band that took a seven-year hiatus and finally came back into the scene in April. Their newest album, A Dotted Line, is upbeat, whimsical, and ironic all at once. Check out two of my favorite songs on this album below. And, go buy A Dotted Line!

3. Twin Forks
(FREE ALBUM DOWNLOAD HERE)
Remember Dashboard Confessional? Of course you do. 

Well, the former lead singer of Dashboard Confessional has started a new band called Twin Forks. It has a folky, newgrass flare which is intertwined with a voice that will flood you with memories of breakups and power ballads (or maybe that's just me...). It took me a few listens to get used to, but I like it now, and I think it makes great summer driving music. Go ahead, download! It's free, what do you have to lose?

I hope you enjoy my music suggestions! Until next time, blogosphere.

H

Local Natives Concert

Here's a video from the Local Natives concert last night! The song is "You and I" from their newest album, Hummingbird.

Breathe It In

Here's a song written by my good friend, Robyn. Performed by the band Breathing Colors.

Tunes for Spring

As you can probably tell by my dwindling posts, school and work this semester have not given me much time or mental capacity to blog. But, I did want to send a little something your way in celebration of spring and the approach of summer! Here's a pretty cover of "Wrecking Ball" by Sarah Blackwood (from the band Walk Off the Earth) and friends. I believe you can still download this version for free here.

And...here's one more for the road! I have a crush on John Legend's voice, and you all know how I feel about Lindsey Stirling. :) Enjoy.

Phone Provider Survey

Please help settle a disagreement between my husband and me regarding which cell phone provider we should choose. Our current contract is ending soon, and we definitely want to leave our current company. I created this short survey to gather some feedback from others about their own phone experiences. It will only take about 2 minutes to complete: Phone Provider Survey. Thanks for your help!

My Mild Obsession: Lily & Madeleine on NPR

I Am Mountain

It has been a ridiculously long time since I posted on here! Clearly, my school brain does not have much room for fun writing. Sadly, fun reading has gone out the door as well. I suppose it should be just another motivator for finishing school as soon as possible. Fortunately, I am not yet at that point where I ask myself, "Why did I CHOOSE to go back to school?!" However, I have a feeling that sentiment might appear in the next couple months. :)

In a quick summary, school is good, work is good, and overall, life is good too! I was able to go home for Christmas, which was really nice, and now I'm just suffering through the bitter Midwestern cold. I don't think I need to expand on that.

Here's a song I want to share, called "I am Mountain" by the band Gungor. Enjoy!

Love,

H

Get this song for FREE here.