7 Fabulous Feel-Good Indie Artists (+1)
Twitter is a wonderful place. I have met some of the nicest and most talented people there. Lately, since I have been looking for a song that would fit Munchkinβs memorial slideshow that can actually be licensed (since the mega-publishing companies that own the two songs I used at the funeral seem impossible to get a hold of) I have also been listening to a lot of talented indie artists on Audiosocket and Rumblefish.
The upside? I now have some "new favourite musicians." Here are seven amazing artists you may have never heard of:
Lydia Laird and Roger Jaeger
I discovered these two at the same time through this duet video they made:
Solo Indie-Folk artists Roger Jaeger & Lydia Laird met by happenstance at anytime fitness, and then did what all good Nashvillian's do; they joined forces to write an indie/folk/pop song and then surreptitiously filmed a DIY music video.
I immediately downloaded Lydia's "665" EP and Roger's "Beacon" EP and have had them both solidly on my playlist ever since. Check out "Blindness" by Lydia (from "665") and "Beacon" by Roger (from "Beacon".) I also love the song "Dragons" from Roger's album. (Lydia told me that the song in the video, "How Will I Know", will be available for download soon.)
Bickenhall and Steve Collom
Another two great indie artists that did a beautiful collaboration, "Three More Words".
Lyric video for Three More Words by Bickenhall, featuring singer Steve Collom. Music and lyrics by Bethany Rubin.
Steve Collom's original music is really upbeat and fun, and reminds me a bit of Jason Mraz. Here's another one of my favourites:
One Two One Two by Steve Collom Written by Steve Collom Video by Cody Fall Lyrics: You got my heart once again This dream I don't want to end All I want One two, one two All I want is you One two, one two All I need is you
Yellow Pioneers
I ran across this collab with Steve Collom, and fell in love with the folk-rock sound of this group. Here is the title track from their EP "Your Love Has Got Me."
Midnight Lights
Last but definitely not least are my friends, Katie and Jason Leussink, whose up-and-coming band "Midnight Lights" just released their first music video and nationally-released single. Their debut album "Keep It Simple" is in almost every playlist I make. While their sound started out as pretty eclectic and experimental, they are leaning more towards pop country these days, and are currently fan funding their next album.
Official Music Video for Midnight Lights' debut country single "Let's Get Outta Here" (c) 2014 Katie and Jason Music
Bonus: Boom Chucka Boys
I couldn't finish this post without mentioning these guys. Not only did their bass player (Ted) show the enormous good taste of marrying my friend and cousin Cherilyn, these guys just got nominated as the 2015 Group of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards. Their sound is just plain fun.
And yes, they may not qualify as "Indie" anymore, but I knew them when, and really want to see their career continue to "boom" ... so I just wanted to share! :-)
The Boom Chucka Boys "Turn This Car Around" is the 1st single off their new album "Ramble" out Feb 10th, 2015. Produced by multiple award winning artist Gord Bamford. Like this tune? Grab it here http://ow.ly/FDDiG www.theboomchuckaboys.com @boomchuckaboys facebook.com/theboomchuckaboys Royalty Records Inc. / Sony Music Entertainment Canada Cache Entertainment Inc.
What are your favourite feel-good indie artists? C'mon, friends share. :-)
