I saw a t-shirt once (well, I’ve seen many t-shirts) that seriously made me laugh; It said “I listen to bands that don’t even exist yet”. The reason this is so funny to me is because it seems like a competition among my friends and I about who can discover the latest greatest artist first. I’m sure this isn’t even exclusive to my own friends, as it seems like the big thing now is to be first. Well I guess all of those people have been hard at work trying to be the first to talk about Milo Greene, because without even having so much as an EP available, they’re already at the top of several people’s must hear lists.

With their debut, well, anything, coming out July 17, Milo Greene have been making tremendous waves in the music realm, with their infectious and well thought out harmonies and lyrics, not to mention some not to shabby music composition. This California group had some initial help getting their music to the world, including a stint as the opening act to The Civil Wars. Something tells me they won’t have to be openers for long though. Just take a listen to either “1957” or “Autumn Tree” and discover some incredible music for yourself. Happy listening!

- Steve

I’ve said it before (quite recently actually), but “Life begins at touch of death”. No, I’m not depressed or in a “sad spell”, it just seems that recently, unfortunately, I’ve happened upon some amazing creations that have taken life following death. Now not the death of the creator (obviously), but something that greatly affects the creator, and in turn, leads them to make something that not only helps them heal, but also connects to others. For today’s installment of an example, I give you a new single from a (personal favorite) musician, Donavon Frankenreiter.

The track is titled “A.I.”, as in surfing legend Andy Irons. In case you’re not familiar with Mr Frankenreiter, he is also quite the avid surfer, and was good friends with Andy. Andy’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 32, and that impact to Donavon can be heard in this incredible track. Coming off of Frankenreiters latest album Start Livin’, this song and album are an absolute can’t miss.

-Steve

Remember MySpace? You know, that one time majorly addicting thing that was around before Facebook and Twitter which had endless free music to listen to? Well before it became as irrelevant as a script in a porn movie, it actually contributed quite a bit to helping new acts get discovered. Case in point, Tribes.

It was because of the success from their initial EP that was put up on MySpace that garnered the attention of Frank Black, who in turn asked them to open for The Pixies on a London show. Their success didn’t stop there. With the release of their first full length album Baby earlier this year, Tribes have continued to see their music being talked about across the inter webs. There’s a reason for that. Its damn good. Just take a look at their latest video for “When My Day Comes“, and enjoy!

-Steve

Someone once stated “Life begins at touch of death”, and while this may be towards the darker sides of quotes, it holds true in several circumstances. Whether by accepting death, we can truly begin to live, or understanding that everything comes to an end, so why take things so seriously all the time. This can also hold true in music; like when one’s best friend passes away, you connect with their siblings through the power of music. And by creating this music, it not only helps the healing process, but engages the creative forces that enable fantastic music to be made. Such is the case with The Lumineers.

What came together when Wesley Schultz lost his best friend Josh Fraites to a drug overdose, it was Josh’s younger brother Jeremiah who connected musically with Wesley. After deciding New York City just wasn’t working musically for them, they packed up and moved to Denver where they connected with cellist Neyla Pekarek, and The Lumineers were truly created. Combining fantastic songwriting abilities with some damn catchy tunes, The Lumineers have made quite the names for themselves for only really being around a year. However once people hear their new self titled album, their success will be sure to grow. Don’t believe me? Check out their video for “Ho Hey” for yourself, and enjoy.

- Steve

Collaborations have been going on, musically, for practically ever. One musician working with another to create something together that cannot be done individually. Whether its a one off song, an entire album, or even a new group, when artists get together the outcome, for the most part, is fantastic. That being said, its also just as important for artists who do collaborate quite a bit on other projects, to keep their own. Maintain their own name to distinguish themselves in this world. For me, a perfect example is looking no further than M. Ward.

An incredibly gifted musician in his own right, Ward has worked with the captivating Zooey Deschenal to form She & Him, as well as the super folk group (appropriately named) Monsters of Folk, with fellow musicians Conor Oberst, Yim Yames, & Mike Mogis. Now while Ward has been able to enhance the groups he’s joined, he’s also able to grab hold of listeners with his own original work. That includes his latest release A Wasteland Companion. Don’t miss out on his first single “The First Time I Ran Away“… both the song and the video are sure to make you an instant. That is, of course, you’re not already. Enjoy!

-Steve