An alternative-folk artist we have discussed at great length right here on IVM with a few of his prior releases getting the review treatment plus features and all that jazz: Besides Daniel, is trying to release his next full album titled “I Love You Hillside”. Please visit this link here and consider becoming a part of this album process. Continued →
Please check out the new single from folk rock solo artist Brian Fannin. Brian is the frontman of indie rock band (and an IVM Fave) Stay The Shores but has now embarked on a new solo career with his music. Check out the excellent track, “Than We’ve Ever Been” below. Continued →
Jess Penner’s new ep “Imagination” is now available wherever fine digital music is sold [iTunes] [Google Play] [Amazon]
Indie Pop singer/songwriter, Jess Penner, will release her new ep titled “Imagination” on August 11th through Position Music/Recurrent Records. This laid back collection of tunes for the whole family is ripe with electro pop-folk and will inspire joy not only in youngsters but adults alike. I’ve followed Jess Penner’s music since she was a part of the Hawaii based alt rock band Spooky Tuesday way back in the 90s. She has continued to produce positive, uplifting indie focused pop music for the past few decades through groups like Chandelle, We Cry Diamonds, Kayjez, and her much adored solo work. If you’ve never heard of Jess Penner before, look up her albums on Spotify (streaming below) and make sure to check out this new ep on August 11th.
Orion Walsh who has been making music solo since the release of “Tornado Lullabies” in 2008, will embark on a run of dates with another great solo artist, JM Lansdowne. JM Lansdowne also released his new full length via Paper + Plastick last week. Check out both artists via spotify below.
I’d like to take a moment and introduce you readers to the talented sounds of female singer-songwriter Norelle K (ZAP Records). This gifted songstress just released her debut 3 song ep titled “Consider the Trees” through ZAP Records this week. Think of a cool combination of Bjork meets Alanis Morrisette meets Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries). Songs are spiritual in nature but not along the CCM lines. This is independent music meant to be enjoyed by the vast amount of masses regardless of personal taste. Simple acoustic guitar oriented songs by a woman with talent and a smooth commanding voice. You can check out the 3 song ep below and make sure to purchase on bandcamp here.
Americana/Folk Singer-Songwriters Jenny & Tyler have released their emotional new music video for the haunting and beautiful song “Walk With You” which you can watch, below. The song appears on the group’s 2015 release “Of This I’m Sure”
Coopertheband released the first single off their upcoming album “Kingdoms” today. The song is titled “Rebels” and is the first track on the album. In addition to a new single Coopertheband announced that Kingdoms will be released on July 11, 2017. Continued →
The Apprentice have announced on Facebook that they will be playing a show sometime in June at the Sunday Market in Evansville, IN. The full band will be there and it is their first show in three years. If you have yet to hear the passionate acoustic/folk that The Apprentice do so well, you can listen to and buy their albums on Bandcamp. Continued →
Folk singer-songwriters Jenny & Tyler have released their brand new music video for their cover of “Fix You” (feat. The Gray Havens) originally by Coldplay. Check it out below. The group’s new covers record “For Freedom II” is out now.
Married indie folk-pop duo Jenny & Tyler, have just released their brand new covers ep titled “For Freedom II”. It is available exclusively on iTunes here. All proceeds go to organizations that fight Human Trafficking. Catch the group on their cross country tour which is taking place right now. Continued →
You don’t need to know how to pronounce Bjéar to enjoy their atmospheric folk debut. For fans of Bon Iver and The National.
Solo Americana/Folk artist, Orion Walsh, is currently on tour in Europe playing songs from his new full length “7” as well as all the classics from the past albums going back to 2008 “Tornado Lullabies”. Check out his bandcamp page here for the new album as well as all his past material. You can also download the rare 2002 ep “Part of Me Died” from his last band, Slow Coming Day, at this link here. Download includes 3 bonus rare songs and the whole thing was remastered by Seth at Simpul Studio. For dates and further info on where you can see Orion, click below.
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Just what should you expect from an album whose first track is titled Planes, Trains, and Automobiles? Though 7 is Orion Walsh’s seventh album, it’s my first listen to any of his work.
Naturally, the first exposure to any artist comes with baggage. Continued →
The Coopertheband is back with a Kickstarter campaign to fund a new album! The album will be titled “Kingdoms” and is the follow-up to their last EP “Kings” (which you can download for free from IVM by the way). Kingdoms will pick up where the loosely based concept album Kings left, offering a conclusion to King David’s life of heartaches, joys, triumphs, and failures. Continued →
Grand Rapids’ Anita Ranae has unleashed a lyrical powerhouse in the form of Watercolor Sidewalks.
Former Slow Coming Day singer/guitarist Orion Walsh will release his brand new full length titled simply, “7”, on January 7th 2017. You can pre-order the album on bandcamp right here for $7.00. Any money earned through his bandcamp will help him on his upcoming solo tour through the U.S. Continued →
The first release from this midwest slowcore project has much to offer for fans of Julien Baker and Sun Kil Moon.
In writing reviews, occasionally you come across an artist or band you’re entirely unfamiliar with. There can be a number of reasons for that, but nevertheless, when I come across them, I look forward to writing the review. It’s often a great way to find and share new artists/bands to listen to and you know you’re sure to present a fresh take on the album you’re reviewing. Continued →
Vocal Few the duo featuring Matt MacDonald of The Classic Crime and his wife Kristie have released their new Christmas themed “Snowdrift Ep“. Listen/download below. It is also available on all other digital networks and Spotify.
Steven Combs is a new artist out on New Vine Media. He has a new Ep out titled “This is the Day Ep” (listen below) via New Vine Media. His music will please fans of Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) and John Mark McMillan. Check out the music video for “You’re With Me” below and make sure to purchase this new ep here.
JJ Heller releases her brand new debut, full length Christmas music project called “Unto Us”. Check it out wherever fine digital music is sold and listen to the song “Christmas is Here” in video form below.
Joshua Powell, of Joshua Powell & The Great Train Robbery, was kind enough to talk with me over email about his music last year. Our discussion covers his take on the current state of the American folk scene, the difficulty navigating between the business and artistic aspects of being a professional musician, and his personal creative songwriting process on his third album Aylosha. Continued →
An interview with Canadian musician Lauren Mann about her new album Dearestly.
Dustin Kensrue will release a new vinyl color variant of “Thoughts That Float On a Different Blood”, his live “covers” record that came out earlier in the year. If you order the variant right here, you’ll get a 7″ featuring 2 other “covers” for $25.99. Continued →
The six-piece band continues to explore unique instrumentation on a new album that’s sure to strike a chord with fans of Sufjan Stevens.
I’ve got to report some sad news today that might bother a few of you, the band The Hotshot Freight Train are unfortunately calling it quits but they are going out with a BANG! That’s right, the band has recorded a 12 song final album and have released it today through all digital networks. The album is also available on a very limited edition CD which you can purchase here (limited to 100). I remember working with a few of these guys when they were in a band called Joey’s Loss. Ever since I first heard their Ep I’ve been a fan. I’ve followed their career closely over the past 10 years through all the peaks and valleys and I can say without a doubt that their last album and this new one are the band’s best material. Let this album serve as a fitting reminder of the power of independent music and the songwriting from seasoned veterans. If you’re a new fan, enjoy this album and make sure to look up their past discography. RIP THSFT, you’ll be missed. Listen to a stream of their album below. Continued →
Jenny & Tyler have officially released their brand new Christmas themed album titled simply, “Christmas Stories”. Read more about it below. Continued →
Orion Walsh is playing some shows on the west coast right now and recently recorded his 7th full length “Solo” album which will be titled simply “7”. Look for it soon. Listen to the track “Plains, Trains, Automobiles”, below. Continued →
Vocal Few, the duo featuring Matt MacDonald of The Classic Crime and his wife Kristie, will release “Snowdrift Ep” on November 25th. Pre-order now and get an instant download of “Ice Storm 2008”. Check out a stream below. Continued →