New Music We Love

Now that the weather is finally nicer in Philly, I’ve found myself going for long walks whenever I have the chance. I put in my headphones and walk slowly, taking in everything around me – the people, nature, and especially the music flowing into my ears. There are a few artists in particular who have been on heavy rotation lately, so today I wanted to share some of them with you.

Who are you all listening to these days? Please leave your recommendations below!

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Cotton Jones

My obsession with Cotton Jones began when we used one of his songs (the gorgeous “Somehow To Keep It Going”) in Jason and Jenny Parry’s Love Story. That song took my breath away, and I quickly looked for more. What I found was the album Paranoid Cocoon, now a staple in my music library. Cotton Jones is fronted by singer/songwriter and guitarist Michael Nau, who may as well have been transplanted from the north shore of Hawaii in the 70s, judging by the sound of the music he makes. Joined by his wife Whitney McGraw on vocals, they two create a sound reminiscent of old surf rock, with dreamy melodies and spacey organ and guitar playing. It’s the perfect summer music. Listen to “Blood Red Sentimental Blues.”

indie music

Photo by Tajette O’Halloran

Courtney Barnett

I have a friend to thank for introducing me to this badass Aussie singer/songwriter/guitar player, and I haven’t stopped listening since. I love her direct approach to lyrics and her meandering delivery, which allows you to catch hints of her endearing accent. She’ll make her way to the US this summer, playing some shows in support of Phosphorescent and hitting some music festivals (including Firefly, Lollapalooza, and Outside Lands). Check out the tracks “Avant Gardener” and “History Eraser.”

indie music

Photo by DL Anderson

Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso is the duo consisting of Amelia Randall Meath and Nicholas Sanborn, who never intended to be in a band. Brought together by fate, as it were, they are now on to something good… from the moment I heard their song “Coffee” I was completely hooked. There’s a quiet urgency to the song, and a little bit of sadness, a yearning that is almost tangible, but you’re not quite sure what you’re yearning for. It just leaves you wanting more.

war on drugs

Photo by Graham Tolbert

The War On Drugs

The latest album from Philly band The War On Drugs came out last month, and it’s still on repeat in my car. Their music fills me with such a sense of urgency, it puts me on the edge of my seat, and makes me want to go, to hit the road and never look back. It’s the perfect music to listen to when you just need to escape for a little while. Listen to “Under Pressure,” “Disappearing,” “Eyes to the Wind” …actually, just listen to the whole damn thing from start to finish, with the windows open.

Your turn now! Leave your music suggestions below :)

More indie music from the BLDG 25 Blog.

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Kelly
9 years ago

I’ve been listening to the Nashville based artist Nikki Lane. Her new album All of Nothin’ comes out on May 6th but the single “Right Time” has been stuck in my head since it came out. Shes a modern Wanda Jackson that also has a pop-up vintage clothing store called High Class Hillbilly.

Here’s her website. http://www.nikkilane.com/home.html\

I’ve also been anxiously anticipating the new album from American songwriter, Edward David Anderson, which came out today and is available on iTunes. His new album, Lies and Wishes was produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and captures the folk movement that is happening in the Midwest right now.

Here’s his website. http://edwarddavidanderson.com/home

The thing that I love the most about these artists is that both albums are available on vinyl!

tilly
9 years ago

you guys should totes check out The Falls. They’re another Aussie band. they are the king and queen of folk rock. you guys would love them.

9 years ago

I just recently discovered Ariana Delawari. She is a young Afghani/American musician, director, photographer, actress, and writer and she is AMAZING! Her music is so haunting and rich lyrically and musically. Highly recommend!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHiXhhWqJ4I
http://arianadelawari.com/bio/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthChildArt?ref=si_shop

9 years ago

Thanks for this, I really need some new music to listen too!
Xx, Tiffany | http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com/

Andrea
9 years ago

Just added Courtney Barnett to my pandora playlist! LOVE!

9 years ago

This girl is amazingly talented! Not only does she write and sing incredible songs she is such an amazing role model! You definitely need to check her out. I’ve heard she wears nothing but free people on stage as well!

https://vimeo.com/calebisam/kyliemorganepk

Alyssa
9 years ago

I saw the band Paper Bird live in Seattle and they were amazing!!! I believe they’re from Denver…here is a YouTube link to one of their songs! :)

http://youtu.be/U8CH9yDsqdA

dell
9 years ago

Hey, I think you guys will really love Boy, they only have a few tunes but they are right on here is a link to my fav

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx-L8hxrJlg

Victoria
9 years ago

I’ve been listening to Young & Sick- Heartache Fetishes and Willow. I also love G-Eazy’s new song Lets Get Lost.

9 years ago

Thanks for the music recommendations! Loving The War on Drugs <3

Clara
9 years ago

Lately, I’ve been listening to Skaters, Team Spirit, and Bombay Bicycle Club <3

Thank you for the recommendation of Sylvan Esso. I've been listening to "Coffee" and "Play It Right" on repeat on Rdio for the past few days at work. I can't get enough. So good! I keep wanting more.
Thanks again!

9 years ago

Thanks for the recommendations. Some great finds. I’m currently loving Bombay Bicycle Club, Parade of Lights and Ben Khan xxx

Stine
9 years ago

Thanks for all the recommendations – I think I just filled up my Summer playlist!

I want to recommend this little Danish band Treefight for Sunlight. They are not at all famous, but they create beautiful music.

9 years ago

Hey you should definitely check out this Oklahoma Native/Atlanta resident Natalie lauren https://soundcloud.com/msnatalielauren/get-up

Em
9 years ago

You should definetly check out Cecilia Gault. She just released her EP. Shes amazing and shes just 16!
http://www.ceciliagault.com/new-album/

7 years ago

You should listen to my new song “Lost” by Gina Zo!!!