10 Great Songwriters to Follow
The rain is bound to come. So, in the spirit of rainy day music, Pencils.com offers this short list of songwriters you may want to check out. What better way to spend your days indoors than to explore new music. What does your playlist look like these days? Mine has been a mix of old Folk tunes and Alternative Rock from the Mid-90’s. I know, it’s kinda unpredictable, but I like to keep things interesting.
The great thing about music is that it never dies, and there’s so much out there to choose from. Great music can last a lifetime, being passed on from generation to generation. So, whether you’re listening to traditional music, or finding new artists to fall in love with, here’s a few songwriters I recommend you check out.
10 Songwriters You Should Be Following
Ted Russell Kamp is a musical treasure, blending equal doses of Country with a hint of Americana that conjures up images of barroom dances, and lonesome desert highways. Ted Russell Kamp is at his best in, “Get Back to the Land.” Each song is vibrant and joyful, proving that this former member of the Shooter Jennings Band is here to stay. Ted carries with him an impressive, mature vocal delivery that leaves an impression on your soul. Listen to the opening track, “California Wildflower,” and you’ll be convinced that Ted is one of the up and coming songwriters you should keep your eye on.
2. Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird’s recent release, “Break it to Yourself/Hands of Glory,” is a perfect blend of acoustic guitar rhythms, subtle arpeggios, and subdued percussion tracks, with the occasional melodic hook to reel you in and keep you listening. Tracks of particular note are, “Give it Away,” and, “Three White Horses.” A great combination of Alternative Rock with a Singer/Songwriter feel.
“Carry Me Back” is a great album, and I was extremely excited to hear that Old Crow Medicine Show had released new material back when the album was released in July 2012. The boys are back with longtime member Critter Fuqua, and they sound better than ever.
The album races on with a frenetic rhythm and blended vocal harmonies in “Carry Me Back,” setting the tenor for the rest of the tracks. This album is equally diverse in its ability to create upbeat tunes that get your blood pumping, while transitioning to introspective pieces with acoustic vibes that remind you of their folk/bluegrass origins. As a veteran,”Levi” is one of the more memorable tracks for me, since it’s dedicated to a service member who was killed in Iraq, which makes it not only relevant, but poignant, a fitting tribute to the fallen soldier. O.C.M.S. Does it again, and I hope to hear even more from these songwriters in the future.
Just when you thought you had Death Cab for Cutie’s Benjamin Gibbard all figured out he releases this little gem, “Former Lives.” An eclectic blend of music as melancholic as it is light-hearted and playful. This is music to reinvigorate your workday blues, it makes you want to hit the snooze bar and spend the rest of the day eating cereal and watching cartoons. A quirky ride, and a memorable one.
This album, “The Carpenter,” seems to pick up where folk music left off, infused with subtle tinges of alternative and bluegrass written by songwriters who know what they’re doing. A brilliant blend of fingerpicked guitar and mellow vocals make this an album that is worth checking out. You may most easily recognize The Avett Brothers from their tune, “Kick Drum Heart,” off the album, “I and Love You.” Enjoy the video, “Live and Die,” below.
6. John Prine
John Prine is a legend in the Singer/Songwriter scene, and if you haven’t treated yourself to his classic tunes before, he’s releasing, “The Singing Mailman Delivers,” with 24 unreleased tracks on Oh Boy Records. Songwriters like this are a rare find nowadays. The music of John Prine will leave your ears wanting more. Enjoy the video, “Speed of the Sound and Loneliness.”
7. Pete Seeger
Of all the Folk songwriters none are as widely respected and brilliant as Pete Seeger. When he stepped onto the stage, a great joy filled the air, and people wanted to sing along with him, sharing in the joyous union of music. Through his association with Woody Guthrie, his time in The Weavers and the Almanac Singers, Pete Seeger always managed to create memorable songs, while also preserving and sharing the tradition of Folk music with the world.
8. The Weepies
Here is one band that will not make you weep…well, maybe they will, but you’ll enjoy their music anyway. The Weepies combine what I think is a catchy Pop element with a throwback of Folk guitar, combined with the melodic duo of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen. If you’re looking for something that’s fun and light-hearted to listen to as you cozy up in your favorite chair on a rainy day, look no further than The Weepies.
9. Paul Banks
Paul Banks, singer of Interpol fame and one of the most intriguing songwriters of his generation, brings together this multi-textured brooding sonic medley in his album “Banks.” Of the tracks listed, “Young Again,” seems to be gaining the most popularity. Darkly interesting, and anything but predictable. Enjoy the video for, “Young Again,” below.
10. Walk The Moon
Walk The Moon, a band from Cincinnati, with daring synths and upbeat drums land a special place in my heart today. With song names like, “Quesadilla,” and a video that looks like something out of Yo Gabba Gabba, this high energy Alt-Rock quartet has me sold. Just watch the video, you’ll enjoy it too.
So many songwriters, so little time. New music is coming out every day, but what is even more remarkable is the great history that led us to our current moment in music. Listen to the old and listen to the new. You’ll be surprised what a journey it has been for music to have arrived at this point.
What do you think Studio 602ers? Who are some of your favorite songwriters? Let us know in the comments section.
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