Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings from Bella Union on Vimeo.

My friend Nathan sent this over to me and I’m so glad he did. I’ve been waiting a long while to hear something from J. Tillman (excuse me) Father John Misty and this video accompanying his new song is fantastic, maybe one of the best that I’ve seen in a long while. Now, I’m not too sure why the name change but according to his description via Bella Union it sounds like he’s not all that sure himself, “When discussing ‘Father John Misty’, Tillman paraphrases Philip Roth: ‘It’s all of me and none of me, if you can’t see that, you won’t get it’.  What I call it is totally arbitrary, but I like the name.  You’ve got to have a name.  I never got to choose mine.” He goes on to talk about alter egos and having fun with the artists’ identity, I just hope it’s still the same J Tillman and not some new manifestation of Edward Sharpe. Watch the video, featuring Aubrey Plaza (yes, of Parks and Rec)

Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings by Bella Union

Tags: Father John Misty

It’d be almost too easy to limit Sucre’s sound to “sugary” we’ve gotten that far with the name. It’s true, Sucre (made up of Stacy King and husband, Darren along with musician Jeremy Larson) reside in the cutesy territory of nice things with french names. But beyond that – there exists something far more satisfying than an immediate rush, it’s a deep nostalgia courtesy of lush string arrangements that make me feel like in a 70s gameshow dream sequence. There’s reason for the nostalgia, you might recognize Stacy’s vocals from the band Eisley, of which I was once a fan in my college days. Their new track, “When We Were Young” sounds fitting. Listen below.

Tags: Sucre

Sweet Lights – Endless Town from Albert Birney on Vimeo.

It’s been a while since I’ve heard anything from Sweet Lights – so I was stoked to get this video for his new track “Endless Town” it’s a beautiful moving collage of bright patterns and old images. Directed by Albert Birney (Spinto Band, Dr. Dog, Ra Ra Riot) & Vanessa Lauria.

Tags: sweet lights

I recently came across Aaron Embry  an LA based songwriter that is really something special. I posted a video of his on Booooooom – read all about it here.

Aaron Embry – No Go

Tags: Aaron Embry

FEIST – The bad in each other from martin de thurah on Vimeo.

…And I’m back! Getting caught up this morning and I came across the new Feist video. Naturally, it’s amazing. Loving the cinematic montage quality of it – leaves much to be interpreted!

Tags: feist

Hey friends,

I’ll be in Brooklyn for the week. I’ve been moving into my new apartment in Toronto and never got the chance to queue up some posts so I won’t be blogging for a few days. It’s been a while since I’ve done this, but it might be good to take a break and recharge. I’ve got some news and goodies coming up – until then, listen to that new Spirit Family Reunion mixtape (below) because it is oh-so good.

And if you signed up for the FWBA newsletter, you’ll be getting a mix and letter from me anyway. Haven’t done that yet? Enter your email address on the sidebar to your right.

I’ll be back soon!

Tags: blog break, Brooklyn

Illustration by Jess Ruliffson

Spirit Family Reunion was without question, one of the best bands I discovered last year.  I was completely blown away when they played for us at SXSW and have been listening to their record ever since they handed us a homemade cd. Since then I’ve taken every opportunity to sing their praises. Taking inspiration from the early folk, with that Southern foot stomping- hand clapping, whiskey drinking kind of vibe. Rather than emulating an era, they embody it superbly. You feel the authenticity in their full band instrumentation, dusty overalls and powerful harmonies. There’s not much kitsch or presentation, it’s just beautifully loud (enough for them to project their voices on street corners and farmers markets).

There’s a spirit to the band that sounds largely inspired by Southern Baptist church music, with hollering “Hallelujahs” they sound fit for pews and communion. So naturally, the theme for this mixtape is “unity” and is filled with hymns and songs of freedom. They explain below: