Well here we are at the 3rd installment of “If You Haven’t Heard” and I have some beautiful Americana ballads from “Ghosts I’ve Met”.  So put down your whiskey and grab the one that you want to hang onto and press play, you won’t be disappointed.

Sam Watts is the heart of this “rotating cast” of players that enjoy the Ghosts I’ve Met title and he has been welcoming many an artist to join him over the last few years.  The recordings see influences and assistance from co-founder Ben Blankenship along with Anne Marie Ruljanchic, Brent Arnold, Jen Turner, Karen Waltuch, Margaret White, Michael Lerner, Joe Seely and Amy Bezunartea – did I say rotating cast yet??  Take a trip over to the MySpace page and see all the artists this group has worked with…who’s who to say the least.   Recordings have taken place over the last few years (since 2005) and although not all of his material has seen the light of day to this point, there has been a release earlier this year of an EP entitled “Payphone Patience” (that should be for sale through snocap in the US and their MySpace page).  I have been lucky enough to receive a few tracks so as to not stalk his MySpace player.

The EP hmmm…it floats some sadcore Americana ballads that encompass and wrap around you, and not just singer-songwriter stuff, this is full band heartache here.  The title track brings beautiful piano accents (from Darren Jesse of Hotel Lights – thank you very much) alongside a waning violin…stunning.  This is the kind of stuff this EP is made of and while it has been done before, it usually isn’t done quite this well.  It is a bit confusing why there isn’t more of this band floating around, they definitely have an audience in me (and now you fair readers)

I have included the aforementioned title track for “Payphone Patience” along with one other song.   The additional track is another great track from the EP – “Reno”- a bit more of a laid back string arrangement than “Payphone…” and is another example of the the sound of “Ghosts I’ve Met”.  Remember to visit Slowcoustic for another track, “Ghosts in the Snow”, on the mirrored version of this post over yonder.

Hope you all like it, now go to the MySpace page and convince Sam to release that full length album!

~Smansmith

Procrastination is a word of mine when dealing to write couple lines about an artist i’m really fond of. This default proves to be a guarantee : i’m only writing about artists I love – I mean not only a single song ! And this is the case with Amber Rubarth. So, I won’t postpone for a new year this short introduction. So using the copy/paste function is an helpful easy way ! Here we go :

After 3 years of sculpting wood as an apprentice at a little shop in Carson City, Amber Rubarth had a late-night conversation with her mentor who told her the most important thing he had learned in life was for a person to follow their number one passion.  Amber said something along the lines of “Thank you, I am quitting and doing music then,” and off she went, trading her chainsaw for a guitar and teaching herself to write songs.

And what a gift to the music ! I’ve bought earlier this year – better later than never -, her first full length Something New (2005) and I’m now enjoying for couple weeks her new songs joined under the name of ‘New Green Lines‘. Amber is playing a delicious mix of folk, soul and pop and the more I’m listening to her music, the better this special blending invaded me. If you’re looking for a surprising, astonishing, fresh new and brilliant music… experience her last album. I bet you’ll be quickly addicted ! As, the release of her new album has been an epic adventure  ( read the full story )… please once again, click the where to buy links  !

Amber Rubarth: Sun Studio Sessions “Another Perfect Sunset”

Artist : Amber Rubarth
Label : None
Where to Buy : cdbaby.com / emusic.com
More Appetizers : @myspace / @lastfm

After his first collection ‘Until when we are ghosts’ (2005), and his beautiful sophomore  Goodnight (2006) it’s time for  the prolific Illinois songwriter, William Fitzsimmons to distillate a new beautiful slowcoustic collection : The Sparrow and the Crow which will be available by the end of september (30).

For the absolute fans, an ‘early birds’ pre-order form is available from his myspace page.

Artist : William Fitzsimmons (check his myspace below)
Label :  None / unsigned
Where to buy : Campus Customs /  itunes
More appetizers : @myspace

I little while ago Olly, my fellow friend and blogging maestro sent me an email asking if i owned any Lucky Jim albums. When I replied I had pretty much everything by him he asked why I had been keeping him a secret? Well I wasn’t really but the reason I never blogged about him was because I presumed he was an extremely well known artist and probably didn’t need a little blog like ours promoting him. I don’t keep any eye on the charts but when you hear music this good it’s easy to presume that it’s already hitting a big audience. Also his song You’re lovely to me has been played on a commercial for the last couple of years now and this latest showing of it has put him back to the number one spot in the itunes folk category therefore allowing me to presume even more. However, I seem to be wrong in my presumptions, It would seem not so many people know him as I had thought. See, I live in Brighton and Lucky Jim (Gordon Grahame) was signed to Skint records (Fat boy slim ) which is a Brighton label. In fact he was the first non-dance act to be so and I guess because he was a name in Brighton I presumed he was everywhere else. I mean, don’t get me wromg, he’s not unknown but he’s not the big artist i presumed and this for me is a travesty. Sadly, and quite astonishingly, he is not signed at all right now. How can this be? Seriously, what the fuck is going on when a man this talented is not signed? One of the best songwriters I’ve ever heard in my life, certainly two of the best albums I’ve ever heard and his voice is so diverse, rather Dylanesque on the afore mentioned You’re lovely to me as well as others like Our troubles end tonight, Nick cave like on I know there’s a god from his latest album and elements of Leonard Cohen on his previous releases. There’s something about Lucky jim that you can’t quite put your finger on, like when you come across someone so talented you kind of try and work out where they get it from, do they know they are so talented? Thing is I think Lucky Jim knows he is and so he should do. I have complete faith that one day his music will break through to a much bigger audience and everyone will be able to come back and listen to his earlier work as well as whatever he will be releasing at that given time. One feeling I get when listening to this music is that he really puts his heart and soul into it, everything, especially on the albums All our troubles end tonight and All the kings horses, two albums that couldn’t be more perfect if you tried. I could randomly pick a song from either album to offer you as an mp3 and I’m sure you would love it. He has kindly sent me his new album, True North and I’m still indulging myself in it but two listens in it’s just as good as anything I’ve heard from him yet. To me it’s a real scoop to have him grant us an interview here on YCD. One day we will be able to sit back and read this when he’s playing packed out stadiums. I can’t tell you enough how much I love his music and how talented I think he is. I think a lot of people are talented, I think Lucky Jim is a genius, simple as that. Sorry it’s taken me this long to point you in his direction (I’m sure I mentioned him on the Ray board ages ago) but now I have I’m positive you will come to the same conclusions as I. Enjoy.

Lucky Jim – Oh my love

05- Lucky Jim – lesbia

11-Lucky Jim – ode to blue

YCD -  Hello Gordon, how’s it going?

LJ – Hiya,  It’s going fine , stick it in a pot , stir it around , see what happens

YCD – Ok, might as well ask you now, promoting anything right now or recently released anything?

LJ – I just put out a new album called True North , it’s the fourth Lucky Jim album and the first i done entirely by myself.

When Lucky Jim came out I released Our Troubles End Tonight which was planned and thought out then Let It Come which wasn’t then All the Kings Horses which was and now I’m being spontaneous again . Don’t let this put you off – the spontaneous ones are the most original.

I think the best songs on it are I Know There Is A God and El D’Orado – I wrote I Know… as it was recorded and didn’t give it any thought but El D’Orado was a considered effort and – I think – really gets to the heart of my deeply flawed personality

YCD – I see you made number 1 on the iTunes folk list. Must be chuffed are you?

LJ – Yeah . That is nice – it’s not the first time – because of the advert my track is on . As soon as I get heavy rotation on telly I go up the chart . Of course the down side is hardly anybody actually knows who the song is sung by and I hear David Gates is very happy.

YCD -  I also see you are currently not signed, I find this astonishing considering that I think you one of the most musicians I’ve heard, how frustrating is it for you and are you hoping this changes soon?

LJ – Tell me about it. I have had about four deals now so I wouldn’t say I’ve given up … but I do think it is a strange world we live in where instead of heaping the praise on Warhol we heap it on the soup cans .

Artists do change the world – not for the better – always for the worst.

And that is because they reveal a little more each time and the clever dicks bottle it and re-sell and re-sell and oh fuck I’ve lost my thread…

YCD – What are the biggest obstacles you feel an artist like yourself faces today?

LJ – Ego and the desire for wealth – there’s nothing funny here , it is simply true I am of course focusing on the word – Today –

Because it is a new phenomenon that , an artist , sees success as a very real possibility – and further more I mean artist in the broadest possible sense. And I also would like to add that I am talking about obstacles to the quality of the work…

YCD – What’s your guilty pleasure?

LJ – Smallville – totally addicted

YCD – What’s your best musical experience so far and why?

LJ – I played a gig with an Israeli musician called Aviv Geffen in Tel Aviv – he was very much a fan and organised a string section for me and brought me on halfway through his set to introduce me and have me play four or five of my songs

He outsells U2 in Israel.

I was interrogated for three hours by airport security when I was leaving the country – I tried not to let it spoil the experience

YCD – Who’s currently rocking your turntable?

LJ – I just bought some Nico , some Steve Earl and some Santana?! but I have been listening mostly to Songs For Silverman by Ben Folds which for me is very up – to – date .

YCD – What band/artist would you most like to play with?

LJ – Any artist with any sense would have the same answer as me – and that is The Stones or Bowie . I would love to do a rock and roll album with Angus Young on guitar . This is a serious ambition – I have the songs – I just don’t have Angus .

YCD – What are your hopes and fears for you in the future, musically?

LJ – That I don’t have enough time to Record my songs – when I say Record I mean that I in fact have done a hell of a lot of writing but I reckon recording is the hardest bit – let’s face it that is how we’re judged – not on the song – but on how it sounds .

I realised this when I was sat in a trendy bar years ago getting into Lenny Kravitz Mamma Said album – It sounded great but

I’d Walk Through Fire

Stand In the Rain

Go To Hell And Back

In A Plane

Ain’t to clever

If you’re gonna go to hell and back for a woman – don’t do it in a plane – it proves nothing – do it on your knees

YCD – What did you think the last time you looked in the mirror?

LJ – “Yes It’s True – How’s Your Blue Eyed Boy Mister Death – Ah The Lines Of Age – Have You Come For Me – How’s The Enemy? – Is There Time? – ” stuff like that

YCD -  I remember a while back reading your MySpace blog when you were having difficulties with a girlfriend and you stayed in the Abbey hotel for a while. I live in Brighton and know what that hotel is like, sounds like times were pretty rough back then. Better now?

LJ – Yeah . That was a lower point . Highly recommended for those of you who think going without breakfast is a hardship . Then again those of you whom have lost limbs , family members etc may wonder the great hardship in living in a Hotel

YCD -  And finally, are you working on anything at the moment? Tours, new albums etc?

LJ – I am recording 2 albums

One is a double called The Lovers

I have been sitting on it for Ten years and it is my Magnum Opus – I am releasing it for posterity .

Also I am recording another throwaway album ie spontaneous which you can hear demos from on www.myspace.com/luckyjimmusic

Many thanks for the interview and we here at you crazy dreamers wish you all the best for the future.

How do I describe “The Cloud Hymn” other than simply repeating the newly assigned band name?  I mean, no better description for a band lies in its name than the artist I have before you today.  In the same way the band Death Vessel is a polar opposite of band name to band sound, this is a polar opposite of that polar opposite…lost yet?  Basically The Cloud Hymn might just sound exactly what you would think they would – beautiful, airy and floating along (but with guitar and piano…).

Okay, seriously though, this unsigned Minnesotan talent took me off guard with the wonderful soundscapes and expanse of raw emotion.  There is a dreamy ease to everything I have heard so far, but with a sad undertone that you can take away from more than just the lyrics.  You can get lost inside of it all, even knowing it is a place built by/for one person.  Whether you write/create due to personal experience (which is the case here) or just because you enjoy doing it (which is also the case here), I think that this cloud project is drifting in the right direction.

Taking us along in the right direction is John Nielsen handling the writing, vocals and guitar for his project.  The terrific piano accents are brought to you from Paul Brandt and some wonderful additional vocal pairing from Tani Alyssa Eckdahl.  Together the three have provided an almost ethereal display of these sad, but beautiful songs.

While I mentioned drifting above, I mean moving forward to a release of a full 11 track album by the fall (hopefully).  Nielsen (the man behind the curtain for TCH you could say) assures me that this currently untitled album is completed and just in the midst of mastering prior to that pending release.   There are some good folks in Eau Claire, WI at “The Distillery” that are assisting in the endeavor (here’s lookin’ at you Eric!).  Well all I can say is I am looking forward to hearing the album and getting lost in it all.

I have two demo tracks for you all below, so drift along with these until the full length CD arrives and I try to sell you all on them all over again.  Until then, visit their MySpace page here.

~Smansmith

So another day of scouring the web for some good music and actually a day that I found something special.  Of all places, on MySpace (it isn’t all that bad after all, I guess…) I have found an artist that represents perfectly my preference of the hushed and unhurried sound.  Everyone, I give you “a Singer of Songs”.

More than being a basic description: “a Singer of Songs” is an alias sparse enough for it to be enough for him, fitting from the very first time you hear him.  By “him” I mean Lieven Scheerlinck, who by name alone seems to not be a native of his current residence in Spain (or maybe he is, I am just Canadian what do I know?).   Regardless of where he may call home, his songs would never be far from where he may lay his head.  His songs are soft, beautiful, and at times heart wrenching.  Recorded in almost single takes each time, they are always kept fresh and in the moment of when they are written.   I feel that the songs that have been recorded are not “spur of the moment” but simply of the moment.  Take them as a slice in time where experiences and feelings make it to recordings almost immediately as time and hindsight can soften the sharpest edges (if you know where I am going with this).  Regardless of what Lieven may have gone through in order to have such songs of heartbreak and beauty, I thank him for sharing them.

While his solo recordings might seem “dark and lonesome”, you may also enjoy another facet of his work in the band “Birdcircus”, which retains some of the rawness of a Singer of Songs.  While the band could be considered folk/Americana and even indie (sorry for that label) and I feel that Lieven’s sound has become a part of Birdcircus, a part that I believe can be heard in the newer 2008 tracks from the band.  Let me know if you feel the same way, check them out via their MySpace pages – a Singer of Songs & Birdcircus.

With that, I will leave you with how Lieven described his music to me and how he relates to it – “…a piece of wood to hold on to when the waves get too rough…”

I hope these songs find a home with you.

~Smansmith

Time for psychedelic music. After the superb Trappers Cabin, another amazing psychedelic band, I’ve just discovered is The Venus Illuminato. Nothing much to say about those Californian Rob Franco and Brandon Kennedy (I even won’t be able to tell you which one of these is singing…) as these guys are not really prolix on their myspace page. So find below a copy paste their cdbaby information…

Picture yourself being knifed by a gypsy on board a high-jacked merchant ship off the coast of Morocco while an 1860’s civil war band drops some acid and does their best interpretation of 70’s English psychedelia.

Helpful ? Indeed, truly.  Once again, music speaks for itself better than any other words…

I’ve been more than seduced by this superb ballad on the Mount Olympus, and from what I’ve listened so far the others tracks are also really gorgeous ! With violins, tubas, glockenspiels and cellos, it’s quite impossible to find a genre to label this rich music ; according to Rob Franco, it could be described as psychedelic gypsy wizard chamber folk. And that’s for sure chamber-folk really match my feelings !

Band : The Venus Illuminato
Label : None
Where to buy : cdbaby.com
If you love : Devandra Banhart, Mike Scott and/or The Waterboys, Nick Cave, Calexico, those illuminates from Los Angeles will soon become a favorite !
You should also enjoy : Trappers Cabin, Elvis Perkins, Orpheum Bell (an interview will be shortly posted here…)
More Appetizers : @myspace

Formed in Manchester, England by Karl J Hall and Ian Robinson, The Easy Dream draw influence as much from the beat of the American heartlands as the post-industrial rhythm of their hometown. Nestling in Hall’s rough-hewn vocals lie lyrics distilling snatched glimpses of heartbreak, tender flashes of better days and searing social commentary. When matched with the music, The Easy Dream create a blend of troubadour soul, urbane country and bittersweet protest song. In a world where hope is hard to come by, everyone is looking for an Easy Dream.

quoted from their myspace page.. but I hope my friend will have the opportunity to joined those guys somewhere across the chanel, and keep us inform about a gig, an ep : they’re sound so good.
I’m not sure – you know this Manchester accent – that lyrics are recommended for any audience… If you enjoy bands such as Pela, Two Gallants, Okkervil River, Diacon-Panthers and need something that rocks, right-click and download ‘City of Industry’.

It’s a long time, I did not write a single line about French music. If you were expecting a review from the last Carla Bruni-Sarkozy album, you’d better read : http://pop.gouv.fr. I was thinking streaming a famous Jacques Dutronc song : ‘L’Opportuniste’ (lyrics) in order to illustrate our president attitude these past months… Yes to be honest, I’m not really proud to be French these days.

Anyway, I can’t tell you how I’ve been directed to Oly Arkle’s music but those froggies really rock. I’ve got so few information about them that I’m even not sure these guys are really French… According to their myspace page, the band is leading by Javier (vocal, guitar), while Damien is playing bass and Stobal are dealing with drums. One of their song (From Paris to Barcelona) is available on the Waterhouse records compilation ‘Folks Pop In at the Waterhouse‘ including artists such as Herman Düne, Julie Doiron, Flowers from the Man who Shot your Cousin, Paloma…
Oly Arkle is sometimes named Olly Arkle (it could be useful if you want to google), and couple videos are also available under the name of ‘Trucks & Bohemians’.

Artist : Oly Arkle Band
Label : none
Where to buy : nothing release as far as I know but ‘Folks Pop In at the Waterhouse‘
You should also enjoy : H-Burns, Deer Tick

From the title of this post you would think introductions are in order.  Well my good readers, in fact they are!  Introductions for both the writer as well as the main focus of this post – the fantastic talent that is Oweihops.  What? Oweihops? …but wait, let’s not get ahead of ourselves; let’s start at the beginning.

Hello readers of You Crazy Dreamers!  I am a newest resident of this great blog and I am starting my “YCD” life right now with this, my very first post.  Some may know of me (no, seriously, who am I?) from the recent blog roll addition on the front page of the site for “Slowcoustic” which is my home base for daily ramblings of all things slower and quite possibly acoustic.  That being said, this is the here and now and to introduce the real reason you are here…

“Oweihops” is the moniker and (dare I say) alter-ego of a Massachusetts based singer/songwriter talent Michael Metivier.  While Michael may have started Oweihops, joining him in his movement to a “wintery twilight” of slowed down Americana are Aric Bieganek (drums, guitar, glockenspiel, vocals), and Rebekah Dutkiewicz (cello, vocals).  This trio have recently joined forces on stage to bring the music to the people of the Eastern Seaboard.  While I have been familiar with Oweihops for a couple of years, I feel I need to “out” him for what he is – a talented artist, busting of earnest songwriting.  Michael’s first self titled release for Oweihops in 2005 brings a strong acoustic performance to the table, which just might need an “at dusk” open field or empty parking lot to be enjoyed.   While this image may convey something bleak, I like to think of it as hauntingly beautiful at the same time.  This has been followed up with the “Cinquefoil” EP from 2006, in which you can stream a couple of tracks, along with some demos of unreleased songs on his MySpace page.

Oweihop’s music is distributed by CDs at live shows, his aforementioned MySpace page and via online music forums of those in the know.  I for one am hoping for a great label to pick him up and introduce his music to the numerous potential listeners that I know are waiting patiently.  Michael assures me there are at least two projects in the works (a 4 track release and hopefully a full LP) for the near future and I look forward to hearing more from this up and comer.  The two tracks included below are “Tortoiseshell” from his 2005 Self-Titled LP and two demos “Nightjars” and “Murderous Names” that will be “cleaned & filled out” before being included to the upcoming unreleased projects.

Lets hope now that we are introduced, we never lose touch.

~Smansmith

Some of you have already noticed that I’ve got a last.fm account for about a year. I’ve subscribed an account only to get stats about artists I’m listening… and I’m not really addicted with everything dealing with community, and not convinced with their similar artists listing. But for the first time las week, I’ve finally found an artist that really matches my mood while listening to Colby Stead ..

A promising young british songwriter named Josh Geffin ! Promising ? Yes, Josh only released a single 4 tracks E.P. for the moment but what a collection ! A stunning debut, a perfect resume for any major label seeking to enlarge their acoustic songwriter catalog. Josh finger style acoustic guitar and delicate compositions remind me Andy Whittle. As usual, when each track is a pure wonder, here’s the intro song :

Josh is currently working on his first full length, some pre-album demo tracks are available on his myspace page. Be sure we’ll update you with a release date !

Artist : Josh Geffin.
Label : none
Where to buy : CdBaby – Itunes
You should also enjoyed : Andy Whittle, Colby Stead

I’ve written about Mark Berube last album – What the river gave the boat, couple months back… and this post won’t be the last one about this immense Vancouver talent.

Last time, I’ve browsed his website, searching through his links page, i’ve noticed Dan Mangan – who soon will have a review there as his first album is a pure gem – but also The Fugitives, a trio composed by Barbara Adler – a prolific and young Canadian poet – Mark Berube and Brendan McLeod – a Canadian Slam champion !
And this last point kept me away from accessing their website and listening their music.

Reading this blog, can give you an overview on my eclectic tastes, but for having a young daughter who’s listening sometimes to this kind of music – yes education can fail – Slam is not for me ! And saying that Slam is not my genre is  an under-estimation of my opinion about that musical expression : I simply can’t stand it !

Then few days ago, I was reading Herohill blog – this guy lives in Vancouver – and he wrote a nice review of a gig with Mark Berube and Ben Rogers. So back on Mark Berube’s website, my curiosity helped me crossing the border to the fugitives.ca !!!!

Oh Mon Dieu – even if no god was around me a that time, i’ll take the benefit of his absence to shout some Put#@## – that’s the word we use in french instead of fu#&##.
Just Listen.

Yes. Sware on any god you like or dislike ! This band is absolutely gorgeous ! And be sure to buy the album, each song is rising this level. The fugitives achieved with this album the perfect mariage of lyrics and music ! Jacques Brel in his own repertory achieved such a prowess.

Arrghhhh !! ! How can I write these words about Slam ! Do not expect any other reviews on that genre except for the next fugitives album !

Artist : The Fugitives
Label : none
Where to buy : cdbaby.com, Itunes.
Bonus :

After Chris Bathgate and Matt Jones, let’s add one more step on our little tour around the Ann Harbour area. Time has come to share one of the most talented female songwriter, i’ve discovered last year : Misty Lyn. I remembered back in July how astonishing I was to have found such a high quality in these two underrated and so inspired michiganders. As Matt Jones is part of the Big Beautiful, Misty Lyn band, i’m pretty sure there’s a kind of emulation between these fellows composers.

That said, let’s get back to Misty Lyn. If I can only draw a single parallel with another artist, she’s definitly a new Sam Beam ! And it’s not a way to tease your curiosity. No, she doesn’t sing like Iron & Wine and her music is not a copy of him. She’s opening new directions in songwriting, arrangements like Sam did couple years back !

A friend of mine told me about her : “She seems very connected to a beautiful source…” while listening to The Fall. Everything is atypical in her songwriting and performance. She’s like a top cabinetmaker realizing in each song the best furniture : work almost accomplished, you already know you love the song. And like the best furnitures, each listening reveals a new detail, a single note, a tremor in her voice acting like a perfect polish.

If you live in Michigan, check right now her myspace page and book your ticket for the coming gig. If not, stick your browser on the same page and ask myspace for a loop button ! Yes, that’s the bad news : Misty Lyn is currently recording her first album : ‘For the Dead’. So we’ll have to wait. But patience, dreamers ! I’m already betting : this will be my 2008 top !

YCD : Could you please tell us your story about music ?
Misty Lyn : I didn’t pick up my first guitar until I was 22. Didn’t write my first song until I was 24-25. Got on stage for the first time to perform when I was 25.
But I always knew that I would be a musician. In school I was always involved in choir. No one in my family is a musician…immediate or extended. Some parts of my childhood were very difficult and I always found comfort in music. It was the one thing I could always relate to and I was very passionate about the music I loved. It’s funny that you ask why I’ve “chosen” music as an artistic expression against poetry or painting. I don’t think one gets to “choose” the gifts they are given. I guess I can only speak for myself…I know I certainly didn’t choose music. It’s just what I do. It was the gift that was given to me to express myself and to reach out to people and relate to them. I feel like it’s the only time I’m eloquent.

YCD : So, you’re 26 ?
Misty Lyn : Sure. That sounds good.

YCD : From what i’ve heard and read so far, for sure, you’ve received this precious gift. Between the past conscience and your current reality, a quest, lots of work, encouragements, doubts ?
Misty Lyn : Well, thank you. I’m very lucky to have started playing and performing here in Ann Arbor, MI. The musical community here is very supportive of new artists, and right from the beginning I was encouraged to learn and grow. Of course, there is always a bit of doubt in my mind, I think that’s natural and it’s what keeps me reaching for the next level of my ability. As for work…hell yes! Lots of work! Especailly when it comes to the record.

YCD : Couple months ago, Matt Jones mentioned in the YCD interview that he wish he had written couple songs including famous songwriter such as Elliott Smith and Richard Buckner. He also mentioned your song ‘Rita Mae’ ? It’s an amazing compliment ! How do you feel being listed on the same line than this top songwriters ?
Misty Lyn : I am humbled and flattered. Especially because it comes from, in my mind, one of the best song writers I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing: Matt Jones. He really is one of the most uniquely astounding lyricists and guitar players you’ll ever hear. I recognize the weight of this claim, and I stand by it.

YCD : Tell us more about this song… Nothing to deal with Rita Mae Brown ?
Misty Lyn : Not at all. And I usually don’t discuss what my songs are about, but this one is special to me. It’s actually about addiction…specifically alcoholism. “Rita Mae” represents the alcohol itself and how alcohol is the love of a specific man’s life, even though he tried to love me. There are other things touched upon in the song, but that’s the gist of it.

YCD : Is there a song you wish you had written ?
Misty Lyn : Oh! The songs I wish I’d written! The first song that comes to mind is “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure. It’s just perfect in every way. I sort of have “new wave envy”, if you will. More along my genre lines I’d have to go with “Waltz #3″ by Elliott Smith. This is my kind of folk music. There is truth in every one of his songs. No pretension. I love that. Also, Gillian Welch can do no wrong. I wish I had written “Wayside (Back in Time)”…so good.

YCD : You’re currently recording your first album ‘For The Dead’ with Jim Roll in his new Studio ? Could you please tell us more about it ?
Misty Lyn : About the album….hmmm…It’s been quite a frustrating and elusive project. One thing after another keeps it from being completed. Everything from illness to over-booking…I’ve had 2 artists back out on me after months of thinking they were going to do it. The songs are good. The record is really very cohesive and I know once it’s done I will be very proud of it. I just cannot say when everyone, including myself, will get their jobs done. Some of the songs are being mixed right now, some of them still need bits and pieces recorded.

YCD : According to your current myspace. com page, you’ve recently switched your current styles to indie/gothic/country ?
Misty Lyn : My style is now indie/gothic/folk. I threw the country out because i really despise “new country” and don’t want to be associated with it at all. I threw in “gothic” because there is a darker side to my writing that I think makes it a little different from other folk or country material. Someone once called us “gothic country” and i liked the sound of it…things like “americana” and “roots music” are definitley part of what I do, but I don’t think those genres encompass all of it. I guess “gothic”, for me, describes the feeling I have when I write most of my songs…and the mood I think they may create in a person. Sorry if that’s a bit nebulous. It’s difficult to explain.

YCD : Thanks for your time answering these questions. Hope you’ll be back soon on this site for the release of your album.

Artist : Misty Lyn
Label : unsigned
You should also enjoy : Mieka Pauley, Iron & Wine, Matt Jones

Finally my dear friend Olivier (which you can count me in on one of those fingers) has decided to write about this extraordinary singer. It’s been months now since I was introduced to Colby and I’ve often asked Olly why he hasn’t written about him or introduced him to the rest of the readers. I too understand his reasoning, we often come across people who we become friends with and the music then transcends into something different. It’s because we’ve gotten to know them on a personal/intimate level that the soul of that person comes before the music. It is like that for me with The Guggenheim Grotto and so it is for Olly with Colby. I love his music and have been listening to his tunes for a while now. So without much further ado I hope you will take the time to read this interview and get to know Colby as a person, artist, and friend.

Artist : Colby Stead
Where to buy : Artist’s website / cdbaby.com
Label : Thoughtfull

Ante ‘Trans’ Scriptum : What should have been said about Me (Olivier).
Most of the time I’m using the internet to expand my horizons, not only on a professional level, since my profession is website designer/programming but on a personal level to keep my eyes wide open, open on the political forecast, weather forecast, on fashion, and of course on music but also on me. If couple years back someone would have told me that I would be calling someone I met on the internet a friend : I surely would have laughed. First, because I’m not friendly at all and because I’ve got so few friends as I’ve got fingers on my two hands. I mean friends I can trust as I trust my own hands ! Speaking about music – I’m not qualifying friends the people you’re counting by thousands on a Myspace page.

Thus said, you also should know about me that I’m posting regurlaly on this blog about the music I love. And to be honest with you, I have to confess that I choose to be part of the YCD website to write a review about an amazing artist – and now a friend of mine : Colby Stead.

It’s been about 6 months that we’ve started blogging about music we love, and I didn’t find the right words to express the emotions I felt about his music. Thinking about the reasons, I’ve postponed this review multiple times, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that it’s because I’ve never met a human begin such as Colby. Sure, I was first seduced by his music, then by his words, eyes and thoughts then by his unique way to progress in his own life, not only as a songwriter but as a single unique human being.

Choosing to write songs as a medium to express his feelings it gives everyone who wants to listen the opportunity to discover an artist, part of his personality. So, if Trini could write a couple of lines above given the chance as such, then I wish to take mine and try to share with you a simple conversation with Colby. It was supposed to be a regular interview, but as I’m not a journalist, and Colby is neither a common singer, the following transcript translates what could be called without any pretension : A conversation.

Olivier : I would like to know about your process, the advance of being a singer songwriter ?
Colby : I started as a drummer. My friends started doing drugs and I started playing the drums. Drumming was/is a very physical instrument. Perhaps I liked the physicality of the drums because athletics–and the movement of my body–were very important to me at the time? I spent many weekend nights alone drumming; establishing a relationship with rhythm, timing, phrasing and most importantly MYSELF. Inevitably, I played in a few bands, but soon realized that the dependancy of other musicians wasn’t easy for me. I found myself struggling to connect – rhythmically & emotionally – with the music I was playing. Even still, I had no aspirations of becoming a songwriter. That wasn’t until I was given an acoustic guitar as a gift…”
Olivier : For the musical part, but as a human being ?
Colby : Expressing myself has always been very crucial to my existence. Be it through conversation, relationships, nature, drumming, cooking, etc… For as long as I can remember I longed for a way to connect with others. Little did I know, I was really needing to connect with myself. It wasn’t until I wrote my first song, that I felt as if I truly did that. I had no ambition(s) of becoming a songwriter. I had never dreamt of standing on a stage…but it just so happens, that songwriting gave me a way of TRULY connecting with myself & others. Simultaneously.

Olivier : With 2 albums behind / around you, and many songs already written – more than 100 according to my sources – inspirations seems to be permanently around you.. Could you please tell us about this process… Common people are eating / sleeping / loving and you ‘ve got an extra primary needs : expressing ?
Colby : You’re right, inspiration is all around us (children growing, trees falling, the sun shining), but the inspiration is also WITHIN us… When I sat down to “write” my first song there was no paper on wood. There was no pen in hand. There was only me, a guitar and the endless emotions, ideas, thoughts & experiences running through me. No, they weren’t running, I was running!
I don’t know how other songwriters search their souls & spirits to find the songs they create… When I am creating a song, I don’t feel like I am searching for anything. Rather, I feel the songs are searching for me. When the subject is painful the song stalks me slowly; attacking me when I least expect it! I try to run towards a safer place, but it’s no use. The memory or feeling finds me and I am forced to look deeply into the eyes of reality… Other times when the song is brighter and more “positive”, it politely taps me on the shoulder and lovingly takes my hand. Together we walk whispering words of hope and promise.

Olivier : Do you qualify your songwriting as a kind of cure ?
Colby : I can only hope that others might empathize with the songs. “Me too” or “I understand what that is like.” I believe only an individual can heal oneself, but I DO feel there are many motions in the healing process. Perhaps my music is one of the many steps towards their personal healing. …I hope so.
Often, I’ve been told… “Colby, you’re songs are so sad.” I can’t help but ask, are the songs sad? Or are YOU sad?

Olivier : The song ‘No’ titling and closing your second album as ‘Don’t Folllow me’ on your first record are two beautiful dark pieces that are both full of doubts ? Is it part of your creativity process : Is doubting a kind of rebirth ?
Colby : “Don’t Follow Me” is meant to be an honest admittance. Often we look up to artists and musicians in vain. I felt it important to admit that I am nothing special…and if admitting that MAKES mne special, then so be it. Overall, I think the song is very hopeful. Forcing one to accept the responsibility of their choices. As for “No”. I often feel stranded in my own mind, body & spirit. To me, “No” is an S.O.S. (Save Our Spirits) to any one else stuck on the island of themselves…
It was written sitting beside a candle in a large bathroom on the wooden side of a copper bathtub. A dimly lit room for a dimly lit song. Hope, like the flame of the candle, flickers…

Olivier : This going to be a really personal… So, i’m not sure this will be published… Are you optimist about the world we live in ?
Colby : So much of my music is personal. It’s taken me a long time to be comfortable with that. But meeting people such as yourself helps. Publish ANY DAMN thing you want. That is one of the many beautiful things about music. It leaves so much space for interpretation…
Someone that has been sexually abused that hears a song written about that subject, is bound to find peace in the brutal subject matter. Releived that someone is sheding musical light on such a dark issue… However, someone that HASN’T been abused, will just say the song is sad. So much of our existence on this planet depends on our circumstance(s).
Colby :…optimistic?
Olivier : Yes I suppose or you would have choose another way…
Colby : If we can begin to understand and accept others then I beleive things WILL eventually (and slowly) get better… But if we continue to NOT understand and accept others I don’t think there is much hope.

Olivier : Sorry I have been writing 40 times the same question… Is facing your new songs to an audience helping you saving your soul ?
Colby : Most of my self discovery comes while creating the song…not performing it. When sharing such a personal side of myself, I learn a lot about those listening… However, sharing DOES create a relationship of sorts…and in a way that soothes my soul. I’ve been approached many times after performances…and the reaction depends on the individual. I feel the songs I share give the individual a chance to fully accept and embrace where they are in their life… Some approach me crying and we instantly embrace. Others ask me a technical question about my guitar cable. Either way, it is personal and I value those interactions sincerely.

Olivier : You’ve been touring this summer accompanied with an accordionist… you’re playing many instruments… Is your music going to evolve from this great acoustic trio we used to (vocal, guitar cello) to something different ?
Colby : Not any time soon. Anyone that has played any instrument with another person knows; it is a relationship. Investments of trust, time, energy and emotion take a lot of effort from all those involoved. I feel very fortunate to be so close to my cousin (who plays the cello), my sister (who sings harmony) and my friend Amy (who plays the accordion and also sings.) Friendship and understanding comes before the music. I can’t imagine trying to have one without the other… I hope to one day record and release a bigger production, but not until I can afford to do so…
But to answer your question, I DO hope my music continues to evolve… I beleive it will IF I–as a person–continue to evolve. Change isn’t a comfortable process and I realize that I may never have the strength to do it. Or the talent!

Olivier : From ‘No’ to ‘So Normal It’s different’, 3 years passed, do we need to await such a long time to listen your next release ?
Colby : I hope not! I would like to release an album (or more) a year… but I have to make sure there is an audience for those recordings.

Olivier : What could help you the most ?
Colby : I am a controlling person, so I haven’t ever asked for much assistance. Now I am to the point with my music that I could truly benefit from some help. Don’t get me wrong… I’ve always had endless amounts of support.
But I’ve never had a manager, or a booking agent. I am grateful of the path I have choosen. I wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned, or the songs I’ve created for anything… But I want to keep growing…both as a musician and a person.

Olivier : What are the biggest obstacles you feel a singer/song writer faces today?
Colby : Intention(s). Not just with singer songwriters, but with artists (and people) in general. Why do I want to make a living playing music? Why do I want to raise a family? Why do I want to go to church? There are so many different reasons to do what we do. I feel it is very important (and difficult) to ask ourselves why… Realizing what we truly want in life isn’t an easy process. Constantly it changes and can often become distorted. When we start creating art, children and or religions for others instead of ourselves…
I beleive it makes for a giant disconnect.
Olivier : But the path you’ve choosen to follow is a true communication process…
Colby : You’re absolutely right. Maybe that’s why my process is slower than majority of artists. In my experience communication takes time and trust.
Sometimes years and hours of conversation to begin communicating about things that REALLY matter.

Olivier : What’s your project for the coming year, Colby ?
Colby : …You’ll be impressed. I finally have a marketing plan!! My marketing plan is to market.
Olivier : ?
Colby : That’s right. I don’t feel that I have ever fully marketed my music on any serious level. We once had over 200 people come to a concert and we didn’t even hang up fliers. 2008 is going to be different. I feel it is time to take a step outside of my safety zone!
Olivier : Do you really mean that your previous attitute was a kind of self-protection ? Against who ? you ?
Colby : I think subconsciously it was. Perhaps against myself…perhaps against the scary, cynical world!
Olivier : Critics ?
Colby : Not just that… I don’t know if enough will ever be enough, but it comes down to one thing.
Colby : Do I want to share my music?
It’s taken me a long time to answer that question.
Olivier : What do you mean with ‘I don’t know if enough will ever be enough…’
Colby : My voice, the songs, my guitar…
Colby : Just good old self doubt.
Olivier : So you don’t listen carefully your friends ? or don’t trust them ?
Colby : I think it is more about trusting myself. I’m beginning to do that more and it has helped my friendships greatly.
Olivier : It’s not an easy path I agree…
Colby : Like attracts like. When I feel better about myself…I find others that feel better about themselves too.
Olivier : But you’re not choosing facility…
Colby : No Way! It’s just like hiking a mountain… There is no easy way to the top, but once you are there… All the pain and challenge(s) were well worth it.
Olivier : if a top ? a never ending quest.
Colby : EXACTLY! I am enjoying my slow journey to the top of my musical mountain…
Olivier : carpe diem ! sorry stupid….
Colby : No. The day is the moment and if we can seize either one of those, that is saying a lot! I’m sorry to answer with so many words. It might be difficult to make any sense of it all

Olivier : What’s on your stereo at the moment ?
Colby : I’m listening to Virgínia Rodrigues … have you heard of her?
Olivier : Never…
Colby : She’s Brazilian . I don’t understand a word, but the music touches me very deeply. For the past week she has taken me to a place that I needed to go.
Note : Colby sent me a sample – a song called “Salvador Não Inerte”
Olivier : The song is simply delicious !
Colby : ..with no words and or meaning. just melody, grace & wonder.
Olivier : Grace exactly ! Music is a great medium to travel !
Colby : I agree my friend. I agree.
Olivier : Through moods, lives, countries, experiences, feelings…
Colby : Perfectly said.
Olivier : Sometimes it’s dangerous… so easy to listen.. that you can forget to live your own trip!
Colby : Very true. That’s part of why I started writing my own “songs” …to further complete my journey
Olivier : That’s a good reason.. I wish i find time to write mine too…
Colby : Not all of our songs are sung the same way…the important thing is that they are sung at all…this is something I am trying to learn.

Olivier : You’ve recently updated your website, with some new videos : a serie called ‘The documentaries’ composed of 8 videos / interviews. What’s your idea behind ?
Colby :…I never put too much forethought into making these movies. A friend lent me a video camera, so I thought I would spend some quality time with it. I can’t truly express how special these interactions were for me. I learned so much about them, and more importantly, myself…
I strongly believe that we are ALL very unique. Who would have thought that a man irrigating his lawn would be interesting? It goes to show, that if you ask someone sincere questions and listen with an open heart and mind, then beautiful things will come from it. That is what I did with all of these individuals; It just so happens, I was holding a camera at the time.
For each video I wrote a song. All of the songs were written while I watched the video footage being imported onto the computer. The words, the meaning and the melody were written much like a musical score.
Olivier : What’s about the editing process ?
Colby :I did that much like cooking a meal. Following my senses. Trying to simplify the ingredients/footage, so to create something beautiful (and meaningful.)
Olivier : The Artist documentary contains one of my favorite audio track in the series ? Could you please tell us about this song ?
Colby :”Ashamed” is a song about the inevitable fear of exposing your expression (musically and or visually)…
It’s easy to walk by a painting criticizing it’s color and its life. We have a tendency to discount what the artist has gone through to create that painting.
The same can be said about music : songwriting is the canvas for my emotional paint. It gives me a specific amount of space in which to create & express myself.
Olivier : Than you for the song. Thank you so much for this conversation.

Ashamed – Colby Stead [3:43m]: Play Now | Download

I’m not sure, but i don’t think i’ve ever posted an unsigned artist on here before. At the end of the day the internet is full of them and for what it’s worth, generally i find many people are unsigned for a reason, because they’re not very good. However i believe Tom Hanson is an exception to the rule. I bought both of his cd’s, 2001’s Wake of the moon and last years Everything takes forever from the brilliant cdbaby and have been listening to them over and over again. To copy what cd baby says ”Dark folk’; ‘acoustic dream-pop’; music with a haunting, hypnotic impact: swirling finger-picked acoustic fuses with spaced-out synths, ethereal electric guitars and deep, mellow vocals.” That saved me a lot of time. I will add though at times his voice reminds me of somewhere between Nick drake and Cat stevens. You can actually download for FREE the whole of wake of the moon here from Toms webpage. I paid good money for this album and even though it’s free i would still encourage you to do so too. This music isn’t going to get you up in the morning but it’s certainly going to help that wine taste sweeter as you sit looking longingly out of your window, daydreaming of lost loves, what the future holds and wondering what our existence is all about. When listening to this, with it’s mellow strings, his whispery vocal style and lush guitar playing, you find yourself almost slowly being hypnotised, it’s beautiful.

Sorry the Crazy Dreamers have been quite busy the start of the year hence the delay in between post. I’ll try my best to fill in for a bit. Since we haven’t posted in a while I’ll leave you with another for tonight. (Now I know you haven’t heard of these guy’s Olly… I’m getting better at it)

We go back up to Ontario, Canada for the The Wooden Sky with their debut album When Lost at Sea. I just put in my order for it so I’m awaiting the arrival.  Enjoy.

Official
MySpace
Buy iTunes

With the year quickly approaching it’s end, I’m all of sudden starting to feel the anticipation of what next year will bring us. It was a great year of music but I can’t stop thinking about what awaits us in 2008. Ray LaMontagne is back in the studio recording in January, that in itself should be enough to full fill us all for the year, but I wanted to leave you all with this amazing band that is currently finishing their debut album for 2008.

It seems that the wonderful city of Seattle is giving us some great bands/artist this year like J. Tillman, Bill Patton and now Fleet Foxes. I’m sorry I didn’t post this sooner you could have caught Robin Pecknold (vocals/guitarist for Fleet Foxes) tonight along with J. Tillman at Crocodile in Seattle. I meant to post about it earlier, just didn’t get to it on time.

The five-piece band was in the process of working out a deal with an unnamed label for a February 2008 release of their debut album which is currently being produced by Phil Ek (The Shins, Band of Horses, Modest Mouse). I read somewhere that they were currently opening for The Shins so some of you may have heard of them already. There isn’t much information on them on their MySpace page nor do they have an official website up yet, but they did post that in March of 2008 they will be on tour. This is a band to look out for, I’ll post any updates as I find out more.

Happy Holiday’s and I can’t wait for 2008!

Olly recently wrote about Mieka’s album “Elijah Drop Your Gun” which got me thinking about another singer Meiko. She is a local singer/songwriter that plays often at The Hotel Cafe, as a matter of fact you can find her there this Wednesday night at 10 pm. Many around town have been singing her praises, including Paste Magazine :

“I arrived in time to catch a gorgeous set from Meiko, a waitress at Hotel Café and from what I heard last night, my pick for their next big success story. If Nic Harcourt hasn’t begun to champion her yet on his ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ show, it’s just a matter of time.” -Josh Jackson, Paste Magazine

I mention Maika because I think they have similar music in style, feel and emotion. So if you dig Meika you might just like Meiko.

[CDBaby] [Amazon]

A few days ago I logged onto my Skype account and Olivier (fellow contributor) had left me an IM with a link to Bon Ivers’ new album. I thanked him for the link and closed the window out. Later that evening I had a few minutes to spare so I went online and clicked on the link. I was immediately addicted. I can’t take credit for this find and I apologize in advance Olly if you were planning on writing about Bon Iver, but I just felt that this was/is too good not to share.

For some of you whom I’ve had off line conversations about what my album pick of the year would be, you would know that the new Josh Ritter has been ranking high on my list. Let me tell you Bon Iver is a closing in on him, very close. His album has been recorded but no actual date of release has been mentioned. I was lucky enough to get a few of his songs sent to me but am anxiously awaiting the release of the album to hold it in my hands. I’m just a sucker for the real thing.

This is the reason why I love music so much. It’s not often that you find an artist that you can connect to. Ray LaMontagne did it for me a few years back and I can’t really explain what it is other than the music just speaks to me. Bon Iver’s music just spoke to me and I can’t stop listening, playing, analyzing, and connecting to it all. “Skinny Love” became an instant favorite, you can download below. You can also stream the entire album here.

Thank you Olivier for always thinking of me and sending me amazing music. You need to start blogging more….I know, I know, life keeps us busy.

His Story:

It wasn’t planned. The goal was to hibernate.

Justin Vernon moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter. Tailing from the swirling breakup of his long time band, he escaped to the property and surround himself with simple work, quiet and space. He lived there alone for three months, filling his days with wood splitting and other chores around the land. This special time slowly began feeding a bold, uninhibited new musical focus.

The days slowly evolved into days filled with twelve-hour recording blocks, breaking only for trips on the tractor into the pines to saw and haul firewood, or for frozen sunrises high up a deer stand. All of his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss and guilt that had been stock piled over the course of the past six years, was suddenly purged into the form of song. The end result is, For Emma, Forever Ago, a nine-song album comprised of what’s been dubbed by those most familiar with his music: Vernon’s best work to date.

Bon Iver (pronounced: bohn eevair; French for “good winter” and spelled wrong on purpose) is a greeting, a celebration and a sentiment. It is a new statement of an artist moving on and establishing the groundwork for a lasting career. For Emma, Forever Ago is the debut of this lineage of songs. As a whole, the record is entirely cohesive throughout and remains centered around a particular esthetic, prompted by the time and place for which it was recorded. Vernon seems to have tested his boundaries to the maximum, and in doing so has managed to break free form any pre-cursing or finished forms. continue

In what seems ages ago,my best friend Susana introduced this beautiful voice that is, Benjamin Costello, to me. It’s been several years coming (still waiting) for the anticipated release of his album, Start Again Tomorrow. He has one of the best interactive web pages that I’ve ever seen. Two weeks ago he had an amazing pod cast straight from his bedroom to mine. We’ll to everyone that tuned in, but I swear it felt as if he was singing to only me. This Thursday August the 13, he will be having his second installation of bedtime melodies, boy are you guys in for a treat.

You can also find him on myspace .

I’ve posted a few of his originals and covers. You can download more mp3’s from his Official Web Page

“A musician from an early age, singer and songwriter Benjamin Costello has always found he best expresses himself through music. His introspective lyrics and complex, emotional melodies reflect his passion as well as his education and musical influences. After receiving a formal music education in piano, voice, and conducting, Benjamin is exploring his own compositional voice as he moves away from genres with a clear divide between performer and composer.

Benjamin rediscovered his love for performing after putting together an acoustic show of songs by his strongest influence, Radiohead. Other influences include Damien Rice, the Beatles, and James Taylor. Benjamin’s captivating performances offer a combination of originals and select covers that speak to him. Each of his selections feature his smooth vocals, described as “hypnotic” and “tender and beautiful,” with piano or guitar accompaniment ranging from delicate and intricate to passionate and powerful. Located in Ithaca, NY, Benjamin plays a variety of venues both locally and in the surrounding area.”

I am truly on a mission this year to find great female vocalist. I feel that that the representation of women in the music pool is lacking at the moment. The last time I could remember wanting to see a female performer was Rachel Yamagata, which by the way I can’t wait for her upcoming album, that’ll be on my next post. But for every Rachel, Feist, A Fine Frenzy that actually makes it, there are hundreds of other vocalist out there who don’t but are just as talented as as the rest.In my quest to find the great ones, I’ll start with a good find, Jaymay, she’s been in the “Folk” scene in NY for some time now and it wasn’t till I heard “You Are the Only One I Love” that I actually took an interest. She’s been compared by a lot of bloggers out there to the likes of Regina Spektor. I’m interested to see what you all think of her.

Download:

Jaymay

Tracks:

01: Your the Only One I Love (my favorite)
02: Grey or Blue
03: Sea Green, Sea Blue
04: Letter
05: Color Confused
06: Tragedy
07: What Happend

*Jaymay’s Myspace**Jaymay’s Official site*

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