Dancing Banjos, Indy-Indie Rock, Haitian ArtSpace, & Truth Wrapped in Beauty

Posted by parkejladd on Feb 18, 2010 in Featured {Article} | 7 comments

It has been a bit of a slow, melodic year for me in terms of music, but the times they are a changing. I’ve taken the symbols off the walls, dusted off the set, and discovered (some for a second or third time) four artists whom I have come to respect and enjoy. I think their music is worth sharing. I’m always on the look-out for new artists, especially Indy based, so let me know if I’m missing someone you love. For the latest in music appreciation, I usually go to this great music resource blog. Also, I find this coffee shop in Irvington to be very supportive of the arts (including live music) and always overflowing with spectacular joe. The picture above is painted on the side of their building. One more thing, if you’re looking for a different way to support the people of Haiti, click here.  All proceeds raised from the selling of the photographs taken of the desperate situation in Haiti will be directly donated to support medical missions within the country.

Throw Down Your Heart: Tales from the Acoustic Planet Vol. 3-Africa Sessions is one of the most explosive yet soothingly artistic collaborations I have ever heard. Bela Fleck is one of the world’s premiere musicians, and his incorporation of incredibly talented African vocals and rhythms into his experimental style has once again pushed the boundaries of acoustic vibrancy and sound.

Derek Webb’s Stockholm Syndrome is a brave combination of beauty and truth. From start to finish, Webb uncovers some of the most common habits that the church is painfully addicted to. This album will leave you unsettled and, at many points along the way, baffled by how to respond. Webb’s music is not without controversy, and I think he believes that’s right where the church should be.

Kristin Newborn, lead singer of Indy’s very own, Slothpop, is leading the Indie music charge here in the city. Her voice seemingly floats along as her hands dance upon her guitar or press into her keys. Her music is laid back yet concerned, fun yet contemplative. I saw Newborn in concert at Earth House Collective this past month, and had the opportunity to chat with her after her performance. Aside from being a lovely musician, she is also overwhelmingly kind and thankful for the support. To understand more about Kristin’s voice, click here.

Josh Hoke is an Indy based artist in beautiful transformation. His lyrics powerful, his voice raspy, his heart broken for those he sings for, it’s difficult not to embrace the message of hope threaded throughout his music. I’ve seen Hoke live many times, and the passion he has for whom he sings of is both overwhelming and inspiring.  Many artists are willing to openly let their lives be viewed, but very few are willing to allow their story to be seen for all that it genuinely is. Hoke has one of the most unique voices I’ve ever heard. He understands the power of music. He understands the necessity of worship. For a glance into his music click here.