What I'm Listening to This Month: July 2014

Where did July go? I have not been to the beach nearly enough times for how far we are into summer... although I probably won't be heading to Venice Beach anytime soon. Here's to hoping the only thing electrifying in your life right now is love or music! I've got some laid back beats and empowered female singers for you this month:

Playlist

July Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 2/ Stolen Dance by Milky Chance

This song has me rocking out in my car everytime I catch it on the radio- I can't help but roll the windows down, blast the volume and sway along to Milky Chance's muted vocals. It's like the awkward teenage white girl in me resurfaces, and I'm transported back to goofy dance parties in my bedroom when none of us quite knew how to dance. 

- Track 4/ All About that Bass by Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor wrote us a summer anthem to bring booty back! This gorgeous singer-songwriter's retro-inspired song celebrates bodies of all shapes and sizes- the perfect jam for a little pick me up amidst the stress of bikini season.

- Track 17/ Girl in a Country Song by Maddie & Tae

This is my new favorite country song, the way I like them: with a feminist twist. These young girls have addressed in a song, much of what I dislike about country music: the role of women in many popular songs today. I dunno about you, but this song drives me "redneck crazy"- in a good way!

Thanks for listening (literally)!

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Roots in Independence

This month I've teamed up with Shana Mattheis of Roots Revival Co. to bring you an Independence Day playlist! I met Shana about six months ago at a craft fair where I was playing a gig with my dad, and we connected through our mutual love of folk music. Her company Roots Revival Co. is rooted (ha!) in craftsmanship and inspired by the resurgence and renewal of the folk music tradition. Her store features beautiful handmade items, from delicious lip balms to my personal favorite: lyric-stamped copper jewelry. She asked me to create her a playlist this month featuring songs about freedom, free spirits, and a little patriotism-- and I can't think of a better way to celebrate our country's birthday!

Playlist

Roots in Independence

Highlights

- Track 1/ Live While Were Young by Johnnyswim

My new favorite duo, and previously featured in a past post/playlist- this song is about living life to the fullest and the adventurous spirit the comes with youth. 

- Track 10/ I Feel the Blues Movin' In by Harris, Ronstadt, & Parton

Three of the most important American folk singer/songwriters: Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Dolly Parton teamed up on this track about love slipping away. Although not particularly about freedom, this song is the 'Blue' to my set of 'Red, White, & Blue' songs on the list.

- Track 13/ Stars by Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Grace Potter is a voice to be reckoned with, and this is probably one of my favorite songs by her. Not originally intended as any kind of patriotic song, Stars is an emotional song about losing someone dear to you. I would like to dedicate it to the brave men and women who fought for our country to ensure our freedoms.

You can also find this playlist on 8tracks and Shana's Roots Revival Co. blog. Be sure to check out Roots Revival Co. on Facebook and on her website!

Thanks for listening (independently)!

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What I'm Listening to this Month: June 2014

Just barely in the nick of time for my second playlist of the month! Here's to celebrating the beginning of summer with some fun dance anthems, soul singers, and a little bit of hip hop.

Playlist

June Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 1/ Satisfaction by Allen Stone

Allen Stone is a self-proclaimed 'hippie with soul,' and man--can this white dude sing! My brother played a couple of his songs while we were road tripping from Massachusetts to D.C. last month, and I knew I had to include at least one in the playlist this month. 

- Track 12/ Little Lion Man by Tonight Alive

Another song stolen from the East Coast road trip with my siblings last month- this is probably one of the best covers I've heard! Tonight Alive reminds me of a more hardcore Paramore, and their pop-punk take on Mumford & Sons' biggest song is ingenious. 

- Track 16/ Chandelier by Sia

I adore Sia: she's got singing chops, she's weird, and she got Lena Dunham to perform an interpretive dance number for this song on Late Night. It's funny for me to see Sia doing songs like this new single and David Guetta's Titanium (which I ADORE) which has made her so famous. Before all of this, she was making alternative jazz/pop singer-songwriter stuff, and also one of my favorite melancholy songs: Breathe Me. Also, apparently she used to sing back up vocals for Jamiroquai. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook