Music Gr8's

Now Playing: Drunk by Ed Sheeran

----------

Hey, all!

I'm sure most of you know this, but I run. A lot. And not always because I want to, but because I have this man I call "Coach" that makes me get up everyday at an early hour I hope to never see again after I graduate. Luckily, now that I'm a senior, the Boss Man and I are as tight as a camel's ass in a sandstorm. This means a few days a week, I get to practice when I want to practice, when most of the other kids have to wake up at the butt crack of dawn.

So, the other night I was exercising alone on the indoor track, running countless laps with my iPod blasting my eardrums out of my skull. Unfortunately, when I run alone for an extended amount of time, I have to listen to music to keep my mind going. With that, I got to thinking, "I wonder if everyone can hear what music is playing?" With further self-deliberation, I realized that probably none of these people in here listen to what I listen to when I run. Or listen to what I listen to ever! I feel as if my brain was telling me to spread the news about some fantastic artists that many people haven't heard of. I'd like to think of myself as someone who has a good(ish?) taste in music, and I wanna show you all a few. Some of you maybe listen to these artists, some used to and are revisiting them, and some have never heard. But I think we all need a little of these slick musical pros -- in my opinion -- in our lives.

So, here's my top 8 (as of right now and in no particular order):

1. Kevin Hammond @iamkevinhammond

You're probably wondering the same thing: Why am I not dating that sexy man? And guys, you can even admit that he is a babe and a half. Come on, you don't have to tell anyone. Anyway, Kevin is actually from the Kenosha area and now tours across the nation spreading his talents across America. The guy plays all sorts of instruments, including acoustic guitar and piano, which harmonize perfectly with his vocals. He has the range of an angel, and manages to stay cute during the whole show. Songs like "Broken Down" and "Maybe" will undoubtedly repeat over and over in your head until all you can think about is Kevin serenading you at a candlelit dinner for two (or is that just me?). Regardless, reward your ears with a little audio pleasure and give him a listen; you won't be disappointed.

2. Cas Haley @cashaley



Cas made his debut in the music world during the second season of the hit NBC competition show "America's Got Talent." The guy entered the stage with a smile and an acoustic guitar and blew everyone away with his cover of "Walking on the Moon" (David Hasselhoff looks like a complete moron in this video, as usual. Plus, once Cas starts crying, I cry right along with him every time). Since then, he's come out with two albums, both of which are ear-candy and definitely worth downloading -- legally, of course. My personal favorites are "I Wish That I" and "Dread Head Dream," which both remind of evenings spent with toes in the sand. With his reggae beats and beach-bum style, his music is best listened to in the summertime with the windows down or around a campfire with friends. Ahh, I just love Cas.

3. Rick Seibold @RickSeibold

Yep, he's cute, too. And his voice? Cuter (although I'm not sure if he'd like the word "cute" describing his musical style). But regardless of what I think, look him up yourself. An old romance of mine sparked my love for him, and if anything good came from the relationship, it was discovering Rick Seibold's music. Although the video is a little creepy, check out "Mary." Everytime I treat myself by listening to it, my knee turns into a drum and my hands become the sticks. It's probably annoying, but great music makes me do strange things. While you're at it, listen to "Can't Go On" and "That's The Day." Well worth a download.

4. Angela McCluskey @angelamccluskey

Okay, so to be honest, I discovered Miss Angela in a Morgan Page's beat called "In the Air" that featured her throughout. Her fantastic addition to the song inspired me to scour the internet in search of more. And boy, was I happy I did that (see, mom and dad? House music can be useful... right?). Her raspy, 1930's-esque tone captures the room and fills the walls with soul and emotion. Although some may classify her as more of a "folk" artist, I consider her more jazz or blue-grass... at least her voice is. Regardless, she's wonderful. Check out her cover of the 1937 musical hit "My Funny Valentine" and her smashing piece "It's Been Done."

5. Mike Golden and Friends @MikeGoldenDaily

Somehow, a friend of mine that goes to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, has a connection to Mike Golden. So, I heard of his music through her raving about him and his group. Of course, I checked him out and fell in love. Clanking beer bottles paired with his guitar and amp, he pieced together my favorite song of his, "Stay Here." His EP that went along with that masterpiece, Trees Pt. 1, boasted several other fantastic hits. The second EP, obviously named Trees Pt. 2, holds my other favorite song, "Bones," which makes you want to yell along in the car with your eyes closed (although I wouldn't recommend this). To my friends in the Central Illinois area who don't know about Mike, go and see him! Now that I live in Milwaukee I can't go to his shows, so do it for me! And report back!

6. Diane Birch @dianebirch

Oh, boy. Diane Birch. Her CD "Bible Belt" consists of songs that make you want to cry, smile, scream and dance all at once. I can't find many other albums that packs so many feelings onto one disc. "Fire Escape" combines a phenomenal voice with raw emotion that you just can't help but sing along to. Although, there's a good chance you'll be an octave below or above because this girl has some damn range! And find yourself toe-tapping to her more upbeat song (rhythmically), "Valentino." She's definitely one everyone should take a listen to; someone with this much musical talent deserves it. Plus, she's such a cutie for you men out there!

7. Lissie @lissiemusic

Messy hair and freckles and all, Lissie is the whole package. Her single "When I'm Alone" came on 88.9 Radio Milwaukee on the way to work one day and I scrambled to copy down the lyrics so I could find it later and listen to it over and over and over. Which I did, happily. She's got a folky vibe to her, and as you explore her album "Catching a Tiger," a little country and bluesy-rock are pulled in. Look up "Cuckoo" and "In Sleep." Mmm, well worth it. Her rebellious nature is exuded throughout her CD, making her all the more badass. Plus, she's from Rock Island, IL: a small town to which I have a lot of ties to. Way to represent the Midwest, Lissie!

8. Jarle Bernhoft @bernhoft

First things first, yummy. Secondly, if I showed you an audio clip of this guy singing, you'd never know he was a small, nerdy-ish (but in a good way) white guy. You'd think more along the lines of a leader of a gospel choir or someone similar to John Legend. Not only can the guy sing, he often performs completely alone, using his guitar, beat boxing and a loop pedal that allows it to sound like an entire band is backing up his outstanding vocal cords. The song "C'mon Talk" (yeah, that's live) made me fall in love, along with others like "Choices" and "So Many Faces." Enjoy Jarle; I know you will.

----------

Long, I know. But so worth it! Take a look at these guys and expand your musical horizons! You'll be happy you did, and I'm willing to guess that some of the songs I talked about are going to be blasting through your headphones for the next few weeks. Thanks for hanging with me.

Until next time,

erika