Oslo by De Joie De Joie really captures the joy of thriving where you belong. Listening to this song put a smile on my face and I hope it will do the same for you. written by Dallas Fluegel
2.
Disclosure by The Silent Critics When I first heard The Silent Critics I was hooked. The music and lyrics were interesting, but the vocals were breathtaking.
written by Dallas Fluegel
3.
If Only You Knew by An Atlas To Follow An Atlas To Follow is a magical song that you will not regret listening to. Get yourself into your best music environment and enjoy the music. written by Dallas Fluegel
4.
Alaye by JKS Sundar, JKA Shalini Our only foreign language song (so far) is made for U.S. radio. If you like the current EDM trend you’re going to want to hear this. written by Dallas Fluegel
5.
You Are Mighty by Melonie Caudle This song truly captures how amazing and mighty God is. His unfailing love are things that we all need to be reminded of on a daily basis. I hope you get as much from this song as I do. written by Shaina Hawkins
You can go directly to our Top 5 playlist on Spotify or YouTube.
The Novel Ideas are a quartet from Massachusetts. This country folk band of friends describes their music as ‘pastoral, harmony, and plaintive Americana.’ However, I would just call it folk with a tinge of country. Currently The Novel Ideas have 4,398 monthly listeners on Spotify allowing them to be the focus of this week’s artist spotlight.
The Novel Ideas debuted their first album in 2012, a nine track collection of folksy goodness. My favorite song of the this album is The Blue Between Us. A tribute to the wonderful place we all call home. Enjoy your next four minutes of life by listening to The Novel Ideas’ The Blue Between Us. Lyrics and Commentary Below.
Well my mind’s still limber but my heart’s grown old From the time I left the only place I know And it makes me happy we didn’t get let go I couldn’t stand to see our love just decompose
Now I’ve been walking home nearly every night And here’s to everyone I ever loved but had to leave behind For the one thing I can’t find though I’ve been looking half my life And it’s damn hard to explain but I will try it if you like
If you ask me once I’ll tell you so That the blue between us never felt so cold And I miss the folk singers from the days of old When a three-chord song could save your soul
And no I’m never on time least that’s what I’m told So why’s everything feel like it moves too slow? And if I were scared I wouldn’t let it show ‘Cause if I die tonight I’m not going home
Why’s it seem so wrong to miss the town you love? When there’s just one state that you cannot stop thinking of I wouldn’t say I’m patriotic but I think that’s what I’ve become Sometimes it takes where you are not, just to remember where you’re from
Was it my fault that I meant every single word I said? When I told you it was not the end And if everything goes wrong, I hope we can get along If I lost you I would lose my best friend
And now we’re weathering the storm, side by side we’re looking on It takes a certain kind of love to bear this load But it’s not the tired romance of the open road
Commentary
I’m not sure why, but I love a song filled with grief. The desire to be somewhere, something, or even someone else can be conveyed so well in music as compared to other art forms. You can experience the distress of the artist in the combination of vocals, instruments, and lyrics that can’t be matched in a brush stroke, chapter, or picture.
The vocals and feel of this song pair perfectly together to express the distress of the singer. A person whose pleasant angsty voice magnifies the lyric’s message of longing. The soulful harmonies give the song depth while the honest lyrics portray a bold authenticity. The singer is nearly embarrassed with his intense feelings for missing home, but I find it endearing.
Here’s a novel idea.
Sometimes the things we are embarrassed by are the same things that endear us to our loved ones and watching world.
What do you think?
The Novel Ideas can be followed the on Facebook or Twitter. You can purchase their debut album on Amazon and iTunes or give directly to them to show your appreciation on bandcamp. I have bad news; as of September of 2018 The Novel Ideas are no longer a band, but you can still enjoy their music on Spotify and YouTube.
All Because of You (feat. Graham Colton & Lindsey Ray) by Sooner The Sunset
Sonner The Sunset is Graham Colton & Linsey Ray of Oklahoma. They released their one and only album in 2012 titled Sonner The Sunset featuring a pop-folk set of songs that are catchy and fun. Currently, Sooner The Sunset have 65 Monthly Listeners on Spotify making them a perfect candidate for our Artist Spotlight.
Sooner The Sunset excelled at love songs. I enjoyed the electric-pop feel of Love is Landing, and I just adore the humming involved with Helium Heart; However, I wanted to introduce you to my favorite song of theirs, All Because of You. A sweet song that I like to pretend they made for each other, but who knows. Enjoy.
Left the door wide open Didn’t have a clue Thought that I had locked it The lock was broken too In you came like summer rain Filling up my heart and yours too
I got all these symptoms I can’t describe Tell me is there something that can be prescribed All these nights of losing sleep Left me in this state my heart goes
Pitter pat I’m tongue tied I’m feeling all these butterflies My mouth is dry, can hardly speak My heart keeps playing hide and seek I think I’m coming down with something, love-sick kind of flu I’m working up a fever and it’s all because of you
Do do do do do do (x3) All because of you
I’ve been dead I can’t kick No matter how hard I try My knees are getting weaker and I can’t deny Falling faster Falling deep Felt it from the start My heart goes
Pitter pat I’m tongue tied I’m feeling all these butterflies My mouth is dry, cad hardly speak My heart keeps playing hide and seek I think I’m coming down with something love-sick kind of flu I’m working up a fever and it’s all because of you
I’m in love It’s all because of you (I can’t keep from falling) x8
Pitter pat I’m tongue tied I’m feeling all these butterflies My mouth is dry, can hardly speak My heart keeps playing hide and seek I think I’m coming down with something love-sick kind of flu I’m working up a fever and it’s all because of you
Pitter pat I’m tongue tied I’m feeling all these butterflies My mouth is dry, can hardly speak My heart keeps playing hide and seek I think I’m coming down with something love-sick kind of flu I’m working up a fever and it’s all because of you
Do do do do do do (x3) All because of you
Commentary
What is there to say? This is just a lovely song. I really love the idea of blaming the other person for your feelings. Normally, I would considerate that irresponsible, but here it is sweet. It’s kind of funny how the same concept can be both horrible and wonderful.
If you listen with really good headphones during the ‘I’m in love, it’s all because of you” bridge you can hear a sort of conversation going on in the background. This is an interesting concept to me. I do not understand it, but it definitely gives the song an extra bit of warmth. It is so soft I can’t make out any of what is being said, but i’m sure it is lovely.
If you like this song you might want to check out our article on The Soorleys.
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Jak Sundar is a producer from Chennai, India. He is a huge fan of Machael Jackson’s music and it is with this inspiration that Jak has set out to make pop music. In his song, Alaye, Jak enlisted the help of singer JKA Shalini. Shalini is also from Chennai, India where she lives with her husband and kids. Jak Sundar has 1 monthly Spotify listener, and JKA Shalini has 608 monthly Spotify listeners making them a perfect duo for this week’s artists spotlight
Alaye is a song that has popular electronic music themes infused throughout the track like Shalini’s haunting voice, synthesizers galore, and an epic beat. It’s a song that belongs on the radio, and I hope it will take off in the United States soon. Since I am only a (sub-par) master of one language I reached out to JKA Shalini and she was kind enough to give me the lyrics of the song, which were then translated by a wonderful user of Reddit. But first, enjoy Alaye by Jak Sundar & JKA Shalini. Lyrics and Analysis below.
Alaye alaye alaye alaye Alaye alaye un aatralai tharava Nilave nilave nilave nilave Nilave nilave un olithanai thara vaa
Alaye un aatral tharayo Adiyen ivan nadai poda Nilave un olithanai tharayo Nilathil ivan karaigal than sera….
Alaye alaye alaye alaye Alaye alaye un aatralai tharava Nilave nilave nilave nilave Nilave nilave un olithanai thara vaa
Welcome the rain that comes down from the sky Let the road get wet for you to go Welcome the sea fish that swims far You go without slowing down
Among a thousand searches find your place Sing a song and tell your story
Go forward without stopping Push the opponents behind you Say that you will get up even if you fall Go as far as you can touch the skyline
Let the waves give the energy For him to walk Let the moon give the light For him to reach the shore
Go forward without stopping Push the opponents behind you Say that you will get up even if you fall Go as far as you can touch the skyline
Oh wave after wave after wave after wave Come wave after wave to give the energy Oh moon oh moon oh moon oh moon Oh moon oh moon come to give the light
Let the waves give the energy For him to walk Let the moon give the light For him to reach the shore
Wave after wave after wave after wave Come wave after wave to give the energy Oh moon oh moon oh moon oh moon Oh moon oh moon come to give the light
Meaning (from the Artist)
“This song portrays the struggles of a young boy who is bullied and harmed by people around him, which in turns makes the boy stronger and equips himself to face his struggles with the help of his affectionate brother… This song is dedicated to all the young children to grow up in life stronger and face all the hurdles in life.” ~ From the Youtube Description
Commentary
This song stands as a positive force in a time great darkness across the world. The human race is being bullied by its own members and the forces of nature. This song can serve as motivation that despite being knocked down we can always get up, learn from our mistakes, and face the issues at hand.
Let us therefore face the day with new strength. May you bring courage into your heart. May you fight for justice. May you be a force of peace in your home, neighborhood, and city. And finally, may you end this day knowing the world is at least a tiny bit better because of your actions.
If you’re interested in more music by JKA Shalini you can follow her on Facebook, Spotify, Instagram, or Youtube. JKA Shalini, herself, requests you take a listen to one of her newest songs, Alaathi.
Connor Edwards has been redeemed by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ – he loves college basketball! Go Clemson Tigers! Ironically, he does not love college football. He loves watching soccer! He is a huge Atlanta United and USMNT fan – he loves watching TV shows on Hulu and Netflix. He’s not nearly as much of a movie guy, mainly due to fear of it being slow and boring for two hours – However, he loves waking up early and starting his day off the right way in the morning (working out, quiet time/Bible study, breakfast, etc.)
“Before” is a newly released single. I enjoy the piano version more than the original. It feels more personal to me and truly captures the love he has for the girl and the distance between them mentioned in this song. Patience is something that most people want, but not everyone has. Especially when it comes to relationships communication and patience is essential!
“Before” – Connor Edwards
My heart is in my throat I don’t know where to go To start our life I can feel it in my chest I don’t know what is best I won’t sleep tonight
If I don’t see what you see I hope you still love me And know that I’m trying, babe
Why’s it gotta be like this Why’s she gotta live this far She’s the only thing I’ve ever missed I know now what it’s like to starve I learned her from the outside in And everything I find is gold I can tell you what it’s like to live The greatest love story told
I wanna hold her hand To feel more like her man And to stop the shakes I don’t know what to say To make it go away And get us off the brake
If I don’t see what you see I hope you still love me And know that I’m trying, babe
Why’s it gotta be like this Why’s she gotta live this far She’s the only thing I’ve ever missed I know now what it’s like to starve I learned her from the outside in And everything I find is gold I can tell you what it’s like to live The greatest love story told
If I don’t see what you see I hope you still love me
Why’s it gotta be like this Why’s she gotta live this far She’s the only thing I’ve ever missed I know now what it’s like to starve I learned her from the outside in And everything I find is gold I can tell you what it’s like to live The greatest love story told
DIVING DEEP
Being in a long-distance relationship is very trying on a couple and I’m talking from first-hand experience. At the beginning it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but as the days, weeks, and months start to pass you being to realize that it’s harder than you could have ever comprehended. Not being able to spend every second of every day with that person is difficult.
Connor Edwards does a great job expressing how difficult the distance is between him and his “babe”. Missing her and not being able to be with her is only one of the many complications that comes with a relationship. But if two people are willing to make it work and put in the effort, then they’re doing all that can be done. And it may one day become “The greatest love story ever told.”
Every day in a relationship is exciting and scary. Exciting as in, “I wonder what’s going to happen today? What new memories will happen today? How many times will he make me laugh.” But scary as in, “Will this end? What is he thinking? What is she thinking?” Insecurities happen. They’re prone to happen in relationships. More so in a long-distance one. But then you begin to truly realize what you want and how much the person means to you, “Why’s it gotta be like this, Why’s she gotta live this far, She’s the only thing I’ve ever missed, I know now what it’s like to starve.”
This song reminds me that even though relationships are hard, especially long-distance ones if two people are really committed to one another the waiting, the patience, the distance will all be worth it in the end. Because one day, they will get to be together again. And the distance that had once been separating them will disappear and fade into the background. It will feel like only seconds have passed instead of days, weeks, months, or years.
What have you learned about your past relationships? Long distance relationships?
Nashville Tennessee’s Swingin Hammers is Benjamin Rupe, father, husband, and a shockingly authentic human being. Ben describes himself as a fighter by nature and his mission is to “challenge unto life.” What does that mean!? I’m sure we can find out. Swingin Hammers currently sits at 6,473 monthly Spotify listeners making him a prime candidate for our artists spotlight.
Swingin Hammers released his self titled album in 2017 and Quite, Vol 1 in 2020. The song that really got my attention was Breathe Again from the Album Swingin Hammers. It is a raw, heartfelt ballad expressing deep, emotional truths. The song is simple, but stunning. It can have me nearly in tears and smiling in the same 4 minutes. There is so much I can say about it, but Benjamin was kind enough to tell me about the song and I will share that with you after you give the song a listen. Lyrics, Meaning, & Commentary below.
Stepping out into the light Look around you say it’s alright It hurts to peel the bandage off But I see now just what it costs
It’s like I can breathe again It’s like I’ve got a heart within It’s like I can feel again Just learning to breathe you in
When I was clear, oh so honest About the doubts and confusions in my mind You did not, no, cast me down to hell You just looked at me and you kindly smiled
It’s like I can breathe again It’s like I’ve got a heart within It’s like I can feel again Just learning to breathe you in
Oh cause I been runnin’ Away from confession I been lookin’ for healing Where it’s not mine to find Without the pain of a strong love That loves enough to wound
It’s like I can breathe again It’s like I’ve got a heart within It’s like I can feel again Just learning to breathe you in
It’s like I can breathe again It’s like I’ve got a heart within It’s like I can feel again Gotta learn to, gotta learn to breathe you in
Meaning (according the author)
“Breathe Again is a song about how excruciatingly painful and how unbelievably freeing confession is. It was written with my porn addiction in mind mostly, but also my previous life in alcoholism as well. At least those are the two most tangible ones that I think of. I remember having to confess that sin of porn over and over again and how every single time it felt like a bandage that just needed [to be] ripped off. It was exhausting and TERRIFYING every time, but it would free me of my sin. All of that’s based off of 1 John 1:7-8. Here: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. All that to say, Jesus is incredibly kind to us.”
Commentary
When the Church is done right it is a breathtakingly beautiful institution. I remember my first taste of confession. I remember being afraid to say what I was going through. I remember being scared of being kicked out of the group. And then I remember my friends responding with a smile and some of the most powerful words in the world, “Me too.”
You did not, no, cast me down to hell You just looked at me and you kindly smiled
Wow. What a moment. To know that I wasn’t alone in my brokenness meant so much to me. Overtime I have become fully known and fully loved. Being fully known means my church group knows my past and they know my thought life, past and current. They have heard the darkest, most vile thoughts of mine and have welcomed me into their home. It’s crazy. It’s wonderful. It is powerful.
Benjamin says Swingin Hammer’s mission is to ‘challenge unto life.’ I think this means he wants encourage people to not live a life of mediocrity. The life he is imploring us to is one of authenticity and meaning where we can be fully known and fully loved, then fully know and fully love others.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” ~ Jesus in John 10:10
If you want to hear Benjamin’s additional commentary on the song you can find it below.
You can find Swingin Hammers on their website or follow them on Facebook, Youtube, or Spotify. You can get a free copy of Swingin Hammers most recent album here. You can buy the self titled album, Swingin Hammers on iTunes or Amazon.
As always feel free to share the music, the website, or maybe even both with your fellow music lovers.
In 2012 An Atlas To Follow released Golden Sun, a six track EP, and toured through 2014. Since then their website has become entirely Chinese and they haven’t posted on Facebook one time. This Knoxville, Tennessee modern indie folk band consisted of Thomas Smith (lead singer), Zac Smith, Amanda Kinney, & Josh Jones. Currently An Atlas To Follow has 6,053 monthly Spotify listeners making them an excellent candidate for our Artist Spotlight.
An Atlas To follow slowly formed into a four piece band over the years of 2009 and 2010. Thomas and Amanda met and discovered each other in a study abroad program in 2009 and started singing together shortly thereafter. Golden Sun was An Atlas To Follow’s only album, although they did release an album under another name in 2010, Suite C.
The first track on the Golden Sun album to catch my ear was Be Kind To Boston. I loved the harmonies and how the song builds up. However, after I dived into the album a new favorite quickly emerged. Enjoy the second track from the Golden Sun album If Only You Knew by An Atlas to Follow. Find lyrics and the meaning below.
Let me tell you dear, I know I said it’s just a story But the truth is I write words to form a crutch to help me get by It wasn’t my intention to leave you out in the cold I wrote this all down and I put it in a song Cause I found that my words fail me When I need them most I’ve got a way with words But I’m not sure it’s the good kind Cause I let them get away from me And I just hope that you’ll find That your name is hidden somewhere Deep between most of them
Bah-di-dah-dah…..
I once had a mind to let this run its course But the wind and the rain had their way with us Cause something deep inside me said I had to learn the hard way I’m scared of being alone, but I’m scared to look you in the eyes And ask you if you’d like to dance with me Because I’ll make a fool of myself These words are nothing more than pebbles thrown In desperation at your window pane Just hoping that the rhythmic sound will help you sleep tonight
If only you knew If only you knew If only you knew If only you knew If only you knew If only you knew
Bah-di-dah-dah…..
If only you knew If only you knew And if only you knew If only you knew
Bah-di-dah-dah…..
Meaning
I really really like this song. There’s something magical in the bah-di-dahs. It feels like its taking me somewhere. It makes me close my eyes and smile.
I really like to dive into the meaning of a song’s lyrics, but I love it when it artists tells us (most of the time) what the song is actually about. In an interview, An Atlas To Follow expanded on the meaning of the album and what each song meant to the writer.
“Golden Sun” has a lot to do with unrequited love, or rather, unrequited feelings, with the two bright spots on the EP being Call this Home and the title track. Louisiana was born from the frustration of still carrying around the weight of regrets and remorse from a failed relationship. Really it wasn’t a relationship at all; I was just very emotionally involved. The song does it’s best to say without saying that I was tired. Tired of having her in the back of my head every other day. Tired of not being able to move forward due to the delusional hope that something where I was might change for the better. Be Kind to Boston, If Only You Knew and Too Late to Say I Love You all come from the same situation where I had some very strong feelings toward a certain someone but knew that they weren’t shared. If you listen to them in the order listed earlier you can see the thematic arc of the “situation”: from hope to desire to desperation to loss. It all worked out in the end though, she changed her mind… and that album is in the works.”
I love happy endings! I hope y’all did too.
You can find An Atlas To Follow on Facebook, Spotify, or Youtube. You can purchase their album on iTunes or through Amazon. A large portion of this post was taken from an Interview found on sonicbids.com.
Kyshona (KUH-shauna) Armstrong creates empowering music from her new home in Nashville, Tennessee. On February 28th, she released her newest album, Listen. It blends rock, blues, and R&B with uplifting lyrics. Kyshona Armstrong currently sits at 3,549 monthly listeners on Spotify making her a perfect candidate for our Artist Spotlight.
Kyshona’s mission it to heal people. She started her career as a music therapist. She and her clients would write songs together. She even worked with inmates. Eventually she felt the need to branch out and create her own music, but she never forgot her roots. Her songs are filled with empowering, uplifting lyrics to encourage the forgotten and marginalized.
I reached out to Kyshona Armstrong to find out where the song Marching On came from and what it means to her, and she was awesome enough to respond. But first, enjoy Marching On, the 9th song on Kyshona Armstrong’s album Listen.
Lyrics
Many the miles that I have traveled So much pain I had to rise above So many dreams have come unraveled Still waiting for my love
I hear a distant Hallelujah singing a change is gonna come
I can still find a song in this old guitar I can still see a light in that dying star I hear that jubilee choir and its singing into the dawn Keep on Marching, child Keep on Marching on The road it may be long, but keep on marching on
Many the men who have fallen by the hand of a mighty few But we can hear their voices calling children we’ve passed the flame on to you
I hear a distant Hallelujah singing We shall not be moved
I can still find a song in this old guitar I can still see a light in that dying star I hear that jubilee choir and its singing into the dawn Keep on Marching, child Keep on Marching on The road it may be long, but keep on marching on
I can still find a song in this old guitar I can still see a light in that dying star I hear that jubilee choir and its singing into the dawn Keep on Marching, child Keep on Marching on The road it may be long, but keep on marching on
I hear a distant Hallelujah singing We shall Overcome
I can still find a song in this old guitar I can still see a light in that dying star I hear that jubilee choir and its singing into the dawn Keep on Marching, child Keep on Marching on The road it may be long, but keep on marching on
Diving Deep
I really dig the electric instruments in this song with the persistent beat. This instrumental combination gives the song a lot of power which is only amplified by Kyshona’s dynamic vocals. Kyshona was kind enough to give me details about how the song was created and how the meaning has changed for her in light of recent events.
“Marching On was written following a conversation with my co-writers, Simon Gugala and Jason White. Simon had the chorus in mind and it got us thinking about all the things that are lost when we chose to only focus on lack.
In the time of protests and pandemic, this song had taken a more pointed meaning that no matter how long the road and difficult the journey, we must continue to march for those that came before us and for those that follow our lead. Shifting our focus from what is wrong with the world, to what we can purposefully do to make it better.”
Yes. We can all look around and see that something is wrong with this world, but let’s not stop there. Surely there is something we can do to purposefully to make it better. What’s the first step?
Listen.
Kyshona Armstrong Performs Marching On live on Lost River Sessions
Above the Golden State is a west coast surf rock band originating from Portland, Oregon. ATGS is the moniker for the artist Michael Hughes Watson. The music is far from your typical rock-pop, exercising the innovation one would expect from an independent, “Keep Portland weird”, stick it to the man/disenfranchised North West culture. With only 2,456 monthly listeners, three singles, and two albums (their last one Nations being released in 2018) it has me wondering why they do not have more listeners.
“Never Before” is the eighth song on his album Nations. This song reminds its listeners not to fear the unexpected, because God is near. He knows our future, our present, and our past. God gives us a sense of joy and peace letting us know that he knows what lies in front of us, even before we do. That in itself should give us hope.
“Never Before” – Above the Golden State
Oh my soul, come meet your end Be caught up in his arms Like embers in the wind Oh my joy, sink deeper in Give sound to my response Carried in a song
And I won’t fear ‘Cause you are near I finally feel When I lower my eyes and kneel
I’m alive like never before And I feel my worries no more In my heart, in my soul Your spirit draws me close to you My life like never before
Oh my love, this perfect love It strengthens me to face The fears that hold my faith And slow my death Come be my rest How sweet the cold room breeze Wakes up in a dreams
Then I won’t fear ‘Cause you are here I finally see When I close my eyes to sleep
I’m alive like never before And I feel my worries no more In my heart and in my soul Your spirit draws me close to you, oh lord I’m alive like never before
I won’t fear ‘Cause you are here Now I finally see When I close my eyes to sleep
I’m alive like never before And I feel my worries no more In my heart and in my soul Your spirit draws me close to you, oh lord I’m alive like never before And I feel my worries no more In my heart and in my soul Your spirit draws me close to you, oh lord I’m alive like never before
DIVING DEEP
This song works to show that we are alive in the Lord, God Almighty. Even in our weakest moments, we are alive in him. There is no need for us to worry about the things that we have no control over. All that does is add to our daily stress and burdens. We should be giving our worries, fears, and burdens to Jesus Christ.
Above the Golden State does an interesting job of exploring the patience and mercy of God, showing listeners that our worries disappear in his presence, “And I feel my worries no more In my heart and in my soul.” We live in an uncertain word. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. The stresses and hardships from life get to us all at one point or another. “Oh, my love, this perfect love. It strengthens me to face the fears that hold my faith” if God is with us and for us, then why do we worry?
This song serves as a reminder that worrying, will not fix life. But when we let out a deep breath, breathe and let God take control, then we are allowing him to be in charge of our life. In charge of our worries, fears, doubts, insecurities, and everything in between. God will keep us safe and then we will feel alive “like never before”
How has God’s patience and mercy made an impact in your life?
Little Big League is an Philadelphia rock band consisting of Michelle Zauner (guitar & vocals), Deven Craige (bass), Kevin O’Halloran (guitar), & Ian Dykstra (drums). They released their debut album These Are Good People. in 2013 and Tropical Jinx in 2014. Since then Zauner moved back to Oregon to be with her mother who was diagnosed with cancer and the band has not released an album since. Currently Little Big League sits at 8,255 monthly listeners on Spotify making them a wonderful candidate for our Artist Spotlight.
Little Big League is best described as Rock-N-Roll. They have mesmerizing guitar solos with a wonderful ability to compose a song. Michelles vocals are… unique. Taken by themselves I would consider them adequate, but the band does a good job of mixing them in, using them as an instrument to tie the song together.
Their best song is My Very Own You, a short 2 minute track from their debut Album. I hope you enjoy. Lyrics and commentary below.
Tell me all the parts I conquered first Cause I know your kind, you’re a bad, bad girl
My very own you
Show me every inch they couldn’t reach I will bring and claim bricks to build my place
My very own you
Tell me who Who, who? Tell me who Who?
My very own you
Commentary
I love this song; musically it really resonates with me. It starts with this very interesting guitar riff, hits hard with the vocals and drums, then quickly changes the pace. During the break down Michelle’s ‘who who who’ are great. But my favorite part is the explosion of music at 1:37. Overall, it’s a beautiful 2 minutes.
I struggle with the meaning of this song. I think it could be about how we all fool ourselves in our infatuation with new partners. We fall for our own version of people, rather than who they really are. We make each person into my very own you.
In a similarly naive way we may even see ourselves as our new partner’s white knight – Tell me all the parts I conquered first… Show me every inch they couldn’t reach. I will bring and claim bricks to build my place. This is easy because they are just reciprocating our infatuation. We seem like everything they have been looking for, but really they are just making us into they’re very own us.
I think if everyone asked more questions at the beginning of relationships then maybe there would be less hurt in the world. It would prevent us from being disappointed because our partner didn’t live up to who we thought they were. It reminds me of a quote I once heard in my pre-marriage class, “resentment comes from unmet expectations.”
You can follow Little Big League on Twitter and Facebook and buy their music from iTunes or bandcamp. As always I would really love it if you shared this or another article from The Unheard with your friends. If you really love this song/vocals you can find Michelle’s more recent (lo-fi) music under her new stage name Japanese Breakfast.
